A/N stuff --- This story takes place in my imagined 6th year, I claim NO ownership of any characters except the ones you have never heard of. I hope you know which one are owned by Ms. Rowling! Enjoy! Please, if you flame, be constructive about it. Don't just say you hate it and leave. Tell me why!!

Popular Pretty Potions -=- Chapter 1 -=- Hufflepuff-ness???

The Dark Lord, He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, took Professor Snape's life after a horrendous battle last year. Some mourned his death, but many were excited to discover who their new teacher would be. This story begins Harry Potter's 6th year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Hermione sat with Harry and Ron and looked up to the Head table. Dumbledore clapped as the last student, Michael Zacharian, was placed in Hufflepuff. Straightening his robes as he rose he begins his customary speech of welcoming the new students. He turns slightly to the side and gestures at two oddly smiling faces behind him.

"Students I would like to introduce two new Professors this year. Please welcome Professor Sirius Black as your new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher."

The Slytherin Table hissed in contempt, and several students looked frightened at the name. Harry turned to Ron with a huge smile on his face. He said, "I can't believe he didn't tell me he was going to get the DADA position! This is going to be a great year! I'm so glad that he was formally pardoned, now he can go anywhere without having to hide who he is."

Dumbledore continued, "In case some of some of you don't, Prof. Black attended Hogwarts a few years ago. He has had quite a bit of experience in Defense of the Dark Arts, I know you will all respect him this year." Sirius winked at Harry's wave from the Griffindor table. "I'd also like to welcome a new Potion's Professor. We shall all mourn the noble passing of Prof. Snape. Prof. Gladys Llewellyn comes highly recommended. She arrived just today from Wales. She is an excellent candidate for Potions Master, I hope you will enjoy a refreshing new style in the potions lab."

Gladys Llewellyn was dressed in a dark brown robe, with Oak leaves embroidered around the top. She has long brown hair in a lumpy bun on the back of her head. She also has a mismatched pair of eyes, one a golden brown, and one a curious blue-green color. Gladys grinned and looked at all the students. 'They are fairly teeming over one another trying to get a look at me,' she thought. She heard Dumbledore continue his speech about not going into the Forbidden Forest, and turned to Mr. Sirius Black next to her. "I'm pleased to meet you. Since you're also a new professor this year, have you any tips?"

Sirius gazed into her pretty face for a split second before answering, "Don't let the students take advantage of you. Some of the students, especially those in Slytherin, can be aggressive and cunning." He mumbled to himself as an afterthought, "Snape sure was."

"What was that," Gladys asked.

"Oh never mind. Did you attend Hogwarts before," Sirius wondered.

"Actually yes. I was a Hufflepuff, I know what you're thinking, me a Hufflepuff?! I might not seem like one now, but then, I was very much the epitomy of Hufflepuff-ness!" She grinned at the thought, showing off her straight teeth.

"Is 'Hufflepuff-ness' a real word," Sirius asked laughing.

"Sure it is now! I am going to love teaching Potions. Did you know the old Professor?" Gladys queried, putting her elbow on the table, chin in hand. The food suddenly appeared on the table as Dumbledore said the magic words. Gladys started and said, "Oh this looks delicious! Please pass me that platter of ham." She left the former question unanswered and put her full attention to the excellent dinner which promised to fulfill even her endless pit of a stomach.