First, he met Park Chanyeol after he tripped over a loose flagstone and dropped the chest of Quidditch balls. (No matter how old he is or what shape he’s in, it still hurts getting hit by a Bludger.)

Through Chanyeol, he met Jongin, a shy wizard focused on performance magic more than anything else.

Then, there was Chen, who came with the shop.

He’s rather plain as far as looks go, except his eyes are just as bold, pumpkin orange as his stripes. Few people know that, because Chen always seems to be smiling. Tail over his white feet, back straight, basking in the attention from his adoring audience with his mouth turned up in a friendly grin.

It’s a little creepy. When he first met him, Baekhyun thought he was a statue, but the owner had shooed the cat off the work contract for Baekhyun to sign. Chen spent the rest of the time winding around Baekhyun’s ankles and being as close as possible without climbing into his clothes.

Now, he’s just another life to look after and try to sell. Prime time for customers is the beginning of the school year, when first year students look for their own companions. Owls are the most popular, followed by cats, then toads and frogs. Some kids try to beg for a sprite or dragon, but their guardians never budge. Stingy.

Chen’s always popular, but adults don’t seem to trust a smiling cat. Plus, there were a couple times when Baekhyun looked over at a parent and pleading child and the tabby seemed to slant his eyes at the parent, like a threat or a dare.

It’s probably just how his face looks, though, with the eyes curved over his catty smile. He’s just very personable and smart and weirdly affectionate.

Baekhyun hopes waking up to a weight on his chest and claws lightly puncturing his neck is affection, anyway. Chen purrs in his sleep as he gently strangles him.