Chapter 3

A robed man with a huge tapering beard stared at Cassandra over his grand wooden desk. It was Dumbledore and he'd been staring at her silently for at least five minutes straight.
After her assault on Draco, Snape had called for Madam Pomfrey and then towed Cassandra to Dumbledore's office. She hadn't resisted. After all, she had broken his nose.
Snape had left her at the door, told her to go sit by the desk and speak only when spoken to.
And so, here she was, being silently examined by one of the most intimidating people she'd ever met. Wisdom was in the Headmaster's eyes, a sense that he knew everything you knew – and more. As if you were translucent to him and he could look through you like looking through a window.
Just when she was about to speak against Snape's directions, Dumbledore steepled his fingers and began to talk.
'I've been informed, Miss Aldaine, that you've had a slight falling-out with young Draco. Is that correct?'
'You could say that. But, Sir, I can explain—'
'There is no need, my dear.' He cut her off. 'Something that brings a person such as you to violence is something that deserves a punch in the face.'
An unexpected giggle burst through Cassandra's lips.
Behind his beard, Dumbledore smiled back at her but his face soon sobered. 'However, violence is not tolerated at Hogwarts and this cannot go unpunished.'
Cass closed her eyes and nodded. 'I know. I just … can't believe I did this. I don't know what came over me.'
What did come over her? She'd only ever felt degrees of annoyance and irritation, never the kind of fury she'd experienced before hitting Draco. She'd been like a different person. How was she even strong enough to break his nose the way she did? She had twig arms. Dumbledore broke her train of thought.
'There is no reason to fret. Simply apologise and it will set you free.' She opened her mouth to protest but Dumbledore continued to speak. 'It is likely Draco will not reciprocate, but being the bigger person is worth it.'
Cassandra nodded in reluctant agreement, hating what she had to do.
'Now, I will summon you again within the coming days to discuss your punishment. Be sure to make haste when this happens.'
'Yes, Sir.' Shame flooded through her.
'Good.' Dumbledore looked at his wrist-watch and his eyes widened. 'Look at the time. Head down to the Great Hall for lunch.'
Dumbledore and Cassandra stood and he walked her to the door. With a nod of his head, she was dismissed. As she walked away, Dumbledore called out once more. She turned and was startled to see him intensely contemplating her.
'Oh, Cassandra. Don't forget to resolve things with Draco.'
The thick oak door creaked shut and Dumbledore was gone.

As soon as Cassandra stepped into the Great Hall, she saw Draco in the crowd. He was surrounded by his groupies: Crabbe, Goyle, Pansy Parkinson and a few other girls who worshipped at Draco's feet. A bandage was over his nose, but there was no bruising. Madam Pomfrey had done a good job fixing him up.
Just then Pansy sat so close to him that she was practically in his lap and stroked his face with reverence. Draco smirked at her, pleased with the attention he was receiving.
Oh, God. I can't do this, Cassandra thought to herself. She squeezed her eyes closed and blew out a breath.
When she opened them again, Draco's eyes were on her. His face had darkened and he'd pushed Pansy away from him. Any will Cassandra had to go up and apologise disappeared. Her head had dropped and she was rushing for an empty seat along the Slytherin bench when Dumbledore's words came back to her. Simply apologise and it will set you free.
He was right. Cassandra would never forgive herself if she didn't apologise to Draco. Only he could release her from the guilt she'd feel every time she saw him. It didn't matter what he said to provoke her, or how much he deserved it. Cass wasn't a violent person who could be normal after hurting another person. It just wasn't her.
Steeling herself, Cassandra veered away from the table and walked as confidently as she could towards Draco. Just as she reached the posse, Crabbe and Goyle stepped up and towered over her, as effective as a brick wall.
'I just want to talk to him.,' she whispered almost silently.
'Wot?' Crabbe yelled thickly, leaning down to hear her better.
'I said, I want to talk to Draco!' She called up at them, these thugs who were at least a foot taller than her.
'No wa—'
'Clear off, Red,' Draco's voice rang out from behind them. The hulking boys stepped out of her way and she approached the pale-haired boy. 'Didn't you hear m-?'
'Shut up, Draco.' She snapped with courage she didn't have. Wherever all this change was coming from, maybe it wasn't all bad. Draco obviously didn't have the same appreciation for it. 'I've come to apologise.'
'Apologise? Are you joking?' Draco's eyebrow quirked in disbelief. 'Apology not accepted. In fact, I reject your apology. I will get you back for what you did, you ginger-haired freak!'
Cassandra flinched and stepped back in the face of Draco's anger. She barely noticed Pansy slink up next to her.
'You better watch your back, bitch. We share a dorm room, remember,' she hissed threateningly.
How could Cassandra forget?