When they emerged from the memory, Dumbledore watched him expectantly, clearly waiting for his analysis.
"He wanted them," Marquas stated simply. "Not just as valuable artifacts, but as personal possessions. His expression when she revealed the locket, there was recognition there. And hunger. It was the same look I've seen first-years give the dessert table after being told pudding would be delayed."
"Precisely," Dumbledore nodded approvingly. "Two days after this memory took place, Hepzibah Smith was found dead, allegedly poisoned accidentally by her house-elf. Both artifacts disappeared, never to be seen again."
"Until now," Marquas pointed out. "We have the locket."
"Indeed, one has been recovered, thanks to young Mr. Black's discovery and your timely intervention," Dumbledore agreed. "But the cup remains missing, and I believe it likely serves the same purpose as the locket."
"Another Horcrux," Marquas stated rather than asked. "Which means we're looking for at least two more, assuming the traditional magical significance of the number seven. One soul fragment in his body, plus six external containers."
Dumbledore's eyebrows rose slightly. "You've been conducting your own research, I see."
"It seemed prudent," Marquas replied carefully. "If we're to defeat him permanently, we need to understand the full scope of his preparations."
"Quite so," Dumbledore murmured. "Though I confess I'm surprised by your insight. Most wizards, even those well-versed in the dark arts, would not immediately connect Horcruxes with the magical properties of the number seven."
Marquas realized he'd been slightly careless, revealing too much specific knowledge could raise uncomfortable questions. "The Black family library contains several obscure references to soul magic," he explained smoothly. "Regulus was quite thorough in his research before identifying the locket. We've discussed the theoretical implications at length."
Not entirely a lie, but not the full truth either. Since his rescue, Regulus had indeed shared extensive knowledge from the notoriously dark Black family collection, but Marquas's understanding of Horcruxes came primarily from the original Harry Potter books, knowledge he could never reveal to Dumbledore without sounding like he'd been hit with one too many Confundus charms.
"I see," Dumbledore nodded, seemingly satisfied with this explanation. "Well, it appears our investigations are proceeding along similar lines. The question now becomes: where would Voldemort hide these additional Horcruxes?"
"Locations of personal significance, most likely," Marquas suggested, carefully feeding information that would direct Dumbledore's search without revealing his foreknowledge. "The cave where he tortured fellow orphans as a child was clearly meaningful to him. Other possibilities might include Hogwarts itself, given his attachment to the school, or places connected to his ancestry. Though I'm ruling out anywhere with decent ambient lighting or comfortable seating, clearly not his aesthetic."
"My thoughts exactly," Dumbledore agreed, looking pleased. "I've been researching the Gaunt family history, Voldemort's maternal ancestors. There was a family home in Little Hangleton where his mother grew up. It may be worth investigating."
"The Gaunts were descended from Slytherin, weren't they?" Marquas asked, knowing full well they were. "That connection alone would make any family property significant to him."
"Precisely," Dumbledore beamed. "Your analytical skills continue to impress, Severus."
"Just connecting obvious dots," Marquas demurred. "Though if we're speculating about potential Horcruxes beyond the cup, I'd consider items connected to the other Hogwarts founders. He already had artifacts from Slytherin and Hufflepuff. Ravenclaw or Gryffindor might have completed his collection."
Dumbledore stroked his beard thoughtfully. "A fascinating theory. Gryffindor's only known relic is the sword, which has been secure in this office for centuries. But Ravenclaw's diadem has been lost for nearly as long..."
Bingo, Marquas thought. He'd successfully planted the seed about the diadem without appearing to have impossible knowledge. Now to nudge Dumbledore toward the final Horcrux, Riddle's diary.
"There's also the possibility of personally significant items," he suggested carefully. "Not everything would necessarily be a priceless historical artifact. Something from his school days, perhaps, when he first began exploring dark magic."
"Another excellent point," Dumbledore nodded. "I shall review my memories of Tom as a student with fresh eyes. There may be clues I overlooked previously."
Their discussion continued for another hour, Marquas carefully balancing between being helpful and not revealing too much. By the end, he'd successfully guided Dumbledore toward investigating all the correct Horcrux locations without arousing suspicion about his inexplicable knowledge.
As he prepared to leave, Dumbledore asked an unexpected question.
"Severus, do you believe in redemption?"
Marquas paused, considering the loaded query. "That depends on what you mean by redemption, Headmaster."
"The possibility that one's future actions might balance the scales against past wrongs," Dumbledore clarified, studying him intently. "That a life can be fundamentally redirected toward good, despite beginning on a darker path."
Ah. Dumbledore was thinking about Snape's own redemption arc, the story of a Death Eater slowly turned spy.
"I believe our choices define us more than our circumstances," Marquas replied carefully. "The path one walks today matters more than the roads taken yesterday, though the past should never be forgotten or dismissed."
Dumbledore nodded slowly. "Eloquently put. I ask because I've observed a remarkable transformation in you these past months. Not merely in appearance or teaching methods, but in fundamental outlook. You seem... unburdened in ways I hadn't anticipated."
Because I'm not actually Severus Snape, Marquas thought wryly. But he couldn't say that.
"Perhaps I simply found better motivation than guilt and regret," he said instead. "Positive purpose drives more sustainable change than perpetual penance."
"A profound observation," Dumbledore murmured. "And one I shall contemplate at length. Good night, Severus."
••••
The week before Christmas found Marquas in his Cokeworth hideout, working alongside Regulus Black on their parallel Horcrux investigation. The dingy Muggle factory building looked abandoned from the outside, but within, they had created a surprisingly comfortable headquarters for their two-man rebellion.
"I still think we need a better name," Regulus commented as he sorted through a pile of Black family documents that Kreacher had smuggled out of Grimmauld Place. "The Reasonably Handsome Rebellion sounds like a teen wizard band."
"You're just upset that it implies I'm the more handsome one," Marquas replied absently, focused on a complex locator spell he was modifying to detect soul fragments.
Regulus snorted. "In your dreams, Snape. Or have you forgotten which of us comes from the family known for its devastating good looks?"
"The same family known for its devastating cousin marriages?" Marquas countered with a raised eyebrow. "Besides, I've made significant aesthetic improvements since my unexpected makeover."
"Yes, achieving 'no longer terrifying small children' is quite the accomplishment. Do you want a medal?"
This friendly banter had become their normal working dynamic. Despite their very different backgrounds, Marquas and Regulus had developed an effective partnership based on shared goals and complementary skills. Regulus provided pureblood knowledge and connections, while Marquas contributed strategic thinking and his unique blend of magical and Muggle problem-solving approaches.
"Any progress with the cup detection spell?" Regulus asked, changing the subject to more serious matters.
Marquas sighed, setting down his wand. "Limited. The problem is specificity. I can modify standard detection charms to locate powerful dark magic, but distinguishing a Horcrux from other nasty artifacts requires a reference point."
"We had the locket for that," Regulus pointed out.
"Which is now destroyed," Marquas reminded him. "Without an existing Horcrux to analyze, we're working partially blind. We know generally what we're looking for but lack the magical signature to pinpoint it precisely."
Regulus frowned thoughtfully. "What about residual traces? When Dumbledore destroyed the locket, there must have been some magical aftermath. Could that be used?"
"Potentially," Marquas nodded, impressed by the suggestion. "I'd need access to the destruction site and samples of any residue. Not something I can request without raising questions about our little side operation here."
"Leave that to me," Regulus said with a cryptic smile. "Kreacher can access places most wizards can't, and he's remarkably stealthy when properly motivated."
The discussion shifted to their other ongoing projects, including tracking Death Eater movements through Regulus's old connections and developing new methods to counter Voldemort's expanding influence. Throughout it all, Marquas was continually impressed by the young Black heir's intelligence and resourcefulness.
In the original timeline, Regulus's death had been a tragic waste of potential, a redemptive moment but ultimately futile in the short term. This Regulus, alive and actively working against Voldemort, represented one of Marquas's most significant changes to the storyline.
"By the way," Regulus said as they were finishing up for the evening, "I've been meaning to ask about these." He gestured around the hideout at the various quality-of-life improvements Marquas had installed, magical lighting that mimicked natural sunlight, temperature-regulated floors, and the ever-present coffee station that would have made a Seattle barista jealous.
"What about them?" Marquas asked.
"They're brilliant," Regulus said simply. "I grew up in a magically enhanced home with generations of enchantments, but nothing this... practical. Most pureblood families are so focused on tradition they never consider innovation."
Let me guess," Marquas said dryly, "the Black family motto is something like 'Why improve when you can simply be superior while suffering unnecessarily?'"
Regulus let out a surprised laugh. "That's disturbingly accurate, actually. Though the official motto is 'Toujours Pur'—Always Pure."
"Same difference," Marquas shrugged. "Pure discomfort, purely inefficient, purely resistant to improvement."
Then again added. "Just common sense applications. Magic doesn't have to be all dramatic spellcasting and potions that explode. Sometimes the most valuable magic is the kind that makes everyday life better."
"You should market these," Regulus suggested. "Your S. Prince Labs already has the Auto-Brewing Cauldron gaining popularity. Why not expand into domestic enchantments?"
"I've considered it," Marquas admitted. "Though the timing is challenging with everything else we're managing."
"Think strategically," Regulus pressed. "Beyond the obvious commercial potential, a successful business provides excellent cover for our other activities. Plus, improved financial resources never hurt a rebellion, reasonably handsome or otherwise."
The young man had a point. S. Prince Labs could become more than just a side venture, it could provide legitimate funding for their covert operations.
"I'll develop a business plan," Marquas decided. "Starting with the cleaning solutions, they're straightforward to produce and meet an obvious need."
"Excellent," Regulus grinned. "We'll overthrow the Dark Lord and revolutionize magical housekeeping simultaneously. That should confuse both sides adequately."
As Marquas prepared to return to Hogwarts that evening, he reflected on how much his priorities had evolved since his arrival in this world. Three months ago, his focus had been simple survival and adaptation. Now he was juggling teaching responsibilities, espionage, Horcrux hunting, product development, and the mentorship of a young man who, by all rights, should have been dead.
But perhaps most surprising was how natural it all felt. He had slipped into this complex life with unexpected ease, finding purpose and even satisfaction in roles he could never have imagined for himself.
Back in his magically upgraded quarters, Marquas added a new entry to his steadily growing journal:
Day 90: Horcrux investigation advancing on multiple fronts. Regulus proving invaluable ally. Business expansion planned for S. Prince Labs, beginning with domestic enchantments line. Current aesthetic assessment: Significantly more handsome than original Snape baseline, though Regulus disputes relative ranking. His opinion noted and summarily dismissed.
He smiled as he closed the journal. The wizarding world was changing, one subtle improvement at a time. Both in the grand fight against Voldemort and in the simple quality of everyday magical life.
Better living through magic, indeed.