The Slytherin King

8

Cepheus sighed as he looked out the train window. The holidays had ended, and he was now on his way back to Hogwarts. It only made him think how his entire life had turned around. This time last year, he was with muggles who hated his existence. Now, he was off to a magical school with his cousin and friends while dealing with his parents, who were in Azkaban. He smiled softly as he held his locket in his hands.

"You ok?" whispered Blaise, sitting beside him.

"Yeah. I was just thinking." smiled Cepheus, looking over to Blaise. "Do you plan on trying out for Quidditch next year? I think they should have some spots open. Plus, I heard Flint makes everyone try out regardless."

"It's true, but I won't be trying out. I'm not big on Quidditch."

"I think I might join Art next year, " Cepheus said as he pulled out his notebook and colored pencils.

"It suits you." commented the Zabini Heir softly as he looked at the picture Cepheus was still working on.

The picture was of his Mum and Dad. In fact, it was based on the pictures from his locket. His Mum was holding him. His Dad had his left arm around her while his right hand was on him. Both of his parents looked at him lovingly. He hoped one day to meet them, to hug them. He knew it was still a few years away, at least, but he still wished.

"Thanks." Cepheus grinned with a pink tinge on his pale cheeks. "I'm thinking of doing one of you, me, Dray, Pansy, Daphne, and Theo."

"I think it is a great idea." encouraged Blaise softly.

Blaise Zabini was unsure of his feelings. He knew, however, that Cepheus brought out a side of him that was rare even among friends. Usually, even with his friends, the Zabini heir was silent and observant, only adding a few comments but not much. Yet with Cepheus, he found he could talk all day, that he wouldn't mind anything as long as Cepheus was there.

He was sure he was overreacting. Thus, the Zabini Heir promptly shut off that train of thought. He was ignoring the feeling in his chest.

"Cepheus! Hi!" grinned Neville as the two boys met in the library on a snowy Saturday, January 2nd, 1992.

"Hi, Neville!" smiled Cepheus. "How was your Yule?"

"It was good. Gran, let me get my own wand! She was so proud when Professor Sprout told her about my ability with plants!"

"That's great! I'm so happy for you. What should we do?.." asked Cepheus, a bit bored.

"Maybe we should get the others and the Weasley Twins to help us start a snowball fight!"

"The Weasley Twins?.." asked the dark-haired boy softly.

"Mhm! Third years. Fred and George."

And as if summoned, two boys who looked like Ron Weasley but a bit older popped up. Cepheus noticed, however, a few differences off the bat.

One twin had slightly darker brown eyes and ginger hair, while the other had lighter brown eyes and ginger hair. Plus, one twin had a mole under his left eye, while the other had the mole under his right eye.

"Which one is actually which?" asked Cepheus softly as he glazed over the two boys. "I can tell there are a few differences, but I need to know which is actually which."

As if the twins were discussing in their heads, which they were, Cepheus waited patiently but with a soft pout. Did no one else make an effort to tell them apart? What of their family? According to Uncle Lucius, they have a Mum, a Dad, and five siblings.

"I'm Fred, " said the man with dark brown eyes, ginger hair, and a mole under his left eye.

"And I'm George," said the man with lighter brown eyes, ginger hair, and a mole under his right eye.

"Nice to meet you, Fred and George. I'm Cepheus Lestrange." smiled the boy kindly. May I call you Fred and George? You may call me Cepheus if you wish. I heard you two are pranksters. That sounds fun, as long as they are harmless. Harmful pranks are awful and not okay. Of course, that's not counting the rare occurrences that it is needed, but those are far and few in between."

The twins, who never had someone tell them apart, never accepted them that quickly besides Lee, nor did they understand their love of pranks all in one. It was odd yet welcomed.

"Young Cepheus.." began Fred.

"...if you ever need..." continued George.

"....help from us..."

"....we will gladly help." finished the twins, smiling.

"That's alright. I just want your friendship." smiled the boy once more.

"Are you sure you're not a Hufflepuff?" asked Fred with a chuckle.

"Mhm. I have more self-preservation, cunning, ambition, and resourcefulness than anything else. I just know how to have more than just that." began Cepheus seriously, unknowingly gaining a crowd. "I know using intelligence, wit, learning, acceptance, and creativity like Ravenclaw is okay. I know that it's okay also to use patience, be loyal, be just, be fair, and be hard-working like a Hufflepuff. I also know how to be brave, courageous, chivalrous, and daring like a Gryffindor. Each house has traits we can all use should a situation need it. The Sorting Hat, Sculptor, sorts us based on traits we value MOST but not our only traits."

Cepheus looked around to see the crowd gathered in the Library. He also saw Madame Pince with a small smile, Uncle Sev with a tiny lift of his lips, Professor McGonagall with a proud smile, Professor Sprout slightly crying with a wide grin, and Professor Flitwick.

"I...did I say something wrong?.." he asked worriedly.

"Oh no. You actually said the right things, dear." soothed Madame Pince. "However, it is almost time for lunch, so off you lot go."

Dear Cepheus,

Your Uncle Severus floo'd us to tell us of your little speech. Both your Uncle and I are so proud. I know without a doubt your Mum and Dad will be as well.

As for what you said, you are very right. The hat—I heard you know his name—all Blacks do, sorts upon the traits we show to value most. However, it does not mean they must be our only traits.

Do not fear your new friendship with the Weasley Twins. If they do not harm you, then it shall be acceptable. Oddly enough, they take after their Uncles, Fabian and Gideon. Those were Molly Weasley brothers. I called them the Prewett twins back in my day.

Make sure to stay safe. Ask for Dobby if you need anything, dear. I am still waiting to hear back from your Grandfather, Lestrange. I believe one of the Lestrange Elves was to be your personal House Elf. However, I cannot be completely sure until I hear back from him.

Much Love,
Aunt Cissa and Uncle Lucius