You'll find them all over HOL — folks who have decided to leave the student life and start teaching (and some who have done both several times!). This month, the Wizarding Times is happy to speak with Prof. Miette Bynny to find out just why she's been hanging around the hallways of HOL for so many years — and to see what drives her to teach.

Why have you stayed at HOL for as long as you have?
I stayed in HOL for a while because, honestly, I love the people that I've met. Even though I never met any of them... well, except for retired Prof. Hatsheput... I still feel like they are my family in some weird, virtual Harry Potter-community kind of way. I haven't consistently been here the entire 7+ years. There were times I had to take a leave of absence because of outside issues, but I am glad to be back and teaching new and old HOLers.

What made you decide to become a Professor again?
I honestly just prefer to teach. I feel it's fun because you present to the HOL community something in which you are interested. Not everything is like the subjects in the books. It's just fascinating to see the variety of subjects everyone comes up with to teach. I'm even working on my next class for next term. But that's a little secret.

Throughout those years, you must have seen many changes to HOL. Do you believe these were good changes?
I believe there have been good and bad changes. Not everyone will agree with what is presented because everyone has their own opinions on certain subjects; however, the main idea is to take your differences and come to an understanding and work for the betterment of HOL, your house, and the students. Right now, I'm just working hard with the HoH of Slytherin and our prefects and members of our Activity group to try and resurrect Slytherin house to its former glory. Slytherin won the House Cup the very first year of HOL, and I want to help return that cup by trying to inspire our house.

Why have you chosen to change your name throughout the years?
Well when I first signed up so many years ago, I was originally Leona Bynny... but I hated it, so I asked to change it to Miette Bynny (Miette was the name of a girl from one of my favorite movies: City of Lost Children). But when I was a Co-Prof, I decided to change it to Kyoko Loukya (which means "Mirror of All Knowing"). I co-taught Divination with a former Professor. Then I changed it a few more times, but ultimately decided just to throw it out of the window and use my second-oldest name.

What are you most excited about in the class you are teaching this year?
I think I'm excited about trying to show people how much magic in literature and pop culture has changed throughout the years, decades, and centuries by comparing it with probably the most famous wizard, Merlin, and more recent wizards, such as Harry Potter, and witches, such as the Halliwell sisters from "Charmed."

What inspired you to make the class about comparative wizardry?
Honestly, after taking Prof. Anya Chutney's Pop Culture course (I highly recommend everyone to take her courses), it made me want to compare old magic with the new magic. I loved her courses so much that I wanted to make a course in which we see a bit of old magic fuse with pop culture magic.

Who do you think will win the House Cup and why?
Oh, I think all the houses stand a good chance at winning the cup. It all depends on people's dedication and drive to help their House go for the top prize. Of course I am going to say Slytherin, I am biased. But I do see a new turn for our house and real improvement and, hopefully, winning the House Cup and Quiddy Cup :)