Cassandra heaved the school bag on her shoulders and rubbed her eyes. It had been a tiring day because she had written about four letters even before breakfast (all to her anxious father who took her lack of communication as anything but her preoccupation with school and friends) and attended classes back to back. She thought it was a little unfair that they had to attend Study Hall on such a hectic day, but she wasn’t complaining. It was an opportunity to meet new people; yes, even after half a term, she was still meeting new people, which was really exciting.

The moment the Veela stepped into the Ref centre, a bright smile lit up her face. She heard a few soft purrs and had to frantically search for only a few seconds before her shining blue eyes fell on two gorgeous Kneazles on Madame Toaldaeri’s desk. She hastily moved towards the librarian and scooped up one of the creatures in her delicate hands, feeling their soft coat between her fingers.

“Ohh,” she blurted out when the adorable little thing licked her palm. She carried him back to her place and set him down on her desk. Her bag, the goodies set out by the librarian forgotten, Cassandra busied herself with cooing and petting the Kneazle. She was as crazy about the wildlife like her father or cousin Theo, but she definitely loved homely little creatures like Kneazles or dogs or even Pygmy puffs- even though she couldn’t quite understand the point of it. Her father, however, had not let her keep a pet because it was apparently very painful if it got sick or died. After a few tantrums, Cassandra had conceded that he was right. But Sir Balin (or Sir Balan, was it?) was a delightful animal whom she could pet without any guilt.

After a while, she realized someone had been sitting beside her and watching her baby the Kneazle. Not fazed by the slightest, she grinned radiantly to her neighbour. Scratching Sir Balin’s neck, she said, “Isn’t he adorable? I wish I could keep him!”