Approximately 2 weeks before the start of the new school year.

"Umm umm" Max coughed litely and brushed soot from his clothes. Deciding on a dark t-shirt and jeans was prolly good idea. Max didnt dislike traveling by the floo network, but the soot would always make him cough and get on his hair and clothes.

"C'mon Max we got alot to do today" said his mother as she briskly turned and walked away.

That we do thought Max. It had been awhile since he had his last trip to Diagon Alley. Having been dragged along many times by his mother and aunt, this time was different. It was time to get his school things, his Hogwarts adventure was weeks away now.

After getting his wand, potion supplies and fitted for his robes. His mother decided to do some shopping of her own leaving Max to go off on his own. With a time set to meet up to get his textbooks later the boy excitedly wandering the area. After a stop by the ice cream shop, Max enjoyed his treat. Eating his cone while observing all the commotion. Kids his age with their families going shop to shop, older kids meeting friends they hadn't seen all summer catching up.

Seeing a group of kids roughly his age outside a shop window excitedly carrying on, Max knew immediately the latest broom model was on display. He looked forward to flying lessons but the shop he was excitedly headed towards had nothing to do with quiditch.

"Here we are" Max said to himself as he walked inside. The noise and smells of a variety of animals was apparent as soon as you entered. Cats, dogs, rats and frogs this place had quite the selection of companions. Max was beside himself in glee he had to visit em all. After geting his fill of playing with the kittens he moved on to his favorite section, the owls.

"My aren't you all some beauty's" Max whispered as he took em all in. This part of the noisy little shop seemed slightly quieter and darker. Max couldn't help but inspect them one by one.

A soft voice from behind spoke slightly startling him. " The owls are my favorite. Their beauty, intelligence, independence and just usefulness set them apart from. Cats are wonderful also but owls for me. Hehehe" Chuckled the little old shop keeper.

"I've got a raven, but he still too mischievous to take to Hogwarts" Max said sadly.

"Yeah the curiosity of a raven could lead you to some bad situations. Sorry to hear you'll have to be separated" The old man replied understanding.

At this point Max stopped in front of a young great horned owl. The brown and black on his feathers with a little bit of white on its chest made it stand out from the others. Max was instantly drawn to the creature and couldn't take his eyes off the little beauty.

"Oh she is a beauty, we got her from a different breeder than the others. Shes been here for a few weeks, and as pretty as she is, she hasn't exactly warmed up to anyone yet" The little old man said as he stroked a nearby snowy white owl gently.

"Is that so?" Max replied without looking away. "How bout being my friend little one? I'm sure we could be good friends what do you say?"

The owl in return opened its eyes staring at the boy, cocked it's head and let out a soft hoot. Max moved foward slowly and gently reached out his hand to stroke the bird. As the old man watched sighed and closed his eyes waiting for the boy to get bitten. The sound of pain never came instead a quiet noise of content came from the owl.

"Well I'll be......" The shopkeeper was slightly surprised by the ease the boy and owl were interacting. "I thought she'd need some work, I've got the bad end of her bite myself and I've been doing this for years."

Another more feminine sigh could be heard behind Max. "I should have known you'd lose track of time and be here." Lilliana, Max's mother entered, while not mad she knew the coming conversation. " Before you ask, fine you pay for it and take care of it. An owl would be welcomed at Hogwarts, a little theif raven is just asking for problems. Now hurry up, we got books to buy yet"

The boy was happy as ever as he looked from his mother back to the owl. Lifting his arm flat in front of him he asked the owl. "So what will you do? Stay in this shop or come adventure with me? I got a raven friend Loki, I'm sure you'll get along. Shall we go?"

The owl didn't take but a moment to decide and landing on the boys arm with a hoot. With a grin the boy turned to the shopkeeper. "I'll be needing to check out now, sir."

It was now a few days from the start of semester. Max was busy cleaning the owls cage and filling the food and water bowls. Since bringing the the beautiful great horned owl home, the two had bonded nicely, he decided on then name Olivia. Unfortunately Loki the young raven wasn't quite so sure about the new friend Olivia and kept his distance.

"Max dear" his mother entered "I'm really sorry to ask, but I need to borrow Olivia. I have to send a letter and poor old Sherman can't make the long trips anymore. I knew you don't wanna start Hogwarts without her but it's really important"

Max let out a long sigh, she was right. He really wanted his companion with him as his nerves about Hogwarts could already be felt. He knew she wouldn't ask if it weren't important. "Fine but you'll send her to me whenever she gets back?"

(993 words)