9 Mother (1/2)
It has already been more than three weeks since Casimir had first arrived in this world but he had yet to catch a glimpse of his supposed mother so, like any curious individual, he asked around for information. Discretely, of course.
”Father. Where is my mother?”
Just kidding. It was more like...
”Lately, I've been reading some things about muggle technology but, there are some things which I can't quite understand. If mother was here, maybe I could go and ask her since you're too busy most of the time, father.” Casimir seemed to carelessly mention during dinner one night.
”You know she's busy in Paris around this time, Casimir. Just wait for a few more weeks. She'll probably be home for your birthday.” Mr. Proulx replied with a sigh. Probably. ”For the meantime, you can ask Alphonse for anything you don't understand.”
”Oh, I see...” Casimir felt dejected. ”Thank you, father.”
...
It was a few days after that, just after Casimir had fed Noir his breakfast and was just about to go and eat his as well, when he saw an ordinary-looking barn owl fly across the garden and entered the open windows of Mr. Proulx's office.
Having already been accustomed to life in the wizardly part of earth, he knew that an owl entering the manor signified the arrival of a letter or a parcel of some sorts.
So, when Casimir was eating breakfast with Mr. Proulx, he posed a question. ”A letter arrived, father?”
”...Indeed.” The man answered, his voice sour.
It seems that whatever was in the letter put him in a bad mood.
Seeing that he was not in any mood to continue the conversation, most people would either change the topic or would stop talking.
Unfortunately, Casimir wasn't like most people.
”Who was it from, father?” Casimir continued asking.
”...Mr. Malfoy, as usual.” Mr. Proulx answered after pausing for a moment. ”Eat.”
”Oh.” Casimir took a bite of the buttered croissant.
He's lying.
”... He changed his owl?” Mr. Malfoy had an eagle-owl. Not a barn owl.
To his question, Mr. Proulx flinched and didn't answer anymore, eating his breakfast in silence.
For the rest of their time eating, no one said a word and, just like that, ten minutes passed.
Casimir quickly finished his food and was about to excuse himself when, his father suddenly spoke.
”It was your mother.” Mr. Proulx sighed. ”She sent a letter.”
”She won't be able to come home for your birthday so she sent a letter to ask what present you would want instead.” Casimir turned to look at Mr. Proulx, finally knowing why the man was in such a sour mood so early in the morning.