Levi strode into the courtyard, carrying a small cardboard box under his arm. A few holes had been punctured through the outside of the box, allowing whatever it was inside to have some fresh air to breathe. Now and then, the square object stirred under his arm but the fourth year mentally promised himself that wouldn't open it until he found a carefully secluded place. He took a seat towards the back of the courtyard, trying to remain inconspicuous as he removed the worn cover from the box.
Inside the box was a tiny black bat, no more than a month and a half old. Back in August, he rescued it from underneath a fallen branch outside his house. In secret, he was trying to assist it back to health. Perhaps one day he could even train it to deliver his mail, even though it was a rather ordinary creature. The Gryffindor couldn't afford an owl but he figured the bat was the next best thing. He was never allowed to have any pets and it was a struggle to keep it hidden at home but now that he was at school, he decided to let the bat out of the box more often. It was a male bat and he had christened it Vlad, after the Romanian figure who inspired the creation Dracula.
Quietly, Levi coaxed Vlad onto his arm, let him stretch out his small wings, and familiarize himself with his surroundings. The animal was still only a baby and most of the day, he either slept and or trilled for something to eat. Vlad could be a handful but taking care of him was usually a better alternative to going to class and getting yelled at by teachers. Once the bat had gotten used to the bright area, it fell back asleep on the fourth year's arm, clinging to it for dear life. Levi couldn't help but smile at the sight. He opened a muggle comic book, trying not to move his left arm too much as he read. |