Delayed, not Denied Solo Locked

Twin figures stood huddled outside the Menagerie, rosy-cheeked, gazing at the adorable creatures on display.

"No pets, Sage." Mrs. Lilly warned, seeing her daughter linger at one of the kennels. "We've talked about this."

Sage withdrew from petting a particularly friendly half-Kneazle. She crossed her arms, her lips set in a straight line.

"But-" the girl interjected, whirling to face her mother. "Everybody else will have one!"

"I don't want you distracted, not especially in your first year." The older woman attempted to reach out to her only daughter, hoping she'd see sense in her words. The first year was very important; it was the time to make lasting bonds, to take in everything Hogwarts had to offer. There was plenty of time to get a companion later, if she truly wanted it. Besides, a pet was a huge responsibility - something Mrs. Lilly knew very well.

"That's not fair. Even Gus has a pet." Cato, her brother's pesky pet crow, that is.

At this point Mrs. Lilly had to be firm; she steered Sage gently away from the storefront. The girl knew she was causing a scene, and it did embarrass her to act like a spoilt child - it was so unlike her to be so emotional. Even so, her schoolmates might think it strange for her not to be allowed a pet... almost as if her family couldn't afford one.

"He earned his and so will you. End of story."

Ugh.

Sage sighed, her exasperation eventually gave way to reluctant acceptance. There was no point arguing with her mother once she'd made a decision. Fine, she thought, she'll just have to earn her pet faster than Gus ever did.