The Abyss Gazed Back
Date June 28, 2026
Time (early afternoon)
Location Magical Menagerie, Diagon Alley
Tags solo, part 1 of 1
Colored italics are thought; colored "quotations" are spoken. Uncolored italics are usually books or songs etc., while uncolored quotations are usually meant to emphasize the included word or make it sarcastic.
This was a special moment for Robin. In April this year, he earned second place in the Hogwarts ranking of house point earners. Every month meant a different reward, and April's was, in his opinion, the best—a pet of his choice.
Life should not be taken lightly, and if Robin had even a slight doubt in his heart for how well he can take care of his companion, he wouldn't have accepted this gift. However, the boy had confidence. He read books on how to please felines and asked his parents and grandparents all about them. As magizoologists and muggle veterinarians respectively, these individuals were experts on all kinds of animals, mundane or magical. Robin felt like a walking encyclopedia on cats right now.
He'd decided to purchase a cat at Magical Menagerie the next time he visited Diagon Alley, and that was now. School ended a few days ago, and Robin boarded the Hogwarts Express like when he first got here, only to go the other direction. After waving goodbye to his friends at the station, Robin met up with his mum and dad and they visited his grandparents. The family spent around a day and a half together, followed by Jeremy and Myrcelle accompanying their son to the magical shopping street.
"I'll let you go in yourself, give you and your future best friend some alone time!" Myrcelle said, as the family of three approached the pet shop. She winked at Robin with a mischievous smile she squeezed onto her face every time something interesting was about to happen, not letting her son's visible awkwardness affect her way of speaking.
Jeremy chuckled, "You should've gotten used to her character by now."
Oh I'm used to it, Robin thought, still don't like it too much though. He didn't bother to say that out loud, he just nodded at his father's mild teasing.
The couple walked Robin up to the front door, and he entered it with nervously folded lips.
"Welcome, dearie! You've got a companion in mind or just feeling it out?" An old lady some centimeters shorter than Robin emerged from behind the counter as soon as he stepped foot into the overstimulating store. There were animals everywhere, owls, mice, cats . . . most quietly sitting in their cages, some staring at Robin curiously, while others didn't pay him any mind. The lady's welcoming voice made Robin feel relaxed and tense at the same time, if that was even possible. He should feel at ease seeing how friendly she is, but a part of him just can't stand being called "dearie" by random old folk.
"I uh, I'm looking for a cat." Robin decided on a feline companion ever since he saw his name listed on the rankings. Cats were his favorite animal, most people who know him might even associate his mannerisms with one. Even strangers have quite a high chance of guessing his favorite animal judging by his overall demeanor—namely his quietness and flat face. Those are stereotypes of a cat person, but they're true in his case.
The shopkeeper nodded her head with an understanding smile, "Great choice, dearie. Follow me." She turned and walked around a mountain of caged owls, revealing to Robin a section dedicated to cats of all colors and ages. "Would you like a more affectionate or independent friend?"
Robin hesitated. His friends would know that he's not into physical touch, so they might've thought that he'd like a more distant pet. However, animals and humans are different. Yes, humans are animals, but you know what he means. Cuddling a cute kitty and brushing hands with a peer gives him two distinct emotions—the former happiness, the latter horror.
"Probably a cat that would . . . at least not hate physical contact." Robin paused to think of some more traits he'd prefer, "If it's possible, I also hope that it can be on the more intelligent side. It's a bit embarrassing to admit, but . . . well, I've read some children's books where the protagonist's animal companion is as smart or smarter than they are, and I think that's beautiful." The boy grew more confident in what he's looking for as he gave his last opinion: "I want my pet to be curious like me, to accompany me on some 'adventures' I go on, whether voluntary or . . . involuntary"
The old lady smiled, her eyes curving into thin slits as she replied: "Well, today's your lucky day, dearie! I think we've got the fella just for you." She pointed towards a cage near the bottom of the racks, "He was born last year on November seventh, and you know how most kids get their pets only a couple days before heading to Hogwarts in late August. Poor fella couldn't find his friend then, maybe you two will feel a connection."
Robin's gaze followed the lady's finger. His eyebrows twitched in confusion, as it seemed like she was pointing at an empty cage. Before he could ask anything, two yellow circles flickered in the darkness. Robin stared right into the middle of those circles, where a reflective black spot gazed back at him like the ink on his homework.
It was a cat—a black cat—staring back at him with inquisitive eyes.
Magical Menagerie, a place that evokes magical feelings. By the time Robin regained consciousness, he had already agreed to purchasing this young cat with the budget he was given by the Headmaster. A "Bewitched Midnight Stalker", as the lady called him.
When asked what he would name his new feline companion, Robin answered without hesitation.
"Meursault."
ReducioSorry if any of the dialogues from Anita Witticker seem out of character, I used my own interpretations of the descriptions provided in the pet application instructions.
wc: 932