** Disclaimer. I don't own any of the characters mentioned in the following story, save for Miora Lafayette. **

(NOTE! This takes place in Harry, Ron, and Hermione's sixth year, although the focus of the story isn't to continue things from the last book. So don't nag about things not being correct.)

School at Hogwarts was back in session. As the students stepped off of the Hogwarts Express and into their boats or coaches, it seemed as though things had changed. Indeed, they had. As our favorite trio entered and took their seats in the great hall, there was a quiet buzz going about the room. It was about the new Defense against the Dark Arts teacher. Nobody knew who it was. well, nobody really WANTED to know.

After all, the past five hadn't been the most admirable bunch of people. An incarnation of Voldemort, an egotistical (now brainwashed) celebrity, a werewolf, another incarnation of voldemort (kind of...) and a ministry of magic control freak.

"I," said Ron, as he shoved a piece of bread into his mouth, "heard she's a vampire."
"I find that highly unlikely." Hermione replied matter-of-factly.
"I dunno." Harry said, shrugging. "A vampire would fit right in.the lessons would be very hands-on, no?"
"Would you WANT them to be?" Ron said, turning slightly pale.
"No, she's not a vampire." interrupted Neville, from a few seats away. "My Gran heard that's she's related to Prof. McGonagall."

This statement gave them all an image of a strict, honest, hair-in-a- tight-bun old woman. But before they could discuss it, Professor Dumbledore rose to his feet. The entire hall grew silent.

"Students! Welcome back to Hogwarts. All new students please report to your prefects promptly following dinner for the rules, regulations, and passwords for your common rooms. We all looks forward to a learning filled year. And now, I would like to introduced you all to the newest addition to our faculty here at Hogwarts. Her name is Professor Lafayette." He motioned over toward a young, nervous looking witch. "Stand up, Miora." He added in an undertone.

Prof. Lafayette stood up, and made her way to Dumbledore's side. A few seconds later, collectively every male in the room was staring at her. She was tall, and her hair was blonde in a short, Marilyn Munroe-style, save for a few faint red streaks. Her skin was milky white, and her hazel eyes peered out from behind thick black lashes. She was fat nor thin, simply solid. She was curvy, although not so much that it would have made her look sleazy. No, in fact, her beauty was of an elegant air. She was impressive yet oddly intimidating. She waved at the crowd and smiled, as though she didn't notice the outpouring of attention towards her. Then she sat back down.

As the students began to file out of the hall, it seemed as though she was all that people were talking about. Things like "She's a goddess" and "stunning." came out of the mouths of the male population, while things more like "dumb blonde" and other bitter comments came from the girls.

"Did you SEE her?" Ron gaped to the other boys in the dormitories. "She can't be more than twenty."
"I doubt I'll be able to pay attention to her lessons." Replied an eager Lee Jordan.

This is how things went for the boys that night. The girls, however, had a completely different experience.