Chapter 15: Change of Mind

"But, Headmaster Dumbledore, you can't do that," I began.

"I assure you, I can," Dumbledore interrupted.

"I know you can, but please don't. Its all my fault, if anyone should be expelled it should be me. I caused all this trouble," I pleaded.

"Ms. Linsel, if I let Mr. Weasley and Mr. Malfoy stay, you must do something for me, then."

"Anything, Headmaster."

"I prohibit you from seeing Draco Malfoy for the rest of the school year. You must not talk to him, look at him, send him owls, no form of communication whatsoever with him. Is that understood?"

I nodded silently.

"Now, go to class, and I will call for both Weasley and Malfoy shortly to give them the news."

"Yes, Headmaster Dumbledore."

I walked out of his office, and walked back to Snape's class. Apparently, we had already changed classes, but I saw my books near my desk. I went over to get it, but Snape saw me from his office.

"Miss Linsel, would you come in here please," he called to me. I walked over quickly.

"Yes, Professor Snape?"

"We need to talk..."

"About?"

"Don't get stupid with me!"

I looked down at my shoes. "Sorry," I said quietly.

"Look at me!" He yelled. I looked up at him. I was so afraid of what he'd do next. He moved his hand toward my face.

'Please dont hit me,' I thought.

He caressed my cheek. "You are a beautiful girl, pure, innocent, and if I made you feel unclean in any way please forgive me. I must also appologize for yelling at you, and having such a strong tone when speaking to you. I dont mean to frighten you."

I looked into his eyes. His look was so sincere, so truthful. "I forgive you, Professor." He kissed me, gently, softly. He pulled away, and I stepped back. He nodded and I walked out of his office. I grabbed my books and left to Defense Against the Dark Arts. I walked in quietly to class, and saw Lulu. She waved at me to go sit with her.

Lunch

"So, what happened?" Lulu asked, taking a bite of her bread.

"Well, Dumbledore was going to expell them both, but I begged him not to. I just have to cut off all communication with Draco, but that's easy. Anyway, how are things going with Harry?" She and Harry had gotten together after Draco left her. She seemed much happier now.

"Oh, we're doing great. We're very happy," she looked towards him, and winked.

Ron walked into the Great Hall, and shortly after Draco did the same.

"Hey, babe," Ron said, kissing me, "thanks for everything."

"No problem," I said. Hermione looked over from her table, and I kissed Ron. She just about turned green. Lulu couldnt help but laugh, and shot pumpkin juice out of her nose. Ron looked confused as usual, and I burst out laughing. Ron left to his table for lunch.

Shortly after some talking and more laughing, lunch was over. Lulu, Harry, Ron, and I walked outside to visit Hagrid in the few minutes we had 'til our next class. On our way out, I saw Draco. He looked at me, and I looked away quickly.

"So, how're ye kids doin?" Hagrid asked us.

"We're doing great," Harry answered. We all nodded.

"Ye know, ye kids be graduating soon. Any ideas what ye gonna do when ye leave?"

"Three weeks to be exact," Lulu said, "I want to be a professor."

"I want to be a journalist for the Daily Prophet," said Ron.

"I want to be an interior designer," I said. They all looked at me.

"That's a muggle job," said Harry.

"So?" I said.

"Well, kids, that doesnt matter, let Hazel do whatever she wants," Hagrid said, "Ye kids better get back to yer classes. Yer gonna be late."