36 Snape (1/2)

The days passed and soon, it was Friday.

”What's the first in our schedule today, Assistant Casimir?” Theodore spoke seriously as they were eating breakfast. Today, the whole group was present, eating breakfast together. The fangirl, who Casimir had discovered was called Pansy Parkinson, was also there, bringing her friend, Daphne Greengrass, with her.

”We would be having double potions with the Gryffindors from 9:30 to 11:30, Secretary Theodore.” Casimir replied, equally as serious, elegantly finishing his breakfast. Casimir reached into his pack and brought out a small brown package. ”Master Draco, your apples.”

”...How did this skit even happen?” Draco had a hand covering his face and sighed ruefully but still reached for the apples because... Well, apples.

Suddenly, owls streamed through the hall, carrying letters, packages, or presents from the students' parents. Somehow, despite not receiving anything from his father for the past few days, this time, Casimir saw a particularly fast owl head straight towards him.

Wait... That's not an owl. That is definitely not an owl!

It was his father's falcon, Bleu!

Bleu, upon spotting Casimir, let out a loud screech and swooped towards Casimir's outstretched arm, attracting the attention of pretty much everyone in the hall.

”Bonjour, Bleu! Got anything for me today?” Casimir smiled and fed the falcon a strip of bacon which it gratefully gobbled up.

”A falcon?!” Crabbe and Goyle looked at the falcon in awe.

In comparison, Draco wasn't too surprised, already having seen the falcon many times due to his father and Casimir's father being frequent pen pals.

”Leave it to the Frenchie to attract attention everywhere.” Pansy commented. Honestly, Casimir didn't really appreciate other people calling him nicknames and acting all familiar.

In the end, he just smiled stiffly but, the expression on his face was off. Unfortunately, Pansy didn't see it. Draco and Theodore did though, being as clever as they were.

On the falcon's leg, Casimir saw a rolled up piece of paper tied and held together with a blue ribbon. Upon unrolling it, he discovered that it was actually a letter from his father.

My son,

(Casimir: Yep. It's really him. Not even putting dear and just going straight to the 'my son'.)

Congratulations in getting into Slytherin. Make sure to study well and not bring shame to our family name. Your birthday is coming around soon. Bleu will come to bring you your gift at that time. Be prepared to receive it. (Casimir: Be prepared to receive it? Is it just me or does it really sound so ominous? Help?)

You father.

Short and concise. Just like the sender's personality. Casimir sighed to himself, sending Bleu off with a wave.

”Who's it from?” Draco asked, biting into the apple Casimir had given him.

”My dad. Who else?” Casimir smiled wryly.

”Oh.” Draco nodded. ”Guess she hasn't contacted you still, huh?”

”Yeah.” Casimir sighed listlessly. But, a few moments later, he reverted back to his usual self. ”Well, since we're all done waiting, we better get to Potions class soon! Professor Snape will be teaching us!”

Theodore and Draco glanced at each other with complex expressions. This boy is obviously smiling but, why does he look so lonely?

Meanwhile, a certain boy in the Ravenclaw's table was staring at them obsessively. Don't be tricked by that monster!

...

”Remind me to bring along Casimir whenever I decide to go travelling somewhere.” Theodore said when they arrived ten minutes before class time in the Potions lab which was down in the dungeons.

”Hands off! He's already my personal navigator! Go find the Weasely twins or something.” Draco denied as they entered the lab, making Casimir burst out laughing.

By the time the got there, nearly everyone had already gotten to their seats. Well, except for Harry Potter and the Weasely boy he seemed to have stuck with these days.

”Here!” Well, never mind. They seemed to have arrived at the last minute, right before Professor Snape stormed in, his long robes billowing with a nonexistent wind. How was that even possible?

Right off the bat, Casimir knew that he was going to enjoy this subject.

Before he began with the lessons, Snape started off with a roll-call and, right when he was in the middle of it, he paused.

”Ah, yes.” Snape muttered. ”Harry Potter. Our new...celebrity.”

Draco snorted in amusement while Crabbe and Goyle sniggered. Meanwhile, Casimir and Theodore just stayed quiet but had amused looks. On the inside, they just wanted to tell their professor how much of an understatement being called a mere celebrity was for Harry. Of course, who didn't know the legendary 'boy who lived' in their generation?

He was far too famous for his own good!

”You are here to learn the subtle science and exact art of potion-making.” Although Snape spoke very quietly, everyone in the class heard his voice clearly. It was as if his very presence commanded silence and attention.