The Only True Companion pet Finished

Backdated to April 5, 2021

Clouds hung heavy in the sky above Diagon Alley, a silent threat of downpour. The dark and grey skies would send a few raindrops here and there to remind the scantly populated streets of the powerful storm it could send. Damp scents of mist and spring hung heavily in the air, accentuated by cool, swift winds. Although yesterday's Easter Sunday had been warm and bright, the Monday following was...well, a Monday.

Hurriedly striding across the cobblestones, Piper followed Eleanor. "Where are we going?" It was the third time Piper had asked since setting out. Her mother was a Muggle; how could she possibly know her way around so well? Ever since she was very small, Piper had been able to detect small signs of intentions in Eleanor's body language. Now, the tall blonde woman clearly had an objective location, obvious by her purposeful strides. The young first-year had to run to keep up.

"You'll see." A secretive smile played around Eleanor's lips. The only response she received was a disgruntled "Hmph."

At last, the two travelers reached their stop. Piper scanned the sign.

THE MAGICAL MENAGERIE

In a flash, the first-year Slytherin knew exactly where she was and why. Tearfully, she glanced up at her mother. Her thoughts were whirling around and around. "Thank you." Piper's response seemed to satisfy Eleanor, as she grinned. "I studied a map of this place for ages! Come along, you're long overdue for a pet. I have rethought my no-pets policy and done some research. As it turns out, owls aren't all that much work - I hope your promise to care for it still stands. I'm sorry we couldn't get one for your true birthday, but you'll be back in school by then. Also, no cats." she added as an afterthought.

Piper shook her head vigorously, letting her hair flap in the wind. "Oh, no, mum. It's perfect timing...but now I need to figure out what I want."

The decision was not helped at all when the door was pulled open. Animals of every imaginable type, shape and size crowded the room. Even Eleanor's eyes grew wider than dinner plates. Piper grimaced at the mayhem that was the shop. Cats meowed loudly, owls hooted, toads and frogs croaked, other birds squawked, and rodents squeaked. The entire shop smelled like animals. Something in Piper sank low observing the lack of order. How would she find the right pet?

Behind the desk, a cheerful elderly couple sat assisting a student with their sick toad. Beaming, the woman looked up at her new guests and motioned around. "Welcome! I am Anita Witticker. Feel free to look around, and we're here if you have questions."

"Thanks..." The owls generally seemed to be in one section of the store, so Piper led Eleanor that way.

Within the owls, the variety was still overwhelming. Piper took a deep breath, calming her ecstasy about finally receiving a pet. Her research had paid off. She would begin the elite process of elimination. The first type of owl she could cross off of her list was the Great Horned Owl. Those were huge and kind of weird-looking. Three stared at her just from where she stood.

A few other types of owls were outside of her price range, and hence cut out. After ruling out a few more owl breeds (nocturnal level, etc), Piper had narrowed down her potential options to the Tawny, Snowy, and Arctic owls. Despite the fact that she was pretty sure arctic and snowy owls were the same thing, the labels said differently. However, most of the snowy owls stared her down, daring her to choose one. Maybe not those ones.

Now, the first year could take the process down to the personal level and find a good click. Her mother had stepped back, fascinated by this ritual.

One of the tawny owls seemed to be pleading for her to take him. He cocked his head at her through his cage, but she pressed on. Next, an arctic owl spread his wings and hooted. Another tawny Piper looked at was simply sitting quietly. Piper found herself drawn to her eyes, which appeared to hold the universe. But no, she must look at all of her options. Looking up, she observed an arctic owl with many black specks over her white plumage. She hooted and Piper realized too late that she had picked at her clasp with her talon and swooped out, wings flapping in the customers' faces.

Mr. Witticker, a man that towered two feet above Piper, ran to the section of the shop and gave an exasperated sigh."Not again,"He magically pulled the owl back into her cage, where she seemed to give Piper a look that said, Well, I tried. "I apologize." the shopkeeper said. He shook his head. "That owl is a smart one, but a lot of trouble around here." Without hesitation, Piper announced, "That one. I would like to buy that owl, sir."

The man opened his mouth, then thought better of whatever he was about to say. He gave Piper a wink. "I'd say that owl would do fantastically with you. You appear to have a strong will. Just make sure you keep an eye on her." Picking up the cage, he handed it over and led them over to the desk.

"Piper, dear, are you sure about this?" Eleanor asked anxiously. This was not what she had had in mind. "What about a more docile owl, like that tawny?"

Of course she was sure. That owl could not have been more clear that she wanted freedom. Her yellow eyes searched Piper's. "This one. She also deserves an awesome name...I like Tanya."

Mrs. Witticker nodded. "Take good care of her and I think she will be a wonderful companion for you. Oh, and that will be 15 galleons."

Eleanor seemed reassured by these words, and Piper gave her pet a smile. It was more than likely she'd be Piper's only companion for some time.

WC: 1,030

What animal do you wish to purchase? Arctic Owl
What do you want to name it? Tanya
Is this a boy or a girl? Female
What is your pet's date of birth? 07/19/2019

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