Chapter 434: Career Counseling
Chapter 434: Career Counseling (Seeking Subscriptions, Favorites, and Votes)
The news about Dumbledore was causing quite a stir at Hogwarts. However, the fifth and seventh-year students had little time to dwell on it, as they were only six weeks away from their exams.
Harry and Ron were both in a state of extreme frustration. Harry was feeling depressed after seeing some of his father's misdeeds from his student days, which clashed with the noble image he had of his father. Ron, on the other hand, was worried about his exams and Quidditch, feeling unprepared in both areas.
Their poor moods were quite normal in the Gryffindor Tower, where no one noticed their individual concerns. The exams were driving everyone who was preparing for them to the brink of madness.
"Oh, goodness", Hermione exclaimed in the common room, dropping her quill and rubbing her face with both hands. "I can't possibly remember all the Ancient Runes. What if I fail the exam?"
"You're worrying too much", Liam, sitting across from her, put down his quill. "We've learned a lot more about runology on our own than what's covered in class. The exam won't test everything. The knowledge you have now is more than enough to get an O. Try to relax; it will help you perform better."
Liam then pulled out an Easter egg, peeled off the wrapper, and broke off a piece to hand to Hermione. The egg was beautifully crafted, with a large golden cauldron decorated in sugar frosting. "Have some chocolate and take a break. This is from Mrs. Weasley; her baking is fantastic."
"Thanks", Hermione said, taking the chocolate and eating it. The sugar seemed to lift her spirits a bit. After wiping her hands on a handkerchief, she asked Liam, "Have you looked at those career brochures lately?"
To emphasize the importance of the upcoming exams, a plethora of brochures about various wizarding careers had appeared at Hogwarts during the Easter break. A stack of them was currently on the table in front of them.
"I haven't, you know my situation", Liam said, scanning the room to ensure no one was eavesdropping. "I plan to become a professional alchemist, which will give me enough time to do other things. A busy life isn't what I'm after. Naturally, those brochures aren't very useful for me."
"Exactly, you can help me think. I was considering the Ministry of Magic, but now I realize it won't fulfill my dreams", Hermione said, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.
"Hmm, you could try becoming a professor at Hogwarts", Liam suggested after some thought. "You can gradually change the world by shaping young minds. Besides, the current professors are getting older, and they might be looking for younger successors."
"That sounds like a good idea. And thank you for comforting me today", Hermione smiled, her lips curling upward. She then stood up, leaned over the table, and gave Liam a quick, light kiss on the cheek.
Liam was a bit taken aback by the sudden gesture. By the time he recovered, Hermione was already standing straight, hands behind her back, and smiling at him.
Infectious with her positive mood, Liam laughed, as if all their difficulties and problems had been resolved. That afternoon, after completing their practice, they went to dinner and noticed a notice about career counseling on the Hogwarts bulletin board. It stated that all fifth-year students must attend a brief meeting with their house head during the first week of the summer term to discuss their future careers.
The notice included a schedule, and Liam saw that he was scheduled to meet with Professor Mcgonagall on Monday at 4:00 PM. This meant he would have to rush to her office as soon as his Arithmancy class ended.
On the first day back from the Halloween holiday, Liam promptly arrived at Professor Mcgonagall's office after his Arithmancy class. Given his consistent excellent performance, Professor Mcgonagall believed that Liam, if he continued on his current path, would become a powerful alchemist and possibly even a master alchemist like Nicolas Flamel.
"Alright, relax. As long as you perform to your usual standards, you'll be fine." Professor Mcgonagall raised her hand to show a copper bracelet on her wrist. This was one of the items Liam had prepared for the reliable, high-level Wizards of the Order of the Phoenix. Originally, Liam had intended to give Professor Mcgonagall a silver bracelet, but she believed she wouldn't face any danger at the school, so she gave the silver bracelet to the field operatives and kept only the lowest-grade copper bracelet for herself. "I trust that someone who can create something like this won't be fazed by a mere O.W.L. exam."
During dinner, he learned that Hermione had also received good news from the career counseling session. Professor Mcgonagall had told her that with Professor Dumbledore's advancing age, she, as the Deputy Headmistress, needed to spend more time on school affairs, which left her feeling stretched thin in her Transfiguration classes. She was very welcoming of young talent to help share her workload.
"So, as long as I maintain excellent grades and pass the final N.E.W.T. exams, Hogwarts is willing to offer me a position similar to that of a teaching assistant", Hermione concluded with a smile.
"That sounds great", Liam said with a smile. "By the way, the grilled salmon tonight is delicious. You should try some more."
As Liam passed the plate of grilled salmon to Hermione, he felt someone sit down next to him. Turning his head, he saw it was Neville, who was humming a tune and piling potato salad onto his plate, clearly in a good mood.
"Is there something good that's got you so happy?" Liam asked Neville after swallowing a mouthful of roasted lamb.
"Liam", Neville realized Liam was sitting next to him and said excitedly, "The Study Group has really helped me a lot. Professor Mcgonagall thinks my current level, while not outstanding, far exceeds her expectations. Now, I have several promising career options to choose from. My grandmother will definitely be pleased."
"Really, what kind of careers?" Hermione asked curiously.
"Herbalist, Plant Whisperer at a Magical Garden, or even a professional Magical Botanist. Many years ago, Newt Scamander wrote 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,' which greatly advanced Wizards' understanding of magical creatures. However, no Wizard has done similar research on magical plants, leaving our knowledge of them, beyond their medicinal uses, largely a blank slate. This is clearly unacceptable."
"Great ambition", Liam said, looking earnestly into Neville's eyes. "Someone has to do this kind of work, and I think you, with your patience and dedication, are the perfect fit." Hermione also smiled and nodded in support.
"You—believe me?" Neville looked moved. "You don't think I'm just boasting?"
"Of course not", Liam patted Neville's shoulder. "Who knows, maybe I'll have the chance to travel the world with you someday."
"Thank you! Really, thank you so much." Neville seemed genuinely touched. Over the years, he had received a lot of help from the Study Group, and it was thanks to everyone's support that he had reached this point. In his mind, both Liam, who had organized the Study Group, and Hermione, who had been his greatest supporter, were people he deeply appreciated.
"Isn't the Study Group meant to help people with common goals?" Hermione said in a gentle tone. "So this is what we're here for."
"Thank you all, regardless", Neville said, wiping away a tear. "I need to write to my grandmother and let her know I'm finally not a disappointment to the family."
(End of Chapter)
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