Chapter Sixteen: Diana and Yumi

“That one over there is an imported snowy owl—very beautiful and rare, priced at fifteen golden galleons,” the shop assistant said, pointing to another owl perched on a high branch.

Rogue carefully examined both owls, particularly captivated by the snowy owl’s graceful feathers and its light, elegant flight. Its round face and golden eyes radiated an air of mystery.

“The snowy owl looks stunning and quite intelligent,” Rogue remarked. “Can it adapt to Scotland’s climate? I’m worried it might not withstand the harsh winds and snow of the Highlands in winter.”

“No need to worry. All our owls undergo rigorous breeding and adaptability training,” the assistant assured him, summoning the snowy owl. “They can thrive in all kinds of harsh environments.”

Rogue extended his hand, and the snowy owl on the assistant’s arm looked at him curiously before gently pecking a few times.

“I think…” Just as Rogue was about to decide on the snowy owl, an owl flew out from the depths of the forest.

Its feathers shimmered with a silvery metallic glow as it gracefully circled a tree a few times before settling on the highest branch. Its golden vertical pupils glimmered faintly, beautiful and majestic.

“This is a Nightmark Owl, extremely rare. Legend has it they bring good fortune to their owner on full moon nights,” the assistant explained kindly, noticing Rogue’s curiosity.

At first sight, Rogue couldn’t look away. Its radiant and dazzling figure captured his heart completely.

“I want it!” Rogue declared firmly, looking up at the lofty Nightmark Owl with eager and affectionate eyes.

“Of course, but the price…” The assistant hesitated. “Nightmark Owls are scarce even in the entire magical world. It costs 120 golden galleons.”

“Young man, I know you love it, but think carefully. If you’re serious about buying it, it’s best to have a parent present,” the assistant said, seeing the expression on Rogue’s face. This wasn’t the first time someone had fallen for a Nightmark Owl.

Unfortunately, the steep price deterred most adult wizards; spending 120 golden galleons just on an owl was unnecessary.

“Don’t worry, I won’t return it. In the name of the Travis family,” Rogue said, turning to the assistant. He absolutely could not miss such a beautiful magical creature.

Upon hearing the name “Travis,” an old pure-blood family, the assistant’s expression changed immediately. Aside from the Weasley family, known for their wealth, this frail-looking child was clearly not speaking lightly.

“Very well. I’ll have someone bring the Nightmark Owl over. Sir, let’s head back to complete the paperwork,” the assistant said. “Owls live a long time. Choosing one is a responsibility. I trust that with the Travis family’s resources, this rare little spirit will receive the best care.”

***

“Certainly.” Rogue nodded and followed the assistant back to the counter.

After a friendly discussion, the Magical Menagerie agreed to sell the rare owl for the high price of 100 golden galleons.

Rogue carefully read and signed the magical pet adoption agreement. Under the assistant’s watchful eye, he poured half of the gold coins from his small leather pouch.

Moments later, a staff member carefully brought over the silvery Nightmark Owl. It stood gracefully on the perch, its golden eyes fixed on its new owner.

“Please take care of me, Diana,” Rogue said softly, stroking its soft feathers, overwhelmed with joy and affection.

Diana was the name Rogue chose, inspired by the Roman goddess of the moon.

“Sir, here is the carrying pouch we are giving you,” the assistant presented a worn handbag. “It’s no match for Mr. Newt’s magical creature case, but it’s perfectly fine for caring for a small number of magical creatures.”

“Carrying pouch? Mr. Newt?” Rogue asked, puzzled. This was the second time he had heard the name Newt.

He took the pouch and examined it closely. Though old, he noticed intricate patterns on it that seemed to conceal a secret.

“Oh, you might not know, but Newt Scamander is a famous magizoologist,” the assistant explained. “He has a magical creature case with an undetectable extension charm that can hold many magical creatures for care on the go. The pouch we’re giving you is similar—a magical space pouch, just smaller in scale.”

“Like the magical space behind that wooden door earlier?”

“Yes, essentially the same,” the assistant nodded. “A carrying pouch is excellent magical equipment. It allows you to carry and care for magical creatures wherever you go.”

“Maybe with this, you could become a magizoology master like Mr. Newt someday,” the assistant encouraged Rogue and showed him how to use the pouch.

“Kind of like a magical version of a Poké Ball.” It didn’t take long before Rogue learned to use the pouch. With Diana’s consent, he tried putting her inside.

Then, accompanied by the assistant, Rogue selected a cat—a one-month-old Ragdoll kitten with sparkling blue eyes, lively and adorable.

“I’ll name you Yumi,” Rogue happily announced, naming the little one after his past life’s laid-back support role.

***

Yumi was still too young, so Rogue hesitated to put her in the pouch. Thoughtful, the assistant brought a pink pet backpack and helped Rogue place Yumi inside.

Comfortably nestled in the backpack, Yumi peered out through the domed viewing window. After paying another five golden galleons, Rogue became a lifetime member of the Magical Menagerie.

“Sir, here are some complimentary pet food and toys to help them grow healthy and happy,” the assistant said with a smile, handing over another bag, which Rogue took with a wry smile.

He carried the undetectable extension pouch he had snatched from Elvin on his back, the pet backpack hung on his chest, the carrying pouch in his right hand, and the pets’ food and toys in his left.

With the assistant’s reluctant yet warm farewell, he left the Magical Menagerie burdened with packages.

Unbeknownst to Rogue, less than half a day after he left Diagon Alley, news of the young Travis wizard’s costly purchase of a Nightmark Owl spread throughout Diagon Alley. One hundred golden galleons—equivalent to an Auror’s monthly salary.

At the shabby goods store just steps from the Magical Menagerie, Elvin tore out a handful of his beard upon hearing the news. “That damn brat—so rich, yet still counting every knut!”

“Next time, I’ll empty your coin-stuffed pockets!” he vowed.

Rogue stood outside Gringotts, searching for Professor McGonagall’s figure. Nearby, wizards were discussing the recent theft at Gringotts. Although the bank claimed the thief had failed, speculation ran rampant.

After all, Gringotts was said to be the safest place in the entire magical world, at least without Dumbledore’s protection at Hogwarts.

“Sarah, who could be so bold as to use magic inside Gringotts' vault?” a wizard asked.

“Maybe a former Death Eater,” Sarah, a plump witch, replied, craning her neck to peer inside. She could only see a flurry of goblins and Aurors busily working.

“I heard from my uncle’s aunt’s cousin’s godmother that she saw an explosion inside,” Sarah said, turning to George with certainty.