A Fond Farewell solo complete

Date: September 1, 2020 10:50AM
Interacting with The Darkbounds

Cade hurried towards the wall between platforms 9 and 10 after his father, Charles. Pushing his trolly carefully through the bricks he felt himself shift through easily. All at once, he saw the scarlet engine and the platform packed with Hogwarts students and their parents saying hurried goodbyes and rummaging through their items to check if they'd forgotten anything.

Cade continued with his trolley close to a car door his family close behind him. Turning he gave them a sad grin.

"I suppose this is it then." He caught his mother's eyes. He'd never seen Peggy look so proud of him before. She came forward as Charles took Cade's luggage off of the trolley.

"You will do well Cade Michael. We're so proud of the boy you've become. Just remember we'll be happy with whatever you choose to do at Hogwarts." Peggy wrapped her arms around him and pulled Cade into a warm embrace. She dropped a kiss in his hair and whispered. "Just as long as you follow the rules." She then let go of him knowing he was turning red at the prolonged embarrassment.

"Right then," Charles came forward taking Cade's shoulders and dipping to his height. "Hogwarts is a big place. You will get lost almost every day. Just keep your chin up. There's help in every nook of the castle. Try to stay out of trouble. I know the school will test you... and not just for exams." Cade tried to keep a serious face. Charles's words had him feeling all sorts of emotions. A little humor and excitement but there was a strong undertone of pensive gloominess. He almost never saw his father, but knowing he wouldn't see him for a longer period of time made Cade want to hold on to him and never let go. His eyes started to feel the familiar sting of tears but he held them back. Cade felt his father's strong arms hold him gently in a warm hug.

"I'll miss you." Cade's voice sounded stronger than he felt.

"Not as much as I'll miss you, Cade." Charles let go of him and ruffled his hair stooping over to kiss his temple. "Right then, your sister is waiting." With one last clap on his back, Cade was sent in his sister's direction.

Astrid was hiding behind Peggy's robes. She was taking everything in. Cade knew she hadn't been anywhere so busy in years. She probably had no memory of the last time. Her big brown eyes were darting everywhere, then finally focused on him. She ran over and grabbed his hands.

"Please don't go Cade, Please! I won't forgive you if you do. Never ever!" She held to Cade desperately wanting to keep the one person she loved most to her side. Cade gave her a small smile.

"This is out of my hands, Attie. I have to go. Don't you want me to become a great Wizard?" He knelt down to her height bringing his arms around her. She held onto him tighter.

"You can't go, I have you in my grasp!" She giggled her dark hair falling into her eyes.

"And what strength you have too! But alas now that I have a wand I can magic myself away." He played along with her small game. "But things are different now. I have responsibilities and it's the start of my wizarding life. And it won't be long until you get to come with me. I'm sure you'll go to Hogwarts too in a few years."

He looked into her face hoping to cheer her up, but it didn't seem to work. If anything it just dawned on Astrid the nature of what Cade leaving meant. Her big eyes started to water and tears escaped her. "I don't want you to go. I don't want you to leave me behind." Her voice was thick with emotion.

The train whistle blew signaling the last call for students to board.

"Give Cade a kiss goodbye Attie. It's time for him to go." Peggy urged Astrid. Cade held his sister tightly placing a kiss on her cheek. Astrid clutched onto Cade tightly crying into his neck.

"Right. One more go." Cade said picking her up and giving her a twirl. It was her favorite thing to do. But it didn't seem to lift her spirits. It only made her weep more. She pressed her lips quickly on Cade's cheek and reluctantly let go as she was handed off into Charles's arms.

Cade took one last look at the Darkbounds before turning to grab his luggage and clamber aboard. He ducked his head out of the window and waved one last farewell.