A/N: Thank you reviewers.
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Ignorance Isn't Bliss
Chapter 16 - Leadership
With their head of house gone the Slytherins felt leaderless. The appointment of Hagrid to the position didn't do much to lift their spirits either. While most were accepting of the half-blood, Hagrid just didn't have leadership abilities.
Marcus had cleared his father's personal belongings out of his office and private rooms and shrunk them, putting them in his trunk. He then put a locking charm that would only open for his magical signature on it. Every evening he would get one of his father's books from it and read up on various curses he could use on the headmaster. A week later he had found it.
Marcus stormed into the common room with a look that commanded respect. "Quidditch practice. Tomorrow morning. It's required for all members including backups. See you on the pitch at noon." That list included most of the upper year students. He turned around and went back into his room.
Everyone in the common room started murmuring about Marcus. Some wondering who left him in charge. Others, who could sense his power, knew why he had stepped up as leader. After several minutes of constant murmuring in various corners of the room Draco spoke up.
"I'd advise the quidditch team to take this seriously." He then went up to the sixth year boy's dorm. He passed by Marcus, who was writing a letter apparently, before getting under the covers in his own bed. "Goodnight Marcus."
"Good night Draco."
But Draco didn't fall asleep. He had much to think on. Most of the Slytherins knew that Voldemort had found an heir. Anyone that had a parent in the inner circle knew about the man in the golden mask. No one knew who he was though. Of course the students had discussed it but no one could guess without a doubt who it was. Half of them were sure it had to be Draco but he assured them it wasn't himself. The one thing Draco hadn't mentioned to anyone was the letter he received the morning after that meeting, a letter from his father instructing him to be Marcus' right hand man. His father told him how important it was that Marcus be protected. Draco had assumed that it was because of Professor Snape's position in the inner circle. Voldemort treated him like a son almost. But could Marcus be the dark lord's heir?
The following day, which was a Saturday, the Slytherin quidditch team met at noon. Broom's in hand; they listened as Marcus gave them various quidditch strategies. The quidditch captain didn't look pleased to see the sixth year take over. After flying around for an hour Marcus called the team back down to the ground. He immediately put an imperturbable charm around them.
"As most of you probably realize, I didn't call all of you here just to go over quidditch moves. We have a problem. Albus Dumbledore has overstepped his bounds this time. Without proof, he had Professor Snape, my father, arrested. He will be cleared by the way. The following day he had aurors everywhere. He told us that we would be expelled for talking with dark wizards. For some of us here it means not being able to talk to our family, friends, or even ourselves in some cases." He said, raising his eyebrows. A few chuckles could be heard.
"Dumbledore thinks that he can force his views on us and make all of us into light wizards. What he doesn't understand is that the dark is necessary. A world with only the light side of us would be like playing the piano with only your right hand. What you play may be beautiful but it isn't complete until you add in the chords. The deep melodies and harmonies that break into our souls and touch us. We are wizards and witches. We have been given a gift more special than anything else in the world and Dumbledore wants to crush it into summoning charms and cleaning spells. I will no longer stand for it. I have a plan to bring Hogwarts into the greatness it deserves. We must rid the school of Albus Dumbledore."
The entire quidditch team stared back at him blankly until Blaise Zambini raised his hand.
"Marcus, this all sounds well and good, but most of us here serve the dark lord. I for one don't want to do anything that may mess up his plans. Who do you serve?"
Marcus closed his eyes briefly in thought. "I serve no one. Let's just say that what pleases me pleases the dark lord."
That sentence clinched it in Draco's mind. It was no longer a coincidence. Marcus Snape is Voldemort's heir. He surprised everyone by dropping to his knees. He lifted the hem of Marcus' robe to his lips. "My lord."
One by one the children of death eaters who came to the same conclusion as Draco followed suit. Kissing the hem of his robe. Seeing everyone else do so, the students that had no ties to the dark lord also fell to their knees.
Marcus motioned for them all to stand. "This must remain quiet for now. The dark lord wishes me to finish my education before I get expelled." This statement caused more chuckles, relieving the tension that had built. "Now for my plan. I have researched many curses over the past week to get rid of the headmaster. I had trouble finding one that the aurors wouldn't pick up on. Unfortunately we won't be able to outright kill the headmaster. I have a better plan. There is a spell that attacks a person's mind. Every time you cast it on someone it severs a connection in their brain causing them to slowly lose control over their words and actions. Much like old age but we are going to speed the process. My goal is to have Dumbledore in St. Mungo's by the end of the week. I need for all of you to use this curse anytime you see the headmaster in the hallways. He shouldn't feel a thing."
Marcus smirked and everyone nodded. "Draco."
"Yes my lord."
"I will need for your father to come to the school this week for a visit. Tell him to bring some of the school governors so they can see first hand the mental state of the headmaster. Blaise."
"Yes my lord."
"I understand your father works for the ministry in Fudge's office. Arrange for him to bring Fudge in for a visit. You are all dismissed. I recommend flying around for a bit before we depart. See you in the common room. Oh, do not speak of any of this within the castle walls. The castle hears everything."
He briskly walked away, Draco not far behind. They both headed straight for the owlery. Marcus sent letters to his father and Lord Voldemort, Draco to his father.
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Several minutes later the eagle owl Severus Snape owned but left at the school flew through his window at his manor. Lord Voldemort had moved his base of operations there.
Severus removed the scroll with his name on it.
Father,
You are sorely missed here at the school by all of your Slytherins. Hagrid has been named head of house. I have all of your belongings in my trunk. I've found what I was looking for and my plan will begin this week. Be ready to return soon. The quidditch team knows who I am now. Draco figured it out. I will be careful. I know that you are worrying about me but you needn't. See you soon.
Love,
Marcus
Severus folded up the letter and headed down to dinner with Lord Voldemort.
Else ware in the castle Voldemort had just received his letter.
LV
Things are going well. I will be using some of the D.E.'s for my plan. I hope you don't mind.
MS
Voldemort chuckled soundlessly. For the first time in a while he was happy. Marcus was making a fine heir. He immediately set to work making a list of those who would make decent headmasters.
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After dinner Marcus went to his usual spot in the library and wasn't surprised to see Hermione there.
"Hey Marcus. How are you holding up? It must be difficult without your dad here."
Marcus sat down beside her. "It is difficult. I just found him and now we are apart. He's the only family I have. I really miss him. The other Slytherins are being very supportive though. My father is well respected by them." After a brief silence Marcus continued. "Hermione, will you walk with me outside by the lake?"
"Sure. Let me put these books away."
Marcus watched as she put several thick books on a cart. He was wondering whether he was being foolish in his decision. They walked outside and when they were far enough away from the castle he began speaking.
"Hermione, I ... I want, no, need to tell you some things about me. I'm guessing that you have noticed the change in dynamics among the Slytherins and the school in general. Do you mind if I put an imperturbable charm around us?"
"No, not at all." Her interest was definitely piqued.
After raising the charm he sat on the ground and she sat beside him. He went on to explain the three sided war to Hermione just as his father explained it to him at the end of the summer.
"So, did you understand all of that?"
Hermione swallowed. "I suppose. Are you saying that you are on you-know-who's side?"
"Yes, I am on Lord Voldemort's side. I want wizards and witches to be able to use the gifts given them. Obviously there must be some rules but to keep us separate from muggles entirely is what causes their distrust in us. Being a muggle-born yourself I'm sure that you understand all this."
"Yes, I do. I agree with you about the dark creatures as well. I went through a phase where I thought that houselves and other magical beings should be treated as humans. But now I understand that their nature doesn't support that. We shouldn't force werewolves or vampires to be human-like either."
Marcus looked down momentarily. "So, what side of this war do you see yourself on?"
"I .. I'd have to think on it." Hermione stuttered. "The headmaster has done many things to earn my respect."
Marcus had to keep himself from shouting out loud and smoothed his features. "Would you respect him if he stole your family from you? Forced you to grow up where you were hated and un-loved? That is what he did to me. He is a light wizard, but an evil light wizard."
Hermione was confused. 'I thought Marcus' mother just died.' She said to herself.
"Hermione, I .. I can't do this. I want to tell you everything but ... but I ... You are a true friend. You are understanding and accepting. What I am about to tell you can not be repeated to anyone."
Hermione nodded for Marcus to continue. Marcus opened his mouth to speak but stopped when something blocked the light coming from the castle.
"Mister Snape, I would like to see you alone." Said a stern looking Professor McGonagall. "Miss Granger I think you should head back to your common room. It's getting late."
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