A Little Friend? You Mean- PET

In the middle of the busy street of Diagon Alley, a father and daughter walked hand in hand, squeezing through crowds of people. As the start of term approached, students and parents were all here, buying the necessary school equipment for the following year.

"I think I've got everything, dad." Elisa said, looking up from her furniture list, "We should head back home, dad, mum'll be waiting."

Checking his watch, the father smiled and said, "I don't think we've got quite everything yet... I'm sure your mum won't mind, we've still got one whole hour till dinner time."

Puzzled, Elisa stared back at her furniture list. Everything was ticked off already, what could her dad mean? Seeing the look on his daughter's face, father grinned and said, "You've got all your books, robes and potion ingredients, yes, but I've been thinking... About getting you a little friend."

"A little... Dad, you don't mean- a pet?" Elisa's eyes widened in amazement.

"Well, in fact, I do." Elisa's father chuckled, "Your mum and I have been thinking about getting you an owl. It'll be easier to send letters while you're at Hogwarts, and I haven't seen a little girl who wouldn't like a pet owl."

"Really, dad, really?

"Of course! Now where is this Magical Menagerie again... Follow me closely, I don't want to lose you in the crowd."

Elisa hurried after her father, pushing through the bustling crowd of people. After some more squeezing and tugging, the father and daughter finally arrived at the door of the magical pet shop.

Peering inside, Elisa's mouth almost dropped open. She had never particularly noticed this shop before, she had been focused on other things, mainly books. But now, she walked inside, gaping at the numerous magical animals inside, she was truly amazed by all the magical species it held. There were the ones a bit uglier to look at, but then there were the owls.

A couple owls were delicately perched on branches in their cages. There were ones with white feathers dotted with black, there were tiny ones and huge ones. But out of them all, Elisa noticed a completely plain one. A barred owl, she recognised. An invisible force attracted Elisa to it. Perhaps it was the innocent look, or the soft, grey-ish brown feathers...

Glancing around in search of her father, Elisa saw that he was already talking to the shop owner.

"Eli dear, have you chosen?"

"I- I think I have, dad."

422/400 words