We read the equipment list and I realised that I would have to leave Swift behind.      
"Don't worry." Dad comforted. "You can have an owl, cat or toad instead."     
I nodded, feeling better. We got some equipment and books and it was exactly 8:29 by then.    
"Hurry!" I called to my parents. Barnaby was I front and I was jogging just behind him but our parents were walking slowly behind. You could have fit four fully grown crups in between the two pairs. Barnaby's watch beeped. It was a very cool watch, enchanted to beep whenever the time ended in double zero or thirty. Obviously he turns it off at night but it's very useful to know if you're late for something.  
"Come on!" Barnaby snapped. "You're behind as well!"   
I glared at him but he was already apologising.   
"Sorry, I'm just really stressed. I don't want you to be late."   
"It's OK."    
At last, we reached the clothing shop, which was called Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions. Barnaby and I walked in.  
"Hello. I remember you, Barnaby!" Madam Malkin smiled. "Who's that?"    
"I'm Lily." I said. "Our parents should be here- yes, here they are!"    
"Sorry, dears." Mum panted. "We were talking to the Adams again."    
"Oh, OK." I sighed and Barnaby rolled his eyes at me. We both tried not to laugh.    
"So, can I measure Lily?" Madam Malkin asked.   
"Of course!" Dad laughed, as Madam Malkin conjured a measuring tape.   
I had always hated being measured, standing still for so long, but this time it took less than a minute.    
"Ok." she said, and I stepped aside.    
She searched for a while and then came back with two pairs of robes.    
"Try these on, please."  
I had to go behind a screen to change because there were other people there but Barnaby could still hear my voice as I asked a question.   
"Barnaby, these robes are black because we have no house yet, but when we're sorted, how will people know what house, let's say, the older kids are in?"   
"Oh, they're enchanted so that the edges of your robes change colour when you're sorted. Same with the grey crests."     
"Oh, I see. Clever."   
"I know."    
"Ah, you're changed back already." Madam Malkin said five minutes later. "Which one fit better."    
"This one." I said, pointing to one. 
"OK." She passed two of the same over. "Here's your winter cloak and hat as well."   
"Thanks!" I said, grabbing them.   
"How much will that be?" Dad asked.   
"Five Galleons, Seven Sickles."    
Dad handed over the money.  
I suddenly realised. "We haven't got my books yet!"   
"Oh gosh, no!" Mum said. 
Barnaby and I jogged to the bookstore which was called Flourish and Blotts. We hurriedly picked up the books, paid some Galleons and ran out.