Vampire Hermione Granger, Professor of History

Hermione Granger, a vampire of only 150 years, stood behind her podium as she gave her introductory lesson as proof that she was capable of teaching the students of Hogwarts after concerns were raised by anxious parents. "The belief that vampires are destroyed by sunlight is a relatively modern concept in vampire lore, largely popularized by the 1922 film Nosferatu, according to Maegan A. Stebbins. In traditional folklore and even Bram Stoker's novel Dracula, vampires were primarily nocturnal creatures who were weakened by sunlight but not necessarily killed by it. However, the connection between vampires and the sun, particularly its harmful effects, can be seen as having some historical and symbolic roots."

"Vampires were traditionally associated with the night, often rising from their graves at sunset and returning before dawn. This nocturnal preference might have contributed to the idea of a weakness to sunlight, even if it wasn't a fatal one."

"Sunlight is often symbolic of life, purity, and the divine. Vampires, as undead beings associated with evil and darkness, are seen as being antithetical to these forces. Therefore, the sun's light could be interpreted as a purifying force that harms them."

She paused to take a sip of water. "Some scholars propose that the myth of vampires may have been influenced by conditions like porphyria, a blood disorder that can cause severe blisters on skin exposed to sunlight. People suffering from porphyria might have exhibited symptoms that could be misinterpreted as vampiric traits."

She reached into her bag and slipped on a pair of sunglasses, "I'll admit that I have a touch of photosensitivity which is why I wear these, but for walking around during daylight hours? It's never been a problem."

A hand went up, "What about drinking blood or the enticement to turn our children?"

Hermione gave that person to a patronizing shake of her head. "The drinking of blood is outdated and largely unpracticed. These days it's more likely for one of our community to take iron supplements and vitamins. There's too much of a risk of contamination from a sick human. As for 'turning' your children? Becoming a vampire is a personal decision much akin to joining a religious group. There are initiative rites and tons of studying that must be undertaken before someone undergoes the transformation."

After the lecture, Minerva welcomed her to the staff and introduced her to Harry Potter, "He'll be your assistant while you get settled."