Labyrinth of Illusion

Hermione hesitated as she raised her hand to knock on the door to the Defense Against the Dark Arts office. She felt nervousness coil in the pit of her stomach. What in the world was she going to say to Professor Maclay? She didn't know Hermione at all! What should she open with 'Hi, I'm one of your second cousin's best friends. I want to make sure you're not going to screw him over'?

Well, it was straight to the point. If Professor Maclay felt any affection for Harry, as she seemed to have demonstrated, she would probably find Hermione's actions admirable. After a long, draw out moment, she screwed her courage and knocked.

"Come in," the response was rather sharp, harsh. Not at all like Harry said Professor Maclay had acted. But then, she might be tired after the long day of preparation.

Hermione entered hesitantly. "Hello, Professor Maclay."

"Is there something you want?" Professor Maclay looked down at Hermione, eyes hollow behind black-rimmed glasses.

"I thought perhaps we could...talk. I'm very good friends with Harry." She stuck out her hand. "Hermione Granger."

Professor Maclay hesitated; looking at Hermione's offered hand. "A pleasure," she daintily shook Hermione's hand, acting as if Hermione had a black widow on her palm.

"I hope I'm not interrupting anything."

"No, no.... Friends with Harry, eh?" Professor Maclay's eyes narrowed. "So you're in love with him."

Hermione gawked at Professor Maclay. "What?"

"You are." Professor Maclay ran her tongue slowly over her upper lip, a mischievous, slightly cruel, smile dominating her features. "Tell me, does he reciprocate?"

"Err..." Hermione stared at the floor as she shuffled her feet.

"Tell me," Professor Maclay moved towards Hermione slowly, almost catlike. "Would he die for you, Miss Granger?"

"Wh-What?"

"Would you die for him?" Professor Maclay repeated the question slowly.

"I, er, maybe..." This conversation was not going at all as Hermione had wanted.

'Would he die for you?"

"I think Harry would die for anyone he cared about." Hermione whispered, voice thick with emotion. "That's just the kind of man he is."

"You're worried about him." Professor Maclay paused, lifting Hermione's chin to look her in the yes. "You think I may hurt him."

"Wh-why would you do that? You're his cousin." Hermione could feel her heart pounding rapidly in her chest. Professor Maclay had her nailed. She was just too nervous to admit it.

"Why else would you come in here to check me out?" There was a sparkle in Professor Maclay's eyes.

"I just thought we could talk."

"What do you wish to talk about?

"Nothing in particular, really."

"You don't have to worry, Hermione." Professor Maclay placed a hand on Hermione's shoulder, smiling sweetly. "I only want what's best for Harry."

Hermione nodded slowly. "So do I."

"You should head to class. It will be starting in a few minutes."

Hermione nodded, slowly going out the door. "It was nice talking with you, Professor."

She shut the door behind herself, leaning heavily against it. Hermione sighed. This didn't feel right. There was something wrong with Professor Maclay. Hermione didn't know what that was, but she would find out.

**

Harry and Ron walked down the hallway towards their class. Ron shook his head, shaggy red hair shaking. "I STILL don't get it," He commented. "How does someone get lost for sixteen years?"

Giving a slight shrug, Harry pulled his books closer to his chest. "She was telling me that she was trying to get to Diagon Alley when she was attacked by a Death Eater. To get away, she apparated and ended up in Germany. She wandered around for sixteen years. I think she took the long way around."

"Sounds pretty wild to me." Ron looked over his potions book. "So five knuts bet we get detention today from Snape?"

"Are you kidding?" Harry asked, "Why would I take that bet? I know we're going to."

"I guess it is pretty obvious."

"Come on, Ron.... Fish. Barrel. BANG!" Harry opened the door to the potions class. They were just barely on time.

Hermione was in her seat, looking relieved. "About time you two got here! You're lucky Snape's late! He would have you strung up!"

Harry looked around. Everyone seemed slightly confused. Professor Snape was never late for class. It seemed to be his greatest joy in life to yell at those who were late. Well, it seemed to be his greatest joy to yell about anything. Something was amiss.

**

Severus kicked the corner of his apothecary table. He hadn't left his rooms since the Sorting Ceremony yesterday. Everyone was abuzz with the news Gwendolyn Maclay was still alive. He didn't want to deal with this. He had spent the last sixteen years forgetting that loathsome woman. It was too much for him to have her thrust back into his life.

Westie, Severus' large tortoiseshell cat was curled up on the bed. She yawned lazily, glancing up at him with owl-like eyes.

"You've taken good care of her," A voice said from the doorway. Snape turned. Gwendolyn was leaning casually against the doorframe, a coy smile played across her lips.

"Someone had to," He responded tartly. "She's not bad. Doesn't demand a lot of attention."

Gwendolyn sauntered into the room, reaching out. "Hey Westie...."

The cat recoiled, hissing. Gwendolyn's eyebrow arched as she pulled back. "Well, it seems you're not the only one who has developed an aversion to me."

"What the hell are you doing here, Gwendolyn?" Severus asked sharply. His black eyes glittered menacingly.

"Here in your room or at Hogwarts?" She sat down on the bed. "You know damn well why I'm at Hogwarts. I wandered here. Why I'm in your room, well, I wanted to know exactly what I DID to make you so angry with me!"

"I came to my senses!" Severus snarled. "I don't know what I was thinking back then. Chalk it up to hormones."

"Possibly. You always seemed to have those in spades."

"I have a class to teach." Severus rose from his seat, gathering his books.

Gwendolyn hopped up, blocking his path. She stretched her arms out in front of the doorway. "You don't have even a little bit of time for an old friend?"

Seizing her by the shoulders, Severus shoved her violently out of the way. His lip was curled up in a nasty smile. "You're not my friend, you silly bint."

Looking down at herself, Gwendolyn laughed. "I thought we were done with that 'silly bint' business twenty years ago."

"Like I said, I came to my senses." With a sweep of his cape, Severus stalked off. "Take your cat and leave. Try not to get lost."

**

"If he's not here in a minute," Ron announced to the class, "We should invoke the fifteen minute rule."

"There is NO such rule," Hermione sniffed. She read over her book. "You just made it up."

"No! I'm serious. Fred and George told me about it." Ron stood up, collecting his possessions. "If a teacher's not in class in fifteen minutes, the class is free to leave."

"Don't get too excited, Weasley," Professor Snape growled behind Ron. He crossed his arms tightly over his chest. "In your seat now or you'll have a month's detention."

Ron tensed; a month's detention would prompt Mrs. Weasley to send a Howler each day. He ran to his seat, scrunching down. "Sorry, Professor."

"Ten points from Gryffindor. Get out your books," Snape demanded. "Turn to page 110."

"Is it just my imagination," Ron whispered, "Or is he crankier than usual?"

"THANK YOU for the commentary, Mr. Weasley. Fifteen points from Gryffindor." His eyes sparkled with a sadistic gleam.

Draco Malfoy, who was sitting in the backrow, grinned wickedly. Snape was in a bad mood and taking it out on Gryffindor. He loved when this happened. He nudged Crabbe and Goyle. "Looks like the House Cup will be just out of reach...." He grinned.

"Malfoy!" Snape yelled, "Open your damn book to page 110! And fifteen points from Slytherin! I'm very disappointed."

Malfoy's face was frozen in shock. His mouth opened and closed, no sound coming out.

Snape growled. "Study the ingredients, I will be back." With a sweep of his cape, he exited the room.

**

"You're tough on them," Gwendolyn commented, leaning against the stone wall.

Snape turned to her. "Dammit, woman! Don't you have a class to teach?"

"Prepatory period." She pushed herself away from the wall, walking to Snape. "I thought I'd see the master in action."

"Are you stalking me? No wait, you couldn't stalk someone even if you were chained to them. Just how in the world are you able to find me when you can't even find that bloody cat of yours!" He pointed to her feet. Westie was not circling.

"Sixth sense." Gwendolyn wrapped her arms around Severus' neck. "I always know where you are."

He shoved her hard, eyes filled with malice. "Then why did it take you sixteen years to get here?"

"That again?" She shook her head. "Are you pissed because I've been gone?"

"I don't wish to deal with you, Gwendolyn. I got over the fit of insanity that was my attraction for you. So leave me in peace!"

He went back into the classroom.

A cool smile played on her lips. "Don't worry, Severus," she called after him. "I'll make sure you rest in peace."