May 24th, 1888 — Beautiful Beast Boutique

"This is a grown-up decision, Uncle Orlando," Abraxas Crabbe explained as he positioned his guardian on a bench near the door. He was quite excited to be getting his first pet—a cat, no less!—today and entirely grateful to Orlando Lovegood for allowing it, but wanted to appear as Grown Up™ as possible to the shopkeeper. "I'll wave when I'm ready for you, don't worry!"

Without further ado, Rex was off like a shot, practically skidding to a halt in front of a pen containing several kittens. So many colours, patterns, temperaments—however would he know which to choose?

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Alternate title: "Show Me Your Best Pussy"

The following 2 users Like Abraxas Crabbe's post:2 users Like Abraxas Crabbe's post
   Elladora Black, Elsie Kirke

The rush had begun earlier this year for no discernible reason that Philip could guess but he was not one to look a gift horse in the mouth and he had seen at least half a dozen first years already this week. The other students would come once the summer began and be the usual combination of noisy and demanding, but for now there was ample time to spend with nervous looking children with wide-eyes and equally nervous looking adults hovering somewhere nearby.

“Hello there,” he smiled as he came around the counter, picking up a set of cage keys from the hook. “Can I help you with anything today young sir?”

  

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never ever changing this Soph set <3

This was it. His weeks (well, week) of careful planning had led to this. While Abraxas very much doubted the man would actually deny him a kitten, the eleven-year-old was still afraid he might say the wrong thing and accomplish just that. He faltered for a moment before responding, "I'm here for a kitten. Or any cat that suits, I suppose."

It was not, under the circumstances, likely to be the most startling revelation. Another moment and then, "But I am not entirely sure how to go about choosing one."

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It was good form to listen properly to customers so listen Philip did and he was rather surprised at the species that was being requested. Young men seldom wanted cats in his experience, instead tending towards the aloof owls or clever rats that lined their shelves.

“A cat is it? Well there are plenty to choose from. First things first,” he affected seriousness but could not help the smile that broke out. The boy was clearly trying to be terribly grown up but unlike some he saw who were attempting the same task his examples did not seem to have installed rudeness in him as a means of dealing with people. “Do you have a preference for colour?”

  

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never ever changing this Soph set <3

“Not white,” the words left his lips before the boy even realized he had a preference. “And not those scary…naked ones, either.” This was said with more confidence still.

White, Abraxas reasoned, was too girly for his tastes, and the scary naked ones were, frankly, terrifying, as though a house elf had bred itself with a kneazle. No thank you!

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The following 1 user Likes Abraxas Crabbe's post:1 user Likes Abraxas Crabbe's post
   Philip Calendar

Chuckling to himself Philip crossed them off his mental list of possibilities, although he wasn’t overly surprised about the latter – nobody really liked them, after all – and the former tended to be the domain of debutantes and dowagers. No, what this young man needed was something quite different.

“I may have just the thing,” he said as he crossed the room to an open cage where a languorous, black and white cat observed them with interest. “Don’t let his appearance fool you. He’s a softie at heart.”

  

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never ever changing this Soph set <3

"He has a moustache!" Abraxas exclaimed with a laugh, rather taken aback at the sight.

Tentatively, the boy approached the cage and held a hand out for the feline to sniff.

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Chuckling at the enthusiasm Philip reached out to flip the latch of the cage and began the sometimes precarious task of luring the cat closer.

“That’s because he’s our most distinguished kitten, suitable only for someone who wants the most intelligent of companionship,” on the counter Phil heard a squeak and rolled his eyes, knowing full well that the rats were probably building a tower out of their food just to make an indignant point. He made a note to give them treats later. Perhaps they were the cleverest after all? They certainly got the most food!

The following 1 user Likes Philip Calendar's post:1 user Likes Philip Calendar's post
   Abraxas Crabbe

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never ever changing this Soph set <3

The feline did not dislike him, Abraxas noted, but did sneeze (rather adorably, but he would never admit as much!) at the proffered hand.

“Well, if you’ve none more distinguished…” he replied with a broad grin, ”I suppose he must be the ticket!”

What would Auntie Ada think, Rex wondered, when he brought his new companion home? He hoped she would not get too attached to the cat, for it would be leaving with him for Hogwarts come September.

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If only all customers were so willingly led and amiable about the suggestions given to them his life would be made infinitely easier. Philip didn’t have any grand thoughts about his being a noble work but at the end of a long day on the shop his bones ached and he dreamed about customers like this: there was also the fact that the young man was extremely charming and he wished, with a stab of regret for even thinking it, that Della were here to coo over him.

Perhaps the fact they were seldom around children was somehow contributing to their apparent inability to produce any? He chastised himself for the very thought but could not help that it lingered even as he walked the young man and his new cat back to the counter.

“He’ll be your finest friend, I promise. You’ll never be alone again.”

wrap?

  

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never ever changing this Soph set <3

“Uncle!” Abraxas called out. The hard part was done; now it was time for the money. As he waited for his guardian to make his way over, Rex thanked the fellow profusely, his new friend in his arms purring away.

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