26 Off to Diagon Alley (1/2)

That night, as Casimir was eating dinner with his father, Mr. Proulx suddenly asked. ”A letter came today?”

”Yes, father.” Casimir answered. ”How did you-”

”Mr. Malfoy informed me.” Mr. Proulx cut him off. ”Another letter actually came today from Beauxbatons.”

”Oh, I see...” Casimir mumbled.

”... You're mother attended school in Beauxbatons.” Mr. Proulx in a seemingly careless manner.

”Mmm...” Casimir hummed indifferently.

”... You've already decided, haven't you?” Mr. Proulx sighed helplessly.

”Yes, father. I'll be attending whatever school Draco decides to.” Casimir replied with a careless smile.

”Hogwarts it is then.” Mr. Proulx smiled wryly. ”Go get me a parchment so I can inform Mr. Malfoy. Him and his wife, Mrs. Narcissa, offered to take you along to Diagon Alley when Draco buys his stuff.”

Oh? They're that close now? That's surprising.

”It's also about time you get to see your own vault inside Gringotts, I suppose...”

What's Gringotts?

...

A few days later, Casimir was once again in the Malfoy Manor, sitting on a chair obediently. Somewhere behind him, Draco was having the time of his life, laughing at Casimir's misery. Unfortunately, Casimir couldn't turn around to glare at him since he was currently in a difficult situation.

”How can your hair be so messy, dear? Today is the day when you will be meeting your first wands and buying your supplies, possibly meeting your future classmates and housemates!” Narcissa lectured, armed with various combs and brushes, about to go to battle with Casimir's long, messy hair. ”I will not permit for you to leave this house with such a horrid appearance!”

Casimir's expression darkened. I'm pretty sure my hair isn't that bad...

”And you, Draco!” Narcissa pointed at the laughing boy at the back, causing him to freeze up. ”You're next.”

This time, it was Casimir's turn to snicker.

So this is what it feels like to have a mother...

...

Some time later, Casimir, Draco, and Narcissa were standing in front of a dirty looking bar called Leaky Couldron. As they looked at the rundown establishment, both Draco and Casimir looked at each other with unsure expressions. The moment they looked at each other though, both of them couldn't help but laugh at the other.

After the great battle of hair which was won by Mrs. Narcissa Malfoy, Casimir's hair turned into long, glistening locks which were tied up with a blue ribbon. Meanwhile, Draco's hair looked overly slicked back, nearly sticking to his head.

Seeing as both boys were in their own world once again, Narcissa began to drag them by the arm inside. ”Let's go. Lucius already went ahead us to buy books for the both of you. We'll be meeting up with him later.”

Once they entered the establishment, everything seemed to grow silent. People just stared at them as they passed as if they were exotic animals in a zoo, making Casimir feel uneasy.

Fortunately, they soon arrived at their destination.

After tapping a brick wall in a certain pattern and sequence, the wall began to move and rearrange itself. Then, Narcissa turned to look at the two boys standing behind her. ”Welcome to Diagon alley, boys!”

Following behind Narcissa, Casimir looked around curiously. They passed by all sorts of shops on their way; shops selling robes, owls, broomsticks, telescopes, and much more that Casimir had never seen before.

Soon, they arrived in front of a fairly large establishment.

”First stop is Gringotts.” Narcissa said and led the way inside and, without a single pause in her steps, she headed directly towards the goblin sitting on the highest podium.

”Ahem!” Narcissa cleared her throat, attracting the attention of the goblin. ”We would like to gain access to the safes under Narcissa Malfoy and Casimir Marie Proulx.”