Rigoletto

Summary: *Loosely based on the movie* During a stormy evening, Cedric tells Sofia the story of Rigoletto, an outcast who was often underestimated based on his outward façade with a heart hidden away from everyone, except from one remarkable girl who saw him for who he really was. (Similar to my "Read Me a Story" series)

Disclaimer: I don't own Sofia the First or Rigoletto.

A/N: So this chapter is going to be a bit more melancholy in some areas, but you'll get more insight into Cedric's thoughts and perspectives according to the story. This is similar to what his counterpart's character experienced in the movie, so I hope the emotion comes across well :) Enjoy!

*Story*

Chapter 4: They Don't See

"Bounciglius!" The familiar spell left Sofia's lips as she aimed her wand at a pillow, which proceeded to bounce around the sitting room of the mansion. She beamed when it finally settled quite nicely on a fainting couch. "I did it!"

"Mm, yes," Cedric agreed with a slight nod. "However, remember that when you command the magic, be strong and confident." He stood behind her, gently tilted her head so she was facing straight forward, and raised her arms in a steadier manner. "One does not want any opposition to suspect any trace of weakness or uncertainty, correct?"

"Uh, right," she giggled. It was so strange to her. Cedric had been training her for a week now, and each day she'd visited, he'd gotten more and more helpful and almost relaxed. He was still somewhat standoffish (especially in comparison to Greylock), but he'd seemed to have grown more accustomed to her being there; he even appeared grateful that she continued to attend his lessons daily after school. She sensed an urgency that she couldn't quite comprehend, but then again, he was a man of mystery.

"Tea time!" Greylock announced as he entered with a tray filled with not only the teapot and cups but also some small cakes and cookies. He set the tray down onto the coffee table and glanced toward his master and charge. "So, how are the lessons going?"

"Far better than the time you attempted the bouncing spell," Cedric remarked with a hint of a smirk.

"Oh, for goodness—it was an accident… I didn't mean to knock down that man…too terribly hard." He grinned shamelessly.

Sofia laughed. "Mr. Greylock, did you really do that?"

"Of course he did," Cedric replied for the other sorcerer. "He's a prime practical jokester. Were it not for his employ with me, he would likely be in danger of people seeking revenge for all this seemingly harmless pranks."

"On the contrary, Master…most actually laughed after the incidents." He grinned again as Cedric rolled his eyes. "I'll leave you two to your tea time. Let me know if you need anything else." He left the room and shut the door behind him.

Sofia picked up one of the small cakes. "Is Mr. Greylock always that cheerful?"

"Incessantly," her mentor responded instantly, making her smile.

"You're kind of serious, huh, Mr. Cedric?" She watched him shrug as he poured their tea. "I mean, it's fine if you want to be a serious person. That's great. I just…wondered if you ever smiled or anything."

Cedric paused his pouring and looked at the young girl curiously before sighing softly and continuing his chore. "I smiled far more during simpler times. We'll just put it that way." He placed the teapot down and picked up one of the cups. "People tend to change the way you look at the world, my dear. You can't always trust them."

She nodded quietly before picking up her own cup. "I know… But not all people are bad."

He finally relented and offered her a small smile. "Indeed they're not." He took one long sip before leaning back into his chair. He watched the girl's face become contemplative, and he raised an eyebrow. "You seem conflicted."

"It's just… I overheard a conversation the other day in the village, and I just…don't know how to feel." She looked toward him with a solemn gaze.

A few days ago, Sofia and her siblings had entered the local shop, where Magnus and Slickwell seemed to be having quite the conversation.

"There have been more magical sightings than ever, Slickwell," Magnus told the store owner with a huff. "It's destroying our gardens, breaking our valuables, and ruining everything. Whoever got the idea that magic is so grand needs a serious reality check. Magic is madness!" He turned toward the window and gestured widely toward the mountains. "And I bet you that maniacal, reclusive sorcerer is up to it!"

"Mr. Cedric?" Sofia asked quietly so only her siblings could hear.

Slickwell chuckled nervously at the man's accusations. Okay, so he'd ignored Miss Nettle's words, obviously, and he'd caused a few more problems than he'd intended. However, he didn't realize people were getting that upset about it. He almost felt bad that someone else was, in fact, receiving the blame that he technically deserved. Almost…

"Maybe we should pay the nuisance a visit," Magnus continued ranting. "Show him who's boss! Someone who misuses magic like that deserves to be taught a thing or two!"

"Mr. Cedric doesn't misuse magic, Mr. Magnus," Sofia defended as she stepped forward and garnered the man's attention. "And he doesn't deserve the type of horrible things you're saying about him."

"Stay out of this, Sofia. Why don't you go run along with your brother and sister and play? You're just a child anyway. What would you know about magic anyway?"

"A lot more than you!" She frowned at him. "And I know a real magic wielder would never go out of their way to hurt someone—so stop saying such bad things about Mr. Cedric." With that, she turned and ran out of the store, her siblings chasing after her.

She never saw the surprised look on the men's faces.

"I see," Cedric acknowledged as he replaced his tea cup and leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees and his hands folded under his chin. "So they believe I am to blame for magical mishaps around the village."

"It's not true, is it, Mr. Cedric?" she asked softly. "I mean…you don't go around causing all the magical trouble, right? I just can't believe that…"

He shook his head slowly. "No, my dear… I barely leave this place, and I'm far too solitary to venture out among many people as it is. I see no use in it, to be honest." He gave her a meaningful gaze. "People…always have a certain mind frame when it comes to different things. However, they don't see…" Recognizing the confusion on his student's face, he sighed. "Sofia, people hear and see only what they want to hear and see most of the time. Anything I say wouldn't get across to them, no matter how hard I try. So they'll continue believing I'm truly the cause of all the magical downfalls, no matter how false it is."

"That's not fair," Sofia whispered as she reached out and hugged him, earning a surprised gasp from him. She held him tightly, like a good friend would do for another. "I won't let them say that about you, Mr. Cedric. I'll defend you with all I have."

Cedric was frozen. It'd been years since anyone (besides Elena) had hugged him. He wasn't sure of the reaction that was expected of him, and he felt a bit unsure about the situation, but he finally relented and slowly lifted his arms and returned her hug. Evidently, he'd needed that more than he realized or would admit.

"People don't know everything," Sofia told him gently as she finally released him and looked back at him with a confident smile. "They think they do, but they don't. Just don't let it get to you, Mr. Cedric. You're so much better than you realize."

"Sofia…" He turned as a knock fell upon the door. "Enter."

Greylock pushed the door open. "Sorry to bother you two, but Sofia's father has come to collect her."

"Oh… So soon?" Cedric collected himself and nodded. "Very well. Make sure to pack some snacks for her to take home, Greylock." As his servant carried out the task, the sorcerer looked back at his student. "I wanted to thank you, Sofia."

She smiled innocently. "For what?"

"For believing in me. It's been so long since I've had that experience, and it's nice to realize that there are those out there willing to give others a chance."

"Well, you gave me one. Thanks to you, I'll definitely pass that competition in a few months." She grinned excitedly. "Lucinda won't even see these spells coming."

He chuckled. "Certainly. Now go on. Your father is waiting. I'll see you tomorrow afternoon."

Sofia nodded and hugged him once more before hurrying out.

Greylock reentered the room after the other two had left and glanced toward his friend. "I couldn't help but notice there didn't seem to be many spells hurled back and forth…"

Cedric glanced at him before shrugging. "We had other important matters to discuss today is all. I'm sure we'll return to regular lessons tomorrow."

A grin spread over the brunette's face. "She's getting to you, isn't she?"

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"Her cheerfulness—her positivity. It's infectious."

"Funny. I recall directing that word toward you once, but it wasn't necessarily 'positive.'" He smirked when Greylock sighed in frustration.

"Master Cedric, one of these days, you'll have to admit that you've actually opened up to another human being and given your own energy and attention to her so that she can become the grandest thing of all: your success. That's what you want, isn't it?"

Cedric's smirk faded into a stoic stare instead. "That's enough, Greylock. You're dismissed. Thank you for the tea." He waited until the brown-haired man had left before sighing and standing, walking toward the window to stare outside. He recalled the conversation with Sofia only a few minutes ago.

"It's not true, is it, Mr. Cedric? …you don't go around causing all the magical trouble, right?"

"No," he whispered to himself as he folded his arms and leaned against the wall. "However, trouble always seems to follow me anyway…all because they just don't see what's right in front of them…"

To be continued…