Once again Hogwarts was in turmoil; younger students were whispering, giggling, and grasping at rumors, while the older population was crowding the hallway that housed the entrance to Dumbledore's office.

"Did you see him?!"

"He's drop dead gorgeous!!!"

"... run my hand through his golden hair... probably soooo soft..."

"We thought the DADA professor was a stud, but this guy's an Adonis..."

"I hope he's staying!"

"... new teacher? I wouldn't care if he turned out to be the new caretaker..."

The students' excited chatter came to a close as the gargoyle that guarded the entrance to Dumbledore's study jumped aside and allowed two figures to emerge.

"Well, it seems to me that it really IS difficult to hide you", Dumbledore addressed his companion with twinkling eyes, "but, since everyone is already here, I might as well introduce you. Dear students, as you undoubtedly already know, the feast at the end of the week will be given in honor of Madame Pomfrey. She has served this school and its students wonderfully for a number of decades, and it is time we bid her farewell. The man standing next to me is more than qualified to take her job; indeed, he's the most renowned Healer in the entire wizarding world – I'm sure you have all heard his name. It is my pleasure to introduce to you the newest addition to the Hogwards' staff, the man who will assume Madame Pomfrey's duties – Draco Malfoy."

The crowd erupted in cheers and whistles (especially from the older girls) as Draco nodded and winked at the students. Dumbledore's introduction was, once again, absolutely correct. Draco Malfoy was more than a qualified Healer to take over Madame Pomfrey's job; in fact, most students were surprised that the he had agreed to take it.

Over the years, Draco has gained as much respect as Harry Potter himself. With Dumbledore's help, he renounced Voldemort and his followers and openly declared his alliance to the Light. He studied hard to become a Healer and had saved countless lives; there was hardly a wizarding family that could claim to have never received the aid of Draco Malfoy.

His incredible ability to heal only made Draco more appealing; he has been the Witch Weekly's most eligible bachelor for the last year. Even Harry Potter had never accomplished that! But then again, there was probably no man alive that could have competed with Draco Malfoy's looks. He was tall (just a quarter of an inch bellow 6 feet) and absolutely gorgeous. His skin was flawless; his complexion a milky white with rose colored smears on his check bones. His eyes were a striking grey – sometimes they even seemed silver. They were deep, expressive pools, and many have claimed to having been lost in them... It's no surprise that all the female population (and a significant part of the male population) were awestruck by their new mediwizard.

Draco, however, was used to these reactions: he was in his element. His trademark Malfoy smirk (which took him a very long time to perfect) was in place, and he bowed slightly to the students. He grinned; a few girls swooned...

"Well, Draco, you should've come to work here sooner; you seem to fit in very well", chuckled Dumbledore.

"Ha-ha, Headmaster, I 'fit in' pretty much anywhere". Draco patted the old man on the back affectionately, and they made their way towards the dining hall.

The crowds, that the beautiful Malfoy heir attracted by his sudden appearance at the castle, dispersed when he disappeared. Only one man – a very well known man – remained behind in the shadows. His brows were drawn together in concern, and his eyes were glazed over; it seemed like he was gazing into the past. A cold, silky voice brought him out of his reverie:

"Mr. Potter, Professor, you wouldn't want to miss dinner tonight. After all, we have a new addition to our staff at Hogwarts", Snape bared his teeth at Harry in, what can best be described as, an attempt at a smile. He turned and started to walk toward the Great Hall. He turned his head slightly before he rounded the corner.

"But, Potter, I seem to have forgotten that you and Draco are already acquainted", and he left Harry to scowl at his retreating back.