Chapter 7: Time for school

It was Monday by now. Minerva sat in her office, looking out of her large colorful window and sipped her morning tea. It was 5am and the castle just slowly woke up. The day ahead wouldn't be all that busy, since a lot of students didn't return from their weekend vacation or stayed at the hospital wing. A wave of cold attacked students and teachers. Minerva blamed the constant wet weather, but more so the week immune systems of her students these days. It was because they never spent enough time outdoors anymore. But she welcomed the pause, since she had another task on her list today. The headmaster informed her that a quite strange guest would pay a visit and asked her to show him around. She was shocked to hear about the man. It just didn't make any sense in her head. Vampire and Doctor, how does that go together?

Taking another sip before putting the cup away, she forced herself to not let prejudices take control of her person. She was determined to meet the man with curiosity and kindness. After all Dumbledore told her, he was here to help the wizarding world dealing with his kind after all and she never really met a Vampire yet. They couldn't be all bad, most werewolf's she met up until now were quite interesting people as well. A few drops of rain splashed against her window and the witch took this as the starting sign for her work.

…..

Hermione went to breakfast at the great hall rather early even for her. Ron didn't talk to her after their fight and also the next day he wouldn't stay in the same room. Harry tried to talk some sense into his stubborn head, which only led to them fighting too. Now Ron ignored them both and stuck to his brothers. She felt miserable about the whole situation by now, her happiness about the new chance gone.

An open book laid next to her plate on the table and she appeared to read in it, but she was repeating the same sentence again and again, unable to focus and just kept the book there, so no one would try to chat with her. A trick she picked up over the past months and it worked better than expected.

Slowly the hall filled with more students and teachers, but she expected it to stay somewhat empty, since a lot of students fell ill over the weekend.

After a half hour of sticking to herself, Harry showed up and took a seat across her. "Good Morning Mione." He greeted her with a warm smile. His eyes showed dark circles under them and he put the tape off his cut, that gave quite the contrast to the violet shadows. Obviously he didn't get much sleep. Hermione felt an ill sensation in her stomach…..guilt. "I am sorry Harry, seems like Ron didn't let you sleep" She watched him filling his plate with crazy amounts of food. He shook his head "Not so much Ron himself, more that fact that he is angry with me now." He explained. As he caught sight of Hermione's hurt expression he regret his words immediately. "Don't bother to blame yourself Mione, he will come to his sense soon enough." Harry couldn't stand seeing his friend sad again, after she just gained back her happiness. Not because of him and Ron. That wasn't right. He would make Ron understand, no matter what. Oh boy, what had he gotten into? Hogwarts was supposed to be his happy place. He had to change the general mood.

They finished their breakfast, as Prof. Flitwick announced that a few classes were canceled, since some of the teachers got caught by the cold, that spread through the castle, as well. Harry was obviously happy about the news, while Hermione got angry about the lack of alternative classes. She was alone with her opinion on that one.

Their first class of the day was transfiguration with Prof. McGonagall and she looked forward to this. They would have time off the second and third class, so Hermione already thought about something useful to fill the time with. She wouldn't let Harry lazy around.

…

Carlisle followed the red line that was scribbled on his map, to find the school's entrance. Not like you could overlook such an enormous castle, but he had to admit that finding the right way in wasn't as obvious. He was thankful for the rainy weather, that way he wouldn't draw too much attention and couldn't distract any students. He really didn't want to disturb anyone. As he entered the big entrance hall, a little creature just appeared in front of him. It only reached up to his knees, wore a kind of old robe, that could have been taken for a rag and had long, pointed ears, an even longer nose and pink-ish skin. It eyed him critical "Sir, you aren't a student nor a teacher. Are you a parent?" Carlisle was shocked that the thing actually possessed the ability to speak. He shook his head slowly and knelt down on one knee "I am here, because I was offered a tour." The little monster nodded an disappeared with a snap of his fingers. Surprised Carlisle blinked as he was left alone in the hall. He got up and stared at the now empty spot for a while. What now?

After a while a tall, stern looking lady appeared on top of the stairs to his right and walked towards him quickly. She looked nearly aristocratic in her green robe and the black coat. Only the black hat clearly said 'witch'. Carlisle considered her appearance superior and wondered what Alice would say.

She came to stop before him and held out a hand. "Minerva McGonagall, Professor for Transfiguration and head of the house Gryffindor." She introduced herself proudly and with a voice, that had the firm sound of a strict but loving elder.

He instantly held a lot of respect for the woman. And took her hand, bowing his head to her in a motion that resembled a gentleman taking off his hat in front of a lady. He felt as if the old-fashioned statement wasn't out of place here.

Minerva was more than pleased with the way he greeted her. She didn't see such manners for many years. "You must be Doctor Carlisle Cullen, if I got informed correctly"

He lifted his head, looking into her fascinating eyes, they reminded him of a cat's eyes, "You are, Madam. Pleased to meet you." He couldn't help but let his Vampire-charms work their magic. "I look forward to learn more about this school. I was shocked to find out that I didn't find anything about it during my own research." He exclaimed with faked dramatic. "Surely you got told that I am rather new to your world." He admitted somewhat ashamed.

Oh this day would be more pleasant than she had anticipated, Minerva decided. This man had manners! She led him towards the great hall and asked how he got in contact with the wizarding world. This was the beginning of a pleasant talk.

….

Hermione and Harry sat in one of the window corners, working on their homework for transfiguration, that McGonagall gave them only this morning, when Fred and George disrupted them. Much to Harry's relieve, since he wanted to spend his time of canceled classes with something else than homework. Hermione wasn't so happy about it, but she was glad to see that the twins didn't avoid her, like their younger sibling did. In fact they told her how sad they would be about her leaving, but wished her all good in the world. She just started to like them a little bit more than Ron! Fred carried a pack of sweets, that forced their eaters to produce weird sounds. Harry took one and after a few times of chewing let out a really realistic 'meow'. After several attempts to convince her to eat one too, she gave in and put her hand into the box, grabbing one of the pieces at the bottom. As she popped the candy into her mouth, she saw McGonagall and a familiar blond man round the corner. Shocked to the bones, she tried to quit the process of swallowing the piece of candy, but it was too late. As the two adults were only a few steps away, Georg and Fred vanished like thief's before they got into more trouble, as Hermione let out a soundful "cock-a-doodle-doo" and tried to close her mouth with both hands. It didn't stop the noise from escaping. Harry laughed, holding his belly as he saw the scandalized expression on McGonagall's face while Hermione's face turned tomato red. She turned around, accepting her fate. "Prof. I am sorry….the candy…..Fred and George….I…..ugh" she gave up to try and explain anything and didn't look at the man next to her teacher until Harry managed to control his laugher and approached the adults as well. "Prof McGonagall" he nodded his head in respect…as much as showing respect was possible, half laughing. "Hello Doc! Thanks again." Harry kept snickering and shook the man's hand. Hermione felt even worse now, for not greeting the kind doctor. "Hello Doctor Cullen. I am sorry for…that." She didn't dare meet his eyes, and eyed the floor instead.

Carlisle smiled amused. Enjoying such natural childish behavior in such a wonderful school. "Hello you two. How is my emergency patient doing?" he stared at the cut in Harry's face.

Perplex prof. McGonagall turned to Carlisle and then to her student. "You already met?" she asked, but it sounded like a threat.

Harry suddenly realized that their secret just got lifted, but he didn't want to get Ron into trouble so he decided to go with a half-truth and hoped Hermione and Dr. Cullen would jump on the train with him. "Yeah when we were at the three broomsticks last Saturday my glasses broke and I managed to cut myself. Luckily doctor Cullen was there to help us out." He explained as innocent as possible.

McGonagall intended to lecture the kids for their shameless behavior, but now she felt as if there was some thanks in order for their guest. "It seems like I have to thank you Doctor Cullen. They didn't tell me about that incident, if I would have known I would have thanked you sooner, since the two are students of my house I am responsible for them. Please if you get any…."

Carlisle didn't let her finish the sentence. "It was of no consequences. I did nothing but put a Band-Aid on the boys face." Again he showed this perfect vampire-smile. He really didn't wish any trouble for those two, he started to like them.

Hermione broke the growing silence and tried to change the topic. "What brings you here, sir?" She asked curiously, facing the man.

But it was her Professor that answered. "He was invited for a tour through Hogwarts, but I fear I have to put it to an end now." Now she spoke to the Doctor again. "I am sorry there is much more to see, but I have a class to teach in a little while again." Carlisle looked somewhat disappointed, his curiosity wasn't satisfied yet.

Hermione had the same thought, as Harry already spoke it out loud. "Professor! Our next class got canceled, we could show Doctor Cullen around…..I mean if you would like that, sir." Hermione nodded in agreement and the Doctors face put on a smile.