The owl took up residence in the estate's attic. After his son's explanation, the father accepted the bird's acquisition with understanding. The servants were a little surprised, but nothing more. Rich people have their quirks. Some keep hunting falcons or jaguars, but the boy had simply acquired an owl. Caring for it simply involved feeding it and occasionally cleaning the attic.
On Monday after breakfast, Richie came to his senses a little, after which he called the detective.
The phone didn't answer for a long time. Richard even thought Scott wasn't home. He was just about to hang up when the ringing stopped and a hesitant boy's voice came over the speaker:
- Hello?
"Good morning," Richard began. "May I speak to Mr. Potter?"
- Uh-uh... I'm listening, who is this?
The child's voice sounded familiar to Richard, but it was clearly not Scott.
"Sorry, I guess we misunderstood. I'm Richard Rich. I need Scott."
"Richie?!" the boy on the other end of the phone exclaimed in surprise and joy.
- Harry? Harry Potter?
"Yes, sir!" Harry answered happily.
"What kind of sir am I to you? Just drop it. We agreed-I'm Richie, you're Harry. If you call me 'sir,' I'll only address you as 'Mr. Potter,' sir!"
- Okay. Why do you need Uncle Scott?
- I'm going to see him about work.
"Richie, um..." Harry hesitated shyly.
- What?
"Thank you!" Harry blurted out. "After you scared my aunt and uncle, I... I felt better. And then Uncle Scott showed up. He told me about my grandparents and how it was thanks to you that he accidentally found out about me."
- Wow! Harry, I'm surprised. Scott and I only talked recently, and you're already living with him. How are you getting along with him?
"Great!" Harry replied happily. "Uncle Scott is awesome! He's a great detective and... well... he treats me better than Uncle Vernon. He let me drive his car and promised to teach me how to shoot a pistol and a shotgun."
- Yes, but where? Why didn't anyone offer me one?
"I don't know," Harry answered with embarrassment.
"Calm down, I'm just kidding. Scott is your relative. Although I have a hunch about where exactly you'll learn to shoot. My dad has a hunting club, and your uncle is a member. I suggest we make plans and go there together sometime. I'd love to shoot something too. That's awesome!"
- Exactly! I'll ask Uncle Scott.
"I'll check my options through my channels. Okay, Harry, better yet, tell me, is Scott home?"
- No, Uncle said he went away on business. Should I tell him anything?
- Yes. Tell him I called and asked to be contacted about an important task.
- Okay, Richie, I'll pass it on.
"Harry, are you transferring to a new school now? It seems like it's just about time to be at school, and you're at home."
"Well..." young Potter drawled. "Uncle Scott is still processing the paperwork for my transfer to the new school. He said I'll have to stay home for a few more days. But I'm only glad about that. I'm afraid of how my new classmates will perceive me."
"Don't be afraid. Even if they turn out to be assholes, forget it. You have at least one friend. I'm talking about myself."
"You..." Harry's voice was utterly astonished. "You really want to be friends with me?"
- Of course. What questions? Do you know how hard it is for a guy like me to find a friend? If you don't mind, I'd be happy to be your friend.
"I don't mind!" Harry said happily. "Richie, you're not at school either!"
- I finished elementary school. I was sick and tired of it, so I took my exams as an external student.
- Wow! Was that even possible?
- Guess what! Okay, Harry, I have to go. Come and visit me with Scott on Friday. You can tell your uncle that the matter isn't that urgent, we'll discuss it when you get to see me.
- Okay, I'll pass it on. Bye, Richie.
- Good luck, Harry. Don't be bored. Scott has a TV, right?
- Yes, I have.
- Well, here you go, have a look at something. Bye.