Author's Note: The story continues, and things shall start to get more interesting as the sections progress.

Admissions: HP chars belong to J. K. Rowling, Leiko to me, and Ravindra to my soul-sister Rave.

Section 5: The Newest Professor

Leiko stood back and scrutinized her room. She'd just spent several hours arranging everything as she wanted and was giving it one last look. It wasn't bad. She'd moved the furniture around to suit her tastes, leaving a large open area in the center of the room. The house elves who'd been assigned to help her had left to help prepare the evening meal, so even if there was a last-minute change she wanted to make, it would have to wait.

A knock at the door brought her out of her musings. She noticed that her stomach was growling and realized that she'd not had a proper meal in the two days she'd been at Hogwarts. The Pomfrey woman had only just allowed her to leave the infirmary, and she'd been busy with the room since her release.

"Come in."

The door creaked open and she recognized the Headmaster's aging form.

"Good evening, Leiko. I wanted to have a word with you before dinner. I see you've wasted no time in redecorating your room."

"Care for a seat, Dumbledore?"

The two moved to sit in the chairs by the fireplace. After arranging themselves on the seats, Dumbledore continued.

"Severus tells me you have known many creatures over the years. That sort of first-hand knowledge is valuable in Hogwarts..."

"Get to the point, Professor. I don't like chit chat."

"Our Care for Magical Creatures professor has been called away on urgent business, and I'm afraid we do not have a qualified replacement on staff. I was wondering if you would consider filling in for Hagrid while he's away."

"Me? Teach your kind? I don't know anything about teaching wizards."

"I realize this is not something you are used to, but you do have a unique perspective where magical beasts are concerned. All you need to do is tell the students about the creatures you've known and give them advice on how to interact with them."

Leiko considered the Headmasters proposal carefully. It was true that she knew a lot more about beasts than any wizard. And even as a human she could intimidate people, which was something she thought she'd need with the students if that Malfoy brat was any example.

"As a professor I'd have authority over all the students, correct?"

"Yes, though I'd prefer you take up any disciplinary problems with the individuals Head of House."

The gryffin considered that. Snape was Head of Slytherin, and she'd learned that Malfoy was in that house. She could handle Snape.

"Very well. I accept your offer, Headmaster. But I want it understood that should my true form be restored, I'll leave regardless of if this other professor has returned."

"I'm pleased to hear that, though if all goes well Hagrid should return soon. Now, Madam Pomfrey tells me you haven't eaten a proper meal since arriving here. If you would accompany me to the Great Hall, I'll announce your decision to the staff and introduce you to the students."

Dumbledore stood and held out a hand for the woman. She took it and walked with him to the Great Hall, where most of the students were already seated at their respective tables. The Headmaster motioned for her to take the seat beside him at the head table. Leiko noticed with some pleasure that Snape was sitting on her other side. It occurred to her that Dumbledore was much more cunning than she'd given him credit for. He'd been manipulating her all along and she'd not even realized it. She envied his skill.

The Headmaster stood as the last of the students entered the Great Hall and took their seats. Leiko knew he'd already informed the professors of her new position, and now she watched the faces of the children as Dumbledore spoke.

"If I may have your attention..."

The room became suddenly silent as hundreds of pairs of eyes turned towards him.

"As you have undoubtedly heard two days ago a gryffin arrived at Hogwarts. Due to an unfortunate incident she has been transformed into a human. As our professor for the care of magical creatures has been called away on business, I have asked our guest to take over his classes. Students, I introduce to you the newest member of our staff, Professor Leiko."

Dumbledore motioned for her to stand as the students murmured in surprise and disbelief. Leiko saw the look on the Malfoy boy's face, and smiled. He did not look happy. She stood and said a few words to the students. The typical "I'm happy to be here" speech she'd heard others give throughout her long life. Once she had again seated herself food appeared on the tables and, not having eaten any real food for several days, she grabbed a whole plate of chicken legs and began to rip flesh from bone.

It was several minutes before she noticed the silence of the Great Hall. Glancing up from her meal, she realized that everyone had stopped eating and was staring her in amazement. Looking at the plates of the others and then at the pile of meat in front of her she knew why they were staring. She was eating as a gryffin, not a human. Blushing slightly, she picked up a fork and tried to eat as the others were.

"Wonderful first impression. I'm sure your students will careful about sneaking food into class after that."

She turned to see Snape regarding her with an amused look. Hissing, she stuffed a forkful of chicken into her mouth. For the rest of the meal she was careful to eat like a human, all the while wondering what her students would be like once she got them alone in a classroom.