Narcissa (or anyone else who knows about these things)

[alt_selwyn]

Chloe instructed me a week or two back to track down some toy for Arista for Christmas. It might have been the Sing-Ami thing you mentioned. I think she asked particularly for the dragon, except there seem to be an entire menagerie of possible dragons. Where are these things procured from? I should probably send my assistant out this afternoon, I suppose.

Comments

[alt_narcissa]

Oh, dear, Dominic - leaving it a bit late, aren't you?

Bear in mind that I'm really far from the expert on these things. I think that title belongs to Lucy Baddock. But yes, there are several dragons. The Welsh Green is the most common, I think. Arista probably wants that or the Swedish Shortsnout, perhaps the Chinese Fireball. I'm told the Horntails are nearly impossible to get these days, as are the Ridgebacks. They only made five or six of those, I understand.

As for where to get them, well - you might try Gambol and Japes but I'm positive they've nearly sold out. Unless they got more in earlier this week, I couldn't say. And there's Tottering's near Fleet Street, they might have them. Or Cherubim. It might be a long shot, but perhaps Measure for Measure - it's a pokey little music shop near Picadilly? They sell all sorts of novelty musical instruments as well as the classic ones. I had them spruce up Lucius' guitar for Draco last summer. It's a possibility, at any rate.

If nothing else - I understand from a reliable anonymous source that there are a few of the very rare ones being held for auction at the St Mungo's Charity Ball next week. So you may yet be able to save the day.

Good luck. We'll see you and Chloe at the party tonight, yes?

[alt_selwyn]

I rather thought I was getting an early start, it's over ten days till Christmas!

And for Merlin's sake, Chloe tells me it's the Horntail she wants. I'll see about finding her a Shortsnout in the meantime, I suppose, and then see what I can do at the Charity Ball.

[alt_narcissa]

Ten days is ... not early, Dominic. Not when every wizard child in Britain wants the same toy. Do you recall how recently Chloe asked you to arrange for it, may one ask?

Happy hunting. I rather think it might be easier to arrange to have a real one named Arista's pet and keep it in residence at Stornoway.

[alt_selwyn]

Oh come now, it's not as if I went out Christmas Eve to do my shopping. She probably asked me ... well, I was thinking just a week ago but I see from the dates in my notes it was November 23rd.

That's a brilliant idea about having a real one named her pet. She might want to visit it occasionally, however, and Stornoway is hardly Chloe's idea of a pleasant, relaxing trip.

[alt_lucius]

Word to the wise, then, Dominic: When one's wife makes a request it's best to get it done or delegated right away. Particularly if it has to do with Christmas gifts, anniversaries, birthdays .... You perceive a pattern, I hope?