Teacher Troubles

"I don't get it though," Ron said to Hermione. "Why's she up there, we saw Hagrid down by the Lake."

Harry too was puzzling over why Professor Grubbly-Plank was at the head table. in fact there were three empty seats. quickly though, one was filled by Hagrid who took the seat beside Professor Grubbly-Plank. they smiled at each other warmly, as if they were old friends.

Next a woman none of them had seen before filled the next empty seat that was usually taken up by the Muggle Studies teacher, Professor Humana. Hermione squinted at her, and the boys heard her whisper, "It couldn't be... he didn't take that seriously did he?"

Harry turned to Ginny who shrugged from where she sat next to him. she waved across the hall at Luna who returned the wave to all four of them with her same dreamy expression, as if this was the everyday, and she'd seen Ginny just yesterday.

a hush rolled through as the final chair was taken. the tall, thickly built young man was all too familiar to everyone above second year. "Victor?" Hermione blurted out.

Viktor waved blushingly at Hermione, as everyone snickered. there it was, everyone was seated at the table. and no one could believe their eyes.

after the sorting and the feast, Professor Dumbledore stood to give his start of term speech. "Welcome back to Hogwarts for another year, and to our first years, welcome for the first of seven years. there are a few announcements. first is that Mr. Filch, our caretaker, has put a blanket ban on all items from the Weasly Wizarding Weezes shop. second is to let the first years know, and yet again remind more than a few of our students, that the forest on the edge of the grounds is off limits at all times. hence we have decided to continue to call it the forbidden forest.

"the second is to introduce new staff. Most of you will remember Prof. Grubbly-Plank, she will be taking over some of the Care of Magical Creatures classes and assisting in the advaced courses." the familiar witch stood and bowed to gracious applause.

"Next, it is sad to inform you that Prof. Humana will not be joining us again this year, owing to lack of patience. so, taking up the Muggle studies classes will be Prof. Gertrude Granger."

"AUNTIE GERT!" Hermione blurted.

"Yes, Ms. Granger," Dumbldore told her, as if she'd asked him right to his face. "THe fact of the matter is that our Muggle Studies teacher is, for the first time in history, a muggle herself. she already knew of magic as she is Ms. Granger's Aunt. I believe this is a unique and incredible opportunity for us all."

Prof. Granger stood and gave a little bow with a small wave to Hermione. the young woman was, and looked, to be in her mid twenties. she was her father's younger (much younger) sister. she shared Hermione's curly hair, but managed to put it back in a ponytail. she had a generous figure with plenty of curves that no doubt had the male students doing double takes.

"And finally, a returning friend and new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, Prof. Viktor Krum."

there was thunderous applause all through out the Great Hall. Dumbledore quieted them with a gesture and continued. "Now, we are fed, we are told, and we are tired. I believe it is time to retire." with that there was the great milling about, trying to figure out houses and where to go.

"Ron, I need you to show the first years where the common room and dormitories are." Hermione told Ron quickly.

"Need to go talk to Vicky I suppose," Ron grunted, doing as he was asked.

"No, I need to talk to my Aunt," she growled.

sadly she was defeated as Viktor had just appeared by her elbow. "Hermy-Oh-Ninny, can ve talk?" he asked politely.

"Um... sure," Hermione said, going on with the large bulgarian.