Bufo Debilis Pet

July 30, 2021

Mrs. Peggy Darkbound thought to set her beloved son off for his second year at Hogwarts with a companion. She was a witch who believed rewarding children went a long way to boost their confidence. And seeing as Cade was somewhat downhearted from the last term at school, she thought that some notion of happiness was required. Attending school could be a lot on a young wizard's shoulders after all.

Cade himself was oblivious to his mother's plans that morning as they set off to London quite early. He had the mind that they would be shopping for clothing as summer camp was right around the corner and Peggy was always skeptical of his fashion sense. So the twelve-year-old wizard would follow her out of the Leaky Cauldron fireplace, sneezing from the floo powder that resided in the ashy air. And after a quaint bite of breakfast --in which Cade was pleased to catch up with a few classmates who were also there with their families-- they set off towards the back door where Peggy tapped the brick wall with her wand and motioned Cade to walk into Diagon Alley once the arched portal appeared. Cade somewhat bemused entered the bustling street finally gathering some excitement at the prospect of shopping. He imagined purchasing a new jacket... one that would match his Chuck Taylors. Perhaps he'd even receive compliments. But his confusion only peaked when Peggy steered him towards the Magical Menagerie.

The inside smelled terribly of owl droppings and straw, and Cade was quick to stifle his deep breaths. His large brown eyes curiously took in his immediate surroundings before finally catching onto his mother's schemes. A wide smile brewed on his lips when Peggy made a face of quiet innocence. Oh don't look at me, Cade Michael. I merely want you to be happy. Now run along and find yourself a new friend. She would jokingly scowl before walking up towards the front desk and chatting with the elderly shopkeepers. Cade would watch her a moment marveling at how she seemed to know everyone. Peggy could very well talk to a stranger and know their entire life story after a span of five minutes. It was one of those charms his mother possessed.

Cade took his time perusing the various cages. Bats screeched and owls blinked languidly at him from their perches. And Cade furrowed his dark brows in thought wondering what kind of pet he would value most. Almost everyone at Hogwarts had an owl. They were much too popular and their usefulness grew mundane especially since he could easily borrow the school owls to deliver his messages across Britain. And the bats weren't practical, though it would have been fun to freak out his dorm-mates in Ravenclaw tower. Cade would move on towards the cats, reaching out to scratch behind a handsome blue tabby's ears. They were especially cute and cuddly. But Cade sadly was averse to the feline species after an unfortunate encounter with a surly tom. The poor wizard still had a pale scar running across his arm from the talons that the cat possessed. And Cade decided he would not chance such misbehavior with his own companion.

Cade passed by the snakes and tarantulas, purely uninterested. He didn't fancy having people run away from his pet in fright. Not that he minded being alone... But there was a certain quality of wizard who adopted such a companion. And Cade knew that Peggy would be less than pleased to purchase such creatures for him. But then the young Ravenclaw regarded the tanks beside the rats, and his heart pumped eagerly in his chest. Toads!

Running up to the stand with a broad grin, Cade stooped to stare at the toads available for adoption. It was at that moment that he espied a funny-looking green toad staring back at him. This one had a blank-like characteristic as if there were no thoughts running through their mind at all. And immediately Cade grew fond of it, finding their dense and moronic quality quite endearing. Carefully, Cade would scoop the toad into his hand. And the toad licked its eye seemingly unaware that it had been removed from the tank in the first place. Cade would giggle and slowly make his way back towards the register where Peggy and the Wittikers chatted.

"Mum, I like this one." Cade tipped his new friend onto the counter where all the adults could see. Peggy gave the slimy green toad a look of appraisal before curtly nodding her head.

Quite right, darling. Whatever you wish. And turning to face the Wittikers, she inquired upon pricing which the shopkeepers happily obliged in answering. Soon Cade walked out the door with his new toad along with a few supplies to keep him fed and healthy. And carefully Peggy would pat the tiny creature with a pointer between his bulging eyes. What will you call him?

"Bartles... Fitting don't you think?"

WC. 888

What animal do you wish to purchase? Western Green Toad
What do you want to name it? Bartles
Is this a boy or a girl? A girl (though Cade believes Bartles is a boy, and probably won't find out the gender until much later)
What is your pet's date of birth? May 30th