Happiness seemed to vibrate through the air as she walked through the familiar streets of London. The morning air was cool and crisp, and the chatter of the other early risers on the streets could be heard from all around. Lizzy had risen early that morning to take a nice, leisurely walk around the familiar city before starting what was sure to be a busy day at home.

As she watched the sun start to peak out from the horizon, she decided she had better be getting back home. With her hands tucked into her pockets, she walked back the way she had came, taking her time about it. After all, there was no rush so why shouldn't she enjoy her time out?

Her hand reached for the doorknob to her house and quietly turned it. She prepared herself to be silent as she made her way through the house, but found that it wasn't necessary. Her mother stood at the kitchen counter baking as usual, and her father sat in his little corner reading a book.

"Morning Mum, Dad," she called as she joined them in the kitchen. "Do you happen to know where Ben is?" Her parents turned to her with cheerful smiles on their faces. "Morning Lizzy!" her mother said brightly, before turning back to whatever it was she was making. "Morning kiddo," her dad replied. "I think Ben's outside in the forest. You can go on and meet him out there if you want." She gave a quick nod in thanks before rushing back out of the house and to the sibling's usual spot.

"Hey Lizzy," a voice called from above when she neared the spot. Glancing up into the trees, she saw her brother drop down from a branch above. "And what might you be up to this fine morning?" She laughed. "Nothing much. Why? Did you have something in mind?" With a grin he replied, "Well, there's a very large forest we are standing in and many opportunities for me to beat you in competitions..." "You wish you could beat me," she responded with a mischievous look. "Oh you're on!"

The better part of the day the siblings spent in competition with each other, just like old times before Hogwarts. Shortly after noon they decided to head back home for a break. Upon entering the house, they both knew something was terribly wrong. There was no bright atmosphere in the house, just silent sorrow. Coming into the living area, they saw their parents sitting together on a pair of chairs. Their dad had an arm around their mother, who had red eyes from crying.

"Mum? Dad? What is it?" Ben asked in a worried tone. Lily Solace just shook her head and motioned to Nick to speak. Their dad cleared his throat. "Kids, my father, your grandfather Luke, he took ill a few months ago, but we didn't want to worry you. The chances were he'd likely get over it within a week or two, but he didn't get any better. He-" Nick cut off, choked up. Lizzy looked at her father anxiously, fearing the worst already. "He- he died."

Lizzy felt tears rolling down her face, but was in shock from the news. There were always those people in your life who you never thought would die, and you could never prepare yourself for such a thing like death. It was an inescapable thing that hurt not only the one dead, but also the people who loved the person who died. Some said the dead would never leave us as long as we remembered them, but their sentiments didn't make it any easier.

"We will be going to Oregon for the funeral, set to leave tomorrow." He looked down, suddenly interested in his hands before continuing. "And we will be staying there. My mom will need help around the house without my dad there anymore, and I feel like a change could benefit us all."

"No!" Lizzy burst out. "Dad, where will I go to school? I can't stay here without you all, but I can't go to Hogwarts if I'm in Oregon." Her father smiled sadly. "Don't worry Lizzy. I've checked into it and apparently there is a school for magic in America as well that you can attend. It is called Ilvermorny."

Lizzy knew about the other wizarding schools of course, but she didn't want to go to one. Her roots were laid down here. Her friends were here. Everything was here. "But-" "Your mother and I have already decided. There's nothing you can do about our decision. I'm sure you'll adjust quickly enough, honey."

Fresh tears fell down her face, now not about her grandfather, but about leaving England. This was their home. It was her home. How couldn't her parents understand that? Ben had been silent the whole time, and it was clear he might argue with their parents, but in the end would agree that leaving was the best thing.

"I won't go! You can't make me!" she screamed, not caring how childish it sounded. She ran up the stairs to her room and collapsed on her bed, sobbing quietly. She knew that she would be leaving tomorrow, no matter how hard she fought her parents. All things were hard before they were easy though, so perhaps in time she would find a new way of life in America at Ilvermorny, and perhaps someday she would return home.