Welcome to My Show
“Which is it for today; this red? Or this?”
“Let’s go with left. The right one might end up distracting Thea during her presentation.”
At the mention of her name, Thea looked up from her notebook with a questioning hum.
“No, yeah- you’re right. It is pretty eye-catching.” Druella admitted as she placed the discarded option down on her vanity.
Thea raised an eyebrow. “You know, you don’t have to do that for me… you can wear any red you’d like.”
“No, no, no,” Druella shook her head, “today is your day, darling! The spotlight will be on you! Not me! I’m not allowing any chances for people to be distracted by my red; that’s simply unacceptable.”
Walburga nodded along to her words as she applied her own muted red lipstick. Thea relented to the two’s insistence and sighed in faux exasperation. “If you say so…”
Having been invited by Tom, himself, to the Slytherin common room, the ladies had taken it upon themselves to show Thea to Druella’s room before lunch, where they proceeded to chat for a while before Druella and Walburga prepared themselves with makeup as Thea sat on the desk to run through her research notes for a final time. The latter couldn’t escape the powders and creams, however, and the pair of women managed to convince Thea to let them give her a makeover for the day.
“Just a little!” Thea was adamant they skipped the powder and opted, instead, to go against the trend with eyeliner. She settled on a style that she had been more familiar with, and taught the others a few tricks she had learned previously. By the time they were out of the door to head to the hall, they were giggly with mirth and a couple of minutes later than usual.
“Well, you ladies definitely took your time today.” Rosier said, followed closely by a, “hey!”, when Mulciber kicked him in the shin under the table.
“Not how you talk to ladies! Geez!”
Tom wrapped an arm around Thea’s back and pulled her closer once she had taken her seat, his voice soft with affection as he took in her highlighted facial features. “You look wonderful, love.”
“Thank you!” Thea’s giddiness only rose when a red print was left on Tom’s cheek where she had given him a kiss. Something about the domesticity of her wiping it off with her sleeve had Tom’s heart doing backflips and he had to resist the urge to kiss her senseless in that instant.
“How are you feeling, then? Ready to blow us all away, Grace?”
Thea grinned at Avery’s question. “Oh, am I ready? I am about to raise the standards in research presentations in Hogwarts with this. You won’t even see it coming!”
Rosier choked on his drink but before he could comment on her playful arrogance, Walburga added, “we’ve seen a bit of it earlier and I can say that her confidence isn’t quite unfounded.”
“Hear, hear! Very true, indeed!”
Thea thanked the women generously. “Seriously, though, I can’t wait to get your reactions to it.”
“We can say with certainty that we are all looking forward to it, Grace.”
“Yeah! You’ve got a track record with surprising us and I doubt you’ll be losing that anytime soon.”
“I’m positive you’ll end up receiving heaps of support from the parents with it.” Mulciber commented. “And that means all the more power for the both of you!”
Avery sighed in wonder as he surveyed the couple in front of him. “You’ll have the entirety of Wizarding Britain in your hands before we even hit our forties at this rate.”
“Try thirties, mate.”
“Thirties?” Nott scoffed in disbelief at Lestrange’s addition. But as the thought churned in his mind, it suddenly didn’t seem as impossible. “Dear Merlin- Tom, if you become minister by then, I’m eating my socks.”
“Should eat Rosier’s instead. Now, that would be great,” Mulciber drily remarked.
“Can you leave me and my socks alone!”
Sensing that they were missing an inside joke amongst the boys as they snickered, Druella, Walburga, and Thea glanced at each other before shrugging, “boys.”
They wrapped up lunch a tad earlier and headed to the Slytherin common room together, where they arranged themselves to settle in the seats around the hearth. They brought more chairs in from the other tables to accommodate all eight people, omitting Thea as she would be the one presenting. In the meantime, she was sat on the left armrest of Tom’s armchair, closer to the fireplace, with his arm wrapped around her waist while her hand played with his hair.
“Alright, love?”
Thea hummed affirmatively. “Very. Will be taking the stage soon; wish me luck?”
Tom took her hand away from his hair to plant a firm kiss on the back of it – he would’ve gone for her lips but the position didn’t quite fit his need. “Good luck, darling. You’ll doubtlessly do wonderfully.”
Her voice softened at the unwavering belief of his words that showed in his countenance. “Thank you, my love.”
Thea stood up and walked to the centre, in front of everyone. Her presence grabbed the others’ notice and they settled into silence as they watched her prepare.
She placed her notebook down on the coffee table in front of her and, with a wave of her wand, duplicated it into four copies that she levitated towards her nonplussed group of friends to share amongst themselves. They managed to snap out of their initial surprise of Thea’s nonverbal magic and took the copies with curiosity clear on their faces. “I thought they might come in handy when things get complicated.”
Next, Thea turned her back slightly towards the group and conjured a floating blackboard between her and the fireplace. The appearance of the decently-sized board caught the attention of the other people who had been loitering around in the room and Thea didn’t blink an eye as she duplicated more copies to hand off to the new spectators when they inched closer to watch the spectacle. Thea turned to write on the board but paused when she realised that she hadn’t brought a writing chalk. She switched her hold on her wand to her left hand and the audience let out a sound of awe when she snapped a tube of chalk into existence with practiced ease. As she wrote the title on the board, a group of younger years had entered and she was forced to edit her words, much to the humour of the people, which resulted in:
Why Inbreeding is Shi Bad
When Thea turned to face forwards again, more students had joined the crowd and she created more copies to share around. Once everyone seemed settled in, she clapped her hands once and, with a cheeky grin, commenced her presentation.
“Alright, ladies and gentlemen! Prepare to feel inadequate because I’m about to blow your mind.”
That earned her a couple of chortles and Druella questioned amusedly, “is that really how you’re opening it?”
Thea shrugged and admitted with a lopsided smile, “might have to work on that one. But nevertheless, welcome! As you can take a guess from the board behind me, I have collated research on inbreeding and I will now present to you the consequences that comes with it.” When everyone seemed agreeable so far, Thea finally started on the contents. “You’ll see on the first page of the notebook you have, that there are some possibly unfamiliar diagrams. I’ll be drawing on the board as I go so that you can follow along so, fret not if you’ve never seen these drawing before. We’ll start, first of all, with a crash course on heredity from a scientific viewpoint…”
Thea drew up a sketch of a chromosome and started there, defining genes, alleles, and the related terms, before charting out an example of a genetic diagram of an inbred family. “If you could turn to the next page… great! Now, when a child inherits two identical alleles, it is called homozygosity. This can be either dominant or recessive, as expressed with double uppercase alleles or lowercase respectively. You’ll see in your handout that there are three types of homozygosity, but we’ll be focusing on homozygosity by descent, which is when two identical alleles come from a shared ancestor…”
A while had passed by the time she had moved on to the effects of inbreeding on reproduction. The room had filled up further at this point; students returning from lunch had been transfixed by the chalked-out blackboard in the middle of the room and the woman who remained unperturbed at the increase in onlookers. Thea simply duplicated more copies without a pause in her speech when she noticed some students trying to catch a glimpse of the handouts to understand her words.
“Everyone in this room surely knows the way that pureblood families have always reiterated the importance of having an heir to continue the line. What if I told you that there’s a chance you might not be able to parent a child? Because that is the truth. See, as you go further down the line of an inbred family…” Horrified looks scattered the crowd as Thea continued to make her points. She wondered, not for the first time, why Hogwarts wasn’t teaching ‘muggle’ subjects, like science, to their students.
“Alright, so you may think: ‘oh! It’s not a guarantee that we’re infertile! There’s still a chance that we might birth a baby so we just have to keep trying and everything will be good.’ Wrong. Because – if you turn to the next page – inbreeding also has negative impacts on your baby. At the risk of sounding insensitive – although Walburga Black has already permitted me to bring this up – this ‘curse’ that you call the ‘Black Madness’ isn’t quite a curse. It is nothing more than the consequences of their own practices to keep their blood as pure as ever. Hence, this isn’t something special to the Black family, it can happen to anyone who keeps up with the same practices.”
Thea saw a galore of jaw drops and wide eyes and understandably gave them a moment to digest her words before continuing with a heavy rhetoric, “and who’s to say that it won’t happen in the next generation? The ones you birth?”
It was well into the hour when she had moved past the segment on the effects and had reached the conclusion. “…why would a wizard’s longevity matter if they won’t even make it past two months? It may seem that inbreeding isn’t an issue because it’s tradition, but there really is more than meets the eye. These consequences may not have surfaced in your parents’ or grandparents’ generations, but it may just happen to the next. Your lines will end soon enough, no matter what you do, so long as you resume this practice. Purity of blood does not indicate how magical you are – a topic for a later date – but if you insist on keeping your lines ‘pure’ nonetheless, there are more options beyond marrying your cousins and siblings.”
With a final few sentences, Thea ended with, “well- I didn’t mean for the heavy tone to carry throughout the entire thing, but if it is what it takes to get through an indoctrinated parent’s mind, then I suppose it’s necessary.” She frowned when she realised that she would likely have to set a graver tone to convince the parents. “And- that’s it! If you have any questions, now is your chance.”
Well-behaved, it seemed, the audience had kept their curiosities for the end and, upon her invitation, questions barrelled through the air in a cacophony of accusations and doubt. “Alright- one by one, please!”
Questions of the validity to her words were easily countered by directing the people to certain sections of the notebook where Thea had included evidential notes with citations from both magical and muggle research. Apprehensions of her motives had been understandable and she simply responded with, “I want the best for my friends, of course. Childbearing shouldn’t be as woeful as inbreeding may make it to be, and I wish for my friends’ future parenthood to not be bleak as a result of something that they can fully prevent.”
Once the questions had all been answered, Thea added a final closing remark, “you can keep the notebook if you’d like! It’s got the copyright enchantment on it so don’t even think about claiming it as your own work! Anyone who’d rather not keep it can simply place them on the table and I’ll deal with them.”
A beat of silence passed as Thea remained standing there, posture straight with a cordial smile on her lips that hid her uncertainties as it finally clicked in her head that there were dozens of people that had just perceived her as she presented on a topic that might’ve- offended them somehow! Oh, dear, let this not be my final moments-
Her trail of thought ended there when she was tackled into a hug by Druella and Walburga. That seemed to break everyone out of their stupor and an applause began echoing back. A sniffle sounded from her left and Thea patted Walburga’s back softly as the women pulled back but kept each other within an arm’s length.
Thea shared her sympathies and joked to lighten the mood, “was it that bad?”
“No! No-” Walburga cleared her throat to compose herself, giving Thea a watery smile. “On the contrary, actually. I just… really want a child?” Thea nodded in understanding and rubbed her shoulder to soothe her worries.
Druella nudged Walburga lightly. “You know, Wally. Thea’s presentation might just allow you to have one. I highly doubt it’s not enough to convince your – and my – parents.”
Thea raised an eyebrow at the doubtlessness in her words and was about to argue when Walburga cut in, “that’s true! Honestly, Thea, I’ve never been to another one of your presentations before but I’d say that you’ve outdone yourself!”
Thea couldn’t quite contend against that when her audience seemed to agree even as the cheers died down and they began to disperse. She followed the ladies back to the couches and returned to her spot on Tom’s left, his arm immediately resuming its place around her back. Thea took this opportunity to gather feedback and opinions from the group, occasionally having to halt their discussion when someone approached her with a follow-up question on her findings.
Slowly but surely, unbeknownst to the girl herself, with every moment Thea spent in their common room patiently and kindly responding to queries, she was establishing herself as an ally to their house. Having shown that she sincerely cared for the future of most members of their house whilst others would only scorn them, she had created a standing of her own within the snake’s pit. Additionally, they knew of Tom’s infatuation with her and it was safe to say that she had already gained the support of a circle of powerful names – from the Black line to the Nott’s.
It was sometime later when the couple found themselves on the loveseat – they had transfigured Tom’s armchair – by the fireplace. The others were also still lazing around the common room, speaking lowly to each other to not disturb the quiet air that had blanketed the room.
Tom turned to Thea when she paused in her humming to yawn. “Tired?”
She muttered, “yes,” and closed her eyes as she remained in her position, cuddled up on Tom’s left, head laying on his shoulder, as she fiddled with his hand.
“Shall I walk you to your dorm?”
Thea lightly shook her head and looked up at him, a content smile playing on her lips. “I’d quite rather stay. It’s comfortable here with you.”
Tom shared her smile and turned over his hand that she had been twiddling with so that it laid open on her lap, palm up in invitation. “You can have my bed, love. I’d rather you not wake up with a stiff back here.”
Thea gave a mock scandalous gasp, “look at you, mister! What would Tally think, inviting a lady into your quarters.” Thea feigned disappointment and clicked her tongue as Tom laughed under his breath. “But what about you?”
“Hm? I’ve got an essay to finish up so I’ll just be on the desk.” Then, his smile turned playful, “or would you like me to join you instead?”
She hid her face with his shoulder when she heard him chuckle at the red tinge to her cheeks. He heard her mumble something, muffled by the obstruction, and dropped his teasing tone at her honest admittance, “I wouldn’t mind.”
“And neither would I.” He brought a hand up to run it through her hair gently, coaxing her to stand up. “Come on, love. Off to bed.”
The pair bade the others goodbye, receiving raised eyebrows when they mentioned that Thea would be joining Tom in his room. They only responded with innocent smiles – the epitome of angels – and left the common room unhurriedly.
Tom led the way down the hallway in the boys’ section and halted in front of a door, pushing it open to allow Thea to enter first. There were five beds in total, accompanied by a study desk, a wardrobe, and a nightstand in each respective spaces that were separated by dark green curtains. Tom brought her to the neatest section of the room – very Tom, she thought fondly – and paused by the bed. He rounded Thea and stood in front of her, facing her, his hands coming down to rest on her hips which prompted hers to fall on his shoulders when he stepped forwards.
Thea gave a questioning hum at the sudden attention, rejoicing in the utter affection in his expression as he looked upon her with a soft smile. “What’s wrong?”
Tom shook his head slightly, one hand coming up to brush against her cheek. “You did so well today.”
She beamed brighter. “Yeah?”
“Mhm,” he landed a chaste peck on her lips, “I’m proud of you, my love.”
She melted on the spot.
The only one who had ever expressed such sentiments in her two lifetimes was Tally, which meant that Thea had cried the first few times she heard them. Now, to hear those words from someone else who she had grown to love – so much – she could feel the tears threatening to break free from the dam once more. Tom, having noticed the glistening in her eyes and the vulnerability she was grappling with, brought her into his arms and cradled her head beside his, staying silent to give her the time she needed. His compassionate patience only made it harder for her to rein herself back in, her arms moving to wrap themselves around his torso to return the hug.
Every second that passed, as uneventful as they were, were significant for them. They had found solace in each other and there was no time they shared that would be dismissed as trivial moments.
Thea was the first to pull apart from the embrace and Tom followed suit. Having regained her composure, she only gave him a brief moment to take in the elation and gratitude written on her face before she rose to her tippytoes to meet his lips with hers. Through the kiss, she hoped that he could receive her emotional message that she had been unsure how to verbalise. With the way that he kissed her back, she was certain that her wish had been granted.
Their tongues danced to the love tunes in their hearts and they only parted when air had been scarce. A giggle left Thea when she saw the red smudges on Tom’s lips and she fished her wand out to vanish the products on both of their faces. Blinking rapidly to clear her vision of the sparkles that the spell had created, she reconnected their eyes and she felt herself fall deeper when his look of adoration remained unchanged. Oh, how she loves this man.
They did eventually do as they had intended; Thea had gone under his covers to nap the rest of the afternoon away while Tom had his attention taken by his assignment, still distantly aware of Thea’s breathing and the ruffle of his bedsheets. When the clock had struck for dinnertime, Tom abandoned his desk and gave a stretch to loosen his stiff posture before approaching his bed. He could hear the other occupants of the room leave through his drawn curtains – they had come in some time ago – which wasn’t enough of a ruckus to wake the sleeping girl up.
He sat on the bed, legs hanging off the side while his body was turned towards Thea who was facing his direction, and ran his hand through her hair to gently rouse her awake. One of her hands subconsciously moved in search for the interruption to her slumber and caught his wrist in a weak hold as she hummed dazedly. Slowly, her eyes fluttered awake, blinking the sleep off as she focused on the figure beside her. Once she made the person out to be Tom, her lips curled up into a sleepy smile and she released his arm, voice quiet when she greeted him, “morning.”
The tenderness to his features persisted even as amusement flitted past him. “It’s time for dinner, love.”
She hummed, “morning, love.”
He huffed out a laughter at her insistence. “Good morning.”
Satisfied, Thea rose to sit up, his hand falling onto hers on the bed. She covered up a yawn with her other hand and her head lolled onto one side as she grinned lazily at Tom. “Just let me freshen up in the bathroom and then we can leave, hm?”
“Of course, love.”
In the common room, Thea left Tom for the girls’ section of the dormitory with a quick kiss, heading straight for the bathroom. Once she had returned to his side, they made their way out to the hallway and towards the Great Hall. There, she gave a gasp when her sights fell onto Devon within the group of second-years and she left Tom’s side momentarily to approach him. “Devon!”
At the call of his name, the boy looked up in surprise. “Grace! Hi, there!”
Thea spared him a short greeting before her eyebrows scrunched up in seriousness. “Tell me, how should I murder Lowe; slowly roast his limbs? Or medieval torture style? A good, old stab to the heart? Take your pick.”
Contrary to the look of sheer flabbergast his friends sported, Devon grinned playfully and made a sound of intrigue. “How about decapitation? We can have his head paraded around too!”
Thea nodded strongly after a moment of thought and extended a hand out for a handshake as if to solidify the plan. “I like the way you think, Mister Devon. A bright mind, indeed.”
While the people around were wide-eyed, they were relieved that Devon had the support from an upperclassman – and not even one from his own house! Her unconditional concern for the boy only gained her more approval from the Slytherins, and Tom was gradually losing his head over how wonderfully perfect she was. With how the day had gone, it was clear to the Hogwarts population, by the next day, that:
a badger had now made herself a home amongst the snakes.