Magical Menagerie wasn’t exactly 'high priority' on Iris' list of places to visit. In fact, her eyes had purposefully avoided the shop while passing through their supply run.

Creatures were endearing enough in their own right, she supposed. Though the idea of carting one around, feeding it on schedule, seemed entirely too tedious. A pet meant upkeep; a constant, minor inconvenience. And frankly? Iris could think of a hundred other things she’d rather be doing. Despite such efforts, the girl's parents insisted a companion might be a “comforting influence” during her time back.

So with a sigh, the young ravenclaw was accompanied inside. The scent of something disturbingly earthy was the first to hit her senses, wet fur and hay all melded together to produce a cringe worthy aroma. Iris wrinkled her nose immediately, masking any further distaste that followed. It appeared most animals seemed aware of their confinement, a tawny owl angrily ruffling it's feathers while a rodent gnawed half heartedly at its food dish. While her mother gestured to things such as impractical bunnies, her father seemed far more enthralled by the rats kept in small cages. Surely he was kidding. Everything was scanned with the same brief disinterest, moving swiftly until something lightly brushed upon her ankle.

It was by her foot that a small, grey cat peered up with innocent curiosity. Never one for cuteness, though something about it's golden eyes made Iris think twice. Considering the creature with briefly matched interest, she casted a glance toward the shopkeeper. “May I hold them?”

The man on duty nodded, though her question appeared to serve more as a formality. Leaning down to grab the kitten, its tiny paws rested gently atop her arm. It was to her own surprise that Iris felt, while not quite affection, still an ease of something vaguely comforting. The small creature's gaze met hers, as if assessing with equal frankness. The longer she stood the louder its purr grew, a time distracting act until finally being brought back to reality. Out of everything that called out to her, which truly wasn't much, the idea choosing something so graceful perhaps wouldn't be the end of the world.

With a final stroke down its back, Iris nodded slightly. “Tell my parents I’ll consider it.” Her words once again had been directed to the shopkeeper, voice less dry this time around. While unbeknownst to her now, that little grey ball of fur would soon become the second year's pride and joy.

WORD COUNT: 416/400

What animal do you wish to purchase? Chartreux cat
What do you want to name it? Nephele
Is this a boy or a girl? Girl
What is your pet's date of birth? February 13th, 2024

Pet Granted

Look after Nephele well.