Banner by: Liana Kerr

Magical Menagerie, Diagon Alley. 27th December 2021. At noon.
Colour code - #831100
Outfit

𝕬s soon as Regina Miller stepped foot into the Magical Menagerie with her eldest brother Rupert, her usually blank face contorted slightly at the sight of different animals bustling or lazing around in their cages. The idea of being confined in such a tight space with little to no freedom mortified her, as Regina felt quite contained herself within the walls of her family manor--what with having controlling and strict parents and all. Granted, it was a gilded cage, but a cage nonetheless. And for that, she shared a bit of sentiment with the animals in this shop, even though she was sure they were very well taken care of, just like her.

"Father is going to be at Gringotts for a while, so let us have a look around here and get you a friendly little pet," Her brother smiled.

Regina tutted.

"I do not see any benefit in having a creature with me that I have no use of besides an unnecessary decoration to my person."

"Now Gina, do lighten up. Mother did give you a bit of extra galleons as an early birthday gift, and I think having an animal companion will soften you out a bit," Rupert chastised gently, then nudged her with a cheeky grin. "You were not always this prickly as a toddler. I miss my darling baby sister who used to follow me around with an innocent babble."

"Stop it, you always mention this. I am not a baby anymore," The ravenette hissed under her breath, but Rupert simply chuckled and patted her hair.

Regina moved away from her overbearing brother (pointedly ignoring how he followed right behind her anyways) and walked to the first row of animals nearest to her. It seemed like no matter which age they were, Rupert would never cease to baby her any chance he got. It was too much sometimes, even though she loved him dearly.

If I have to acquire a pet, I suppose I will have to make the decision seriously. It shall be for life, and not half-heartedly.

The Heiress forewent the entire sections of lizards and toads immediately, even the snakes. Despite being raised with Slytherin qualities (but a heart of Gryffindor, like her Mother never failed to remind her), Regina did not have an affinity with reptiles. They were utterly unflattering to look at. She didn't want any of the more fluffy animals either, because cats and bunnies were a handful to care for and pygmy puffs...well, they were simply there to look pretty and Regina didn't believe she could be described as 'cute' nor associated with anything like it. Orchid purple eyes landed then on the bird cages in the further back of the shop, and Regina was instantly captured.

Various species of owls were staring back at her as she passed in front of them, their eyes curious and assessing. She knew that these particular avifaunas were a symbol of wisdom and vigilance, and the raven-haired witch found she was very fond of the notion. Yes, an owl would do well indeed--not only because they could deliver letters and packages to anywhere in the Wizarding world, but also because what they stood for was undoubtedly Regina's own ideals as well.

She stopped short at a cage where a beautiful great white owl was grooming the feathers on its left wing, and the instant the creature's clever yellow gaze locked with hers, Regina knew it in her heart that she'd found the perfect one. It was an exhilarating feeling.

"See something you like, then?" Rupert asked, his smile knowing and pleased.

"Yes," She answered, not looking away from the white owl. "This one will do nicely."

"Looks like female to me. What will you name her?"

The ravenette contemplated for a moment, one hand reaching out to the cage and her breath hitched slightly in poorly concealed wonder as the owl titled its head before pecking her fingers affectionately.

"Athena," Regina breathed reverently. She felt that it was only right that such an intelligent creature should bear the name of an ancient goddess who wielded the magic of wisdom.

Her brother nodded approvingly, and left to find the shop owners to finalise the purchase.

WC: 703

What animal do you wish to purchase? Great White Owl
What do you want to name it? Athena
Is this a boy or a girl? Girl
What is your pet's date of birth? 20/09/2019

Congratulations on your new pet! Treat Athena well, I'm sure she'll be a great companion to you.