A Twisted Candle chapter Nine
Candle awoke in her hospital room. It was dim, like morning. In the seat next to her, was Oliver asleep. He looked like a child, so innocent. She smiled but then remembered the ball and....Malfoy. Candle frowned and let a tear slip out but before they could increase someone entered the room. It was Madame Pomfrey. "Oh good! You're awake!" she said. Candle nodded smiling. "Oliver was here for you the whole time!" Madame Pomfrey said smiling. Candle looked over at him confused. "D-Did anyone else visit?" she asked softly. "Well Harry Potter and his friends did! I never knew you were so close to him! He's such a nice person!" Madame Pomfrey exclaimed. Candle felt nervous. "Um....who were his friends?" Candle asked hesitantly. "You should know, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny!" the school-nurse exclaimed exasperated. Candle looked down sadly. "No one else?' she whispered. "No, oh there was one boy! He visited with his girlfriend. They came just once, Malfoy and Pansy I believe." The nurse said frowning. Candle smiled ironically. Madame Pomfrey left and that made Candle more comfortable. Now she could just get rid of all the pain.
Oliver woke up to see Candle asleep. Her face was red like she had been crying. He smiled and moved a strand of her hair. "I never got to tell you." He whispered. "Tell me what?" Candle mumbled sleepily. Oliver jumped and looked down at her, but his gaze turned soft. "N-Nothing." He said quickly. His face changed to concern when he noticed her usually beautiful emerald eyes had changed. Instead of the playful and happy gleam they usually held they seemed somewhat dull, blood-shot, and swollen. Her lips to be quivering for some reason. "Are you okay? What happened at the party?" Oliver asked. Candle felt too confused to deal with what had happened to her. "I don't know. It just hurt so much, it still hurts so much." She said confused and shook her head in confusion. He sat down beside her and held her close to him comfortingly. After a while Candle snuggled closer, "Can I just go to sleep like this?" she mumbled softly but still somewhat weakly. Oliver blushed but nodded. Candle shut her eyes and her body went somewhat limp.
Candle went back to school the next day. She stayed with Oliver in all her classes now. She still sat at lunch with Harry and everybody though. Though Candle was heartbroken she was determined not to let Malfoy hurt her anymore. There was a strange resentment toward him now, like he had toyed with her feelings, but she knew deep down it was herself leading her on. Candle didn't avoid Malfoy though she felt pain whenever he was around. But she couldn't avoid him, his friendship still meant so much to her. She felt like a beggar trying to get crumbs of whatever was left over. She had found some comfort in Oliver, she told him everything, she barely knew him and she told him everything. She just wanted to get it all out and felt very vulnerable. But telling Oliver about was okay, he seemed like a nice guy, he wouldn't take advantage of her vulnerable state. But she couldn't tell Harry or anyone, she felt ashamed. Oliver was understanding and listened intently though she knew it bothered him what she told him, about how she felt for Malfoy. She didn't love Oliver, but she might, with time. She needed to move on from Malfoy, though she felt like she didn't want to move on, she just knew she needed to. Oliver was a nice guy and he liked her. She spent some of the summer with him. Hogwarts year had ended. Oliver graduated from Hogwarts. Candle was happy for him and the fact that he didn't go to school anymore didn't make her stop seeing him. Eventually he finally asked her out on a date and then the dates grew in numbers, so now they were a 'couple'. She didn't spend ALL summer with Oliver though. She stayed at Harry's house with Sirius and Hermione, Ron, and Ginny sent owls sometimes. Ron and Ginny even let her and Harry come to visit over the summer. Candle sometimes received owls from Malfoy, something just wasn't right though. Would his parents approve if they knew he was sending a muggle letters? Candle though still friends with Malfoy didn't confide in him about her problems anymore. He didn't even know she was dating Oliver. She even had two fights with Oliver this summer, but she had only Harry to confide in, she wished it had been a female though. Harry and her were good friends and everything but he just wasn't the "girl talk' she needed. She yearned for Hermione and Ginny's company. Before she knew it, it was another year at Hogwarts and Sirius needed a new excuse as to why she was 'visiting' so he said she decided that she had liked the school so much that she was transferring permanently.
It was the banquet for the new year at Hogwarts, the sixth year. Candle sat down at the table of Gryffindors, her eyes caught Malfoy's for a moment. He looked at her softly and with a deep affection, like he was yearning for her. Candle shook her head. She didn't need to be led on again. People in the room began to whisper, it was still a mystery as to what happened at the ball. Nobody was hurt except herself, which seemed strange to students. Candle missed Oliver's company, he was her shield and she felt fragile right now. She made herself look forward to his visit this Halloween. 'First of all, before we eat, I must announce some events to take place this year. I would like to welcome all of our first years! Let's give them a round of applause! Next, I'd like to give a warm welcome back to our other Hogwarts students! I hope all of you enjoy your year here!" Dumbledore said warmly to everyone. 'As to continue our new tradition of holding an annual school play, this year we shall be doing the muggle play 'Cinderella'. Auditions will be held October 7 and the play will be performed on January 25. And due to the fact that we didn't have our usual Quidditch game last year, we will have more games this year. Also, I think it will be a good experience that the 5th years and up may go trick or treating in the muggle world. No magic for an entire night, just seeing what exactly muggles do for celebration and though it is restricted I am sure you will still enjoy yourselves!" Dumbledore said trying to higher students' spirits again. "I find it sad to announce though, that due to a recent tragedy over the summer, Hogsmeade is now off-limits!" Dumbledore said gravely. Whispers of confusion and somewhat anger filled the room. "Also, please take note, that our Dark Arts teacher is unfortunately not able to rejoin us this since he has other business to attend to." The room filed with 'I-knew-it's "Your new Dark Arts is Professor Snape!" Half of the school was outraged but all Snape could do was smile! His dream had finally come true! But probably at everyone's expense besides the Slytherins! "Oh joy!" Ron said sarcastically. After a few more protests Dumbledore silenced them once again. "I have but a few more things to announce!" Dumbledore started silencing everyone. "Due to another incident with Voldemort," everyone except Harry, Candle, and most of the Slytherins, cringed, "Our old allied schools, Durmstrang and Beauxbatons will be rejoining us this Christmas!" Dumbledore announced and yet again the room filled with whispers of both anger and joy! "Lastly, all 4th years and up will go on a field trip to Kyoto, Japan!" Dumbledore said and the students applauded with excitement, even though Japan wasn't exactly a dream vacation like France. Candle smiled somewhat brightly. And at that someone else felt theirself smile more.
Candle walked down the hallway with the other Gryffindors. "You weren't leaving without saying hello?" someone whispered in Candle's ear. She felt a thrill go through her body and her ear tingled a bit but she contained herself, she couldn't let her guard down. Malfoy must admit he probably said 'hello' to Candle too seductively but he couldn't contain himself for some reason. He really missed her over the summer! But he already had Pansy! Candle turned around and looked at him happily. 'Hey buddy!" she said. Malfoy felt a little weird being called 'buddy' but Candle didn't seem to show extreme happiness at seeing him whereas he could even feel his face smiling broadly. Didn't she miss him at all?! Malfoy felt a little disappointed. "I'll see you in class tomorrow, save me a seat?" Candle asked. Malfoy nodded. "See ya!" she said and ran off to catch up with the other Gryffindors. He watched her, and couldn't help but feeling that there was something weird going on.
Malfoy looked at the sheet that announced everyone's part.
Malfoy- the Prince Charming
Candle- Cinderella
Pansy- stepmother
Padme- stepsister 1
Parvati- stepsister 2
Hermione- Fairy Godmother
Harry- The King
Ginny- The Queen
Malfoy felt another jolt of happiness and kept reading his and Candle's parts over and over, just to make sure that he was seeing correctly. It was almost too good to be true. They had been thrown together again! Not that he was complaining, though! He turned around, getting ready to go to the Slytherin house, when something caught his eye. Oliver Wood. Malfoy felt the bounce in his step start to wither away. 'What is HE doing HERE? I thought he graduated, or something!' Malfoy thought angrily. Then Malfoy saw something else that almost made his jaw drop. Candle ran up to Oliver and...and...hugged him! That wasn't all! She gave him a peck on the lips too! Malfoy couldn't believe what he was seeing. NOW he knew why Candle had seemed so distant from him! Malfoy shook his head, blinking. He thought he was imagining it, and remained that shocked for the rest of the day.
Candle entered the auditorium wearing Oliver's jacket. It had been getting colder lately. Malfoy turned to see her and his face again became a bewildered expression. What was up lately! He had missed a few days a school, he hadn't been feeling well, and lately he was pale and looked a little thin, even for him. Malfoy looked at her dully. "Morning!" she said trying to cheer him up. He stared at her for a moment, he seemed shy suddenly. "H-Hi." He croaked. Candle gave him a confused look. "Are you feeling alright?" she asked concerned. "Alright people! Let us begin!" the director, Professor McGonagall, started.
Auditions were over finally! Candle ran up to Oliver behind stage and hugged him. He smiled coyly. "Not here, Candle." He said blushing. Candle smiled back. "I can't believe you still came to help out with the play!" Candle said happily. Oliver chuckled. "I wouldn't miss an opportunity like this! Even if I am still in training to become a Professional Quidditch Player for Ireland." Oliver answered softly. "I have to get back to my room to start homework. I'll see you at dinner?" Candle asked. Oliver nodded.
Malfoy laid on his bed tiredly. Dinner was about to start, he wouldn't go, he would just say he didn't feel well. He wasn't eating much lately. It didn't matter. He felt an unbearable pain. His father had warned him of everything! He warned him of those who would betray him, stay with him, and those that also wanted power like him! But never had he been warned against this kind of pain! Why didn't he see it sooner?! He loved her! But how?! Wasn't he too young?! What about Pansy?! He looked at what he was doing to himself. It became clear, he had every symptom Candle had after the ball, when it was a known fact him and Pansy were dating. He had hurt her, and he was too stupid and blind to see it! Now he paid the price, what was worse was that he actually had a chance because she loved him! And he knew but ignored how she felt and went off with Pansy! Strange, Pansy didn't mean much to him now. She was a stranger. He didn't want to know her, he couldn't believe the people he had become associated with. But now the one bright spot in his life, excuse him if he sounded pathetic, was gone. He didn't know it but Candle meant more to him than he knew! But now she was with Oliver and it was only because he hurt her! She could be in his arms right now! He was angry, yes, at Oliver, at himself, but never at Candle. He tried to hate her after how she hurt him but he couldn't. he gave in completely. He made an idiot of himself now! He didn't look healthy, he stuttered when she was around to the point that everybody practically knew he liked her, and he obeyed her every wish. She wanted some ice cream, he'd pay for it, if she wanted to go for a night walk and couldn't do it alone, he went with her, and if she wanted him to get her something she didn't even need the puppy dog eyes, he bought it for her! Malfoy heard a knock on his door, the next thing he knew him, Harry, and Ron were shopping with the girls. Malfoy watched as Candle tried on different things, it didn't matter, she was still just as breathe-taking. "Do you think Oliver would like this for our Halloween date?" Candle asked Hermione. Of course, to his bitter luck he would hear only those words. People in school thought Candle was cooler, now that she dated a graduate. "Oh, but it's too expensive." Candle said. Suddenly Malfoy caught her eye. "Hey, Draco, ol' buddy!" she said slyly sneaking up beside him. Malfoy felt a jolt run through him as her warmth was next to him as she grabbed his arm. Suddenly she reached up to touch his face and he looked her intently. "Malfoy..." she whispered. He hushed her. His index finger stroked her cheeks and traced her lips. Her lips....he yearned for them. Slowly he bent down and groaned.... "Malfoy! Hey! Earth to Malfoy! Are you okay?!" Malfoy snapped back to reality and looked at Candle. "I-I'm fine." He stuttered. "Are you sure? You don't look so well and you're acting weird lately. Besides you just groaned, are you in pain?" Candle asked. Malfoy looked at her tiredly. "Please, I'm fine." He said weakly. "O-okay, if you say so." She replied hesitantly.
Candle walked down the street. It was Halloween! Everyone had worn their ball costumes from last year! Candle sniffled a little. "He promised, he said we'd trick or treat together." She said crying a little Why was he doing this?! Oliver was pushing her away lately and now he was too "busy" to trick or treat. Candle sat down a bench. She was alone. Hermione and Ron had disappeared together and Ginny and Harry shyly trick or treated together. Pansy and Malfoy went together of course. She hugged herself from the cold. Suddenly a strange fog filled the street. She saw a shadowy figure walked down the street. He looked familiar for some reason. It wasn't Voldemort it was....a flash of a red light filled the street. Cars were flown into trees and telephone poles! No one was around to scream or help her! There was fire burning down the street straight toward her! Candle turned and ran. Her legs were scorched. She winced in pain but kept running. She stumbled down. Candle felt a fist thrust into her stomach and she lost her breath. She coughed up some blood. Everything was getting darker! But she couldn't lose consciousness! Anything could happen! Her eyes rolled back into her head and then everything went black.
Malfoy wouldn't stop looking! She had been gone a month! He should have gone with her to trick or treat! What if Voldemort got her! Malfoy flung open the room to his father's office. "WHERE IS SHE?!" he yelled angrily. Lucius looked up confused but interested. "Where is who?" Lucius asked calmly. "Come on dad, we both know you're not that stupid!" Malfoy spat. Lucius frowned. The older man stood up and leaned forward on his desk threateningly. "I suggest, young man, you do not take that tone of voice with me. Now, who are you talking about?" Lucius asked with a deadly tone in his voice. But Malfoy didn't seem to care. "Candle! Where is she?!" he asked. He should have come to his father's office sooner! The answer would have been here immediately, but noooo! He was too scared to face his father! With luck Voldemort had probably already killed her! Lucius looked at Malfoy gravely. "Why are you so worried about that muggle." He snorted. "Because that muggle is my friend!" Malfoy said angrily. "Have you gone mad?! Are you forgetting everything I've taught you! We are Death Eaters! We despise muggles, they are too weak and vulnerable and they get in the way! Why would one even be worthy of your concern?!" Lucius hissed. "It's not a matter of her being worthy of me." Malfoy retorted more calm. Lucius looked at his son in disgust. "Are you trying to tell me that you love this muggle?! That you are willing to give up everything for her, even your inheritance?" Lucius said warningly. Malfoy looked at his father shocked. 'You can't disown me over her!" Malfoy said angrily. Lucius turned purple. He got up and hit Malfoy across the face with his fist. Malfoy hit the floor with shock. He got up slowly and touched his bloody mouth. His eyes wondered to his father in shock, didn't his father even love him at all?! Lucius however showed no regret. Malfoy was abruptly pushed against the wall. "I suggest you don't get angry with me, son, because you're not wise enough to try and face me yet! You'll be too weak to face others if you can't face even me! Now, you're going to do as I say and forget this muggle understood?" his father asked gritting his teeth. Malfoy swallowed hard. "You can't order me around." He said angrily and shoved his father away. "The consider yourself cut off from your inheritance. I don't want to see you in this house or near it unless you've thought a little about the choice you've just made." Lucius said coldly.
Malfoy turned the corner silently. He then turned to his pissed girlfriend, Pansy. "I can't believe it! You've been cut off from your inheritance Malfoy!" she hissed. Malfoy looked at her as coldly as ever, it sent chills down her spine. "It doesn't matter. I don't need my father or his money! All I need is to find Candle." Malfoy said calmly. Pansy looked shocked. Her face changed to pure hatred. "How dare you?! Have you gone crazy! I'm your girlfriend! It matters to me that you've been disinherited! Don't tell me it was over that stupid muggle!" she screamed angrily. Malfoy frowned. "Your opinion has no importance to me. It is my decision and that muggle is worth far more than you." He said. Pansy's anger over-boiled, she raised her hand and it went straight across his face. He turned to look at her unharmed. "I suggest you leave. We're over." He said calmly. Pansy's eyes flared and she stormed off. Malfoy swallowed hard and closed his eyes. He had lost his so-called family and friends! He had no one! He couldn't turn to Harry or his friends! They were his enemy regardless of Candle! They wouldn't take him now. Malfoy heard an owl overhead. He looked up in time to catch a letter: A fair angel now lies in Azkaban. Where Dementors creep and night and day she weeps.
Candle awoke in her hospital room. It was dim, like morning. In the seat next to her, was Oliver asleep. He looked like a child, so innocent. She smiled but then remembered the ball and....Malfoy. Candle frowned and let a tear slip out but before they could increase someone entered the room. It was Madame Pomfrey. "Oh good! You're awake!" she said. Candle nodded smiling. "Oliver was here for you the whole time!" Madame Pomfrey said smiling. Candle looked over at him confused. "D-Did anyone else visit?" she asked softly. "Well Harry Potter and his friends did! I never knew you were so close to him! He's such a nice person!" Madame Pomfrey exclaimed. Candle felt nervous. "Um....who were his friends?" Candle asked hesitantly. "You should know, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny!" the school-nurse exclaimed exasperated. Candle looked down sadly. "No one else?' she whispered. "No, oh there was one boy! He visited with his girlfriend. They came just once, Malfoy and Pansy I believe." The nurse said frowning. Candle smiled ironically. Madame Pomfrey left and that made Candle more comfortable. Now she could just get rid of all the pain.
Oliver woke up to see Candle asleep. Her face was red like she had been crying. He smiled and moved a strand of her hair. "I never got to tell you." He whispered. "Tell me what?" Candle mumbled sleepily. Oliver jumped and looked down at her, but his gaze turned soft. "N-Nothing." He said quickly. His face changed to concern when he noticed her usually beautiful emerald eyes had changed. Instead of the playful and happy gleam they usually held they seemed somewhat dull, blood-shot, and swollen. Her lips to be quivering for some reason. "Are you okay? What happened at the party?" Oliver asked. Candle felt too confused to deal with what had happened to her. "I don't know. It just hurt so much, it still hurts so much." She said confused and shook her head in confusion. He sat down beside her and held her close to him comfortingly. After a while Candle snuggled closer, "Can I just go to sleep like this?" she mumbled softly but still somewhat weakly. Oliver blushed but nodded. Candle shut her eyes and her body went somewhat limp.
Candle went back to school the next day. She stayed with Oliver in all her classes now. She still sat at lunch with Harry and everybody though. Though Candle was heartbroken she was determined not to let Malfoy hurt her anymore. There was a strange resentment toward him now, like he had toyed with her feelings, but she knew deep down it was herself leading her on. Candle didn't avoid Malfoy though she felt pain whenever he was around. But she couldn't avoid him, his friendship still meant so much to her. She felt like a beggar trying to get crumbs of whatever was left over. She had found some comfort in Oliver, she told him everything, she barely knew him and she told him everything. She just wanted to get it all out and felt very vulnerable. But telling Oliver about was okay, he seemed like a nice guy, he wouldn't take advantage of her vulnerable state. But she couldn't tell Harry or anyone, she felt ashamed. Oliver was understanding and listened intently though she knew it bothered him what she told him, about how she felt for Malfoy. She didn't love Oliver, but she might, with time. She needed to move on from Malfoy, though she felt like she didn't want to move on, she just knew she needed to. Oliver was a nice guy and he liked her. She spent some of the summer with him. Hogwarts year had ended. Oliver graduated from Hogwarts. Candle was happy for him and the fact that he didn't go to school anymore didn't make her stop seeing him. Eventually he finally asked her out on a date and then the dates grew in numbers, so now they were a 'couple'. She didn't spend ALL summer with Oliver though. She stayed at Harry's house with Sirius and Hermione, Ron, and Ginny sent owls sometimes. Ron and Ginny even let her and Harry come to visit over the summer. Candle sometimes received owls from Malfoy, something just wasn't right though. Would his parents approve if they knew he was sending a muggle letters? Candle though still friends with Malfoy didn't confide in him about her problems anymore. He didn't even know she was dating Oliver. She even had two fights with Oliver this summer, but she had only Harry to confide in, she wished it had been a female though. Harry and her were good friends and everything but he just wasn't the "girl talk' she needed. She yearned for Hermione and Ginny's company. Before she knew it, it was another year at Hogwarts and Sirius needed a new excuse as to why she was 'visiting' so he said she decided that she had liked the school so much that she was transferring permanently.
It was the banquet for the new year at Hogwarts, the sixth year. Candle sat down at the table of Gryffindors, her eyes caught Malfoy's for a moment. He looked at her softly and with a deep affection, like he was yearning for her. Candle shook her head. She didn't need to be led on again. People in the room began to whisper, it was still a mystery as to what happened at the ball. Nobody was hurt except herself, which seemed strange to students. Candle missed Oliver's company, he was her shield and she felt fragile right now. She made herself look forward to his visit this Halloween. 'First of all, before we eat, I must announce some events to take place this year. I would like to welcome all of our first years! Let's give them a round of applause! Next, I'd like to give a warm welcome back to our other Hogwarts students! I hope all of you enjoy your year here!" Dumbledore said warmly to everyone. 'As to continue our new tradition of holding an annual school play, this year we shall be doing the muggle play 'Cinderella'. Auditions will be held October 7 and the play will be performed on January 25. And due to the fact that we didn't have our usual Quidditch game last year, we will have more games this year. Also, I think it will be a good experience that the 5th years and up may go trick or treating in the muggle world. No magic for an entire night, just seeing what exactly muggles do for celebration and though it is restricted I am sure you will still enjoy yourselves!" Dumbledore said trying to higher students' spirits again. "I find it sad to announce though, that due to a recent tragedy over the summer, Hogsmeade is now off-limits!" Dumbledore said gravely. Whispers of confusion and somewhat anger filled the room. "Also, please take note, that our Dark Arts teacher is unfortunately not able to rejoin us this since he has other business to attend to." The room filed with 'I-knew-it's "Your new Dark Arts is Professor Snape!" Half of the school was outraged but all Snape could do was smile! His dream had finally come true! But probably at everyone's expense besides the Slytherins! "Oh joy!" Ron said sarcastically. After a few more protests Dumbledore silenced them once again. "I have but a few more things to announce!" Dumbledore started silencing everyone. "Due to another incident with Voldemort," everyone except Harry, Candle, and most of the Slytherins, cringed, "Our old allied schools, Durmstrang and Beauxbatons will be rejoining us this Christmas!" Dumbledore announced and yet again the room filled with whispers of both anger and joy! "Lastly, all 4th years and up will go on a field trip to Kyoto, Japan!" Dumbledore said and the students applauded with excitement, even though Japan wasn't exactly a dream vacation like France. Candle smiled somewhat brightly. And at that someone else felt theirself smile more.
Candle walked down the hallway with the other Gryffindors. "You weren't leaving without saying hello?" someone whispered in Candle's ear. She felt a thrill go through her body and her ear tingled a bit but she contained herself, she couldn't let her guard down. Malfoy must admit he probably said 'hello' to Candle too seductively but he couldn't contain himself for some reason. He really missed her over the summer! But he already had Pansy! Candle turned around and looked at him happily. 'Hey buddy!" she said. Malfoy felt a little weird being called 'buddy' but Candle didn't seem to show extreme happiness at seeing him whereas he could even feel his face smiling broadly. Didn't she miss him at all?! Malfoy felt a little disappointed. "I'll see you in class tomorrow, save me a seat?" Candle asked. Malfoy nodded. "See ya!" she said and ran off to catch up with the other Gryffindors. He watched her, and couldn't help but feeling that there was something weird going on.
Malfoy looked at the sheet that announced everyone's part.
Malfoy- the Prince Charming
Candle- Cinderella
Pansy- stepmother
Padme- stepsister 1
Parvati- stepsister 2
Hermione- Fairy Godmother
Harry- The King
Ginny- The Queen
Malfoy felt another jolt of happiness and kept reading his and Candle's parts over and over, just to make sure that he was seeing correctly. It was almost too good to be true. They had been thrown together again! Not that he was complaining, though! He turned around, getting ready to go to the Slytherin house, when something caught his eye. Oliver Wood. Malfoy felt the bounce in his step start to wither away. 'What is HE doing HERE? I thought he graduated, or something!' Malfoy thought angrily. Then Malfoy saw something else that almost made his jaw drop. Candle ran up to Oliver and...and...hugged him! That wasn't all! She gave him a peck on the lips too! Malfoy couldn't believe what he was seeing. NOW he knew why Candle had seemed so distant from him! Malfoy shook his head, blinking. He thought he was imagining it, and remained that shocked for the rest of the day.
Candle entered the auditorium wearing Oliver's jacket. It had been getting colder lately. Malfoy turned to see her and his face again became a bewildered expression. What was up lately! He had missed a few days a school, he hadn't been feeling well, and lately he was pale and looked a little thin, even for him. Malfoy looked at her dully. "Morning!" she said trying to cheer him up. He stared at her for a moment, he seemed shy suddenly. "H-Hi." He croaked. Candle gave him a confused look. "Are you feeling alright?" she asked concerned. "Alright people! Let us begin!" the director, Professor McGonagall, started.
Auditions were over finally! Candle ran up to Oliver behind stage and hugged him. He smiled coyly. "Not here, Candle." He said blushing. Candle smiled back. "I can't believe you still came to help out with the play!" Candle said happily. Oliver chuckled. "I wouldn't miss an opportunity like this! Even if I am still in training to become a Professional Quidditch Player for Ireland." Oliver answered softly. "I have to get back to my room to start homework. I'll see you at dinner?" Candle asked. Oliver nodded.
Malfoy laid on his bed tiredly. Dinner was about to start, he wouldn't go, he would just say he didn't feel well. He wasn't eating much lately. It didn't matter. He felt an unbearable pain. His father had warned him of everything! He warned him of those who would betray him, stay with him, and those that also wanted power like him! But never had he been warned against this kind of pain! Why didn't he see it sooner?! He loved her! But how?! Wasn't he too young?! What about Pansy?! He looked at what he was doing to himself. It became clear, he had every symptom Candle had after the ball, when it was a known fact him and Pansy were dating. He had hurt her, and he was too stupid and blind to see it! Now he paid the price, what was worse was that he actually had a chance because she loved him! And he knew but ignored how she felt and went off with Pansy! Strange, Pansy didn't mean much to him now. She was a stranger. He didn't want to know her, he couldn't believe the people he had become associated with. But now the one bright spot in his life, excuse him if he sounded pathetic, was gone. He didn't know it but Candle meant more to him than he knew! But now she was with Oliver and it was only because he hurt her! She could be in his arms right now! He was angry, yes, at Oliver, at himself, but never at Candle. He tried to hate her after how she hurt him but he couldn't. he gave in completely. He made an idiot of himself now! He didn't look healthy, he stuttered when she was around to the point that everybody practically knew he liked her, and he obeyed her every wish. She wanted some ice cream, he'd pay for it, if she wanted to go for a night walk and couldn't do it alone, he went with her, and if she wanted him to get her something she didn't even need the puppy dog eyes, he bought it for her! Malfoy heard a knock on his door, the next thing he knew him, Harry, and Ron were shopping with the girls. Malfoy watched as Candle tried on different things, it didn't matter, she was still just as breathe-taking. "Do you think Oliver would like this for our Halloween date?" Candle asked Hermione. Of course, to his bitter luck he would hear only those words. People in school thought Candle was cooler, now that she dated a graduate. "Oh, but it's too expensive." Candle said. Suddenly Malfoy caught her eye. "Hey, Draco, ol' buddy!" she said slyly sneaking up beside him. Malfoy felt a jolt run through him as her warmth was next to him as she grabbed his arm. Suddenly she reached up to touch his face and he looked her intently. "Malfoy..." she whispered. He hushed her. His index finger stroked her cheeks and traced her lips. Her lips....he yearned for them. Slowly he bent down and groaned.... "Malfoy! Hey! Earth to Malfoy! Are you okay?!" Malfoy snapped back to reality and looked at Candle. "I-I'm fine." He stuttered. "Are you sure? You don't look so well and you're acting weird lately. Besides you just groaned, are you in pain?" Candle asked. Malfoy looked at her tiredly. "Please, I'm fine." He said weakly. "O-okay, if you say so." She replied hesitantly.
Candle walked down the street. It was Halloween! Everyone had worn their ball costumes from last year! Candle sniffled a little. "He promised, he said we'd trick or treat together." She said crying a little Why was he doing this?! Oliver was pushing her away lately and now he was too "busy" to trick or treat. Candle sat down a bench. She was alone. Hermione and Ron had disappeared together and Ginny and Harry shyly trick or treated together. Pansy and Malfoy went together of course. She hugged herself from the cold. Suddenly a strange fog filled the street. She saw a shadowy figure walked down the street. He looked familiar for some reason. It wasn't Voldemort it was....a flash of a red light filled the street. Cars were flown into trees and telephone poles! No one was around to scream or help her! There was fire burning down the street straight toward her! Candle turned and ran. Her legs were scorched. She winced in pain but kept running. She stumbled down. Candle felt a fist thrust into her stomach and she lost her breath. She coughed up some blood. Everything was getting darker! But she couldn't lose consciousness! Anything could happen! Her eyes rolled back into her head and then everything went black.
Malfoy wouldn't stop looking! She had been gone a month! He should have gone with her to trick or treat! What if Voldemort got her! Malfoy flung open the room to his father's office. "WHERE IS SHE?!" he yelled angrily. Lucius looked up confused but interested. "Where is who?" Lucius asked calmly. "Come on dad, we both know you're not that stupid!" Malfoy spat. Lucius frowned. The older man stood up and leaned forward on his desk threateningly. "I suggest, young man, you do not take that tone of voice with me. Now, who are you talking about?" Lucius asked with a deadly tone in his voice. But Malfoy didn't seem to care. "Candle! Where is she?!" he asked. He should have come to his father's office sooner! The answer would have been here immediately, but noooo! He was too scared to face his father! With luck Voldemort had probably already killed her! Lucius looked at Malfoy gravely. "Why are you so worried about that muggle." He snorted. "Because that muggle is my friend!" Malfoy said angrily. "Have you gone mad?! Are you forgetting everything I've taught you! We are Death Eaters! We despise muggles, they are too weak and vulnerable and they get in the way! Why would one even be worthy of your concern?!" Lucius hissed. "It's not a matter of her being worthy of me." Malfoy retorted more calm. Lucius looked at his son in disgust. "Are you trying to tell me that you love this muggle?! That you are willing to give up everything for her, even your inheritance?" Lucius said warningly. Malfoy looked at his father shocked. 'You can't disown me over her!" Malfoy said angrily. Lucius turned purple. He got up and hit Malfoy across the face with his fist. Malfoy hit the floor with shock. He got up slowly and touched his bloody mouth. His eyes wondered to his father in shock, didn't his father even love him at all?! Lucius however showed no regret. Malfoy was abruptly pushed against the wall. "I suggest you don't get angry with me, son, because you're not wise enough to try and face me yet! You'll be too weak to face others if you can't face even me! Now, you're going to do as I say and forget this muggle understood?" his father asked gritting his teeth. Malfoy swallowed hard. "You can't order me around." He said angrily and shoved his father away. "The consider yourself cut off from your inheritance. I don't want to see you in this house or near it unless you've thought a little about the choice you've just made." Lucius said coldly.
Malfoy turned the corner silently. He then turned to his pissed girlfriend, Pansy. "I can't believe it! You've been cut off from your inheritance Malfoy!" she hissed. Malfoy looked at her as coldly as ever, it sent chills down her spine. "It doesn't matter. I don't need my father or his money! All I need is to find Candle." Malfoy said calmly. Pansy looked shocked. Her face changed to pure hatred. "How dare you?! Have you gone crazy! I'm your girlfriend! It matters to me that you've been disinherited! Don't tell me it was over that stupid muggle!" she screamed angrily. Malfoy frowned. "Your opinion has no importance to me. It is my decision and that muggle is worth far more than you." He said. Pansy's anger over-boiled, she raised her hand and it went straight across his face. He turned to look at her unharmed. "I suggest you leave. We're over." He said calmly. Pansy's eyes flared and she stormed off. Malfoy swallowed hard and closed his eyes. He had lost his so-called family and friends! He had no one! He couldn't turn to Harry or his friends! They were his enemy regardless of Candle! They wouldn't take him now. Malfoy heard an owl overhead. He looked up in time to catch a letter: A fair angel now lies in Azkaban. Where Dementors creep and night and day she weeps.
