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Chapter 5 : Professor Fusspot

Everyone's eyes turned towards the door. Standing by the door with his two 'bodyguards' was Malfoy. "Malfoy." said Harry, standing up.

"Glad to know you still remember me, Potter." Malfoy entered the room, wand raised.

"Hard to forget someone like you." Harry pulled out his wand. For a few minutes, both rivals stared at each other. Abruptly, Malfoy lunged at Harry. Harry dodged to the side. Malfoy used the distraction to cast the full body bind spell at Harry. Harry blocked it and was about to attack when a voice rang out from the doorway.

"Children! Is this anyway to behave. You children aren't babies anymore." The speaker was a short plump lady that oddly reminded Harry of Mrs. Weasley. She was wearing a thick, olive green wool dress with full sleeves covered with a crisp white apron and a bulky gray scarf . Her raven black hair, laced with white, was tied up in a bun with a ginger ribbon. She looked as if she was a housemaid. She marched over to the window and heaved it open. "It's so hot and stuffy in here, it's a wonder you children haven't suffocated." She marched over to an empty seat and sat down. She looked up to see all eyes on her. "Am I taking somebody's seat?"

"No, madam." Ginny replied courteously.

"Well, sit down. All of you." the stranger said, pointing to empty seats.

"No thank you, madam. We'll be leaving." Malfoy said grabbing Crabbe and Goyle and slipped out the door. Before he left, he turned around and said to Harry, "FYI Potter, I'm quidditch captain, too."

"Alright, now that that's settled, why don't we introduce ourselves." said the stranger once Malfoy and his gang had left. "I'll start. I am Marylyn Fusspot. Now, I know my last name is peculiar, that means weird by the way, but I trust that we are mature enough to handle it. If my name is too long for you to remember, you are welcome to call me professor." She paused, "Are you alright, dear." she asked Ginny, who's loud cough sounded suspiciously like a giggle.

"I'm fine, Professor. . .("cough") Fusspot." Ginny replied, trying to keep a straight face, but Professor Fusspot didn't seem to notice anything.

"Professor?" breathed Neville.

" Yes, dear?" Professor Fusspot said in a worried tone. "Oh, you are surprised I'm a professor. Truth is I'm a housewife, but when Dumbledore called about the job as Defense against the Dark Arts teacher, I couldn't refuse. I was a kindergarten teacher for muggles once. Who are you, dear." she said, nodding towards Ginny.

"Ginny Weasley, fifth year, professor." Ginny replied shyly.

"Your father works in the Ministry of Magic, doesn't he. I heard the Ministry fell into some hardships a couple months ago. Something about you-know-who. Who might you two be." Professor Fusspot asked.

"Oh, I'm Harry Potter and this is Neville Longbottom." Harry said.

"Harry Potter. How silly of me. I should have noticed your scar."

"Do you read the Daily Prophet?" Harry asked.

"No, I don't. I don't really have time for all that. I'm not very interested, anyway."

Professor Fusspot had just finished chatting about her entire life and how excited she was to be teaching at Hogwarts when Ron and Hermione entered.

"Ron, Hermione. This is our new Defense against the Dark arts teacher." Harry gestured to the professor. "Professor Fusspot, this is Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. There're both in Gryffindor."

Professor Fusspot stood up and walked to the door. "Hello, children. I wish I could stay and chat with you all but the professors are having a meeting at the front of the train. Don't fret, I'll see you soon at Hogwarts."

As soon as she was out of earshot, Ron doubled over with laugher while Harry snickered. "Professor . . . Fusspot", Ron said between fits of laughter, tears swarming his eyes.

Hermione scowled at the pair. "You shouldn't be amused. It's not her fault she has a unique last name. Anyway, now that the professor's gone, I need to talk to you. The other professors are starting to increase security. Not just in Hogwarts, but on the grounds as well. Do you think there's something they are hiding, like the sorcerer's stone?"

There wasn't much time to discuss the subject because before long, the train had reached its destination, Hogwarts.