Chapter 2

Bella's POV

Once again, I was glad for that glitch in my brain. He wouldn't be able to know I'm here, thank goodness.

The seven pairs of topaz eyes were staring at Professor Dumbledore. I wanted to shrink down and borrow Harry's Invisibility Cloak—and make my blood smell normal.

I struggled to control my breathing. Murmurs had broken out among the students.

Dumbledore cleared his throat, and the whispers died away. "These are the Cullens. They are transferring in from the States, and are to be treated with respect. They are all exceptional wizards and witches. Dr. Carlisle Cullen will be helping in the Hospital wing and Mrs. Cullen will be taking over as Potions Master... Professor McGonagall?"

I looked back to Professor McGonagall. She called, "Cullen, Alice!"

It has begun…

Alice's POV

I glided forward, slowly, at human speed, and sat on the stool. Professor McGonagall sat the Sorting Hat on me, with a small amused smile.

"Ah, Alice," A small voice whispered in my ear, "Back again?" I chuckled mentally. "Yup. Dumbledore wanted us to help protect the school…Yah know, if you ever want someone to fix you up, just get Dumbledore to call me, 'kay?" I asked.

The hat chuckled, "Okay, hmmm…back to business…GRYFFINDOR!" It shouted the last word to the school.

The Gryffindor table erupted in applause, and I hopped down and headed to the table.

Edward's POV

"Cullen, Edward," Professor McGonagall called. I walked over and sat on the stool. I still can't believe you seven are coming back. I'm glad though. Professor McGonagall thought to me. She was one of my favorite professors—very kind and protective of the students, but a bit stern. She put the hat on my head.

"Ah! Hello again, Edward." The hat said. I suppressed a growl, "Just get it over with. No small talk."

"Okay, okay. Touchy…Okay then… GRYFFINDOR!" It announced the last bit to the student body, and the Gryffindor table cheered once again.

I absently went back to the Gryffindor table, and sat at the far end, separate from the others, near Alice.

I hated this place. Too many people that can easily guess our secret, too many reminders of Bella, too much everything. I hate it. I still can't believe that I left her. I hate myself for it.

Emmett's POV

McGonagall called my name after Eddie-boy.

I heard Edward growl at vampire sound volume. I apologized mentally, not really caring. He needs to get over his pride and the 'I won't change Bella because I won't steal her soul' act and go back and find her.

I sat on the stool and the hat is plopped on my head. "Hey, old Hat!" I think to it.

It laughs, "Hello, Emmett. Why is Eddie grumpy?" I frown, "Fell in love with a human and left her to 'protect' her. Regrets it, the fool…" I send it and image of Bella. The hat is shocked, "Why! That looks like…Never mind …so any good pranks lately?"

I think for a millisecond, and remember memories of the prank when I destroyed Alice's closet. It laughs again, "Good luck, Emmett… GRYFFINDOR!" I grinned and walked over and sat by Edward with the Gryffindors.

I grinned. Maybe coming here wasn't such a bad thing after all…

Jasper's POV

Instinctively, I sat down after Emmett leaves. The Sorting Hat was set on my head and I thought, "Hey!" It chuckled a bit, "I still can't believe you are all coming back…"

"Can we change it up, Hat? I don't feel like being in Slytherin with Rosalie again…" It told it. "Of course, Jasper. GRYFFINDOR!" It announces. I grin, and head over to the Gryffindor table.

Rosalie's POV

I was the last to go up to the dumb Sorting Hat. Well, save the best for last. It fell onto my head. "Hello, Rosalie. How have you been?"

I frowned, "Cut the small talk. Please put me in Gryffindor, this once. I hate Slytherin. Just get it over with. Please spare me…or at least have the decency to kill me." The hat laughed but exclaims, "GRYFFINDOR!" The Gryffindor table bust into applause. I smiled infinitesimally. They love me already.

Bella's POV

The entire time my would-be family is being sorted; I am staring at the table. Hogwarts was my last citadel of peace from the horrid reminders of my heart ache. Hermione is sitting beside me and she whispers to me, "I wonder why they are here…Do you think it has something to do with You-Know-Who's return?"

I look up to her, grimly, "Yes. They most likely are. I'd bet my Firebolt that they are."

Ron blinked in surprise. "Your Firebolt?! You're joking!"

Next to him, Ginny sighed and muttered, "Does she joke often, Ron? She hasn't since she got back last year. Not even a smile. I'd say she was dead serious. I wouldn't bet against her, ever."

I muttered thanks and waited for the Cullens' sorting to be over.

Soon enough, the 'kids' were at the table and Carlisle and Esme were at the Head Table, and Dumbledore continued, "And now, before we go to bed, let us sing the school song!" His smile grew and he continued, "Everyone pick your favorite tune and off we go!"

At that, we sang the school song, finishing at different tunes. I sang to a slow, sad tune, eerily similar to the usual funeral march-tune sung by Fred and George Weasley.

Dumbledore said, "Before we go to bed, one last reminder," he paused, looking directly at me, "Please help the First years and Cullens if they need it and be welcoming to them! At that, off to bed!" I sighed quietly, but nodded to Dumbledore.

At once, all the students jump up to leave. I stand, but before Hermione, Ginny or I can get away, Professor McGonagall is behind us. "Miss Swan, Miss Granger, and Miss Weasley?" she calls. We turn to face her. "The two Cullen girls, Alice and Rosalie, will be in your dorm, starting tonight. Show them around Hogwarts, got it?" She stares at me when adding the last sentence. I frowned a tad, but nod. This couldn't get much worse. Could it?