*Just a friendly disclaimer. I don't own any rights to Sofia the First. Sofia the First and the characters herein is/are the property of Disney and are not my intellectual property. There is no financial gain made from this nor will any be sought. This is for entertainment purposes only.

~I don't own the song or lyrics to Witchcraft by Frank Sinatra -but I felt it was perfect for this chapter. and thanks Mr. Shortman92 and Lilactime for your kind words and support! This chapter is for you guys.

CHAPTER 5

WITCHCRAFT

He took in her dainty figure as she gave him a twirl, showing off how well the dress he conjured fit her curves. I must be mad; feeling this way and thinking these thoughts. She's gone and cast a spell on me without a clue. Here I insisted, but days ago, to keep her at arms length... now I've gone and crossed the line, most definitely. And after all she's been through tonight, she doesn't mind being near to me at all.

"Now for those components you needed!" She said racing back to the storeroom.

Just tonight. I'll let her in; comfort and console her when she needs it tonight... and tomorrow we shall go back to how things were. I don't have it in me to turn her away tonight. No one can walk in on us with the door enchanted, and if anyone comes looking for her, I'll just transport her to her room before opening the door. That's not too bad, if it comes to it, quite easy to do without anyone knowing. ...I hope come tomorrow she's willing to keep her distance again... He let out a soft sigh; his heart and mind continuing the internal conflict. It doesn't matter how I feel, or what I do. She's the Princess and I'll only ever be a bumbling sorcerer. Best to just go with the flow tonight and not worry about it until tomorrow. He turned his attention to his potions and pushed his thoughts and feelings away. Enjoy it while you can, because it can never be. A inner voice echoed in his mind while he stirred the potion on his desk. Little did he realize a forlorn look cast across his face as he stared into the boiling liquid. He rested his chin on his hand and slumped over his desk, leaning on his elbow for support. He tried his best to focus on the potion before him, but his mood had shifted.

"Here we go." Sofia said sitting down an armful the bottles and pouches onto his desk. He looked over at her slowly, as if coming out of a daze."Now what?" She said planting her hands on her hips. "What is all of this for? It's not something I've seen you do before... I don't think," she giggled."is it?

"I-uh-that is-no." He managed to get out, his brain failing to keep up with the conversation. He shook his head as if to shake the daze from his mind. "No, it's a powerful sleeping draught and an stamina restorative- for King Magnus. It seems the healing draught worked- until he decided to parade around too soon and took ill again. So this time, he'll sleep until he's completely well, then they can give him the stamina elixir and hell be good as new. I hope so anyway, the man is causing me a lot of sleepless nights of late." Cedric said rubbing his eyes with his thumb and forefinger bringing them together to knead the bridge of his nose

Sofia shook her auburn locks back and forth. "So what do you want me to do?"

"Uh-" he paused trying to think. Sofia tilted her head to the side and smiled softly at him.

"You weren't kidding about sleepless nights, you must be tired if you of all people have to stop and think about a potion." He raised an eyebrow at her. "Why don't you let me finish it while you get some sleep."

"What! Don't be silly Sofia."

"Why is that silly? You obviously need your rest, and there's no way I'll be able to sleep tonight; so it only makes sense for me to finish it while you sleep." She said practically forcing him up from his chair and towards his bedchamber.

"Have you lost your mind woman?" He yelled digging his heels into the stone coming to a halt.

"What?"

He stepped out of her grasp and straightened his robes. Frustrated he ran a hand through his hair and sighed. Sofia admired him from where she stood. She had never paid attention before but the thought occurred to her that she found him rather handsome, particularly his signature two toned hair.

"As tired as I am, Sofia, I don't think going to bed whilst you're here is the best idea."

"Oh." She nodded coming to the realization of what he meant. "But the spell... You locked the door, right? If no one can barge in then that gives me enough time to wake you up to transport me to my room, that is if someone were to come."

Merlin's Mushrooms, her thought process is the same as mine. I was hoping she wouldn't realize how to take advantage of it...

"Come on Mr. Cedric, just a nap then? Please? You need to rest." She pleaded with him. He rolled his eyes and gave in, he was exhausted but he hated to leave her alone to her own devices after the night she had.

"Alright, then; an hour no more, no less." She nodded and pushed him towards his bedchamber. "Hold on, I've got to get you the recipe Girl." He chided her turning around and heading towards the bookshelf.

"Oh, oops." She laughed "Sorry, Mr. Cedric."

Back to 'Mister' Cedric again. I was rather enjoying just 'Cedric' for once. Ah, well I knew it wouldn't last. I've already resigned myself to the fact it can never be. Tonight was just a fluke. Her affinity, though, was pleasant while it lasted. "Here it is." He tossed the book onto his desk, and jabbed his finger at it as he spoke. "Follow it to a T, do NOT deviate in the slightest."

"Yes, of course Mr. Cedric. Now off to bed with you."

He rolled his eyes. "You sound like Mummy." Sofia laughed heartedly.

"If that was the case it would be 'Now off to bed with you, Ceddykins.'" Sofia teased smirking at him.

Cedric glowered at her. "I know you, don't be getting any ideas -"

"Or what Ceddykins?" She teased again, her hands on her hips defiantly. Cedric stood there in shock, mouth agape. "I think Ms. Winnefred would like my impersonation of her, don't you? I would even venture to say she wouldn't mind letting me borrow her endearing moniker for you, Ceddykins." She said giving him sly smile and a little wink.

"Why you little-" he began as he approached her, wagging his finger at her like a parent to a child.

"Now, now you said you would get some rest, Ceddykins." She interjected playfully. He now towered over her as she was leaned up against the desk. How easily she puts me into compromising positions. He thought as she giggled. But as she pointed out we have a security measure now.

"Laugh while you can Princess, you'll regret this." He threatened, looming over her.

"Oh will I Ceddykins?"

"That's it." He declared. Before he realized what he was doing he grabbed her up by the waist and planted her on the table. Sofia let out a startled gasp. "Time to teach you a lesson." He pulled out his wand and gave it a little wave in the air, and the little pot and burner were moved to the windowsill. Sofia furrowed her brow with confusion. Cedric shoved his wand back into his robes and turned his attention back to the princess. Then he began to tickle her sides.

"Ahh! Cedric, I'm sorry." She choked out between laughs as she tried to shove his hands away. She giggled as he worked his fingers across her body finding her most ticklish spots.

"Oh, really? Why do I not believe you then?" He smirked, continuing his tickle attack. She laughed and fell back onto the table, clutching her sides trying to shield herself from him.

"Cedric!" She laughed as he found a clear spot for his knee to rest on the desk. He lumbered over her ignoring the nagging thoughts his mind produced. She was happy and having fun, compromising situation or not, and tonight that's all he cared about. "Cedric! You win!" She giggled, tears glistening off her eyelashes. She looked so beautiful in that moment, her light skin flushed, her perfect smile, her petite figure wrapped in, what used to be his deep plum robes. He wanted nothing more in life than to take her for his then and there. But he knew it wasn't the right time, if ever a time were to come for that. He sighed and absent mindedly rested his hands on her hips.

"Alright, I think you learned your lesson."

"Oh, is that what you think Ceddykins?" She said through labored breaths. He was shocked. She must have been enjoying her time with him to keep egging him on this bad.

"Why you little minx." And again the tickling commenced. He grabbed her dainty wrists into one hand and raised them above her head so he had clear access to her ticklish zone. She sucked in a sharp breath and fear flashed across her face. Poseidon's pumpkins, this is how that Prince had her pinned against that tree. He thought in horror.But then he saw her expression change, she smiled up at him, and that was all he needed. He went ahead and tickled her midsection, making her roll with laughter. It warmed his heart to hear her sweet voice fill his tower. He then reached across her and picked up a feather quill.

"Oh, no, not that!" She squeaked out. He smirked down at her and began to run the feather across her jawline and neck. "Ahaha! Okay, okay!" She yelled squirming beneath him. He gave the feather wider sweeps and let it run across her chest up to her collarbone and neck, delighting in her laughter. His eyes trailed over her body, taking in the exquisite sight of her bosoms rising and falling with her laughter, shivering from the feather attack. "I give! I give!"

He let go of her wrists and stopped tickling her. Looking down on her with tender eyes he thought If only she cared for me as I do her... If only I could freely tell her. Oh the things I'd like to tell her; to do to her sweet body and mind. He took in a deep breath, trying to control himself and pushed his naughty thoughts away. I've lost my mind, what in Merlin's name is wrong with me?

"I've learned my lesson!" She giggled snapping him back to reality.

"Positive?" He questioned, threatening her with the feather again. She nodded her head trying to catch her breath. "Good." He slid his knee off the table, and offered her his hand, helping her sit upright.

"I still think Ms. Winnefred" she said through labored breaths "wouldn't mind me borrowing your pet name... every once in a while." She teased, giving him a sly little wink. He chuckled, shaking his head at her his bangs falling in his face. He peered tenderly, with his soulful brown eyes, through the silver strands at her. The corners of her mouth turned up ever so slightly as she reached her hand out to tuck his bangs out of the way. His breath stilled at her closeness, sitting upright her legs were now straddling his hips. His heart beat in his chest as if it would burst right out of his ribcage. He closed his eyes in ecstasy and at the same time, began to internally prepare himself to pry himself away from her. Meanwhile, she smiled at him and wrapped him in an embrace. Her arms wrapped around his neck, and she buried her head in his neck. "Thank you Cedric, I needed that." He felt her breath on his skin, warm and sticky, her lips just barely brushing against his neck as she spoke. It gave him chills. He fought to suppress his urges and hugged her back, his arms wrapping around her waist.

"Thank you, Sofia. No one can make me smile like you can. And I suppose if it pleases you, you can call me Ceddykins-" he pulled away to face her. "-but only sparingly and only just when it's the two of us."

"Really?"

"Don't make me change my mind." He threatened taking his opportunity to slide away from her.

"Alright, Ceddykins." She beamed at him.

He sighed and smiled back at her. She had him wrapped around her finger, and he let her. "Alright, wake me in an hour. I'll leave you to the brewing, my Apprentice." He advised her running his hand up his neck and through his hair.

Those fingers in my hair, that sly come-hither stare that strips my conscience bare; It's witchcraft. And I've got no defense for it, the heat is too intense for it; what good would common sense for it do? 'cause it's witchcraft, wicked witchcraft, and although I know it's strictly taboo; when you arouse the need in me my heart says "Yes, indeed" in me"Proceed with what you're leadin' me to." It's such an ancient pitch, but one I wouldn't switch 'cause there's no nicer witch than you. He thought as he turned walked into his bedchamber, a dreamy expression on his face.