'Twas the Week Before Birthday pet solo

It was exactly a week before Nigel's birthday, and the man happened to be kind of restless. He was still adapting to Hogwarts and his new job as a professor at the school, and even though he enjoyed tutoring kids, there were times Nigel felt tired of their antics. Some students were good, some seemed overtly enthusiastic and thus took quite much of his time through their outside-class visit (particularly the first years), but there were also pupils who... were not that good - they slacked at class, attempted to (or really did) skip class, scored below A on their quiz or test, or did not return their homework assignments. Furthermore, being an Astronomy instructor meant he had to adjust his sleeping hours.

Either way, Nigel felt like taking a break today. After lunch, the American took a trip to Diagon Alley, enjoying the not-so-crowded environment. He was sure that was because it was Thursday and afternoon; surely, on weekends and during other hours there would be more people.

He made a way to Magical Menagerie as something inside him just suddenly wanted to see animals. They always reminded him of home where they had Rosebud the cat, his younger days when he pet-sat for family friends who were away for trips, and his visits to his maternal grandparents in the gateway to the Amazon River. An elderly lady immediately greeted him as he entered, "Can I help you, young man? Do you need anything for your pet, or would you like to meet our lovely animals?" She spoke with true friendliness in her voice, not pushy like some shopkeepers who simply hoped everyone who entered their shop would buy something.

Nigel smiled back at her, replying, "I'm interested in meeting the animals. Not sure I'll definitely find the right one today, I'm afraid. I'm still trying to decide." The truth is, he was not even sure he wanted a pet. Sure they could help reduce stress - at least that was what several studies said - but they needed to be taken care as well, and that would cost both time and money. Even Rosebud, who was free to roam and was not vaccinated or bathed or taken to vet (the Reads simply provided her food and bed, and let her be a "wild" cat), costed a bit extra.

The lady nodded. "Well, if you find anyone who interest you, just give me a call. I'm Mrs Witticker."

Nigel walked through the aisles, passing cats and owls, spiders and rats. He was beginning to consider having a cat just like at home, or an owl that would be very useful to help him send letters, when suddenly he spotted cages filled with a number of round balls of fluff in shades of pink and purple, many of whom were rolling around or emitting high-pitched squeaks. "Mrs Witticker!" he called the shopkeeper, who immediately turned up. "What are these cute fluffy balls, Ma'am?"

"They're pygmy puffs," answered Mrs Witticker with a big smile. "They're very cuddly too, child - try putting your finger through the bars, they won't bite." Slightly doubtful, the dark-haired professor slowly did as the lady instructed. The pygmy puffs did not bite or cower in fear, but crowded around his finger. And suddenly - very suddenly - Nigel decided he did want a pet, a pygmy puff. He already had Rosebud at home and would be able to be with her every time he went back, and if he wanted to send letters or packages he could always borrow a school owl, but a pygmy puff would be a different experience.

There were pygmy puffs in various shades of pink and purple, and everyone had different characters just like humans. Nigel noticed that some of them were more active than the others, some seemed to want more attention than their peer, and many other. Mrs Witticker helped him chose some healthy ones, explaining how to distinguish them from the ill or sickly ones, as well as informing him the age of each animal he tried to get to know better. After quite a long time, finally Nigel decided on a sweet, quiet pygmy puff who did not really seek attention or wanted to be cuddled all the time, but was not shy per se. For him, this one resembled an independent but warm individual, and it would be ideal for a teacher who could be terribly busy but would like to have a close furry companion at the same time.

"Would you like a cage as well?" Mrs Witticker offered. "Pygmy puffs can play with you just like other pets and ride on your shoulder, but some people like to give them a home. Privacy for the owner as well, when they don't feel like sharing a desk, pocket, or bed with their pygmy puff."

Nigel considered this for a moment and replied, "Thank you, Ma'am, I think we're good. If I need one in the future, I'll let you know. For now I think he can ride on my shoulder or in my pocket."