Long Awaited Day Pet

Em's small leather bag jingled, and clanked about as he hurried his Mum and Dad towards the pet shop, a few stores down from their potion shop.

It was a typical day visiting Diagon Alley. His parent ran a small potion shop that sold house hold potions, and tonics; as well as a select number of more advanced pre-brewed potions. His parents were here daily, but Em would only visit his parent's shop on occasion, as he spent his summers with his cousins at Bourne Manor.

It was a special day, one where Em was able to escape the dreariness of the Manor and spend it with his Father. They started the day sharing a scoop of ice cream from Florian Fortescue's, picked up a few odds and ends to replenish some school supplies for Em before the start of term. Today, however, Em brought along with him his life's savings; and he was going to make good on his father's promise that: "If you pay for it with your own money, you can get a pet!"

As they entered the Menagerie, Em was over come with joy. The owls screeched, and begged passers by for treats. The kittens mewed, and the older cats strutted about, weaving their ways through patron's legs. Toads croaked, their tongs lashing out if a flighted insect made their way within range. Colorful balls of fur, called pigmy puffs, squeaked cheerfully for a pair of young girls looking longingly at them.

Em was staggered by indecision. As he walked around the shop, his father a few paces behind to allow Em to pick for himself, looking form animal to animal, fur, to feather, to scale. He knew he couldn't make a bad choice, but we wanted to make the right one.

Em stuck his hand in with the kittens, and allowed them them playfully nip at his fingers. He pet them, and admired the range of color, and differences in softness depending on their coats.

Em admired the toads, sitting lazily in moist soil, some with moss growing over their backs as they croaked, and caught out food.

Now the owls truly grabbed his attention. Their trills, and hoots a melody that filled the shop. Beyond their intellect, and loyalty; owls were incredibly utilitarian as messengers. Em wouldn't have to look for a school owl to borrow when he sent message home; and he would likely see his father's owl, Gregor, less if he had his own owl. This made him slightly sad, as Gregor is a wonderful, if not sassy owl. But he is getting older, and his one good eye isn't as good as it used to be.

After weighing his options, and playing with a few animals, Em discovered a particular kinship with a male Barred Owl who had nipped his finger well enough to cause a drop of blood, and had defecated on his father's shoe. With a proud saunter, and an out stretched arm on which he perched, Em approached the shop keeper, asking if he could purchase this one.

What animal do you wish to purchase? A Barred Owl
What do you want to name it? Ewin
Is this a boy or a girl? Boy
What is your pet's date of birth? June 11th, 2023

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