One couldn't ask for a better day for shopping. Diagon Alley was a bustle of activity, as per usual, with wizards and witches running their errands in the weeks prior to their return - first admission for some - to Hogwarts.

Sage and her mother were strolling about, their shoes clicking purposefully on the cobbled streets. Behind them, a laggard trolley whinges along in their wake, piled precariously upon it were packages of books, quills and other supplies from Flourish & Blotts.

They had an early start of the day to avoid the afternoon crowds. Good thinking, too - they made quick work of Sage's shopping list with some time to spare for leisurely browsing. A quick stop at Madam Malkin's for the robes first, then it's off to Ollivander's for a wand.

Coming from a wizarding family, this wasn't Sage's first visit to the Alley. She had accompanied various family members on the occasional trip, but this time they were here for her. She delighted in the fact that she wasn't getting Gus' hand-me-downs this time. His fault for giving it away to a mate's younger sibling two summers back.

"Mum," the lanky girl began, sidling up to her mother. Sage was almost as tall as the older woman, her head coming up to the shoulders now... and still growing.

"Wasn't Gus' - ahem, August's first-year shopping just 6 years ago? You went with him, too, didn't you?" A sheepish look flickered on 11 year-old's face, trying not to sound like she was wheedling for information.

Rosamund chuckled, knowing her daughter all too well.

"Your father went," she sighed, tugging at the trolley firmly. "You were still a babe, then - a fussy one at that. Reckon some folks wouldn't appreciate a bawling infant; so stayed home, I did."

Sage pouts, glancing back to check that no parcel had been left behind. Suppose she'll have to settle for that; but hearing Gus' experience would've made for a much better comparison. She would have to pester him much later, though - he was currently spending the holidays with his mates, off somewhere in Europe doing Merlin knows what.

"There wasn't as much variety back then, I'll tell you that." Ro's eyes glistened as she reminisced about the past. The wizarding community was just as innovative as their muggle counterparts, and in recent years, businesses thrived despite the events that would disrupt them time and again. Such hardy folks, they were.

A mauve door chimes open as the mother-daughter pair slips into Madam Malkin's warm parlour, tucking a now-miniature trolley into a pocket. A plump witch greets them promptly, flashing them a smile in recognition.

"Mrs Lilly, another one leaving the nest, then? Come along, dears~" The stout lady led them past a curtained-off room with full-length mirrors and bolts of fabric for walls. Clothesracks hugged a corner, robes shuffling along in neat rows, fabrics fluttering as they ironed and cleaned themselves. Several stools awaited their clients, while a sewing chest unfurled itself to reveal pins, needle and thread, and strips of buttons and fastenings.

The madam worked quickly, measuring tape in hand, and beckons the younger Lilly. Sage steps up onto a podium and lifts her arms from her sides.

"Best put some meat on you, girl." The lady tuts and hums about, flicking her wrist as a robe settles itself around the girl's shoulders.

"The sleeves are a bit long, yes?"

Sage shrugs, glancing at her mother.

"We'll want the self-adjusting ones, Madam Malkin."

"Of course, these girls grow ever so fast."