Cedric led the way with enthusiasm, clearly set on introducing me to my “first magical pet” at Eeylops Owl Emporium. His insistence on getting me an owl, however, was met with an immediate shake of my head.

  “Really, Cedric, I don’t want an owl,” I said, attempting to sound as casual as possible. If only he could understand—owls, dignified though they were, lacked the resonance with death that I sought.

  “Alright, if you’re sure…” Cedric replied though he looked a bit disappointed. “In that case, let’s check out ‘Magical Pets in All Sizes.’ I hear they have a good variety.”

  The pet shop’s name was somewhat absurd, but stepping inside, I could see Cedric hadn’t exaggerated about the selection. Among the usual cages and crates filled with ordinary cats, there were Kneazle mixes too, their spotted coats and tufted ears giving them a wild look. Despite my impatience with the mundane, I scanned the shop, searching for any creature that seemed to resonate with the darkness within me.

  Then, in a far corner, I saw her: a sleek, black cat, fur smooth and shining like polished onyx. At first glance, she looked ordinary, but the slight elongation of her ears hinted at Kneazle's blood. She lay curled in her crate, paws, and tail draped elegantly over her face.

  I approached her, my voice dropping to a soft murmur. “Hello, beautiful. What are you doing in here?”

  Her ears perked up, and I sensed a flicker of recognition as she shifted her paws from her face revealing her onyx eyes. Much like how Voldemort can speak to snakes, I can speak to all creatures—anything that can die or already has. It’s a gift tied to my domain, for how else could I guide souls to the spirit realm? Wild creatures had always known me, even when humans could not.

  “Captured… trapped by humans,” she replied in a mournful tone, her voice carrying the faintest trace of shame. “I ashamed, Death Lord.”

  I knelt beside her crate, the faintest smile tugging at my lips. “Would you like to come with me?” I asked softly. “Fair warning: there’ll be human children who might try to pet you.”

  “Is fine,” she replied, lifting her head. “I desire freedom… and to serve you, Great One.”

  I glanced around, ensuring no one was eavesdropping, then asked, “What is your name, little one?”

  “I call myself Nyx,” she replied, her tone full of pride.

  I nodded approvingly. “Named yourself after the goddess of the night, hmm? I like it. Fitting, since your fur is darker than night itself.”

  I became suddenly aware of Cedric’s curious stare. He had watched the entire exchange, his brows slightly furrowed, perhaps wondering if I’d lost my mind. I gave him a small shrug and turned my attention back to Nyx, who was now gazing up at me with an almost reverent look.

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  “My lord… one request,” she murmured timidly, her eyes flicking to a large birdcage across the room.

  “Go on,” I replied, curious.

  “My friend Fidell… he’s here too,” Nyx whispered.

  “Another cat?”

  “No… Fidell my eyes in the sky. He looks out when we search garbage bins.” Her voice was laced with loyalty and a touch of sorrow.

  I followed her gaze to the cage she indicated and had to stifle a laugh at the sight—a massive raven, almost falcon-sized, with a fierce look in his beady eyes and a large scar running along his back. I could see why Nyx had chosen him as an ally; Fidell was intimidating even by raven standards. He stared back at me, his intelligent gaze unwavering, and I felt a spark of recognition.

  Another creature aligned with death. And, as luck would have it, Hogwarts permitted two pets.

  “I’ll have them both,” I declared, ignoring Cedric’s surprised look as I approached the counter.

  Cedric put a hand on my shoulder. “Wait, Ben, are you sure? I mean… a cat and a raven?”

  “Oh, I’m sure,” I replied, already pulling out the extra Galleons my father had slipped me for treats on the train. Cedric shook his head but let me proceed, perhaps deciding not to question my eccentricities.

  As soon as I’d paid and the shopkeeper handed me the cages, Fidell fixed me with a baleful glare. “Thank you for saving me from these filthy humans,” he cawed, his voice thick with contempt.

  Amused, I offered him a slight nod. I could hardly blame the bird for his disgust. Humanity had never extended much consideration to creatures they deemed inferior. Capture, confinement, forced servitude—all “for their own good,” they claimed. I doubted anyone here would have tolerated such treatment if the roles were reversed.

  In the depths of my memory, I recalled watching humans fight wars for the very freedom they so readily stripped from the creatures in this shop. There was a certain irony in their hypocrisy, I mused.

  “Hey, Ben,” Cedric interrupted my thoughts, a note of concern in his voice. “Didn’t you say you’d need a bird to send letters? Well, now you’ve got one.”

  I seized on his suggestion, smiling in my most reassuring way. “Exactly! And now Mother will be thrilled when she gets regular letters.”

  Cedric sighed, half-amused. “Fine, I guess that’s fair. Just… make sure you actually write to her, alright?”

  “Of course,” I assured him. As long as it kept up appearances, writing to our parents was a small price to pay.

  Cedric gave me a wary look, his eyes flicking between Nyx and Fidell. “You know, Ben, with those two, you look… well, like a dark wizard.”

  “Really?” I asked, feigning concern as I examined my new companions. Nyx was already curled comfortably in her crate, while Fidell continued glaring with silent disdain at every human in sight.

  “Oh, everyone’s going to think you’re a Slytherin the moment you walk in with that pair,” Cedric said, pointing at them.

  “Then I’ll just have to prove them wrong,” I replied, smirking.

  Cedric shook his head, a hint of exasperation in his smile. “You’re really daft when it comes to other people’s opinions, aren’t you?”

  I shrugged. “Why should I care? Do other people’s opinions feed me? Do they keep me warm at night? I chose these animals, and I’ve already bonded with them. Let others think what they want.”

  He chuckled, ruffling my hair in the way older brothers do. “You know, sometimes you’re so wise you sound like an old man, Ben.”

  I grinned back, enjoying the rare moment of camaraderie. “And sometimes you sound like a four-year-old, Cedric.”

  He laughed, his mirth filling the quiet shop, and I felt a strange warmth—a flicker of something… almost familial.

  As we left the shop, Nyx and Fidell both cast one last, resentful look at the place that had been their prison. I could sense their relief as we stepped out into the bustling street. They were free now, under my protection, and they would serve loyally in return. Whatever lay ahead at Hogwarts, I knew I would not face it alone.

  Another death affinity creature... And Hogwarts allows for two pets...