backdated to the 22nd of December 2020

Scarlett could feel the satisfying weight of her Galleons in her robe pocket, her hand curled tightly around the precious little gold coins. Normally, the hand would be around her wand, but today, she had money. See, Fiona (her aunt) had forgotten to get Scarlett a Christmas present, and instead of simply Apparating to Diagon Alley and buying it quickly, she had gotten the absolute genius idea of giving Scarlett money to spend herself. And here she was - in the famous magical shopping hub with twenty five whole Galleons in her pocket. What a wonderful feeling.

Scarlett thought about what to get. Clothes were off the list, and she had already gotten her own broom. At last, the Nimbus 1001 had arrived for her, and it was rather glorious. So brooms were crossed out. Most of the other shops were boring, but Weasley's Wizard Wheezes was an absolute yes. She would definitely visit later, pick up a few Dungbombs and Nosebleed Nougats. And obviously the young Gryffindor would be paying a trip to Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour - the place served some legendary ice cream, as stated in the name. Now there was one more thing Scarlett wanted to get...

She had plenty of money she could cash out! So why not get a pet? Scarlett had always wanted a pet, but Fiona wouldn't let her because apparently 'one was enough'. Their family owl Loki was old, a scraggly mess of feather and bone. So when Scarlett got her Christmas money, she had asked her aunt for her permission for a new pet, and Fiona - casting a wistful glance at Loki - had agreed! And here she was, about to purchase her very own animal.

She entered the Menagerie, grateful that her mother wasn't here. Her parents had went off for some fancy business, and Fiona had seized the oppurtunity for Scarlett to get some presents and Fiona herself to go Christmas shopping. The place was alive with noise - hoots, meows, squeaks, hisses - and buzzing with scents. Some fresh, some stale. It was spectacular, amazing. She basked in the energy. It made her blood rush, make her feel awake, energised.

Enthused, Scarlett went up to the counter, where a woman in a pretty flower dress stood. She looked like she was in her elderly years with her white hair, but had that feeling surrounding her, the feeling that she was a lot more powerful than people thought. Though she also radiated kindness and the smell of sugar cookies, so that was nice.

"Hello Ma'am," said Scarlett politely, albeit excited, grinning and rocking on the balls of her feet. "I'm looking for a pet."

The lady smiled. "Of course you are - that's what every customer here comes for. We get a certain surge of visitors during the holidays, what with all the students coming in to buy pets. What are you looking for?"

"I - I don't know really," confessed Scarlett. "There are so many options and I just haven't made up my mind yet."

"Well feel free to take a look around my dear," said the shopkeeper. "If you find anything that catches your fancy, come up to me and we can see what I can do for you."

"Thank you miss!" said Scarlett, smiling widely. This was going to be fun.

***

Ten minutes and several bites later, Scarlett still hadn't found the perfect pet. According to Fiona, the right animal for you should just appear in front of you after a while, like a glowing and heavenly vision. An owl pooping did not seem to be a glowing and heavenly vision. Owls were crossed off - however practical they were, they were just not appealing to the girl. Rats, frogs, lizards, they were all a no and Fiona wouldn't appreciate Scarlett bringing home a snake. That left cats and Pygmy Puffs, but the little balls of fluff were too expensive. So then cats it was.

Now with an actual decision, Scarlett wandered over to the cat section where an old man had just finished helping a little boy pick out a nice ginger kitten. Scarlett gathered herself before walking over and asking the man for some help.

"Hello there," said Scarlett, clearing her throat. "Sorry to bother, but I'm looking for a cat, but I don't know which one to get and I don't want to disturb the lady over by the counter."

The man chuckled. "You can 'disturb' my wife anytime! She's always willing to help, though I am as well. I'm glad you asked me - I love cats. Now, I believe you have no idea of which cat you want so..."

He trailed off, sizing her up before walking over to a particular area of cats, waving his hands around. "I think you'll find something over here."

"Thank you sir!" said Scarlett, newly enthused as she sped over and the man went off chuckling.

She bent down to go eye-to-eye with the cats in the cages in that shelf. They were mostly small tabby cats, and all looked incredibly cute with their large, sparkling eyes, petite figures and perfectly brushed fur. However, there was one, nearly at the back, that caught Scarlett's eye. The one with sharper, fiercer-looking grey eyes in contrast to his or her playmates bright ones. His or her fur was still perfectly brushed, and she or he was still tiny, but seemed more intelligent that the others. Maybe she would choose that one.

Scarlett reached out to grab the cage and the kitten promptly bit her. It didn't hurt but wow, it packed a punch. How spectacular. She wandered back over to the counter, the cage with the kitten in hand and placed it there. "How much for this kitten Ma'am?"

The lady inspected the label. "Let me see...six months old, a Silver Mackerel Tabby, female...that'll be ten Galleons please!"

Thank goodness, not too expensive. Scarlett handed over the money as she looked at the little kitten. The stature and the eyes reminded her somewhat of one of those warriors from the Muggle history books (illustrated, of course). They were fighting a war, in some city. Troy? Yes, but there were other city names as well. Troy was a boy's name anyway, and the kitten was a girl. Athens? Boring. What was it? Sparkla? No...Spartla? No - wait - Sparta! That was it! The Greek kingdom!

"I'll call her Sparta," beamed Scarlett. "From the Muggle stories."

"That's a fabulous name, my dear," said the lady. "Would you like a sugar cookie?"

***

A few cookies and a purchase later, Scarlett exited the shop, Sparta in her arms. She nipped Scarlett playfully, and looked happier now that she was out in the open, the fresh air. A bit like Scarlett really. Scarlett was definitely happier in the fresh air.

"Now Sparta..." mused Scarlett. "How about I call you 'Spartie' for short?"

At the name, Sparta leapt up and bit Scarlett.

"Ow!" cried out Scarlett, before laughing, stroking the kitten, who purred contentedly. "Seems like you don't like nicknames either, just like me. Well, just Sparta for now then."

Who would've thought it? Scarlett had found her new friend in the form of a biting little kitten named Sparta.
word count: 1197/400

What animal do you wish to purchase? Silver Mackerel Tabby
What do you want to name it? Sparta
Is this a boy or a girl? Girl
What is your pet's date of birth? June 1st 2020