I'm confused at myself

[Professor Cole A. Halliwell]

Cole knocked on the door and waited.

[Professor Hermione Potter]

Finished scribbling something on a parchment before sending Hedwig with it.

"Come in Mr. Halliwell." The door opens revealing my office to him.

[Professor Cole A. Halliwell]

"Hello professor. Do you have some time?"

[Professor Hermione Potter]

"I always have time for my students. Take a seat."

A high backed cushy seat pulls up behind Cole.

[Professor Cole A. Halliwell]

"Thanks." he paused before:
"I'm confused professor. I am always insulting people, including Hermione Griffith and Haley Gordon. I was alright when I first joined and it's going down hill. I've caused a fight and I've lost my date. I even had my wand taken from me by Ms. Griffith because I threatened Alex Malfoy when he was unarmed - answering a previous threat. I don't know what to do."

[Professor Hermione Potter]

"Do you have any idea about what you are saying that's construed as an insult? Also, just because someone has done something to you doesn't mean that you need to respond in kind."

[Professor Cole A. Halliwell]

"I'm not always sure. I say something and someone takes it one way. I can't always remember what I've said to insult.
As for reacting, I try not too, but imagine what happens when Alex Malfoy does what he does. I've managed to insult the most intelligent students in the school. Gain a bad reputation after more or less getting a good-ish one. I really am confused."

[Professor Hermione Potter]

"Could you tell me some of your seemingly innocuous comments that people are construing as insults?"

[Professor Cole A. Halliwell]

Cole thought for a minute.
"Remember when you were at the lake with Harry? I went over to tell people to stop laughing at you, thinking that you were still angry when Hermione Griffith told me that you were OK now.
We asked her about the extra-curricular club and she said maybe however I came out with saying that I could help her with her projects if she needed any help. She took it wrongly and then I asked her if she thought I was an annoying first year who shouldn't be asking questions like that. I told her that I knew that I would know if she was lying. I didn't realise that I insulted her.
Now that I say this I understand why she took it as an insult slightly but I still don't know why I said it."

Cole slumped further down the chair, angry with himself.

[Professor Hermione Potter]

"I see. I also understand why it was seen as an insult. Mr. Halliwell, what is something that you are really good at. And I mean really good at? Not something that everyone can just do randomly."

[Professor Cole A. Halliwell]

"What do you mean?"

[Professor Hermione Potter]

"Something that you've worked hard to learn to do. This is an exercise to help you understand why some of your seemingly innocent comments are construed as insults."

[Professor Cole A. Halliwell]

"Well I've worked hard to acheive at magic and at academic knowledge if that's what you mean."
Cole paused, sitting up.
"Oh. Oh right."

[Professor Hermione Potter]

"Mr. Halliwell, what you have to understand is that you don't know everything, and no matter how if you believe it, you are not the smartest student. You are smart yes, but you have to account for the abilities of everyone around you."

[Professor Cole A. Halliwell]

"I don't think that I'm the smartest Professor. I just know that I'm smart. I don't try to have a large ego or to insult people. It's just confusing. What can I do?"

Cole had sighed a few times during this little speech.

[Professor Hermione Potter]

"Mr. Halliwell, do you just say what you are thinking or do you think about it before you say it? It's important that I know this before I proceed with advice."

[Professor Cole A. Halliwell]

"It's a mixture of both professor. Please call me Cole."

[Professor Hermione Potter]

"Mr. Halliwell, I call all my students by their last name. Alright, from now on, think everytime you speak. I know you like to help, but first think about if you really can help them. Also, start believing that people are not all incompetent."

[Professor Cole A. Halliwell]

"Sorry about the name professor, it just seems strange that's all. I'll try and think before I speak from now on, I think I've understood."
Cole smiled
"You're a great headmistress Professor." he said before standing and thanking her, then started to walk off.

[Professor Hermione Potter]

"Good day to you as well Mr. Halliwell."

After he exits my office, I return to my paperwork.