Örlög

Chapter 7: Menagerie

Theo and Harry had brought their supplies, alongside two big trunks with expandable and featherweight charms. It could easily be resized and had protective charms inlaid. They weren’t cheap but worked well as a long-term investment. They also bought two messenger bags, to carry their things around, with the same charms as their trunks. They then went to buy a wand holster, an arm-holster for Theo and a thigh-holster for Harry.

It didn’t take them long to get all their supplies and to store them in their respective trunk. The clothes would be delivered by mail.

Now all that was left was to visit the menagerie. Harry didn’t know which companion he would gain. 

The sound of screeching owls, croaking toads, mewling cats, and other creatures filled the menagerie. 

Theo walked straight towards an owl. It had a streamlined body and was quite stern looking with gradient feathers. Its thin long ears pointed straight upwards. It strangely reminded him of Theo. Harry said it out loud.

“Doesn’t he look magnificent?” Theo remarked, admiring the owl.

“How do you know the owl’s a ‘he’ and not a ‘she’?” Harry asked.

Theo pointed to a sign on the cage that Harry had overlooked. It read ’Male Screech
Owl’.

A shopkeeper walked towards them and asked, “looking for a pet for Hogwarts?”

“Yes,” Theo said, “I would like to purchase this owl.” 

“Excellent choice, screech owls are tremendously agile. 15 galleons” The shopkeeper said. He then turned to Harry, “an owl for you too perhaps?”
“Ah, I’ll look around first.” Harry replied.

“I’ll make my purchase along with him.” Theo stated.

“Of course, just come to the front when you have made your decision.” The shopkeeper moved to greet another customer. 

Harry looked around and was instantly attracted to a pure white kitty. The sign just read ‘Female Cat, unknown species’. Its’ eye reminded him of yellow zircon gemstone. 

It was just a small thing, an infant maybe. Harry was overwhelmed with the urge to pick her up and hug her tight. 

He turned to Theo, “I think I want a cat.”

Theo and Harry moved to retrieve their pets, an owl and a cat. The owl maintained his dignified solemn presence. The cat cuddled close to Harry, content.

“Hah, would you look at that? That little kitty had been such a pain and now she’s looking like a perfect angel.” The shopkeeper said, sitting in his chair in front of the cash desk.

“But she is an angel,” Harry said. The shopkeeper laughed.

Harry and Theo also bought pet supplies, toys, food, and books which they again stored in their bags.

Harry simply hugged his cat and followed Theo out of the shop.   

“Theo, let's buy ice cream now,” Harry said, pulling him towards Fortescue’s ice cream. He paused and turned to Theo, “wait, won’t the ice cream melt before we can send it to Aunt Vivian?” 

“We can buy a freeze box and send it to her with my owl. I honestly can't drag an owl through a subway train in muggle London.” 

Theo had bought a dark chocolate ice cream with fudge chunks; Harry had bought a tutti frutti ice cream with real fruits for himself. They had bought coconut ice cream for Vivian.

Theo wrote a letter and sent his owl to Vivian along with the freeze box containing the ice cream, then stored the empty cage in the bag. 

“Owls are smart, he’ll know where to go.” Theo had said.

They exited the Leaky Cauldron and walked in the muggle London, their trunks in their pockets, bags slung across their sholders. Harry’s cat had attempted to enter the bag. He had feared that she would get lost inside or hurt, but she just stayed there comfortably, peeking out through the zipper sometimes. He had just let her do her own thing.

Harry guessed that it had taken them about 2 hours to complete the whole shopping. 

Harry looked around at the little shops situated on both sides of the street.

Harry lightly pulled on Theo’s shirt to get his attention and said with excitement evident in his voice, “Theo, how about we look around muggle London?” 

Theo tilted his head a bit, “we would miss our train.”

“We could take the second train,” Harry said, trying to sway his mind.

Theo tilted his head back and nodded, “alright.”

“Yes!” Harry did a victory jump and pulled Theo into the nearest shop.

The shiny ornament/jewelry section caught Harry’s eye. 

“Theo Theo, do you think I would look good with a piercing?”

“Not yet, wait till you are older.”

Harry pouted.

“Alright,” Harry cheered himself up and turned to rummage through the bracelets, “look at this bracelet, it’s a pair, moon and sun. So cool.” 

Theo plucked it from his hands and placed it in a basket he had acquired from somewhere at some point of time. 

Harry chirpily went to look for more accessories. After choosing some hair ties and other miscellaneous items, Harry asked, “what do you think ‘BFF’ means?”

“Never heard of it.” Theo said, at the same time another voice said, “best friends forever.”

Harry and Theo turned around to see a girl with dark auburn hair. She wore a purple striped shirt with jeans, her hair tied in a high ponytail. She smiled politely at them, “Hi, I’m Susan.” 

“Hey, I’m Harry,” said Harry, waving a bit awkwardly at her.

“Theo.” Theo nodded at her.

“Are you two alone?” She asked.

“Yeah, we're just shopping and looking around.” Harry replied politely.

“Oh, that’s wonderful!” Susan clapped her hands and exclaimed, before she seemed to realize what she had said and composed herself.

“I’m sorry, where are my manners? I just got too excited. I’m alone too, would you mind if I keep you company?” She asked. “People are less likely to ask questions when they see three children as opposed to one girl. Plus, it would be fun. And I can help you, shop, if you want.” 

“That would be fine with us,” Theo replied. 

The trio talked as they window shopped. Susan apparently had an acute sense for color combinations and was enthusiastic in having them both try on clothes. Harry loved the emerald shirt which Theo said, “matches your eyes.”

“I really wish we could take a picture together,” Harry expressed with a sigh.

“Oh, there is this photo booth just across the street,” Susan said.

Susan showed them the empty photobooth and told them how to operate it and took a couple of group pictures. They equally divided the photo strips amongst themselves. 

“Hey, so I need to head back home. I had a great time. Bye!” Harry and Theo bid her farewell and watched her go.

Harry turned to Theo and said with a grin, “how about we take some pictures of just us and then go back home?”

Theo slung his arm around Harry’s shoulder and said, “as you command, my liege.”

Harry threw his head back and laughed, Theo grinned at him.

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yellow zircon