"At least there's a convenient target?" says Thea. "If you don't get corrupted by them."

"I'm incorruptible."

"Uh-huh."

"Also I'm a muggleborn so."

"There is that," she concedes. "I'm sure some people could get past that little issue, though."

"What, and then go on to hate other muggleborns? Where's the sense in that?"

"Some people will do anything to be part of an in-crowd."

"Yeah no I'm gonna be the pariah. I always am."

"… Is that a religious thing? – Wait, nope, social outcast, never mind."

"You already seem to have a group of acquaintances," says Anthony.

"Well sure but that's because everyone's new here."

"… I mean, I don't think I'm gonna end up just ignoring you."

"I mean there aren't any cliques here and dominant people and people telling their parents about the weird genderfluid kid."

"Okay, but, I don't think I'm going to just ignore you when we get to Hogwarts either."

"Yeah because there you won't have your cliques already ready. It's a new start for everyone."

"– So you're going to be the pariah like always but one who has a social group?"

"Probably."

"Sounds like… it's better than it could be?"

Thea fidgets a bit.

He shrugs. "I'm used to it."

"Would be better if you didn't have to be."

"Would've been better if someone'd decided to come explain, but alas."

Nod.

"– So, do you want to try another charm? You seemed excited for magic."

"I dunno, they might explode again."

"It didn't really explode so much as… go the wrong way? Maybe?"