25 Two Letters

Time flowed quickly like the flowing of water in a river and soon, it was already late into the Summer of 1991.

On this day, Casimir was having tea with Draco inside the Malfoy manor as they took a break from their lessons, enjoying the slence that would come very rarely in Draco's presence.

"Pass me the sugar cubes, Marie." It seems that Casimir spoke too soon.

"I've told you many times, Draco. Call me Casimir or Cas at least." He sighed, regretting the day he had told Draco his full name. Now, the boy won't stop calling him Marie.

Doesn't he ever get bored of being such an asshole? It was like he made irritating everyone his life mission.

Fortunately, all those years of interacting with Draco had made him more bullshitproof than most people to the point that he could keep a straight face even when Draco was spouting nonsense like he was rapping nonstop.

Another thing that he noted during the course of this time was that, as long as no magic was involved in a wizard's confrontation with a muggle, the ministry of magic would more or less turn a blind eye to it. Well, at least the French Ministry of magic would. He didn't really know about the circumstances in other countries.

"Your first name is too hard to pronounce on a daily basis. I have to pause every now and then to prepare my tongue just to say your name right!" Draco complained, making Casimir roll his eyes. "You can't expect me to pause in the middle of a conversation just to think of how to say your name properly, right?"

Casimir snorted at Draco's antics.

"What if I were suddenly being chased by a hungry dragon one day and needed your help? I can't just yell, 'Help me....ugh.. Casimir!' in the middle of running for my life!" Draco portrayed in a rather realistic way.

There was a short moment of silence, then, the two started laughing aloud.

"Wow! Draco, I didn't know you were good at acting! Maybe you should consider being an actor!" Casimir joked. "But, honestly, I can actually envision it happening."

"Don't jinx it, Proulx. I swear, if that happens to me in reality..." Draco gave a playful glare to Casimir. "The first one to die will be you."

"Oh! I'm so scared, Lord Malfoy! Please, have mercy!" Casimir snickered.

"Having fun here, boys?" Suddenly, Mr. Malfoy entered the room and found Casimir and Draco joking around.

"Ah, good morning, sir Malfoy!" Casimir greeted the man, rather confused about the reason for his sudden appearance.

"Father, is something the matter?" It seems like Draco had the same thoughts.

"Nothing too important, I presume. Just two letters addressed to Mr. Draco Malfoy and Mr. Casimir Proulx. Most likely, acceptance letters to Hogwarts." Mr. Malfoy put down two identical letters on the table.

"Me as well? But I'm neither English, nor am I Irish." Casimir said, confused.

"Well, you're in England so often, you might as well be English." Draco pointed out. "Don't worry about it. It's probably just that old, bag of bones Dumbledore trying to recruit as much mini minions for his school as he can."

"Oh, I see..." Casimir smiled in amusement, finding Draco's choice of words to describe the current headmaster of Hogwarts quite befitting.

Seeing them talking with the each other peacefully, Mr. Malfoy turned around to leave. "I still have matters to take care of so, you boys can have the rest of the day to yourselves."

The second they heard that they could do whatever they wanted for the rest of the day, the two of them looked at each other, nearly in sync, both their eyes glistening with mischief.

The two boys merely looked at each other and, instinctively, they already knew what the other was thinking.

"Last one to get his broom is a smelly dog!" Casimir yelled and began running as fast as he could.

"Hey! Get back here, you traitor!"

...

'Mr. C.S. Proulx, the resting lounge, Malfoy Manor, Wiltshire, England.

HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY

Headmaster: ALBUS DUMBLEDORE

(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc. , Chf. Warlock, Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. of Wizards)

Dear Mr. Proulx,

We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed, a list of all necessary books and equipment.

Term begins on September 1. We await your owl by no later than July 31.

Yours sincerely,

Minerva McGonagall,

Deputy Headmistress'

Oh? There seems to be a second page.

'HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY

UNIFORM

First-year students will require:

1. Three sets of plain work robes(black)

2. One plain pointed hat (black) for day wear

3. One pair of protective gloves (dragon hide or similar)

4. One winter cloak (black, with silver fastenings)

Please note that all pupil's clothes should carry name tags.

COURSE BOOKS

All students should have a copy of each of the following:

The Standard Book of Spells(Grade 1)by Miranda Goshawk

A History of Magic by Bathilda Bagshot

Magical Theory by Adalbert Waffling

A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration by Emeric Switch

One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi by Phyllida Spore

Magical Drafts and Potions by Arsenius Jigger

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander

The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection by Quentin Trimble

OTHER EQUIPMENT

1 wand

1 cauldron (pewter, standard size 2)

1 set glass or crystal phials

1 telescope

1 set brass scales

Students may also bring, if they desire, an owl OR a cat OR a toad.

PARENTS ARE REMINDED THAT FIRST YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED THEIR OWN BROOMSTICK

Yours sincerely,

Lucinda Thomsonicle-Pocus

Chief Attendant of Witchcraft Provisions'

Casimir was reading through the contents of the letter with Draco as they were resting on the driveway after a short game of broom tagging, wrapping the scarf which Draco had gifted him years ago around his neck.

"Are you going there? Hogwarts, I mean." Casimir asked Draco curiously.

"Most likely, yes. How about you?" Draco replied, having just finished reading his letter as well.

"I'll go wherever you're going, I guess." Casimir shrugged. He really didn't care much about which school he would be going. To him, as long as he was able to learn there, it was good. But, having a companion would be nice.

"Oh?! I didn't know you liked me that much!" Draco exclaimed dramatically, making Casimir roll his eyes.

"You wish! I'm just afraid that you'll somehow stir up some trouble if I'm not with you! You might end up offending some powerful wizard and get yourself killed." Casimir smirked.

"Well, the same could be said for you!" Draco retorted with a scowl. "I bet that if I'm not with you, you'll end up wandering into some cursed place and die."

"Makes sense..." Casimir shrugged. "In conclusion, we need each other to keep us in check."

"Agreed." Draco snorted.