Chapter 29 - Candice

Candice dreamed of many things in her life. As a little girl - hiding in a small attic with her poorly mother - she always stayed up to watch the moon glow and to allow her mind to wonder. She imagine what the big, wide world was like. She created her own illusion of what the future might be: somewhere she was happy, free and satisfied.

Laying on a caliginous couch, in the arms of the man she had come to love; she had finally felt truly content. The girl could finally attach a face to her joyous daydreams.

"I forgot to ask... Are you staying for the holidays?" Severus spoke, as he twirled a piece of her hair around his fingers.

Candice hesitantly glanced up at the man, before looking back at the roaring flames of the fireplace.

"I'm n-not sure."

Christmas break was mere forty-eight hours away, but she was yet to receive a response from her uncle. She supposed he didn't want her around anymore, and that she was to stay at Hogwarts. On the other hand, there was a small whisper at the back of her mind, telling her that Sirius could be unwell or perhaps hurt, and he would be alone.

"Candice?" her eyes avoided his, though he knew she was listening, "What's wrong?"

The girl slowly got up, his arms falling away from around her. She took a few steps away before turning back, her arms crossed. Severus sat up, his face radiated concern as his dark brows furrowed and pink lips slightly pursed. Candice hadn't told him about her uncle much. The Potions Master showed distaste whenever his name was mentioned, and so it never even crossed her mind to freely bring him up in a conversation. Although, she knew her partner had the right to know about her past. After all, Severus told her about his. She considered the thought before deciding to only tell him necessary information; for now.

"I was meant to be g-going home for Christmas, but I received a letter from m-my uncle a few weeks ago saying that I should stay h-here." her voice gave away no emotion as she continued, "At the time, I wanted to g-get away from here. I felt alone with Lyra gone, and w-wanted to be as far away as p-possible from those Slytherins."

She locked eyes with Severus, who was listening intently. He stretched an arm towards her (which she took), and guided her to sit back next to him. The brunette took the offered seat and their hands stayed interlocked.

"I wrote back to h-him. Arguing that I don't wish t-to stay, and want to go home. It w-was childish really." she shrugged, "I never got a response."

Candice observed her silent professor. He was looking away from her, his face scrunched as if he swallowed some cockroach clusters. However his hands stayed around hers, letting her know his negative emotions weren't towards her.

"Do you still wish to go?" he eventually questioned.

"I... I'd love to stay w-with you, if that's what you are asking. But I n-need to see if he's okay first." her voice gradually quietened as she said her last sentence.

"I understand."

His hands stayed. Maybe she was once again overthinking, and she didn't have to worry about her partner's reaction to certain situations. Candice attempted to keep her mouth shut, to not blurt out the wrong words, but she failed miserably.

"You aren't angry w-with me?"

Severus moved his head so fast to face her, she consider he might have got whiplash.

"Of course I'm not angry with you. True, I don't particular like your uncle, though he's your family. I don't intend to be a catalyst to the collapse of your good relationship."

Candice nodded in acknowledgement, unsure of how to respond. She was so lucky to have met someone like him. It still felt surreal to be around someone who cared for her feelings, who respected her choices and opinions.

Not long later, the pair was back in their original position of relaxation. They chatted about their day to each other. Candice talked briefly about her lessons, mostly about Transfigurations session and how McGonagall suggested that she should learn to become an animagus. The Potions Master chuckled and asked if her tutoring sessions were even needed anymore, as she had caught up in all her lessons and was already doing better than her peers. Candice sheepishly told him no, and that despite the fact, her professor aren't willing to let her go; instead they aspire to teach her more advanced magic.

"Apparently they enjoy m-my company." the girl recited Luna's words, who she became good friends with.

"Are you implying that they don't enjoy mine?"

"No! Of course n-not!"

"I'm teasing Candice. Calm yourself." Severus laughed at her frightened expression.

She sighed, feeling her face heat up. He laughed more. She made a mental note to see if there was any magic in existence to stop her from constantly blushing. Even though, she did love the sound of his deep chortling. When he settled down, the professor seemed to be lost thought.

"Do you have a way of getting home? Or was Black supposed to pick you up?"

"I... I suppose I know m-my way if necessary."

"Nonsense. Use my floo. And then if you want to return at any point, it will allow you through."

Candice thanked him for the idea, which of course the dark mass waved off. She was glad to have the option to return. Who knows what her uncle might be up to... The girl shivered at the thought of Sirius drinking again. Surely, he can't have gone back to his old habits, she hoped. Severus summoned a blanket, mistaking her shiver for the temperature of the room. She didn't correct him.

Slowly Candice drifted off, at his soothing touches of his hands running up and down her side. She barely heard his last words as he placed a kiss on her forehead.

"Dormez bien*, my love."

*Sleep well (french)