======The Magical Menagerie======
=====Location Information=====
  * **Type:** [[Shop]]
  * **Location:** North Side, [[Diagon Alley]], [[London]], [[England]] (Pottermore)
  * **Owner/Residents:** An unnamed [[Witch]] (owner); numerous [[magical creatures]] for sale.
  * **Key Features:** Cramped, noisy, and pungent atmosphere; cages stacked from floor to ceiling.
=====Description and History=====
The [[Magical Menagerie]] is a shop in [[Diagon Alley]] that sells a wide variety of [[magical creatures]] and provides advice on their care. The interior of the shop is described as very cramped, with every inch of wall space covered by cages. This results in a cacophony of sounds, including squeaking, squawking, and hissing, as well as a powerful and unpleasant smell.
The shop is run by a [[Witch]] who wears heavy, black spectacles. She is knowledgeable about the creatures she sells and offers products and advice to customers, such as providing [[Ron Weasley]] with [[Rat Tonic]] for his pet [[rat]], [[Scabbers]].
Creatures observed in the shop include:
  * Enormous purple [[toad]]s.
  * A giant [[tortoise]] with a jewel-encrusted shell.
  * Poisonous orange [[snail]]s, possibly [[Streeler]]s.
  * A fat white [[rabbit]] that could magically transform into a silk top hat and back.
  * [[Cat]]s of every colour.
  * A cage of sleek black [[rat]]s that engaged in skipping games with their tails.
  * [[Crookshanks]], a large, ginger, part-[[Kneazle]] [[cat]] who had been in the shop for a long time.
=====Role in the Story=====
The [[Magical Menagerie]] plays a significant role in //Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban//. In August 1993, [[Harry Potter]], [[Ron Weasley]], and [[Hermione Granger]] visit the shop while purchasing their school supplies for [[Hogwarts]].
During this visit, two pivotal events occur:
  - **Ron's Concern for Scabbers:** Ron takes his ailing [[pet]] [[rat]], [[Scabbers]], into the shop for advice. The owner suggests the [[rat]] is simply old and sells Ron a bottle of [[Rat Tonic]]. This interaction establishes [[Scabbers]]'s poor condition, which is a subtle clue to his true identity as an [[Animagus]], [[Peter Pettigrew]], who has been in his [[rat]] form for twelve years.
  - **Hermione's Purchase of Crookshanks:** While Ron is at the counter, a large ginger [[cat]], [[Crookshanks]], leaps onto Ron's head and attacks [[Scabbers]]. Despite Ron's protests, [[Hermione Granger]] is charmed by the intelligent but unwanted [[cat]] and decides to purchase him. The shop's owner notes that [[Crookshanks]] had been there for ages and was either very clever or a [[Kneazle]]-cross. This purchase is crucial to the plot, as [[Crookshanks]]'s [[Kneazle]] heritage allows him to immediately recognize [[Scabbers]] as a fraud. His animosity toward [[Scabbers]] throughout the school year fuels the conflict between Ron and Hermione and is instrumental in eventually exposing [[Peter Pettigrew]].
=====Known Areas Within=====
The only described area is the main shop floor. It is a single, cramped room dominated by floor-to-ceiling cages containing various creatures. A counter is situated within this space, where the owner assists customers.
=====Behind the Scenes=====
  * The exterior of the [[Magical Menagerie]] is shown in the film adaptation of //Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban//, where it is situated next to the [[Leaky Cauldron]]'s [[Diagon Alley]] entrance.
  * The shop is a visitable and purchasable location in the //LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4// video game. (video game)
  * The Pottermore website confirmed the shop's location as being on the North Side of [[Diagon Alley]]. (Pottermore)