november 11th 2023; a week after meeting rusty x

This trip to Diagon Alley had been long overdue, mostly because she didn’t have the resources to feed nor coddle a growing cat. Alyssea wanted to go the day after she first met Rusty, but the first duelling matches happened and she went and won that. Harmony had been an incredible pet-sitter up to this point and it was only fair Alyssea started taking on the responsibilities of being a pet mother.

Rusty couldn’t sleep in Alyssea’s bed forever (something she couldn’t stop sulking over), so a bed for him was on the list. Pet treats and cat food were a no-brainer, either. A little collar for Rusty would also be nice so that if he got lost, the people who found him would be able to return him to her. It would come down to whatever she could find at the Magical Menagerie.

Alyssea lowered Rusty to the ground as she opened the door to the shop. The little fiery furball practically sprinted inside. Gosh, the little thing wouldn’t stop making her grin from ear to ear. She closed the door behind them and bowed to the shopkeepers with a small greeting.

“You alright, dear?” The lady asked her.

Alyssea nodded. “Just looking around for stuff for this little guy.” She pointed to little Rusty who was now hiding behind her leg.

Right, she had things to do. A pet bed, food and treats, and whatever else necessities the little guy wanted. She quietly hummed as she looked around, examining all the products and their prices. She had saved up quite a lot the past month but it wasn’t because she was saving up for a pet. People had something called needs and wants and Alyssea had little to nothing for either of those. Perhaps an enchanted radio or a nicer broom, but they weren’t urgently wanted. Of course, now with Rusty, she had to accommodate for his needs and wants, too.

Alyssea picked up a few tins of cat food and picked a black cat bed. “Would you like some toys as well, Rusty?”

Once she had all the items she wanted to purchase, she headed towards the counter. As she counted her galleons, the lady asked, “Why Rusty?”

Alyssea took a minute to ponder. She’d mentally named him Rusty when they first met at Hogsmeade because of his orange pelt. Rust was orange. Yes, it was really unoriginal but she was bad at naming things. One of her clubs was literally just called ‘History of Magic Club’. But then a memory came back to her.

One of the books she read was about wild cats. Warriors, was it? The main character of the first book had been named Fireheart by the end of the first series and he became one of the best leaders the cat world had ever known, but that wasn’t always his name. It was Rusty.

“He’s named after a book character,” Alyssea said as she placed the galleons down, “I also thought it fit his orange fur.”

She gave the shopkeeper a little smile and thanked her on the way out with her goods in hand. Maybe one day, Rusty could become the little warrior he was named after. For now, he was a little cat enjoying the comfort of Hogwarts.

word count: 548/400

What animal do you wish to purchase?: Red Mackerel Tabby
What do you want to name it? Rusty
Is this a boy or a girl?: Boy
What is your pet's date of birth? November 6th, 2022