A/N: A change of pace for me…you'd never know it, judging by all the Naruto fan fiction I've written, but I'm a massive HP geek to the 'nth degree. Here's the Arabella Figg oneshot I've been toying with for the past year or so…(300+ words seems like a sad testament to a year's worth of fiddling, but I like it. Hope yal do too!)
Disclaimer: JK Rowling is one in a million. I, sadly, am not that one.
What Could've Been…
Arabella stroked the dust colored kitten in her arms as her neighbor, Petunia Dursley continued.
"So you see, Mrs. Figg, with Dudders' allergies there's just no way we can allow Harry to keep your um, your gift." Petunia simpered, "precious though it is, of course."
The older woman nodded. She might be no great shakes at magic, but it didn't take magic to know that Petunia was lying. Mrs. Figg made a mental note to inform Dumbledore that this plan failed just as he'd predicted it would.
"I understand, and I'm very sorry for causing Dudley any troubles. I just thought Harry might like a little friend, every time I see the poor child he's always alone."
Petunia frowned, why was the only person willing to babysit her nephew suddenly becoming so intrusive? What has that boy been saying?
"He's anti-social, and he lies all the time," the blonde replied quickly. "And he's cruel to animals. Even if Diddikins didn't have allergies I wouldn't let Harry have the kitten, I'm afraid of what he'd do to the poor thing."
Mrs. Figg couldn't believe what she was hearing.
"But he's only four years old," she protested. Then seeing Mrs. Dursley's expression, stopped herself. "Yes, you're right. It's best to nip behavior like that in the bud, we certainly don't need any delinquents in Little Whinging. Tell Dudley I hope his rash clears up soon."
Petunia nodded, and turned to leave. Arabella closed the door behind her with a sigh.
"Well Mrs. Norris," she murmured to the now sleeping ball of fluff, "I guess I can call back that gentleman, Mr. Filch and tell him I have a kitten available after all."