The Slytherin King

6

On the night of October 31st, 1991, Blaise Zabini found young Cepheus sitting by himself in a corner of the library. It was one of the closest friends (Draco, Cepheus, Blaise, Daphne, and Pansy) that they had found and used as their own. He discovered his small friend curled up with his arms wrapped around his legs and his chin on his knees.

"You ok?" asked the Zabini Heir softly as he sat next to the curly-haired boy.

"Yeah." came the the softened reply.

Cepheus was used to not talking to anyone about his troubles. When he was Harry Potter he only had himself. It's why he made a good Slytherin, no matter what. He had to rely on himself and his resources. So when he began telling Blaise his thoughts and troubles, it was odd.

"I just," began the small boy, his midnight blue eyes meeting dark forest green. "I wonder what life would be like if I never found out. I figured I would be mourning the Potters. I would be a Gryffindor."

He paused and clenched a necklace in his hands. It was a locket. The locket part was oval and decently sized. Inside were two pictures: one of Lady Bellatrix Lestrange and the other of Lord Rodolphus Lestrange. In both pictures, they were holding a baby in blue blankets. It was the day of the celebration of his birth.

"I fear never seeing them, Blaise. As a child, I thought my hope for my parents or family was never to come true. That I would simply grow up and die alone. Perhaps move to the States maybe." he shrugged. "The muggles I was with weren't kind. They hated magic, and it was forbidden to even speak of it. So, when I had accidental magic fits, I was punished. According to Uncle Lucius, it's a miracle I didn't become an obscurus."

As the young boy talked, Blaise listened. He thought of how lucky he truly was. His Mother, Terra Zabini née Willows, was actually a loving Mother. She was also still married to his Papa, as the man was called. His Papa was Micah Zabini, a fantastic Husband, Father, and Lord. He also had two younger siblings: Skye and Rain, twin sisters. Both are about to be 11. They'll be starting Hogwarts next year.

"I'm sorry to unfold this all on you, " Cepheus apologized, bringing the Zabini Heir out of his thoughts.

"Don't apologize. You obviously needed an ear, and I am happy to provide one."

In the Headmaster's office sat an old man in bright robes glaring at the wall. His usually twinkling blue eyes were missing the twinkle. Instead, they had a cold edge.

He could only think of why his plans weren't working. First, the boy finds out about his true heritage. Then, he chooses to embrace it. Now, all the teachers like him. Weasley refuses to be involved any longer. Granger's complaining is getting on his damned nerves. He still hasn't found a way to separate the boy from the snakes. Quirrell didn't let the damned troll in.

In fact, Quirrell has made no attempts to get the stone. Neither has the boy. He has acted as a regular student. Except for everyone singing his fucking praises!

The boy has even made friends outside of Slytherin! Albus Dumbledore looked at the list of kids he saw the brat befriending.

Neville Longbottom- Hufflepuff

Susan Bones - Hufflepuff

Hannah Abbott - Hufflepuff

Lisa Turpin - Ravenclaw

Padma Patil - Ravenclaw

Parvati Patil - Gryffindor

Seamus Finnigan- Gryffindor

Dean Thomas - Gryffindor

It confused Albus. The Slytherins were well known for their Blood Prejudices. Yet most of them in Lestranges year are befriending Muggleborns and Halfbloods alike. What was this boy doing?

As the seasons turned and November turned to December, students were getting ready for Yule Break, Something Cepheus was even more excited about. It would be his first Yule with his family. His heart dropped upon realizing his Mum, Dad, and Uncle wouldn't be there, making him yearn for them more and more.

Aunt Alecto,

How are you? Well, I hope. Will you be able to visit for Yule? I know we talked about it.

Can I admit something? I miss Mummy and Daddy. Is it bad I call them that? I know it makes me sound like a baby, but I miss them so much. It isn't fair! I don't understand why I was taken or why my life has been manipulated so much.

I feel odd most days right now. I don't know how to describe it. My magic feels wrong. Maybe I should bring it up to Uncle Lucius and Aunt Cissa? I just don't want to seem weak.

Apparently, I am doing well in Charms, though! Professor Flitwick says I am showing a lot of promise in Charms. If I keep this up, I could become a Charms Master! I'm unsure if that's what I want to do. I have so many Lordships I'll have to handle when I get older. So I suppose we shall see.

I hope to see you at Yule. Sorry for such a sad letter, Auntie.

Love,
Cepheus.

Dear Cepheus,

I am doing well my Python. I have already talked with Narcissa. I will be there for Yule.

Sweet one, I do not think calling them Mummy and Daddy is bad. You have every right to do so. If anyone says otherwise, let your Aunties know. We'll set them right.

And, of course, you are bound to miss them. I bet they are missing and thinking of you, too. Your Uncle Basty and Uncle Barty, too. You especially had your Daddy wrapped around your finger the moment you were born. He called you his sweet Prince. And anything his little Prince wanted, he got. Your Uncle Barty was just as bad. And let me say, your Uncle Barty has never been a fan of kids.

In terms of your Magic, please talk to your Uncle and Aunt. You won't seem weak, I promise. You are only 11 years old, Python. Besides, we will always be here to assist you, okay?

Congratulations on Charms! It sounds like you got your Dad's love for Charms and his aptitude.

Do not apologize for the letter's sadness. I am glad you felt you could vent to me. Besides, as your Godmother, it is my duty to listen and care. I also get to spoil you beyond belief, which, trust me, will happen.

Love,
Auntie Alecto

Cepheus smiled softly as he read the letter on the train. It was finally the beginning of Yule break, meaning he got to go home. He looked to see his cousin's grey eyes staring at him, no doubt worried.

"You okay?" he asked softly, pulling him into a side hug. It was easy, given Cepheus's small stature. 

"Yeah. Just missing Mum and Dad."

"Yeah. Don't worry about it too much, ok?"

"Do I have enough time for a nap?" asked the younger boy quietly.

"Go ahead. I'll wake you up when we arrive, " Draco said, softly kissing his cousin's head.

Never let it be said that he wasn't caring or protective of his younger cousin. No matter what, no matter who or anything, he would always be there for Cepheus.