Labyrinth of Illusion

PART THREE

Days passed in Diagon Alley, not much different from the last time Harry was there.

The first few days were spent acquiring the necessary school supplies. He was bogged down with new books, ready to teach him what he needed for his OWLs.

He spent a lot of time at Florean Fortescue's where he was plied with as much ice cream as he could eat. He basked in the sun, reading book after book.

Hedwig had not yet returned with a response from Sirius. Harry hadn't gotten any post.

On one bright morning, a week before school, Harry was awaken by the sound of hooting at his window.

Getting up and stretching, he got his glasses. Hedwig was perched on the sill, a letter on her leg. Harry gave her a quick pat, grabbing the response from Sirius. He quickly unfolded the parchment, reading the letter:

Harry,

Sorry about the Muggles. We'll have to figure out another arrangement for you for next summer. I don't like the idea of you staying alone in Diagon Alley. You should be okay there for the rest of the summer though.

I can't really tell you what Moony and I are doing. I honestly don't think it would make you feel any better.

Believe me, if something were wrong, we would tell you.

~Snuffles

Harry scowled, crumpling the letter. Not content with that, he ripped it to shreds. There had to be SOMETHING going on. Lord Voldemort had risen! Was he really doing nothing?

After getting dressed and eating breakfast, Harry left the Leaky Cauldron. He entered Diagon Alley and began to aimlessly walk.

He was angry. At Sirius, for not giving any information. At Ron and Hermione, for keeping him at the Dursleys. Most of all, he was angry with Professor Dumbledore. This isolation Harry was stuck in, Of course it was the design of Albus Dumbledore.

Harry stopped halfway down the Alley. He turned his head up to the building. It was on the corner of Diagon and Knockturn Alley. Unlike the other buildings, there was nothing fantastic about it. It was a cobblestone building with no windowfront. A small sign read in small, black script: Hall of Records.

He had never paid attention to this building before. He figured it some boring depository that only Hermione would like.

Steeling himself, Harry went inside. If he wanted information, he was going to have to get it himself.

The building was one room crammed with shelves. Each shelf was crammed with hundreds of parchments. A lone witch sat at a desk wedged between two of the shelves. She looked in dire need of sunlight. A pair of glasses was perched on her nose. She sorted through piles of parchment. A brass nameplate on the desk read 'J. Forrest'.

"Um, excuse me," Harry said, approaching the desk. "Miss Forrest..."

Miss Forrest looked up. Her eyes momentarily flicked to Harry's scar. "May I help you?"

"What kind of records do you keep here?"

"We have records of everything that has ever happened," the witch replied, gesturing to the shelves. "Daily Prophets; family trees; handfasting, birth and death certificates. We keep everything."

"Can anyone look through the records?"

Rising from her seat, Miss Forrest smiled. "Why, Mr. Potter.... That is why we are here."

Harry's throat when dry. It took him a moment before he could speak. "I'd... I'd like to read about Lord V-- You-Know-Who."

Miss Forrest blinked. "There are over 5,000 entries related You-Know-Who, dating back to 1958. Would you like to narrow your search parameters?"

"Since June, 1995."

Miss Forrest blinked again. "There are no entries."

Harry furrowed his brow. He looked around the shelves. He ran to one, searching through the parchments. "There must be something."

"There are no entries on You-Know-Who from June, 1995 to the present. Please do NOT touch the shelves."

"Could there be records that aren't here?" Harry asked, dropping parchments he held.

"If it is not here, it does not exist." Scowling, Miss Forrest picked up the parchments that were spread on the floor. "Would you care to make another inquiry?"

"The Potter family."

There was another blink. "There are 4,567 entries related to the Potter family, dating back to 150 AD."

It was Harry's turn to blink. "My family history goes back that far?"

"Would you like to narrow your search parameters?" Miss Forrest finished organizing the parchments, setting them back on the shelf.

"The last... Forty years."

Miss Forrest blinked once again. "Your search has been narrowed to 200 related entries. Would you like every entry?"

"Yes." He then remembered the Tri-Wizard Tournament. "Except for the articles from the Daily Prophet by Rita Skeeter."

Miss Forrest walked to her desk. "Bring all entries on the Potter family, from 1955 to present, excluding entries by Skeeter, Rita."

Harry could hear creatures skittering around, but he saw nothing. Parchments were then neatly pulled from the shelves and placed on the desk.

"Huh?" Harry asked as more parchments were put down.

"House-Elves. They archive every entry." Miss Forrest tapped her head. "I can keep all of the information up here. However, it's impossible for me to physically acquire all the entries."

Harry couldn't conceive Madame Pince letting House-Elves run around her library, even if they were helpful. She held such a tight reign over the library. The only people who ever worked in there were a few students who needed extra money for tuition.

Soon, there was a huge pile of parchments on the desk and the clay pot covered itself. "Your query has been filled. Please do not remove any entries from the archive." She waved a wand, a small chair and desk appearing between one of the stacks. "Read at your leisure."

Harry sat down at the desk, sorting through the parchments provided to him. Most of them were death certificates, most listing 'cursing' as the cause of death.

Had Voldemort wiped out his entire family? Why was Voldemort so interested in the Potter clan?

He paused when he came upon a yellowing parchment:

This certifies that:

James Potter and Lily Evans

Were handfasted on August 14th, 1978

By Albus Dumbledore

Witnesses: Sirius Black, Sakura Tsukino

Harry smiled sadly. That was only a few days ago. If it hadn't been for Voldemort, his parents would have been celebrating their seventeenth anniversary.

Until today, Harry hadn't known his parent's middle names. He hadn't even known his mum's maiden name! Aunt Petunia had never mentioned it. There was Sirius' name, listing him as best man. The woman listed... Had that been his mum's best friend from school days? A tear slid down his face. He wiped it away furiously. He didn't want to get so emotional.

He had enough. He didn't want to sort through these records anymore. There was nothing here. No information about why Voldemort had been after his family.

Rising, he accidentally knocked a Daily Prophet clipping off the pile. It fluttered to the ground. "I'm finished," He murmured to Miss Forrest.

Miss Forrest walked to the desk. "I hope you found what you were looking for, Mr. Potter."

Harry strode towards the door, while Miss Forrest shook her head. She looked at the heading on the clipping in her hand. It was dated August, 1979:

Hogwarts Professor Maclay Disappears. PART FOUR

"Hey!" Ron Weasley yelled enthusiastically as the famous wizard made his way towards the entrance to Platform 9 3/4. His freckled face glowed as he grinned.

Fred and George waved at their friend and Quidditch teammate. The pair stood side-by-side, indistinguishable from one and other. Each of the Weasleys looks similar with their red hair and freckles, but Fred and George were mirror images. Ginny, the youngest Weasley, stood next to her brothers.

Ron's smile began to fade as he saw the scowl on Harry's face. Harry pushed his luggage cart towards the Weasleys, Hedwig hooting from her cage, unhappy at being cooped up.

"Hey," Harry grunted, stopping. "Are one of you going through?" He glared at the four redheads. They had rarely seen this sort of glower on Harry. In fact, with the exception of Professor Snape, they had NEVER seen this sort of glower.

The Weasleys parted quickly. "Nope, you can go through first," Fred said nervously.

"Yeah, of course," George added, sharing a nervous look with his brother. "You seem.... In a hurry."

"Whatever." Harry pushed through the wall between platform nine and ten. He went through the magical tunnel, appearing on Platform 9 3/4.

Ron came through after him. Concern plagued his features. "Harry, is everything okay?"

"No, everything is not okay," Harry snapped, "But I want to wait until Hermione is here. I don't want to go through it twice."

Harry and Ron boarded the train, claiming a compartment. Keeping his arms crossed tightly over his chest, Harry glared at his best friend. Ron shifted in his seat, half-hoping Hermione missed the train. Harry very rarely got mad at his friends. This time, he seemed furious. Ron was not anxious to find out what Harry James Potter was like when he was mad.

Hermione Granger appeared at the door, panting. Her brown hair was in even more disarray than usual. She clutched several books in her arms. "Harry! Ron!" She exclaimed tiredly, dropping her books. She threw her arms around Harry, giving him a hug. The hardened look in Harry's eyes wavered for a moment while in Hermione's embrace. It was hard for him to stay mad at his friends.

Hermione let go of Harry, moving to Ron. She wrapped her arms around him. Harry sat back down in his seat, crossing his arms. "Well, we're all here now."

"Harry has something to tell us, Hermione," Ron said, "It's important."

Hermione's brow furrowed in worry. "Oh. Well, what is it Harry?" She sat next to the bespeckled wizard. "Is something wrong?" She took his hand.

He looked down, speaking into his chest; "I'm upset at you two."

"Well, it would probably be good to explain why."

He shook his head. "It doesn't seem to matter now. I was just lonely, is all."

Ron looked at Harry; he then looked at Hermione. Harry had cooled down considerably. "Come on now! You seemed ready to kill me a few minutes ago."

"You want to talk NOW?" Harry exclaimed, jumping to his feet. "What about ALL SUMMER? You didn't say one word to me that meant anything! You sent me silly little messages, but you didn't tell me what was going on! You didn't tell me if Voldemort had been seen! You didn't tell me about what Dumbledore has been planning. Come on, Ron! I know your dad knows! What's been going on, huh? Come on! You guys can't keep me hidden in the Muggle world! At the very least I could've visited you, Hermione! Your parents are Muggles."

Hermione scrunched down, keeping her mouth close. She made sure not to make eye contact with Ron or Harry.

"I'm sorry," Ron said. "But we didn't tell you about You-Know-Who because we haven't HEARD anything about You-Know-Who. He's completely disappeared. My dad was looking into the wizards you named, but they couldn't find anything."

"Really?" Harry's eyebrow arched. "You haven't heard anything?"

"Not a single thing!" Ron turned to Hermione. "Tell him! We haven't heard anything."

"I haven't heard a single thing about Voldemort in months, Harry," Hermione confirmed.

"Maybe he's laying low," Ron assured Harry, "Or stuck somewhere."

"Whatever." Harry felt his anger subside. "You really haven't heard anything?"

"Swear on my wand!" Ron said. "You know I wouldn't keep something like that from you. I don't care what Dumbledore says."

"I just wish.... I didn't have to be so alone. The Dursleys kicked me out."

Hermione gasped and Ron swore. Harry sank further into his seat. "I've been in Diagon Alley for the last month."

"I wish you would have told me, Harry!" Ron exclaimed.

"You didn't owl me so why should I owl you?" Harry snarled.

Ron jumped. "I'm sorry, Harry.... I wanted you to stay with us. But Dumbledore told Mum and Dad you had to stay with the Muggles."

Harry nodded. "I figured as much. Well, I'm not welcome there anymore. They think I killed Cedric."

Ron patted Harry on the shoulder. "You didn't like them anyway. Next summer, you can stay with us. I'm sure when Mum hears the Muggles kicked you out, she'll tell Dumbledore where to stick it."

Harry let out a small laugh, picturing the matronly Mrs. Weasley telling off Albus Dumbledore, the most powerful wizard in the world.

"Are we forgiven?" Hermione whispered.

Harry nodded silently. He looked up at Ron and Hermione, giving them a small smile.

"Good," Ron sighed, "No offense Harry, but you're scarier than Snape when you're angry."

Hermione was looking over her books. "Has either of you heard who the new Defense against Dark Arts teacher is?"

"I haven't heard anything," Harry said rather bitterly. "Remember?"

Ron shook his head. "Nope. Not a clue. Dad said Dumbledore was having trouble finding a teacher. No one wants the job. They think it's cursed."

"What about Snape?" Hermione asked.

Ron shivered at the thought of their potion's teacher. "Snape's never going to get that job. I don't think a Death Eater would be good at teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts."

"Actually," Hermione said, flipping through a copy of the Daily Prophet. "A former Dark Wizard would understand Defense Against the Dark Arts better than anyone. They know how the mind of a Dark Wizard works."

"I can't believe you're defending that git!" Ron exclaimed.

"I'm not," Hermione replied, "I'm just stating a simple fact."

"Why can't Professor Lupin come back?" Harry whined. "He was the best damn teacher we ever had! So what if he turns into a wolf every month...."

"Yeah," Ron agreed, shaking his head. "He was housebroken!"

"Dumbledore will find someone," Hermione assured her boys, "If not, he'll fill in himself. Hmm... Look at that. Over twenty dark creatures have disappeared from sanctuaries all over the world."

"What kind of creatures?" Harry asked, glancing at the paper.

"A pack of Acromantulas, a Chimaera, two Lethifold, a Manticore, three Nundu. Those are some of the most deadly magical creatures in the world. The reporter speculates it's Voldemort taking these creatures, but Fudge has denied it."

"That's not a big shock. He'll deny Voldemort being back till the end of the world." Harry replied. "Funny, no dragons have been taken. If you ask me, a Hungarian Horntail is more dangerous than all those creatures put together!"

Hermione folded the paper and smiled gently at Harry, holding out the paper. "Would you like to catch up a bit?"

Harry smiled, taking the paper. It was a small gesture, but it was a good start.

He was home.

**

For only the second time in their five years at Hogwarts, Harry and Ron got to enjoy a Sorting Ceremony which was not their own. It was fun watching the first years get sorted into their houses. Harry liked to congratulate the Gryffindors and make sure he knew who the Slytherins were.

The Sorting Ceremony came and went and the students of Hogwarts settled into a hearty meal, prepared by the school's house-elves.

Ron nudged Harry, pointing up at the head table. Sitting between Professor McGonagall and Madam Hooch was a small, bespeckled woman. "Hey, you suppose that's the new Dark Arts Defense teacher?"

"Probably," Harry said quietly. He licked his lips, staring at the teacher. She looked familiar. He couldn't quite place her face, but he knew he had seen her before. "First time we've had a woman. Do you think she'll last?"

"I dunno," Ron said, shaking his head. "I mean, she doesn't seem like the Dark Arts Defense type. She's so little."

Hermione gave a small gasp behind Ron, pulling him over to her. She whispered in his ear.

"Really?" Ron hissed, "you're kidding! I thought she was dead!"

Harry turned his head sharply to glare at his friends. "Mind not telling secrets?"

"We're not telling SECRETS." Ron gave Hermione a sideward glance. "Hermione just recognized the new teacher from one of her books."

Dumbledore stood up. "I have a few announcements before you go to your dorms. First years should note that the forest is forbidden to all students. Students are reminded that no magic is to be used between classes, if this rule is disobeyed it will result in loss of points and detention. Quidditch trials will be held in the second week of the term. Anyone interested in playing for the house teams should speak to Madam Hooch." He gestured to the grey-haired, yellow-eyed flying teacher.

Taking a deep breath, Dumbledore became solemn. "Now, I know many of you have worried about our new Professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts. I would like to assure you, this position is NOT cursed. We have just had a spot of trouble finding the right teacher. I think we have finally found the right fit. This year our professor will be Gwendolyn Maclay."

Harry's eyes went wide as he stared at the new professor. There was a pit in his stomach. He knew where he knew her. In his first year at Hogwarts, Harry had found the Mirror of Erised. In the mirror, he saw his most desperate desire. He had seen his family. That woman had been there. She had been behind his father. Harry dropped his fork. It clattered loudly against his plate.

Professor Maclay put her hand on Dumbledore's arm. She looked directly at Harry. She seemed to stare into him.

"Oh my God...." Harry muttered. He turned to Ron and Hermione. "I- Her-- She's in my family."

Professor McGonagall strode over to the Gryffindor table. She walked straight to Harry. "Mr. Potter, Professor Dumbledore wishes to speak with you."

He felt the blood in his veins go cold. Hermione took Harry's hand, squeezing it tightly. "We're going with him. Ron and me."

"I'm sure you and Mr. Weasley understand this is a private matter, Miss Granger."

Harry shook his head. "Anything you can say in front of me you can say to Ron and Hermione." He gave them a weak smile. "No secrets, right?"

Professor McGonagall gave a sharp nod. "Fine. Come with me."

**

Harry wasn't sure if he should be confused, ecstatic or angry. Hermione and Ron sat beside him, ready to support him in any way they could. Harry's life was confusing enough.

Fawkes gave a chirp from his perch and flew to Harry's shoulder.

Professor Dumbledore sat on the opposite side of his desk. He had his hands folded in front of him, smiling at Harry. "So, Harry, how was your holiday?"

"To be honest, Professor, it sucked," Harry replied, patting Fawkes on the head. "Can we get on with it?"

"Of course." Dumbledore sighed. "I noticed you seemed perturbed at the feast tonight."

"Professor Maclay.... I saw her. In the Mirror of Erised. I saw my family in the Mirror of Erised and she was there."

Nodding slowly, a smile spread across Harry's face. "You have a very good memory. Your eyes are not playing tricks on you, Harry. Gwendolyn Maclay is a member of the Potter family."

"I was under the impression I was the only Potter left."

"We were under that impression too until a few weeks ago. You've never heard of Gwendolyn Maclay?"

Harry shook his head. Hermione piped up; "Gwendolyn Maclay was supposedly a victim of You-Know-Who. She was supposed to be the Potions Professor here, but she vanished. A few days later, her robes turned up in Diagon Alley. It was assumed shehad baeen killed, but no one was ever sure. The mystery of Gwendolyn Maclay's disappearance is pretty famous."

"Very good, Miss Granger. I thought you would know." Dumbledore gave Hermione a warm smile. "Now, Harry... Professor Maclay is your father's cousin. She's been lost for many years, due to a curse. A botched spell, as I understand it. The curse disables her sense of direction."

Harry furrowed his brow, confused. "What does that mean?"

"She gets lost very easily," Hermione explained. "She doesn't understand even the simplest of directions."

Ron nodded in agreement. "I heard she once left for Hogsmeade and showed up two weeks later, in Paris."

"This curse...." Harry said, shifting uncomfortably in his seat. "It caused... errr... My cousin... to end up lost for the last sixteen years?"

"That is how Professor Maclay explained it to me. I am sorry I was unable to talk to you before the Sorting Ceremony. I did not realize you would recognize her."

Harry adjusted his glasses, processing the information. "May I meet Professor Maclay?"

"She is actually very anxious to meet you."

Ron patted Harry on the shoulder. "Hermione and I are right behind you, man."

Sighing, Harry looked to his friends. He smiled weakly. "Actually, I want to do this alone."

Hermione squeezed Harry's hand. "We'll be waiting in the Common Room for you."

"We're still behind you," Ron added, giving Harry a shot in the arm, "Just in the common room."

Dumbledore let Ron and Hermione out. Gwendolyn Maclay was waiting, her hands shaking slightly.

"Ah, Gwendolyn," Dumbledore said, "I was just coming to get you."

She quickly walked into Dumbledore office. Hogwarts Headmaster smiled. He looked at his wrist. "Look at the time," he commented, though he wasn't wearing a watch. "I need to go speak to Professor McGonagall. You two may talk in here." He tipped his hat, leaving.

Gwendolyn grinned, looking over Harry. "You look so much like Jamie...." she whispered, kneeling down in front of Harry. "But you have Lily's eyes. So have you heard that so many times it's lost all meaning?"

"Pretty much." Harry looked closely at Gwendolyn. "Are you really my- my cousin?"

"Second cousin," Gwendolyn corrected him. She smiled broadly. "You are definitely a Potter. You even have the 'family birthmark'." She moved his bangs. "I think every Potter had some sort of curse mark on them. We've always gotten into some sort of trouble. None as spectacular as yours, though."

He noticed the X scar on her neck. "That's yours."

"Yep. X marks the spot. The Novia Curse." She smiled, touching the marking. "I always think I'm in the right place, that's why I never get anywhere."

"Where have you been?"

"Here, there.... Mostly there." Gwendolyn sighed. She took Harry's hand. "I'm very sorry I haven't been here for you. I heard about your parents only last week. I wish I had been able to take care of you."

"I wish you were too. Then I wouldn't have had to live with Petunia and Vernon."

"You were stuck living with Lily's sister? Oh, Harry!" Gwendolyn looked pained. "I'm so sorry!"

"It wasn't your fault. That curse seems.... Bizarre." The corner's of Harry's mouth quirked up. "Maybe- maybe you can make it up to me by being around now. I've never had real family before."

Gwendolyn nodded. "I'd love to be your family Harry." She wrapped her arms around him, giving him a hug. "Don't worry anymore." Her brown eyes began to glow. "I'll take care of you."