Sofia and the Magic Factory

Summary: Based on Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and the numerous adaptations. When Sofia isn't feeling well, Cedric reads her a story, replacing the story's characters with people they know. Five young contestants win the opportunity to tour a reclusive sorcerer's magic factory. However, only one can win the elusive prize at the end.

Disclaimer: I do not own Sofia the First or Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

A/N: Hi, everyone! I'm still technically "on break" from my normal writing schedule, but I decided to go ahead and put this story up just to get back into the habit of writing at least a bit. Since this is one of my "Read Me a Story" formats, it technically still falls in line with my other stories, though it's not necessarily directly related to anything in particular. It's just for fun, and since it couldn't leave my head, I figured…why not? :) Oh, and this WILL be a chapter story due to the length and my work schedule. Hope you enjoy! ~AquaTurquoise

*Story*

Chapter 1: A Golden Opportunity

"Is she any better yet?" Cedric asked in concern as Baileywick exited Sofia's room one evening. He hadn't seen his apprentice in a few days now due to her apparent illness, and he'd wondered about her progress.

"Afraid not," the steward answered quietly as he pulled the girl's door shut behind him. "She had a fever a few nights ago, but it's gone down a lot. However, she's still pretty weak and can't do much. What Sofia needs is some rest, and I predict she'll be better in a few days." He turned and walked in the opposite direction. "Good night, Cedric."

Cedric sighed and lifted his hand as if to knock on the door. He paused. Maybe it wasn't such a good idea to see her now, even if he was concerned about her. Still, not seeing her would surely upset the girl, right? And he didn't want that… Therefore, he knocked gently.

"Come in," responded a soft and seemingly tired voice from the other side.

The sorcerer blinked at the weak sound before pushing the girl's door open hesitantly and peering inside. "Sofia?"

The auburn-haired princess's eyes seemed to light up the moment she saw her mentor. "Mr. Cedric!" She smiled happily before beckoning him inside. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to skip out on our lessons or anything, but I've been…well, kind of sick."

"I heard. Your father informed me, and I was concerned." He sighed. "You have no idea how different things are around my workshop now with Wormy able to speak. I swear, that raven never stops talking."

The girl laughed. 'You have no idea,' she thought to herself. "At least now you two can understand each other." She gestured toward a chair located by her bed, which Cedric occupied. "Have I missed much?"

"Not in the least. I haven't quite managed to make much progress here recently, especially with Calista and Cordelia visiting."

Sofia's eyes widened slightly. "They are here?"

"Well, they were yesterday anyway…for a few hours." He rolled his eyes. "It was enough time for me to realize why my sister and I only see each other a few times a year, anyway."

She giggled. "Yeah…"

Cedric picked up a book from the girl's nightstand and chuckled. "The Magic Factory, hmm? My mother used to read this book to me when I was younger."

"It's one of my favorites," she admitted. "And sometimes, when I read it, I try to imagine other people in the roles."

He smirked at her mentioning. "Mm, imagine that. You sure have an affinity for stories, Princess."

Sofia smiled. 'More than you realize, Mr. Cedric…' "I don't suppose you would…read me the story, would you?" She gave him one of her famous pleading looks when she saw him appear to want to decline. "Please, Mr. Cedric? You tell the best stories."

Cedric rolled his eyes before opening the book and glancing at the characters outlined in the plot. "Very well… And just whom have you in mind for these characters anyway?"

The princess beamed. "I think you'll be pleased with my ideas."

*Sofia and the Magic Factory*

Enchancia in the wintertime was always somewhat cold and snowy. The inhabitants didn't mind it necessarily, because they'd grown accustomed to it by now. Still, the soft and quiet precipitation blanketed the earth in a way that hid the true beauty underneath…or maybe it was protecting it.

A young auburn-haired princess sighed and rolled away from her window, trying not to think about the snow now. Sofia, the youngest princess in Enchancia, had a way of letting her thoughts run rampant, causing her to daydream constantly. It was part of what made her so endearing and yet, at the same time, flabbergasted a few people around her.

"Princess Sofia," came a familiar voice from behind the door.

She sat up and stretched once before smiling and leaning back against the wall. "Come in, Baileywick."

The steward entered, hanging the girl's winter coat next to her bed. "I suggest bundling up if you go outside today. Oh, and…another one came today."

Sofia beamed as the older man walked over, presenting her with what appeared to be a small golden egg. "Thanks, Baileywick!" She picked up her training wand that her school Royal Prep had assigned to her and tapped it gently, watching with a small gasp as it glowed gently.

The excitement soon faded, however, as the egg changed from gold to orange, signifying that it was not what she was hoping for. "Aw…"

"Another one?"

"Yeah…"

For the last few weeks, many students had been participating in a contest to see who the ultimate winner would be. Sofia put the egg aside and grabbed one of her pillows, pulling out a scroll she'd all but memorized by now and read it over.

Dear Magic Enthusiasts of the World:

I am writing to you to announce a very special event I've been planning for quite some time. Everyone has a bit of magic within, but only a select few can handle it with the grace, talent, and poise necessary to benefit not only oneself but also others around.

With that said, I have sent thousands of golden eggs out into all of the surrounding kingdoms. They will arrive randomly not only to palaces and castles, but to villages and mountains alike. You never know just when one may appear before you.

Simply tap the egg with a wand. If it changes from gold to orange, the egg is of no use to you. However, if it remains gold and shimmers a blue tone, it is a success. There are only five in all the world, and those who wield the prized eggs will be invited to my Magic Factory. Of the five, only one will win a prize beyond comprehension.

Good luck to those participating. The contest ends once all five eggs have been located, and believe me, I'll know when that occurs.

Greatest Wishes,

Cedric the Sensational

Sofia sighed and lowered the scroll to her lap. Cedric the Sensational was her hero in a way. She loved magic, and she'd read all his notes and spell books he'd released to the public. She loved the way he described magic: whimsical yet challenging, but an honor to those who take an interest in practicing it. Magic wasn't for the fainthearted, but it was absolutely fascinating.

She wanted more than anything to meet Cedric just once—to thank him for indirectly encouraging her in his own way. That's why she'd entered the contest in the first place. But then again…so many other children had entered as well, and she knew her chances of being one of the lucky five were dwindling.

"Sofia."

She glanced up when she heard her steward's gentle voice and smiled lightly. "It's okay, Baileywick… I, uh… I mean, there's still time, right? Who knows? And if it doesn't happen, then…I'll be okay with that." She stood up and hid her scroll in her pillow again. "Thanks for putting up with me with all of this…"

The older man chuckled a bit before shaking his head. "To be honest, I've enjoyed it so far. It's a bit of a break from the usual activities around here." He glanced out the window and smiled. "Anyway, I believe I see your brother and sister outside now…and it looks like James is chasing Amber around with snowballs."

Sofia giggled. "I wouldn't want to miss out on that!" She hugged him happily and hurried over, grabbing her coat. "Thanks, Baileywick! See you later!"

The steward smiled and sighed as she left. "Good luck, Princess."

That evening, the Royal Family was gathered at the table for their supper, and King Roland and Queen Miranda listened attentively as each of their children chattered on about different subjects.

"…And then he pelted me with six snowballs!" Amber, the oldest child, concluded with an involuntary shiver at the reminder. She flipped her blonde hair back over her shoulder and tossed a glare at her twin James.

James just smiled and shrugged. "What can I say, Amber? It's just too easy!" He laughed as she rolled her eyes. "By the way, Sofia, I heard you got another egg in."

Roland looked toward his youngest child curiously. "Oh, really?" He smiled at seeing the downcast look on her face. "I take it this one wasn't a winner either?"

She sighed and lowered her head. "No… I'm wondering if it's even worth it at this point. I mean, there are so many other people participating… What chance do I have?"

Miranda gave her daughter an encouraging smile. "Sofia, you have just as much chance of winning as anyone else. Don't give up."

The young girl returned her mother's smile. "Thanks, Mom."

"So why do you want to win this contest so badly anyway, Sofia?" Amber asked curiously as she set her fork down. "I mean, I know you like magic and everything, but what exactly are you hoping to get out of the contest?"

She grinned. "I'll get to meet Mr. Cedric the Sensational, Amber! He's only been my magical hero for the last few years, since we began training with magic at school."

"But…you don't even know him," James pointed out with a raised eyebrow. "And even if you do find one of those eggs, what if you don't win this 'big prize' in the end?"

"That doesn't matter… Even just meeting him would be an honor." She sighed and put her head into her hand as she leaned against the table. "I know everyone says he's something of a private person and doesn't really talk much with other people, but it would still be neat to meet him just once. I mean, he is the one throwing this contest."

"Then don't give up," Roland told her kindly. "I agree with your mother. You can do it if you just believe in yourself."

Sofia smiled brightly. "Thanks, Dad. You guys are the best."

Baileywick entered Sofia's room that evening to review her schedule for the following day. Seeing she was sitting at her window again, he sighed and placed the document on her bed as he walked up next to her. "Still pondering, I see."

"Just wondering about some things…" She turned and looked up at her friend, who smiled gently at her.

"May I sit for just a moment?"

"Sure." She moved over to allow him some room.

"I'm going to share a secret with you, Princess Sofia. It's something not many know about, but I figure it's something you should know."

Sofia tilted her head. "What is it Baileywick?" Now she was intrigued. Baileywick almost never shared anything personal.

"I actually knew Cedric the Sensational at one point."

The gasp that erupted from the young princess was pretty comical, and the steward couldn't help the small chuckle at her reaction. "Really? Oh, my gosh, Baileywick! What's he like? Is he powerful? Why didn't you tell me this before?!"

Baileywick winced at the last question and motioned for her to keep her voice down, especially due to the time of the evening. "Calm down, Princess… Yes, it's true: Cedric and I knew each other a long time ago. However, I doubt he even remembers me. I merely worked for him for a few months before beginning my job here. He is powerful, naturally, and while he's pleasant enough, he's not exactly what I would call a 'people person' either… He's…unique."

"Wow…" She then began giggling and had to lean against the wall to avoid falling over.

The older man raised an eyebrow in question. "What's so funny?"

"Ah, Baileywick, for some reason, I just can't picture you working in a magic factory… You hardly even like magic."

He sighed and shrugged. "What can I say? It was a job, and it paid well. And it was certainly an experience…" He smiled as she sat up again. "Well, now you know my secret."

She smiled and nodded. "Thanks for telling me, Baileywick. Your secret is safe with me." She watched as he stood and bowed gently to her before leaving. "Hmm… I guess people can still surprise you sometimes…" With that said, she went to bed to rest up for the following day.

To be continued…

Chapters of this Story:

Chapter 1: A Golden Opportunity

Chapter 2: The Quest of the Best

Chapter 3: A Fantastical Factory

Chapter 4: One by One

Chapter 5: Last One Standing

Chapter 6: Powerful Enough