The day before school officially started Alaric decided that he should probably acquire himself a new owl as his last owl was not technically his but the woman who took care of him, Victoria. Now that he was back in Scotland and she in America he wanted a proper owl to be able to communicate with her as she was starting to get on in years and she may not remember to owl him first. He decided not to think about what else it break his heart and it wouldn’t due for people to see him headed to Hogsmeade with crimson rouge spread over his face and it would mess up his makeup and he couldn’t have that corpse flesh peeking out, now could he? No.

Because today was a particularly sunny day, he would be walking under his parasol black on the outside and a deep blue with constellations done in silver on the inside. Was it cliché? Maybe, but did he care? Absolutely not. With this, he also wore a nice pressed pair of navy slacks and vest with a copper pocket watch chain trailing from a center button to the small pocket on the vest. Under the vest would be a long-sleeved button-up, off white shirt and black shoes donned his feet.

He strolled casually as he approached the magical menagerie closing his parasol just before entering the shop smiling over to the shop keepers who greeted him as he entered. A man almost his height though notably more rotund than himself approached him extending his hand. “Good afternoon Sir my name is Ernest Witticker! A Beautiful day, well maybe not for one such as yourself, no offense.” Alaric took the man’s hand in his own slightly clawed one and shook it with a respectable grip. “None taken Mr. Witticker. Although it is sunny and my skin and the sun do not get along I can still appreciate the beauty that the sun brings to our home. And please call me Alaric.” 

The man smiled at him glad no offense was taken at the harmless comment. “Alright Alaric, how can I help you this afternoon?” Alaric’s dark vermilion eyes darted around the shop before they landed on the section with the owls. “I would like to see if I have a connection with any of your owls today. Do you mind?” The older man smiled at him and shook his head. “Not at all Alaric just let me know if you have any questions.” Alaric would give the man a nod before making his way over to the owls.

A few of them screeched at him as he approached making him move right along knowing full well that those were not the owls for him. Most of the owls shied away from him maybe feeling what he was and first he gently reached out to a little Eastern Screech, but it gave him a swift peck. He frowned and continued slowly through the owls, but it was a Great White Owl that gave him pause a majestic bird that stared him straight in the eyes as if daring him to pass her by. Alaric gently reached out and held a finger steady parallel to the owl. The young owl looked from Alaric’s eyes to his finger and back again as if appraising Alaric for his worth. It was thirty seconds that lasted an eternity until the owl fearlessly bumped her beak into Alaric’s finger bringing a soft smile to the man’s lips. “Mr. Witticker I believe I would like this young lady right here.” The shopkeep appeared at his side instantly and took down the cage. “A good choice, indeed!” “I would also like toys and food for the young lady since she has been in your shop, I feel you at this moment know her better than I do.”

The shopkeep’s wife bustled about grabbing a few things for Alaric’s new Owl. “What will you name her?” Her sweet voice asked as she picked out her favorite food, treats, and a toy or two. “Hm, I think Zurie fits her quite finely.” The woman smiled in her agreement as Alaric approached the counter and paid for his new companion. “Thank you for all of your time today I appreciate you both greatly.” Mr. Witticker looked at Alaric as he handed him his bag and his new owl in her cage. “You are most welcome. I hope you and Zurie bond quickly. Enjoy the rest of your day.”

With that, Alaric would step outside and open up his parasol for his trip back to the astronomy tower. He wanted to get back to the Astronomy tower so that Zurie could get acquainted with her new home. 

What animal do you wish to purchase? Great White Owl
What do you want to name it? Zurie
Is this a boy or a girl? Girl
What is your pet's date of birth? December 13th 2018