* * * Queries and Explanations * * *

Once Bella has fallen peacefully asleep in his arms, Edward looks up calmly to address his audience. "You have questions," he states, by way of invitation.

Dumbledore's eyes are sparkling with pleased interest in their unknown but evident relationship. He is amazed that Bella could feel so comfortable as to fall asleep in the arms of a vampire… a thirsty one, at that- let alone one of the immortal undead… and very glad to have been given the opportunity to ask about it. As headmaster of the school and foremost wizard among his mostly-human peers, however, he must unquestionably step forward and address the issue of safety first. "Yes, thank you," he breathes deeply, then asks carefully: "How are your eyes not red?" His tone is sincerely curious.

Unsurprised at this topic coming out first and foremost, Edward smiles wryly. "There are two reasons," he answers amenably. "The first you already know: I am thirsty. That's why they're so dark right now. The second, and most important, is that I don't hunt humans… or any other type of sentient creature," he adds belatedly, acknowledging that there are more than just full-humans present in the room. "My eyes are usually a golden color."

At this news, quiet sounds of amazement and relief spread through the relatively small crowd still remaining in the Hall- now situated mostly around the Gryffindor and staff tables. A surprised whispering picks up among those portrait characters that aren't shocked into silence. Over all the centuries of its existence, numerous bouts of effort with the wizarding world's indigenous vampire species has never yielded one who was thoroughly willing to accept the less invasive (and less appealing) human-food alternative that they were capable of. Now, here stands one of the much more formidable undead- who has! Can they even eat human food?

Up until this point, the Masens had not been able to conclusively identify Edward as one of their own, though he had seemed achingly familiar. The names 'Edward' and 'Cullen', both separately mentioned in association with this bronze-headed vampire, could have somehow been a coincidence. However, with the mention of his golden eyes, Elizabeth undeniably recognizes the essence of Carlisle's visage reflected in him- his gracefulness, pale skin, and perfected features- and subsequently realizes what must have been his key role in the picture… as well as her own. Finally understanding, and quietly communicating as much to her husband (with a whispered gasp of excitement), that it really is their Edward standing before them- she clasps her hands together as her eyes tear up, full of pride at how he's handled the situation.

Although his parents seem to have responded positively to the revelation, a fact which brings Edward a considerable amount of relief, he nevertheless remains nervous about bringing attention to their relation to him. It's not a little thing, to have become exposed as a vampire… let alone within an easily prejudiced magical world… and he doesn't want his status to become a stain against them.

"Outstanding!" the headmaster honors him in a reverent tone."But then-" confusion crosses his expression with the thought of how much hostility has been aimed at them, "why are you still here?" he wonders, curious about the fact that they've stayed around when it would have undoubtedly been easier for them to have disappeared from public view already… especially as tired as she is.

"Because I'm inside your wards," Edward replies simply. "Being that it was not my intention to create a panic, it seemed advisable to stick around and offer the explanation you needed."

"Thank you for that," Dumbledore appreciates freely, his relieved thoughts weighted with awareness of what the alternative could have been. "I'm… Albus Dumbledore, by the way," he inclines his head slightly in a bow of greeting- which seems the most accommodating gesture of welcome for this unique scenario, "headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. These…" he gestures with his hand "would be some of the- braver- staff and students of Hogwarts. Please, I hope you will allow me to apologize for our less-than-welcome behavior in response to you. I'm afraid it's because we've never met anyone like you before, and have only ever heard of the worst. On behalf of my school, and the majority of the Wizarding World I'd like to hope- we truly mean no offense. I hope you understand."

Edward smiles gently. "I do, thank you. There are not so many of us who live non-traditionally, that you'd have been likely to hear of it… and I don't know of any who reside in Europe. Nevertheless," with a brief glance, he acknowledges his parents' presence among their resident portrait characters, "I rather believe you know more about me than you think you do."

In curiosity, Albus looks briefly at the crowded portrait in question, and then back to Edward- trying to decipher his meaning. However, Edward doesn't offer anything further.

Presently, the headmaster's thoughts return to the goblet of fresh blood Edward had calmly disregarded earlier- which presumably embodied the greatest temptation this whole experience could have afforded to any vampire- and amazedly wonders aloud: "How is it that you are able to stand so calmly in the face of temptation?" All accounts have clearly indicated that the smell of fresh blood instinctually triggers lethal action.

Edward looks at him seriously. "You could not possibly offer me anything more potent than I already have in my arms," indicating Bella. "And," speaking more softly, but with an edge of warning, he continues: "I will not let anything hurt her."

"She knows this." Albus points out keenly, awed and hoping for confirmation. She clearly trusts him implicitly… and apparently has more appeal than even the fresh blood from before! Extraordinary! His eyes twinkle with nearly-unbridled excitement at the unimaginable reality of this non-threatening predator in their midst. Every eye in the hall is riveted on their conversation.

Edward nods, and smiles affirmatively. "Yes," his tone is reverently affectionate. "She's a Gryffindor if ever I saw one."

She certainly is brave; I'll give him that! And his will is impressive. "But… she can't do magic…" the headmaster puzzles aloud, trying to clarify. Gryffindor is a distinctly magical identification, after all… as well as being unique to Hogwarts. Did he hear about it from one of us?

Reflecting upon the peculiar coincidences of Delores' raincloud, Bella's flying jacket, and the implications of Dumbledore's vampire-core wand, Edward regards Bella with an odd look. "I'm not so sure," he muses.

Dumbledore is abruptly fascinated by his response, and his genuine curiosity is evident. This sounds like a new development. Could it have something to do with his presence here? …or their relationship, perhaps?! "Who is she to you?" Albus finally proposes the question he's been most interested to have answered, ever since he noticed their connection.

Edward glances tenderly at the image of Bella in his arms, and sighs with longing- wishing he knew if she could, and desperately hoping that she will take him back. "She is my love," he says simply.

A muffled squeal of excitement is heard around the room, coming from one of the portrait's occupants. Edward smiles to himself, pleased at his mother's happiness. Glancing up discreetly, he winks at her warmly in acknowledgement. Dumbledore notices the curious exchange.

Beside the headmaster, Professor Snape has come to realize an intensely pained but profound respect for the vampire in front of him- in acknowledgement of the fact that Edward has managed to do what he was unable to accomplish: both win the affection of his Love, and keep her safe from an untimely death. Oh, but that I could have done that also!

If only I knew that were true, Edward frets sadly. But at the very least, here and now we are alive... and together,he rejoices quietly, hugging Bella just a little closer to himself as he treasures the moment. I don't know how we ever got so lucky as to be this way, but I can't discount the blessing.

In light of this reverent conclusion, and in respectful deference to the unwielded power clearly at the vampire's command, the bright Potions Master discontinues his spit-fire defense.

It turns out to be a very proper-looking witch who humbly ventures to ask the next question of him; the deputy headmistress, in fact. Her gratefully relieved demeanor is cautiously optimistic, and her tentative voice carries an undercurrent of strong determination. There's one more thing I have to know. "If I may ask… what made you think to defend her from Albus?" It really concerns her that Edward had been so ready to attack he who is their leader on the side of light. Albus is so deeply respected among them that it would have been a devastating blow… and not only for her. Truly, it would have been a dark victory against all the ideals they stand for. She can't just let such a threat slide. The good headmaster has clearly earned her loyalty; she won't be able to stand down her defense (incidentally comprised of the animated silverware army at her command) without a suitable explanation of this event.

Edward smiles at the ironic memory. "Well…" he carefully chooses the best way to answer her, "let's just say that my senses tell me a lot more, about my environment, than your senses tell you. Every wand puts forth a scent when it's used… and it's because of this, that this room smells like a veritable zoo- filled with all kinds of fantastically mythical creatures. What I didn't expect, however, was to smell another vampire among them. It was a little disconcerting." Indeed, when he had first come on to Hogwarts' grounds- the odd traces of faded vampire scent scattered over the area had made the establishment appear no less frequented by the presence of his kind, than any other location might be. Now he knows better.

Everyone in the room is abruptly and thoroughly shocked. No one more so than Albus, however, who- though he had secretly known his wand to have been one of legendary power- had never suspected this. Apparently, no one had known that such was even possible. They'd never imagined a vampire-core wand before, having believed (or hoped, perhaps) that the most dangerously powerful predators out there were incapable of magic. So… the fact that one already exists is singularly significant: Vampires are magical creatures. Such evidence is indisputable. Most don't want to believe it.

Truly, Albus notices, it is a frightening revelation… but also a very powerful and bewildering one. How did it happen? (Maybe a wizard turned vampire was involved?) But then… why would they have never put that capability to use? (Magical forensics should have been able to pick up some trace of vampire magic, over all these years… but they never have.) And now, it appears that he may no longer be the only one aware of the unbeatable power his wand legendarily represents. Not an ideal situation. Sigh.

Edward's apologetic expression is surprisingly sympathetic. "I take it that this is news to you," he intones softly. This is not good; I wish Alice had been available to help me avoid this. He hadn't known this information would put the headmaster into such a potentially life-threatening social position, or so much more thoroughly scare the wizarding world with its implications.

"Yes," Dumbledore smiles back in subdued but cheerful reassurance. He holds no hard feelings against Edward for the unintentional exposé, and neither is he willing to let the more personally precarious situation dampen his outlook. "It certainly is fascinating!" he observes complimentarily. That's an understatement. I wonder if he'd ever be willing to help us test out some of what undiscovered potential this most unique discovery suggests…

A/N: Thank you for your support and encouragement!