Shrugging and giving a curt nod to Braeden, Theodore answered in an attempt to appear nonchalant. Or, as nonchalant as was possible while carrying five books in his arms and five books in his overloaded satchel. "I suppose. I guess I shouldn't feel like I'm being, well... attacked. Thanks." The corners of his thin lips curved upward into a small smile. Roderigo and Braeden definitely knew Riley better than Theodore did, so what was the sense in being worried about making an enemy now? Things would change for the better. They had to, for nervous Theo's sake.

"Oh, right." Theodore blinked a few times, awaking from his reverie. He had been staring straight at the Gryffindor without even realizing it. "Well, that's what I need to do today. I need to go down to the owlery to send the slip to my parents, but..." He glanced from the stack of books in his arms, which felt as if they were numb, and back to Braeden. "I need to take these all the way back to Ravenclaw Tower first." Sighing, he continued, "I'd better be on my way now before my arms can't take the weight anymore." Truthfully, his lack of biceps caused the small muscles in his arms to want to cry out in pain, if they had voices.