It was the day before turn, and after putting it off for a week, Tilly's mother finally accepted that she was going to Hogwarts and her mother would have to deal with it. They found themselves in Diagon Alley, Tilly was enchanted by the shops and how old-fashioned everything looked. Everything in their neighborhood was modern and, in Tilly's opinion, an eyesore. Her mother (of course) was not impressed, "What am I in a Midsomer Murders episode?" She remarked aghast that she had to set foot in such a space. It gave Tilly hope that when she needed her supplies next year, she might be able to go alone (or with a school friend's family).

They had gotten all of her equipment. Without doubt, the wand had been a most peculiar experience. She'd never felt so surplus to requirements. Tilly literally just stood there while the shopkeeper kept slipping different wands in her hand, each seeming to impress them less than the previous one. After fifteen minutes, she was starting to despair. Had Professor Browne been mistaken? Was she really a witch? Was she being Punk'd? Where was Ashton? The shopkeeper must've sensed her rising panic, saying, "Not to worry, this happens sometimes, you just need a particular wand that we'll happen on eventually." They paused before producing yet another one, "Try this one, cherrywood and Snallygaster heartstring." The difference was immediate; her hand felt warm around the wand, and as she slowly brought the wand down in an arc in front of her, black and gold sparks blossomed from the tip. "Excellent!" The shopkeeper beamed as they watched her.

After all of the wondrous things she'd seen in every shop, her mother took her into the Magical Menagerie. Her mother was determined to get her an owl so they could keep in contact throughout the school year. Tilly was keen to get some space between the two of them and had also reminded her that Professor Browne said there were school owls to keep in touch. Tilly wanted something she could be physically close to, something she could hold. She was no expert, but it seemed unlikely she could cuddle an owl. Then again, she supposed you could cuddle just about anything if you were brave enough.

Once inside, her mother immediately herded her over to the owls. There were several different breeds, and the shopkeeper came over to tell them about each owl, where they came from, and how much they cost. Her mom, true to form, walked straight over to the most expensive one, "Well, obviously it's the best, it's the most expensive!" She said, continuing her all-time streak for believing that money could fix anything.

"Imagine that, mom," Tilly said in an exasperated tone (mainly because she'd been hearing similar things all day), "Once again you think the most expensive is the best," she sighed before continuing, not wanting to get in trouble, "The shopkeeper said these were so expensive because they were from New Zealand and the import fees were high." She decided that while she was getting herself in trouble, she might as well go all the way. "Plus, mom, I don't want an owl. Professor Browne said there were school owls to keep in touch with home. I want something I can be close to, something I can cuddle."

Her mother sighed heavily but, mercifully, decided not to argue, "Oh, fine," she said as she walked over to the display to the left of the owls. "What about a cat? Cats are cuddly?"

Tilly tried not to laugh; she'd wanted a cat since she was five and had always been told no, but now it seemed like it was because it was the most ordinary thing in the shop. However, she chose not to say it because she knew is she did, she'd definitely have gotten in trouble this time. While her mother walked over to the cats, Tilly's eye was caught by the display to the right of the owls. The sign said it was a Wexford Half-Crup, but all Tilly cared about was the fact that it was a magical dog. It looked like a Jack Russell Terrier. The dog was clearly excited to see her and got on its hind legs with its front paws resting on the display case. It was love at first sight, and Tilly just knew. "Mom, I think this is the pet for me!" She said excitedly as her mother walked over.

Her mother had been hoping for something that looked a bit more normal, but she could tell there was no dissuading her daughter, "Well, I guess if anyone asks, we can just say it's a mutant or something." Tilly found the remark insulting but kept her mouth shut; all that mattered was that she was getting what she wanted.

They got a lead, food, and a doggy bed before paying for everything and heading back out into Diagon Alley.