A Twisted Candle chapter Seven
Candle groaned as a nurse prepared a sleeping potion. She was not at Hogwarts' hospital wing, no, that was too far. Candle was in a different magical hospital. Candle looked around at the people who surrounded her bed. She had spoken to Dumbledore of what happened and he scolded her greatly. Harry and Ginny sat by her with concern. Harry had sent an owl to Ron and Hermione telling what happened. Candle laid back as the nurse poured her potion into a cup so she could drink it and have a sweet dreamless sleep. Suddenly a voice came yelling threw the crowd. "Let me through! Out of my way." he said pushing through roughly. It was unmistakably Malfoy. Malfoy a little clumsily got to her bedside. His face was white with worry, and he looked like he was ready to punch something. "Candle." he mumbled. Malfoy looked at her, and she saw something in his eyes that she had never seen before. Fear. She had never seen him so afraid before. "What happened?" he asked no one in particular. "WHAT HAPPENED?!" he yelled crazily. Candle was a little bit afraid, and tried to sit up to calm him down. But as soon as she moved, unbelievable and unthinkable pain consumed her again, and she cried out. Malfoy whirled around, his eyes wide. He moved to her side, and took her hand. "Candle! What's wrong?! No, you shouldn't talk. Don't move!" he whispered to her, so that only she could hear. He then turned to the crowd. "Well? Don't just stand there! Someone, anyone get a doctor! She needs a DOCTOR!" he shouted. Harry stepped forward. "What do YOU want?!" Malfoy yelled at him, feeling sick. "I just want to see my friend. If that's okay." Harry said, quietly. Malfoy looked at Candle again, then back at Harry. He hesitated, then let Harry pass. Harry came up to Candle, worry on his face. "Hi. I brought you something. It's not much, but it might help to keep your broom clean and new." He handed Candle his broom care bag, and Candle smiled weakly. "Thanks, but I can't take this. It's yours. Plus, do I look like I'm in good enough shape to hold my broom, much less take care of it? I don't think so." She laughed, and started to cough.

Malfoy waited impatiently, wanting more and more to get Harry away from Candle. After all, he was the one who killed Goyle! What if he got the fancy to just kill Candle also?! These thoughts only made him angrier. Harry was saying something to Candle, like goodbye. Harry then walked past Malfoy, and Malfoy roughly knocked into him as he did so. "Hey, watch it, Malfoy!" Harry threw back at him. Malfoy had half the mind to turn right around and beat the heck out of Harry, but Candle looked up at him and he stopped. Malfoy went over to her, but, right when he reached her, she rolled her eyes back and her head slumped back. Malfoy lurched forward, and lightly brushed her hair back. By then, everyone had left. He thought it safe to let out all his feelings, and started to cry. He laid his head down on her bedside, and she lightly stroked his hair. He heard her wincing as she did so, and looked up and stopped her hand. Malfoy then pulled up a chair, and sat by her, the whole rest of the night, until the doctor had to make him go to bed in one of the visiting rooms.

Candle returned to Hogwarts a few days later. She entered Harry's door-room. "Where is everyone?! Malfoy's gone, Ginny's gone, and all the teachers are gone!" Candle said. "Last summer, Sirius left with Snape, Hagrid with a teacher from another school and-" "I know about all that." Candle said cutting him off. Harry looked confused. Candle sighed, it was going to come out eventually. "Malfoy told me." she said quietly. "Malfoy?!" Harry said annoyed. "Harry, Malfoy and I are friends! I don't expect you two to like each other but, don't tell anyone please!' Candle said. Harry sighed and muttered what sounded like 'fine'. "Everyone left the school again now that Voldemort as showed up again. They left last summer but found no clues." Harry explained. "Hagrid left with Madame Maxime of the Beauxbaton School. Sirius has disappeared with Snape. Also, Professor McGonagall set off with Professor Sprout. We shall get substitutes. A few other people have left as well." Harry told Candle. "But why are Malfoy and Ginny gone?" "There's no detention, it's Christmas break, and for their own safety with Voldemort showing up again." Harry explained.

Malfoy entered his dining room. "Sit there in the seat by Pansy, dear." His mother instructed. Pansy smiled at him and he smiled back attractively. "Really it was nice of your family to join us, Richard." Said his mother. "Thank You Narcissa. It is nice to be together again after all these years. Now that our master as returned." Richard said. Malfoy looked around them; it was dangerous to talk this openly of being Death Eaters. "Indeed, our master's whereabouts have become unknown since that recent attack on the muggle girl. I can't possibly imagine what he'd want with such a useless thing." Lucius said calmly. "Didn't ya here?! Pansy here told me the muggle girl is actually going to Hogwarts now, and a close friend of Harry Potter's if I understand." Richard said merrily. Pansy smirked. Lucius smiled with a gleam in his eyes. He sat up straight, this was a chance to get back into Voldemort's favor. "Is this true, Draco?" Lucius asked turning to his son. Malfoy nodded numbly.

On Christmas morning, everyone joyfully opened their presents. Of course, with everyone else gone, Harry and Candle were the ones in the Gryffindor common room. Candle rushed downstairs to see Harry, and smiled. She then realized that she was still in her nightgown, and blushed. Harry didn't even seem to notice her, though. He was looking at a present from one of his friends no less. Candle sneaked quietly down the stairs, behind Harry. She grinned and said, "MERRY CHRISTMAS, HARRY!" Harry jumped up and yelped in surprise, dropping his present on the ground. Candle would have laughed, if she hadn't heard a sound like something fragile breaking. She winced. "Oh, I'm terribly sorry, Harry! It was just such the perfect opportunity that I couldn't resist. I didn't mean to break your present!" Candle said, bending down to pick up the package. Harry just looked at her. "That isn't for me. It's...for you." Candle stopped, a frown on her delicate features. "For me? Then why were you looking at it?" she asked, a bit playfully. Harry looked down. "I was just...oh, look! It's a present from Hagrid! He always has the most, er, exciting gifts!" he said, laughing nervously. "Hey, how about we let Dumbledore open it! Just as a....safety precaution." Harry added as Candle picked up what looked like a large egg with a bow on it. Candle examined it. 'How do I open this?' she asked handing it to Harry so he could examine it. Harry looked at it strangely. 'It looks so, so....familiar....Wait a second....NO! IT CAN'T BE!" He yelled accidentally dropping the egg. The bottom of it shattered. There was a long defeaning silence. Harry was pale. "What-?!" Candle gasped as the egg suddenly cracked. Out popped a Chinese Fireball dragon. "Aw, it's cute!" "It's illegal." Harry muttered as Candle picked up the dragon happily. "No one ahs to know!" Candle said exasperated. "That's right, why didn't I think of it. I mean it will only get bigger, louder, and hungrier!" exclaimed Harry sarcastically. Candle rolled her eyes. "Well, I'm keeping him!' she said. "Good for you, but you're not keeping him here!" Harry said.

"Would you two just kiss?! I know you two dislike each other! I have heard stories of your fights. But this is Sleeping Beauty! No kissing, no waking up! Just bloody kissing her!" their substitute director said angrily. Malfoy blushed furiously and looked down at Candle reluctantly. He quickly bent down and pecked her on the lips swiftly, then her wiped his mouth in disgust. Pansy was furious. Candle looked somewhat disappointed. He acted like kissing her was death itself and it was nothing romantic. The director sighed in frustration. "If that's the best you can do for now! Everyone, you are dismissed!" the director said waving them away. Relieved, Malfoy left the auditorium with a pissed Pansy. Outside, in the main hall, Pansy whirled on Malfoy. "What was THAT all about!" she flared at him. Malfoy just said, "What was WHAT all about?" he asked, annoyingly, though, inside he was nervous because he knew exactly what she was talking about. Pansy widened her eyes in frustration. "You know what! That...that...that...!" she couldn't even get it out. Malfoy said, "What? That kiss?" Pansy nodded, raging. "Oh yeah, you could see we were all over each other." He said sarcastically. "Come off it! I mean, do you think that I actually ENJOYED it?" Pansy just narrowed her eyes and stormed off, stomping her feet, dramatically.

It was finally Valentines Day! Malfoy walked up to Pansy and posed leaning against the door smiling. She looked at him confused. "Remember who was my date last year at the Yule Ball?" Malfoy asked sweetly. Pansy nodded. "Will you be my date to the spring dance this April?" he asked confidently. Pansy smiled and nodded. She reach up and kissed Malfoy passionately. The Two began making-out. "Why don't you two get a room." Said an annoyed Harry Potter. Malfoy glared at him. "Let's go." He said leading Pansy away. 'He's toying with Candle!' Harry thought angrily.

Candle heard a knock at her door and answered it. "I-I need your help." Malfoy said shyly. Candle looked at him confused. Malfoy rushed in and closed the door behind him. "Idon'tknowhowtodance!" Malfoy rushed out. Candle smiled warmly and Malfoy's heart gave a flip. "Alright, I'm teaching Oliver Wood as well." Candle said. 'Oliver Wood." Malfoy said somewhat annoyed. "Ya, why?" "He's just annoying." Malfoy muttered. "How so?" Candle asked. "He's constantly blushing and looking at you." Malfoy said. Candle arched an eyebrow. "Are you jealous?" she asked. "NO! LORD WOMAN, DON'T EVEN GO THERE!" Malfoy said defensively. Candle blinked a few times. "Okay, okay! Cool it!" Candle said. Candle used a spell to play music. "Shall we?" she said offering her hand. Malfoy smiled.

Candle entered backstage ready for the play. She put on her costume, a long blue gown that had shoulder-strapped sleeves. Her hair was curled. She walked out onto the stage and acted out her part perfectly. Then the scene with the spindle came. An eerie glow came into the room. A mist covered the ground. But Candle didn't notice. Malfoy looked confused at her. She was walking, almost like she was in a trance. Her hand reached toward the spindle. Malfoy looked at her anxiously....something was wrong. The spindle had a strange green glow. Candle hesitated. 'Go ahead, touch the spindle! Touch it, now!' a voice in her head ordered. Slowly she touched the spindle. Everything suddenly froze. A bright light flashed from the spindle and Candle fell over. "NO!" Malfoy ran on stage. Suddenly a transparent purple shield came over the stage. "A barrier?' Harry murmured. "She's not waking up!" Malfoy shouted. Hermione ran on stage in her fairy costume with Cho Chang and Parvati. Suddenly Pansy floated onto the stage. Her eyes were dull and trance like as well. She laughed. Malfoy looked at her. "Today is her Sixteenth birthday and she has died as I have said!' Pansy said victoriously. Malfoy gritted his teeth. With a flash of light, Pansy was surrounded by green flames and disappeared. Malfoy looked down at Candle's cold body. "She's dead?!" he screamed panicked. "No." Hermione said softly. "The play must be real for some reason. You will have to destroy the witch, who for now, is Pansy. Candle is not dead, she is merely sleeping. For a hundred years or until she is awoken by true loves kiss!" exclaimed Parvati romantically with little stars in her eyes flaring with excitement. "How many of my Romance Novels did you borrow again?" Cho Chang muttered. Malfoy looked at Candle's body. He slowly bent down to relay a sweet kiss but as he did her body disappeared. Malfoy looked around in panic. "In the story Sleeping Beauty is at the top of the tower with the evil witch guarding her in the shape of a dragon!" Hermione exclaimed. Suddenly a large shadow loomed over them. Malfoy turned and gasped. "I-Is this the tower?" he said. Hermione nodded numbly. "Well here ya go, have fun! I have to go put people to sleep!" Hermione exclaimed shoving a sword in his hands and running off with Parvati and Cho Chang. Hermione went across the stage and over the audience and put everyone into a deep sleep like in the story with the help of Parvati and Cho Chang. Malfoy stepped forward before the tower. Candle was at the top. Suddenly Malfoy felt a force pull him and he hit the ground hard. Vines grew very where suddenly and grabbed him holding him back. He struggled with the vines but they only became harder to free. "Inflammo!" Malfoy yelled. And set the vines on fire and burned himself a little. He slashed randomly with his sword and ran forward into the tower. The staircase spiraled upward. Malfoy looked forward nervously. With a burst of speed, he ran up the stairs. He reached the door finally. Breathing with relief, he was about to open the door but suddenly the door was destroyed as well as some of the staircase. Malfoy turned to see Pansy had already transfigured into a dragon and was roaring angrily. She shot fire at him and his eyes widened. Suddenly a shining object flew to him. "Here!" yelled Hermione's familiar voice. Malfoy grabbed the object, which was a shield, and blocked the dragon's flames. The dragon furiously thrust out its tail at Malfoy. Malfoy dodged it and rolled to the side as the dragon attacked again with it's tail. Malfoy jumped out of the way. The dragon's tail narrowly missed him but took out the floor next to Candle's bed which Malfoy now stood on. He looked back, this time if the dragon attacked he may be able to dodge but Candle wouldn't! He cursed under his breath and looked forward. The dragon poised for attack. As it thrust it's tail forward it suddenly stopped. The dragon gave a curdling roar and fell over. Malfoy's sword was embedded in its chest.

Suddenly the barrier was let down and everyone awoke in a dazed state. The Dragon returned to Pansy injured form. Crabbe came on stage and lifted up Pansy's bleeding body. "We need to get her to the hospital wing!' he yelled frantically. Malfoy looked at her in horror and turned to leave. "Wait!" Hermione yelled. Malfoy then remembered Candle. He turned around slowly and walked up to her slumberous form. He bent down, looming over her. His lips hovered over hers as he gazed at them. They were shiny and pink. Malfoy bent down and his lips gently brushed up against hers. They were cold at first but then the warmth returned to them. Malfoy felt the sweetness on his lips and smiled. Candle's eyes fluttered open sleepily. Malfoy parted from her before she could even kiss him back. The auditorium erupted with applause. Candle smiled. "I have to go visit Pansy in the hospital wing." He said coolly and left. Candle looked down hurt but then asked herself what was so wrong with him visiting his friend who was obviously injured. Harry who had glared at Malfoy the whole way out walked up to Candle. "Are you alright?" Harry asked softly. "Of course! Why wouldn't I be?!" she exclaimed smiling fakely.

Hermione entered the room where Ron was for some reason laid down on HER bed. "I've been thinking...." Ron said as he stared up at the ceiling, before she could even say anything. "Do you remember the n-night we played battleship?" he asked blushing. He then looked at her. She smiled. "Yes." She said. "Do you remember the....k-kiss?" he stuttered. Hermione nodded. "Hermione, I-I think I l-love you." Ron finally got out, smiling shyly. Hermione's eyes widened, and she blushed. "You-you think?' she asked hopefully. Ron waited a moment. "No, I know I do." He said calmly. Hermione grinned. "I understand if you don't feel the same. You've always thought me to be an idiot-!" but he was cut off by Hermione throwing herself in his arms. "I-I love you too! And I'd like it very much if you would be my idiot!" Hermione exclaimed. Ron grinned. "We'll have to keep this secret you know." He whispered in her ear. Hermione looked at him with a playful pout on her lips. Ron had never seen her like this and bent smiled. He slowly bent down and kissed her. She melted into it and smiled. "Well what do we have here?" said a voice from the doorway. "Ginny! What are you doing here!' Ron said angrily. "It's my room too remember! And I'm not alone." Ginny said smiling. "What do you mean?" Ron said fearfully. Harry stepped into the room from behind Ginny with a grin on his face. "HARRY!" Ron said. "I knew something was up when you two couldn't even shake hands!' Harry said in a 'I-knew-you-two-liked-each-other-from-the-beginning' way. "Well, we'll leave you two to make-out. Bye!" Ginny said waving and then pulled Harry away closing the door.

Candle saw Malfoy from the doorway as he tenderly sat by Pansy, talking to her. Candle knew it now. She knew she was jealous and that she liked-maybe even loved, Malfoy. He wanted to fight for Malfoy! I mean she didn't want to end up hurt! But what if she was holding Malfoy back from being happy? What if she was fighting a lost battle even thinking Malfoy could ever return her feelings? What if fighting for him drove him away to not even being her friend? She would let Malfoy decide....and if it wasn't her....she would back off. Candle gloomily turned and left, she was supposed to meet Oliver in order to teach him to dance.

Harry entered the library. It was almost closing time. To his surprise, he saw Cho Chang. Harry walked right past Ginny who was about to say 'Hi'. But she stopped when she saw him approaching Cho Chang and sighed. He never liked her even Cho Chang was around anyway so what did it matter? Cho Chang looked up at Harry and smiled. He blushed. "Is this seat taken?" Harry asked. Cho Chang shook her head. Harry sat down in the seat and there was an awkward silence. "I know, you liked Cedric a lot," Harry began and Cho Chang winced, "But I have to get it off my chest. I-I love you!" Harry yelled out and Cho Chang looked shocked then smiled. "I need to know if you feel the same." Harry said firmly. Cho Chang sighed. "What makes you think that you love me?" she asked. Harry thought about it for a moment. "You're beautiful, kind, loving, and cheerful. You make me feel happy and strange." Harry said blushing. Cho Chang looked at Harry sadly. "I like you Harry, a lot, but not in that way. I'm sorry. I want to be your friend but understand you're not the first and probably not the last. I gave my heart to Cedric a long time ago before he died. But I will always love him, him and no other. I know that. People may think I'm silly and will change my mind but I can see it clearly that I can never love anyone the way I loved him. I have moved on from Cedric but no matter what, I can't forget about him." Cho Chang said softly. "Well the pains still fresh maybe one day-!" "No, Harry, I'm sorry. Please understand." Cho Chang said cutting him off. Harry looked hurt and disappointed. He got up and left. Ginny turned away taking notice that tears were coming down her face. Why?! I mean she had a crush on him of course but why did it have to hurt so badly?! It couldn't be more than a crush! Ginny shook her head. Who was she kidding. She loved Harry, but it was obvious he never took notice to her anyway.