Ms. Wood,
I seem to be at a disadvantage which, I admit, I do not like. You know my name, but I am clueless as to your first name, barring that it starts with E. So E, tell me your name and we can discuss negotiations regarding Thistles. Though I can tell you now, it won't be easy. He has already charmed my housemates, except Marcus Flint, who he has taken to using as a scratching post. If you don't already know he is your eldest brother's Quidditch rival. Thistles seems to think he is a particular threat. After learning the truth of your last letter myself, I was able to witness Thistles attacking one of my dormmate's feet. Everyone else in the dorm has fallen under his spell. You may just have to fight my housemates for him.
Yours,
Theodore Nott
Theodore reread the letter three times to make sure it was good enough before sending it off the with loud barn owl.
"What's the goofy look for?" Draco sneered.
"Just thinking about how much fun it's going to be to have the cat around."
Blaise chuckled as he walked out of the bathroom. "Hear, hear."
"Keep that beast away from me!"
Laughing, Theodore and Blaise tromped down to breakfast. Owen Wood was waiting at the entrance of the Great Hall.
"Nott," he called. "Where's the beast?"
Blaise smirked. "He's enjoying his breakfast."
Snickering, Owen looked between them. "Who is he trying to eat now?"
"Malfoy. Who does he usually go after?"
"Oliver. He can't stand him."
Theodore saw Blaise shoot him a look. "He's been the same way with Flint."
"Well, whenever you're ready to get rid of him, let me know."
"I don't think that's going to be anytime soon. Also, what's your sister's first name?"
Owen's posture changed, suddenly defensive. "Why?"
Eyes narrowing, Theodore studied the Ravenclaw. "She wrote to me asking for the cat back. I can't in good conscience give him to someone I don't even know."
"It's her cat," he said hotly. "Don't be difficult with her Nott. She's easily angered." Without another word, he walked away.
"Easily angered, eh?" Blaise said with a sly smile. "Sounds like just your type."
Theodore scoffed. "Please, she writes well but I'm not convinced she's not a first year."
"Nott, hate to break it to you mate, but we're third years. Not a big age difference."
Rolling his eyes, Theodore made his way to the Slytherin table, ignoring the smug Italian behind him.
Three days. It had been three days since Theodore had sent E. Wood that letter. He was getting agitated. Without knowing her first name he couldn't very well send his owl, or Merlin forbid some school owl, to her. E. Wood wasn't specific enough. His patience was wearing thin as he strode out of Transfiguration. Potter and Weasley were lumbering around, trying to catch Granger's attention. Unfortunately for them, they only managed to gain Draco's. After a minute or two of words being exchanged spells started lighting up the corridor. Theodore leaned against the wall and watched as McGonagall handed out detentions.
After that bit of amusement, he was able to make it through the day without cursing anyone. He was dreading the next day which held his first Care of Magical Creatures class. That oaf Hagrid had no right to be a professor. The idiot wasn't even allowed to use magic! It was ludicrous in his opinion. An opinion his father shared. He finished dinner and wandered back to the common room.
"Hey Nott," Flint sneered, trying to push Thistles away. Apparently the cat had changed its mind regarding him and now saw him as a cuddle buddy which Flint pretended to hate. Theodore would never say it out loud, for fear of a painful death, but he had sneaked down looking for the cat and saw Marcus playing with him two nights in a row. It was the most ridiculous sight Theodore had ever happened upon, a wily cat being entertained by a possible part troll with a fond smile on his face. Talk about nightmares. "There's a letter for you."
His heart jumped into his throat, but he stamped down the hope until he saw the newly familiar scrawl. He walked quickly, certainly not running, to his dorm before tearing open the parchment.
Mr. Nott,
I find myself very confused. Thistles is my cat and I would like him back. He isn't taking to Flint? Usually, he buddies easily up to anyone with a dislike of Oliver. I tried to warn you that he was a handful, but you seem intent on keeping him. That is odd. Is this a form of kidnapping? I'm growing concerned with your lack of remorse. You're keeping my familiar from me. Isn't there a rule against that? There should be. Maybe I should contact the Ministry about it. Anyway, I would very much appreciate it if you could return my cat. If you insist on keeping him I insist on regular updates. But I will be claiming him when the Hogwarts Express pulls into the platform at Christmastime. I promise you now, Theodore Nott, that if my cat isn't back in my possession before the new term there will be consequences.
Thank you for taking care of him,
E. Wood
Theodore wasn't satisfied by any means. The girl hadn't answered his question. He still didn't know her name. She threatened him with "consequences"? Was she threatening to call the Aurors about her "stolen" cat? His eyes narrowed. Well, she had another thing coming. She was easily angered? Well, he wasn't. But E. Wood somehow knew just how to piss him off.
E. Wood,
You haven't answered my question. You tell me your name and I will talk about the return of your familiar. Your decision. Also, he has recently taken to Flint. But, until I know exactly who I'm speaking to, I won't send any more updates on Thistles. How can I be sure you're really who you say you are? You could be Owen just playing games.
Let me know your decision,
Theodore Nott
That should do it. Theodore himself felt trickles of rage at the words he had written. Clearly, it would get it her. But since it wasn't guaranteed, he felt that a little research into the Wood family wouldn't hurt. He was going to find out all he could about E. Wood and when he did he would make sure she never had the upper hand again.
