[Hogwarts Between] Cyrus Goes Shopping

[Margaret Dean]

William Dean wrote:

> > > > > > > The cashier came back out, carrying two cages she sat down by
> > > > > > > Cyrus.  "You might like this one.  He's pretty, and very smart. 
> > > > > > > Right sharp, really," she said, motioning toward the smaller
> > > > > > > of the two owls.  "Northern Hawk Owl, as people confuse them 
> > > > > > > with hawks, you see?"
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > The owl was beautiful, with speckled wings and immaculate white
> > > > > > > feathers. The way they sat around his head made him look like he
> > > > > > > was wearing a military helmet.  [You can see him here:
> > > > > > > http://www.owlpages.com/image.php?image=species-Surnia-ulula-1 ] 
> > > > > > > The owl looked curiously outside of his cage, somewhat put-upon
> > > > > > > at being moved around.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > "Oh, isn't he a beauty?" breathed Eugene.
> > > > > >
> > > > > "Yeah, it looks like a nice owl," said Cyrus. He then looked to
> > > > > the second cage.
> > > >
> > > > In it three small owls with brown markings nestled together.  Their
> > > > feathers were so fluffy they almost looked furry.  "Northern
> > > > Saw-Whets.  They're foreign, but do just fine here.  Fourth generation
> > > > - you make sure they have a nesting hollow at home, get a boy, he's
> > > > like to bring home a lady to have babies for you."  She leaned down to
> > > > 'whoot' at the little owls.
> > > >
> > > "Oh, they're so so cute!" said Cyrus admiringly.
> >
> > "Smart too.  Would you like me to bring one out, then, mate?" the
> > saleslady asks.
> 
> "Uh... sure, I guess so," replied Cyrus.

"They are awfully cute," said Eugene, as the sales clerk was
extracting one of the owls from its cage.  "But I'm not sure a
foreign species would be a good idea if you're going to use it
for letters home, son.  If one of the local birdwatchers spots
it, it might draw too much attention.  Old Mrs. McClanahan just
down the road from us is keen, I believe."


--Margaret Dean
  <margdean at erols.com>