While others begin their tale with silver spoons and gilded cradles, Thea’s story opens in the grim confines of an orphanage—a target of cruelty, bearing the strange and sinister gift of Parseltongue. Where others might find a Hogwarts filled with sweet romance and honeyed adventures, Thea’s days are consumed by a single, desperate question: How shall I survive Albus Dumbledore today? At first, Thea believed her struggles would be confined to the orphanage’s cold halls. But soon, she realizes—apart from herself, it seems the entire wizarding world has turned against her. The Chosen One, the Greatest Sorcerer of the Age, the Dark Lord and his fanatical followers… Merlin’s beard! Are you lot trying to gather a council of six legendary figures just to send me to the heavens?