pretentious little things pet

It had been a topic of conversation amongst Catriona and Gem, to save up their galleons, sickles, and knuts to get a pet. They'd both said they wanted a cat, and so it was decided that once they'd gotten enough to pay and provide for one, they'd head to Diagon Alley and find the creature that piqued their interest the most.

Gem bustled inside first, his friend stumbling right behind him, clumsily bonking into his back. The two of them giggled childishly, filled to the brim with utmost excitement. Because they were both headed in the same direction, they spoke softly while they went browsing for the new additions to the family. Occasionally, one of them would pipe up and squeal, 'look at this one!', but it never did amount to much. Eventually, it seemed like had her attention pulled in by another kitten. While that happened, Gem nosed around across other sections, the owls, the rats, and even considered the very minimalistic frogs. He crinkled his nose up a bit, turning around to look at the shopkeepers.

A bit shyly, he shuffled up to the older woman and smiled at her, and it was returned.

"Do you need help, love?" Her voice was soft and sweet, her hands clasped in front of her. Gem felt immediately comforted, her presence making him feel a bit less bad for asking for her help.

"Ehm, yes ma'am! I'd like... well, I'd like a cat, but... I need a bit of help finding one wiv the right personality?" His voice seemed to go up an octave, almost like he was afraid she'd say no. Instead, she nodded her head like she understood him completely.

"Alright, then. Come along. A cat, you said? Would you like a kitten or an adult- or does it not matter?"
"Oh, it doesn't matter mooch ta me, ma'am."

Soon enough, she'd brought him in front of the cats, most laying lazily on their side or pissed that they'd been confined to (a pretty spacious) kennel. She squinted at them thoughtfully, rubbing her chin like it was one of the most tedious decisions she'd ever made in her life. He wondered how many animals she'd chosen for someone, how many of those decisions had been wrong.

"What exactly are you looking for, love?"

He had to think on that for a moment - what was he looking for?

"Well... just a nice lad, someone I can talk to, I suppose? Relaxed, cuddly..."
"Well, I think I've got just the man for you, sir. He's a classic tabby, bit tubby, bit talkative, but very loving."

He watched her peep around some more, and suddenly she had a kennel unlocked, pulling a small (but plump) cat out, carrying him appropriately. Gem's eyes widened, stared at that cat right in the face, and it stared right back.

"Hello, cat."

It blinked at him very slowly, and opened up its mouth to croak a lazy meow out.

"How was your day?"

Meow.

Gem stood up straight, pointing at the cat with a straight face.
"He's the one."

The old woman seemed very pleased he liked her selection, handing him the cat, turning around to head back to the counter, gesturing for him to follow. Catriona turned her head to look at him, her eyes big like he was the most marvelous unit she'd ever seen. He couldn't agree more.
He paid the appropriate price, twelve galleons, and took his cat with a cheek-breaking smile.

"Thank you so much, ma'am!"
"Not a problem, have fun with your cat, dear!"

Gem stayed by the door, waiting for his friend to pay out for her own furry friend, but for now, he held his new son in his arms, scratching behind his ears nice and gentle, just like he knew he'd like it.

WC: 627
What animal do you wish to purchase?
Red classic tabby!
What do you want to name it?
Basil Hallward (Stuart)
Is this a boy or a girl?
Boy!
What is your pet's date of birth?
1/3/19

permission to godmod via @Catriona Staverly