19 Chapter 19 - Candice

Snape returned and closed the door. Candice heard him take a deep breath, before his head turned to her.

"So now that they're off," he paused, seemingly thinking how to phrase his questions "Will you tell me what this was about, Miss Black?"

The girl remained curled up and motionless on the floor, not looking to her professor. She felt as if - she knew this sounded crazy - the Potions Master already knew what happened. She did know he can read minds, but she didn't think he would have read her... Her thoughts consistent of embarrassment and shame, as well as hatred towards herself for many reasons. Just like in the past.

"Miss Black?" his voice now sounded irritated.

Alarm bells rung at his tone. She didn't want him to be mad at her. She knew it was her fault, and god she just burst into his room! Candice quickly stood and straightened her clothes. Despite her lightheadedness and swaying, she managed to hold onto the wall and speak.

"I'm r-really sorry, P-professor. W-won't happen a-again." she set off for the door, still not making the dreaded eye contact, but the black cloaked man moved in front of it.

"Talk to me, Candice." he spoke, with his voice soft as silk.

However she didn't want to talk. She just wanted to get back to her bed. Maybe talk to Lyra; not him. True, Professor Snape was probably the correct person to report such a situation to, but she didn't want to. The girl wanted to forgive and forget. If not forgive, at least forget. Candice didn't even want to end up in his classroom! Due to the wild chase, and her lack of knowledge of the whole castle: she got lost. It was by mere accident that she found a door that was open and a place where she could hide. When he cleared his throat, it all clicked of where she was.

The girl just realised the professor called her by her first name (which was highly unusual for him), and so she looked up at the dark mass in shock. His cold eyes seemed to now glow of concern. It made her think of the possibilities if she did report her attackers. No, she wasn't going to be a snitch. If Snape knows, it wasn't because she willingly told him. Not that she would expect him to do anything... After all, it was one Slytherin's word against four others'. Candice doubted he'd even believe her, nor take her confession into consideration.

"It w-was nothing P-professor. As I've s-said, I w-won't barge into y-your room a-again. You d-don't have t-to worry a-about it."

"Apology not accepted. I expect an explanation to what those idiotic boys out there wanted with yourself."

"N-nothing, sir. J-just trying t-to play a p-prank or s-something." Candice reached for the door handle behind him "B-but thank y-you anyway. N-now if y-you'll excuse m-me, I have t-to return to m-my dorm b-before curfew."

Please, please just let me go, Candice thought desperately. She even gave him a pleading look, just to be sure. He moved out of the way, towards his desk. The girl opened the door, and went to leave.

"Candice?" he called after her, as she barely took a step out.

She gulped. Probably a detention coming, she reasoned with herself.

"Yes, P-professor?"

"Let me know if they bother you again."

Candice wasn't sure if it was relief or something she felt as she nodded silently, then turned and went. She could still feel his gaze burning into her back, by the time she closed her room's door. Lyra took one look at me and approached with speed, throwing her book to the side.

"Candy, you look pale and puffy eyed. What happened?"

She almost laughed at her friend's bluntness and observing skills. They sat together on her bed, and Lyra was informed of everything. The vibrant girl was someone she told everything to - even about her uncle, in one of their late night chats. Candice really had no secrets in front of the other. She hoped that her vulnerability to her will not be exploited. By the end of her story, Lyra scolded her for not telling Snape, yet understood her insecurities.

Suddenly, a tap was heard from their window. Both girls looked up curious at the walnut owl, that held a letter in its beak. Lyra went to let it in, while Candice fetched a treat for the bird. The owl gladly flew away after the reward, and the brunette shut the window. She looked over to the other girl, who the letter was addressed to.

"Is something wrong?" Candice sat, as Lyra read her letter with a scrunched face.

"My...my dad. He's ill, again." she whispered, her voice almost inaudible.

Candice remember Lyra mentioning her father. He was a muggle, and had recovered from thyroid cancer a few years ago. As far as her friend mentioned, he had been keeping himself healthy and in shape and there was a very low chance that the cancer would resurface.

"Is it...?" Candice trailed off not really wanting to know the answer.

"Yeah. The cancer." she muttered wiping a few tears, "I have to go home. Be with him."

"Of course."

The girls felt anger against the muggle disease, and their helplessness despite their magical ability. They hugged and fell asleep in that position, Lyra to leave the next morning.

The following morning, her friend was in a rush, however she still made sure to tell Candice to talk to McGonagall about what happened. She even apologised for leaving her alone in such a time. Of course, Candice felt lonely after Lyra left, but she could never hold it against her. If she ever had the chance to say goodbye to her father properly, or be with him at this age... Candice shook her head, wanting to focus on her work.

Continuing her usual routine, she greeted Madam Pince in the library at the time of breakfast. She was glad she didn't bump into anyone unwanted: Slytherin boys, Snape, etc. On the other hand, she knew she would have to face them very soon. She could skip meals meal times; she couldn't afford to skip her lessons.