birds and bouquets ; THEODORE

[CORDELIA MEREDITH VAUSE]

That afternoon, Cordelia had retreated to the bathroom to wash her hands after a session of painting – her new oils proving to be trickier to keep on the canvas than she first assumed. Morally speaking, she refused to use self-cleaning or anti-drip paintbrushes, for the whole enjoyment of it was fulfilment of accomplishment afterwards. She found satisfaction in washing the bristles, watching all the colours disappear down the drain and momentarily watching the blue, greens and pinks run down the basin before rinsing it all away. Regardless of water pressure from the tap and one flight of stairs between them, Cordelia still managed to catch her mothers trill from the lower floor. “Cordelia...” That was it. That was literally the only word her mother had to speak, in that softly questioning note, to make the girl press her lips together and exhale heavily. She knew that voice, the beckoning tones which resonated through the accentuated first and last vowel of her name.

There was no need to call twice, but of course, Miriam Vause always did like to make herself heard.“Cordelia,” The brunette in question was barely halfway down the stairs when her mother met her on the first step, the woman's eyes glowing with happiness at her daughter who returned the look with impatience and disinterest. Blinking twice, she shook her head as if startled slightly, “Sorry, I couldn't quite catch you after the first two times.” She met her mother on the ground floor and looked up at the high heeled elder, “I believe you called me?” Her mother was a soft hearted woman,with a steely mind that could corrupt her heart at any given time providing the moment presented her with a reason to. 

Luckily for Cordelia, her caustic demeanour was overlooked. Miriam was already busy primping in the mirror when she spoke, offering glances every so often towards Cordelia while she spoke, "Darling,” A pleasantry reserved for company, Cordelia mused just after her mother had spoken, Perhaps they're in the foyer already, “Everic will be arriving ever so shortly and I do believe he is bringing Theodore with him--” Theowho? “--so I really would like you to, you know, talk this time round. Make a little conversation.”

Offering a sigh, Cordelia gave her mother a pitying look and amused, gentle smile, “Mother, darling,”Her mum caught her that time, giving a sharp look in the reflection as she rearranged a pin in her dark curls “you fail the realise the lanky one seems more interested in his feline friend than human company. In fact I am quite sure I saw him talking to him which really indicates some form of brain dysfunction if you ask me...”Her words went unheard as her mother talked over her, quite rudely pushing her away from the stair case and towards the downstairs bathroom, indicating she needed to sort out that devastatingly plain mess – endearingly meaning Cordelia's hair. Instead of listening toher mums advice, Cordelia went in the direction of the kitchen. She wandered thoughtlessly through the pale room which lead out to a conservatory. It was a long structure with a stained glass roof andpane's for walls, a couple of small sofas in the middle. A little further along the room was a door, which lead to another glass room that was better known as the aviary. 

The sound of chirps and fluttering of wings were the only sound that filled the room. There was a peacefulness to the place, closed off enough to evade the sound of doorbells going off and old 'classic' love ballads played in the lounge. It was there Cordelia stayed for the first few minutes of Everic and Theodore Fischer's stay, unaware of their arrival as she began to refill the bird feeder with seeds and pellets, content in her own company. That is...until it was shattered.

TAG: THEODORE ISAAC FISCHER

[THEODORE ISAAC FISCHER]

Theodore had spent most of his time in his room, hunched over an old desk with a book in his hands and a quill between his teeth. Hours had passed and his eyes fell over the same pages over and over again. The print of his interest was something that he never thought he'd have any regard for, but now that he lived in a home that was once occupied by muggles, things all over the place caught his eye. During his time away from school, Theodore picked up more books to occupy himself and to figure out how to live in his new home. He had made sure to purchase enough books so that his father would not notice the books he had sneaked in regarding the life of muggles. But the things were proving useless as he couldn't really understand a word. Sighing and pulling the quill from his teeth, Theodore wondered if perhaps he should've just kept reading "Moronic Muggles" a second time around, though he knew well enough that the book itself didn't teach anything, nothing new his father hadn't already said about muggles. Theodore closed the book and glared at it, annoyed because the book dared not to make any sense to him. "Maybe this one....Home life and Social Habits by.." mumbled Theodore to himself. "Right, Thackery...?" there was no reply, so he jerked his head over, seeing if his cat was around. 

"Where have you gone now?" Theodore questioned, half exasperated, half curious. Kneeling down and checking underneath his bed, he looked for the pet. His search continued on and on in the room, slinking through every corner and scratching his head when he found an odd contraption. "Strange things" he muttered as Thackery jumped out of a closet door and walked to his owner. "I wonder what its purpose was. Do you think....." he paused and gave the cat a puzzled look "Do you think this is how they eat?.. Muggles" Thackery didn't reply but merely dipped his head to the side, appearing to be as confused as Theodore. "They're all over and filled with cheese. It's very senseless you know; whenever you try to take it it snaps and nearly cuts off your hand. No sense, no sense at all" Theodore tutted and placed the device down, unaware that it was a simple mousetrap. 

The cat had heard a scratching sound, Theodore snickered at the expression Thackery had on his face; who looked as though someone dumped a bucket of water on it. Before he could pick him up, the cat had dashed out of the room. The amusement did not last long, not when he heard a loud muttering coming from downstairs. Theodore groaned, knowing his father was home. The disturbing news welcomed itself to his memory again. An engagement, and one involving his father - Theodore still could not fathom it. He was still trying to figure out why his mother had married his father in the first place, and now somehow he had managed to get another to do so again. Most of the time Theodore wondered if his father had used a love potion of sorts or a curse. Though his father was not one to meddle with potions, he made that very well known whenever he'd complain about Theodore experimenting with his phials whenever he was home. Theodore snorted, remembering how pink and wrinkly his father's face would get whenever he'd leave a bubbling potion near his bedroom. 

"You best be dressed by now" Everic announced loudly, already making his way up to Theodore's room. There was no hurry in Theodore's pace, in fact he sat on his bed and stared at his ceiling; which he thought was a better use of his time. Each of his sighs sounded more sore than the other, hoping that time could simply stop so he could never go to his father's little get together with his....Theodore couldn't even think it. Everything was still odd to him, much more confounding than the way muggles lived. There was a creak in his room, he jumped to his feet thinking it was his father. Luckily it had only been Thackery, strutting in with part of a mouse in his mouth and dropping it near Theodore's feet. Instead of being disgusted, he looked down and studied the dead animal -- until his father had finally walked in, making a sound so loud even the neighbors would have been sure to know how disgusted Everic felt. "This is what you've been doing? Puhh" Everic huffed and snapped his wrist, wand in hand, the mouse disappeared. Giving him a look that quite plainly said NOW. Theodore gulped, and though he resented his father for getting rid of the mouse (that surely would've caused interesting results in his next potion) he walked toward his bureau and pulled out a new shirt. His father growled unpleasantly but nevertheless left the room. 

Dressed completely, he grabbed Thackery and let him sip something from a small glass. With every step he took down the stairs, the cat in  his arms seemed to shrink. The cat whimpered and Theodore slipped him in the inside pocket of his coat, "Shhh, father won't let me take you again. Claims it's distracting" he whispered and pretended to adjust his tie as his father came into view. "Hurry up, boy! It's enough you sit in your room living under books now you don't have to look the part" Everic croaked, giving Theodore's short but wiry hair a painful look. Theodore had kept quiet but made no effort to hide his irritated expression as he stood next to his father and disappeared along with him.

Apparating, Theodore patted his jacket, making sure Thackery was still there in one piece. It was hard getting his tail back in its place the last time he had snuck him out when he was with his father, and he did not want the task of doing it again. "Still here" Theodore whispered in relief. Shifting right behind his father's stride, Theodore entered the Vause home. Peering up and side to side; a strong feeling of discomfort flooding him - along with some envy- he wished he still had his old home without muggle headaches in every direction. Before he knew it he was in one room and then another. Not having paid any attention, Theodore walked right into his father, and Thackery making a short but audible meow. Everic lowered his brow, expecting his son to fess up but Theodore said nothing and pretended to be interested in the color of the room. "You've brought that cat again, haven't you" Theodore shifted his eyes and lied "No, not at all" Everic smiled eerily, though Theodore knew the smile was nothing but bad news "Oh" Everic said and tapped Theodore's pocket roughly, and so Thackery jumped out. A yellow ray flew from Everic's wand causing Thackery to grow in size as he ran off. 

The black cat had shot like lighting from one place to another, although most would think the cat was running normally, but to Theodore it was far too fast. He walked as quickly as he could and slowed down whenever he had to take a deep breath until he caught the cat. "There you are!" Theodore wheezed and plucked the cat from the ground. "You know you're to stay quiet whenever you're in my pocket, Thackery, we've talked about this before" Theodore petted Thackery and decided to take notice of where he was. With eyes squinting, he noticed the cages around and hearing the fearful screeches of the birds "What is this...who would have this" he asked himself and almost chuckled, almost glad that he found a place he thought he could hide in in order to avoid another meeting like the last one. That was of course until he noticed he wasn't alone in the room. 

Theodore was stunned by his company; his shoulders had gone up to his ears and his face squirmed with awkwardness. Thackery had leaped out of his arms and hung by his nails on a cage, though Theodore didn't notice. "Oh um.." he mumbled and could not think of another word to mutter, instead his eyes went back to the black cat who was trying to swat a bird. "Thackery, here" Theodore began, and reached into his pocket and pulled out a rat's tail, but Thackery wasn't in the mood to eat the tail. "Well then I'll use it later and you'll be sorry you've lost your chance" he taunted, unaware of his behavior or his company once more. The cat made it obvious he had changed his mind and jumped on Theodore, there he made his way onto his shoulder and looked as though he had whispered something to Theodore. His owner's eyes were on the cat and soon on Cordelia, (as it seemed Thackery had reminded Theodore that they weren't alone) "Oh that's her...doesn't she..." Theodore whispered and had the last bit of his words even lower so only the cat could hear, then he snickered after Thackery went back to his large ears "I know, I know, you certainly are right" Theodore blurted out and glanced at Cordelia and then back at Thackery. "Well um...Thackery...we should go back in, before father --" But Theodore couldn't finish, Thackery had jumped down and scurried as soon as he heard they were going back with Everic again.

[CORDELIA MEREDITH VAUSE]

The aviary was Cordelia's third favourite place to be when she was at home. The first, quite naturally, was her bedroom – a haven in itself while the other was the vast grounds of their back lawn. Its overall appearance was rather neat and polished, with hydrangea bushes that frothed in the spring time in lilac and blue, while white calla lilies grew almost as high as the first floor windows. A quaint pond in the middle of the grounds was home to small green frogs and tiny newts which lurked beneath a blanket of out of bloom nymphaeaceae. Somewhere at the back of the garden, tucked away a little and just before a thicket of trees grew, stood a little greenhouse which went unused by the two Vause ladies however was once apparently used by her father. Cordelia's curiosity always lead her to the door of the algae covered glasshouse however never took her close enough to reach the handle. Then again, perhaps it was courage not curiosity she lacked. Regardless to the strong sense of excitement and interest she felt to the mysterious shed at the bottle of her lawn, the aviary was always a place held close to her heart and also was a place her father was said to spend his time. 

The daughter of the soulless man often pondered over what he could have been like, but lacked the communal contact with her mother to ask. More often than not she would be spoken over as an indication it wasn't a topic to be talked about while other occasions would cause her mother to gaze at the girl with a sense of sorrow in her eyes. The latter would often make Cordelia uncomfortable to pursue her questions further. Birds flitted around the hanging cages, a couple of avadavats sipping from the enchanted water fountain in the corner of the room and a small gray finch bobbing close to her as she filled the feeder. It was lucky she had a tight grip on the pellets in her hand, though the shock and surprise caused a good spill to scatter over the stone flooring. The avadavats were first to go crazy, squarking like mad and circling one another while the rest hovered uneasily as close to the ceiling as possible. “Ohh... for the love of...hey, stop that!” The grey finch flapped around her head, the brunette softly squatting it away as the commotion with Theodore came to a stop. Utter perplexity filled her eyes at she stared – admittedly, up at due to his ridiculous height (or perhaps it was her petite size) - at Theodore, very gradually getting her breath to a regular pace. 

Her stare went unreturned, for much to her irritation, the unwelcome guest seemed more interested in criticizing the place opposed to apologizing for his impolite entrance. “Ugh,” Cordelia uttered as Theodore pulled out a rats tail to entice the cat who was attempting to catch the button quail that still stood on its perch. Just when she was about to tell the boy to get his wretched creature out of there, she couldn't help but growl when she was referenced in conversation, “Excuse me?” Insisted the girl with narrowed eyes, shaking her head and stepping forward a little, the bird food still in her fist. There was no way this scrawny bean would be so contemptuous towards Cordelia in her own house, let alone the fact it was with his cat! Just as she went to advance with malicious intent aided by more than a few violent words thrown in, Cordelia resisted – for the black feline was on the run, again;

“Oh no you don't!” She acted swiftly in her movements as Thackery tried to wind his way past her, however she was quick enough to scoop the creature up into her hands, away from her torso as to avoid scratches. “Hey, oh—stop that! Come on now--” Thackery squirmed though did not bare his claws as she brought him closer into her arms, shifting her weight as she got him into a comfortable position. Somewhere along the way, Codelia's harsh stare had softened and the black cat relaxed; “Aright, that's better. Now,” pulling away slightly, Cordelia met the felines eyes with her own almond stare. “I don't know about you, but rat tails sounds terribly unappealing in a room full of fresh birds. So, Thackery, why don't we see instead if we have any...hm, kippers left over?” A distinct purr radiated from the cats body before it leapt back down from her arms and sauntered its way towards the door it had rushed in from. She could not help but smile ever so slightly, though the look was erased when she remembered Theodore was still there too, 

“You realise if your cat caught one of these birds, my mother would not hesitate to put you outside for the post wedding ceremony meal.” She drawled while wandering towards him and the door, the bird food long gone after she picked up Thackery, arms folded across her chest. Cordie did not forget his conversation with Thackery regarding her, which lead to her next comment that was accompanied with a smirk, “At least you'll have something to talk to out there - maybe some of the worms will indulge in your quaint little murmurs.” Reaching the door, she fumbled in her pocket for the key to lock the aviary up behind her, indicating impatiently for Theodore to get out with a flourish of her arm. Even though he was practically a stranger despite being so close to being family, Cordelia did not feel the immediate need to socialise with the sixteen year old. It generally took a while before Cordelia would warm to someone - generally meaning people as animals had a stronger sense of understanding or at least she seemed to think so - preferring to suss them out before engaging in conversation. However in this circumstance, she had no choice in the matter at all. 

[THEODORE ISAAC FISCHER]

Throughout the time Theodore and Thackery exchanged whispers that suggested neither anything polite or complimentary, Theodore stood there as though Cordelia was invisible until the cat jumped off him. The cat had gone out of sight for a second or so before it returned; however not to Theodore’s eyes who had accidentally stepped on his tail before the cat shrieked loudly and went off. Only slightly concerned, he had grinned slightly, finding his misstep funny. Thackery had noticed this as he was picked up by Cordelia. Certain that the cat would prepare his dark claws to scratch his way out of Cordelia’s arms, Theodore prepared himself to sharpen his grin, much to his disbelief however, Thackery played well; something he never did. His brows furrowed and his jaw slacked at what he was seeing. Every time anyone tried to pet the black cat, let alone carry him, Thackery would fight his way out and after that no one would bother, but here, right in front of him the cat was being offered treats. Theodore huffed quietly, negligent to the envy he was feeling. 

As the cat walked away, Theodore noticed how its tail swayed side to side tauntingly and in that moment he made note not to allow the cat out of his room the next day. “Just you wait, Thackery” he thought and looked away, only to turn again when he heard Cordelia speaking. He could not understand what she was trying to mean by her tone, it confused him as her voice said something but the words said another, something that Theodore thought meant well. “Really?” he asked, sounding quite happily. “Can you make sure she does that then?” Theodore asked, feeling as though being away from his father, this girl and her mother was the best thing he had heard that day. 

While the conversation appeared to still be carrying, Theodore remained disconcerted with what Cordelia was saying. “Well…It all depends, I suppose. The common garden worms do gesture more, but flobberworms are actually better - they or rather their mucus doubles as potion ingredients so that’s not bad and they stay to listen longer” Theodore merely nodded. After all, keeping idle exchanges with worms or anything that was alive (as long as it wasn’t a person) was quite normal for Theodore; in fact he preferred it that way. Of course the worms could not talk back to him, nor anything other than felines like Thackery, but it never stopped him from voicing his opinions with such things. Theodore blinked twice, lost in his thoughts he had forgotten what was going on and only just noticed that Cordelia was near the door. Theodore slouched toward the exit and began to look for his cat again. 

Thackery wasn’t in sight and Theodore sighed, wishing he had brought a book in hand, as he guessed it would be the only way he could stay sane during his visit. He scratched his head and for once wondered what it would be like after that day. Blimey, he sighed and felt dread covering his body once more. “Is your mother batty?” Theodore asked, without any concerned if Cordelia was even in ear length, he merely assumed she was. “Well she must be, if she has any interest in my father” Theodore thought, but put his worries aside when he noticed Thackery. “There you are, come here” he attempted to command but only sounded as if he was making a suggestion. Thackery paid no attention to him, as a matter of fact it looked as though the cat was having fun just trotting around. Something Theodore hadn’t seen the cat do whenever Everic was in the same vicinity. Theodore scoffed and narrowed his eyes at Thackery and contemplated kicking him, but knew that the cat would get him with his claws when Theodore was asleep. 

Before he had noticed, he was in the kitchen and fumbled out of there. Lost, Theodore walked right into a scene he wished he had never seen. It had been his father in arms with his fiancé, making the most vomit inducing faces and cutesy sounds. Theodore was repulsed, and felt a lump within his throat. Looking quite nauseated, his feet were rooted to the floor although he wanted nothing more than to disappear. "Ugh", he finally managed to mutter with distaste. Everic’s cold eyes now supplied Theodore with a chill that accompanied the discomfort he was already feeling. 

“Why don’t you go round and try to make friends with…” Everic waved his hand, shooing Theodore out. He had been glad for a moment until he realized that he had to go talk to Cordelia. “I have to find Thackery, he’s run off somewhere here” he tried to excuse himself but his father only gave him a disapproving grunt - one that pained him to soften, since the two weren’t home alone. "You'll certainly have more fun having a talk with a girl than you will with that dirty cat. Go on then, Theodore, before Miriam thinks you're more eager to pick up flees than talk to..." Everic had said, in a voice that only Theodore knew was completely fake. He wasn't sure what upset his stomach the most; his father's actions or the forged tone he was using in order to get rid of him with enough embarrassment to keep him in line. 

"Right..." Theodore said dryly, only deciding to leave when he noticed his father going back to placing his arms on Cordelia's mother. That certainly was something he could not watch a second time around. 

[CORDELIA MEREDITH VAUSE]

The feeling of Thackery in her arms was quite peculiar feeling to the girl, but also rather comforting for she was so used to having fragile feathered creatures in her hands usually – such a sturdy and active feline was more reassuring in a way. The way he relaxed in her grasp only encouraged this feeling, already becoming quite attached to the cat despite only holding it for just a moment before it bounded happily away. She couldn't help a slight smirk, as if just realising how curiously sensitive cats seemed to be to others emotions – noticing a smug jaunt to its step as he slowly turned his head to watch Theodore while he strolled out of the door. Yes, she quite liked this Thackery already – more than his owner she was confident enough to say.

She abandoned all energy to listen to Theodore's flobberworm complex, locking up the aviary and hanging it onto the row of small pegs that were nailed to the door frame. It took her a few attempts of standing on her tip toes and reaching up - for her height really did make everything an effort. Evidently, Theodore had already wandered into the kitchen with whispers of 'Thackery' following in his wake. Sneaking it just behind him, her foot falls effortlessly silent, Cordelia side stepped her way towards the hallway and towards the stairs. Whilst making her way up the stairs, she heard a light giggle that could only belong to her mother – unless Theodore had a stronger and stranger relationship to his cat than she realised – coming from the lounge, pausing long enough to scoff heavily in disgust before continuing the journey to her bedroom. 

Third floor up, first turn on the landing and second door on the right. This was the journey to Cordelia's bedroom. Exactly four people had ever entered that sacred space – her mother, Vaisey the house elf, her father when she was not even old enough to remember it and another young pure-blood who was her first ever friend invited for a sleep over... and last, due to Cordelia's experimental hair cutting phase. Her bedroom was a place entirely secret to her and she liked it that way. The room had a dark vintage feel to it, with deep indigo coloured walls and mahogany wood floor. The large skylight set into the overhead slant of Cordelia's ceiling let in late summer sun, filtering through the blinds and bathing part of the floor and most of her bed in a soft glow. Dark wood furniture took up space in the room – her large wardrobe and dresser scattered with trinkets and ornaments, an old birdcage set atop a pile of books being home to a small ivy plant that tangled its vines through the black railings. There were a few candles here and there, one on her bedside table still smoking slightly – its warm sandalwood and ginger aroma lingering along with the scent of drying oil paints. A very large and heavy mirror leant against the wall just opposite her dresser, making home with settled dust atop its gilded frame, her Slytherin tie draped across one edge along with her slightly scuffed black boots. 

Her paintbrushes – some half dry, others with stiff bristles that she found unable to get rid of – were gathered together in a vase, just beside it the gardenias that were once occupying the vase now comfortably thriving in a tea mug. All in all, her bedroom was very much lived in, and to her own taste. Perching upon her bed, legs crossed on the duvet and back against a mass of multiple sized cushions, Cordelia picked up a box of matches from her bedside table draw. With ever intention to relight her candle, she was just about to strike the match when a small black form slid through her ajar door. Thackery was abruptly and ungracefully joined by Theodore...much to her distain. With a thud, the young gangly teenager managed to get tangled in attempting to pick Thackery up and walking forward, thus falling to the ground in a heap. Match still in hand but safely unlit, Cordelia blinked wildly and straightened up in her seat, “Could you contain your enthusiasm please, especially upon an unwelcome entrance.” Narrowing her eyes, she flung her legs back over the edge of her bed, toes dangling. 

Cordelia felt uncomfortable in the fact he was in her room, but she did not have time to dwell on it. She shiftily spared a glance round, for her own concern making sure it was not a total mess, hoping to avoid embarrassment by wishing away all forms of clothing were hidden from sight! “Thackery, here!” She patted the bed in hopes to hid her uneasiness, awaiting the arrival of her desired company. Licking her lips, she offered a glance at Theodore, “You could of at least let me know you were coming in you know instead of storming in as if you were born in a barn... I suspect my mother and your father wanted...privacy.” Almost immediately she regretted her words, instantly bringing up imagery Theodore had just witnessed. “On second thoughts, would rather not get into...that.” Her tone conveyed disgust, shaking her head slightly and returning the match to its box.

[THEODORE ISAAC FISCHER]

The repugnant smacking sound and muffled giggling from Everic and Miriam echoed through the house, or so it seemed, as Theodore wandered around trying to escape it. “They sound like a Nogtail, suckling on one another” He shook his head just picturing it and feeling as sick as he did when he walked in on them. Theodore dreaded that setting being a permanent one now that the two were engaged. Then he stopped, finally realizing that his life was going to change completely. Eyes blinking quickly, he panicked, just thinking about what sort of things would happen. Where would he and his father live? This house? The one they occupied now? …. Well this one was much nicer and spacious… - Theodore countered his thoughts but soon enough went back to grave thoughts. It was a shame he did not have enough years at Hogwarts left, he lamented. 

Now Theodore slumped himself around the house, making no effort to move his arm away from the wall where it scraped lazily. If there was a way to look anymore pitiful, Theodore had already surpassed it. That was until he saw Thackery walking by. Head quickly prompting, Theodore stood up -as straight as he could- which was not much, and called out for the cat “Thackery, Thackery” he whispered harshly, but the cat could not be bothered to listen to Theodore - still upset over having his tail stepped on earlier. “Come Thackery, we can go outside until all this is done” Theodore added, but Thackery still found no appeal, especially if it meant going outside; he was much more comfortable in the warm within the house. 

The black cat took a corner and disappeared momentarily, however Theodore was not about to let him run away again. He dashed toward the cat and pushed his way into a room, not know Thackery had stopped near and ended up collapsing over the cat - luckily Thackery had wormed his way out of his owner before he was flattened. 

A loud and distressed sound left Theodore as he rubbed his knee while he stood up. “I hate when you do that, you could've told me you were going to stand there like you've been petrified" he snapped at the cat, but his anger slipped out of him as soon as he realized he was in a room with Cordelia again. Theodore gulped and pretended to look around her room - actually finding interest in the place as it was much more different than his own room back home. She had spoken to him but Theodore merely glanced at her, attempting to appear indifferent, though really he didn’t want to address his embarrassment of flouncing into her room. 

Trying to waver the discomforting predicament from earlier, Theodore walked around imprudently and tapped his fingers on the old birdcage and picked up some ornaments, looking at them as though he had picked up a jar with a head in it. If it hadn’t been for Thackery being called, he would’ve likely continued to poke around without much consideration. His eyes narrowed slightly as he looked over Cordelia to see if the cat would actually listen. Much to his surprise, the cat obeyed happily, causing Theodore to huff quietly and would have pouted more if it hadn’t been for the awful reminder of what he saw his father doing downstairs. At the words regarding privacy, Theodore turned around and felt his large ears turning red hot and his face warming up just as much. He hid his face in his hands and wanted nothing more than to lose his hearing at the moment. Sighing regretfully. he muttered “I rather listen to a mandrake cry for an hour than those two…” 

Hands off his face, Theodore walked toward the paint brushes and began twiddling with them. He knew she did not want him there, as much as he did not want himself there either. But needn’t be reminded that he had no choice but to stay in there, unless he wanted to walk over to the awful show the parents were putting on. His hair became even more unruly as he scratched his head, Theodore decided to sit on the floor, and gave Cordelia a look, as though it was her fault that her mother had decided to become involved with his father. He wasn’t very certain what to say to the girl however. His face scrounged as he tried to think but couldn’t maneuver  a helpful thought. It was the same problem as usual so he decided not to really try at all. 

Realizing he still had a paintbrush in his hand he waved it around but looked as though he could not make sense of it. Theodore really couldn’t understand the point of it, he knew what it was but didn’t really understand it “What’s it purpose…” he wondered aloud, tilting the brush even more “It doesn’t really do anything does it? There’s colors everywhere, what difference does it make to put it on paper?…. especially those that aren’t charmed to move around” The very idea of art confused Theodore as much as muggles had. 

Turning his gaze to Cordelia again, he noticed Thackery next to her quite comfortably and his eyes narrowed toward the cat. He opened his mouth and wanted to say something to the feline but remembered how his father discouraged talking to the cat earlier. What could he say to the cat anyway? Even he knew there was nothing, another than to apologize but that was something Theodore hardly ever did. So he left it there and placed the paintbrush next to him. Theodore knew there was no way he would be able to leave and go home without his father grilling him for answers about what he spoke of and the rant he got during the last meeting he ran away pretending to be sick. But conversation was not his forte, then he remembered that he had a sort of…practice before - with his father at his job. 

Theodore picked up a card from his pocket and then his glasses. Placing them awkwardly, he looked at the words on his notes “What are your best qualities?” he read off as if he was talking to a conference room “Are you punctual and do you have any problem with working hard with long hours.” He continued to read off and looked off then rushed his speech with “Oh!…My name is Theodore..” he sighed again and mumbled something about always forgetting that part.  If it hadn’t been obvious, Theodore was having much difficulty speaking normally to others. If it hadn’t been an insult or a mumble, he really wasn’t sure how to start off a conversation. He looked down to his card and gathered the rest of the questions but thought that asking about how long Cordelia took her lunch and if she had her copy of her CV on her, was probably not cordial. Though he was actually wondering if he should’ve asked if she could overcome difficult situations. Nevertheless, the round of questions had already bored him as fast as they did whenever he was with his father - and like during those times he began to speak without really minding:

“You know….this room is…okay, I suppose. But what it really needs is a plant, perhaps a terrarium or maybe” Theodore nodded and studied the old bird cage again. “Nothing simple or dull, perhaps something like a venus fly trap” He began nodding more excitedly now and stood up, imagining what other sort of plants the room could use “I have two and they’re brilliant, I even figured out how to make them drool venom. It’s very useful whenever you want your pets to stay away from your books” a little smile planted itself on Theodore and wondered if perhaps he was saying too much but believed such a thought was silly, there was never enough to say about plants. It was about now that his stomach began nudging him, he was hungry again and ask "Listen do you have any of those..." he tried to remember "Kippers? Yeah those, do you have any here. I don't want to go down there with those two again" Theodore was a bit more comfortable now, talking about plants before, but it hadn't occurred to him that he probably shouldn't have been asking for food that was original offered to his cat. 

[CORDELIA MEREDITH VAUSE]

Cordelia stroked Thackery as he lept up onto her bed, her hand running along his head and down a sleek body to the tip of the tail before letting him wander around her bed as if surveying the scene. All the while she watched Theodore peruse round her room like he were in a shop that held little interest to his needs. She didn't know where his hands had been therefore felt immediately irked as he started picking up her things. Her dry words upon his uninvited entrance entitled Cordelia to huff rather irritably. She wanted to call out and tell him to stop, particularly when he ventured a litle to close to the little ornate figure of a blue bunting bird. To the eye it appeared to simply be a little glass figure, however upon assessment it would open up. It belonged to her father, and she had not been able to figure out how to unlock the little gift that was given to her at birth. According to her mother, what was inside was only be be revealed when she became of age on her 17th birthday – and only her father knew how to open it. Her breath caught as he continued to pick things up, breath catching in her throat and a mere, “Stop-” escaped with large eyes before he apparently seemed occupied by another sighting.

With haste she leapt off the bed swiftly with light footing, slipping the fragile ornament into a large oval jewellery box that sat on her dresser. Turning back, she composed her features into a sharp look as he helped himself to a paintbrush and sat on the floor. Well, its better than my bed, she mused to herself before returning to her bed, pleasantly surprised when Thackey curled up beside her. It wasn't all to bad having a pet around, like a warm fur pillow that could follow you around. Then again she was fond of her birds – perhaps if she were to get a cat for herself she would have to train it up. Then again, merlin forbid if the Fischer family happened to move in (Cordelia knew her mother was all too fond of their lovely house to the countryside gem) she would have to teach Thackery some patience. Theodore's comment about her brushes and the concept of art irritated the young witch, frowning heavily not in annoyance but defensiveness. 

“It isn't required to do anything. Art is not a necessity but its enjoyable.” Playing with Thackery's ears, she did not need to continue – however something made her want to. “There are many reasons why people produce art. Sometimes its for the outcome and sense of accomplishment. Other times it may be just for the development and creation. What do you enjoy? Riding a bicycle? Fishing? Reading books? Lets go with that, books.” She honestly had no idea what the boy enjoyed but his level of curiosity lead her to believe perhaps her last choice was the most accurate. She had turned to him now, leaning forward slightly with legs crossed beneath her and eyes round. “You like books...for the story? For the nature of the words inside? But what if you had the inquisitiveness to write? Would you say that were pointless for the fact there are a thousand other books in the world? Sometimes... the purpose is what you make of it.” 

Cordelia wasn't usually one for moments of abrupt conversation or answers – for she was typically the one asking them. It surprised her a little, the way she answered him without hiding her enthusiasm, suddenly feeling a little embarrassed. Looking away to Thackery again, she straightened up and pulled a large plush pillow onto her lap and picked at the threads, hoping to look disinterested rather that...dare she say, shy. When she looked up as he spoke once more, she was surprised to see him with a pair of glasses perched on the end of his nose. Confusion lurked when he began reading from what looked like notes some of the N.E.W.T level students would use for studying. There was something about this fellow she just could not place. The way he talked to his cat as if the feline understood, hoarding flash cards in his pocked like he was about to step into an exam or interview, the curiosity that she had only recognised as it compared to hers so strongly. There was little time to dwell on these quirks when his questions began to flow, followed by a brief introduction. “This-this is not...” She trailed off, unable to comprehend what just happened, blinking and exhaling through her nose in bitter amusement. “Well, Theodore, my name is Cordelia and I would have to say my best qualities are intuition and picking up on situations where my company are completely unhinged.” Cordie spoke calmly, wondering whether he would pick up on her sarcastic delivery or completely blank it like before.

She couldn't help but smile when he began to ramble about her bedroom, a little accomplished at the fact she figured out books were in fact his form of art. Cordelia followed in suite as he looked around, shrugging softly and nodding to the gardenia trimmings, “I have plants in the garden and bring them in whenever Vaisey picks some for the house. Venus fly trap hmm...do they really do that? Catch flies?” Perhaps it was the fact she was comfortable in her own room that she resorted to act almost pleasantly to Theodore. “I don't know whether the greenhouse has anything there anymore. Mind you, no one has been in there since...Salazar knows how long.” She was glancing up to the skylight when he noted his peckishness and Cordelia too felt a little hungry. “Those were just intended for Thackery you know...but, I'll see what's around-- Vaisey!” 

Within seconds a light tapping came at the door in which Cordelia answered once leaving her seat on the bed. Standing at waist height on the petite witch, the house elf with very large hazel eyes peered up, “Miss Cordelia, how may I help?” Her back was to Theodore and the little feline, legs crossed at the ankles as she stood in the door way, “Can I have a plate of kippers...make that two, one with some bread perhaps. If there's any more of our roast from last night I would like some of that in a sandwich too please.” With a quick nod, the house elf disappeared from site. In the distance, Cordelia could hear Everic's voice from the living room below, something about loving the lips – a phrase that caused her to shut the door rapidly in disgust before turning to her company, finding it much better than that which lingered on the ground floor. 

[THEODORE ISAAC FISCHER]

Not a necessity but..enjoyable, the words had his head tilt slightly as though he was trying to figure out a rather peculiar puzzle. It was hard to tell if he had really understood or not, Theodore himself wasn’t at all certain. He attempted to find a way to relate, somehow. But noticing Thackery’s ears flicking on caused a bit of jealousy on his part. Thackery always made a clicking hiss as though he hated being played with his ears, though didn’t mind bobbing Theodore’s ears whenever he was bored. The black furred feline looked very lulled and Theodore decided to give it enough attention.

He found Cordelia’s words to have continued its strangeness. It had been oddly yet interesting, listening to her, the mention of a bicycle went of over his head and all he muttered was a “A bite..cycle.. what?” At this point he wasn’t certain of what she was talking about and merely assumed it was an art term. Shaking his head, he satisfied himself when the word books came along. Theodore smirked slightly and understood some of what Cordelia said to him. “Well…” he started, forgetting where to go from there “I suppose it isn’t pointless to have so many books. They are very informative. My mornings would not be very fine without course books” he nodded. Though Theodore’s interest with books hadn’t ever really been nonfictional, not since he was a much younger boy. Things of study were usually what caught his interest - but he was not completely unaware of creativity, he did have some, without really realizing it yet.

Theodore had recognized a familiar expression upon Cordelia, one that he had seen on many other people at hogwarts, he had wondered what caused her to play with the pillow on her lap but decided not to ask about it. Instead he went to his cards, when she replied he smiled slightly whatever mockery played the words completely were completely missed by Thedore as he thought finally getting the hang of talking to Cordelia. For a moment he had felt quite proud of himself, as normally when he’d ask those questions in his father’s company he’d only get a disapproving grunt from Everic, as Theodore wasn’t exactly made to be interviewing people. Removing his glasses, a small amount of comfort charioted itself on him. 

Spouting passionately about plants, Theodore almost lost himself in inspiration. If he had payed enough attention to himself he could have realized that plants, gardening, was what awoke his creativity - but perhaps next time he would have realized. As for now, he assumed himself the only one keyed up about it. Theodore stood up and approached Cordelia as she asked about venus fly traps, he wasn’t sure how to go about..placing himself other than back on the floor again, but he decided to lean against the closest wall. With a subject he could finally understand he spoke “They do eat insects, they don’t necessarily have to…but I think they enjoy it. They can even eat small frogs” an odd simper went on Theodore’s face, finding oddly finding it amusing that frogs could be eaten like that. 

Everything had been going passable but then chucked himself away from the wall he was leaning on and exclaimed “A greenhouse?! Did you say you have a greenhouse?” His smile was broad, something that was hard to accomplish as he was rather sensitive of the way his teeth crooked, but at the moment he completely forgotten about such vain things.  “Where is it?” He asked excitedly and looked around as though the greenhouse would actually be in that very room. “Oh can I see it?” Theodore asked impatiently, the very thought of another greenhouse made him more thrilled than he had been in a while. He had missed the greenhouse his mother nurtured in their old house, it had been his escape from everything, and where he could feel like he had a purpose. Now having it gone, he never thought he’d ever see another one - other than the ones back at school. 

Theodore was unable to stand still and even his appetite was flung out of him now. “Actually I’m no longer hungered” he decided and turned around to find Thackery - who had taken the liberty to explore while no one was looking. Theodore spotted him near the paintbrushes and approached the cat, when he reached for him, he covertly gathered two brushes that he had right on the cat itself until he was able to pocket them later. Although he had made no whisper or hint at any interest in painting before, the thought of it hadn’t yet grown pale in his mind - within his own company he would try to figure it out himself - Theodore had always hated the idea of being moronic to anything. 

[CORDELIA MEREDITH VAUSE]

"Each to their own." Cordelia concluded with a shrug, momentarily distracted by a few strands of hair whisping around her eyes. This boy was very peculiar and she wasn't sure if she liked his company. Cordelia wasn't fond of things she didn't immediately understand and Theodore was certainly something incomprehensible. Still, there was something about him she couldn't help but find interesting - he was an oddball, that's for sure. Such a different breed than any other character or temperament she had come across at the parties and events her mother liked to drag her to anyway!

The boy in question made himself known to the room by wandering around, something that made Cordelia slightly uncomfortable. Her light eyes darted around as if self conscious of him knocking a drawer open or misplacing something. She was quite glad she had left the painting she just done against the far window to dry, otherwise he was bound to try and smell the canvas or something equally weird. Like most of her belongings, she had a strong protectiveness over them - so when he leaned against the wall she felt an immediate sense of relief. It wasn't as safe as the floor, but so long it wasn't her bed he was fine. "Small frogs," Cordelia repeated, wrinkling her noise in horror, "I wouldn't fancy that in my room at all! What if I leaned across it in the night and it went for my hand or something." Cordelia was well aware she wasn't the biggest of creatures herself, so if the plant grew any bigger then she it wouldn't be her hand in danger. "Think I would rather stick to immobile plants, thanks. Do you have any more suggestions? Perhaps less...hungered by living creatures." Her question was a genuine one, she was actually rather curious - the room could use a bit of green amidst the chestnut brown, deep plum and amber tones. 

When she caught the excitement in Theodore's voice about her greenhouse, Cordelia felt surprised. It wasn't everyday a sixteen year old lad gets excited about something as mundane as a green house but not a clue what a bicycle is, yet Theodore seemed to have a habit of surprising her. She had been in the process of walking to the door and speaking to the house elf when his following questions came, too busy asking for the food to really listen to him. Upon turning around just as the soft popping sound of Vaisey disappearing reached her ears, Cordelia sighed. Evidently, he had changed his mind and she felt rather irritated by his lack of appreciation for her going out of her way to feed him (needless to say, Cordelia was not used to company therefore being a natural host was lost to her.) 

"Well...I mean, it doesn't actually have a key. Like I said, no one has been in there for years so Merlin knows what's growing in there now," She trailed off, momentarily nervous this would only encourage his excitement. Cordelia pressed her lips together whilst looking round the room and thought, Hmm if I get him out of here then at least he won't be messing up my room and stealing things. "Alright then," Cordelia spoke as if she were succumbing to the requests of a child wanting to visit the park, rubbing her eyes a little, feeling them ache slightly. Her mother always told her off for drawing at night in such poor lighting, that she would eventually damage her eyes with the strain. Much to her digression, the woman was right and now she needed to wear glasses every so often though not all the time. Reaching in to her front pocket - for she was still wearing her slight paint covered dungarees that were always necessary when painting - Cordelia withdrew a pair of black framed glasses and perched them upon her nose whist speaking and leading the way out of her room,


"If we go now we can go out the side way instead of through the kitchen again. Its a longer walk but - well I don't want to get nauseous from the sight of your father massaging mothers back again and doubt you do either." 

[THEODORE ISAAC FISCHER]

Theodore couldn’t help but find Cordelia’s reaction to be incredibly humorous, he snickered slightly at the thought of her hand being caught in the venus flytrap “I suppose the plant would try to take a nibble at you” he snickered again “Though you don’t exactly have to maintain it next to your bed, could be by your door or something” Then he smirked as an idea popped in his mind “By your front door, you should definitely get one and leave it there. Perhaps it would make my father think twice about having us come here. Doesn’t really much like plants that one” he nodded expertly. Oh what treat it would be, not having to trail behind his father whenever he decided to make those grueling visits to the Vause home. Theodore hadn’t exactly been feeling tortured anymore, talking to Cordelia was something he wasn’t minding as much as before - but still, it wasn’t something he wanted to do all the time and he supposed she must’ve thought the same. 

As the subject continued on plants, Theodore actually stayed aware of the conversation. Even if his plant suggestion didn’t seem something too thrilling, he didn’t mind. “Well, if you want to play it safe and avoid being eaten… I mean since you’re so…” His eyes gestured to her then the floor, pointing out her height “You could always make a terrarium” he suggested in a friendlier tone “They aren’t much of a project to start on, not difficult, though they are rather fun and interesting. Best not have any birds in here though, their squawking will probably make you lose any concentration, unless you’re already used to a scattered mind” There it was again, Theodore’s knack to be insulting without even noticing. Yes, the skills in socializing had definitely been slight with him. He had looked around and didn’t seem to find what he was looking for, then walked to the nearest window and peered out of it “If you can’t find what you need for your terrarium here…which by the looks of it, it will be the case….you can come to my home and I can assist you” Theodore turned back and shrugged, assuming that if his father forced him on visits, that Cordelia’s mother would likely do the same. 

But right after his suggestion, something in that moment caused him some embarrassment so he did what he usually did, took back his words “I suppose you could purchase an already build terrarium, somewhere. It would still accompany your room um…the same” Theodore’s little bouts of embarrassment or whatever else that seemed inexplicable always came about whenever he spoke to anyone - however he never sought out to fix or explain his behaviour. 

Luckily talks about the greenhouse had come around so Theodore managed to distract himself from his previous clumsy awkwardness. His eyes squinted slightly when he heard there was no key to the greenhouse, and began to wonder if anything in there was still living, if as Cordelia had said it hadn’t been opened for years. But perhaps it was enchanted somehow and continued to live on its own care. Regardless, Theodore felt the anticipation growing when it was decided they could go see it. 

Following Cordelia, he noticed the glasses she was wearing, he scoffed as if amused and said “Oh you have those as well do you, wretched aren’t they” Theodore shook his head slightly, having nothing but resentment for having the misfortune of poor eyesight as well - of course he wouldn’t have minded his glasses so much, but during his second year he recalled another slytherin being picked on for wearing glasses, and so his own always caused him to be cautious and irritant of them.

Later on, Cordelia had placed an image in his head that he could only describe as the most disgusting thing he could imagine so far…. ”It’s a bit late for that now” he added after he pictured his father massaging the older Vause. 

Theodore followed behind as Cordelia led the way to the outside of the house and kept on until they made it to the greenhouse. During the walk, Theodore however kept on knocking onto whatever was on the floor, or perhaps it had been Cordelia’s feet, since he had longer legs his steps were a bit more elongated. He hadn’t been sure what it was but mumbled a “was that you?…..is that your feet…was that a stone…” here and there, until he finally walked beside her instead of behind - thanks to Thackery who had suggested it. Theodore grew tired of carrying the cat so he slipped him another few drops of shrinking solution and placed him in the front pocket of his jacket - Thackery only having his small head peering out with his ears pointed up sharply.  

The time had come and his eyes were glued to the greenhouse as soon as he saw it. Theodore rushed to the door having forgotten it was said to be locked; he pressed his hands on the glass panels as he tried to have a look in there. “You’re certain there’s no way in?” he sighed and placed his hands in his pockets.  Turning, he asked Cordelia “Why is it locked anyway?…don’t you or your mother know a spell or something to get in” Theodore looked back to the greenhouse and sighed once more “Maybe we can find a way, so we don’t have to go back in your house”

Eyes darting around to find an opening to the greenhouse, Theodore stopped when he saw a familiar berry "Is that a crazyberry?" He mumbled to himself and found a bush full of the particular berries "Oh good, I'm hungry" Theodore muttered despite rejecting actual food only minutes ago. "Can you believe they add crazyberries to that blowing gum....oh what's it called....Droobles blowing gum I think? Shame though, I hate sweets" Theodore said between bites of berries - his attention span while in the middle of social activities was that of a squirrel after all.