[Hogwarts Between] Cyrus Goes Shopping

[Liz Trumitch]

> > > > > > > > > The tiny scops owl looked at her sullenly, but settled back
> > > > > > > > > onto its perch.
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > "Maybe he's jealous," Eugene suggested with a grin.  "How long
> > > > > > > > has he been here?"
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > "All summer, but he's usually a quiet one."  She pulled down the
> > > > > > > cage to hold it so everyone could get a closer look.  She inspected
> > > > > > > the owl to make sure it was unhurt.  "We do get them all out to fly,
> > > > > > > but this week has been bonkers.  He seems well enough.  Would you
> > > > > > > like to see him?"
> > > > > > > > > "Yeah, sure" said Cyrus. He then remembered the owl on his arm.
> > > > > > "Um... what should I do with this one?"
> > > > >
> > > > > "Here," she offered, and took the little fluffy owl.  Back to his cage
> > > > > he went, and she brought down the scops.  This one she settled back
> > > > > onto Cyrus's arm.  "There, happy now?" she asked the owl, who tilted
> > > > > his head at her innocently.
> > > > > "I dunno", said Cyrus. "He's awfully cute." The little owl puffed up his
> > > > feathers and hooted pompously, as if to say, "See? He likes me better!"
> > >
> > > "Cute isn't everything," the woman pointed out.  "But... you know,
> > > whatever suits you."
> >
> > "Temperament is important, though, and compatibility," offered
> > Eugene, then added to Cyrus, "You know that from working with
> > horses, son.  If you like him and he likes you..."
> >
> Cyrus was only half listening, engaged as he was in watching the lttle owl strut up and down his arm. "He's cool, dad." said Cyrus. "Can I have him?"

The saleslady broke into a grin.  She gave Eugene an eyebrow.