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 was a qualified [[Witch]] who served as the substitute [[Care of Magical Creatures]] teacher at [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]]. A competent and knowledgeable Magizoologist, she temporarily replaced [[Rubeus Hagrid]] on two separate occasions. Her teaching style, which focused on less dangerous creatures and a more traditional curriculum, provided a stark contrast to Hagrid's and was often preferred by a number of students. She was a trusted colleague of [[Albus Dumbledore]]. =====Biography===== Professor Grubbly-Plank's background prior to her first appearance is unknown. She was called to [[Hogwarts]] to teach whenever [[Rubeus Hagrid]] was unable to fulfill his duties. ====During the 1994-1995 School Year==== Professor Grubbly-Plank first took over the [[Care of Magical Creatures]] post in January 1995. [[Rubeus Hagrid]] had gone into hiding in his [[hut]] after an inflammatory article by [[Rita Skeeter]] in //The Daily Prophet// exposed his half-[[Giant]] parentage. Grubbly-Plank's lessons were an immediate success with many students, including [[Draco Malfoy]]'s group of [[Slytherin]]s, as she brought a docile herd of [[Unicorn]]s for the fourth-years to study. This was a welcome change for many after Hagrid's often dangerous lessons involving creatures like [[Blast-Ended Skrewt]]s. During this time, she also demonstrated her expertise in creature-healing by correctly diagnosing [[Harry Potter]]'s [[owl]], [[Hedwig]], with an injury that required rest and care, rather than a misdelivered letter. She remained at [[Hogwarts]] until [[Harry Potter]], [[Hermione Granger]], and [[Ron Weasley]] convinced [[Hagrid]] to return to his teaching post. ====During the 1995-1996 School Year==== Grubbly-Plank returned to [[Hogwarts]] at the start of the 1995-1996 school year to cover for [[Hagrid]] once again. This time, Hagrid was away on a secret mission for the [[Order of the Phoenix]] to negotiate with the [[Giant]]s. During her tenure, her fifth-year class was inspected by the [[Ministry of Magic]]'s High Inquisitor, [[Dolores Umbridge]]. Grubbly-Plank handled the inspection with calm professionalism, refusing to be rattled by Umbridge's probing questions about Hagrid's whereabouts. She taught the class about [[Bowtruckle]]s and expertly fielded Umbridge's condescending inquiries. Later, she assured [[Harry Potter]] that [[Dumbledore]] trusted [[Hagrid]] with his life, subtly indicating her awareness of the sensitive nature of Hagrid's absence. She once again tended to [[Hedwig]] when the [[owl]] was injured while carrying a message from [[Sirius Black]]. She relinquished her post upon Hagrid's return in the winter. =====Physical Appearance and Personality===== Professor Grubbly-Plank is described as an elderly [[witch]] with grizzled gray hair cut very short and a prominent, jutting chin. She was also a [[pipe]] smoker. Her personality was professional, no-nonsense, and highly competent. Unlike [[Hagrid]], she was not prone to emotional outbursts and maintained a calm, authoritative presence in the classroom. While she could be stern, she was also fair and demonstrably kind, particularly when it came to caring for injured creatures. Her traditional and safety-conscious teaching methods made her popular among students who were intimidated by Hagrid's more hazardous lessons. She was loyal to [[Dumbledore]] and discreet about sensitive matters concerning the school and its staff. =====Magical Abilities and Skills===== * **[[Care of Magical Creatures]]:** Grubbly-Plank was an expert in [[Magizoology]]. She possessed extensive knowledge of a wide variety of creatures, including [[Unicorn]]s and [[Bowtruckle]]s. Her skill extended to veterinary magic, as she was able to quickly diagnose and treat injuries in [[owl]]s on two separate occasions. * **Teaching:** She was an effective and capable teacher. Her lessons were well-structured, informative, and safe, earning her the respect of many of her students. =====Possessions===== * **[[Pipe]]:** Professor Grubbly-Plank was often seen smoking a wooden [[pipe]]. =====Relationships===== * **[[Rubeus Hagrid]]:** She served as his professional substitute. While they had no direct interactions in the novels, the student body's preference for her safer teaching style was a source of great anxiety for [[Hagrid]]. However, Grubbly-Plank herself never spoke ill of him and respected [[Dumbledore]]'s faith in him. * **[[Albus Dumbledore]]:** As Headmaster, [[Dumbledore]] trusted Grubbly-Plank enough to call upon her twice to fill a vital teaching role, once during a time of great institutional crisis. * **[[Dolores Umbridge]]:** Grubbly-Plank withstood an inspection from Umbridge with considerable poise. She refused to be intimidated and gave away no information about Hagrid's mission, demonstrating her loyalty to [[Dumbledore]]'s staff. * **Students:** She was generally well-liked by students, particularly those like [[Parvati Patil]] and the [[Slytherin]]s, who appreciated her conventional approach. While [[Harry Potter]], [[Ron Weasley]], and [[Hermione Granger]] were steadfastly loyal to [[Hagrid]], they could not deny that Grubbly-Plank was a good teacher. =====Etymology===== * **Wilhelmina:** The feminine form of the German name Wilhelm, which is composed of the elements //wil// ("will" or "desire") and //helm// ("helmet" or "protection"). The name can be interpreted as "resolute protector," which fits her role as a capable guardian of both students and magical creatures. * **Grubbly-Plank:** The surname has a sturdy, earthy feel. "Grubbly" suggests "grubby" or getting one's hands dirty, as one would when working with animals and the earth. "Plank" suggests something solid, reliable, and unbending, reflecting her no-nonsense personality. =====Behind the Scenes===== * In the film adaptation of //[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (film)]]//, Wilhelmina Grubbly-Plank is portrayed by actress Apple Brook. Her role is non-speaking and significantly reduced; she is seen during [[Dolores Umbridge]]'s opening speech to the staff and during the [[Care of Magical Creatures]] inspection. (film) * Her appearance in the fourth book, //Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire//, was completely cut from the film adaptation. (film)
