30 The Train to Hogwarts (1/2)

This is it.

This is finally it.

September 1, 1991.

Casimir stood in front of the Proulx Manor's fireplace carrying the shrunk version of Noir in his arms, being sent off by his father, Alphonse, Edgar and the rest of their house servants.

”Young master, all of your things have been packed inside your case. If you need anything, please send a letter and I'll be sure to prepare it as quickly as possible.” Alphonse said, seeming to be tearing up.

”I'll be sending packages containing Fleur, Echelle, and Noir's food around once a week, young master.” Edgar informed him.

”Yes, please do. Thank you.” Casimir smiled at them. ”Then, I'll be off.”

Just as Casimir was about to enter the already green flames in the fireplace, Mr. Proulx suddenly called him. ”Casimir.”

”Yes, father?” Casimir turned to look at Mr. Proulx in confusion.

”... Take care of yourself, son.” Mr. Proulx said.

Casimir smiled brightly. ”I will father.”

Then, he stepped into the flames. ”Malfoy Manor.”

...

”Draco... I don't know if you've noticed but, our train ticket says we have to go to platform nine and three quarters.” Casimir said as he read through their train tickets after they arrived at King's Cross Station, being followed by Noir who kept looking around in curiosity

”Yeah. What about it?” Draco asked Casimir dubiously.

”Well... There is no platform nine and three quarters.” Casimir said, making Draco turn silent.

Fortunately, Narcissa was there to clear their confusion. ”Nonsense! There is a platform nine and three quarters! It's just hidden from the eyes of the muggles! And the way that leads there...” She trailed off and pointed towards an unsuspecting pillar between platform nine and ten. ”is through this pillar.”

As if to clear their suspicions, Narcissa walked towards the pillar and, right before their eyes, she went through it.

Oh! So it's like the underground ballroom that we have at home! I see!

”Well, ladies first, Marie.” Draco glanced at him.

”How gentlemanly of you, Draco.” Casimir rolled his eyes and said sarcastically, picking up Noir who had bumped into his legs from not looking at where he was going.

”Quit dallying now, boys. The train will be leaving soon.” Lucius said from behind them.

”Sorry, Mr. Malfoy.” Casimir said apologetically and proceeded to drag Draco by the arm towards the pillar, much to Draco's surprise. ”Let's just go.”

The passed through the pillar without any accidents happening and met up with Narcissa who was waiting for them at the other side.

”Hurry on, boys! Up the train!” Narcissa ushered them towards an old but clean looking train which looked to be still running on coal fuel despite the world already moving on from that era.

When they entered the train, they discovered that quite a few children were already in it, talking with each other or looking for a free cabin to sit in.

Doing the same as them, Draco and Casimir began their hunt for a free cabin and finally found one at the back part of the area designated for the first years.

Upon settling in their chosen cabin, the first thing Draco did was to open the window to bid goodbye to his parents. Not paying attention to what they were talking about over the window, Casimir just took a small pillow from his case and directly took a nap with Noir settling down on his lap.