Incident at Royal Prep - a Sofia the First fanfic
Incident at Royal Prep (Chapter 2)
A few days later
Lucinda and Vivian had just arrived at Corinthia Castle. The two had been invited to Corinthia Castle by Cleo's mother, Queen Katherine. As Lucinda and Vivian stood in the courtyard of Corinthia Castle, Queen Katherine emerged from the castle.
"Princess Lucinda, Princess Vivian" Katherine smiled. "Welcome to Corinthia Castle".
"It's a pleasure to be here, ma'am" Lucinda smiled back.
"A great pleasure" Vivian added.
"The pleasure is mine" Katherine smiled. "I'm honored to be in the presence of two fine young ladies".
"Thank you for the complement" Lucinda responded. "But what have we done to deserve such praise?".
"Cleo has told me how the two of you stood by her the other day" Katherine answered. "I'm very grateful she has friends like you".
"We like Cleo very much" Vivian said.
"She likes the two of you as well" Katherine smiled. "I invited the two of you here because I wanted to properly thank you for standing by Cleo".
"No thanks are needed" Lucinda started. "We're Cleo's friends, and friends stand by each other".
"I think thanks are necessary" Katherine responded. "We'll start off with a fine lunch. Cleo will meet us in the dining hall".
With that, Katherine led Lucinda and Vivian into Corinthia Castle.
Lunch
Katherine, Lucinda, and Vivian walked into the royal dining hall of Corinthia Castle. Waiting inside was Cleo.
"It's nice to have the two of you here" Cleo greeted Lucinda and Vivian with a smile.
"Nice to be here, Cleo" Lucinda smiled.
"Thank you for having us here" Vivian smiled.
"Let's all sit down" Katherine invited.
Lucinda, Vivian, Katherine, and Cleo sat down at the dining table. In a few moments, some servants placed covered dishes in front of Lucinda, Vivian, Katherine, and Cleo. Lucinda uncovered her dish, and discovered pot roast, one of her favorite foods. Vivian uncovered her dish, and discovered beef stew, one of her favorite foods.
"How did you know what our favorite foods were?" Vivian asked Katherine.
"I contacted your mothers" Katherine smiled. "I wanted to give both of you foods you'd enjoy".
"Thank you" Lucinda smiled.
"Yes, thank you" Vivian smiled as well.
"Your very welcomed" Katherine said, pleased that Lucinda and Vivian were pleased.
Lucinda, Vivian, Katherine, and Cleo enjoyed a pleasant lunch, then walked to the great hall of Corinthia Castle.
A surprise
As Lucinda and Vivian stepped into the great hall, they noticed familiar faces standing there - King Roland, Queen Miranda, a 15-year-old Sofia, a 16-year-old James, a 16-year-old Amber, a 16-year-old Hildegard, as well as Queen Cecily.
"What's going on?" Vivian asked, taken off guard.
"A very special ceremony for the two of you" Katherine smiled at Lucinda and Vivian. Katherine had Lucinda and Vivian stand in the middle of the hall as an official from Corinthia stepped forward and handed Katherine two medals. Katherine then walked over to Lucinda and Vivian.
"Princess Lucinda of Enchancia, and Princess Vivian of Zumaria, it is my honor to present each of you with the Corinthia Medal of Merit for standing by my daughter in a time of need" Katherine smiled as she placed the medals around Lucinda and Vivian's necks. "Let the record show that these two fine princesses are young women of honor, and they have my undying gratitude".
Everybody in the great hall clapped.
"We're so proud of the two of you" Queen Miranda smiled as she walked up to Lucinda and Vivian.
"You two have grown up to be fine young women" Queen Cecily smiled.
As Lucinda and Vivian made their way around the great hall, Cleo and Hildegard walked up to them.
"I'm glad you were there for Cleo that day" Hildegard said in gratitude to Lucinda and Vivian. "She's blessed to have friends like you".
"Actually, we feel we're blessed knowing Cleo" Lucinda responded. "She's so kind and giving".
Cleo blushed bashfully at Lucinda's observation.
"We really mean that, Cleo" Vivian smiled.
"That's one of the reasons I admire her so" Hildegard smiled.
"Oh, please" Cleo smiled shyly, not use to such praise.
"Well, it's true" Hildegard smiled at Cleo. "Your kind, giving, and, the truth be told, the best part of me. I'm so much richer having you in my life".
Lucinda and Vivian smiled at Hildegard's touching comment.
"You know" Hildegard said to Lucinda and Vivian, "I feel the same way about the two of you. I'm rich having the two of you in my life".
"Why, thank you, Hildegard" Lucinda smiled, touched by Hildegard's admission.
"I really mean it" Hildegard smiled back. "And, by the way, isn't it time you and Vivian started calling me Hildi?".
"You mean that?" Lucinda asked.
"I do" Hildegard smiled, "with all my heart".
Lucinda, Vivian, Cleo, and Hildegard then hugged each other in a gesture of true friendship. As Cleo and Hildegard walked away to get some refreshments, Amber walked over.
"You know, you two" Amber smiled at Lucinda and Vivian, "Hildegard doesn't just let anybody call her Hildi. That's a very rare honor for her to grant. You must have really earned her admiration".
A little bit later, as Lucinda was getting some refreshments, Sofia walked up to her.
"So, how are you doing?" Sofia smiled at Lucinda.
"Fine" Lucinda smiled back.
"I think it's great that you and Vivian received such an honor" Sofia started. "I'm so happy for the two of you".
"To tell you the truth, Sof, I'm a bit uncomfortable with it" Lucinda admitted. "I for one shouldn't have to be given an honor for standing by a friend. Afterall, friends stand by each other".
"I can see your point" Sofia acknowledged. "But I still think it's an honor that's well deserved. Your really something special, and I'm glad people are finding that out".
That night
At Corinthia Castle, Cleo, Hildegard, Lucinda, Vivian, Amber, and Sofia were having a slumber party. The six played games, enjoyed some food and drink, and had a very good time. The six then went to bed for the night.
In a little while, Lucinda found she couldn't sleep. She put on her robe and slippers, and decided to take a walk. As Lucinda walked down a hall in Corinthia Castle, she came across Queen Katherine.
"Can't sleep?" Katherine smiled at Lucinda.
"No" Lucinda answered.
"I can't either" Katherine responded. "Would you like some company?".
"I'd like that" Lucinda smiled.
Katherine took Lucinda to a sitting room where the two sat down.
"I wish I had some tea to give you" Katherine wished. "Unfortunately, the servants are in bed".
"I could always conjure some up ... if that wouldn't freak you out?" Lucinda offered.
"I'd enjoy that" Katherine smiled. "And it wouldn't freak me out. Your a witch, Lucinda, and a very fine one from what I hear. I'd love to see you at work".
"What kind of tea would you like?" Lucinda asked.
"I'd love some peppermint tea, please" Katherine requested. "It's one of my favorites".
"Mine too" Lucinda smiled. "Our castle steward, Baileywick, introduced me to peppermint tea. It's been one of my favorites ever since". Lucinda then brought out her wand, pointed it at the table, and a warm tea pot and two tea cups appeared. Lucinda then poured a cup for Katherine, and handed it to Katherine. Lucinda then poured a cup for herself.
"This is delicious" Katherine said as she enjoyed the tea. "Thank you".
"Your very welcome" Lucinda smiled.
"What else can you do?" Katherine inquired.
"Well, I don't want to show off" Lucinda said, a bit bashful.
"You feel free to be yourself around me" Katherine smiled. "I get the feeling you've been limiting yourself in order to fit in".
"Well, it's just that ..." Lucinda started.
"What?" Katherine wanted to know.
"As a child, I wasn't immediately accepted by people because I was a witch" Lucinda answered. "Once I was accepted, I did my best not to stand out too much. I didn't want to run the risk of being rejected again. My recent run in with Princess Deidre has only strengthened that in me".
"Yes, I heard what happened with Princess Deidre" Katherine commented. "From what I heard, you were only defending yourself, and she had it coming". Katherine stopped for a moment, then continued. "If I might make a suggestion?".
"What?" Lucinda asked.
"I think you should be who you are" Katherine answered. "You should be the fine witch you are. Let people see you for who you are".
"Oh! I couldn't do that!" Lucinda stated.
"I'll let you in on a secret" Katherine gently said. "I hear Cleo and Hildegard talking from time to time, and sometimes they talk about you. From what I've heard, they and others they know wish you could be comfortable enough to be yourself - to be the witch you are".
"People actually say that?" Lucinda asked.
"Yes, they do" Katherine smiled. "They would be so happy to see you being the person you were meant to be".
"You've given me something to think about" Lucinda smiled back. "I never dreamed this would be possible. Thank you".
"Your very welcome" Katherine smiled. "Now, lets say we have some more of that fine tea".
"Of course" Lucinda said as she poured Katherine another cup. "In fact, I know something that would go well with it". Lucinda then brought out her wand, and pointed it at the table. A plate of cookies then appeared on the table.
"Wonderful" Katherine smiled, pleased that Lucinda felt comfortable enough to use her magic in front of Katherine.
The next day
After breakfast at Enchancia Castle, Lucinda walked to Madame Collette's dressmaking studio.
"Madame Collette?" Lucinda started. "May I have a moment of your time?".
"Of course, Princess Lucinda" Madame Collette smiled. "What may I do for you?".
"I was wondering if I could get a special gown made for my use?" Lucinda asked. "I took the liberty of doing a sketch of what I am looking for".
"Let me see ze sketch" Madame Collette requested.
Lucinda handed Madame Collette the sketch. Madame Collette then took a close look at the sketch.
"This is magnifiqué" Madame Collette smiled. "It will be my honor to create such a gown for you. Now, let's take your measurements. We will want ze gown to be perfect".
"Thank you, Madame Collette" Lucinda smiled.
"You are most welcome, Princess Lucinda" Madame Collette smiled back.
A day later
Lucinda had just woke up for the day when Violet came into Lucinda's bedroom carrying a few clothing bags.
"Good morning, Princess Lucinda" Violet smiled. "Madame Collette wanted me to get these to you".
"That's interesting" Lucinda started. "I only ordered one gown".
"Madame Collette made a few copies of it for you" Violet responded. "She thought you might like more than just one".
"Well, that was very nice of her" Lucinda smiled. "I'll go down to her studio later on and thank her in person".
"So, what would you like to wear today, Princess Lucinda?" Violet asked.
"Since my new gown is here, I'll wear that" Lucinda smiled.
"As you wish" Violet smiled as she opened one of the clothing bags. Violet then helped Lucinda get dressed for the day. Afterward, Lucinda walked down to the royal dining room.
In a few minutes, Lucinda walked into the dining room. As Lucinda walked in, everybody looked up and saw Lucinda's new gown - a gown version of Lucinda's witches outfit, complete with a cape. Instead of a witches hat, Lucinda had on her tiara.
"Oh, Lucinda" Queen Miranda smiled. "That looks so nice on you".
"Indeed" King Roland smiled. "That looks lovely on you, Lucinda".
"Thank you Mom, Dad" Lucinda smiled.
"Now there's the Lucinda we know and love" Amber said with a smile. "I hope your going to wear it out in public, because it looks fantastic on you".
"Thank you, Amber" Lucinda said gratefully. "Should I wear it out in public?".
"I don't see why not" James smiled. "It represents what you are. I'm glad to see your allowing yourself that luxury".
"Thank you, James" Lucinda smiled.
"That gown looks so nice on you" Sofia said to Lucinda.
"Thank you" Lucinda smiled at Sofia.
Everybody then sat down to have breakfast. As everybody was eating, James turned to Lucinda.
"Are you excited about this afternoon?" James asked.
"Oh, yes" Lucinda answered with a smile. "I'm so happy that Miss Flora, Miss Fauna, and Miss Merryweather decided to allow the last Quidditch match of the school year".
"We'll be in the stands cheering for you, Lucinda" Roland smiled.
Quidditch
That afternoon, at the Royal Prep Quidditch field, the Royal Prep Quidditch Team gathered with their brooms. The team was made up of a teenage Prince Zandar who was the team's Seeker (as well as Captain of the team), a teenage Prince Khalid who was the team's Keeper, a teenage Prince Desmond and a teenage Prince Jin who were the team's Beaters, and Lucinda, a teenage Princess Jun, and a teenage Princess Maya who were the team's Chasers. The team stood in an enclosed area waiting to be called.
In the stands, the students of Royal Prep, along with non-students, were waiting for the match to begin. In the announcer's booth, Cleo started her duties as Quidditch commentator.
"Welcome to the final Royal Prep Quidditch match of the school year" Cleo announced. "In this match, we have the Junior Knights Academy Quidditch Team against our own Royal Prep Quidditch Team. And now introducing the Junior Knights Academy Quidditch Team".
At that point, the Junior Knights Academy Quidditch Team flew onto the field.
"And introducing our Royal Prep Quidditch Team" Cleo announced.
In the enclosed area where the team was waiting, Zandar turned to the rest of the team. "Let's show them that while Royal Prep has been damaged, our spirit hasn't been. Let's go!". The team then flew on their brooms onto the field while everybody in the stands cheered.
"And Miss Fauna flies onto the field" Cleo announced.
Miss Fauna looked at both teams who were hovering in the air on their brooms above her. "I want a nice, clean match" Miss Fauna said to both teams. "And remember to always be royal". Miss Fauna then opened the box containing the Quidditch balls.
"The Bludgers are up" Cleo announced, "followed by the Golden Snitch. Remember that the Snitch is worth a hundred and fifty points. The Seeker who catches the Snitch ends the match".
Miss Fauna then released the Quaffle.
"The Quaffle is released, and the match begins!" Cleo announced as both teams took flight on their brooms.
Lucinda and Jun aimed their brooms toward the Quaffle. Jun caught it, then passed it to Lucinda. In a few moments, Lucinda raced toward the three hoops in the Junior Knights Academy scoring area. Lucinda then threw the Quaffle through one of the hoops.
"Princess Lucinda scores ten points for Royal Prep!" Cleo announced.
In the stands, the Royal Prep fans cheered.
"Way to go!" Sofia shouted in glee.
"Nice shot!" a teenage Ruby, and a teenage Jade, exclaimed in glee.
"Junior Knights Academy takes possession of the Quaffle" Cleo announced. "Squire Oliver passes it to Captain John Minton".
Minton tried to throw the Quaffle through one of the three hoops in the Royal Prep scoring area, but the Quaffle was stopped by Prince Khalid. Minton gave Khalid a dirty look, while Khalid gave Minton a smirk.
Maya managed to grab the Quaffle and flew on her broom toward the Junior Knights Academy scoring area. As she flew toward the scoring area, a Bludger started zeroing in on Maya. As the Bludger was about to hit Maya's broom, Desmond flew up on his broom and batted the Bludger away.
"Thanks, Des" Maya smiled. Maya then raced up to the Junior Knights Academy scoring area, and successfully threw the Quaffle through one of the rings.
"Another ten points to Royal Prep!" Cleo announced as the Royal Prep fans cheered. "And Junior Knights Academy takes possession of the Quaffle".
One of the Junior Knights Academy Chasers managed to enter the Royal Prep scoring area. Very quickly, the Chaser managed to throw the Quaffle through one of the rings.
"Junior Knights Academy earns ten points!" Cleo announced as the Junior Knights fans cheered.
At that moment, Zandar saw the Golden Snitch race past him. He immediately gave chase, with the Junior Knights Academy Seeker following close behind. Both Seekers started bumping each other, trying to drive the other off. Suddenly, both Seekers saw the Golden Snitch fly downward. Both of them flew their brooms downward at a great rate of speed.
As Zandar and the Junior Knights Academy Seeker raced downward, the Junior Knights Academy Seeker suddenly became nervous, and pulled out of the dive. Zandar continued to chase after the Golden Snitch. As the Golden Snitch veered off to the right, Zandar pulled out of the dive and stayed on the Snitch's tail. Zandar then reached out and grabbed the Snitch. Zandar then landed his broom, and held up the Snitch.
"Prince Zandar has caught the Golden Snitch, giving Royal Prep one hundred and fifty points!" Cleo announced. "Royal Prep wins the match!".
The Royal Prep fans cheered as Zandar held up the Golden Snitch. As the Royal Prep Quidditch Team hovered on their brooms over Zandar, the Royal Prep fans started chanting "Well done Royal Prep! Well done Royal Prep! Well done Royal Prep! Well done Royal Prep!".
After the match
After Lucinda had changed from her Quidditch outfit back to her gown, she decided to walk over to look at the damaged Royal Prep building. Lucinda then stepped inside and started walking down a hallway. As Lucinda rounded a corner, she came across Miss Fauna.
"Oh, Princess Lucinda" Miss Fauna said upon seeing Lucinda.
"Miss Fauna" Lucinda replied.
"I wanted to take a look around" Miss Fauna said. "It's sad seeing Royal Prep in this shape".
"I know" Lucinda said. "But we will rebuild. And when we're done, good old Royal Prep will be better than ever".
Lucinda and Miss Fauna smiled at each other, and started walking down the hall.
"Is that a new gown, Princess Lucinda?" Miss Fauna asked.
"Yes, it is" Lucinda answered.
"It looks nice" Miss Fauna remarked. "And it's nice to see that your publicly embracing your witch heritage".
"A wise woman recently suggested that I should be the person I was meant to be" Lucinda smiled. "I decided to take her up on her suggestion, and I had a gown created that would reflect who I am".
"I think that's wonderful, dear" Miss Fauna smiled back. "Your a fine witch. In fact, I would go as far as to say that your the finest witch of your age".
"Why, thank you" Lucinda said, touched by Miss Fauna's comment.
"Your quite welcome" Miss Fauna smiled.
Lucinda and Miss Fauna then walked out of the building.
A few minutes later
In the outdoor area behind Royal Prep, a party was going on to celebrate Royal Prep's Quidditch victory. Lucinda walked over and joined her teammates.
"That was an outstanding match" King Roland commented to the Royal Prep Quidditch Team. "Well done".
"Thank you, King Roland" Zandar smiled.
Everybody had a good time at the party. At one point, a man walked over to Lucinda.
"Princess Lucinda?" the man asked.
"Yes?" Lucinda asked.
"My name is Neil Parmer" the man started. "I'm a reporter for Enchancia Today. I was wondering if I could get a comment from you about the recent attack on Royal Prep?".
At that moment, King Roland walked over.
"I'd like to talk to my daughter for a few moments" Roland said to Neil.
"Of course, my King" Neil said.
Roland and Lucinda walked a few feet away.
"Thank you for getting me out of that, Dad" Lucinda said gratefully. "I would not know what to say to a reporter at this point".
"If I may make a suggestion?" Roland started. "You might want to make a comment to him. Your a member of the royal family, and as such, you could use this to help the witch and warlock community. We both know that the vast majority of those in the witch and warlock community are good, decent people".
"But what do I say?" Lucinda asked.
"Just follow your heart" Roland smiled.
Lucinda turned back to Neil. "Mr. Parmer" Lucinda started, "I would like to make a comment on the recent attack on Royal Prep".
Neil brought out his notepad and a pen. "Please go ahead, Princess Lucinda" Neil said.
"I am outraged by Neila's attack on Royal Prep" Lucinda started. "As far as I'm concerned, Neila and those who willingly follow her are nothing but terrorists. Their actions do not reflect the opinion of the vast majority of the witch and warlock community. The truth be told, the vast majority of the witch and warlock community are good, decent people who want nothing but peace. I and the vast majority of the witch and warlock community do not condone Neila's actions, and we hope that one day Neila and those who willingly follow her can be brought to justice to answer for what they have done".
"Thank you, Princess Lucinda" Neil said as he finished writing. He then excused himself, and walked away.
"You did well, Lucinda" Roland smiled. "That was an excellent comment".
Visiting Dunwitty
The next morning, Lucinda took her broom and flew into the Village of Dunwitty. As she landed in the village square, a number of villagers saw her and started to clap. At that same time, Ruby and Jade walked up.
"What's going on?" Lucinda asked Ruby and Jade.
"Everybody has read your comment in Enchancia Today" Ruby replied.
"This is their way of showing support for you" Jade added.
As Lucinda, Ruby, and Jade walked through the crowd, people shook Lucinda's hand. Also, Lucinda overheard some comments from those in the crowd.
"Look at her" one woman said about Lucinda. "She does the royal family proud".
"It's an honor to have her as a princess" one man commented about Lucinda.
"She's such a fine young woman" another woman remarked about Lucinda.
Lucinda smiled as she heard the kind comments.
As Lucinda, Ruby, and Jade walked down the street, the three happily talked to each other.
"Is that a new gown, Lucinda?" Ruby asked.
"Yes" Lucinda smiled. "I had Madame Collette make it".
"It looks nice" Jade smiled. "It's like your witches outfit, only more royal".
"So, where's Sofia?" Ruby asked.
"She had a few last minute royal duties to attend to" Lucinda answered. "She'll be along in a little while".
"It will be nice to have the four of us together" Jade smiled.
"It will" Lucinda smiled back. "Sofia and I would never miss a tea party with our two best friends".
As Lucinda, Ruby, and Jade continued to walk down the street, the sun shined brightly. It was going to be a beautiful day.
Author's notes
Beaters, Bludgers, Chasers, Golden Snitch, Keeper, Quaffle, Quidditch, and Seeker are all from "Harry Potter".
For the incident between Lucinda and Princess Deidre, see my story "The Fight".
Miss Fauna saying to Lucinda that "In fact, I would go as far as to say that your the finest witch of your age" was inspired by "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" where Remus Lupin and Sirius Black, on separate occasions, refer to Hermione Granger as the brightest witch of her age.