New Home, Same Old Family

[Clifton Ward]

Although it would be a while yet before the move from England was permanent, the day was creeping ever closer when Clifton would call New Zealand his new home. As bizarre as it was to be on the other side of the entire world, it was a relief to be away from the bullies at his school in England, and only made Clifton all the more excited to begin at Hogwarts and get a true fresh start. It would be different to be at a school with family, with his cousin as one of the teachers even, and not simply be trying to fend for himself in a jungle of people he couldn't connect with no matter how much he tried. Clifton hoped desperately that things would be good at Hogwarts, but it was difficult to shake the memories of countless taunts and shoves and lunches spent alone.

Today, Clifton wasn't alone, though. His family had taken a trip to New Zealand to get acquainted with the country and a little bit of a glimpse of where Clifton would be living soon, and as a bonus he was going to get to spend a little time with his cousin's daughter. Clifton had met April at family gatherings a couple of times, but it was a relief to spend a bit of time with her one on one, since she would soon be his only family member among his peers at school. Clifton's parents had left the two of them to explore the village together, and Clifton looked up at his cousin, assuming she must be familiar with this area now, after so many years at Hogwarts. "Where should we go first?" He asked, a little overwhelmed by so many new things all at once.

 

[April Ward]

April was excited for today's trip to Brightstone, as she was meeting up with Clifton! He was her dad's cousin, so some sort of cousin of hers too. She wasn't entirely sure what the official name for it was, but she also didn't really care. It was exciting to show a younger family member around, and it would be even more fun when the boy joined her at Hogwarts next year. April looked down at him, wondering if she had been that short when she was a firstie. She grinned at him, ruffling his hair. "Where do you want to go first? I'm your tour guide, at your beck and call." She said, looking around for any suggestions. "We could get some candy? Also, do you want to ride on my back? I'm good at piggy back rides." She wasn't sure if she had ever given anyone a piggy back ride before, but she was still pretty sure she was good at it.