Naya took notes and everyone gave their information about cats and kneazles. When the discussion ended, the professor described the activity for the day. Naya looked at the obstacle course and then turned her attention to the kneazle at her feet. The course was no joke. It was not going to be easy to coax her partner into literally jumping through hoops and such.

Naya looked at her kneazle and figured she had to get on his good side. ”I’m Naya and I need to know what to call you before we get started.” The Gryffindor reached down toward the kneazle and let him check her out before she began to pet his head. ”What do you think? Max? Jake? Benjie?” Naya decided to throw random names out until she got to one that worked.

The kneazle stared at the girl trying to figure out what she wanted. When she put her hand out, he sniffed it and decided that she was acceptable. The head rubs, well he was good with that. The girl stared at him and kept saying things he didn’t quite understand. Was she waiting for a response? The kneazle just stared back at her. Finally, he decided to give her hand a lick.

“Benjie? Is that what I should call you?” Since the kneazle had licked her hand when she said Benjie, Naya thought that it was his name of choice. “Benjie it is. So Benjie, do you want to have some fun today. We’re going to learn some tricks.”. Naya grabbed some toys, a harness and a leash from the professor’s stash. She put some treats in her pocket. Now she just had to convince Benjie to play along.

The kneazle now known as Benjie, watched the girl with some interest. She had toys and toys were cool, but what he really wanted was more treats. He could be bribed.

Naya had a feeling that her partner would not take kindly to the harness and leash. She decided to save that as a last resort. For now, she would start with a toy. The Gryffindor picked up a little toy mouse and showed it to Benjie. “Come on Benjie. You want to take a little walk with me and the Mr. Mouse?” Naya started walking and hoped that the kneazle would follow her.

It seemed that the girl wanted him to follow her. The mouse was cute, but food would be a little more motivating. On the off chance that the mouse might lead to food, Benjie got up and started walking behind the girl. He could smell the treats. Now if he could just get one......or several.