Chapter Eight - Cats, School, and Rules
Harry's first week with the Grangers passed very quickly. To Harry, it seemed as though almost no time had passed, and suddenly, he found himself going to Diagon Alley.
They started by going to Gringotts, the wizard bank. Harry made a withdrawal, and the Grangers exchanged their muggle money for wizarding money. They met up with Ron and his family at Flourish and Blotts, the bookstore.
"Good to see you, Harry," Ron exclaimed, as he approached Harry.
"It's good to see you, too, Ron." Harry smiled at his friend. There wasn't much to say, at least nothing in front of Ron and Hermione's family. But Harry knew that there would be plenty to say on the train, away from everybody else.
Harry and his friends bought their books and were passing the Magical Menagerie when Harry remembered his gift. "Oh, wait you guys," he said to Ron and Hermione, who were about to pass the store. "Hagrid's gift to me was a kitten."
"A kitten? I didn't know you like cats, Harry," Ron said. Hermione agreed.
"The thing is, I didn't either. Hagrid said that if I didn't want one, he'd refund the voucher he got me."
"You know, Harry, if that came from Hagrid, you should be lucky it's only for a kitten. He could have gotten you a dragon or something," Ron pointed out. Harry nodded. Hagrid had a love for wild beasts, even if they didn't love him back. He remembered how Hagrid had possessed, or still owned, a three-headed dog, a dragon, a giant spider, a hippogriff, blast- ended skrewt, and probably many more that they didn't know about.
"I think you should get it, Harry. I know you have Hedwig, but you only get to see her when you go to the owlry. And besides, if there's one thing you should have learned from Crookshanks, it's that cats are very smart," Hermione explained.
"I don't know why, but I guess I'll get the cat," Harry sighed. Not that he didn't want it, he just wasn't sure if he really wanted a cat around all the time. Harry walked in, and began to browse around.
The Magical Menagerie had a lot of kittens. Harry looked at all the little fuzz balls, some playing, some eating, and some sleeping. Harry focused on one kitten in particular. It was like a little ball of grey and white fluff. It's back, head, tail, and most of its front legs were grey. But starting under it's chin and running across it's belly was white fur, along with little white mittens on it's front paws, and all of it's back legs.
Harry turned to the lady behind the counter. Pointing to the kitten he had been watching, he asked, "Do you think this would be good cat to take to Hogwarts?"
The lady went and grabbed the small cat from out of his cage. "You mean this one?" Harry nodded. "Why, I think so. He's real flexible. He seems to get along well with other cats, but he's also fine if you leave him on his own. He also seems to get along fine with humans."
She handed the kitten to Harry. It was small enough to fit nicely in his hands. "So, do you want him?" the lady asked.
Harry looked down at the little fluff in his hands. "Sure, I'll take him." He pulled out the voucher and handed it to the lady.
"Okay, with the cat, you get a cage, collar, litter box, litter, litter supplies, dishes, food, some toys, and some catnip. I would recommend that you get a scratching post, but that's not included. You'll also get our owl order catalogue, no pun intended, so that you can order more food, litter, and so on."
She put the mentioned things on the counter, and held a golden collar. "So, it's a him. What are you going to name him?"
Harry thought for a moment. Then, he said, "Yllier. That's Y-L-L-I-E- R." The lady engraved it onto the name tag as he dictated it.
"And, your name please?" Harry was surprised. Most people recognized him as soon as they saw him. She obviously didn't.
"Harry Potter," he said, and waited while she reacted. It was the usual small gasp and look up to his forehead. It was one of those time that Harry wished that he wasn't so famous. Or, at least that he didn't have a scar on his forehead.
The lady put the collar around little Yllier's neck. "It's a magical collar," she explained. "It only shows up when you want it to, or when it would benefit the cat, like he's lost or something. Quite useful if you want it sneaking around the school." The lady laughed, as though what she said was somewhat funny. Harry didn't see the humor, since he was always sneaking around the school, or so it seemed.
"I'd also like to buy a scratching post," Harry said. Hermione nudged him, and pointed to a bunch of baskets that were hanging. He guessed that Hermione didn't really approve of cages. "Oh, and a carrying basket, too." The lady brought the two things to the counter, and Harry gave her the appropriate amount of money. She then put all the stuff except the basket, and the cat, of course, in a bag.
Harry lifted the lid of the basket, and put his new pet inside it. Picking up the basket, and the bag, and left the store. As soon as they were out, Ron had something to say. "What kind of name did you give your cat, Harry? It sounds nothing like it's spelled."
"Not really, Ron. It's ill-ee-er, and Yllier was a famous Irish seeker. I hope Crookshanks won't mind," Harry commented. On an after thought, he added, "Let's go to Flourish and Blotts again. I need a book about how to care for a cat."
When they arrived, Harry found that there were a number of books on having a cat as a pet. There were the regular books on how to care for it, plus lots on training your cat to do all sorts of things. He ended up getting two different care books, and two other training books. One of them was CATS: TRAINING THEM TO BE THE PRACTICAL COMPANION and the other was TRICKS AND HABITS FOR EVERY GOOD CAT. Harry figured that it would be more than enough.
The three friends finished shopping for school supplies, and the two families enjoyed some ice cream before departing. As he was returning to the Grangers' house, he was looking at a birth certificate for Yllier. It said that he was born on May 19th, making him a little over fourteen weeks old. It gave the description of Yllier at birth, Yllier's parents, their descriptions, and the owners of his parents.
The little birth certificate came in a file folder, along with his vaccination record, and the business cat of the veterinarian he had seen. Of course, Harry would have to take the small cat to the vet later to get him fixed. Harry also thought that it wouldn't be bad to have Hedwig see a vet for yearly examinations.
**********
In the rest of the week before school started, Yllier quickly bonded with Harry. The little kitten was full of energy, and rather liked Harry. When Harry and Hermione were going to King's Cross Station, it was hard to keep little Yllier in his basket. It was a large basket, and he would grow into it, but he kept pushing his little white paws against the lid.
Although they weren't late this year, they took their usual spot in the last car of the train. It was empty, but they knew that Ron would join them soon enough. The two sat down in different seats. Crookshanks had his own seat as well, but Yllier's basket stared with Harry.
With one hand on the basket, Harry began reading one of his training books. Although still very small, Yllier seemed to absorb the training like a sponge. He already knew all the simple "dog" tricks, like sit, and come, even if he would rather run around. Harry had begun to teach him some of the more advanced things, and he seemed to get those as well.
Before they left, Harry was getting Yllier to recognize Harry's wand. One of the books said it was helpful if the cat could bring a person's wand to them. Harry would have to test Yllier's ability to pick Harry's wand out of a bunch when he got to school.
It wasn't long before Ron arrived, not too much before the train was set to depart. Harry waved to the rest of the Weasleys. When the train started to move, and the platform was out of sight, Harry let Yllier out of the basket.
"So," Ron said, "have you heard from Sirius at all this summer?"
Harry nodded excitedly. "I don't know why, but he was staying with somebody who lived on my street. I got to see him, and we spent a lot of time together."
"Really?" Hermione asked. It seemed that both of his friends were concerned about his godfather. With good reason, Harry supposed. There were some of the few people that knew, or believed, that Sirius didn't kill Peter Pettigrew.
"Yeah, but he wouldn't tell me why he was there. He said something like that he wanted to keep me innocent, or something. In the end, I don't really care. What matters most is that I got to see him again."
It was only a matter of time before Draco Malfoy and his mini gang, Crabbe and Goyle, showed up. As soon as they opened the door to the compartment, Yllier, who was sleeping in his basket, sprung awake and ran at the trio. Yllier hissed and yowled at Malfoy, who began to laugh.
"Is this your army, Potter? A little kitten? This thing couldn't hurt me if it tried," Malfoy laughed some more.
But then, Yllier made an odd meowing noise. It was a meow, but not a normal one. Crookshanks got up, and advanced on Malfoy and his huge companions. Crookshanks stopped to stretch and yawn, and succeeded in showing off his teeth and claws, which were very sharp. Malfoy stopped laughing.
But it wasn't until Crookshanks dived towards Malfoy's legs that he ran out of the compartment, shutting the door behind him.
Everyone that remained was in awe. "Go Yllier!" Harry exclaimed, and gave his cat some treats. Hermione also rewarded her cat, because, although she didn't approve of Crookshanks hurting people, she did approve of the action against Malfoy. She hadn't like him since she met him, and his attitude over the years to her, Harry, and Ron, made her very angry at him.
The rest of the train ride proved the old saying, "Time flies when you're having fun." The three friends talked the rest of the time, and before they knew it, they were at Hogwarts. As usual, they greeted Hagrid as he led the new students into boats to cross the lake. Harry got in a horseless carriage with Ron and Hermione that would take them to the school. They were just entering when they met up with Professor McGonagall.
"Harry, Hermione, I'd like to have a word with you two," she said. She did not look happy. Harry sighed, following her. He never could seem to start the year off very well. They went to her office, where she turned to face them.
"I have come to understand that both of you had cats that assaulted Draco Malfoy. Please explain yourselves." Harry had almost forgotten the episode on the train, but Malfoy must not have. Harry was actually impressed. Malfoy must have gotten word out really quick to have Professor McGonagall get to them that fast.
Harry started the explanation. "Professor, my cat was sleeping peacefully up until the moment Crabbe, Goyle, and Malfoy entered the compartment. Upon their entry, my cat awoke, and walked up to Malfoy. He hissed at Malfoy, and Malfoy began to laugh at my cat." He silently applauded himself. It was the best explanation he had ever given. It almost sounded as though he had planned it.
Hermione took up the short story. "But then, Harry's cat meowed oddly, and my cat woke up. He walked over to Malfoy, stretching on the way. This stopped the laughing, but they didn't move. I'll admit my cat attempted to scratch Malfoy, but he was not successful. Malfoy retreated, along with Crabbe and Goyle, into another compartment." Harry contributed their ability to explain bad situations to the frequency that they had to do so in the past.
"I see," McGonagall said. She thought for a moment. "I don't believe that there is a rule against a cat hissing at a student, and I believe there is a small loop hole in the rules so that a cat may ATTEMPT to scratch another student, but if it is unsuccessful, there is no punishment." Harry knew that if this were Snape, one professor who seemed to absolutely loathe him, he would not be very pleased to say that the two of them could get off without punishment.
"But there is another rule I must discuss. Mr. Potter, if you do not remember, students at this school may have an owl OR a cat OR a toad. I believe that you are breaking this rule in having both an owl and a cat. You may keep only one." She looked at him, and Harry suddenly wished that he had remembered that rule.
"But Professor, isn't there some way I can have two? I can't just leave one at home?"
McGonagall looked at him as though he was asking her to recall something she didn't want to. "There is one exception. If a student wishes to posses either an unapproved pet, or two pets, the pet or pets in question must prove unfailing loyalty to the student. Statistics show that somebody is more likely to become an animagus then to pass the test of loyalty."
"Well, it's worth a try, isn't it?" Harry looked at his teacher, wishing that there was some other way. He knew that there was only six legal animagi this century. There was of course, four unregistered ones, so maybe, if he looked at it that way, there might be a chance. BESIDES, Harry thought to himself, MY DAD WAS AN ANIMAGUS. THE POWER IS IN MY BLOOD. MAYBE I COULD PULL THIS OFF.
"Then we will have to settle this at a later date." She handed both of them an envelope. "This is for being prefects," she said, giving Harry a particular stare. "Let us go to the Great Hall. We should be there just in time for the end of the sorting."
Special Thanks.
Saffron Halifax again for your most recent review. It's okay, I miss stuff all the time myself. I thought I might warn you that the rate that I've been putting up these chapters is quite fast for me. I can do it only because I have them written already. At some point, I'll have to slow down and start writing again, but hopefully it won't slow things down TOO much. Hope you (and all my other readers) enjoy this most recent installment!
Harry's first week with the Grangers passed very quickly. To Harry, it seemed as though almost no time had passed, and suddenly, he found himself going to Diagon Alley.
They started by going to Gringotts, the wizard bank. Harry made a withdrawal, and the Grangers exchanged their muggle money for wizarding money. They met up with Ron and his family at Flourish and Blotts, the bookstore.
"Good to see you, Harry," Ron exclaimed, as he approached Harry.
"It's good to see you, too, Ron." Harry smiled at his friend. There wasn't much to say, at least nothing in front of Ron and Hermione's family. But Harry knew that there would be plenty to say on the train, away from everybody else.
Harry and his friends bought their books and were passing the Magical Menagerie when Harry remembered his gift. "Oh, wait you guys," he said to Ron and Hermione, who were about to pass the store. "Hagrid's gift to me was a kitten."
"A kitten? I didn't know you like cats, Harry," Ron said. Hermione agreed.
"The thing is, I didn't either. Hagrid said that if I didn't want one, he'd refund the voucher he got me."
"You know, Harry, if that came from Hagrid, you should be lucky it's only for a kitten. He could have gotten you a dragon or something," Ron pointed out. Harry nodded. Hagrid had a love for wild beasts, even if they didn't love him back. He remembered how Hagrid had possessed, or still owned, a three-headed dog, a dragon, a giant spider, a hippogriff, blast- ended skrewt, and probably many more that they didn't know about.
"I think you should get it, Harry. I know you have Hedwig, but you only get to see her when you go to the owlry. And besides, if there's one thing you should have learned from Crookshanks, it's that cats are very smart," Hermione explained.
"I don't know why, but I guess I'll get the cat," Harry sighed. Not that he didn't want it, he just wasn't sure if he really wanted a cat around all the time. Harry walked in, and began to browse around.
The Magical Menagerie had a lot of kittens. Harry looked at all the little fuzz balls, some playing, some eating, and some sleeping. Harry focused on one kitten in particular. It was like a little ball of grey and white fluff. It's back, head, tail, and most of its front legs were grey. But starting under it's chin and running across it's belly was white fur, along with little white mittens on it's front paws, and all of it's back legs.
Harry turned to the lady behind the counter. Pointing to the kitten he had been watching, he asked, "Do you think this would be good cat to take to Hogwarts?"
The lady went and grabbed the small cat from out of his cage. "You mean this one?" Harry nodded. "Why, I think so. He's real flexible. He seems to get along well with other cats, but he's also fine if you leave him on his own. He also seems to get along fine with humans."
She handed the kitten to Harry. It was small enough to fit nicely in his hands. "So, do you want him?" the lady asked.
Harry looked down at the little fluff in his hands. "Sure, I'll take him." He pulled out the voucher and handed it to the lady.
"Okay, with the cat, you get a cage, collar, litter box, litter, litter supplies, dishes, food, some toys, and some catnip. I would recommend that you get a scratching post, but that's not included. You'll also get our owl order catalogue, no pun intended, so that you can order more food, litter, and so on."
She put the mentioned things on the counter, and held a golden collar. "So, it's a him. What are you going to name him?"
Harry thought for a moment. Then, he said, "Yllier. That's Y-L-L-I-E- R." The lady engraved it onto the name tag as he dictated it.
"And, your name please?" Harry was surprised. Most people recognized him as soon as they saw him. She obviously didn't.
"Harry Potter," he said, and waited while she reacted. It was the usual small gasp and look up to his forehead. It was one of those time that Harry wished that he wasn't so famous. Or, at least that he didn't have a scar on his forehead.
The lady put the collar around little Yllier's neck. "It's a magical collar," she explained. "It only shows up when you want it to, or when it would benefit the cat, like he's lost or something. Quite useful if you want it sneaking around the school." The lady laughed, as though what she said was somewhat funny. Harry didn't see the humor, since he was always sneaking around the school, or so it seemed.
"I'd also like to buy a scratching post," Harry said. Hermione nudged him, and pointed to a bunch of baskets that were hanging. He guessed that Hermione didn't really approve of cages. "Oh, and a carrying basket, too." The lady brought the two things to the counter, and Harry gave her the appropriate amount of money. She then put all the stuff except the basket, and the cat, of course, in a bag.
Harry lifted the lid of the basket, and put his new pet inside it. Picking up the basket, and the bag, and left the store. As soon as they were out, Ron had something to say. "What kind of name did you give your cat, Harry? It sounds nothing like it's spelled."
"Not really, Ron. It's ill-ee-er, and Yllier was a famous Irish seeker. I hope Crookshanks won't mind," Harry commented. On an after thought, he added, "Let's go to Flourish and Blotts again. I need a book about how to care for a cat."
When they arrived, Harry found that there were a number of books on having a cat as a pet. There were the regular books on how to care for it, plus lots on training your cat to do all sorts of things. He ended up getting two different care books, and two other training books. One of them was CATS: TRAINING THEM TO BE THE PRACTICAL COMPANION and the other was TRICKS AND HABITS FOR EVERY GOOD CAT. Harry figured that it would be more than enough.
The three friends finished shopping for school supplies, and the two families enjoyed some ice cream before departing. As he was returning to the Grangers' house, he was looking at a birth certificate for Yllier. It said that he was born on May 19th, making him a little over fourteen weeks old. It gave the description of Yllier at birth, Yllier's parents, their descriptions, and the owners of his parents.
The little birth certificate came in a file folder, along with his vaccination record, and the business cat of the veterinarian he had seen. Of course, Harry would have to take the small cat to the vet later to get him fixed. Harry also thought that it wouldn't be bad to have Hedwig see a vet for yearly examinations.
**********
In the rest of the week before school started, Yllier quickly bonded with Harry. The little kitten was full of energy, and rather liked Harry. When Harry and Hermione were going to King's Cross Station, it was hard to keep little Yllier in his basket. It was a large basket, and he would grow into it, but he kept pushing his little white paws against the lid.
Although they weren't late this year, they took their usual spot in the last car of the train. It was empty, but they knew that Ron would join them soon enough. The two sat down in different seats. Crookshanks had his own seat as well, but Yllier's basket stared with Harry.
With one hand on the basket, Harry began reading one of his training books. Although still very small, Yllier seemed to absorb the training like a sponge. He already knew all the simple "dog" tricks, like sit, and come, even if he would rather run around. Harry had begun to teach him some of the more advanced things, and he seemed to get those as well.
Before they left, Harry was getting Yllier to recognize Harry's wand. One of the books said it was helpful if the cat could bring a person's wand to them. Harry would have to test Yllier's ability to pick Harry's wand out of a bunch when he got to school.
It wasn't long before Ron arrived, not too much before the train was set to depart. Harry waved to the rest of the Weasleys. When the train started to move, and the platform was out of sight, Harry let Yllier out of the basket.
"So," Ron said, "have you heard from Sirius at all this summer?"
Harry nodded excitedly. "I don't know why, but he was staying with somebody who lived on my street. I got to see him, and we spent a lot of time together."
"Really?" Hermione asked. It seemed that both of his friends were concerned about his godfather. With good reason, Harry supposed. There were some of the few people that knew, or believed, that Sirius didn't kill Peter Pettigrew.
"Yeah, but he wouldn't tell me why he was there. He said something like that he wanted to keep me innocent, or something. In the end, I don't really care. What matters most is that I got to see him again."
It was only a matter of time before Draco Malfoy and his mini gang, Crabbe and Goyle, showed up. As soon as they opened the door to the compartment, Yllier, who was sleeping in his basket, sprung awake and ran at the trio. Yllier hissed and yowled at Malfoy, who began to laugh.
"Is this your army, Potter? A little kitten? This thing couldn't hurt me if it tried," Malfoy laughed some more.
But then, Yllier made an odd meowing noise. It was a meow, but not a normal one. Crookshanks got up, and advanced on Malfoy and his huge companions. Crookshanks stopped to stretch and yawn, and succeeded in showing off his teeth and claws, which were very sharp. Malfoy stopped laughing.
But it wasn't until Crookshanks dived towards Malfoy's legs that he ran out of the compartment, shutting the door behind him.
Everyone that remained was in awe. "Go Yllier!" Harry exclaimed, and gave his cat some treats. Hermione also rewarded her cat, because, although she didn't approve of Crookshanks hurting people, she did approve of the action against Malfoy. She hadn't like him since she met him, and his attitude over the years to her, Harry, and Ron, made her very angry at him.
The rest of the train ride proved the old saying, "Time flies when you're having fun." The three friends talked the rest of the time, and before they knew it, they were at Hogwarts. As usual, they greeted Hagrid as he led the new students into boats to cross the lake. Harry got in a horseless carriage with Ron and Hermione that would take them to the school. They were just entering when they met up with Professor McGonagall.
"Harry, Hermione, I'd like to have a word with you two," she said. She did not look happy. Harry sighed, following her. He never could seem to start the year off very well. They went to her office, where she turned to face them.
"I have come to understand that both of you had cats that assaulted Draco Malfoy. Please explain yourselves." Harry had almost forgotten the episode on the train, but Malfoy must not have. Harry was actually impressed. Malfoy must have gotten word out really quick to have Professor McGonagall get to them that fast.
Harry started the explanation. "Professor, my cat was sleeping peacefully up until the moment Crabbe, Goyle, and Malfoy entered the compartment. Upon their entry, my cat awoke, and walked up to Malfoy. He hissed at Malfoy, and Malfoy began to laugh at my cat." He silently applauded himself. It was the best explanation he had ever given. It almost sounded as though he had planned it.
Hermione took up the short story. "But then, Harry's cat meowed oddly, and my cat woke up. He walked over to Malfoy, stretching on the way. This stopped the laughing, but they didn't move. I'll admit my cat attempted to scratch Malfoy, but he was not successful. Malfoy retreated, along with Crabbe and Goyle, into another compartment." Harry contributed their ability to explain bad situations to the frequency that they had to do so in the past.
"I see," McGonagall said. She thought for a moment. "I don't believe that there is a rule against a cat hissing at a student, and I believe there is a small loop hole in the rules so that a cat may ATTEMPT to scratch another student, but if it is unsuccessful, there is no punishment." Harry knew that if this were Snape, one professor who seemed to absolutely loathe him, he would not be very pleased to say that the two of them could get off without punishment.
"But there is another rule I must discuss. Mr. Potter, if you do not remember, students at this school may have an owl OR a cat OR a toad. I believe that you are breaking this rule in having both an owl and a cat. You may keep only one." She looked at him, and Harry suddenly wished that he had remembered that rule.
"But Professor, isn't there some way I can have two? I can't just leave one at home?"
McGonagall looked at him as though he was asking her to recall something she didn't want to. "There is one exception. If a student wishes to posses either an unapproved pet, or two pets, the pet or pets in question must prove unfailing loyalty to the student. Statistics show that somebody is more likely to become an animagus then to pass the test of loyalty."
"Well, it's worth a try, isn't it?" Harry looked at his teacher, wishing that there was some other way. He knew that there was only six legal animagi this century. There was of course, four unregistered ones, so maybe, if he looked at it that way, there might be a chance. BESIDES, Harry thought to himself, MY DAD WAS AN ANIMAGUS. THE POWER IS IN MY BLOOD. MAYBE I COULD PULL THIS OFF.
"Then we will have to settle this at a later date." She handed both of them an envelope. "This is for being prefects," she said, giving Harry a particular stare. "Let us go to the Great Hall. We should be there just in time for the end of the sorting."
Special Thanks.
Saffron Halifax again for your most recent review. It's okay, I miss stuff all the time myself. I thought I might warn you that the rate that I've been putting up these chapters is quite fast for me. I can do it only because I have them written already. At some point, I'll have to slow down and start writing again, but hopefully it won't slow things down TOO much. Hope you (and all my other readers) enjoy this most recent installment!