Struggling to survive at Hogwarts

Chapter 222 A Passionate Declaration to Win Hearts and Minds

"Snapped!"

The moment the office doors were closed, Thea's coat turned to ashes in the blink of an eye.

The people in the shadows were stunned for a few seconds by this development, but soon, a heavy new coat was draped over Thea's shoulders.

Theodore?

“Draco went on his inspection tour, so I came to see you,” Theodore said, making no mention of the fact that he had followed Thea right after she left. “The clothes are new. I was planning to surprise you on Hogsmeade Day, but they’ve come in handy now.”

Thea stood quietly with her head down. Theodore remained silent after speaking. The two, one tall and one short, were in perfect harmony.

"...Dumbledore is too cunning!"

After a long silence, Thea finally spoke.

Theodore wasn't surprised by Thea's change of topic and gently echoed, "What did he do to make Thea so angry?"

"He lied to me!" Thea said indignantly, like an ignorant girl deceived by a scumbag. "He traded a prefectural head position for me to deal with that nasty toad!"

A toad?

Theodore immediately realized, "Indeed, he's too cunning!" Then he asked worriedly, "So what does Thea plan to do next?"

Thea pondered for a moment, "...respond to each move as it comes, and fish in troubled waters!"

Seeing the girl immediately regain her fighting spirit, Theodore's worry slowly dissipated.

She can do whatever she wants, because he'll always be there for her.

"...Anyone who offends me will not be spared!"

“...That toad was absolutely disgusting…”

Thea rarely grumbled and complained, and Theodore played the role of a dumping ground, remaining almost silent except for agreeing with her.

By the time the two reached the entrance to the Slytherin common room, Thea had regained her usual gentle and composed demeanor.

“You and Zabini will have to work a little harder tonight to compile a list of some of the more ‘active’ young wizards I’ll need tomorrow,” Thea said.

Upon hearing the word "active," Theodore immediately mentally outlined the possibilities, but he was still a little confused. "What is Thea going to do?"

"Tomorrow I'm forming an inspectorate; I need to establish my authority," Thea said succinctly.

“But I think… that’s not what Umbridge meant…” Theodore was still a little worried.

Umbridge's targets have always been the Porter group's unruly bunch, but Thea uses those who don't follow the "rules" to establish her authority... I'm afraid...

“Don’t worry,” Thea said casually, “It’s her fault for not being clear about things…”

"Furthermore, before she treated me like a knife, she should have been prepared for the knife to miss its mark!"

As she finished speaking, Thea's tone suddenly became sharp.

“Okay, I’ll give it to you tomorrow,” Theodore replied, bowing his head.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

The next day, Thea raised an eyebrow after receiving the list.

Theodore immediately explained, "The Slytherin students have been much more well-behaved lately... so the other houses have become more prominent..."

“It’s alright,” Thea said calmly. “It’s a good thing they’ve calmed down. I actually hope everyone calms down…”

“Oh, right,” Thea suddenly pulled a piece of paper out of her pocket and handed it to Theodore, “Tonight, notify the people on this list to gather in the secret room.”

Theodore was horrified at the mention of the "secret room," and when he saw some of the names on the list, he felt the hairs on his body stand on end.

"this………"

“Don’t panic,” Thea’s calmness reassured Theodore. “It’s just a chance to expand the team… The new recruits will eventually be handed over to you to train, so you can go and observe them beforehand.”

Theodore found some comfort in those words; at least, they wouldn't be replaced for the time being.

“Okay,” Theodore replied, “I’ll go and inform them in a bit.”

------

This is almost exactly what Theodore and Zabini guessed.

Almost the instant the other party learned that it was Thea who had invited them to a private gathering, they all agreed without the slightest hesitation.

But... they were all Slytherins...

Theodore and Zabini exchanged a glance, but quickly looked away in tacit agreement.

The appointed time arrived quickly.

Thea walked slowly towards everyone, who were eagerly anticipating her arrival. Amidst their fervent and subtly excited expressions, Thea revealed her identity as a descendant of Slytherin, and the fervor reached its peak at that moment.

"This is the site left by my great ancestor! It is also the location of the boundless wealth he bestowed upon me!"

Thea stretched out her hand and pointed to the huge bookshelf not far away. The tall bookshelf stood silently in the darkness like a giant beast.

"But today, I am willing to share this secret, and this wealth, with you!"

"We will create a world that belongs to us!"

Wealth, knowledge, power—everything fueled the ambitions of this group like a poison.

"We are willing to pledge our loyalty to you!"

"We are willing!"

Ambition is unleashed with unbridled force through slogans.

Amid cheers, Thea raised her hands high, declaring, "You are not pledging allegiance to me, you are pledging allegiance to yourselves! I am only temporarily assuming the title of leader because of the bloodline of our ancestors and your trust!"

"Believe me, I will lead you all to create a future that belongs to us!"

The atmosphere reached another climax.

Many years later, when those present recalled the scene, the seasoned veterans could easily see the naivety of Thea. Yet, it was precisely this inexperienced girl who, with her carefully crafted lies and passionate slogans, managed to capture all the future bigwigs in one fell swoop.

------

"Thea..."

After the gathering ended, Draco shuffled over to Thea and stammered, "...Are you really going to lead us to create a world that belongs to us?"

Upon hearing this, Thea glanced at Daphne and the others who all looked completely innocent, and said frankly, "Yes! We're young people!"

Draco looked bewildered; what did this have to do with them being young people?

He wanted to ask again, but Thea didn't give him the chance and immediately ran away.

Her answer was clearly correct!

They are young people, and the world ultimately belongs to them. So, creating a world that belongs to them shouldn't be a problem... right?