Silk Roads

Chapter 4

Chapter 4: Unexpected Surprises

December 1963
Location: Hogsmeade

The streets of Hogsmeade were crowded as students from Hogwarts scuttle around, pulling their friends into shops and cafes. The atmosphere of the village was filled with bubbly laughter, sparkly smiles of happiness, and no doubt would be refreshing for Marcaunon... If not for his son's constant glaring. He was imitating a basilisk apparently. It was a good attempt since the boy was wearing a black serpent onesie –it took awhile to force him into said outfit, nevertheless Marcaunon was nothing but persistent.

"Little one, cease your death glares this instance. Lest I force my spectacles on you." He murmured under his breath whilst still keep up his smiling façade.

The effect was instantaneous. Marchosias narrowed eyes became wide with innocence as he thrust his pudgy fingers into his mouth. The display made the school girls coo at the sheer cuteness emitting from his little one.

Marcaunon could only sighed inward.

The reason for his son's petulant attitude? The boy hated going out without Mort –in serpent form– wrapped firmly around his shoulders. With his servant looking (and being) deadly, most would be smart enough stay clear of him. Plus majority of the Wizarding World is still frightened of slithery snakes in general, especially if one is highly venomous.

Death had refused to accompany them. It had things to do, or so It says. Marcaunon sometimes had a hard time trusting anything that comes out from Its mouth. Like that one time It said that Its face was all boney and full of maggots... Which was obviously false since he already saw what was underneath. If Marcaunon wasn't asexual, he would've jumped and ravished his servant the moment Its hood was down.

It seems that he was rambling in his thoughts. Perhaps it's a sign of insanity... He should get back on topic.

Marcaunon knew that his reputation as a friendly loveable Hufflepuff whom gives awesome advice (his friend'swords) led to a lot of his juniors wanting to get to know him, even if it is just for a moment. And to keep up such an image; small talks and advices are required. Thus Marchosias's current sulky attitude.

Today's plan was to buy a cake for Marchosias (his birthday) and the boy was looking forward to his celebration –not that he outwardly showed it. Invitations were already sent, answers were received, and the only thing left is cake.

Most of the guests would be from Hufflepuff of course, including their family members. But thanks to his popularity brought by quidditch, he made a lot of minio– friends. A lot of friends from different Houses.

After graduating from Hogwarts, Marcaunon had moved entirely into a cottage at the border of Hogsmeade. The view of Hogwarts was splendid from his bed chambers, and he would usually find Marchosias sitting on the windowsill just gazing at the magnificent castle. Often than not, he would have to carry the physically small child back to bed. He may be cold and ruthless, but he was not heartless to forbid his own son from wanting to look at Hogwarts at night –the view is amazing and it was their first home back in their world.

The cottage was actually owned by Death since the very beginning of the village, but nobody needed to know that piece of information. Most of his members had questioned him as to why he named such a lovely cottage Dormus Mortem, The House of Death. He of course had just shrugged it off and told them the previous owner named it as such, which was true.

When he finally reached Honeydukes after making a tactical retreat –he did not run away– from the crowd with his son sitting comfortably on his hip, he let out a sigh of relief.