Professor Wilhelmina Grubbly-Plank serves as Hogwarts’ substitute Care of Magical Creatures teacher, stepping in whenever the regular instructor becomes unavailable. With her grey hair and no-nonsense demeanour, she brings decades of experience working with magical beasts to the classroom. Her expertise spans a remarkable range of creatures, from the more docile species to those requiring considerable skill and caution to handle safely.
During the 1995-96 school year, Grubbly-Plank temporarily replaced Hagrid when he departed on a secret mission for the Order of the Phoenix. Her teaching methods differed markedly from her predecessor’s approach—whilst Hagrid favoured introducing students to dangerous creatures he found fascinating, the substitute professor focused on more conventional magical animals that posed fewer risks to teenage wizards. Students experienced lessons with bowtruckles and unicorns under her guidance, creatures that required knowledge and respect rather than courage bordering on recklessness.
The contrast in teaching styles created mixed reactions amongst students. Some appreciated her structured lessons and the reduced likelihood of injury, whilst others missed the excitement and unpredictability that typically characterised Care of Magical Creatures classes. Her professional competence never came into question, however—she demonstrated thorough knowledge of magical creature behaviour, habitat requirements, and proper handling techniques.
Grubbly-Plank’s role highlights the challenges faced by Hogwarts staff during turbulent times, as qualified educators stepped up to maintain educational standards despite the school’s ongoing difficulties with staffing and external threats.