*A memory of the beginning of the year*

It was mid August, the Laren twins and their father were in Diagon Alley to get school supplies for the long awaited first year at Hogwarts.

The bustling scenery was a bit overwhelming for Graci but she just held on tightly to what she was carrying, and Zoe's arm.

"If you hold on to my arm any tighter, it's gonna lose circulation and fall off."

"It'll take a bit before it does that, don't you think?"

The talking trailed off as they navigated through the full streets, trying to keep sight of their fathers red hair before they lost him completely.

Wizards were bustling around, getting who knows what done, students marveling at stuff through windows, animals- wait, animals?

"Are there animals here, Zoe?"

"Oh, yes, I think I've heard dad speak of it once or twice, The Magical Menagerie or something of the like. They sell rats and owls and cats, all sorts of wizard pets."

"That makes sense. Well, a lot of sense really."

"Graci, do you think I could get another cat if I asked father nicely?"

"You know, probably not. You already have, like, what was it, four or something?"

"It was three."

"Yes, yes, three. Do you suppose dad would let me get an owl, there's a really adorable one, right there, don't you see?"

It was an ADORABLE, small, caramel brown owl with large eyes that were just begging too be fawned over.

"So. Cute. Must. Adore."

"Whoa, Graci, you're gonna go into a cuteness coma, I'll get dad, you go... adore the owl or whatever."

She went closer to the adorable ball of downy fluff and feathers.

The door opened and she stepped inside, astounded by the amount of cuteness in her vicinity.
She took it in, awed. Animals all over, owls, cats, toads, rats, even the occasional spider or snake. Two old shopkeepers who seemed kind.

She waved to them slightly but went up to the owl, which she now identified as an Eastern screech owl.

"Aren't you just the most adorable owl ever."

She heard more people enter and she turned her head, Zoe and her father! She waved them over, but didn't keep her eyes off the owl for long.

"Dad, I told you she was love-struck as soon as she saw it."

"Hey! Zoe! I mean, yes, but have you SEEN her? She's so cute!"

"Graci?"

"Yes, Patéras (Πατέρας)?"

"Okay, first of all, stop calling me that, I understand you're part Greek, but just speak English, for my sake. "

"Alright. I suppose. Αλλά μόνο σήμερα (but only today)."

"Hey, I said stop, and second, we can get it, but you'll have to share owling privileges with your sister. Me and you mother as well, by association. You also have to take care of her, no neglectful pet owners on my watch."

"Of course! Animal neglect is one of the worst crimes. Animals have lives too!"

"Okay, okay, but no other splurging, owls aren't cheap, and it won't pay for itself."

The shop owners were as kind as they looked, "Oh, a won'erful choice of owl, 'n Eastern Screech I s'pose. What're you gon' name 'er?"

"Κουκουβάγια or Kouko for short."

"Beau'iful, beau'iful, what's it mean?"

She blushed, "It just means owl. In Greek."

"Ah, wonderful, 'ave a nice day!"

The rest of the day was a blur for Graci, her happiness clouding everything else out.

Permission from Zoe Laren to use her character in pre-discussed ways was granted.

Pet Granted

Look after Κουκουβάγια well.