The Hawk and The Fox

Rainy Days Call For Hot Chocolate

"You've barely eaten your breakfast."

Lizzie's aunt said, her French accent rolling thick off her tongue. They sat together in silence as usual, her aunt nitpicking everything in sight, and Lizzie just waiting for it to be over. The pair were staying at a hotel in London since today was Lizzie's first day at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

'It's a little nerve wracking if I'm honest, it feels like a big change.' She thought to herself. 'From Ilvermorny to Hogwarts, of course I dreamed of it before. But I've gotten so used to Ilvermorny, and my friends there I'm not quite sure I'll'- "did you hear me? Honestly you spend all your time in that head of yours. You need to listen."

Her bombarding thoughts were interrupted by her aunts screeching voice. Maybe it was a good thing since Lizzie's watch went off, reminding the two of the time. Her aunt sighed, standing and grabbing their plates.

"saved by the bell I suppose. You're lucky. Let's go"

Lizzie nodded, going to grab her trunk. She brought her fingers up to her lips, folding her bottom lip to whistle. After a moment a beautiful owl came flying through the window. Lizzie gave a small smile.

"Come on, Ginger. Time to go to our new home"

She whispered to the owl who tilted her head and hopped happily into her cage with a chirp. Lizzie tossed her trunk into the cab, placing Ginger carefully on the seat next to her as she got in. She tried not to notice the cab drivers stares, but who could blame him.

•

"Now you're sure Penelope's family has agreed to house you? I'm not coming back here."

Lizzie's aunt Colette spoke, her face of disgust still remained as she looked around at the train station. Lizzie could've sworn there was a hint of worry on Colettes features. That would be a strange sight. Despite her aunt, Lizzie put on a smile.

"yup, it's all set up. Nothing to worry about."

Colette stared at her for a moment, her judging eyes filling Lizzie with worry. Worry that maybe at the last moment her aunt would take her back to the United States and keep her there forever. She loved her home, but it was time for change.

"Fine. This should be enough money for the year. Here's your... bird."

Colette passed the cage to Lizzie, holding it in between her pinky and her thumb. The face of disgust grew on her features, becoming more prevalent if that's possible. She whipped out the handkerchief from her pocket to remove the supposed animal filth from her hands.

"Lizzie!" Someone screaming her name could be heard, she instantly turned around with a smile. "Penny!" Lizzie shouted back. Colette winced at the girls shouting. Lizzie set Ginger on her trunk before running to her friend. The two girls collided into a magnificent hug, twirling on their tip toes. "I missed you!" "I missed you more!" The two laughed, pulling apart after a moment. Colette then cleared her throat.

Lizzie and Penelope quickly straightened, turning to her. Somehow Colette had the power to make anybody immediately sit up straight, get their elbows off the table and take their hat off with just the tiniest movement or sound. 'Utterly terrifying woman' as Penelope once said.

"Hi Ms.Colette. Thank you again for agreeing to transfer Lizzie." Penelope's Irish accent came through with her seriousness, the words rolling off her tongue as if they'd been recited over and over. "I promise we'll take great care of Lizzie." Penelope smiled at her dear friend.

"Yes yes, send me a letter if you need anything- the regular way please I don't want that bird anywhere near me."

Colette quickly gave her niece an awkward hug before walking off, her heels clicking with her. The two girls let out a breath. As soon as Colette was out of range they hugged once more.