A Twisted Candle chapter Eleven
Candle awoke to find herself being floated down a long, dark hall. She blinked, but her eyes stilled remained out of focus. She also realized that she wasn't chained up, just that some force was holding her by the wrists and ankles. Candle had to bite her lip to keep from whimpering it was so tight. She painfully turned her head, and, to her absolute horror, saw dementor on her right. She hadn't felt it's presence until now, and it was starting to effect her. Then questions came to her, like a wave of cold water. 'Why am I here? Where is here? What did I do to deserve this?' Candle then realized that she was glad Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Oliver, and Malfoy weren't there. 'At least they're not having to go through this pain' she thought, gratefully. She then remembered whom it was she'd seen as her captor, and she still couldn't believe it. 'No! It can't be him! I- it just can't be! I won't accept it!' but she knew that, sooner or later, she'd have to face her fear. The one person she had thought would be able to save her, the one person she trusted even more than any of her friends was her enemy. With this understanding, Candle silently allowed herself to be led into a room. She realized with a start that she was being let free, partially. The force holding her ankles and wrists suddenly went away and Candle fell to the ground in relief. She couldn't remember what torture she had been put through, she would never want to remember. All that's he knew was that her body still ached from it. With that, the dementor left, and Candle looked around the dark, dank room with mild curiosity. There was a bed in the corner, and a window at the far-left end of the room. With a leap of hope, she struggled over to the window and tried to open it. She pulled painfully but to no avail, it seemed also to be held by some force. Giving up Candle returned to gazing at her surroundings curiously. There was a small mirror and dresser in the other corner, followed by a desk, and chair. She saw that there was a brush on the dresser and two new sets of robes in the small closet, if you could call it a closet. Candle looked down at her own dirty, scorched school robes. She then saw that there was a shower, and bathroom. She thought it couldn't hurt to take a quick shower, and change robes. Peeling off her robes, Candle set the water on, which was really cold, not warm or hot, and tentatively got in. She didn't bother to dry her hair, it just dried straight, and smooth as usual. She then changed into the black robes. They were soft, and had long, baggy sleeves, much baggier than her school ones. They also had a collar that went to where her neck met her shoulders. Totally refreshed, Candle saw the bed rush up to her, as she fell onto it, asleep from exhaustion.
A dark room filled with nightmares and joy from misery was where the figure sat. "What should we do now with my son?" Lucius asked. The figure smirked. "I need it from that girl! She has what I want and in order to get it from her she might have to go through a pain worse than her torture." The figure said thoughtfully. "Meaning?" "Meaning, that we should hold a party on congratulating my victory of finally getting what I needed. But in order to complete this process, I say we bring the prisoners out as entertainment." The figure replied. "You're saying we somehow get my son to be the spotlight show in order to get that girl to give in. Sounds good to me. I am guessing you'll want me to arrange something so my son ends up as the main show for humiliation." Lucius said elegantly. 'Do you expect me, in my tired state, to do so?! I do not have my FULL power back yet Lucius!" the figure hissed. "Forgive me master! I was not suggesting you do it! I was simply asking if you wanted ME to handle it!" Lucius pleaded. The figure turned away abruptly and suddenly as if struck by lightning, the figure grabbed his throat and started coughing continuously. "Master!" Lucius gasped. The coughs died down eventually. "I need to rest my body, he is getting stronger! I feel his presence strengthening!" the figure said haggardly. Lucius nodded and turned to leave.
Ginny ran looking pale. She wanted to scream. "Ron!" she shrieked as she ran into her brother. "He's gone! He's gone!" she screamed hysterically. "They're gonna kill him! They're gonna kill him!" she shrieked even louder. Ron grabbed her by the shoulders. "Ginny calm down! Who's going to die?!" Ron asked worriedly. "Harry! They got Harry! They forced him to right this!" Ginny choked out throwing a letter at Ron.
Dear Friends, I know you all will miss me and worry about me but I am afraid I must go now. I can feel Voldemort more than you'll ever know and I believe I have discovered his identity, sadly I cannot solve this mystery nor explain to you who our enemy is. I am a prisoner now. I hope you all fair better at this mystery then I did, for solving it, was one of the most difficult and sad things I have done. Farewell for now. Harry Potter
Ron's eyes widened. "We need to see Dumbledore!" Ron croaked. He turned on his heels and ran fast with Ginny following. Dumbledore stared at the letter gravely. "This is very bad. Voldemort may just get his full power and influence back, and over's Harry's dead body." Dumbledore said looking pale and tired. Only a glint of hope was left in his eyes. Ron swallowed hard. "What can we do?!" Ron shouted. Dumbledore looked up sadly. "I'm afraid there si nothing you and your sister can do, Mr. Weasely. Except keep safe, wait, hope, pray, and try not to get in the ministry's way while they investigate this. We will try to get back Harry and I know how very close you all are. But this matter cannot endanger you no matter how many mystery's you solved in the past, this one is out of the question. Leave everything to us; we will do our best to bring back Harry. Meanwhile our security around the school and the world of wizardry will need to be raised greatly. We should tell the others and warn as many people as possible in short time. Voldemort may already have gotten what he needs and be on his way anywhere now." Dumbledore said gravely. Ron and Ginny looked down helplessly. "Do not despair entirely. For there is some hope. I will send someone to Azkaban, Voldemort's new hideout and most likely, where Harry is. We may be able to help him yet. Though it will not be easy to get in." Dumbledore explained. "For now, try your best to return to your studies. Leave everything to us." Dumbledore instructed. The two nodded numbly.
"What are we going to do?!" Ginny sobbed as she sat down in her room. Ron sat down gently next to her. He put his arms around his sister in comfort. "We are not going to do anything, we are going to do exactly as Dumbledore says." Ron answered quietly. Ginny looked up shocked. "A-Are you kidding?! He's your friend!" she shrieked at him. Ron remained calm, Ginny looked at him for a minute. Realization hit her and her eyes flared. "Ron, I'm not a kid anymore! I'm fifteen! I'm tired of you and Hermione all saving the day and not letting me in on any of it because you want me to be 'safe'. Even I know you'd never abandon Harry! But you can't just keep me out of this one! Too many people who are important to me are involved!" Ginny yelled. Ron sighed. "You really do love him, don't you?' he asked softly. Ginny looked down. "What difference does it make? Everyone thinks I'm a stalker and have a schoolgirl crush on Harry. But it is more! I know it is! But I'm too young, and besides, Harry barely thinks of me as a friend." Ginny said sadly. Ron didn't know what to say but when he opened his mouth for some comfort, Ginny cut him off. "Harry and Candle are both at Azkaban. We need to get in somehow. Now I was helping Malfoy devise a plan to save Candle, and I know how stupid it sounds, but I think he really does have feelings for Candle. Don't interrupt me just yet! Look I know you and Hermione aren't exactly talking to each other, but we need her help. We need to find a Death Eaters and somehow assume is identity. I'm thinking that Polyjuice potion you guys told me about that you guys used to look like Crabbe and Goyle. Anyway, we somehow keep the Death Eater knocked out or whatever. Then we sneak in and try to save them. I didn't know what to do when Malfoy disappeared so I couldn't carry it out on my own. But now I think we need to do it." Ginny explained. Ron couldn't help but smile at his sister. "Malfoy is probably at Azkaban, no doubt we'll have to save him too! I thought I'd never see the day!" Ron grumbled. Ginny rolled her eyes. "First we need to go see Hermione, and no offense, but if you talk, you'll most likely give Hermione the opposite affect we hope for." Ginny said. Ron glared at her.
Hermione sat down in her room. She heard a knock on her door. "Come in." she said unenthusiastically. She heard the door open and looked over. She looked at Ginny and then noticed Ron behind her and frowned. "We need your help." Ginny said hesitantly. Hermione looked at her curiously. "We need to save Harry! Ron and me thought that we could somehow keep away a Death Eater and assume his identity and get into to Azkaban. We would also save Candle and Malfoy." Ginny coaxed. Hermione sighed. "We need you to make a Polyjuice Potion. You're the only one I know of who knows how to and would do it willingly." Ginny added. Hermione shook her head. "Then you thought wrong. You heard Dumbledore! He's said for ALLA students to stay here on school grounds for our safety! They will handle Harry." Hermione said. Ginny looked shocked. "Hermione-!" "Just drop it before I tell an adult what your up to!" Hermione snapped. Ginny gaped and then slowly closed her mouth angrily. "You know what, I thought you were Harry's friend! Willing to save him instead of hiding your butt here! But I thought wrong. Come on, Ron." Ginny said angrily and stomped out. Hermione's eyes blurred as she tried to continue working.
This was hell. He just wanted out. He had heard people talk of this places misery and the living nightmare it was, but he had never imagined it like this. No happiness, no hope, and no clue as to what would become of him. Days seemed longer. All he had, was good memories to hang onto, this would be his life till the day he died, hopefully that would be soon, or till he'd lose his sanity. How was Candle? Would he ever see her again? Hogwarts? Potter? The Weaselys? Granger? How about any of the Slytherins, not that they cared? He was cold, pale, heavily tired yet he couldn't sleep because even then he couldn't escape the nightmare, no rest. He was hungry, thinner, and bleeding, the tortures, no, he didn't ant to think of them. He was bleeding profusely, but he barely noticed, as his body was numb and cold. Malfoy heard the door open and a very dim light enter the room. A deep foreboding came of him. A dementor stood over him and upon reaction he immediately started kicking and screaming. Malfoy was lifted up and he felt his screams increase in volume and urgency. Not that he couldn't scream too well, he lost some of his voice. Malfoy was suddenly dropped into a cart filed with other prisoners. Malfoy looked around fearfully. The cart began moving and he felt like he was being sent to a horrible and painful execution. His head jerked in all directions for the answer. After a while, cart could be heard screeching on a new texture of flooring. They were in an elegant ballroom and people were in masks all around chatting. Suddenly a loud voice filled the room. "Ladies and Gentlemen! The entertainment as arrived!" it announced mischievously. Malfoy swallowed hard down his dry and parched throat and roughly him, along with other prisoners, were pulled out of the cart and thrown forward. The crowd erupted with cynically laughter. Malfoy looked around with hate and fear. Someone in a mask came up to him and kicked him in the stomach. Malfoy gasped for air as the pain hit him. All eyes were on him now and all mouths were laughing at him now. Malfoy closed his eyes, he was a guy, guys never cried! He choked out a sob as another kick came. Soon other people began to join in the beating, Malfoy was roughly pulled up and based to a Death Eater, who took out a knife and slowly slashed across Malfoy skin. He cried out in agony and pain. "Stop!" a hysterical voice screamed. Someone ran forth. An angel, she had a long gown on, it was of strange colors, or maybe he was delusional. But depending on the way the light hit it, it went from green to blue. Like those strange book coverings or something, they were shiny but depending on the way the light hit it they were change colors or positions in a picture. The silky gown folded onto the floor as the girl kneeled down next to him. Her golden hair and emerald eyes looked down on him with horror. "Malfoy?!" she breathed swallowing hard. It was Candle. Malfoy smiled dreamily. All the nightmare of the place vanished and he had a moment with heaven.
"Malfoy!" Candle shrieked. She kneeled next to him and pulled his head onto her lap. She began to cry. "What did they do to you?" she sobbed cradling his head and stroking him gently. Malfoy's skin tingled. "You're safe. Then he kept his promise, that's good." Malfoy joked dryly. "What promise?" Candle asked forebodingly. "Your safe and I live the nightmare instead." Malfoy asked tired. He was heavily tired but now he could actually sleep. Candle brought up her had to her mouth shakily. "You're so bloody! It's all my fault! Look at you!" she sobbed harder. Suddenly some Death Eaters came forward and picked Malfoy up and set him back in the cart. Candle tried to follow but other Death Eaters blocked her way. They rolled the cart of prisoners Malfoy was in of into the side where they couldn't be seen and continued the entertainment. Candle stood there shocked, scared, angry, guilty, and felt like she was going to die. She clutched at her stomach and tried to breath but then turned on her heels and ran to her room. Malfoy's eyes gloomily followed Candle's retreating figure as his glimpse of light left and his body was consumed with horror again. He wanted a way out now! He started shaking the cage helplessly. Realizing the bars were too strong he leaned back against them and sat there hopelessly. He brought a hand to his eyes and began to cry, he was going to go insane or lose whatever of his soul was left! Let it end! Let him die! He spotted something shining on the ground. He glanced over at the dementors cautiously. If he wasn't happy, which he definitely wasn't, then they wouldn't sense him leave. He would need to control his emotions and tried to not to squeal when he would get free. One thing to keep that under control was to remember that he wasn't free yet, he would never be truly free unless he escaped the dementors. One false movement and his soul would be fed upon. Glancing once more at the dementors, Malfoy grabbed the sharp object. Urgently he pushed it into the lock and tried not to make any sound, which the dementors were keen to. How would he escape this without them hearing him? Malfoy felt more loathing come over him. He would need to distract them. Malfoy looked around desperately. He saw a rock, it wasn't much but.... slyly he grabbed the rock and looked at it for a moment. He looked down the dark and gloomy hallway and threw it down. It disappeared into the darkness and a nice sound of it landing could be heard, which Malfoy chose this time to hear the sweet click of the lock unlocking as the rock made its own sound. Immediately the dementors turned their heads and swiftly went after the rock. Malfoy quickly slipped out and closed the cage door before the other prisoners could escape, which would do them both bad, without a creek and right before the dementors returned. Malfoy slowly crept away. He would need to get past the party visitors. A death Eater walked by, Malfoy looked back and saw the dementors returning. His heart quickened and his fear grew, he was going to lose his soul or die painfully and just when he was almost free....
The Death Eater spotted Malfoy and gasped, Malfoy went pale. Swiftly he grabbed the man by the jacket and threw him at the dementors' feet. He turned his head not to see and looked at the ground. He saw them man's mask had fallen off and when he threw him forward his jacket fell off. Malfoy looked around and then hastily slipped on the jacket and mask then crept on never looking back. The man died before he could cry for help, but Malfoy moved away from the sounds of ferocious eating. He was never a murderer, but the man was evil and a Death Eater, which made it one less to worry about, better him than Malfoy. Malfoy went across the ballroom not looking back and walked into the garden. He strolled around for a few minutes. The sweet flowers along with sweet freedom, it was heaven. He was finally free! But wait! What about Candle?! They would take her back to Azkaban if he was discovered missing! Malfoy sank to his knees. He had just escaped and now he would have to go back! Suddenly a light shown into the garden, and there stood his angel in all her glory on her balcony. Malfoy felt his breath quicken. Candle looked at him for a moment without her mask on and then turned to go back into her room as if the sight of a Death Eaters was disgusting, well actually it was. Malfoy looked up at her longingly. He licked his dry lips and then looked over at a tree by her window. His body was racked with weariness, how would he climb? He'd have to work on adrenaline alone. If he could get to her then he could find heaven like he did earlier once again if even for a few moments before he returned. Malfoy walked over to three and looked around, when he saw the coast was clear, he climbed.
She hated them! They were disgusting! They were no doubt still downstairs laughing and being snobs. Candle thought about the way Malfoy looked and what he told her. She let out a choked sob. Hot tears came down her face, compared to how she was, he had been through hell. She began to cry and she hugged herself laying on her bed. She felt sick. Candle got up and stumbled over to the balcony for air. Immediately she noticed hot breath on her neck. She gasped and turned around and before she could scream, a hand covered her mouth. Her eyes widened and slowly the hand was removed. "Malfoy!" she whispered urgently. He nodded numbly. Candle flung her arms around his neck and began to kiss his neck and cheeks and face. "I missed you!" you kept repeating. Malfoy felt the heaviness of relief and drowsiness overcome him. H leaned forward. Candle gasped and saw how his body yearned to lay down. Candle closed the door to her balcony and the curtains as well. She led Malfoy over to the bed to sleep. Willingly he fell back onto the bed with a soft thump. Candle took over his shoes which were dirty and had holes in them. Candle walked to the door and locked it and turned out the lights. She crawled into bed and then pulled the covers over her and Malfoy. She laid her head softly on his chest and Malfoy put his arm around her and his head on her own. Candle began to gently stroke his face and stared at him for a while. He looked like he was a king with his mistress. Candle laid her head back down and with a soft sigh closed her eyes. "I will have to return early in the morning." Malfoy's choked voice came. Candle shot up. "You can't!' she yelled. Malfoy covered her mouth. "They could come in here!" he hissed. Candle started to cry but held back her sobs. Her lips were trembling and she held a trembling hand against them. "You can't go. You just can't." she whispered choking. "I have to. If they find em missing they will take you back as prisoner. Do you want that?" Malfoy asked. " But this is all my fault! You need to escape and go back for help! I'll be fine!" she argued whispering. Malfoy shook his head. "I will find a way back. Just keep your balcony doors unlocked every night. I will come back to save us both. I haven't figured out how yet, but I will. For now you need to remain silent and let me do this. I know you don't want to but if you try to stop me you'll be getting in my way." Malfoy warned. Candle looked pale and dazed. " Promise me Candle, promise me you'll stay quiet for now." Malfoy whispered. Candle didn't respond, she was frozen. "Promise me Candle!" Malfoy hissed shaking her. She snapped up and looked at him. She began to cry harder but nodded. Malfoy leaned back. "Then for now let me sleep." He whispered. Candle still looked dull and numb. Malfoy stroked Candle's wet cheek and gently traced her lips. She looked up at him innocently with her eyes pleadingly. Malfoy gently leaned down. He softly laid his lips on her own. She closed her eyes and held her head back a little. He hungrily fed upon her lips and ran his hands through her hair and she did the same. It was their first real kiss since the play. Malfoy's hair was silky and dirty between Candle's finger and her own was silky and clean. Malfoy's heart was beating out his chest. His throat was dry and he started to cough. Candle shot back in fear. Malfoy began to cough harder. "Water!" he choked out. She shot up form the bed and ran into her bathroom. She came out a minute later with a cup of water, usually used to rinse her mouth after brushing just so you know it's not for the convenience of the scene. Malfoy gulped it down immediately. "You need food to." Candle stated pressing a hand against his thin stomach. Malfoy felt his cheeks go hot and his skin tingle. "I'm going to go get you something form the party real quick, stay quiet and rest, when I get back you can eat and then go to sleep." Candle said. Malfoy nodded and she left. Minutes alter she returned with a few items and laid them on the bed. They stayed up a while longer, eating and talking, and planning. After they ate Malfoy immediately went to sleep with Candle in the same position as before. He didn't have any nightmares that night but they never spoke of the kiss for the rest of the night. Candle pondered where exactly she stood with Malfoy and Oliver. Oliver had been distracted for some reason before she disappeared and she did care for Malfoy. But did he care back? No, he had Pansy. He was just desperate for her since he's been in Azkaban, which she would know about. She should stick with Oliver and just try to help Malfoy escape. No reason for her to ruin Malfoy's love life and make it complicated. She'd just get hurt in the end, she was chasing after something that was never and would never be hers. Candle gently closed her eyes and fell into deep sleep. When she would awake, would Malfoy already be gone?
Candle awoke to find herself being floated down a long, dark hall. She blinked, but her eyes stilled remained out of focus. She also realized that she wasn't chained up, just that some force was holding her by the wrists and ankles. Candle had to bite her lip to keep from whimpering it was so tight. She painfully turned her head, and, to her absolute horror, saw dementor on her right. She hadn't felt it's presence until now, and it was starting to effect her. Then questions came to her, like a wave of cold water. 'Why am I here? Where is here? What did I do to deserve this?' Candle then realized that she was glad Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Oliver, and Malfoy weren't there. 'At least they're not having to go through this pain' she thought, gratefully. She then remembered whom it was she'd seen as her captor, and she still couldn't believe it. 'No! It can't be him! I- it just can't be! I won't accept it!' but she knew that, sooner or later, she'd have to face her fear. The one person she had thought would be able to save her, the one person she trusted even more than any of her friends was her enemy. With this understanding, Candle silently allowed herself to be led into a room. She realized with a start that she was being let free, partially. The force holding her ankles and wrists suddenly went away and Candle fell to the ground in relief. She couldn't remember what torture she had been put through, she would never want to remember. All that's he knew was that her body still ached from it. With that, the dementor left, and Candle looked around the dark, dank room with mild curiosity. There was a bed in the corner, and a window at the far-left end of the room. With a leap of hope, she struggled over to the window and tried to open it. She pulled painfully but to no avail, it seemed also to be held by some force. Giving up Candle returned to gazing at her surroundings curiously. There was a small mirror and dresser in the other corner, followed by a desk, and chair. She saw that there was a brush on the dresser and two new sets of robes in the small closet, if you could call it a closet. Candle looked down at her own dirty, scorched school robes. She then saw that there was a shower, and bathroom. She thought it couldn't hurt to take a quick shower, and change robes. Peeling off her robes, Candle set the water on, which was really cold, not warm or hot, and tentatively got in. She didn't bother to dry her hair, it just dried straight, and smooth as usual. She then changed into the black robes. They were soft, and had long, baggy sleeves, much baggier than her school ones. They also had a collar that went to where her neck met her shoulders. Totally refreshed, Candle saw the bed rush up to her, as she fell onto it, asleep from exhaustion.
A dark room filled with nightmares and joy from misery was where the figure sat. "What should we do now with my son?" Lucius asked. The figure smirked. "I need it from that girl! She has what I want and in order to get it from her she might have to go through a pain worse than her torture." The figure said thoughtfully. "Meaning?" "Meaning, that we should hold a party on congratulating my victory of finally getting what I needed. But in order to complete this process, I say we bring the prisoners out as entertainment." The figure replied. "You're saying we somehow get my son to be the spotlight show in order to get that girl to give in. Sounds good to me. I am guessing you'll want me to arrange something so my son ends up as the main show for humiliation." Lucius said elegantly. 'Do you expect me, in my tired state, to do so?! I do not have my FULL power back yet Lucius!" the figure hissed. "Forgive me master! I was not suggesting you do it! I was simply asking if you wanted ME to handle it!" Lucius pleaded. The figure turned away abruptly and suddenly as if struck by lightning, the figure grabbed his throat and started coughing continuously. "Master!" Lucius gasped. The coughs died down eventually. "I need to rest my body, he is getting stronger! I feel his presence strengthening!" the figure said haggardly. Lucius nodded and turned to leave.
Ginny ran looking pale. She wanted to scream. "Ron!" she shrieked as she ran into her brother. "He's gone! He's gone!" she screamed hysterically. "They're gonna kill him! They're gonna kill him!" she shrieked even louder. Ron grabbed her by the shoulders. "Ginny calm down! Who's going to die?!" Ron asked worriedly. "Harry! They got Harry! They forced him to right this!" Ginny choked out throwing a letter at Ron.
Dear Friends, I know you all will miss me and worry about me but I am afraid I must go now. I can feel Voldemort more than you'll ever know and I believe I have discovered his identity, sadly I cannot solve this mystery nor explain to you who our enemy is. I am a prisoner now. I hope you all fair better at this mystery then I did, for solving it, was one of the most difficult and sad things I have done. Farewell for now. Harry Potter
Ron's eyes widened. "We need to see Dumbledore!" Ron croaked. He turned on his heels and ran fast with Ginny following. Dumbledore stared at the letter gravely. "This is very bad. Voldemort may just get his full power and influence back, and over's Harry's dead body." Dumbledore said looking pale and tired. Only a glint of hope was left in his eyes. Ron swallowed hard. "What can we do?!" Ron shouted. Dumbledore looked up sadly. "I'm afraid there si nothing you and your sister can do, Mr. Weasely. Except keep safe, wait, hope, pray, and try not to get in the ministry's way while they investigate this. We will try to get back Harry and I know how very close you all are. But this matter cannot endanger you no matter how many mystery's you solved in the past, this one is out of the question. Leave everything to us; we will do our best to bring back Harry. Meanwhile our security around the school and the world of wizardry will need to be raised greatly. We should tell the others and warn as many people as possible in short time. Voldemort may already have gotten what he needs and be on his way anywhere now." Dumbledore said gravely. Ron and Ginny looked down helplessly. "Do not despair entirely. For there is some hope. I will send someone to Azkaban, Voldemort's new hideout and most likely, where Harry is. We may be able to help him yet. Though it will not be easy to get in." Dumbledore explained. "For now, try your best to return to your studies. Leave everything to us." Dumbledore instructed. The two nodded numbly.
"What are we going to do?!" Ginny sobbed as she sat down in her room. Ron sat down gently next to her. He put his arms around his sister in comfort. "We are not going to do anything, we are going to do exactly as Dumbledore says." Ron answered quietly. Ginny looked up shocked. "A-Are you kidding?! He's your friend!" she shrieked at him. Ron remained calm, Ginny looked at him for a minute. Realization hit her and her eyes flared. "Ron, I'm not a kid anymore! I'm fifteen! I'm tired of you and Hermione all saving the day and not letting me in on any of it because you want me to be 'safe'. Even I know you'd never abandon Harry! But you can't just keep me out of this one! Too many people who are important to me are involved!" Ginny yelled. Ron sighed. "You really do love him, don't you?' he asked softly. Ginny looked down. "What difference does it make? Everyone thinks I'm a stalker and have a schoolgirl crush on Harry. But it is more! I know it is! But I'm too young, and besides, Harry barely thinks of me as a friend." Ginny said sadly. Ron didn't know what to say but when he opened his mouth for some comfort, Ginny cut him off. "Harry and Candle are both at Azkaban. We need to get in somehow. Now I was helping Malfoy devise a plan to save Candle, and I know how stupid it sounds, but I think he really does have feelings for Candle. Don't interrupt me just yet! Look I know you and Hermione aren't exactly talking to each other, but we need her help. We need to find a Death Eaters and somehow assume is identity. I'm thinking that Polyjuice potion you guys told me about that you guys used to look like Crabbe and Goyle. Anyway, we somehow keep the Death Eater knocked out or whatever. Then we sneak in and try to save them. I didn't know what to do when Malfoy disappeared so I couldn't carry it out on my own. But now I think we need to do it." Ginny explained. Ron couldn't help but smile at his sister. "Malfoy is probably at Azkaban, no doubt we'll have to save him too! I thought I'd never see the day!" Ron grumbled. Ginny rolled her eyes. "First we need to go see Hermione, and no offense, but if you talk, you'll most likely give Hermione the opposite affect we hope for." Ginny said. Ron glared at her.
Hermione sat down in her room. She heard a knock on her door. "Come in." she said unenthusiastically. She heard the door open and looked over. She looked at Ginny and then noticed Ron behind her and frowned. "We need your help." Ginny said hesitantly. Hermione looked at her curiously. "We need to save Harry! Ron and me thought that we could somehow keep away a Death Eater and assume his identity and get into to Azkaban. We would also save Candle and Malfoy." Ginny coaxed. Hermione sighed. "We need you to make a Polyjuice Potion. You're the only one I know of who knows how to and would do it willingly." Ginny added. Hermione shook her head. "Then you thought wrong. You heard Dumbledore! He's said for ALLA students to stay here on school grounds for our safety! They will handle Harry." Hermione said. Ginny looked shocked. "Hermione-!" "Just drop it before I tell an adult what your up to!" Hermione snapped. Ginny gaped and then slowly closed her mouth angrily. "You know what, I thought you were Harry's friend! Willing to save him instead of hiding your butt here! But I thought wrong. Come on, Ron." Ginny said angrily and stomped out. Hermione's eyes blurred as she tried to continue working.
This was hell. He just wanted out. He had heard people talk of this places misery and the living nightmare it was, but he had never imagined it like this. No happiness, no hope, and no clue as to what would become of him. Days seemed longer. All he had, was good memories to hang onto, this would be his life till the day he died, hopefully that would be soon, or till he'd lose his sanity. How was Candle? Would he ever see her again? Hogwarts? Potter? The Weaselys? Granger? How about any of the Slytherins, not that they cared? He was cold, pale, heavily tired yet he couldn't sleep because even then he couldn't escape the nightmare, no rest. He was hungry, thinner, and bleeding, the tortures, no, he didn't ant to think of them. He was bleeding profusely, but he barely noticed, as his body was numb and cold. Malfoy heard the door open and a very dim light enter the room. A deep foreboding came of him. A dementor stood over him and upon reaction he immediately started kicking and screaming. Malfoy was lifted up and he felt his screams increase in volume and urgency. Not that he couldn't scream too well, he lost some of his voice. Malfoy was suddenly dropped into a cart filed with other prisoners. Malfoy looked around fearfully. The cart began moving and he felt like he was being sent to a horrible and painful execution. His head jerked in all directions for the answer. After a while, cart could be heard screeching on a new texture of flooring. They were in an elegant ballroom and people were in masks all around chatting. Suddenly a loud voice filled the room. "Ladies and Gentlemen! The entertainment as arrived!" it announced mischievously. Malfoy swallowed hard down his dry and parched throat and roughly him, along with other prisoners, were pulled out of the cart and thrown forward. The crowd erupted with cynically laughter. Malfoy looked around with hate and fear. Someone in a mask came up to him and kicked him in the stomach. Malfoy gasped for air as the pain hit him. All eyes were on him now and all mouths were laughing at him now. Malfoy closed his eyes, he was a guy, guys never cried! He choked out a sob as another kick came. Soon other people began to join in the beating, Malfoy was roughly pulled up and based to a Death Eater, who took out a knife and slowly slashed across Malfoy skin. He cried out in agony and pain. "Stop!" a hysterical voice screamed. Someone ran forth. An angel, she had a long gown on, it was of strange colors, or maybe he was delusional. But depending on the way the light hit it, it went from green to blue. Like those strange book coverings or something, they were shiny but depending on the way the light hit it they were change colors or positions in a picture. The silky gown folded onto the floor as the girl kneeled down next to him. Her golden hair and emerald eyes looked down on him with horror. "Malfoy?!" she breathed swallowing hard. It was Candle. Malfoy smiled dreamily. All the nightmare of the place vanished and he had a moment with heaven.
"Malfoy!" Candle shrieked. She kneeled next to him and pulled his head onto her lap. She began to cry. "What did they do to you?" she sobbed cradling his head and stroking him gently. Malfoy's skin tingled. "You're safe. Then he kept his promise, that's good." Malfoy joked dryly. "What promise?" Candle asked forebodingly. "Your safe and I live the nightmare instead." Malfoy asked tired. He was heavily tired but now he could actually sleep. Candle brought up her had to her mouth shakily. "You're so bloody! It's all my fault! Look at you!" she sobbed harder. Suddenly some Death Eaters came forward and picked Malfoy up and set him back in the cart. Candle tried to follow but other Death Eaters blocked her way. They rolled the cart of prisoners Malfoy was in of into the side where they couldn't be seen and continued the entertainment. Candle stood there shocked, scared, angry, guilty, and felt like she was going to die. She clutched at her stomach and tried to breath but then turned on her heels and ran to her room. Malfoy's eyes gloomily followed Candle's retreating figure as his glimpse of light left and his body was consumed with horror again. He wanted a way out now! He started shaking the cage helplessly. Realizing the bars were too strong he leaned back against them and sat there hopelessly. He brought a hand to his eyes and began to cry, he was going to go insane or lose whatever of his soul was left! Let it end! Let him die! He spotted something shining on the ground. He glanced over at the dementors cautiously. If he wasn't happy, which he definitely wasn't, then they wouldn't sense him leave. He would need to control his emotions and tried to not to squeal when he would get free. One thing to keep that under control was to remember that he wasn't free yet, he would never be truly free unless he escaped the dementors. One false movement and his soul would be fed upon. Glancing once more at the dementors, Malfoy grabbed the sharp object. Urgently he pushed it into the lock and tried not to make any sound, which the dementors were keen to. How would he escape this without them hearing him? Malfoy felt more loathing come over him. He would need to distract them. Malfoy looked around desperately. He saw a rock, it wasn't much but.... slyly he grabbed the rock and looked at it for a moment. He looked down the dark and gloomy hallway and threw it down. It disappeared into the darkness and a nice sound of it landing could be heard, which Malfoy chose this time to hear the sweet click of the lock unlocking as the rock made its own sound. Immediately the dementors turned their heads and swiftly went after the rock. Malfoy quickly slipped out and closed the cage door before the other prisoners could escape, which would do them both bad, without a creek and right before the dementors returned. Malfoy slowly crept away. He would need to get past the party visitors. A death Eater walked by, Malfoy looked back and saw the dementors returning. His heart quickened and his fear grew, he was going to lose his soul or die painfully and just when he was almost free....
The Death Eater spotted Malfoy and gasped, Malfoy went pale. Swiftly he grabbed the man by the jacket and threw him at the dementors' feet. He turned his head not to see and looked at the ground. He saw them man's mask had fallen off and when he threw him forward his jacket fell off. Malfoy looked around and then hastily slipped on the jacket and mask then crept on never looking back. The man died before he could cry for help, but Malfoy moved away from the sounds of ferocious eating. He was never a murderer, but the man was evil and a Death Eater, which made it one less to worry about, better him than Malfoy. Malfoy went across the ballroom not looking back and walked into the garden. He strolled around for a few minutes. The sweet flowers along with sweet freedom, it was heaven. He was finally free! But wait! What about Candle?! They would take her back to Azkaban if he was discovered missing! Malfoy sank to his knees. He had just escaped and now he would have to go back! Suddenly a light shown into the garden, and there stood his angel in all her glory on her balcony. Malfoy felt his breath quicken. Candle looked at him for a moment without her mask on and then turned to go back into her room as if the sight of a Death Eaters was disgusting, well actually it was. Malfoy looked up at her longingly. He licked his dry lips and then looked over at a tree by her window. His body was racked with weariness, how would he climb? He'd have to work on adrenaline alone. If he could get to her then he could find heaven like he did earlier once again if even for a few moments before he returned. Malfoy walked over to three and looked around, when he saw the coast was clear, he climbed.
She hated them! They were disgusting! They were no doubt still downstairs laughing and being snobs. Candle thought about the way Malfoy looked and what he told her. She let out a choked sob. Hot tears came down her face, compared to how she was, he had been through hell. She began to cry and she hugged herself laying on her bed. She felt sick. Candle got up and stumbled over to the balcony for air. Immediately she noticed hot breath on her neck. She gasped and turned around and before she could scream, a hand covered her mouth. Her eyes widened and slowly the hand was removed. "Malfoy!" she whispered urgently. He nodded numbly. Candle flung her arms around his neck and began to kiss his neck and cheeks and face. "I missed you!" you kept repeating. Malfoy felt the heaviness of relief and drowsiness overcome him. H leaned forward. Candle gasped and saw how his body yearned to lay down. Candle closed the door to her balcony and the curtains as well. She led Malfoy over to the bed to sleep. Willingly he fell back onto the bed with a soft thump. Candle took over his shoes which were dirty and had holes in them. Candle walked to the door and locked it and turned out the lights. She crawled into bed and then pulled the covers over her and Malfoy. She laid her head softly on his chest and Malfoy put his arm around her and his head on her own. Candle began to gently stroke his face and stared at him for a while. He looked like he was a king with his mistress. Candle laid her head back down and with a soft sigh closed her eyes. "I will have to return early in the morning." Malfoy's choked voice came. Candle shot up. "You can't!' she yelled. Malfoy covered her mouth. "They could come in here!" he hissed. Candle started to cry but held back her sobs. Her lips were trembling and she held a trembling hand against them. "You can't go. You just can't." she whispered choking. "I have to. If they find em missing they will take you back as prisoner. Do you want that?" Malfoy asked. " But this is all my fault! You need to escape and go back for help! I'll be fine!" she argued whispering. Malfoy shook his head. "I will find a way back. Just keep your balcony doors unlocked every night. I will come back to save us both. I haven't figured out how yet, but I will. For now you need to remain silent and let me do this. I know you don't want to but if you try to stop me you'll be getting in my way." Malfoy warned. Candle looked pale and dazed. " Promise me Candle, promise me you'll stay quiet for now." Malfoy whispered. Candle didn't respond, she was frozen. "Promise me Candle!" Malfoy hissed shaking her. She snapped up and looked at him. She began to cry harder but nodded. Malfoy leaned back. "Then for now let me sleep." He whispered. Candle still looked dull and numb. Malfoy stroked Candle's wet cheek and gently traced her lips. She looked up at him innocently with her eyes pleadingly. Malfoy gently leaned down. He softly laid his lips on her own. She closed her eyes and held her head back a little. He hungrily fed upon her lips and ran his hands through her hair and she did the same. It was their first real kiss since the play. Malfoy's hair was silky and dirty between Candle's finger and her own was silky and clean. Malfoy's heart was beating out his chest. His throat was dry and he started to cough. Candle shot back in fear. Malfoy began to cough harder. "Water!" he choked out. She shot up form the bed and ran into her bathroom. She came out a minute later with a cup of water, usually used to rinse her mouth after brushing just so you know it's not for the convenience of the scene. Malfoy gulped it down immediately. "You need food to." Candle stated pressing a hand against his thin stomach. Malfoy felt his cheeks go hot and his skin tingle. "I'm going to go get you something form the party real quick, stay quiet and rest, when I get back you can eat and then go to sleep." Candle said. Malfoy nodded and she left. Minutes alter she returned with a few items and laid them on the bed. They stayed up a while longer, eating and talking, and planning. After they ate Malfoy immediately went to sleep with Candle in the same position as before. He didn't have any nightmares that night but they never spoke of the kiss for the rest of the night. Candle pondered where exactly she stood with Malfoy and Oliver. Oliver had been distracted for some reason before she disappeared and she did care for Malfoy. But did he care back? No, he had Pansy. He was just desperate for her since he's been in Azkaban, which she would know about. She should stick with Oliver and just try to help Malfoy escape. No reason for her to ruin Malfoy's love life and make it complicated. She'd just get hurt in the end, she was chasing after something that was never and would never be hers. Candle gently closed her eyes and fell into deep sleep. When she would awake, would Malfoy already be gone?
