# Chapter 13: Confirming Attendance and Preparing for Diagon Alley
The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over Luna's room. The excitement from the previous day's revelations still lingered in the air, mingling with the anticipation of what was to come. Luna was up early, determined to tackle the next steps in her journey to Hogwarts.
Sitting at her desk, Luna carefully penned her reply to the Hogwarts letter. She wrote with a steady hand, her thoughts filled with both gratitude and eagerness:
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**Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry**
**Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore**
Dear Professor McGonagall,
I am delighted to confirm my acceptance to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I am looking forward to starting this new adventure and joining the esteemed institution.
Thank you for the information provided. I will be sure to arrive on 1 September as instructed.
Yours sincerely,
Luna Lovegood
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With a satisfied nod, Luna folded the letter and placed it into an envelope, addressing it to Hogwarts. She carefully attached a piece of parchment with a note for the owl that would deliver it. Once done, she took a moment to look over the enclosed shopping list that had come with the acceptance letter.
The list was comprehensive, detailing everything needed for her first year at Hogwarts. Luna read through the items with growing excitement:
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**Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry**
**First-Year Students' Shopping List**
**Uniform:**
- Three sets of plain work robes (black).
- One plain pointed hat (black) for day wear.
- One pair of protective gloves (dragon hide or similar).
- One winter cloak (black, silver fastenings).
- Please note that all students' clothes should carry name tags at all times.
**Books:**
- The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 1 by Miranda Goshawk
- A History of Magic by Bathilda Bagshot
- Magical Theory by Adalbert Waffling
- A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration by Emeric Switch
- One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi by Phyllida Spore
- Magical Drafts and Potions by Arsenius Jigger
- Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander
- Break with a Banshee by Gilderoy Lockhart
- Gadding with Ghouls by Gilderoy Lockhart
- Holidays with Hags by Gilderoy Lockhart
- Travels with Trolls by Gilderoy Lockhart
- Voyages with Vampires by Gilderoy Lockhart
**Other Equipment:**
- 1 Wand
- 1 Cauldron (pewter, standard size 2)
- 1 set of glass or crystal phials
- 1 telescope
- 1 set of brass scales
Students may also bring an Owl OR a Cat OR a Toad.
**Parents are reminded that first years are not allowed their own broomsticks.**
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Xeno entered the room just as Luna was finishing her review. He took a look at the shopping list and raised an eyebrow. "Gilderoy Lockhart? Really?" he mused, his tone tinged with skepticism. "Well, I suppose that's what the school recommends."
"I've heard of him," Luna said, a touch of curiosity in her voice. "He seems to be quite the character."
Xeno nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Just be cautious. Sometimes, the magical world has its share of… flamboyant personalities."
With the shopping list in hand, Xeno began making plans for their trip to Diagon Alley. He turned to Luna, a look of determination in his eyes. "We'll head to Diagon Alley tomorrow. I want to make sure we get everything you need, and we'll check out the books on the list. It'll be a full day, but we'll get it all sorted."
Luna's face lit up with excitement. "I can't wait! I've heard so much about Diagon Alley—seeing it in person will be incredible."
The rest of the day was filled with preparations for the upcoming shopping trip. Luna and Xeno discussed their plans, reviewing the list and making a checklist of items to purchase. They also took some time to go over the magical supplies Luna would need, ensuring they wouldn't forget anything crucial.
By evening, Luna was practically buzzing with excitement. The thought of exploring Diagon Alley and picking out her school supplies felt like stepping into a dream she had long awaited. As she lay in bed that night, her mind was a whirlwind of anticipation and wonder, imagining the bustling streets, the colorful shops, and the myriad of magical wonders that awaited her.