Cedric wanted to take me to an Owl shop and get me one of those birds as my first pet. Despite Cedric's insistence, I assured him I did not want an owl.

So we went to a shop called, "Magical Pets in all sizes".

Once inside I could see the large variety of cats the store had. Among the variety, there were many kinds of cats. Most were the common variety but a few were Kneazel mixes.

To my surprise, one in the regular cat section was such a mix. In appearance it's was an ordinary-looking black cat with silky smooth shiny fur. The only difference was that its ears were slightly longer but not unusual for stray cats. It was sleeping in the crate with its paws and tail over its eyes.

"Hello beautiful, what are you doing here," I purred to the cat. Its ears picked up at my words. Like how the dark lord can talk to snakes I too can speak to cats. Actually, death can speak to all creatures that can die because how else can I ferry their souls to the spirit realm? Most species are irrelevant as I have no desire to speak to them. I'd cut out speaking to humans too if I could.

"Captured... Humans trap... I ashamed Death Lord" The cat whined back.

"I see... Would you like to come with me? Fair warning there will be human children that will try to pet you", I told the proud beast.

" Is fine, I desire freedom and to serve you great one," the cat insisted.

"What is your name feline?" I asked the cat who's voice sounded feminine to me.

"I call myself Nyx", the cat replied.

" Ah, named yourself after the goddess of the night. I like it since your fur is darker than black," was my response.

My brother Cedric was looking at me funny which made me realize he'd seen the whole exchange. He probably thought I was imagining things or a little crazy.

"My lord one request..." Timidly asked Nyx.

I glanced back and nodded for her to continue

"My friend Fidell is here too," the cat pleaded.

"Another cat?"

"No, Fidell my eyes in sky. He lookout when we search garbage bins," Nyx explained.

"A bird?" I exclaimed surprised the creature learned to ally and work with a creature it would normally consider prey.

"Yes over there," Nyx pointed at a particularly large birdcage.

I nearly laughed at the coincidence settling for a slight grin. It was a massive Raven. The falcon sized bird had a massive scar on its back. No wonder Nyx didn't try to eat it. The thing is bigger than her. Fidell stared at me in silent awe. Another death affinity creature... And Hogwarts allows for two pets...

I had to have them both. Cedric tried to stop me but I used the extra money my dad slipped me for treats on the Hogwarts express to by Fiddell. Now I was officially broke but I had another loyal minion.

"Thank you for saving me master from the disgusting fucking humans," the foul-mouthed Fowl said introducing himself.

I suppose the raven's disgust for humanity was fair from their perspective. Had someone captured me, kept me in a cage against my will, and fed me the bare minimum of what was needed to keep me alive I too would hold a grudge. Then to try and sell me to some fickle child who is ill-equipped to keep me happy and safe.

Humanity would rather starve and even some would rather die than let their freedom be taken away. Forced servitude in their minds is appalling and yet imposes their own will onto animals because "it's for their good" and do not care about the creature's opinion on the matter. Perhaps there is some irony in this but it is true that once in captivity they do live longer. Maybe this is why married men have always had longer lifespans than unmarried? I smirked at that thought, I have had companions like Nyx and Fidell but I have always been on my own.

I nodded silently in response to Fidell's comment because my brother was still with me and probably looking for an excuse to take the bird back to the pet shop. The idea that it was cursed or harming my sanity would be one reason he could weaponize against me.

"Hey, bro didn't you say I would need a bird to send mail to you. Well now I have one," I insisted with an intent to disarm him.

Cedric Sighed," fine... You got a point at least mother will be happy you will write to her and you better do that".

"Don't worry I will," I assured him.

"Now how do I explain that your taste in pets makes you look like a dark wizard?" Cedric frowned.

"Does it look that bad?" I asked genuinely concerned.

"Oh, everyone's gonna assume you are a Slitherine when they see you walk in with those two," Cedric pointed.

"Well... Then I'll just have to prove them wrong," I exclaimed.

"You're really daft to the importance of appearances and others' opinions aren't you?"

"Why does it matter? Do other people's opinions fill your belly? Will it keep you warm at night? I like these animals and I formed a bond with them. To hell with other people's opinions," I lectured.

"You know little Ben sometimes your so wise you sound much older than you are," Cedric smiled ruffling up my hair playfully with his hand.

"Sometimes you sound like a 4-year-old Cedric," I quipped back.

"Hah, you really know how to argue Ben," Cedric laughed.

My new friends looked back at the shop that had once been their prison as we left intent on never returning.