A/N: Thank you reviewers.

Lady Snake - Thank you, and I am really enjoying your story also. Can't wait to read more.

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Miss Lesley - Answers: Sort of, eventually, we'll see. As for your suggestion, I'm doing something similar but not Ron or Hermione.

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ShaeLynn - I'm glad you liked it.

Kyra2 - LOL Sure, here they are.

Disclaimer: Only the plot is mine. (Wipes away tear)

Ignorance Isn't Bliss

Chapter 13 - Making Friends

After Lord Voldemort had apparated away Marcus and his father went back out into the main area of the Hogshead and then out into the street. Severus waited outside while Marcus bought several sweets at Honeyduke's and jokes from Zonko's. Of course, he was instructed to never bring such items to class or they would be taken away. Marcus promised and they headed further down the street. Entering an antique store, it was Marcus' turn to wait around while his father talked with the owner about some new arrivals.

On the way out of the store Marcus noticed a book on one of the shelves that had writing that was rather blurry. He stepped away from his father and grabbed the book, thumbing through it.

"Father, do you have this book yet? I think you would like it."

Severus looked at him like he was a bit loony until the owner came over.

"If you can read it kid it's yours. It came in with a shipment of books from Ireland last week and I haven't found anyone who knows what language it's in."

Marcus furrowed his brow. "Father, can you read what it says?"

"No, it's gibberish. Maybe it's cursed so that only insufferable brats can read it."

This time Marcus glared. "Well it says 'Advanced Potions of the World'." Marcus paused briefly before his eyes lit up. "By Salazar Slytherin. That's why I can read it. It's in parseltongue." The last bit he whispered to his father.

The owner couldn't hear what the boy said but knew that the boy could read it. "It's all yours Mr. Snape since you can read it. By the way, what language is it?"

Marcus, who wasn't used to being addressed as Mr. Snape, took a moment to answer. "An ancient language I learned at my old school. Thank you for the book. I don't feel right taking it for free though. Will you take a galleon for it?"

The elderly wizard smiled and accepted the galleon. "Thank you Mr. Snape. I see you have inherited your father's manners. Good day."

When they were clear of the store Severus asked his son to read off the names of some of the potions. Even if he already knew all of the potions, the book was nice to have.

"Well, the potions don't really have names. More like descriptions of what it does. Oh, here's one that ... Oh, that's just sick .... Maybe I shouldn't read this just after I've eaten. There appears to be many poisons in this book. There is also a mind controlling potion. Oh, dad, here's a section on counteracting various curses. And another on healing potions."

Severus interrupted him and told him he could read it later. "Marcus, if you don't mind I'd like to head back up to the castle. I have papers to grade. You can stay here with the other students. If I don't see you later tonight I'll see you in class Monday."

"Okay, goodbye father. I had a great time today, with you."

The potions master hugged his son tightly and closed his eyes. 'This is bliss' After a minute he released Marcus and smiled. "Have fun. I'll see you later."

After his father left, Marcus walked up the street towards the shrieking shack where he sat with his back against the supposedly haunted structure. He hugged his robe around him as the wind picked up. He let his eyes drift closed and had almost dozed off when he heard some yelling nearby. Following the sounds he was surprised to see his two ex-best friends in an argument.

"I don't care Ron. I thought you were above that. If you go through with this I'll never forgive you."

"Look, ever since Harry disappeared you've been nagging me constantly. Fred and George gave me the pranks and I intend to use them. The slimy git deserves it after giving me detention. I swear Malfoy or Snape put something in my cauldron."

"Ron, just accept that you are not good in potions. If you wouldn't have hollered back at Professor Snape he wouldn't have given you the detention. Look, just leave me alone I want to think."

"Hermione, I .. "

"Stop Ron. I don't want to hear it. I'll see you later."

Marcus hid behind a bush as Ron stomped off. He sat there quietly for a few minutes until he heard Hermione crying.

"Dammit Harry, where are you?"

Marcus had silent tears running down his own face as he listen to his ex-friend. He wanted to tell her everything but knew there was too much at stake. He decided that maybe he could be her friend as Marcus. He wiped the tears from his face and gave himself time to calm down before leaving the protection of the bush and coming around the shack from the other side to approach Hermione.

"You know, they say this place is haunted."

Hermione lifted her head to look at the newcomer. "Leave me alone Snape."

"Are you okay? You look upset."

"I am upset" she yelled, "Now go away."

"I don't think a lady like yourself should be alone and upset outside of a haunted shack on the outskirt of town. I don't think we've been properly introduced. I'm Marcus Snape."

Hermione sighed and stood up and picked up her bags. "Hermione Granger. It's nice to meet you Marcus even if you are a Slytherin."

"Well, it's nice to meet you Hermione even if you are a Gryffindor. So, buy anything interesting?"

Hermione showed Marcus the new books she had bought and Marcus showed her the candy and jokes he had bought.

"Wow, Marcus, I didn't expect Professor Snape's son to be so normal."

"Well, he didn't raise me did he."

As Marcus had expected they were approached by Draco Malfoy.

"Hey, Marcus. Have a fun day in Hogsmead? I saw you with your father earlier and didn't want to interrupt. What's with the mudblood?"

Marcus knew that Voldemort didn't have anything against muggle-borns so he didn't care what Draco might repeat. "I don't like that word Draco. Can you please not use it around me? My mother was muggle-born."

Draco stood there with his mouth gaping like a fish. "I ... I'm sorry Marcus. I'll see you around. Later Granger."

Hermione was shocked at that outcome. He wasn't sure what Marcus was going to say. She definitely hadn't expected Professor Snape, head of Slytherin, to have a child with a muggle-born.

"I'm sorry about that Hermione. Draco is a good guy if you get to know him. But he does hold to some misconceptions about blood purity."

"Well, thank you. It's getting dark we should head back up to the school."

Marcus walked with Hermione until they reached the great hall where a red-faced Ron happened to be coming out of.

"What's with the death eater Hermione?"

Marcus glared at Ron, 'it's amazing how much he's like Draco.'

"Just because he's a Slytherin doesn't make him a death eater. Grow up Ron. Bye Marcus."

"Good night Hermione."

As soon as Hermione had disappeared up the steps Ron turned on him, pushing him against the wall. "You had better leave her alone Snape. I don't like you or your father. Just stay in your dungeon where you belong."

Marcus grabbed onto Ron and swung around putting him against the wall. "I don't care what you say Weasley. Just stay away from me. Like Hermione said, Grow up." He pushed off of Ron and stormed down the hall.

Marcus was relieved to make it to his room without running into anyone else.

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