Charlotte had decided immediately upon entering the Magical Menagerie that she would not be staying long, nor did she have any intention of going back.

After avoiding it for two years, she had begrudgingly agreed to accompany Francis and Ethel to Diagon Alley to help get the former settled, and was somehow wrapped in to buying a pet. Francis had immediately set his sights on the curious owls that smelled horrendous to Lottie, and Ethel was of course drawn to the pink and purple puffballs that were squeaking excitedly in their cages. Lottie stood in the center of the room, glancing around with a degree of disgust and mild curiosity.

She hated it. The acrid stench of so many animals in such a small space, the loud noises that mingled in the air and caught in her eardrums, the swirl of dust motes dancing through the summer air. Lottie was nearly about to turn on her heel and walk out when something soft brushed up against her leg.

It was at once a calming and strange feeling, one that contrasted drastically the otherwise wild energy of the room. Peering down, a little black cat met Lottie's gaze. It was small, no longer a kitten but not quite a full grown adult yet, either. Light caught in its smooth fur, streaking against its soft coat and making its bright green eyes glimmer like jade. Tufts of little fur curled out from its sharp cheeks.

A sharp meow trailed from its mouth, effectively melting Lottie. Hesitantly, she reached down and picked it up off the floor. The little creature stared unblinking back at her.

"Yie auru au cruauseru if shu shaukiw." Lottie whispered. The little cat tilted its head. Lottie had never had a pet, aside from the few strays her sister had brought home and promptly been scolded over. Still, she could easily imagine how the little creature could slot itself into her life. Lounging on her dorm bed, jumping between shelves, slumbering in her lap when the common room was quiet enough. She wanted to get it out of this dump, to cherish it.

From across the room, Ethel held up a bright pink Pygmy Puff with annoyance. "Lottie, quit being a freak! We still need to get Francis's wand."

Lottie rolled her eyes, but gently brought the cat back to her chest with great care. She pressed her thumb to its head, gingerly rubbing back and forth. "Little Nyx, daughter of chaos."