Do the Weasel Dance Solo Pet

August, 2021.

For the second time that day, the boy found himself analyzing the window to Magical Menagerie, watching the animals inside with interest, wide blue eyes peeking under his dark bangs. This time, Edmund Dempsie was alone, with a few galleons left in his pocket so he could buy whatever he wanted. His father had gone off to Gringotts with Granny, the two of them excitedly chit-chatting about what to buy him for his upcoming birthday party.

Edmund had always wanted a pet, a companion that would stick to his side no matter what. And what better time to get one than now, when he was soon to go to Hogwarts, far away from his family and other friends.

He entered the store, listening to the owls flapping their wings and spiders hidden in their small cages.

Hogwarts offered owls for students that didn't have one, and Granny had Spike, so he didn't want another one - no matter how adorable they were. Bunnies were stinky and not at all a match to his personality, so he fought the urge to look back at those fluffy creatures once he walked past their aisle.

Snakes were out of the question unless he ended up in any other House other than Slytherin, which would be hilarious. Spiders, too, because he was scared of them - several eyes threatening his soul. He analyzed the Pygmy Puffs - the pink one, more specifically. Strangely enough, it reminded him of Olivia Feather, his best friend, but he didn't have enough money with him for that one.

Moving on to the next aisle, he stopped by a sign with a picture of a European ferret. Edmund leaned in, finding the creature curled up on itself, asleep. It had dark brown and beige fur, and it stuck its tongue out. As much as he tried to seem tough, the boy jutted his bottom lip out, overwhelmed by how cute it looked, all cozy.

A ferret. Yeah, he'd like one. This one! Edmund had never met anyone that had one. It was fluffy and gentle, but also hyper, which matched him. It might be hard to take care of one, but he's a fast learner. Plus, his mother had a way with animals, which would give him another reason to send her letters.

The shopkeeper approached Edmund and asked if he needed anything.

"Uh, yeah," said the boy with a small embarrassed smile. He scratched the back of his neck, taking another good look at the sleeping ferret. He motioned to the small animal with his chin, "Is it a boy? I think I would like one... this one, actually,"

The shopkeeper nodded and smiled, taking the boy to the cashier. It was 14 galleons and 2 sickles, almost the exact amount he had with him. Edmund handed it to the wizard, looking back over his shoulder to where the ferret was.

He couldn't fight the bright smile on his face this time around.

word count. 499

What animal do you wish to purchase? Ferret
What do you want to name it? Sticker
Is this a boy or a girl? Boy
What is your pet's date of birth? January 1st 2021