Harry was having a miserable day. He had gotten in trouble from almost all of his Professors, for forgetting to do his homework, he'd earned 2 detentions: One from Snape and one from Filch, and now he was locked out of the common room because he had forgotten the password.

Just then, he heard footsteps coming up the large marble steps and stuck his head around the corner. It was Ginny and Hermione, both had their heads stuck together and it seemed as though they were trying to read the piece of paper Hermione had in her hand.

Ginny spotted him first, and blushed furiously. "H-Harry, what are you doing out here?" Harry managed a half-smile. "Er-nothing, I just forgot the new password."

Hermione smiled. "Oh, it's 'passionate love'." She informed him promptly with a trace of a smirk. Harry laughed, the new prefect, Janaye Ryan, had just gotten a boyfriend, and was in a "romantic" mood, when it was time for the monthly password changes.

"Thanks, I owe you one, Hermione." He said and stepped inside the common room. Ron, Dean, and Seamus were sitting in the middle of the large carpeted floor, playing a game of Exploding Snap. Ron looked up to see who had entered and waved to Harry and Hermione to come over.

"Oh, sorry Ron, I can't stay, I've got a detention with Snape." Harry apologized, rolling his eyes. Ron laughed, "That's okay, I'll wait here until you come back." Harry nodded his thanks and left.

The dungeons were as dark, dusty, and dank as always. Looking around for Professor Snape, he heard footsteps behind him. "Oh, Professor, your-" Harry had just had 'here' on the tip of his tongue but stopped dead. The person standing there wasn't Professor Snape; it wasn't anyone he knew.

The witch smiled grimly. "Good, boy, you're here for your detention. Been waiting a while." She said. Harry didn't know why, but the lady scared him. "Er- where's Professor Snape?" He asked, his voice questioning. "Hah! That old goat was complaining about his back again." She snorted, "I'll be taking his place for a while, the name's Ryder."

Harry nodded. "Well then, we better get started. There's a potion I want you to help me brew, boy." She grinned evilly, her lip curling.

The detention didn't last long, Professor Ryder only needed him to chop up the lacewings and wormwood and stir the huge kettle for a while. After it was done, she had given him a pat on the back and sent him away. Harry didn't know why but she spooked him.

Who is this strange new professor? Find out! The next chapters are coming soon!