ALICE'S POV
I couldn't believe my eyes as Dumbledore led us into the Great Hall. The massive stone room was lined four enormously long tables, one for each of the four houses, with enough sitting places for all the school's students and even room to grow. At the head of the Great Hall was, on a raised landing area was the Staffs table, overlooking the student population. Large banners and streamers lined the wall showcasing the colors and insignias of the school's houses. But none of this, as beautiful and epic as it was, held my attention for more than a mere glance. I was totally enthralled by the room's ceiling. The ceiling had been bewitched to look like the early morning sky, with the sun rising just off the horizon, birds flying and clouds passing overhead. None of the students seemed to notice yet I could not look away. The sight was so beautiful, so majestic that it entranced me. At another time, I'd love to stretch out on one of the massive tables and just stare and watch.
As Dumbledore led us between the two center-most tables, some students gave us quizzical glances. As we approached the elevated landing area where the teachers sat, we ascended five stone steps. From counting the chairs, it appeared that everyone was waiting for Dumbledore to arrive as there was the only one seat not taken at the center of teachers table which I assumed was reserved for the Headmaster. Dumbledore turned to the face the students and a hush came over the room. I could tell instantly the amount of respect the student population had for their Headmaster.
"Attention students. There was another attack on one of your fellow students last night" there was a large murmur from the students. "The student who was attacked was out after curfew, alone. I cannot stress to you the importance of these temporary rules and restriction."
Dumbledore waited for the student's full attention, "We do have guests who have come to assist in our catching the half-blooded vampire responsible for these attacks. I ask that you do not impede their efforts in any way and please give them any assistance if requested. It brings me great honor to introduce to you, from the all the way from the United States, we have the Cullen family, this is Carlisle, Edward, Bella and Alice and from the Quileute tribe we have Leah and Seth Clearwater. I have asked the Cullens and the Cleawaters to come because of the natural gifts and talents. Seth and Leah are Animagi," the crowd became totally silent.
"Go ahead Seth." Leah urged. Seth stepped forward with a cocky smile on his face, took off his shirt and kicked off his shoes, then jumped from the elevated platform, transforming to a wolf in midair and landed on the stone floor below. The students began to scream and jump out of their seats, some even climbed onto the tables.
"Silence!" Dumbledore bellowed. "I said Animagi, not werewolf. Seth is in full control of himself.
"And what kind of monsters are they?" asked a blonde hair boy with a weasley face, pointing at us.
"Mr. Malfoy, they're vampires." Dumbledore stated bluntly. "Ah yes, I almost forgot." Dumbledore lifted his aging hands above his head and with a gentle wave the magical sun on the ceiling began to rise, cascading down magical beams of sunlight. As the light touched our skins, our skin began to sparkle like thousands of diamonds.
The students seemed to be mesmerized by us, but the blonde haired boy with the weasely face shouted, "Look, they look like four disco balls" and began to laugh. Some of the other students at his table giggled as well.
Seth charged towards the student, letting out a fierce growl. "Seth NO!" I shouted and he stopped but not before the student yelped like a little puppy whose tail had just been stepped on. The other students began to laugh and point at him. I have to admit that I smiled too.
I looked to Dumbledore who had the faintest smile pursed on his lips, "Now shall we eat?" he asked rhetorically. Food magically appeared on all the tables at the same time. Edward's eyes bulged and were as big as saucers. I too was shocked by this awesome display of magic.
Seth exited the room only to return a moment later in human form. "Ms. and Mr. Clearwater help your selves to any seat that you wish" Dumbledore offered. As the werewolves…ugh! Shifters began to eat, I gathered with my family at the back of the hall. I knew that once Leah and Seth had finished eating that we were going to do a search of the castle and the grounds. Carlisle was not going to do the search with us. He was going straight back to the infirmary to assist however he could.
DRACO'S POV
How dare that beast charge me? Who does he think he is coming to my school and trying to make me look stupid in front of my class mates? And Dumbledore, what kind of an idiot is he? Just wait until my father hears that Dumbledore has brought an coven of vampires and two shifters here and gave them free reign of Hogwarts. My father will have his head on a platter for sure!
I'm sure with pain-in-the-neck Potter returning at the same time that these creatures arrived, means Dumbledore sent Potter to get them. Dumbledore is always playing favorites for his precious Gryffindor students. I don't get it. Everyone knows that Slytherin is the most powerful house and always produces the most dangerous wizards. I don't get why student and teachers alike don't bow down and worship the ground that we walk on around here. Instead all you hear about Harry Potter . . . I can't wait for He Who Should Not Be Named to do Potter in! Then maybe I'll get my moment to shine, my time is the sun. Instead always have to be stuck in his shadow. I hate Potter!
And that werewolf/shifter is mine. He really screwed up big time. I'm not afraid of his kind. I'm not afraid of anything. First chance I get, he'll suffer my wrath. Trying to intimidate me will be the worst mistake of his miserable American life.
"What's wrong Draco? You look like you've seen a werewolf." Sassed Pansy Parkinson as the other Slytherin laughed along.
"SHUT UP! Shut up." I commanded and they listened. Great now even Pansy is mustering the courage to make jokes at my expense. Oh yes, soon it'll be time to make that mutt pay!
HARRY'S POV
"Draco is so mad he looks like he's going to explode." I said leaning in to tell Hermione quietly. "I think Seth really embarrassed him."
"It would appear so." Hermione said not looking up. She seemed very distant and cold. Her worry for Ron was written across her face. Fred and George had tried cheering her up this morning but eventually just gave up.
"I have a good feeling," I said trying to sound positive, "as fast as those Cullen's move, I bet they'll have completed the search in no time and once they've caught the vampire, Carlisle will have an antidote and Ron will be back to normal."
"Carlisle said that he may be able to make an antidote. And who's to say that the half-blood vampire isn't faster than the Cullen's. What if they can't find and catch him in time. What then Harry?" Hermione asked, turning to me her eyes full of tears.
"We'll come up with something." I promised. "I won't let Ron die."
BLOATMAN'S CORNER: Thank you for reading! Please leave a review.
I am sooo sorry for the delay in posting. My computer has been down all week, so I haven't been able to write or post until today. I promise to more often!
Please on the lookout for the next chapter that I hope to have up ASAP. I don't want to spoil anything but I will tell you this…IT'S ABOUT TO GO DOWN!