Chapter 73 Crookshanks and Scabbers

Days passed by, the last day of summer vacation was soon here.

Early in the morning, Ivan and Harry had just come downstairs when they saw the Weasleys coming out of the fireplace, it looked like they had just returned from Egypt, they were dressed in a mixture of normal wizard robes and traditional Egyptian costumes which looked peculiar.

Mrs. Weasley then came up and hugged the two of them. Mr. Wealey then booked several rooms at the bar, they were going to spend the night at the Leaky Cauldron.

A few minutes later, old Tom brought over their breakfast.

After having breakfast, Percy came over and greeted Ivan and Harry and showed him his head boy badge, Percy acted like he was the king of the world.

Fred and George didnt let Percy talk too long, they laughed at him and imitated his gestures.

Mrs. Weasley snapped at them since she was proud of Percy.

The topic was changed to Egypt, the Weasley family told them all about their travels.

Next, Ron showed Ivan and Harry his new wand, it was 14 long, made of willow, and had a core of unicorn hair. As for Ginny, she still blushing at the sight of Harry but she was much more calm around him now.

After everyone finished eating, Hermione and her parents entered the bar.

Hermione was wearing a sky-blue gown, with a pale yellow dome hat on her head, she had a healthy complexion. She seemed happy, she had a radiant smile. She greeted everyone with delight.

They chatted for a while, but the Grangers had to leave early because they had a few matters to deal with. They left Hermione within the care of the Weasleys and let her stay at the Leaky Cauldron tonight.

By the time they went their separate ways, Harry started telling Ron how he had inflated his aunt and Hermione pulled out a large stack of papers that she had written while she was in France.

I heard everything from my dad, he said she was on the ceiling for two hours. Ron broke out laughing, he thought it would be hysterical to inflate his aunt.

Its not funny, Ron, to be honest, Im surprised he wasnt expelled, said Hermione with a sharp tone.

I thought I was going to be sent to Azkaban. Ron, does Mr. Weasley know why Fudge didnt give me a punishment at all?

It is probably because you are you. Ron Shrugged and laughed, Famous Harry Potter or something like that, If I blew up my aunt, the ministry wouldnt let me go with a simple warning. But they would have to dig up my grave first because my mom would kill me.

I think you two should learn from Ivan, he would never.

I know I was wrong, Hermione! I just lost control. Seeing Hermione was a little angry, Harry hastily shifted the conversation, Where should we go next?

I think we should go to the Magical Menagerie. Hermione glance at her purse and said, My birthday is in September so my parents gave me some money so I could buy a birthday present and I want an owl.

I think I should get Scabbers a check-up, I think Egypt wasnt a suitable place for it, said Ron as he dug the rat out of his pocket.

Ivans sight moved from the parchment in his hand to the rat, which looked thinner than before, his fur has lost most of its luster.

Ron, your rat just lacks exercise, said Ivan with a wry smile, Peter Pettigrew must be stressed out by Sirius Blacks escape.

Excercise?! said Ron while looking at Ivan suspiciously.

Yes, I suggest Hermione buy a cat so she can help you.

Dont listen to him, Hermione! said Ron as he subconsciously put the rat back in his pocket,

There is the Magical Menagerie! said Harry, after two weeks of wandering Diagon Alley, Harry was now very familiar with it, You can buy almost anything there even an owl or a cat.

You mustnt buy a cat! said Ron with a tinge of fear.

The four people crossed the street and came to the store called Magical Menagerie.

There wasnt much room in the shop, cages lined every inch of the wall. The little creatures in the cages were all smelly and noisy.

Hello, this is my pet! said Ron to the witch standing behind the counter, Can you tell me whats wrong with him? Ever since I brought him back from Egypt, he has seemed a bit sick.

Put it on the counter. said the witch, she took out a pair of glasses from her pocket and observed Scabbers.

Hum! The witch said, How old is he?

I dont know, said Ron, But he should be very old since he used to be my brothers.

What powers does he have? asked the witch as she carefully observed him.

Um.. Ron didnt know what to say, the reality was the rat had never shown the slightest trace of any interesting powers.

The witch observed his torn ear, his missing toe which mad here Tutt loudly.

He has been through a lot, said the witch.

He was like that when my brother gave him to me, said Ron, defending himself.

Harry nodded in agreement since he knew Rons rat was always like this, it usually just slept, ate and slept some more without showing any abnormalities.

You cant expect a normal rat or a garden rat like this one to live more than three years. The witch then pointed to the black rats in the cages beside him and said, If you want a more durable one, you might like one of those.

Ivan slightly snickered, he wondered if he told her that the rat who she said would only live for three years at max had lived in Rons house for over ten, would she have been frightened.

Well, if you dont want to replace it, try this rat tonic, said the witch, she reached under the counter and pulled out a small red bottle.

Okay, how much is. said Ron, but before he finished he saw something huge and orange jump from the top cage and land on his head.

It was an odd-looking cat, very big, bandy-legged, ginger colored and had a squashed head.

The cat then propelled itself towards Scabbers.

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No, Crookshanks, No cried the witch.

The rat slipped through her hands like a piece of slippery soap, landed on the floor and scampered for the door.

Scabbers! shouted Ron while rushing outside the shop, Harry soon followed.

After Scabbers disappeared, Crookshanks turned docile, it turned its head and looked at Ivan, it wasnt as fierce as before perhaps it was because his animagus is a cat, Crookshanks took a liking to Ivan, it even took the initiative to lick his hand.

It surprised the witch behind the counter, she had never seen Crookshanks take an interest in a witch or wizard before without out them taking the initiative.

What a lovely creature, its fur is beautiful, isnt it, Ivan, said Hermione as she squatted and petted Crookshanks.

The cat was wary but it soon accepted her.

It fur is a very vibrant orange, it is like a big wool ball, said Ivan while looking at the cat while thinking its face wasnt very pleasing to the eye.

Ive decided! said Hermione as she held Crookshanks in her arms and stood up.

What have you decided?Ivan looked at the other in amazement, he had a bad feeling.

Didnt you want me to buy a cat so I decided to buy Crookshanks! said Hermione while pointing to Crookshanks

Buy this cat? But if you do, Ron will kill me, said Ivan with a wry smile.

Chapter end