Pampering Pristine Pets Errand Closed

── ❋ ──

@Lea Hirsch

𝓐madea walked back over to Nova's bathing bucket hand filled with plenty of treats for the owl; she wasn't exactly sure how many she was allowed to take but there was no one telling her that she couldn't have a handful and it seemed like there were plenty more available for everyone else. It wasn't like she had taken the entire box of treats. Plus, Nova deserved some treats. After traveling for so long, she deserved a nice pampering session.

It still amazed the Hufflepuff that this errand had popped up at the most perfect timing; it was as if the staff members had heard Amadea's thoughts and set up the perfect errand to satisfy her needs. Of course, while she knew this wasn't the case she still found it to be quite an odd coincidence. It also reminded her of the story Kat had explained to her in the letter she had written. Kat had just received the newest iPhone as a gift, something Amadea would never own as Hogwarts didn't allow any electronic devices, and she had detailed a story to Amadea about how she had felt like her phone was listening to her because she had been talking about wanting to purchase a new technical swimsuit for the upcoming season and the next thing she knew, all of her advertisements were for swimsuits. Amadea shivered; if phones really did listen to you, then she was quite glad that she didn't own one. Even though she knew they were quite useful for Muggles, she wasn't sure how she felt about the fact that it was constantly listening to everything.

Lost in thought, Amadea almost didn't register that another girl was now standing next to Nova's bathing bucket. Her first instinct was to yell at the person to step away from her owl, but she quickly bit her tongue. It didn't seem like the girl was causing any harm and there was no need to be rude to someone who wasn't causing any problems. Amadea didn't recognize the girl standing in front of her, but from her timid demeanor and body language she guessed that the girl was a first year. She remembered how scared she had been during her first year and Amadea made a mental note to try and be extra cheery. She knew how confusing and terrifying Hogwarts could be as a new student and didn't want to make it any more terrifying for this girl.

"Yup, this is my owl!" Amadea said proudly, stroking Nova's feathers lightly with the hand that wasn't holding the treats. She reached out the other one and offered Nova a treat that she took eagerly in her beak. "Thank you," Amadea added as the girl commented about Nova's beauty. She had to admit that she was a little biased, but Nova was the prettiest owl she had ever seen. She loved the Barred Owl so much; Amadea was so glad she had decided to purchase the owl during her second year.

"Honestly, owls are pretty self sufficient," Amadea said. "During the school year, she lives up in the owlery with all of the other owls and can take care of herself; she can go and hunt when she needs to and I go visit her as much as I can. During the summer when we all go home, I just leave her cage open and she can fly where she needs to go whenever she needs to. I think the most important part of owl care is just giving them the space to do what they need to do; they're pretty independent. Are you considering getting one?"

WC: 618 + 598 = errand complete!

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Interactions: Opening the floor to everyone

Word Count: 712/1000

@Lydia Cooper's Mačka

Word Count: 625/1000

@Piérre Marchonné / @Alan Vanes / @Henry Knight / @Lucia Fox / @Amadea Campbell
@Scarlett Aden / @Caelan Stewart / @Lana Monet / @Robert Toukmond / @Lizzie Verdine
@Nell Zoldak / @Lea Hirsch / @Miranda Everest / @Andrew Vance / @Ruka Burnett-Tân / @Dan Palmer

((Replying in bulk! I've bolded names to make skimming easier.))

The methodical brushing came to a halt when the prefect heard his name called out. He looked up with wide eyes, then a pearly grin immediately erupted, laughter lining his tone as he answered "Hullo again, Piérre!" Before he could think to ask how the Joker's summer had gone, he found the boy bounding towards him, and- at a loss as to what else he ought to do- he stood still and awkwardly awaited. The impact cause them to stagger slightly. Pericles wasn't so sure he'd been hugged by anyone outside of his family before this moment. Yet Hogwarts felt like home these days, and he would only waver for a second or so before throwing his arms around in answer, perplexed yet kindly patting Piérre's back. "Excellent to see you again," Peri enthused with a lingering chuckle, adding "and excellent choice of colors today!" He hadn't forgotten the dice; it was a charming ritual. "Yes, my first errand ever! What d'you think...? And who is this?" Figaro was a sweet thing. He was a smart thing as well, for he knew quite the trick, and Pericles marveled at the cat's willingness to leap onto his owner's shoulders. "Impressive," came the compliment, and "you'll have t'give me a pointer or two on training cats. Mine isn't as keen as doing what others ask."

Before Pericles could explain that the cat on the counter was not his, a helpful and familiar voice chimed in. "Hullo Alan!" He beamed when the errand eared the boy's praise, murmuring a word of earnest thanks, then bobbing his head as he answered "Yes! Miss Jensen helped me set up the room, so I offered to groom Jeger for her." Piérre asked about a basin, to which Pericles gestured to some of the prepared desks, encouraging "Any you like. Test the water first, though- some are cooler for the owls." Before he could ask Alan about his companion, he heard the box clatter to the floor and glanced up again. Pericles remained placid, waving a hand at the apology before kneeling to help Alan clean the scattered swabs. "It isn't any trouble," he insisted. "I didn't expect stuff to stay clean for very long! All that matters today is that the pets get a bit of pampering. I s'pose he's having fun...?" But it seemed Tiger and Jeger were more keen on play than the boys had guessed. While Jeger was a free cat, permitted to return to his mistress now that the brushing was done, Peri worried for Alan's feline friend. He was watching them carefully, spying the telltale signs of mischief, and whispered "Is Tiger much of a listener, or d'you need help catching him...? I'd feel absolutely awful if your cat got away from you because of an event...."

More faces and their animal counterparts continued to trickle in. When Henry introduced himself, Peri smiled back, quick to comment "Sherlock is quite a clever name. I liked the books." But then it was tacked on that this was a friend's cat, and that the lad's family was too poor for their own. Surprise flickered on the prefect's freckled face, if only for a moment, then his smile grew warm. "It's very kind of you to groom your friend's cat for them," he observed. "Yes- I arranged the event, so if you have any questions a'tall, you need only ask me." Henry seemed to have it handled, swabbing his friend's feline, and Peri made a mental note to ask him and Pierre how they managed to make their cats tolerate water.

Although he had yet to learn their names, Peri spied Lucia lingering by the door, and he sent her an encouraging way which was extended to Martyna as she made her way inside. The latter approached assertively, though the prefect's smile lived on, light and idly pleased as possible. Her request wasn't unreasonable at all, though a glimmer of amusement came and went from his eye while he took in her theatrics. "I don't see why not," Peri answered casually, "though I'm afraid I've already brushed mister Jeger so thoroughly, he's on his way out the door. Maybe you could help my cat?" It was then that he overheard Scarlett, a Gryffindor girl, mention this even was an opportunity to pamper pets which some could not afford. The thought had been lingering in his head since Henry said something similar, and although Pericles hadn't planned it that way, he was inwardly relieved at the inadvertent opportunity. Scarlett had managed to lure Lucia in with her as well, and when they approached, he looped them into his conversation with Martyna. "This is Athena." He stepped to the side and gestured down to the Siamese, whose icy blue eyes flicked from one face to the next, posture unwavering though her tail flicked in apparent anticipation. "I'm afraid she doesn't like to be picked up, but if you ask her politely, she'll bound onto a table for you."

It was practically a relief to see an owl enter. Pericles had hoped to spy at least one of each type of pet today, and when Amadea helped her owl to a bin, he called "I'm pleased someone is taking advantage of the errand for their owl! I like to think it's nice for them to have a chance to bathe on their own for a change, rather than sharing the owlery birdbath. You're welcome to a handful of owl treats on your way out, mind." Caelan brought the evening's first Pygmy Puff, and when Peri spied him eyeing the tool, he projected an offer his way: "That's a very handsome puff. Please let me know if you need any help, and when he's finished, see if he's interested in a pumpkin seed!" He waved to Lana as she drifted in, though was especially elated to see Robert again, and waved to both while calling "If you're looking for a pet to groom, let me know, or approach anyone who looks like they could use a hand! Robert- pleased t'see you again."

The prefect was so wrapped up with the growing crowd, he nearly missed Carolyn, at least until she hollered at her Mordred. It was a gorgeous creature, and upon seeing the situation had settled just as soon as it had begun, Pericles was content. He would have to work his way towards the new arrival some time soon- just because he had a cat of his own now didn't mean he was tired of meeting others. Lizzie added color to the room with her own Pygmy Puff. Peri was interesting to see how the creatures loved to roll all about, though she seemed to be struggling with hers. "Do you need help, Lizzie?" His voice carried across the room, and Peri simultaneously glanced around for potential helpers. Some already seemed to be hovering, waiting to lend a hand, such as Nell sitting in the chair by the entrance. Lea had made her way towards Amadea and her owl, which was a good sign; he wanted to see pet-owners and those without mingling, helping one another, maybe passing along a bit of advice to prospective pet owners.

Miranda entered, looking rather nervous, so Pericles decided to tempt the wallflower and lighten the mood. "There's treats on the table by the entrance," he announced over the din, mindful not to look at anyone specific. "Those Bertie Bott's Beans are for students, not pets! Please help yourselves." Andrew's comment about the quantity of cats caught his ear. Peri glanced about, then grinned, hollering back "I like your rat!" When the other wizard asked if the pets were safe, his expression was awkward, though his voice was carefree as ever as he answered "I should hope so- but I'll be right here, if you need help." There was a standard of behavior expected of Hogwarts pets, and most mage companions had higher intelligence than their mundane counterparts, though he knew they were still animals. Pericles was pleased to see the first rat of the evening and would be keeping a close eye out for their small guest. "Treat your friend to a pumpkin seed, if you like." The bond between boy and rat was commendable.

As Pericles failed to recognize the kitten in Ruka's arms, he waved him in just like anyone else, greeting him with a grin and assuring "Make yourselves comfortable! There's still a number of unused brushes over here." Any used utensils which found they way back by the prefect were being collected into a separate pile for spell-cleaning. He was especially happy to see the snack bar being utilized, spying Dan there, doubly relieved to see him making himself and his pet right at home.

Interacting with @Lucia Fox & @Scarlett Aden
Mentioning @Pericles Dralt

Thankfully, the presumed cat hogger turned out to be quite a pleasant boy! Although one of his customers ('Jegar') was quickly making its way out of the door, he willingly put forwards his own feline friend ('Anthea', how elegant) as a grooming patient! Tina gasped (better a gasp than a squeal, from her), resisting the urge to scoop the rather adorable kitty off the floor. She turned to the girls behind her, Lucia, the pretty girl had called herself, and Scarlett, who had joined them just before Tina whisked off to retrieve them a grooming buddy.

"That's perfect! We'll do a good job!" Tina called out as the boy went off to make his rounds. It was pretty clear that he had some part in organising it. That, or he was just a major control freak. "Okay ladies!" Tina began, talking to both Scarlett, Lucia and their new cat friend (Anthea was a lady name, surely). She put her hands on her hips, staring up at the two older girls with an expression that could only be described as purposeful. They were a team now! A team who's only objective was to make the nice blonde boy's cat feel refreshed! "I'm Martyna~! But Tina is better. I don't think I said before... You two have very lovely names, by the way! And um... very lovely faces, too!"

She hadn't seen them around in first year classes, so it was safe to assume they were a bit older than her. Turning back to Anthea, it was plainly obvious that she was a very well cared for cat. Tina was almost scared of accidentally ruining her somehow. She wasn't even sure what could be done. Her fur was so sleek and shiny. There had to be something wrong with her that they could attempt to fix, surely?

"Hmmm..." She'll get on the table if you ask nicely, blonde boy had said. "Would you pretty please get on the table, Anthea?" Tina asked, keeping her tone light and sweet! As it turned out, Anthea was just as well behaved as Pericles had said, bouncing up onto the table where Jegar had been sat with the grace of a swan. Were magical cats just infinitely more agreeable than muggle ones, Tina wondered, very impressed by this display. "Hmm... Where do you guys think we should start? I've never groomed a cat before," she asked the other girls.

661+403 = 1064/1000
Errand complete!

Open to Interactions
Interacting with @Nell Zoldak
Mentioning @Pericles Dralt

The brown-haired girl started by speaking softly, introducing herself as Nell, then continued more quickly, making it difficult for Miranda to make out the individual words. However, she managed more or less to get the gist of it, and tried to smile kindly once she was no longer preoccupied with the listening. Perhaps if Nell thought there was no reason to be nervous around Miranda, her words would be easier to understand.

"That sounds like a wonderful idea," she agreed, glancing around the room in search of somewhere they may be of use. There was at least one owl and a couple of Pygmy puffs and rats, but other than that every animals she spotted right off the bat was a feline. Oh, if only she'd thought to have brought a school owl - after asking for permission, of course. But the thought hadn't crossed Miranda's mind until she entered the room. Oh dear.

Her gaze snagged on the treats spread out on one of the tables, the same ones that the Ravenclaw prefect had mentioned when she'd first entered the room. A snack sounded nice, but that wasn't really the point of her being there, so maybe she shouldn't indulge her sweet tooth? Sugar had never been one of her biggest desires, so the idea wasn't overly appetizing however. At that thought, her gaze continued on around the room, then returned to Nell.

"Do you see anyone who needs help?" Miranda finally asked, deciding to let the other girl choose because she couldn't really. Although what would happen if she chose for them to go care for one of the cats...that wouldn't be the most enjoyable thing to go through, but she might be able to hold her tongue and carry on if that was what it took. And who knew, maybe it would help her tolerate the furballs better. Maybe.

WC: 562 + 312 = 874

Reducio

Don't hesitate to make Miranda face her fear if you think it would work better

Interacting With: @Robert Toukmond & @Carolyn Hunt
Mentions: @Percival Gray

More and more people kept filing into the classroom, filling the room with more and more animal fur and stench. Nick didn't notice, though, since he was in his own little world with Chance. He would watch him roll around on the table for a bit, before positioning him in his lap where he would clip one of his nails, and repeating the process.

That little world was interrupted by a fellow student's voice. Looking up, he saw an auburn-haired boy standing before him. Nick smiled at his introduction, staring at his extended hand for a moment. He was about to return the handshake, but the boy awkwardly drew it away when he didn't immediately accept it. Nick gave him a small smile and nod as a replacement for the shake.

As expected, the boy was here because of Chance, which Nick didn't mind at all. He picked him up and placed him on the table so the boy could see him better. "Oh thanks! His name's Chance n' 'm Nick." Nick said as he scratched Chance who happily chirped with happiness, "Ye can pet him if ye want." Chance hadn't noticed the boy yet, but he would be very happy to if he started petting him.

Just as he was about to offer up Chance to the boy, a cat jumped between the two of them. Nick quickly pulled Chance towards him, more paternal instinct kicking in. He identified the owner as a black-haired girl nervously sprinting towards them, yelling at that cat. It was bound to happen eventually, with so many unhinged animals, one of them would get away from their owners. However, Nick hadn't expected that interruption to be so startling.

Chance popped his head out of Nick's arms, trying to look down at the new animal that had entered the scene. He set Chance down on the table so he could start bonding with the cat at a distance. "Sure, as long as yer cat won' claw out Chance's eyes." Nick said jokingly, before realizing the girl may not realize his sarcasm, "Kidding, obviously." Saying it out loud, Nick did realize that might be an actual concern, Chase was basically a sentient ball of yarn.

Nick slowly set down Chance on to the floor, placing his hand out to hopefully calm the cat, in case he had any hunting intentions whatsoever. He slowly stood as the two animals stared each other down. In Chance's infinite class, he rolled towards the cat and softly bonked into him.

While the two pets were playing, the Ravenclaw Perfect who planned this came towards the two of them. He suggested pumpkin seeds which Nick nodded at in response. Chance, probably learning it from his caregiver, was a very heavy snacker. Luckily, since Nick was also like this, so his mother didn't get suspicious when he always bought extra snacks.

WC: 440 + 479 = 919

@Amadea Campbell

Thank goodness. It would have been significantly more awkward for the young girl if she had accidentally walked up to the wrong person. Even thinking about the possibility brought some more red to her cheeks. Her focus would shift between the owl and the owner, intent on not focusing on her own social inabilities or necessary improvements.

A soft smile would form at the thanks, bowing her head a bit. It was interesting to see how easily the two got along, both the pet and the owner seeming rather at ease with each other. That was likely the result of time and patience, she decided, wondering how the owl had first been during those first few weeks of being with the student. There was a bit of hesitation towards how much care a pet would require, a sliver of understanding as to why her parents hadn't been keen slipping into her mind. But the answer of the older girl reassured her, a split second of hesitation before she nodded her head. An owl did seem like a good pet- so did a cat, but that wasn't the current topic.

"I-I think so. I've never... had a pet before. B-but if owls can care for themselves," it opened a lot more possibilities. Maybe Lea would be able to convince her parents that it would be a good idea. Or maybe they would still decide that eleven or twelve is still a young age, especially since she wasn't really living with her parents anymore. "Th-then maybe they'll be okay with it?" Her voice had grown softer at the end, obvious uncertainty coating her words. But owls were self-sufficient, useful, and seemed to not require too much attention. What else would be necessary to note to her parents in a convincing letter? Someone else who would be willing to help take care of the creature? Perhaps she'd be able to convince May to be back-up in case the first year ever grew sick or couldn't care for the owl for some reason.

Brown eyes would blink a few times, escaping her thoughts. Did she have any more questions? No, it didn't seem as though she did. So while the girl could have offered to help care for the owl, Lea also didn't trust herself to do it correctly or to not accidentally hurt the bird while she was doing so. There was a moment of pause, before the first year would glance up at the older student.

"Th-thanks." It was nice that the other was willing to answer the questions of the pet-less girl.

Word Count: 444 + 431 = 875

- Interacting with @Ruka Burnett-Tân & Mačka -
- Mentioning @Pericles Dralt -
- Open to interactions -

The lovely summer weather had officially packed its luggages and left, leaving the rain and cold in its place.

That Saturday morning Lydia had woken up with Mačka still asleep on her tummy, all curled up in a doughnut shape, a nice warmth coming from him; she had gently woken him up and placed him on the bed, before she started getting ready for the day. After a quick shower, she dressed up with a pair of black skinny trousers, a white tunic with long sleeves and a pair of brown leather boots; then, she went to eat breakfast and after that she walked back to her dorm in order to get her cat. That day was the day of the Pet Grooming Errand; she had decided to join it so that Mačka could find some animal friends and get all of the attention he always craved.

"Come on Mačka, it's time to go!" She said as she picked him up from her bed, where he was staring at her from, one of her arms under his hind legs and the other one behind his back; he got comfortable in that position, moving so that he was basically laying belly up in her arms, and Lydia chuckled, her left hand lightly scratching the kitten's back. Over the weeks Mačka's personality had properly come out, revealing the kitten as particularly curious, attention seeker and playful; he would often wander around, exploring his surroundings before getting back to Lydia.

With the cat secured in her arms and her wand in the back pocket of her trousers, Lydia made her way towards the classroom. When she finally reached it, a lot of people were already there, and as she entered in the classroom, she spotted Pericles and waved at him, before heading towards one of the tables with a bin of warm water on top. She had decided that, since Mačka apparently loved water, this would have been a good occasion to wash him, since it would have been difficult to do that in one of the bathroom sinks. She gently placed the kitten down on the towel, the feline looking around curious, an air of mischief written all over his snout. "Stay here Mačka, I'll be right back with some treats!" she told him as she scratched his head between his ears, the cat sitting down and enjoying the attention, his purring loud enough to be heard over the different voices in the room.

Lydia quickly made her way towards the table she had noticed had some of the treats and grabbed some of them, before she walked back to "her" table; but once she arrived there, Mačka was nowhere to be seen. Rolling her eyes, the young Hufflepuff started looking around for the cat; she had the feeling he would have taken the first chance he could to sneak away and explore, so she wasn't worried; she also knew that he was quite playful with other animals, and that there was no particular risks of him hurting another pet.

Walking around the room, Lydia called out for Mačka as she checked under the tables or over the chairs; she had almost started to worry, since it looked like the cat had disappeared, when she noticed a dark red haired boy, with brown and blonde highlights, giggle as he petted her cat. From where she was she did not recognise the boy, but as she walked towards him she soon realised that it was Ruka. He was wearing the school robes, with normal, casual clothes under the school uniform; he looked better, happier and healthier than he did at the end of the previous school year, Lydia noticed. His hair colour however was different, darker, not the usual dirty copper she had seen him with.

Lydia put on a smile* - the kind of smile she had mastered during the summer, a warm, friendly and bright one- and stopped in front of the Gryffindor boy, her eyes looking for his. "Hi Ruka! I see you have found my little Mačka," she said, her voice light and airy. "I like your new hair colour, I think it suits you," she then added as she motioned towards his hair with her hand.

WC: 708/1000

Here's a picture of little Mačka

Reducio

*Abilities in effect: Alluring & Lovely Creature