Labyrinth of Illusion

"Christmas," Voldemort said, "Are you aware of the Muggle meaning, Wormtail?"

Stretched out in a stone throne, Voldemort's hands were neatly tented as he glared at his minion. Akkei knelt at his side, stroking the Dark Lord's thigh absent-mindedly.

"It's the birth of Christ," Wormtail answered timidly, "Some Muggles believe him to have been the Son of God."

"Very good, Wormtail," Voldemort chuckled. He gave him a sharp nod of approval. "And here I thought you were a complete waste of brain power. Yes, those silly Muggles believed him their savior. I had all of their silly mythology crammed into my head when I was a child. Of course, knowing your enemy is a very healthy approach to battle."

Voldemort shoved Akkei's hand away as he pulled himself to his feet. "Christ was betrayed by one of his followers. He died and was resurrected by his great power." He shook his head, laughing.

"He sounds like you," Akkei giggled.

"Not quite," Voldemort hissed. He raised his wand. "Christ's betrayer hung himself. And where is mine? Penderio." A rope shot out of his wand, wrapping around a figure in the shadows. "Well, hello Judas."

He threw the rope to Akkei. "Keep him hanging for a while. I must prepare. Our other guests will be here in time for dinner." He stroked Akkei's cheek. "Just in time for our wedding feast. Just in time for their last supper."

**

I can't hurt them any more.

You can have anything you want. This will be easy. Believe me. No harm will come to them if you don't wish it. This is all about you. This is about what you need. Do you want the girl alive? Keep her, for all I care. As long as she serves you, she can remain alive.

What about Ron?

He's a threat. You can sense it, can't you? Brewing deep inside. He'll turn on you.

But--

Do you want power? Take it. Want. Take. Have. That's the only thing you need to know.

Is it really that easy?

Make it that easy.

Harry sat up in bed. He blinked as he reached for his glasses.

"You were yelling in your sleep again."

Looking up, Harry stared at the redheaded blur in front of him. He slid his glasses on, focusing on Ron. Ron was tying up his shoes, already dressed for the day. His eyebrow arched. "You care?"

"Just an observation. Happy Christmas," Ron muttered as he turned.

"Hey... Wait." Harry got out of bed. He grabbed Ron's arm. "I want to apologize."

"Apologize?" Ron looked skeptical. "You want to apologize for acting like a complete freak?"

"Yeah. I know I've been a jerk lately." Harry sighed deeply. "I shouldn't have been such an arse to your and Hermione. I'd like to make it up to you. This afternoon, you, Hermione and I can hide under the invisibility cloak and sneak into Hogsmeade. We'll go to the Three Broomsticks for a Christmas Butterbeer."

"I'd like to." Ron flashed back to his vision. It was coming. "But I don't think we should go out today. I think it would just be better to stay in the castle."

Harry smiled. "Okay. You first."

Ron nodded, sighing in relief. "Come on, my mum sent presents." He began to walk towards the common room.

"PETRIFICUS TOTALUS!" Harry yelled, brandishing his wand. Ron went rigid, falling to the floor.

Harry shook his head sadly. "You're going to have to sit tight, Ron. It's not time yet. Just wait here." His eyes turned to green-gold glow. "I've got a date with Hermione."

**

Remus paced Dumbledore's office, shaking his head. "Are you sure he just didn't take off for a few days?"

Dumbledore's eyes were icy behind his half-moon spectacles. "Do you really want to take that chance, Remus?"

"Okay then, I'm Severus Snape..." He gave a small shudder at the thought. "I leave the school to go to Hogsmeade... And I go... Where?"

"Gwendolyn is living in Hogsmeade. In her old house." Dumbledore folded his hands. "She sent me an owl. I suspect she might have sent the same owl to Severus."

Remus stopped pacing, looking at Dumbledore. He blinked. "Why would he go see her? Severus hates Gwendolyn."

"I don't know if he had any free will in the matter. If Gwendolyn has been controlling Harry's mood, I think it may be within her power to control Severus."

"Why go through this to all this trouble to get Severus at Gwendolyn's? He went undercover for you during the summer. Why didn't Voldemort just torture him then?"

"For shits and giggles," the reply was arrogant, filled with bravado. Fawkes began squawking from his perch.

Gwendolyn was standing in the doorway, Sakura held in front of her. She held a dagger in her hand, placed against Sakura's jugular.

"Sakura!" Remus grabbed his wand.

Gwendolyn tsked, pushing the knife closer to Sakura's throat. "Try and she dies."

Dumbledore stood up slowly. "How did you get in here, Gwendolyn?"

"You would be amazed at the number of talents I've picked up," She hissed. "I need to borrow the werewolf."

Remus gripped her wand, pointing it at Gwendolyn. "Why do you think I would go anywhere with you?"

Gwendolyn's eyes glowed. "Because if you don't, Dumbledore will be dead before you can even say 'Avada'."

Remus looked to Dumbledore, then to Sakura. He chewed on his lower lip a few moments, before lowering his wand. "Okay, let them go, Gwendolyn. I'll go with you."

Grinning maniacally, Gwendolyn slashed Sakura across the throat, shoving her to the floor.

"Sakura!" Remus caught the fallen Auror. He held her close.

Gwendolyn grabbed Remus by the collar. "I wouldn't worry about her. Sakura is dead. You're in for something much worse."

Dumbledore stared at Gwendolyn as she put the knife to Remus' throat now.

"What are you staring at, Dumbledore?" Gwendolyn sneered. She gripped the handle of her dagger tighter.

"You--" Realization dawned on Dumbledore. "You're... I see you."

The dagger flew from Gwendolyn's hand. It embedded itself in Dumbledore's chest. He let out a cry, pitching backwards. Remus started to run to his fallen mentor, but he was grabbed from behind.

Gwendolyn laughed, digging claw-like nails into Remus' throat. "I would be much more concerned about your own welfare, Remus. We're going to take a little trip."

**

Hermione jumped up when Harry came into the girl's dorm. "What are you doing here so early?" She asked, a shrill sound in her voice. She brought a hand up to cover herself. She was still in her nightgown. "Is everything okay?"

"No," Harry whispered, "Something's wrong. Something's very wrong."

"What is it?" Hermione asked, rushing to his side. Her eyes were wide with concern as she clasped a hand around his shoulder.

"First of all, I want to apologize for before. I shouldn't have been so cruel to you. Hermione, I care for you." He smiled. "I love you. You're one of my best friends. I like that you worry about me."

Hermione's lips flickered with a small smile. "R-really?"

"Really. And I need you to help me with something."

Her stomach dropped. "What?"

Harry sighed. "For years I've had to be down at this level... I was just a year old when I defeated Voldemort. Yet I'm stuck here in this pathetic school with mudbloods and sorry excuses for wizards. It doesn't seem fair, does it?"

Hermione let go of Harry's arm, backing away. "What is going on?"

A smile crept over Harry's lips. "Power is such a funny thing. I never asked for it, never wanted it. It sought me out. I just wanted to be left alone, not bothered by anyone. But that's not going to happen. I guess I should get used to being revered as a God."

"You're no God, Harry," Hermione whispered, backing up a few more paces. "You know that."

"Power is why you like me. Ron's been sniffing around you for the last two years and yet you can't keep your eyes off me." Harry stretched out his hand. Hermione was flung into his arms. He stroked her cheek. "Isn't that right?"

"I don't love Ron," Hermione replied softly.

"Because he has no power." Harry chuckled, running a finger down Hermione's cheek.

"I didn't love himÉ. Because he wasn't you." Hermione spat in Harry's face. "But I'm starting to think not being you is a good thing."

Harry pushed Hermione to the ground, wiping the spittle off his cheek. "Feisty. I like that in a woman. Sure, you're not great to look atÉ No Cho ChangÉ But very feisty. I can even look past the fact you're a little mudblood."

"What has she done to you?" Hermione looked up at Harry mournfully. "What has Gwendolyn turned you into?"

"Gwendolyn hasn't turned me into anything," Harry knelt down next to Hermione, cupping her chin. "That's what makes this so hard for you. You know this is all inside me. It's the part of me you never wanted to see." He leaned in close, licking her cheek. "Did you really think an infant could survive Avada Kedavra with nothing but a evil radar? Don't be so naive. I've been groomed for this my whole life."

Harry tugged hard on Hermione's hair, pressing his lips against hers violently. She pulled away quickly, a trickle of blood running down her lower lip. Harry had bitten her savagely.

"With everything that's happened... I haven't been able to tell you the truth. How I really feel. Ever since the Yule Ball I've noticed you Hermione. You were so beautiful at the Ball. Did you think I didn't notice? I don't even care if you're a Mudblood. Your power defies your heritage. There is no one I would rather have at my side." He leaned in to her ear. " I'm allowed to keep you. They told me so. Just do what I say, and I'll make you a queen. Let me rule you, and I'll give you a kingdom. Man and beast will lay at your feet, worshipping you."

Hermione swallowed hard, feeling a lump in her throat. "The Labyrinth."

Harry nodded. "Now, you're going no matter what. It's just a matter of whether it leads to your rule, or your death. Think about itÉ. No more pain, no more fearÉ. You would have everything you ever wanted."

"There will be pain and fear." Hermione shut her eyes tightly. "Pain and fear from everyone else."

"You will be safe," Harry promised. "I will protect you."

Hermione brought a hand up to Harry's brow. She brushed his fringe aside. The curse scar, the trademark of Harry Potter, was gone. His forehead was completely smooth and unblemished.

"You're not Harry. You've killed him." Hermione snarled, pushing him away. "You're just the monster that wears his face."

"Oh, I am Harry," He brought his hand up, striking her across the face. Hermione gave a muted cry, falling backwards. Her head thumped against the ground as she lapsed into unconsciousness. "I'm just new and improved."

**

Sirius was pacing. Hagrid watched him stalk, shivering. "Do yeh mind stoppin''? Yer makin' me nervous."

"Something's not right, Hagrid. I can feel it." He sunk down in one of Hagrid's oversized chairs.

Hagrid moved to the window, glancing outside. One hand absent-mindedly stroked Fangs' head. "I did'n know ye was a psychic, Sirius."

Sirius shook his head, long hair shaking. "Been around enough psychics to recognize the signs. Something is coming."

"Somethin' comin' alright," Hagrid said, moving from the window. "Calvary's headin' this way."

Sirius cocked his head in question. "What?"

"Harry, Ron and Hermione. 'Long with Remus." He pointed out the window. "They're walking this way."

"Together?" Sirius went to the window. He smiled as he watched the group. "This is good. We can all talk to Harry together. Maybe get him to--" He stopped cold, swallowing hard. "Hagrid, they're not walking here."

"What? I can see it wit' me own eyes."

Sirius shook his head. "Except for Harry... Look at them..."

Hagrid took in a quick breath, eyes locking on the feet of Harry's companions. They weren't walking across the snow--They were gliding, their toes skimming the ground.

"This is bad."

"Yeh can say that again, SiÑ" Hagrid turned slowly. That voice wasn't deep enough to be Sirius'.

Gwendolyn placed her hand on Hagrid and Sirius' shoulders. "Well, well, well. It looks like we have a problem here." She leaned in, kissing Hagrid deeply. He fell to the ground. She laughed, kicking Hagrid's limp body. "Don't worry. I didn't take enough power to kill you, Hagrid."

Sirius pulled a dagger from his belt. "Gwendolyn. You bitch."

She laughed, bouncing up and down. She clapped her hands. "Oh, this is so great. I've waited years to for this."

"Do you really think you're going to get me." Sirius snarled, thrusting the knife forward.

"Oh, not me." Gwendolyn caught the knife in her hand, which was engulfed in fire. The blade melted under the extreme heat. "I think he's going to."

A sharp pain shot through Sirius' back as Harry thrust his knife into it. He panted, looking back. He had given Harry that knife for Christmas last year.

"Sorry Sirius," Harry laughed. "It's easier if you can't move."

Gwendolyn held her hand up, a ripple in the air opening from it. It grew larger, a swirling red vortex. She smiled at Harry. "Come Harry. It's time to take your place."

Without blinking, Harry lifted his friends and stepped into the vortex.

Time and space meant nothing as he felt his body swirl around, be broken down and put back together. He felt himself become solid again, reappearing in a stone alley. The sky above him was red. "Welcome Harry," The voice was bodiless. He looked around, trying to see where it came from.

A fire erupted on top of the wall. It quickly went out, leaving a woman.

It was her. Akkei. She was crouched on the wall, scantily clad in black leather. Her tails flicked. "Welcome Harry," she spoke in a deep, booming voice. "Welcome to the Labyrinth of Illusion."

She spoke with the voice of Lord Voldemort.