The Monster of Hexley Hall
Summary: *Based loosely on The Hunchback of Notre Dame.* Cedric is a reclusive sorcerer who was taken in by Grimtrix the Good many years ago, now living within the confines of Hexley Hall and never daring to venture beyond the school grounds. When a newly recruited student named Sofia begins attending the school, Cedric is immediately drawn to her for some reason. In addition, there is a dark secret lurking below the surface of the pristine magical school's exterior: students are getting severely injured, and some have even perished. When Sofia appears to become a target, Cedric will do anything he can to protect her while also trying to solve the mystery of what is happening to the other students. (An AquaMan Production. Read Me a Story format. Takes place 5 years after my "Season 5" stories.)
Disclaimer: I own neither Sofia the First nor The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Tanya and Nana belong to MarionetteJ2X. Serena and Charlie belong to me, and so do a few OCs mentioned in this story.
A/N: I'm not going to have author notes each chapter in here, just to let the story flow a little better. 😊 I'm glad to introduce you to my first Out of Season story! If you saw my bio, then you saw that as of right now, I only plan to write this story and Tainted Ten (which will come out sometime next year, with a great deal of help from my dear friend Mr. Shortman92). Timberland is on hiatus for now, and it may or may not be written; I'm still not sure yet. Speaking of Shortman, he is taking on both Anything's Possible and Bygones since I'm limited with time, and I genuinely don't have as much energy with StF stories anymore. I still love the show and the characters, but I can tell my time is coming to a close with this chapter of my life. It's been an amazing ride these last seven years, and I'm glad to finish with a few stories that pretty much sum up my life: my favorite Disney movie (The Hunchback of Notre Dame) and my friends I've made during the early FF days. Love you all! Hope you enjoy!
Note for ages: Tanya appears to be 16, and Nana appears to be 15. Serena is seven. Charlie is five.
Chapter 1: Retelling a Story
"Afternoon, all," Violet happily greeted Tanya, Nana, Serena, and Charlie as they entered the open doors of the castle. They were the last of the royal kids to return home from school, like usual, since they often spent time after school doing their magical studies. Each student was wearing Hexley Hall robes and carrying a bag filled with study materials. "How was your day?"
"I found a butterfly!" little Charlie exclaimed with a giggle, his usual smile lighting up his face the same way his mother's often did. He also had more of Sofia's accent, unlike his older sister, who had taken Cedric's accent instead. His soft auburn hair was kept in his father's style, though his bangs were the same auburn color as the rest of his hair. Those large brown eyes, filled with innocence, sparkled each time he spoke. "It was pink and blue and green! And it went boop! Landed on my nose! And then it flew away!"
Violet laughed softly. She loved all the children, but she held a soft spot in her heart for Charlie. She and Baileywick had cared for him quite a few times when he was a baby if Cedric and Sofia had meetings to attend or something of that nature. She tried to hold back her tears as she thought of her belovèd; he had gotten badly sick last month but was slowly recovering. She knew his age was a factor that would continue fighting against him, but he was stronger than his outward appearance would suggest. She just knew he'd pull through, and they could finally marry like they'd always planned. She wasn't even sure why they'd waited so long, and now she really regretted waiting, all because her duties had called at the most inopportune times. It was precious time lost with her dear Baileywick.
Serena tilted her head as she noticed the taller woman staring off into space. "Violet, are you okay?" The little girl was about a head or two taller than her little brother, her long black hair tied back into heavy waves (the soft white strips of bangs framing her face) and fastened with a barrette that Sofia once received from Cedric (the hydrangea barrette). Her blue eyes were a carbon copy of her mother's, filled with love and concern for the stewardess before her.
"Mm?" The stewardess smiled down at the little one, nodding and pulling herself together. "Oh, yes, Princess Serena. I'm quite well. Um, why don't you run along then? Supper will be served in three hours."
Charlie noticed the sad note in his friend's voice and hurried over to her, hugging her legs, startling her a bit. "I love you, Violet!"
Violet still managed to hold herself together somehow as she sighed and knelt to the little boy's level, giving him a proper hug. "I love you too, Prince Charlie."
Tanya giggled softly as she watched the interaction. After a few moments once she'd managed to pull the younger children away from the busy woman, she then looked toward Nana, who had been quieter than normal. She knew her sister was having some troubles, especially at school, but it wasn't exactly her business to pry. Not that she wouldn't, mind you. Someone or something was hurting her sister, and she wasn't one to take too kindly to ne'er-do-wells. She lifted her hand, placing it on the other girl's shoulder. "Are you all right, Nana?"
Nana turned to her, those large green eyes a little more mature now, masking the pain she felt internally as she attempted to smile up at Tanya. Her life was complicated enough with no ability to speak and having a smaller stature (though she had grown considerably over the years and was only a few inches shorter than the average height now), but being a teenager at a school filled with magic wielders from prestigious backgrounds… It was a lot. Sometimes, it was more trouble than it was worth, especially when she thought of them…
"Just give me any indication, and I will handle whoever has caused you anguish."
The younger teen shook her head, sighing. No, she didn't want to bring Tanya into her troubles. They'd had enough trouble in their short lives. These were just a few school bullies—nothing unusual and nothing she couldn't handle. Maybe…
Tanya narrowed her eyes at the fifteen-year-old girl. "You are certain?" Seeing her nod, she folded her arms as they continued on their way. "Very well."
Nana sighed as she shut her book and then promptly rested her arms over it, her head soon following suit. Her loose hair fell around her, blocking her vision on all sides as the chatting around her continued.
"…And my teacher said I got good marks on my exam today," Serena enthused with a bright smile, giggling as Charlie stumbled into her, hugging her from the side. She swiftly returned the hug as she beamed up at her parents from her spot on the floor. "Best in the class, she said."
"Naturally," Cedric chimed, a feeling of pride filling him. He'd always gotten relatively good marks in school, and so had Sofia, so he was pleased to hear his children were continuing the tradition.
Cedric, Sofia, and all their children no longer lived inside the castle or in the tower. Instead, they had their very own apartment that was situated on the grounds not too far from Cedric's old tower. The apartment was built of strong stone, a few healthy green vines with pink and purple flowers layering the surface. It was three stories tall: the first story consisted of a kitchen, a private lavatory, and even a workspace for all of them (which was where everyone was gathered right now). The second story was the living quarters for Cedric and Sofia, remodeled to match Cedric's old room in the tower with a mix of their castle-based bedroom. So naturally, a great deal of purple shading with some more neutral colors coated their newer dwelling space. And finally, the third floor was where the children stayed. Tanya and Nana shared a bedroom while Serena and Charlie shared a bedroom (for now). It was very likely that the older girls would move out within the next few years (which Cedric and Sofia were NOT looking forward to), and the younger siblings would each get their own rooms thereafter.
Neither the sorcerer nor his princess had changed much the last five years, except perhaps their clothing, which was now a little more relaxed. In fact, Cedric had begun wearing clothing similar to Ceddy from the Abstruce Realm, with a plusher and more comfortable robe wrapped around his thin physique. Sofia still wore her adventurous/Protector clothing, despite no longer being a Protector, far more often than she wore anything close to princess-related outfits. And even though they could have slowed down, they hadn't really done so. Traveling with the kids, going to meetings, accompanying the Protectors on different adventures, and even slipping away to a certain island while Tanya, Nigel, and Cordelia watched the younger kids… It was all rather natural to them by now.
In addition, Cedric and Sofia had both come to an agreement that Charlie would be their final child. Even though Sofia had thankfully been able to carry him to term, and he was just as healthy as any of the other children, they would not risk either Sofia's or another potential baby's safety, especially after the physical trauma the princess had suffered some years ago. With that said, they were a rather happy and loving family, living out their days in whatever concept of 'normalcy' one could in a magically infused and enchanted realm.
"And how was your day, Tanya?" Sofia asked casually, smiling mischievously as she took a sip of water from her cup. She placed it down when she noticed her oldest daughter blushing a bit. "Let me guess… You spent some time with Vicari, right?"
Tanya smiled sheepishly as she tucked some hair behind her ear, the blush never fading from her cheeks, which was a very unusual sight for someone usually so in control of her emotions and actions. In fact, Vicari was a boy she had met at Hexley Hall, with whom she had grown closer and closer over time. Cedric had been a bit apprehensive about the boy at first, but Tanya had insisted that he was a genuinely nice person, and there was something familiar about him that she really liked.
After getting to know each other for a few months, Vicari finally admitted something she had suspected for a while: he was the reincarnation of Victor, her creator and her true love. He wasn't Victor, but he was a variation of him, and she found that she rather liked Vicari for who he was: mysterious but playful, kind, romantic, unpredictable, and even fashionable.
Vicari possessed jade-colored eyes and short black hair that fell in carefree wisps across his face and in his eyes. Like his former counterpart, he was fair-skinned and mostly composed, but that was where the physical likenesses stopped. His clothing was a mix of regal and edgy black fabric. The top tunic was riddled with complex patterns and an angular collar that hugged his neck and shoulders, some interesting silver strips of fabric hanging down his back like a methodically ripped capelet; a silver pendant hung just below the collar, three ruby gems encrusted within the surface; his dark slacks were on the edgier side, a softer form of leather that disappeared somewhere into his calf-high black boots. Now, the accessories… From his beltloops dangled two leather pieces that swooped behind his legs, serving no real purpose, as far as anyone could see. Around his waist, he wore three items: a studded black wrap-belt, a normal belt, and two crossed chains falling asymmetrically along his hips. His arms were both wrapped with black and silver studded cuffs, and his hands were protected with dark fingerless gloves. (Serena had pointed out that Vicari had gloves like Cedric, but 'Papa's aren't as scary-looking,' whatever that was supposed to mean.)
Tanya had fallen hard and fast for this boy, especially when she realized exactly who he was. And if her fingers happened to trace his numerous rings, fingerless gloves, chains, or earrings a few times—several times —while they were talking, so be it.
"E-Enough about me," Tanya finally managed, her cheeks still tinged pink as her family tossed her knowing smiles. "How about asking someone else?"
Cedric glanced toward Nana, who sighed heavily and even seemed to sink more into her arms. He frowned worriedly as he stepped over to her, his fingers brushing his daughter's hair. "Nana, darling… What's the matter?"
Nana slowly sat up, her eyes heavy with unshed tears, her face warm and sullen.
"Nana," Sofia began, her hand lifting to her amulet subconsciously, as if she were about to wish she could help the young girl with whatever was going on. "Sweetie, what happened?"
It was pointless to hide her emotions now. Her parents had seen her face. And her little brother and sister were staring at her in concern and sympathy. She turned to Tanya, sighing as she telepathically communicated with her.
Tanya frowned heavily when she received the message. "Nana said that some girls at Hexley Hall have been bullying her for having dark origins. They have called her a monster, and…" She felt her hands curling into fists as she finished with, "…And they threatened to…stomp her…since she was a strawberry at one point…"
While Cedric gathered Nana into his arms to hug her comfortingly, Sofia sighed in anger. "What is with that school and all the bullies? First you had to deal with some questionable people, Cedric, and then Calista, and now our kids? Let me hear that they've hurt her, and they'll be seeing a side of Princess Sofia that they won't like."
"Yeah!" Serena agreed, jumping to her feet, Charlie following her and copying her movements as they both placed their hands on their hips. "Nana is a good sister! I don't even eat strawberries because they might be her cousins!"
Cedric smiled in amusement at his daughter's words, and it warmed his heart a bit to feel Nana silently laughing, burying her face into his robe. He hummed and stroked her hair quietly.
The little princess continued, "They're just jealous, Nana!"
"Yeah!" Charlie added helpfully. "They need a time-out!"
"Perhaps they are jealous, my darling," Cedric agreed, brushing his daughter's hair behind her ear as she looked up at him. "You're brilliant, kind, and loving, and they can never compare with someone whose inner beauty matches the outside. They say hateful things to you, because they wrestle with self-loathing, and they probably feel that if they are miserable, they have the right to make others miserable as well." He gently tapped her nose, earning a soft smile. "But don't you listen to them, Nana. You're our daughter, and your Mama and I want the very best for you."
Nana sighed in content, leaning forward to hug her father. She wrapped her arms around his neck, smiling warmly as he hugged her back.
Tanya chuckled and nodded as she glanced from Tanya to her parents. "Nana just told me that her situation reminds her a bit of The Hunchback of Notre Dame. She has been reading the story recently, and she said she can relate to the outcasts of Quasimodo and Esmeralda."
"I remember reading that book," Sofia pointed out.
"As do I," Cedric echoed once Nana released him and sat back in her seat. "A rather interesting parallel, hmm? Outcasts, unfair treatment of good souls…" He looked toward Sofia, who grinned.
"Are you thinking what I'm thinking?"
He chuckled, nodding. "It's been quite a while since we've read a story, so to speak…"
Nana lightened considerably, her green eyes shimmering in intrigue. When she and Tanya were younger, Cedric and Sofia used to read to them all the time. Many times, they'd change the stories to accommodate their lives or incorporate other people they knew into the plot, just to make things more interesting. She was really curious how they would take the dark content of The Hunchback of Notre Dame and morph it into something more…relatable, perhaps?
"After supper, it's story time," the sorcerer informed them, smiling as the youngest two in the homestead cheered excitedly.
Later that evening, everyone was gathered in Cedric's and Sofia's room and on their bed, since it was the largest. Cedric was settled on the right side, with Nana tucked next to him and Serena lying haphazardly over both of them, so she could rest her head on his chest. Sofia was between Nana and Tanya, and Charlie was curled up on her lap as she ran her fingers through his hair.
Cedric retrieved his wand from the bedside table and muttered a soft spell, creating a book that glittered with the words The Monster of Hexley Hall across the front.
Sofia laughed. "You rewrote the story that fast, huh?"
He winked at her. "That, my love, is called creative magic… And a great deal of improvisation, I'm sure."
"Is the story gonna be scary, Papa?" Charlie wondered, peering at him from under his lazily swooping bangs.
"Mm, there may be a few 'scary' things, Charlie. But the story isn't really about what scares you. It's about what makes you stand out, celebrating differences, acknowledging the difference between right and wrong…" He reached over and took Sofia's free hand, squeezing her fingers gently. "And reminding us that love can really make a difference in our lives…"
She giggled quietly as he released her hand and lowered it to Serena's back, while his free hand held the book open. "No truer words spoken, Cedric the Sensational."
He laughed, sighing contentedly, before returning his attention to the book. "Right, then… Best begin with the story: The Monster…of Hexley Hall…"
To be continued…
Next Chapter: Dark Origins
