Show pageOld revisionsBacklinksBack to top This page is read only. You can view the source, but not change it. Ask your administrator if you think this is wrong. ======Wilhelmina Grubbly-Plank====== =====Introduction===== Professor Wilhelmina Grubbly-Plank is a [[Witch]] and a substitute [[Care of Magical Creatures]] professor at [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]]. She is a competent and knowledgeable magizoologist who temporarily replaces [[Rubeus Hagrid]] on two separate occasions. While her presence often indicates trouble for [[Hagrid]], she serves as a reliable and professional educator, offering a more conventional and safer teaching style that provides a stark contrast to Hagrid's own methods. =====Biography===== Professor Grubbly-Plank first appears during the 1994-1995 school year to teach [[Care of Magical Creatures]] after [[Rubeus Hagrid]] goes into hiding. His absence is a result of a slanderous [[Daily Prophet]] article by [[Rita Skeeter]] which exposed his half-[[Giant]] heritage. Her lessons are considered informative and much less dangerous than Hagrid's; she brings a [[Unicorn]] to one of her first classes, much to the delight of many students. While [[Harry Potter]], [[Ron Weasley]], and [[Hermione Granger]] are initially worried about her replacing their friend, they acknowledge her competence. She returns to [[Hogwarts]] at the start of the 1995-1996 school year, once again substituting for [[Hagrid]], who is away on a secret mission for the [[Order of the Phoenix]] to recruit the [[Giant]]s. During this time, she endures the scrutiny of [[High Inquisitor]] [[Dolores Umbridge]]. Grubbly-Plank handles Umbridge's classroom inspections with professionalism, asserting that [[Headmaster]] [[Albus Dumbledore]] has approved her lesson plans. She also staunchly defends Hagrid's expertise when questioned by [[Umbridge]]. During this period, she skillfully tends to [[Hedwig]]'s injuries after the owl was attacked. She departs her post upon Hagrid's return to the castle. Her activities following her second tenure as a substitute professor are unknown. =====Physical Appearance and Personality===== Professor Grubbly-Plank is described as a [[Witch]] with grizzled grey hair cut very short and a prominent, jutting chin. She is also known to smoke a pipe. She has a gruff, no-nonsense demeanor but is fundamentally a kind and capable individual. Her professionalism is evident in her organized lessons and her calm handling of [[Dolores Umbridge]]'s interrogations. She is loyal to both [[Dumbledore]] and [[Hagrid]], speaking highly of the latter's skills. Her kindness is most apparent when she gently and effectively treats [[Hedwig]]'s injuries. =====Magical Abilities and Skills===== * **[[Magizoology]]:** Grubbly-Plank is a highly proficient magizoologist with extensive knowledge of a wide variety of magical beasts. Her lessons cover creatures such as [[Unicorn]]s, [[Bowtruckle]]s, and the proper handling of [[Flobberworm]]s, demonstrating a firm grasp of the standard [[Ministry of Magic]] curriculum. * **[[Healing Magic]]:** She displays considerable skill in healing animals, as shown when she successfully mends [[Hedwig]]'s wing and other injuries, a task that proved difficult for others. =====Possessions===== * **[[Pipe]]:** She is often seen smoking a pipe. =====Relationships===== Professor Grubbly-Plank holds [[Rubeus Hagrid]] in high regard, respecting his profound connection to and knowledge of magical creatures. She defends his abilities to [[Dolores Umbridge]] and serves as his trusted replacement. She is loyal to [[Albus Dumbledore]], who twice entrusts her with the [[Care of Magical Creatures]] post. Her relationship with students is professional. While the [[Gryffindor]] trio worries about her as a symbol of Hagrid's absence, other students, including those in [[Slytherin]] house like [[Draco Malfoy]], treat her with a level of respect they never afford to [[Hagrid]]. =====Etymology===== * **Wilhelmina:** This is a German name meaning "will-helmet" or "desiring protection." This could allude to her role as a stable, protective teacher who ensures student safety in her classes. * **Grubbly:** This name suggests an earthy, "grubby" quality, fitting for someone who works closely with creatures and the outdoors. It also contributes to her gruff first impression. * **Plank:** A plank is a flat, sturdy piece of wood, which may reflect her straightforward, solid, and reliable personality and teaching methods. =====Behind the Scenes===== In the film adaptation of //Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix//, Professor Grubbly-Plank is portrayed by actress Apple Brook. A notable change in the film is that Grubbly-Plank, not [[Hagrid]], is shown introducing the fifth-year students to [[Thestral]]s. In the novel, this memorable lesson is taught by [[Hagrid]] upon his return to [[Hogwarts]]. (film)
