A/N: Thank you reviewers.
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Disclaimer - Only the plot.
Ignorance Isn't Bliss
Chapter 17 - Plots Unfold
"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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Marcus gave Hermione a quick hug before turning to face the head of Gryffindor house. He really hoped he wouldn't have to hurt her. McGonagall had never been unfair to him. He couldn't help but be angry, mainly because he was so close to telling Hermione everything. 'Maybe it's a good thing McGonagall did show up.'
"What can I do for you Professor?"
Keeping her stern demeanor in place she whispered. "Let's take this further around the lake shall we. We can walk while we talk."
As they began walking an owl flew down to him. He recognized it as one of his father's so the letter must be from him or Voldemort. He quickly untied the letter and was relieved when he felt the magic permeating the scroll. It had been charmed so that only he could read it.
"Professor, may I have a moment to read this?"
"Certainly."
He walked a few feet away and opened the scroll.
MS
As we discussed I have been searching for suitable candidates to replace the headmaster. I have decided on Minerva McGonagall. While she doesn't exactly serve me/us she knows that her job is to just make sure that the children learn. She will not interfere with the school politics. She has also agreed to re-hire your father now that his name has been cleared. I have asked her to contact you. I have much respect for her and you should as well. Have fun at school.
LV
A shocked Marcus Snape rolled the scroll back up and put it in his robe, walking back over to the professor.
"Excuse me for my rudeness but that letter was rather important. What can I do for you?"
By this time they had made it to the edge of the lake near the tree line.
"I'm not sure where to start. I'm not even sure why it is you that he asked me to speak with about this. Are you now leading the Slytherins?"
"You could say that Professor. I think that basically he wanted us to touch base. If everything goes as planned what he has asked of you will happen by the end of the week."
"I am ready. I will also try to get Albus to walk around the school more during the day this week. That should help your cause."
"Thank you, that will help. We should probably go back to the school separately. You go ahead and I will be in shortly."
"I agree."
Professor McGonagall headed back up to the school as Marcus sat down by the lake for a few minutes. He thought about what he had almost confessed to Hermione. He really wanted someone to know. Someone beside his father and Albus. But, could he trust Hermione? Yes, he decided. But he also reasoned he should wait till after his plan has completed so he doesn't have to worry about meddling headmasters.
He turned with his wand out as he heard steps approaching. Luckily it was only a centaur that had wandered out of the forest. He was beautiful with dark chestnut coloring and lighter hair. Marcus decided he looked quite regal.
"Good evening young student."
"Good evening. It is a wonderful night. The sky is clear and you can see all of the stars." He figured that would get on the beast's good side.
"Yes, but Saturn is the brightest light out there wouldn't you say?"
Marcus looked up at the sky. 'I wish I was better at astronomy.' "Yes, it is very bright. What does that mean to you?"
"It means a great change. A change in power. It has been bright for some time now and the change is almost complete as Saturn is almost about to set within the next few nights. It is low in the sky now. You will make a fine leader young one. But, as mercury approaches this summer he will bring you important news. Watch for mercury."
"Thank you sir. It has been an intriguing chat. Goodnight."
"Good night. We are awaiting your rise to power eagerly." The centaur galloped away and Marcus went back to the castle. 'Well that's a lot to think about.'
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His plan went into effect first thing the following morning. True to her word the headmaster could be seen walking the corridors often. He silently thanked McGonagall for that.
The effects of the curse were noticeable after about two days. On the third morning he should up to breakfast with his nightgown on. That earned quite a few laughs. After breakfast he showed up in the transfiguration classroom to teach as he did fifty years ago. Everyone rolled on the floor laughing when McGonagall informed him he was the headmaster.
On the fourth day Marcus planned several disruptions. Much like Fred and George's last year with Umbridge. This was also the day the governors showed up with Lucius Malfoy. When they all were splattered with a water balloon that the headmaster himself had thrown they decided he needed to go.
The fifth day Minerva McGonagall was appointed as his replacement. Later that day Blaise's mom worked her magic at the ministry so that McGonagall was confirmed the next day by the ministry.
On Sunday Severus Snape showed back up to move back to his rooms. Marcus met him in the entrance hall.
A wide grin spread on Marcus' face when he saw his father enter the castle. He ran over and tackled the older wizard.
"Father, it's good to have you back. It has been a lonely couple of weeks."
Severus smiled at his son. "I missed you too Marcus. I can't thank you enough for what you have done for me. You were instrumental in my escape and my reinstatement. And your plan to put Albus in St. Mungo's worked perfectly. I understand they're having a hard time dealing with him there. Let's go put my room back together."
Marcus brought his trunk to his father's former and current rooms and helped him with putting everything in its proper place and enlarging it. When they were finished they both sat on the sofa.
"It's nice to not have ears in the castle anymore. It was frustrating having to walk around the lake to have a conversation."
"I agree. So, have you continued your training since I've been gone?"
Marcus chuckled. "Well does getting rid of the headmaster constitute training? Oh, and I did read several of your books. I just couldn't do any practical training."
"Very well. I suppose that we can do more practical training with Minerva in charge. Why don't you come here a few nights a week? The faster you learn everything the better prepared you will be for the dark lord this summer. He will be remaining were he is for a while."
"I'll be ready for him. I'm already ahead of schedule."
The ate lunch together before Marcus went back to his common room. Upon entering all of the Slytherins greeted him warmly, asking how his father was. He thanked them all for their assistance this past week before taking a light nap for a couple of hours.
After a couple of hours he went to the owlery and wrote a letter to Hermione.
Across the castle in Gryffindor tower Marcus' personal owl flew in through the window and landed on her bed. She took off the parchment.
Hermione,
I would like to continue the conversation we started last weekend. I know that the Gryffindors are on edge with the changing of the headmaster so I couldn't retrieve you personally. If you'd like to hear my story, meet me in the room of requirement after dinner.
Marcus
At dinner Hermione noticed Marcus leave a little early and she waited a few minutes before excusing herself.
When she got to the corridor she noticed that the room had been activated, as there was a door already. She silently opened the door to see a quiet sitting room with Marcus getting a couple of drinks ready.
"I see you made it Hermione. This may be a lengthy story so I thought a couple of butterbeers would be appropriate. I hope you don't mind."
"No not at all." Hermione replied as she took one of the glasses and sat on the sofa.
Marcus sat down across from her on the other sofa. "Now, as I was about to say last week. What I'm about to tell you cannot be repeated to anyone. Only three people know including myself. Promise me that you won't speak of this to anyone."
Hermione was shocked by his serious tone. "I promise."
He faltered over his words as he tried to pick a good place to start. Hermione noticed his unusual unease. "Why don't you just start at the beginning Marcus?"
Marcus chuckled. "If there is a beginning. Okay, most of what you know about me is the truth. Severus Snape is my father. But, my mother didn't raise me. She died when I was one. My mother's name was Lily."
Hermione wasn't catching on so Marcus gave her another clue. "When she was pregnant with me she was forced to marry James Potter as a ruse."
Marcus watched as Hermione's face contorted as she tried to fit everything together. He could almost see the light bulb click when she figured it out. "Harry?"
Marcus nodded, unable to speak. He was pulled into a tight hug and he could feel the wetness of her tears on his shoulder. The slytherin did his best to try and calm her down. After a few minutes it seemed to be working as her breathing evened out. As he went to release her from the hug he found himself pushed to the floor.
"Of all the inconsiderate, evil, horrible things to do. How could you just disappear like that, not telling anyone where you were? I have half a mind to hex you to next week. You had better have a damn good explanation for this. I've been worried sick about you for months. You caused me to get a "B" on a test. You had better start explaining."
Marcus could truly say he was scared. He didn't think he had ever seen Hermione this pissed off at him. "I can explain. It's really simple. Dumbledore ruined my life. He put my mother in harms way and blackmailed my father so he wouldn't ell me the truth. Harry Potter disappeared because he no longer exists. I'm sorry I couldn't tell you Hermione but until I graduate school I can't have this getting out. I've missed you so much. Did you ever wonder why I befriended you? You are the best friend I ever had, better than Ron. Please don't hate me. I don't think I could handle that. I need your friendship."
Hermione thought about all he had said. He knew how the public would treat him to know that their savior had gone dark, and she didn't blame him. Now she truly understood why he was on the side of the war that he was. She couldn't hate him. She smiled and hugged him again. "I forgive you Marcus. I'm glad you could trust me this much to tell me."
He grinned from ear to ear. "Not only do I trust you but also I respect you. There are others that I trust but I trust them because I know they fear me."
"Why do they fear you? What exactly is going on with your house?"
"That is another thing that you cannot repeat to anyone. When I agreed to join Lord Voldemort it wasn't to be one of his death eaters. I told him I deserved to be his equal. He has named me his heir. Some of the Slytherins already address me as such. The death eaters only know me by my different mask, but they don't know my true identity. I hope to finally unite the wizarding world one-day."
"Marcus, I would like to join your side. Not openly, but if there is anything I can do to help let me know."
"I will. Thank you."
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