New Beginnings pet

Reducio

Backdated to April 7th, 2021

Cosmo had mixed feelings about getting a new pet. On one hand she had a beautiful Chihuahua at home called Ruby, who she loved more than anything else. Ruby had been a constant companion to Cosmo during her early, lonely years, and over time the two had formed an unbreakable bond. Cosmo almost felt that if she were to get a new pet it would be like betraying a close friend. When she talked to her mother about it Annabel had reassured Cosmo that many people had multiple pets, and that it didn't make the love Cosmo felt for Ruby any less special. Cosmo didn't think that Ruby would know that.

On the other hand Cosmo had been missing Ruby dreadfully, and it would be really nice to have a pet at Hogwarts. Finally, Annabel had put a stop to Cosmo's constant deliberation by reminding her how well Ruby got along with all the wild animals they rescued back at home. This was very true, and also reassuring, so it was agreed that during the easter holidays Cosmo and her mum would go to Diagon Alley to choose a new pet.

The morning was warm and sunny, so Cosmo and her mum set out early with a carry basket and kitten treats for after the mission was completed. After the decision was made to get a pet the discussion of which animal to get had been very brief, both Annabel and Cosmo agreeing quickly that a cat would fit in best with the chaotic kinds of adventures Cosmo and Ruby tended to have. Not to mention that cats gave the very best cuddles.

Diagon Alley itself was relatively quiet, most people having other places to be on a Wednesday morning - so Cosmo and her mum made quick progress down the street and into Magical Menagerie. A small tinkling from the doorbell chimed, and as soon as Cosmo walked in she felt a wave of comfort wash over her, as the not unpleasant smell of many animals hit her nostrils. Then she felt the eyes of dozens of curious creatures turn to her, and even a few soft hoots and meows broke the peaceful quiet of the shop. Behind the counter stood a portly man with silver hair and a kind smile. He gave a nod to Cosmo, and a smile to Annabel before marking his place in his book and walking around the counter to join them.

"Well hello there, my dears, what might I help you with today?" Cosmo waited for her mum to respond as she usually did, but was met with silence, so she tore her gaze away from two black rats that were chasing each other around their enclosure, and looked up to the shopkeep.

"I was looking for a kitten to take back to Hogwarts with me after the holidays," she grinned, the reality of having a baby cat all to herself becoming very apparent. The old man smiled back down at her, merriment twinkling in his eyes.

"Well that's very exciting, isn't it! Why don't you go and take a look at who you might like to meet, and I'll sort out some safety things with your Mum," Cosmo nodded happily, and wandered off to explore the shop, while the shopkeep turned his attention to Annabel. Their conversation about how to properly care for a kitten, and whether the household already had pets faded out of focus behind her. She passed snowy owls and bats and toads, and eventually found the cats. There were long haired and ginger and tortoiseshell, bengals and tabbies. Some rubbed up against the bars of their enclosure, and Cosmo gently petted their fur, marveling at the soft feel.

She must have spent a while greeting each cat and cooing at them excitedly, because Annabel came up behind her, resting a hand lovingly on her shoulder.

"How are you going, love? Found anyone you really like?" Cosmo turned to her mum with a massive grin, but shook her her head.

"They're all brilliant, mum! Just look at them!" She turned to address the shopkeep, "But I was hoping to get a kitten, and these are all full grown cats. Do you have any kittens at the moment?"

It seemed like the man had been wondering whether Cosmo might ask that, because he smiled indulgently, and nodded.

"We do, we do. My wife is sitting with them right now, if you want to come take a look they're in the back room where they wont get too overwhelmed," Cosmo looked to Annabel for permission, who nodded, smiling. She turned back to the shopkeep.

"Yes please!"

They all walked through a subtly placed wooden door towards the back of the shop and into a darkened room. There were bookshelves lining most of the walls, comfy looking armchairs and a low wooden crate lined with pillows beside which a lady was kneeling. She looked up as they entered, and stood, smiling just as kindly as her husband. She walked towards them, her dress folding out prettily around her.

"Are you here to look at the kittens my dear?" She asked Cosmo, gesturing to the crate where 7 tiny silver tabbies were crawling over each other, and letting out little mews. Cosmo nodded enthusiastically.

"Do you mind if I go and pet them?"

"No that's fine, just be gentle sweetheart," Cosmo nodded her understanding before stooping down beside the crate, and putting her hand in to let the kittens sniff her. They fell over themselves as they toddled towards her fingers, their faces the size of her palm. Cosmo giggled in delight as their whiskers tickled her fingers, and she settled in more comfortably next to them.

They all stayed like that for a while, the grownups chatting amongst themselves while Cosmo got to know the kittens. After a while it was apparent that one in particular had taken to her, and when it curled up against her hand and promptly fell asleep Cosmo stood, a big grin on her face.

"I want that one, please," she pointed out the sleeping kitten and Annabel smiled.

"Okay honey, don't forget you'll have her for her whole life, so make sure you're certain," Cosmo nodded solemnly, and so while Annabel went into the front again to pay, Cosmo gently manoeuvred the sleeping kitten into the carry basket, and met her mum and the old couple back at the counter.

"Have you thought of a name yet, dearie?" The shopkeep asked her, holding the door open for them. Cosmo looked down at the kitten, who was yawning and blinking up her with beautiful emerald eyes.

"Emerald! It matches her eyes, and I have a dog at home called Ruby," she thought it fit perfectly, and so must have Annabel because she clapped her hands together and gasped happily.

"Oh, thats brilliant Cosmo! And thank you for your time Mr and Mrs Witticker."

The doorbell chimed once again, and then Cosmo and Annabel were on their way home with a new edition to the family.

Word count: 1177

What animal do you wish to purchase? A Silver Mackerel Tabby
What do you want to name it? Emerald
Is this a boy or a girl? Girl
What is your pet's date of birth? 8/1/2021 (day/month/year)