Word count: 450

Written for:

Hogwarts Arithmancy Assignment - Write a Cat!AU. Bonus: I used Harry Potter, Albus Dumbledore, and Luna Lovegood.

Hogwarts April Event Spring Themed Bingo - 95: (word) Gleaming

Cat Lady

Albus bowed his head in deference to the shop owner, greeting him cheerfully as he entered the store. "Good morning, Horace. I trust my selections are still available?"

The old man grunted and flipped open his book of names. "Dumbledore?"

"That would be me."

"I thought so. That cape and pointed hat screamed someone of your kind." Horace grimaced, but beckoned Albus to follow him into the hall.

"A wizard, Horace?"

"Whatever you mean to call it. I'll have no dealings with them, none-"

"Except for me?"

"Except for you," Horace amended, "because your offer was one I couldn't refuse. But any other..."

"I understand," Albus said gravely. "Shall we?"

They examined several perforated crates and cages, each with an adorable occupant. Albus chuckled at the sight of a tabby yawning at him, and another preening.

"Is there anything else I can do for you, sir?"

"No, no, here's the agreed price." Albus poured a handful of gold into Horace's hands. The proprietor looked shocked.

"We only accept credit cards here, not..."

But Albus disappeared, along with the kittens. They were gone.

Ten felines frolicked around Albus's feet, meowing and collapsing on his toes with a collective purr.

"Come, Ron, get up," said Albus gently. "Follow me! Harry, Draco, Luna, Blaise, Parvarti, Justin, Hermione, Neville..."

He paused to lift one up by the scruff of its neck before it tripped. "And you, Peggy."

On each neck, Albus placed a gleaming collar, one that would expand as the cats grew but alert him if they escaped.

"Meow," meowed Draco, squirming away in protest.

"You're welcome," Albus answered merrily. He had been in possession of the cats for only hours, but already knew their names, appearances, and personalities.

Ron was the impulsive ginger cat who always seemed to be around Harry, the slight three-legged one with dark fur. Luna had a very pale coat, and walked oddly, like she was placing one paw in front of the other. Draco and Blaise were enormous kittens, but as different as could be; Draco was a Siamese and Blaise was half bobcat. None of the others stood out to Albus, but there were so many it was hard to keep track.

Finally, he offered food, causing the cats to disperse and leave his poor feet alone. Albus watched them peacefully for a few moments. Suddenly, he heard a popping noise.

"Who's there?" he called.

Minerva poked her head around the door. "Hello, Albus. I see you've become a cat lady."

Albus smiled at her. "Are you the eleventh, come to fill the void in my heart? I'm afraid ten isn't nearly enough."

"Meow," she answered, dropping to the floor as she transformed.

"I love Animagi."