Most of June's apartment was packed. Given how she rarely stayed in any one place too long, there wasn't much to begin with. The only things still out were a fully stocked terrarium, complete with snake, and the letter from Hogwarts.

June had already talked with Donna and she agreed to take Donnie Jr. back for the school year. As much as June wouldn't mind taking Donnie to Hogwarts, since she wasn't a parselmouth, keeping a snake was far more complicated. Donna and Lea had both kept their pets of their person during their school years. Of course, it helped that they could talk to their snakes and vice versa. June did not have such an ability and thus settled for typical pet companionship and company.

*With a swish of her wand, June floated a mouse over to Donnie's enclosure, dropping it in carefully. The snake flicked its tongue at her in what she interpreted as a gesture of thanks. June didn't bother watching it eat its meal.*

Going to Hogwarts was always such a big affair. June's first year, her parents offered to buy her a pet. She had declined at the time and had simply never had one during her time at Hogwarts. Letters had been managed by the school owls, and June's sisters both had snakes. After graduating, June was never in dire need to send letters. And once the twins were born, Donna had acquired her own owl, and communication remained simple.

As a professor, June would likely need to send more letters than ever before. She could use a school owl again. Or, she could talk to her neighbor who raised owls. Jeffrey Hutchinson lived just one floor below June and practically ran a whole post office out of his room. She had talked to him before, thought that was mostly just on the first day June moved in. Sometimes he struck up conversation when she left again, or returned.

She knocked on his door that afternoon anyway. He answered quickly. Jeffrey Hutchinson was a rather short man, with round glasses and prematurely graying hair. A Great Horned Owl was perched on his right shoulder.

"June!" He greeted cheerfully. What brings you here today?

"Jeffrey. I am going to be moving out-"

"Again? You've hardly stayed at all this time!" June laughed a bit awkwardly.

"Yes, I am. And I was wondering if you had any owls that-"

"That are ready to fly the coop? Of course! Come in!" Jeffry invited June inside his apartment. She stepped in and was suddenly in a flurry of feathers and noise. A grayish owl, or perhaps it was white with black flecks? zipped past her and into a nesting box on the wall. "Ah, Borris is back! Louisa keeps borrowing him. You're here for keeps though, aren't you." June nodded. "Anything you're looking for in particular?"

"Just need one for letters, nothing else." Then, realizing how that could be taken, June continued. "As in, no packages or anything of the sort." Jeffry nodded.

"Big or small?" June thought about it for a while. Both had their perks and downsides. But for her lifestyle in particular?

"Small."

"Might I introduce you to Laura, then?" Jeffry walked over to one of the many nesting boxes lining the wall and stuck his hand in. When he pulled it back out, a bird no bigger than a quail was perched on his fingers. It was a gorgeous owl, with vibrant plumage and large eyes. And yet, it was so remarkably small.

"This is Miss Laura. Three years old, Eastern Screech. A very polite one. I'd say she matches your temperament quite well!" Jeffry took one of June's hands and brought it up so he could settle Laura on it.

June could feel the bird's tiny talons against her skin. Not enough pressure to drawn blood, but more than enough for June to feel the little thing's strength.

"She seems..." June thought for a word to properly describe Laura. "...Right." June decided on.

"Glad to hear it, June. I'll just get you two set up and send you on your way!"

June left the apartment with a new carrying cage, Laura, and a bit of food to hold them over until June could get more.

She had the feeling Laura was a perfect investment.
WC: 721/400