A Twisted Candle chapter Eight
Candle looked at Malfoy who was slowly easing into becoming a good dancer. "Let's try this again. I have no idea what type of music they play at this school so let's try learning to waltz. You said that's what they did for the Yule Ball last year. Don't you guys ever dance differently! Like Jazz or rock? Well since Hermione is organizing this like she did the play maybe it will be more muggle-like." Candle suggested bored. Candle had been dropping hints here and there about the dance hoping Malfoy would ask her. "I better go, Oliver is coming over to learn dancing as well, right?" Malfoy asked. "In about an hour." Candle said gloomily to the fact that Malfoy was leaving. He kept avoiding her more lately but he still visited to stay friends.
Candle got on the Knight Bus with other students from Gryffindor. "The other Knight Buses will be coming to get the other houses. We must wait till their ready to leave and follow." Announced the driver. "When is the dance again?" asked Ron. "You're so silly. I've already told you. It's a week from now on Friday." Hermione said exasperated. Ron gave her an annoyed look like he always does. "Speaking of which, Hermione I need you to help me with my, er, homework in the cabin downstairs." Ron said blushing. Hermione coughed. "Yes, well, we'll see you guys later." Hermione said getting up suddenly cheerful. "But you can do your homework here though-!" "Bye!" Hermione said cutting Harry off. "Is it me or did they go in the opposite direction from the cabin. Actually, they are headed in the direction of the restrooms." Candle said. 'Is this seat taken?' asked a familiar voice. "Why no, kind sir." Candle said with a damsel gesture. Oliver sat down next to her and grinned.
Everyone entered the palace. Each house resigned in very different areas. Ravenclaw entered a room with a castle floating n a cloud. It was a beautiful romanticism castle. In the room for Hufflepuff was a room that changed seasons, it changed to fall, to winter, to spring, and finally to summer every hour. They camped there and were deeply cozy as they had s'mores, played games, horseback rode, played paint-wand, and swam in a lake. In the Slytherin house, was a room that was underwater and had a palace filled with pearls and other earthly luxuries. Mermaids floated about flashing their fins and flirting. The mermen were of course just as vain. Finally, the Gryffindor room was like being in outer space. The planets revolved around them to such glory and the stars floated by to everyone's awe who tried to reach out and grab them. They each resided on the planet of their choice. Mercury was like a palace from Saudi Arabia, Venus a very rich and elegant palace much richer than Versailles, Mars was a very rough Roman palace, Jupiter was very large and had a replica of the Palace of Petersburg, Russia, then came Saturn, it seemed just like Dubrovnik, Uranus had lots of green and an Irish styled castle, Neptune was a beautiful palace like that of Catherine Palace, and Pluto though small was no different with an Asian styled palace. Ginny chose Uranus, along with Ron. Fred and George went to Mars but not without Ron saying, "A good choice, I think that's where mom and dad adopted you from." Percy went to Jupiter but only because Penelope Clearwater was going there. Candle stayed on beautiful Venus. Lavender and Parvati went to Neptune. Oliver went to Venus and if you can't guess the reason you're not following. Hermione went to Saturn to enjoy "different" experiences. Harry went to Mercury and Neville went to Pluto.
It was nice on Uranus. It was like being in Ireland. Spring season with cool winds and constant green hills. The castle they stayed in was an old Irish style one. Open windows but to keep warm on cold nights the outer and inner halls were blazing with torches. Everyone while staying there were forced to wear uniforms. The boy's uniform was an off-white sweater and tan colored shorts on with sneakers. The girls wore a long white dresses that went to their ankles and always had on a black shawl that was sewed with Celtic Knot designs with some black half-boots. The one thing the Gryffindors hated, every planet you stayed on had uniforms. Though they had a lot of free time, they also had to keep up with school and had afternoon lessons. On Uranus they still did fun activities like playing Irish sports, hawking, music lessons, and exploration where everyday at a certain time a rainbow would appear and, on the whistle groups would search for a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Mercury was of course hot. Even though this room was only an imitation of space, and was modified to people's comfort and other things, Mercury remained the hottest as being closest to the sun. It was like being in India or Arabia. The uniforms were rather strange. The boys wore nice navy baggy pants and only a silver vest on their upper bodies, the girls commented that they looked like Aladdin. The girls wore navy veil-like baggy pants and navy bikini tops with silver vests. Some of the girls wore the shoulder-straps, which made the teachers complain about how the girls distracted the boys with their uniforms, but they were helpless against changing it. Both genders had to wear tough tan sandals with wings attached to the ankles. Everyday students went out and watched dancers and veelas (quite dangerous). They also enjoyed Elephant rides and learned snake charming, much like what Harry could already do. The most boring activity was learning business trade (no offense).
Venus was very cloudy like but not in a gloomy way. The clouds swirled graceful above the students. Everything done there was French like, the language of love, not surprising as Venus was named after the Roman goddess of love and beauty. The boy's uniforms were like those of gentlemen with Colonial shoes in the 18th century without the wigs. The girls wore turquoise gowns that had barely noticeable flower designs with long white gloves that went to their elbows and held their hair up in many styles and wore high-heeled shoes; thankfully, they weren't forced to wear corsets. Every night balls were held in which Oliver and Candle enjoyed very much. There was luxurious foods and costumes plus Oliver got better at dancing. On these nights, the girls were free from wearing school uniforms and got to pick their own gowns. Candle chose the replica of Victoria's wedding gown minus the veil. The students enjoyed many activities, their favorites being carriage rides, dessert cooking, and horse races. Though it was interesting, they did not enjoy their French classes too much (no offense).
Next was mars the Roman imitating planet. The boys uniforms were replicas of Julius Caesar's which the boys thought was annoying as they looked like girls but they also received gold sandals. The girl's uniform was a chose between wearing a white peplos or light blue chiton either way they wore gold sandals. They learned Roman cuisines and cooking, watched Roman style plays, and watched fake images as gladiators so no one really died. They did not enjoy Latin too much (no offense) except fort he stories told. Jupiter was next. This gigantic and dominating planet imitated much of the Russian culture. The students stayed at the Romanov palace. The boys uniforms were Nicholas II's military uniform. The girls on the other hand, wore gowns that looked like those of the last grand duchesses. They did many activities like the other Gryffindors but their favorites were sword fighting, reading at the library, and picnics. However, though most of them were doubtfully Orthodox they all had to attend church and do the strict worships (no offense to anyone, but from what I've heard Orthodox is pretty strict). After Jupiter as you know is Saturn. The place was a complete replica of Dubrovnik, Croatia. The boy's uniform was a tuxedo and the girls were a variety of elegant gowns. Of all the activities they did, the most favored were acting, watching plays and ballets, learning music, and taking boat rides in the evening while eating dinner on board. The only thing the students didn't enjoy was going to the opera every night (no offense).
Neptune one would expect to be a watery like plan, right? But Neptune imitated London entirely. The lucky students go to stay in the palace, and why not, the queen didn't actually live there! The male students wore tuxedos here too but the girls wore empire waist dresses. The students got to do many things but like the other Gryffindors had their own favorite activities. Like horseback riding, flower arranging (strange huh?), learning Oceanology (there you go, some water stuff!) and art. The only boring activity was teatime(no offense). Finally came Pluto, the Asian imitating culture. Of course, if you enjoy Japanese food (like me!), Chinese food (also like me!), or Korean foods among others (which I haven't tried so I can't really say) then you'd be in heaven. The students learned astrology, karate (Neville didn't do so well), samurai sword fighting (just like the movies!), Chinese checker (I think its pretty fun!), and cooking like those Japanese people with the knives and fire at restaurants (which was fun unless you happened to be next to Neville, which always put students on edge). But just like the others, Pluto had its downs, like Chinese literature classes (no offense).
Some houses during this field trip visited others and enjoyed their fantasy rooms. Candle had a few visits from Malfoy but the dance was three days away and he never asked her. Candle suddenly looked to see a teacher in front of her desk. "How nice of you to bless us with your return to reality, Ms. Rosenburg." The teacher said coldly. Candle blushed furiously. The bell rang a few minutes later. Candle gloomily walked to her room. "Candle!" a voice yelled. She turned to see Oliver and smiled but still somewhat sadly. "Hey what's up!" she said cheerfully but anyone could detect how hollow it really was. "Are you okay?" Oliver asked concerned. "I'm fine, don't worry." Candle said. "You sure? Well, if you say so. Listen," he began blushing, "I have been trying to work up the nerve to ask you and I'll understand if I'm too late but....w-would you go to the dance with me?" Oliver asked shyly. Candle looked at him. What if Malfoy asked her? Oh who was she kidding! He wasn't going to ask her anytime soon, he probably asked someone else, and she DID want to go to the dance, right?! "Sure, I'd love to." She told Oliver sweetly. He grinned. "Thanks, er, I'll see ya later, bye!" he said running off gleefully.
Candle entered the ballroom and looked around. She spotted Harry who wore a vampire costume. He was alone in the corner. Her eyes to Ginny who also appeared single. Ginny wore a princess gown. Strangely, Ron and Hermione were dancing. Usually they were pissed at each other. Ron was a Quidditch player and Hermione a scientist. Then there was Oliver who waved over to her in his devil costume. He walked up to her and kissed her knuckles smiling, she smiled back. To correspond with Oliver, Candle wore an angel outfit of pure white and blue. She had on a mask to cover her eyes and a set of angel wings but her dress and shoes were blue, a light blue. The music began and as predicted, everyone waltzed. Great this would be boring! Oh well, Candle grabbed Oliver's hands. She set his hand on her waist and his other in her own hand. Then gently she placed her other hand on his shoulder and then led him into a dance. Candle had to stifle a giggle of how silly Oliver looked in his Devil costume. It didn't suit him, he was just like her, an angel. Suddenly she spotted someone who looked familiar yet not familiar. A man with long blonde hair and walked practically saying 'I'm stuck up'. But she shouldn't judge appearance. The man's pointy nose went her for a moment with a gleam and then he walked over to a couple. Candle felt her heart tear. It was Malfoy, in a knight costume, dancing with Pansy, who dressed as an angel except she had black and red. Her mask was black like her dress but her wings and shoes were black. Malfoy smiled and conversed with the man. Then he continued on dancing and the man walked by. "I'm thirsty, may I have a drink?" Candle asked Oliver weakly. He looked at her confused but nodded and left.
Candle felt the room go dizzy and fell back. She waited for the cold marble floor but it never came. Instead, a pair of arms caught her but the feeling was far from safe and warm. Candle looked up and saw the man from earlier. Something wasn't right. She didn't feel good, and though it was sudden she knew it wasn't form Malfoy. It was like it had been there, but maybe the pain she was getting from Malfoy set it off. "T-Thank you, sir." She said breathing hard. The man smirked. "No problem miss. The names Lucius Malfoy. I am father of Draco Malfoy, perhaps you've heard of him?" the man said. Candle barely nodded. "Do you feel alright?" Lucius asked innocently. "I-I'm fine, thank you." She said politely then turned and went to look for Oliver. She just wanted the night to end. She wanted to leave, now. But no, she couldn't leave Oliver and her friends and she was just exaggerating. She had told herself that Malfoy would choose, and it wasn't obvious who is choice was! Now she needed to just back off, but why did it have to hurt so much! She wanted to die! But she was too young to feel true love, wasn't she?! Suddenly Oliver appeared in front of her with concern. "Are you alright? You look pale." He said. "I'm fine, let's just dance." Candle said. Oliver gave her a strange look but nodded. Candle continued to dance and soon the dance ended. People were leaving the ballroom. Malfoy turned to Pansy for a moment and said something. Pansy smiled slyly and they kissed quite passionately. Candle felt a jolt of unbearable pain run through her. "Candle?!" came Oliver's muffled voice. Candle grabbed her head and let out a painful scream. She felt like her heart had stopped and everything else was burning inside her. Something powerful ran through her. Windows shattered and students screamed covering themselves. Candle's eyes rolled back into her head.
Candle looked at Malfoy who was slowly easing into becoming a good dancer. "Let's try this again. I have no idea what type of music they play at this school so let's try learning to waltz. You said that's what they did for the Yule Ball last year. Don't you guys ever dance differently! Like Jazz or rock? Well since Hermione is organizing this like she did the play maybe it will be more muggle-like." Candle suggested bored. Candle had been dropping hints here and there about the dance hoping Malfoy would ask her. "I better go, Oliver is coming over to learn dancing as well, right?" Malfoy asked. "In about an hour." Candle said gloomily to the fact that Malfoy was leaving. He kept avoiding her more lately but he still visited to stay friends.
Candle got on the Knight Bus with other students from Gryffindor. "The other Knight Buses will be coming to get the other houses. We must wait till their ready to leave and follow." Announced the driver. "When is the dance again?" asked Ron. "You're so silly. I've already told you. It's a week from now on Friday." Hermione said exasperated. Ron gave her an annoyed look like he always does. "Speaking of which, Hermione I need you to help me with my, er, homework in the cabin downstairs." Ron said blushing. Hermione coughed. "Yes, well, we'll see you guys later." Hermione said getting up suddenly cheerful. "But you can do your homework here though-!" "Bye!" Hermione said cutting Harry off. "Is it me or did they go in the opposite direction from the cabin. Actually, they are headed in the direction of the restrooms." Candle said. 'Is this seat taken?' asked a familiar voice. "Why no, kind sir." Candle said with a damsel gesture. Oliver sat down next to her and grinned.
Everyone entered the palace. Each house resigned in very different areas. Ravenclaw entered a room with a castle floating n a cloud. It was a beautiful romanticism castle. In the room for Hufflepuff was a room that changed seasons, it changed to fall, to winter, to spring, and finally to summer every hour. They camped there and were deeply cozy as they had s'mores, played games, horseback rode, played paint-wand, and swam in a lake. In the Slytherin house, was a room that was underwater and had a palace filled with pearls and other earthly luxuries. Mermaids floated about flashing their fins and flirting. The mermen were of course just as vain. Finally, the Gryffindor room was like being in outer space. The planets revolved around them to such glory and the stars floated by to everyone's awe who tried to reach out and grab them. They each resided on the planet of their choice. Mercury was like a palace from Saudi Arabia, Venus a very rich and elegant palace much richer than Versailles, Mars was a very rough Roman palace, Jupiter was very large and had a replica of the Palace of Petersburg, Russia, then came Saturn, it seemed just like Dubrovnik, Uranus had lots of green and an Irish styled castle, Neptune was a beautiful palace like that of Catherine Palace, and Pluto though small was no different with an Asian styled palace. Ginny chose Uranus, along with Ron. Fred and George went to Mars but not without Ron saying, "A good choice, I think that's where mom and dad adopted you from." Percy went to Jupiter but only because Penelope Clearwater was going there. Candle stayed on beautiful Venus. Lavender and Parvati went to Neptune. Oliver went to Venus and if you can't guess the reason you're not following. Hermione went to Saturn to enjoy "different" experiences. Harry went to Mercury and Neville went to Pluto.
It was nice on Uranus. It was like being in Ireland. Spring season with cool winds and constant green hills. The castle they stayed in was an old Irish style one. Open windows but to keep warm on cold nights the outer and inner halls were blazing with torches. Everyone while staying there were forced to wear uniforms. The boy's uniform was an off-white sweater and tan colored shorts on with sneakers. The girls wore a long white dresses that went to their ankles and always had on a black shawl that was sewed with Celtic Knot designs with some black half-boots. The one thing the Gryffindors hated, every planet you stayed on had uniforms. Though they had a lot of free time, they also had to keep up with school and had afternoon lessons. On Uranus they still did fun activities like playing Irish sports, hawking, music lessons, and exploration where everyday at a certain time a rainbow would appear and, on the whistle groups would search for a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Mercury was of course hot. Even though this room was only an imitation of space, and was modified to people's comfort and other things, Mercury remained the hottest as being closest to the sun. It was like being in India or Arabia. The uniforms were rather strange. The boys wore nice navy baggy pants and only a silver vest on their upper bodies, the girls commented that they looked like Aladdin. The girls wore navy veil-like baggy pants and navy bikini tops with silver vests. Some of the girls wore the shoulder-straps, which made the teachers complain about how the girls distracted the boys with their uniforms, but they were helpless against changing it. Both genders had to wear tough tan sandals with wings attached to the ankles. Everyday students went out and watched dancers and veelas (quite dangerous). They also enjoyed Elephant rides and learned snake charming, much like what Harry could already do. The most boring activity was learning business trade (no offense).
Venus was very cloudy like but not in a gloomy way. The clouds swirled graceful above the students. Everything done there was French like, the language of love, not surprising as Venus was named after the Roman goddess of love and beauty. The boy's uniforms were like those of gentlemen with Colonial shoes in the 18th century without the wigs. The girls wore turquoise gowns that had barely noticeable flower designs with long white gloves that went to their elbows and held their hair up in many styles and wore high-heeled shoes; thankfully, they weren't forced to wear corsets. Every night balls were held in which Oliver and Candle enjoyed very much. There was luxurious foods and costumes plus Oliver got better at dancing. On these nights, the girls were free from wearing school uniforms and got to pick their own gowns. Candle chose the replica of Victoria's wedding gown minus the veil. The students enjoyed many activities, their favorites being carriage rides, dessert cooking, and horse races. Though it was interesting, they did not enjoy their French classes too much (no offense).
Next was mars the Roman imitating planet. The boys uniforms were replicas of Julius Caesar's which the boys thought was annoying as they looked like girls but they also received gold sandals. The girl's uniform was a chose between wearing a white peplos or light blue chiton either way they wore gold sandals. They learned Roman cuisines and cooking, watched Roman style plays, and watched fake images as gladiators so no one really died. They did not enjoy Latin too much (no offense) except fort he stories told. Jupiter was next. This gigantic and dominating planet imitated much of the Russian culture. The students stayed at the Romanov palace. The boys uniforms were Nicholas II's military uniform. The girls on the other hand, wore gowns that looked like those of the last grand duchesses. They did many activities like the other Gryffindors but their favorites were sword fighting, reading at the library, and picnics. However, though most of them were doubtfully Orthodox they all had to attend church and do the strict worships (no offense to anyone, but from what I've heard Orthodox is pretty strict). After Jupiter as you know is Saturn. The place was a complete replica of Dubrovnik, Croatia. The boy's uniform was a tuxedo and the girls were a variety of elegant gowns. Of all the activities they did, the most favored were acting, watching plays and ballets, learning music, and taking boat rides in the evening while eating dinner on board. The only thing the students didn't enjoy was going to the opera every night (no offense).
Neptune one would expect to be a watery like plan, right? But Neptune imitated London entirely. The lucky students go to stay in the palace, and why not, the queen didn't actually live there! The male students wore tuxedos here too but the girls wore empire waist dresses. The students got to do many things but like the other Gryffindors had their own favorite activities. Like horseback riding, flower arranging (strange huh?), learning Oceanology (there you go, some water stuff!) and art. The only boring activity was teatime(no offense). Finally came Pluto, the Asian imitating culture. Of course, if you enjoy Japanese food (like me!), Chinese food (also like me!), or Korean foods among others (which I haven't tried so I can't really say) then you'd be in heaven. The students learned astrology, karate (Neville didn't do so well), samurai sword fighting (just like the movies!), Chinese checker (I think its pretty fun!), and cooking like those Japanese people with the knives and fire at restaurants (which was fun unless you happened to be next to Neville, which always put students on edge). But just like the others, Pluto had its downs, like Chinese literature classes (no offense).
Some houses during this field trip visited others and enjoyed their fantasy rooms. Candle had a few visits from Malfoy but the dance was three days away and he never asked her. Candle suddenly looked to see a teacher in front of her desk. "How nice of you to bless us with your return to reality, Ms. Rosenburg." The teacher said coldly. Candle blushed furiously. The bell rang a few minutes later. Candle gloomily walked to her room. "Candle!" a voice yelled. She turned to see Oliver and smiled but still somewhat sadly. "Hey what's up!" she said cheerfully but anyone could detect how hollow it really was. "Are you okay?" Oliver asked concerned. "I'm fine, don't worry." Candle said. "You sure? Well, if you say so. Listen," he began blushing, "I have been trying to work up the nerve to ask you and I'll understand if I'm too late but....w-would you go to the dance with me?" Oliver asked shyly. Candle looked at him. What if Malfoy asked her? Oh who was she kidding! He wasn't going to ask her anytime soon, he probably asked someone else, and she DID want to go to the dance, right?! "Sure, I'd love to." She told Oliver sweetly. He grinned. "Thanks, er, I'll see ya later, bye!" he said running off gleefully.
Candle entered the ballroom and looked around. She spotted Harry who wore a vampire costume. He was alone in the corner. Her eyes to Ginny who also appeared single. Ginny wore a princess gown. Strangely, Ron and Hermione were dancing. Usually they were pissed at each other. Ron was a Quidditch player and Hermione a scientist. Then there was Oliver who waved over to her in his devil costume. He walked up to her and kissed her knuckles smiling, she smiled back. To correspond with Oliver, Candle wore an angel outfit of pure white and blue. She had on a mask to cover her eyes and a set of angel wings but her dress and shoes were blue, a light blue. The music began and as predicted, everyone waltzed. Great this would be boring! Oh well, Candle grabbed Oliver's hands. She set his hand on her waist and his other in her own hand. Then gently she placed her other hand on his shoulder and then led him into a dance. Candle had to stifle a giggle of how silly Oliver looked in his Devil costume. It didn't suit him, he was just like her, an angel. Suddenly she spotted someone who looked familiar yet not familiar. A man with long blonde hair and walked practically saying 'I'm stuck up'. But she shouldn't judge appearance. The man's pointy nose went her for a moment with a gleam and then he walked over to a couple. Candle felt her heart tear. It was Malfoy, in a knight costume, dancing with Pansy, who dressed as an angel except she had black and red. Her mask was black like her dress but her wings and shoes were black. Malfoy smiled and conversed with the man. Then he continued on dancing and the man walked by. "I'm thirsty, may I have a drink?" Candle asked Oliver weakly. He looked at her confused but nodded and left.
Candle felt the room go dizzy and fell back. She waited for the cold marble floor but it never came. Instead, a pair of arms caught her but the feeling was far from safe and warm. Candle looked up and saw the man from earlier. Something wasn't right. She didn't feel good, and though it was sudden she knew it wasn't form Malfoy. It was like it had been there, but maybe the pain she was getting from Malfoy set it off. "T-Thank you, sir." She said breathing hard. The man smirked. "No problem miss. The names Lucius Malfoy. I am father of Draco Malfoy, perhaps you've heard of him?" the man said. Candle barely nodded. "Do you feel alright?" Lucius asked innocently. "I-I'm fine, thank you." She said politely then turned and went to look for Oliver. She just wanted the night to end. She wanted to leave, now. But no, she couldn't leave Oliver and her friends and she was just exaggerating. She had told herself that Malfoy would choose, and it wasn't obvious who is choice was! Now she needed to just back off, but why did it have to hurt so much! She wanted to die! But she was too young to feel true love, wasn't she?! Suddenly Oliver appeared in front of her with concern. "Are you alright? You look pale." He said. "I'm fine, let's just dance." Candle said. Oliver gave her a strange look but nodded. Candle continued to dance and soon the dance ended. People were leaving the ballroom. Malfoy turned to Pansy for a moment and said something. Pansy smiled slyly and they kissed quite passionately. Candle felt a jolt of unbearable pain run through her. "Candle?!" came Oliver's muffled voice. Candle grabbed her head and let out a painful scream. She felt like her heart had stopped and everything else was burning inside her. Something powerful ran through her. Windows shattered and students screamed covering themselves. Candle's eyes rolled back into her head.
