Candice received exactly two letters on the morning of the day of Halloween. One from her uncle and another from Lyra. Both arrived at breakfast, and yet neither were opened until the evening came about. Was she procrastinating from opening them? Maybe.
She hadn't seen Professor Snape at all that day. In the morning - when visiting his class for her potions - he was not there. He had left a note for her however (seemingly from the night before), alongside her daily vials. Her Head of House was not present neither at breakfast nor lunch. By the time dinner rolled around, she wasn't even surprised to find his seat empty. His absence was a bit strange, but Candice knew she had no right to know where he was; whether he was safe and well or not... Though, she did really want to know. She wasn't sure why. Did she care about him? Well, that was a bit too obvious, even if she didn't want to admit.
The Headmaster cancelled classes for that day and the following, as many muggleborn students wanted to throw a Halloween party. The Slytherin decided she was best staying in her room for the night. After all, her friend was still away, and Snape - wait, why did she consider attending the party with her professor? Candice frantically shook her head from the inappropriate thoughts.
True, she had brewed more and more these days with the Potions Master. It had become a new norm, for her to visit him some nights and help him out. Of course, she knew he didn't need the help! Yet for some reason, he tolerated her presence and it was actually... a nice experience. Or at least Candice enjoyed her time brewing. It was educational and calming. Not to mention that she got to stare at her sexy professor! The girl's eyes widened in disbelief. Did she really just think that? Her face flushed, and for once, she felt glad she was alone in the room.
Eventually, she found herself reaching for the two letters she received at breakfast. She sighed observing the envelopes, refraining from opening them. In all honesty: she was scared. Candice was terrified of what her best friend had to say. Perhaps that her father passed? Or that she was never returning to Hogwarts? The Slytherin hoped neither of her theories were correct, but she couldn't help and expect the worst.
And then there was the letter from Sirius. They haven't really had any contact since their tearful goodbye at King's Cross. She sent him some brief letters (trying to highlight her positive experiences at the school) but he never wrote back. Was he okay? The girl wondered several times. Although, instead of dwelling on it, she decided to push away her worries until the Christmas break came about. After all, she was meant to return home then. Did he change his mind? He likely is better off without her...
Having fought away her horrid predictions of the contents, Candice opened Lyra's letter first:
Dear Candy,
Hope you are well! To begin with, I'd like to apologise... I'm sorry I left you in such a hurry and at such a bad time! I'm also very sorry for not contacting you sooner. Softy (my owl) has been on constant errands to make sure I'm up to date with my lessons. It was very lucky for me to catch her just now - praying that this does get to you.
I'm sure you are wondering the dreaded outcome of my father's health: he is well! I know, it's a miracle. You don't know how happy I am! He is still recovering for a while, but if all goes well, I should be back with you at Hogwarts after Christmas!
Oh shoot, I have to stop there or Softy will bite my fingers off....
Take care,
Lyra
Feeling instantly better, Candice opened Sirius letter next, without hesitation. Unlike with her friend's, the parchment was small, and the writing was unkempt. Ink blotches scattered around the page. An uneasy feeling twisted her gut as she read his short message:
Candice,
I wanted to let you know that it is better if you stay at Hogwarts for Christmas. It's due to nothing of significance, but for the reason that you are enjoying yourself from what I gathered.
Have fun.
Darn it! She knew those stupid positive letters weren't going to end well. The Slytherin instantly summoned some parchment, ink and a quill and replied to her uncle - nearly begging - to let her home for the holidays. It wasn't that she didn't love Hogwarts... It was about the people in the castle. People like Dais Penmark, who she knew was staying over the break. Candice wanted to as far away from him as possible.
Not long later, she back in her bed; now under the covers. Her eyes drooped, yet her thoughts never left a certain man in black.
"My Lord - let me go to the boy - "
"All this long night, when I am on the brink of victory, I have sat here," said Voldemort, his voice barely louder than a whisper, 'wondering, wondering, why the Elder Wand refuses to be what it ought to be, refuses to perform as legend says it must perform for its rightful owner... and I think I have the answer."
Snape did not speak.
"Perhaps you already know it? You are a clever man, after all, Severus. You have been a good and faithful servant, and I regret what must happen."
"My Lord -"
"The Elder Wand cannot serve me properly, Severus, because I am not its true master. The Elder Wand belongs to the wizard who killed its last owner. You killed Albus Dumbledore. While you live, Severus, the Elder Wand cannot truly be mine."
"My Lord!" Snape protested, raising his wand.
"It cannot be any other way," said Voldemort. "I must master the wand, Severus. Master the wand, and I master Potter at last."
And Voldemort swiped the air with the Elder Wand. It did nothing to Snape, who for a split second seemed to think he had been reprieved; but then Voldemort's intention became clear. The snake's cage was rolling through the air, and before Snape could do anything mmore than yell, it had encased him, head and shoulders, and Voldemort spoke in Parseltongue.
Severus didn't speak the language, yet he knew instantly what it meant. He let out a terrible scream as his face lost the little colour it had left and his black eyes widened. The snake's fangs pierced his neck, as he failed to push the enchanted cage off himself. His knees gave away and he fell to the floor.
"I regret it." said Voldemort coldly.
He lifted the cage upwards, off Snape, who fell sideways on to the floor, blood gushing from the wounds in his neck.
Candice's eyes snapped open, tears freely rolling down her face. Her throat rasp, as if she had been screaming for hours. Technically she had been; in her head. The sight of Severus Snape laying on the ground surrounded by his own blood made the girl jump to her feet and run out of her room. She had no idea how she knew which turns to take as she finally found herself in front of her Head of House's chambers.