12 The Boy Who Likes to Wander (1/2)

In this dark and starless night, two boys were running across the back gardens of the manor, not even bothering to conceal their presence since most of the servants were in the underground ballroom.

With one hand dragging along the other boy, Casimir led the way to the stables, where all of Mr. Proulx's collection of creatures were kept.

”Shh... We're here.” Casimir whispered quietly, a grin emerging from his face, as if he was genuinely anticipating what was about to come. ”Need to stay quiet.”

Just as Draco was about to say something, he suddenly found himself unable to speak; all that came out were muffled sounds. It turns out, Casimir had actually covered his mouth with his hand to stop him from talking. Draco glared at Casimir.

”Quiet.” Casimir said in a serious way but, his brightly glistening, evergreen eyes showed mischievousness.

Taking a key from his pocket, he unlocked the door to the stables. ”Come. It's here.” Casimir motioned for Draco to follow.

”Why am I even doing this..?” Draco muttered under his breath but still followed behind Casimir since he was not familiar with the Proulx manor and might just get lost even if he decided to go back.

As they walked, soft green orbs started to come alive, as if they had sensed their arrival and were lighting the way for them through the dark interiors of the stable.

”Come and look!” Casimir waved Draco over, making the boy sigh to himself.

Arriving beside Casimir, Draco struggled to look through the dim light to see what Casimir was so excited to show him.

Gradually, his eyes started to get used to the dimness and he began to see an outline of what seems to be a part eagle, part horse creature. ”What is it..?” Draco asked in wonder.

”It is a Hippogriff. Very gentle creature.” Casimir said with a grin. His whole expression seeming to say 'I told you, you would like it', causing Draco to look at him with an annoyed face.

”That's not all! Over here!” Casimir then, began dragging Draco from stable to stable, showing him various kinds of magical creatures.

When Casimir was introducing the creatures to Draco, most of them just ignored the two. Of course, there were also a few curious creatures which approached them daringly. Most probably, they were just checking to see if the nighttime visitors brought any snacks with them.

Soon, Draco got to know many kinds of magical creatures, causing his previous annoyance to lessen significantly.

Ah... Dealing with children is so easy. Hopefully, he won't grow up to be a sour individual. Now, that would be a pity.

After walking for a while, Casimir led Draco to an isolated stable at the far end; away from all the other creatures.

Somehow, this set-up caused Draco to feel unsettled. Even the Chimaera's stable wasn't as isolated as this one. Draco thought to himself. Perhaps this creature is much more dangerous than the rest.

Draco took one step back but, he realized; since Casimir led him here, maybe things weren't quite as dangerous as he thought.

Suddenly, Casimir turned around to face Draco, his grin widening. ”Now, I will introduce you to the last creature.”