Chapter 14: Closing the Door Is a Good Habit
In the wizarding world, mice are the cheapest of the designated pets at Hogwarts, so they naturally attract a wide range of young witches and wizards. However, most people opted for more charming varieties, like hamsters with their soft, beautiful fur and friendly temperaments, or black mice, known for their longer lifespan, and the white mice, which gave off a clean, pristine look.
But Kyle had never encountered anyone like this girl before—someone who favored a plain, common field mouse. What made it more puzzling was that she didn't appear to be short of money. After spending eleven years in the magical world, Kyle had learned to pick up on subtle details. The girl's clothes, while not flashy, were made from exceptionally fine fabrics, with intricate workmanship. The subtle but recognizable pattern on her cuff marked them as being from a extraordinary wizard wear shop, where even the simplest item started at twenty Galleons. It was far more expensive than Madame Malkin's, where most students shopped for their robes.
Clearly, this girl had no need for a "cheap" pet, yet here she was, devoted to her little field mouse. No wonder she's come to find me, Kyle thought, amused by the contrast.
The rat tonics from Diagon Alley were little more than glorified sugar water—essentially wizarding energy drinks for pets. They might give a small boost, but they weren't reliable for treating any real health problems. Considering her likely wealth, Kyle could only conclude that she had a genuine affection for her pet mouse. Her taste in pets is a bit unusual, he mused, though he kept his expression neutral.
After all, Kyle had seen much stranger things. The wizarding world was home to wizards who loved creatures far more terrifying than mice. For instance, some wizards favored enormous eight-eyed spiders—Acromantulas—that could grow to a horrifying size. Kyle had seen one of those creatures in Newt's trunk once, and it had nearly traumatized him. The thing was a walking nightmare, and it took Kyle a year to get over the shock enough to venture back into Newt's magical menagerie.
In comparison, it seemed perfectly reasonable for a young witch to be fond of a simple field mouse. As eccentric as her choice was, it paled next to the scarier creatures some wizards adored.
...
Kyle quickly retrieved a thumb-sized bottle from his suitcase and handed it over. "This one's on the house. If it works, come back for more, but I'll have to charge you then. It might be a bit pricey—one Sickle—but trust me, it's worth it."
"Thank you." Kanna took the bottle, but instead of leaving, she lingered, staring at the bottle in her hand and then back at Kyle, her face full of conflict.