A Rat is a Rat Solo Pet Finished

"If you're so worried about feeling lonely in the new school, we can get you a pet," Lady Ophelia said, dismissing Liana's argument about being unwilling to leave her friends. Father was quiet, clearly disinterested in the discussion. He let his wife handle the twelve-year-old's protests as the three of them walked down Diagon Alley.

"A pet? Sure, I'd love to have a pet," the redhead forced herself to stay calm, even though her blood was boiling. Her stepmother looked uncertain now, probably wondering if following through with her offer would make Liana feel too happy. That certainly wasn't the goal. Like as not, she expected to hear an outburst about how a familiar could not replace actual friends. But it was too late to take the words back now.

They headed for the Magical Menagerie. There was a sick feeling at the pit of Liana's stomach. She had felt so proud about mocking her stepmother with the possibility of her child being a girl, while Marcus Kerr clearly wanted a son. In hindsight, it was foolish. Unfortunately, that hindsight only came after she returned from Vale's party. She was told that next year, she would likely be transferring to Durmstrang. Hogwarts was going downhill fast, with all the breeds of people it now accepted - traditions were forsaken in favour of inclusiveness, the school was turning into a freak show, and the quality of education was dropping. It was evident that Liana could not navigate this brainwashing about the 'need for acceptance', because most of her friends were Mudbloods, lowly half-bloods, or blood traitors. She needed to be sent to a stricter environment, an institution that still adhered to the good old values, it was decided. All because of her decision to snap back at Lady Ophelia, to remind her that the firstborn was a threat to the inheritance of her own children. If she couldn't find a way to convince Father that she can overcome the 'negative influence' of Hogwarts, she would lose everyone. Vale, the ever-present source of diverting chaos. Avery, with his good natured acts of comic relief. Ming, and the competition of wits the two of them had going on. Maggie... Liana felt a stinging sensation in her eyes, a dry lump in her throat. Aurelius... ice-cold daggers were tearing at her chest. She didn't want to go there, not now. There was still time to remedy this. Hopefully.

They entered the shop, and she pretended to look at the very first display of animals - a cage with several purple Pygmy Puffs - while discreetly wiping her eyes with the sleeve of her robe.

"No, you're not getting those - they were bred by blood traitors," she heard the vile woman hiss behind her in a low voice. The shop-keeper was approaching, all smiles as he greeted them.

"Is the young one looking for a pet? Pygmy Puffs are great, a lot of girls love them. have you seen the pink ones?"

"We're looking for something more traditional. A rat, perhaps?" Liana could feel the venomous gaze trained on her, daring the girl to object.

"A rat sounds good, they're cute," she said placidly.

The shop-keeper was watching this interaction with a slight frown, but he responded amicably:

"Very well, come this way. We have several types of rats. Common rats are quite popular. There's also gray ones, they're slightly bigger than most, and have a nice colouring. And then the brown rats - they're pretty wide-spread nowadays, but they actually originate from Northern China; at one point, they would have been considered exotic!"

Liana watched the little critters moving about in their cages. She felt far less excitement than she thought she would, when she daydreamed about getting Father to finally buy her a pet. But the feeling was still positive.

"I want that one," she said, pointing at the smallest brown one. The fact about its origins gave her an idea for the name. Its beady black eyes bore a certain similarity, too... perhaps she could craft tiny eyeglasses for it to wear. The creature would not provide quite as much mental stimulation as its namesake, but at least she would have something to remember one of her friends by.

The shopkeeper took one of the rats out and gently handed it to Liana. "Good choice, I would have picked this one as well. Be warned, though, he's feisty. I trust you will take good care of him. What name will you give him?"

"Ming."

"Oh! A Chinese name for a Chinese rodent! What a witty young lady."

Liana watched the small animal squirm in her cupped palms while her father paid for the purchase. If worse comes to worst, at least she would have some company at Durmstrang.

Word count: 792

What animal do you wish to purchase? Brown Rat
What do you want to name it? Ming
Is this a boy or a girl? Boy
What is your pet's date of birth? July 13th, 2021