Ahoy,

I planned on being a warrior with some magic, namely Alteration and Destruction, and now I think I've gimped myself, because I notice my Alteration is still at 15, whereas my one handed is in it's 40's, and so on. I've been using Candlelight, which is under Alteration, but the experience bar doesn't increase, or if it does, it does so slowly as to be insignificant.

What is the problem here?

Anyone?

If Candlelight is the only Alteration spell you use, it's not all that surprising that it hasn't leveled up much.

Gotta use a lot more than just Candlelight. Try going to White Run or Winter Hold and getting some spell books in Alteration. In Winter Hold, there are Mages in each of the Magic disciplines you can train with and buy that specific Magic class items and such.
I have been going for Mage.... but have been using one handed weapons, shields, and bows and such.... and have increased their levels without training or really trying, just a matter of using a variety of them and at almost a constant.

Thanks. Yeah, I notice things have been going up a lot while using a variety, just not Alteration. I just thought it would have gone up at least once. I'll definitely go buy some new spells.

Use the oakflesh, I think its called.

Skills now dont increase as in oblivian but when they are needed. As such, your armor spell will cause your alteration to increase when you cast it and enter combat.
Sometimes it actually increases anyway, but I found this particular spell to increase alteration very well.

Just dont forget restoration of course. The most important magic line for a melee class, and 2nd after destruction for mages, to atleast get a few perks in.
Resto levels naturally though so dont really take an effort. But to have novice and adept for half magica and +50% cure, is important, and also to regain stamina from heals later is very useful for any physical combat build.
Especially if you plan to use 1h and spells, meaning you wont focus on dual wield.