Struggling to survive at Hogwarts

Chapter 305 Reaction

"...Yes, Father."

In the silence that was almost deathly still, Thea could hear her own empty voice in the distance.

It was as if his body and soul had been split in two, one half obediently grateful to his father for his arrangements like a lamb to the slaughter, while the other half coldly watched this good show.

Thea couldn't remember much of the latter half of the meeting, only those cold yet calculating eyes that instantly brought back memories of that helpless little girl she once was.

However... times have changed.

Looking at the thin calluses on her fingers, Thea chuckled softly.

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.

"that……"

"...I heard...anyway...it's just..."

She could hear Gella's stammering and incoherent inquiries, but finally, Thea closed her notebook and calmed down.

"What exactly do you want to ask?"

"nothing!"

Gella instinctively jumped up, but when she met Thea's calm, still eyes, she suddenly stopped.

What kind of eyes were those?

Calm as a deep pool, yet profound as the ocean.

After a long silence, Gella finally struggled to ask, "Can't it be changed?"

This time, Thea remained silent for an even longer time than she had, which was unusual.

"I can't."

Thea spoke so calmly that it was as if she weren't the one in question.

It was precisely this tranquility that saddened Gella even more.

In fact, as soon as the news reached her ears, she knew that the engagement was a done deal.

But she was unwilling to accept it. She was unwilling that all of Thea's efforts would ultimately benefit someone else!

Unwilling to accept that ten years of effort by Thea only earned her the title of "Mrs. Nott"!

All they got in return was the tragic end of "the cunning rabbit dies, the good dog is cooked"!

She sacrificed so much!!!

She sacrificed so much…

"don’t worry,"

Thea's deliberately soft voice reached her ears, and it wasn't until those slightly cool hands touched her eyelashes that Gella realized—she was crying.

"There's always a way out."

Thea's voice was as gentle and powerful as ever, as if the sky falling wouldn't be a big deal to her.

"Besides, in the history you know, haven't I always had only one surname, Blake?"

Thea should have kept quiet, because once she brought it up, Gella couldn't help feeling guilty. It wasn't that Gella was hiding anything from Thea, but rather that there were many plot holes in this timeline!

Historically, Madam Greengrass and Miss Black were not exactly mortal enemies, but they were not far off!

Historically, Sirius Black died two years ago!

Historically, Barty Crouch has never served as Minister for Magic!

But now?

Daphne practically clung to Thea all the time, Sirius, who should have died long ago, was still active on the front lines against the Death Eaters, and Crouch remained comfortably in his position as Minister of Magic!

With so many things contradicting history, how could Gellar still dare to fully believe the history she knew?

When her thoughts returned to the present, facing Thea's comforting gaze, Gella could only manage a dry, "...I hope so."

Never before had Gella wanted to avoid Thea's gaze like that. In those clear, unfathomable eyes, Gella had no doubt that the other had seen through her deception.

"Um... I haven't finished reading the documents yet..."

Gella knew her excuse was worse than that of a three-year-old, but so what?

Thea will agree.

She has always been like this, never making things difficult for anyone, let alone for those few of them; she has always been extremely tolerant.

Sure enough, as soon as Gella finished her excuse, Thea considerately stopped her from continuing her banter and promptly sent her out.

Gella slowly walked out of Thea's room, her thoughts drifting away.

Will Thea really rebel?

If the cost of resistance far outweighs the benefits...

“Gella,”

Just a second before Gella was about to step out of the room, Thea called out to her urgently.

"Don't do anything unnecessary, and also..."

"He is innocent; he is also a victim."

victim?

Gella didn't turn around, but the corners of her mouth that had just been turned up were instantly flattened.

Thea was always so kind; she would never suspect them of being conspirators.

Kassia might be blinded by past feelings, but she wouldn't.

The thought that the "victim" might secretly be happy about this windfall made Gella feel very uncomfortable.

And because she's not feeling well, she doesn't like seeing others feeling well.

While Galamo was eagerly anticipating how to "congratulate" the victim, somewhere in Hogwarts, the news had thrown everything into chaos.

"Thea and...Theodore...are engaged?"

Even after Daphne stared at the festively decorated invitation—which seemed completely out of place in the conference room—for a long time, she still couldn't fully accept the fact.

It's not that the two are mismatched. To be honest, even the most discerning elders wouldn't say they're mismatched.

Both come from prominent families, both are heirs, and both are outstanding and brilliant... Theodore is at most a step behind!

But... Daphne still couldn't bring herself to congratulate them on their engagement.

It's not so much about jealousy, but mainly... mainly because Daphne never had the idea of ​​pairing Thea with anyone else!

Imagine that one day, you suddenly have a "playmate" who parachutes in—who happens to be your dad's boss's beloved daughter. At first, you're resentful that this little group has to prioritize the other person, but after experiencing a series of stunning and overwhelming maneuvers, you... are convinced.

Soon, you will be of school age.

The other party simply copied and pasted the same tactics they used to infiltrate the small group, and then... naturally became the leader of a large group.

At this moment, you suddenly realize that because of your family background and your "relationship" with the other party, you have been "elevated to a high position" and become a manager in this large group!

This feeling of clinging to someone's coattails is damn wonderful!

Perhaps it's because you've become so used to looking up and only seeing her as the sole ruler that it's hard for you to accept the fact that this ruler now has to share power with others...

Of course, if that "other person" is you, then... it's not unacceptable...

Daphne's thoughts wandered further and further until Zabini, unable to bear it any longer, slapped her.

Before Daphne could retaliate and teach Zabini a lesson, the door opened again.

Looking in the direction of the voice, the person who entered was Draco.

He sat down in silence, and the dazed expression on his face reaffirmed Daphne's suspicions. Logically, she should have called him a toad trying to eat swan meat, but seeing his "disappointed" appearance, Daphne felt a little sorry for him.

"that……"

"Let's go out and see their reaction."

Daphne's words were interrupted by Zabini, who then pulled her away.

Only Draco and Pansy remained.