35 Chapter 35 - Candice

I'm Candice. Candice Black. Daughter of the late Regulus Black. Half blood with a dead muggle mother.

Those words repeated as if stuck in a loop. She muttered it to herself too many times throughout the past years for it to not be etched in her mind. Her uncle was gone, but did she feel save? She hadn't felt save. No. The constant nightmares haunting her unconscious and conscious being. From memories to situations her brain came up with. Nightmares, was all she called them.

I'm Candice. Candice Black. Daughter of the late Regulus Black. Half blood with a dead muggle mother.

The Slytherin's shoes hitting the stone floor with each of her steps was the only thing heard in those corridors. She was summoned to the Headmaster's office. Why? She did not know. She had guesses, of course, but she'd rather it be for none of those.

I'm Candice. Candice Bl-

"Miss Black?" his voice made her halt in her step.

Why him? Why now?

The girl couldn't make herself face the sound of the swishing cloak as it moved to her. She was tempted to make a run for it, yet the increasing fear inside her, wouldn't let her budge. She crossed her arms in hope of hiding her shaky hands, and attempted to calm racing heart (though she failed both tasks miserably).

"What are you doing out here? It's past curfew." he spoke again, and his voice sounded closer.

On instinct, she moved away from his approaching form. Only a few steps, however it was enough for the man to realise what she was doing and stop in his tracks. The girl still stayed with her back to him, as she gathered courage to utter her excuse.

"T-the H-headmaster called f-for me."

Yes, her stuttering was worse as ever around him. Even though it had been almost a month since their... Parting. Although they never said out loud to each other, that had been the end of their exceptional relationship. Had she regretted it? Had he?

"Ah. I shall escort you."

Without leaving time for her protests, the man in black flew past her. The end of his long cape faintly grazed her calves, making the girl shiver involuntarily. After a few deep breaths, she followed him.

I'm Candice. Candice Black. Daughter of the late Regulus Black. Half blood with a dead muggle mother.

She repeated to not lose herself. It was only at the gargoyle - when he said the password and walked away - did she cut the endless string of her chantings. She couldn't help but stare after the dark mass that rather rapidly disappeared down the corridors. Did she miss him? Did he miss her?

Sitting opposite the twinkling eyed Headmaster, the girl felt ready to break down. It's not like she hadn't already done (multiple times) over the month that had gone by. Yet at that moment, more than ever, she felt like sobbing. The feeling was overwhelming, and the Headmaster's silence had not helped suppress her urge.

Candice opened her mouth to ask why he called her, but she shut it after no sound came out. She looked around to distract herself. Upon the shelf, behind the glass case, the Sorting Hat caught her eye. Why was she placed in Slytherin? Her qualities lacked the snake's vibes, and without Lyra, she definitely would not fit in. Did the Hat make a mistake?

"You're doubting your place in the school. Am I right?" the Hat addressed her and jumped in her lap, as the glass magically vanished.

The girl gave a meek nod, and Dumbledore leaned back to watch the exchange with curiosity.

"You were certainly a special case. Never once had I been so unsure to make sure you go to the right house." the Hat chuckled, "Do you not remember my words? I had to look deeper. You have a purpose in the house of Slytherin. A sort of assignment if you want to call it that. And you are yet to fulfil your duty."

Candice's expression morphed to confused, as she implored after her purpose. The Sorting Hat had assured her that one day, she will find out; that day was not the right day. The magical object lifted itself back to its place, and the girl was to face her blue-eyed elder once more.

"Interesting conversation you had there." Dumbledore noted then changed the subject, "How are you, my girl? Lemon drop?"

"F-fine sir. And no t-thank you."

"You seemed rather downhearted when you arrived." he popped a sweet in his mouth, "Any trouble on the way?"

The Slytherin stared right into the twinkles, and put the two and two together. The Headmaster called her at that time on purpose, having known the man in black was set to patrol those corridors. Dumbledore had been trying to nudge them back together, however he failed profusely.

"Excuse m-my bluntness sir, b-but what is it you wanted?"

"Straight to the point, just like Professor Snape!"

She knew that was a purposeful comment, to give him a chance to study her reaction to his mention. Candice kept a straight face; the same look she had every potions class.

"Still not talked yet, I see?" she shook her head in response, "You do know Severus would neve-"

"P-professor, I'd appreciate if y-you kept out of m-my private affairs." she cut in coldly, not wanting to discuss him any longer.

"Candice. I'm just trying t-" the Headmaster's voice faded as the Slytherin left the office in a hurry.

It wasn't until she was back at the dungeons that she stopped to breathe. She knew she was being unfair to him. Of course, everyone else knew that too. Lyra had been onto her all month, as well as Professor McGonagall and even Professor Lovegood. Yet, she couldn't get the irrational thoughts out of her head, whenever she was alone with him.

I'm Candice. Candice Black. Daughter of the late Regulus Black. Half blood with a dead muggle mother.

The words invaded her mind again, and a slight feeling of tranquility overcame the ever-growing tension.