Backdated to August 27th, 2023

Magical Menagerie

Being from a wizarding family who just so happened to live extremely near to the infamous Diagon Ally of the more 'subdued' part of London, it would not come as a surprise for anyone to learn that Renelle Dalton had been to Magical Menagerie, home of the magical pets too many times to count. Really though, which kid hasn’t spent hours obsessing over the large variety of furry friends, this quaint little shop had to offer?

But while it was almost second nature to gawk at all the animals on display in this place, Renelle had never imagined that she would ever visit it as a pet owner herself. Yet that was exactly what was happening right now.

Just a few hours ago, the dark-haired girl had trudged into the living room of the Dalton residence in the early morning, having been woken up by a large 'CRASH' from somewhere in the house. This had not been appreciated at all- for one, Renelle was not a morning person; and second, there were only a few days left until September 1st, when she would board the Hogwarts Express, and chances to sleep in were getting fewer and fewer.

The pyjama- clad girl had dragged her feet to what seemed to have been the place of the source of the noise, all set for being grumpy and angry to the culprit- instead, Renelle had been faced with a most curious sight: her entire family, all fully dressed and alert-looking, gathered around the dining table in a circle, as if holding some sort of meeting. Even her mother, who normally rushed off the work the moment the sun rose, was there, dressed for work but not leaving to go there.

The eleven-year old had blinked, gaze sweeping around the room cautiously. “Um, did someone die?”

Nobody answered. They all just stared at her like she’d emerged from a portal in another dimension. It might just have been her imagination, but she could’ve swore they exchanged panicked looks with each other, like they’d been caught burning all Renelle’s clothes or something. Finally, her mom broke the silence. Clearing her throat, she gestured toward the seat across from her. “Sit down, please, Renelle.”

She did so, still rather spooked. “Hold on- did someone actually die? Cause if it’s Ro-“

“Nobody died,” her mom cut in. “We just, uh, have something to give you.” Slowly, she reached under the table- Renelle drew back, half expecting a snake or funeral invitation- but it was neither. Instead, she emerged a small, brightly coloured box, looking like the glitter monster had just thrown up on it.

Looking up for an explanation, Renelle realized with a start that her mom was now looking rather uncomfortable, eyes darting around. The idea made her feel slightly weird- up until now, she’d never seen her mom look so unsure. Important and busy? Definitely. But unsure?

With no one making a move to take the little box, Renelle stood up slightly, and reached over the table. “Um, did the glitter fairy drop something off for me while I was asleep?” She peered closer at the thing in her hand- perhaps a giant pastry from Rainbows & Unicorns Co-op? Yet…. Hold on. Was the box moving?

Her mom cleared her throat once more, her demeanour suddenly even more awkward. “Actually, I got it. For you. Like… a gift, since you’re starting school soon and all.”

Curious, Renelle turned toward her dad and Arien for an explanation, but neither of them offered one. In fact, she noticed with a start- their expressions seemed to be those of barely controlled glee. Arien jumped up suddenly. “Open it! Open it!” Her dad quickly yanked him down, but not before he let out a high-pitched giggle, like trying way too hard to hold in laughter.

Even more suspicious now, Renelle glanced back down at the box in her hands. Yes, it was moving, all right. In fact, it was squeaking.

“You guys do realize joke mice aren’t funny, right?” Responded by more giggles. Fine, whatever. She was just going to open it. And if it was another rubber mice, especially after the one placed in her sheets during the Great Scare of Halloween ‘22, well… Her dear brother better watch out.

Heart set, Renelle yanked off the lid off the glitter box, and was met with… fur.

Pink fur, to be exact. Intrigued, she pulled the thing out. Okay, not a rat…. Way too pink and round for that… but that would mean… could it be….

“A Pygmy puff?” Renelle gasped, realization creeping into her face, just as the ball of fur squeaked. She looked at her mom in front of her, a small smile now creeping onto her lips. However, her mom never got to respond, for it was that moment her dad and brother jumped up, whooping and hollering. “YESSSSS!”

And that was the story of how Jeff the Pygmy puff came to become the newest member of the Dalton family.

“Pygmy Treats, dear?”

Renelle looked up. The old woman who made up one half of the shop owner couple was standing in front of her, smiling serenely. In her hands were a basket of what the girl supposed were the 'Pygmy Treats', though they looked kind of weird to her.

“Yup, thanks!” Nodding, she directed the shopkeeper to her dad, who was a few feet away, immersed in studying racks of owls, who were hitting loudly in his face, as if telling him, 'Please go away, dude.'

It was rather sad that Renelle’s mom had not been able to accompany her to the pet store to shop for essentials for Jeff Dalton, but it was to be expected- she was busy all the time, after all, and it had probably been hard enough for her to take the time to deliver the gift to her daughter personally.

“It’ll be nice, won’t it?” The girl mused, thoughtfully stroking her new pet’s soft fur. “Reminds me that although she doesn’t show it, she does love me after all.”

She held Jeff up so that they were face to face, so close she could feel his fur on her nose. “And something tells me you and I are going to be together forever.”

Word Count: 1048

What animal do you wish to purchase? A pink Pygmy puff.
What do you want to name it? Jeff.
Is this a boy or a girl? Boy.
What is your pet's date of birth? August 19th, 2023