Hi everyone. :D This story was written as collaboration between me and UltimateGryffindork, please check out her work!
Enjoy, and don't forget to review.
A Handful of Memories
First Year
It was the last day of August. A breeze whipped the hair and cloaks of the shoppers flocking Diagon Alley as a man with glasses, and a pretty red haired woman, led an excited eleven-year-old through the crowd. Despite the fact that they seemed to be a perfectly normal family - for wizards that is -heads turned and whispers followed them as they navigated their way into the Magical Menagerie.
The hustle and bustle of the street outside melted into the smell and squawks and squeaks of hundreds of furry, feathered and finned creatures as Harry Potter stepped into the shop.
"There are so many," breathed Albus, eyes shining at the assortment of animals as he followed his parents inside.
"Well, you've got lots of choice," smiled Ginny. She glanced around, and her gaze settled on a wire cage filled with custard coloured balls of fluff which were humming loudly. "Pygmy puffs!" she gasped. "Aren't they adorable? I used to have one, you know..." she added dreamily.
"Arnold," laughed Harry, placing a hand on her shoulder. "It was called Arnold."
"Arnold?" spluttered Albus "You can't call your pet Arnold!"
"Harry Potter! What an honour!" interrupted a voice. They turned to see a heavily bespectacled witch standing behind the counter. "How can I help you today, sir?"
"My son is looking for a pet, something suitable to take to Hogwarts, only he's not quite sure what he would like..."
The witch stared down at the black haired boy in front of her. "Why he's the spitting image of his father," she sighed. Albus scowled.
"Pygmy puffs are way more fun than they look," contributed Ginny.
"Mum," said Albus quietly. "No-one takes pygmy puffs to Hogwarts..."
"I did," she continued "and I survived perfectly fine. What do you have against them anyway? What has James been telling you?"
"They're not very...well..."
"How about a nice cat?" burst in the witch. "We have all breeds, colours..."
"Rose is taking Crookshanks," said Harry, grimacing. "Why Hermione ever-"
"Crookshanks?" asked the witch. "Not that huge, fluffy ginger - the one no one wanted, heaven knows why..."
"The very same" grinned Harry.
"Dad," said Albus suddenly. He seemed very determined about something. "Can I get an owl?"
The witch seemed disappointed. "Are you sure? Because I'm afraid we don't sell them, you'll have to go to Eeylops Owl Emporium."
"Are you sure you want an owl, Albus?" asked Harry.
"Yes" he nodded.
"Thank you for all your help," Harry told the witch.
"It was a pleasure," she said, slightly deflated.
"Wait a minute" said Ginny. "Before we go, how much are those pygmy puffs?"
The witch beamed.
oOoOoOoOo
"Well, that was successful," said Harry, surveying Albus' newly purchased books, parchment, cauldron, wand (maple and dragon heartstring, eleven and a half inches, pliable) and finally, a brown barn owl which hooted sleepily at its new, overjoyed owner.
"My owl's bigger than your owl."
"Be quiet James," said Ginny. Lily laughed as a newly purchased pair of fluff balls rolled around on the floor.
"What are you going to call him anyway?" continued James.
"Arnold," said Albus.
oOoOoOoOo
Hope you enjoyed it, next chapter coming up soon. Don't forget to review!
