Pet Rat in a Trap solo Finished

That morning, Valerius would wake up at the same time he always did, 6:30 AM. He'd get ready for the day, a routine that ensured he looked fresh and clean. Amidst this practiced ritual, Flash would awaken groggily from what would pass for sleep for the day. It had been start and stop all night, so nothing out of the ordinary. Once he had fully come into consciousness, he joined Valerius and studied his actions.

Once they were dressed, Valerius had already insisted on taking Flash to a place for morning tea with some light breakfast. It was a foggy morning as they travelled by foot to a café near Diagon Alley. Any latent misery that ached in his bones would temporarily feel weightless. He let himself enjoy the food, conversation, and atmosphere, as though everything were perfect. Part of him was still anxious, still thought it was all fake, that Val was only treating him with such consideration because he was trying to secure his loyalty. He wanted to live in a world where he didn't have to consider that.

Before noon, they would arrive at the Menagerie, packed full of other Hogwarts children who had chosen this break to also beg for a new pet. Valerius was still finishing his cigarette outside as Flash first entered, wading through what mostly seemed like first years. Far too loud and obnoxious. As he moved to the area which seemed to contain the rodents, he would wonder if he ought to be regretting his decision. Still, he wouldn't have come to this conclusion if he hadn't thought it all the way through and considered all the pros and cons. Getting a rat would be a net gain, in fact, he was looking forward to it. Two years ago, he wouldn't believe it, but now, it seemed right.

As he looked at the selection, he was at a loss on how to choose between them. He figured that they would be nearly indistinguishable from one another, so he may as well pick at random. As he waited in a short queue to get the assistance of a busy shopkeeper, he'd be rejoined by his brother. Though tall, Valerius did not stand out in a crowd as much as Darius or their mother did. Close inspection would show his distinguished breeding, but most of his outfit was worn for practicality rather than flaunting.

"Have you decided already?" Valrius' gaze would haunt the floor, a scrunch of scrutiny on his face that Flash assumed was due to the distinctive smell the shop emitted.

"Sort of." Flash began, before changing his mind on the spot. "I wanted you to pick it."

Valerius would show surprise, before it melted into a smile. "Alright. I'll look for the one with the kindest eyes. We need one that will be affectionate and considerate."

Val's words would make Flash laugh, his mood lifted yet again. Once the shop assistant had opened up the habitat the rats were running around in, Valerius gave a moment of discerning thought before holding one up. "This one ought to suit you I think."

Flash would hold the creature in his hands for a moment, feeling childishly like Val must have seen something spectacular in this rat. He would take a finger and try to pet its head, which it allowed quietly, before rearing back and sniffing the finger curiously. With no objections, the assistant would take the rat back to put him into a device they could carry back to the flat With it-- a habitat, food, and bedding for it. Flash would afford it easily out of his own allowance, as it wasn't an expensive pet to begin with.

word count. 618

What animal do you wish to purchase?: Common rat
What do you want to name it?: Nicodemus
Is this a boy or a girl?: Boy
What is your pet's date of birth?: December 26th, 2021