An excited yowl cut through the corridor. A thin shadow slipped into Theodore's field of view—a cat with bulging, lamp-like eyes, a shabby grey coat, and a body so scrawny it looked starved of affection.
Mrs Norris. Argus Filch's pet.
Plenty of schools in Theodore's previous life had cats that became beloved mascots. Mrs Norris was… not that. She wasn't cute, and worse—like her master—she prowled alone, delighted to catch students a toe over the line and shriek for Filch.
Now, finding Theodore in the corridor after lights-out, she yowled even louder. With Seven-Apertures Heart sharpening his senses, Theodore could practically hear her meaning: Rule-breaking first-year! Caught you!
He arched a brow. So his earlier commotion while testing Adamantine Body, Unclouded Mind had leaked enough to draw her here. Even Veil the Breath couldn't quite smother it.
He wasn't worried. The cat wasn't an Animagus, and even if Filch arrived, Theodore had a hundred non-lethal ways to put them both to sleep without leaving a clear look at his face.
Then another thought clicked.
After opening the Talent Fusion feature, his once-bulging list of gifts had been pared down; there wasn't much "spare stock" left to smelt into Dao Rhyme. He needed more high-tier talents—and for that, cultivating relationships was king. Professors, especially.
Gryffindor's first class was Transfiguration with Professor McGonagall—Minerva McGonagall, House Head, Animagus master, formidable scholar and witch. If he could get to even "Acquaintance" with her, the reward would be juicy. But professors saw waves of first-years; most students might graduate with only the faintest "acquaintance" at best.
Unless… she appeared in her other form.
Some fans called McGonagall "the oversized catgirl" for a reason—she liked to open the term by turning into a tabby with spectacle-shaped markings. To most kids that was a jump-scare reveal. To Theodore—who'd integrated Beast Affinity and Beast-Breeding Mastery into the Seven-Apertures Heart—that was an opportunity.
If she came as a cat, he wouldn't be starting from zero.
But first, a test subject.
Mrs Norris inched closer, yowling for Filch. Theodore crooked a finger.
"Here, kitty."
Mrs Norris blinked. Human speech… in the proper cadence of Cat? Since when did apes learn the noble tongue? Not even Dumbledore…
A soft, irresistible warmth radiated from Theodore—instinctive rapport, subtle as the night breeze.
What is that scent? Pleasant. Safe.
Before she realised it, Mrs Norris had padded to Theodore's boots and was rubbing her cheek along the hem of his robe.
What am I doing? He's a rule-breaker! I should—
A fingertip found the exact spot under her jaw. Scritch, scritch.
Pupils dilated. Danger… danger… too good…
Mrs Norris melted, flopping belly-up, purring like an idling tractor while Theodore's fingers traced lazy circles.
He smiled. "Seen any other cats in the castle? One with pretty, spectacle-shaped markings around the eyes?"
Her purr wobbled with indignation. You're petting me and thinking of another cat? Then, begrudgingly: Yes. Several times. That thief even stole my catnip once!
"Oh?" Theodore's eyes glinted. "So she likes catnip. You do, too. And silvervine? Of course you do."
With Beast-Breeding Mastery subsumed into his heart-talent, a formula surfaced in his mind as naturally as breath:
Powdered catnip + a trace of silvervine, balanced in a specific ratio, rounded with three grasses from the lawn outside the castle—yields a harmless blend that benefits felines and is… extremely moreish.
His smile sharpened. Professor McGonagall, first day of class deserves a welcome gift, doesn't it?
He thanked Mrs Norris softly. "As payment, you get the first whiff."
…
Ten minutes later, Filch—on patrol—heard a very particular, very blissed-out meow and sprinted, thinking some delinquent had harmed his beloved. He skidded to a halt just in time to see Mrs Norris belly-up, shamelessly adoring a shadowy student, purring louder than he'd ever heard.
More affectionate than she'd ever been with him.
Filch froze as if struck by lightning, the blood draining from his face.
How… how could this be? Mrs Norris has never treated me like that… I was here first!
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