The plan to go shopping in Diagon Alley was settled.
That day, the day after the children received their letters, Mrs. Weasley had breakfast ready first thing in the morning. They needed to finish their shopping as quickly as possible, just as the shops in Diagon Alley opened.
That was because there would not be many people in Diagon Alley at that hour.
Why the rush?
The one and only possible reason was that Mr. Potter, the chosen one currently at the center of the storm, would also be gracing Diagon Alley with his presence.
In fact, an argument had broken out the previous evening over whether Harry should go to Diagon Alley. Those led by Mrs. Weasley opposed it, because no one knew whether a Death Eater might suddenly leap out of a nearby shop or alley and fire an Avada at Harry.
Sirius, however, said that since Harry wanted to go, he ought to be allowed to. Doing their own shopping was an important back-to-school ritual for every student.
All right, that was a very flimsy excuse.
The main reason was actually that Harry wanted to go quite badly, and Sirius could not bear to turn him down, so he could only go along with him.
The argument went on for quite some time, with neither side giving way. In the end, Alastor Moody, who arrived later, made the final decision.
Harry could go, but he had to avoid crowds as much as possible, so they settled on the morning, just as Diagon Alley opened.
For Harry's safety, Tonks would accompany them, while Sirius would take his Animagus form and stay close to protect Harry.
"Hurry up and eat," Mrs. Weasley told the children as they came downstairs one after another. "We'll buy your textbooks for the new