The young witch's eyes lit up as the brick wall folded open upon itself to reveal Diagon Alley. People in cloaks and tall hats crowded the streets, many of them young like Rowan herself. She had returned from summer camp four days ago, and her second year at Hogwarts was around the corner. Despite being required to retake her first year, Rowan was incredibly excited about returning to the wizarding world. The summer prior, it had been only Rowan's mother who had accompanied her to Diagon Alley. It had been new (and quite frightening) for the both of them, and her mother fainted a couple of times, but they had gotten through it together. Though Rowan had held a grudge towards her father for his refusal to return to England to come with them, it had vanished quickly under the pressure of how the Sallows' lives were changing dramatically. Now, both her mother and father trailed behind her as she walked down the cobblestone road, her father stumbling every other step as he attempted to comprehend his surroundings. Though her mother was still unsettled, she was slighlty more comfortable as she strode next to her daughter, pointing out various things that intrigued her- "Do you see that broomstick, there? It's hovering on its own, how peculiar," or "All of these people dress in such an interesting way- is that a goblin?" etcetera, etcetera. Rowan's father was silent: at a loss for words. "Papá?""Dad?" Rowan ventured in Spanish, looking at her father. "Estás bien?" "Are you alright?" Her father forced a smile. "Sí," "Yes," he replied. "It's just a lot to take in."

"Rowan, dear, is that the shop you mentioned?" Rowan's mother spoke, pointing at a particular buiding in the row with the words Magical Menagerie labelling it. Rowan smiled slightly and nodded. "Yes, but it doesn't matter. I thought you said I couldn't get a pet." Rowan had wanted to bring the family's black cat, Apollo, to school with her, but that idea had been shut down quickly. Perhaps it was because she felt so lonely in the wizarding world, having no family or friends to guide her, but Rowan desperately wanted a pet. Her mother and father exchanged a glance behind her back. "Your father and I have decided that you can have a cat for school." Rowan spun around, a grin from ear to ear. She didn't even bother confirming what her mother had just said. "Thank you, thank you!" She regained control of herself and took a deep breath, still smiling. "May I go now?" Her mother agreed, deciding that she would stay outside sitting on a bench with her sick-looking husband. Rowan clutched the pouch of galleons in her pocket and entered the shop, greeted immediately by an old, smiling couple behind the counter. She waved and smiled back, distracted by everything that was going on in the Menagerie. A cat... Rowan walked along the side of the shop where the cats went about their business, reaching out absentmindedly to pet their heads or scratch underneath their chins. They were all beautiful, soft creatures, and Rowan felt overwhelmed by the choice. Was it even a cat that she wanted, anyways?
Rowan found her attention being drawn to a warmly lit area of the shop, various sized tanks lining the shelves. Upon her first glance into one of the tanks, which was adorned with sand, rocks, and a bright light that she assumed was meant to resemble the sun, Rowan saw no creature.

"Excuse me," she called to the woman behind the counter, who was closest to her. The elderly woman leaned over the counter slightly to follow Rowan's gaze. Rowan opened her mouth to ask about the tank, but the woman was a step ahead of her. "Ah, our lizards," she said with a kind voice. "They aren't very popular, but can make great pets. This one is what is called a Girdled Lizard, though she seems to be hiding right now." The shopkeeper peered into the tank. "Aha. There, see?" Rowan followed the woman's finger and made out a mottled brown lizard curled up underneath a rock. Rowan smiled at how cute the little creature was, her tail over her nose, sleeping peacefully. "I'll take her," The young witch said softly, running her fingers over the glass, careful not to make any noise as to wake the sleeping reptile.

"That is... not a cat," Rowan's mother inquired as her daughter came towards them, holding a small travel enclosure in her hands. "Meet Rayo," Rowan said, placing the tank on the bench and opening it. She gently reached down and scooped up the little Sungazer, who was now wide awake. The lizard curled up in Rowan's hands, and she laughed quietly at the feeling of Rayo's textured warm scales. She gently stroked the lizard, who snuggled into the folds of Rowan's skin. Perhaps this year would be a better one with Rayo by her side.

What animal do you wish to purchase? Girdled Lizard
What do you want to name it? Rayo
Is this a boy or a girl? Female
What is your pet's date of birth? 06/03/2024

Pet Permission Granted

Have fun with your scaly little friend!