Dora can't believe they're really doing this.

She'd given up on the prospect of adopting a pet a long time ago. Grandmother isn't very fond of small creatures, only tolerating a household owl to deliver mail. Dora isn't sure she ever named it, either. Even when Bradley begged and begged Grandmother and Uncle to get him a pet cruppy, Ramona Everridge didn't give in. 'Too much mess.' She said, and that was that.

Because of this, Dora was afraid that someone would find out about Epi. Epitaph, the stray black cat she met in the Everridge graveyard when she was seven. Whenever she had time away from her studies, she'd go outside and play with him. He was very good company, and a comfort whenever Dora wasn't feeling well. She'd even sneak him food from time to time, though he must be a very good hunter as he always seemed energetic and happy. In a lot of ways, Epi was her first friend, so she kept him a secret in fear of losing him.

However, she must have gotten sloppy. Leaving him behind for her first year at Hogwarts worried Dora, so she rushed to see him as soon as she could when she returned to the manor for summer. When Uncle Harris caught her, she thought it was all over. He'd tell her grandmother and they'd forbid her from playing with Epi anymore, or maybe catch him and send him away. But Uncle Harris came back and told her to help him get Epitaph in a carrier. He said if she wanted to keep him, he'd need to get checked out.

Now here they are, at Magical Menagerie in Diagon Alley, picking up cat food and other supplies so Dora can take Epi to Hogwarts with her. She's holding Epi's carrier tenderly as Uncle Harris talks to Mr. Witticker. The cat meows in annoyance, probably not liking the confined space much. Dora whispers, "Just a little longer, I promise." He quiets down a bit after that.

"What a smart creature." Dora looks up to see Mrs. Witticker, a cheerful looking woman, smile at her. "It's so lovely that you were able to find him."

Dora nods politely, but thinks to herself, 'It's more like... he found me.'

"Alright, I've got all the necessary supplies." Uncle Harris says resolutely, carrying quite a few packages. "This should help you get started, and you can owl for more supplies if you run low."

"Right." Dora glances to the shelves and spots a feathered stick toy. "Um, is it okay if I get him a toy? I can pay for it myself."

Uncle Harris looks over at the toy and nods. "No, I will. It's a good idea, pets need a lot of attention and care. Watch these for me?" He sets the packages by Dora and goes to pay for the toy. She calls after him. "Uncle?"

He turns.

She smiles, "Thank you."

He nods again and goes to pay. Dora smiles down at Epi, who's settled in for a nap. "..Thank you."

Word Count: 511

What animal do you wish to purchase? Bewitched Midnight Stalker
What do you want to name it? Epitaph
Is this a boy or a girl? Boy
What is your pet's date of birth? Since he's a stray, I'd prefer the birth date simply being 2016 as an estimation. If you absolutely need an exact date though, it can be October 31st, 2016.