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Chapter 677: Magical Careers
Chapter 677: Magical Careers
This Easter holiday witnessed an intriguing phenomenon due to the overwhelming amount of homework assigned... Not a single student chose to return home, leaving the Hogwarts Express waiting at the platform all morning without a single passenger. Everyone unanimously decided to stay at school.
This was an unprecedented occurrence in previous years.
The library became the most sought-after location, filling up with students before 8 a.m. daily. Arriving late meant finding an alternative spot to work on assignments, clutching borrowed reference books.
However, this arrangement was less than convenient.
After all, the professors had assigned not only a substantial amount of homework but also covered various knowledge points. A couple of reference books were simply not sufficient, and sometimes, halfway through their assignments, they had to return to the library to borrow more books.
Consequently, some students started waking up earlier and earlier, especially those in fifth and seventh years, even as early as 6 a.m., waiting at the library entrance.
What was supposed to be a relaxing holiday turned out to be more exhausting than regular school days.
"Everyone at Hogwarts has gone mad..."
Early one morning, Mikel and Ryan were complaining in their dormitory while putting on their robes.
"We now have to wake up an hour earlier just to secure a spot in the library. I've never had to wake up this early before..." Mikel said irritably, glancing at Kyle, who had just sat up on his bed. "Why aren't you dressed yet? Forget it, we're not waiting for you. Do you need me to save you a seat... if there's still one available in the library, that is."
"No, you two go ahead." Kyle waved his hand dismissively. "I just applied for a practical activity at the Ministry of Magic, so I don't have to do homework."
Mikel, about to step out, froze and turned stiffly.
"What did you say?" His voice was high and sharp, like a goose being pinched by the neck. "No homework... and the professors agreed?"
"Yeah, most of the professors agreed." Kyle stretched lazily. "This is an official matter, and even the Minister approved it. The professors had no reason to refuse."
In an instant, Mikel and Ryan felt as if their stomachs were filled with lemons, the sourness twisting their expressions.
"Working at the Ministry is truly impressive..." came a sour voice.
"Although I'm not particularly fond of this job, I have to admit that this identity is quite useful at times." Kyle smiled. "Keep at it, and you'll get there someday."
"Hmph!" Mikel let out a strange laugh, and the two left without giving Kyle another glance.
Kyle was exempt from homework, but they weren't. If they delayed any longer, the library would be full.
After they left, the dormitory fell silent.
When Kyle casually made his way to the common room, he found it, too, occupied by students working on their assignments.
Every armchair was taken, and the tables, usually filled with snacks and treats, were now stacked with books and parchments.
Kyle wisely refrained from boasting about his exemption from homework and quietly slipped away from the common room.
The Great Hall was similarly packed with students, making it the most popular spot after the library and common room.
Here, students could work on their assignments right after finishing their meals, saving them an extra trip, and due to the crowd, they could also borrow reference books from each other.
This made the Great Hall bustling and lively with chatter.
After a quick meal of a few slices of bacon and egg sandwiches, Kyle left the Great Hall and headed to the outdoor grounds.
As Canna and Cedric were busy, Kyle didn't want to appear too idle, so he decided to visit Hagrid.
After some time, Hagrid's facial injury had almost healed, leaving only faint traces.
"You've got time to visit me?" Hagrid seemed delighted, setting down the piece of wood and asking with a smile, "Have I not yet congratulated you on your entry into the Ministry?"
"Let's not talk about that." Kyle rubbed his forehead. "What are you making?"
"I'm making a bowl." Hagrid replied.
"A bowl?" Kyle thought he had misheard and instinctively glanced at the piece of wood Hagrid had set aside. It was indeed hollowed out, but if it were any larger, it could be used as a bowl for first-year students.
"Oh no, I misspoke." Hagrid quickly corrected himself. "I meant to say, I'm making a bucket... um... to feed the hippogriff. The previous one was bitten and damaged."
Seeing Hagrid's guilty expression, Kyle suddenly realized and said with conviction,
"This isn't for the hippogriff but for the giant you're hiding in the Forbidden Forest."
"Alright." Hagrid didn't deny it anymore, "I've been teaching Golp to eat in a normal way, but the progress isn't ideal. He seems to prefer holding food in his hands... Oh, Golp is his name."
"I don't think it's necessary, Hagrid," Kael said. "Even if the giant covers his food in mud, he won't get sick from eating it."
"And with their intelligence, it's unlikely they'll understand the concept of cutlery. Why go to all this trouble?"
"No, I need to teach him some manners," Hagrid shook his head firmly. "This way, I can take him out and show everyone he's not dangerous."
"Take him out?" Kael blinked. "Where? To Hogwarts? Or do you plan to have him help you with the gamekeeping?"
"I know it's difficult, but I must do this..." Hagrid picked up the bucket and continued scooping out the wood shavings, "He's too small to live in the giant tribe. He can only survive in the Forbidden Forest..."
Tears welled up in Hagrid's eyes. "He's my brother. I can't abandon him."
"Your brother?" Kael was surprised that Hagrid was telling him this.
"Actually, he's my half-brother, and he's a pure-blood giant..." Hagrid wiped his face with his sleeve haphazardly. "Speaking of which, I should thank you."
"Thank me for what?" Kael thought for a moment; he couldn't recall doing anything particularly helpful for Hagrid recently.
"Yes, the last time at Three Broomsticks, I heard Professor McGonagall say it was you who got rid of Umbridge." Hagrid's tone carried a hint of relief.
"Honestly, when that unpleasant fellow was still at school, I felt like I could be fired at any moment. She had hinted at it numerous times."
"I can't even imagine what would happen if I left school. Who would take care of Golp? He's just a sixteen-year-old kid, small and helpless. What would he do in the Forbidden Forest?"
Kael furrowed his brow, trying to process the combination of 'sixteen-year-old' and 'small and helpless'.
Hagrid, however, didn't seem to notice Kael's reaction and continued, "I've been thinking about asking you to take care of him..."
"I'm fine with that," Kael almost blurted out. "I'm not busy lately and would be happy to help."
"Oh, there's no need now." Hagrid waved his hand dismissively. "That's why I said thank you. With Umbridge gone, I won't be fired, and I can continue taking care of Golp."
"And I don't want to trouble you too much... I know you have exams coming up."
"Believe me, Hagrid, I don't find it troublesome at all," Kael said sincerely. "You don't need to be polite with me."
Kael had never seen a giant before, not even in Newt's case, so this was a rare opportunity.
"I appreciate your intention, but... no." Hagrid paused for a moment, then shook his head. "He doesn't know his own strength and might hurt you. I can't let you take that risk."
As Hagrid spoke, he slightly tilted his head to glance at a rope lying next to the cabin.
Kael followed his gaze. The rope was as thick as a wrist, similar to the ones used in the Dragon Sanctuary for transporting dragons, but it was broken in the middle. The break was jagged, as if it had been torn apart forcefully.
"Just as you see it," Hagrid explained. "To prevent Golp from running wild in the Forbidden Forest and getting into danger, I had to tie him up. But this rope wasn't sturdy enough, so I replaced it with a thicker one."
"Now you understand the terrifying strength of a pure-blood giant. He might break a few of your bones with just a gentle touch."
Kael wasn't particularly concerned about Hagrid's worries. As a wizard who often dealt with various dangerous magical creatures, he wasn't easily intimidated by giants.
However, Hagrid seemed to think otherwise and was still reluctant to take Kael to see Golp.
Kael couldn't do much about it. The Forbidden Forest was vast, and without Hagrid's guidance, no one would be able to find Golp, especially since he was a noticeable giant.
Although it might be a bit unethical, Kael couldn't help but think that if he had given Fudge advice a few days later, perhaps Hagrid would have revealed the location by then.
But there was no point in discussing this now. Hagrid was quite firm in his stance on certain matters... By midday, Kael returned to the castle with a hint of disappointment.
...
As the holiday progressed, the weather became increasingly clear and sunny. The warm breeze made people feel drowsy, but most couldn't afford to sleep. They had to force themselves to stay awake, studying, reviewing lessons, and making frequent trips to the library.
Under these circumstances, even a Dementor would likely return hungry.
Until the end of the holiday, the castle finally had something different to offer.
The Hufflepuff common room table was now stacked with pamphlets, flyers, and notices about various wizarding professions, and a new notice had been posted on the bulletin board...
"Career Guidance?"
Kyle looked at Professor McGonagall, who was sitting across from him, and asked, "What's this about?"
"It's quite simple. We're providing some advice to fifth-year students, guiding them towards suitable careers." Professor McGonagall handed Kyle a pamphlet, "By the time they reach their sixth year, they can make informed choices and take relevant courses."
"Wait... But I didn't have this in my fifth year," Kyle said, holding the pamphlet.
"Because, including the headmaster, we all agreed that you didn't need to participate in this..." Professor McGonagall continued without looking up, "Of course, if you insist, it's not too late even now."
"Alright, never mind," Kyle said. "But why did you call me here, Professor?"
"To offer help, of course," Professor McGonagall said, organizing the pamphlets on the table. "Every year, many students aspire to work at the Ministry of Magic. As a Senior Assistant Minister at the Ministry, it's your responsibility to provide them with guidance."
"Didn't you request to help with this a few days ago?"
"When did I say I wanted to help..." Kyle paused, noticing Professor McGonagall's smile, and wisely closed his mouth.
Indeed, a few days ago, he had used the pretext of a Ministry-sanctioned practical activity to avoid doing his homework.
No wonder Professor McGonagall had readily signed the request; it was all because of this.
"Alright, when do we start?" Kyle asked.
"Right now," Professor McGonagall replied.
"So soon?" Kyle questioned, "Shouldn't we give them some time to think about what they want to do? The notice was just posted today, and many students might not have gone through these pamphlets yet."
"It's fine. The timings are staggered," Professor McGonagall assured him, "Most of the guidance sessions will be after the holiday, but some students want to seek advice sooner about their interests..."
As Professor McGonagall finished speaking, someone knocked on the office door.
A Gryffindor fifth-year girl entered, and Kyle thought she looked familiar, but he couldn't recall her name.
She was certain she wanted to work at the Ministry of Magic but was torn between the Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes and the Department of International Magical Cooperation.
"I suggest you choose the Department of International Magical Cooperation," Professor McGonagall said, "Your grades are well-rounded, and you don't have any notable weaknesses... Additionally, you're proficient in French, which aligns perfectly with the department's requirements."
"I... think so," the witch nodded hesitantly, "But I feel like the Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes would be more challenging. Working there would definitely not be boring."
A true Gryffindor indeed.
Professor McGonagall didn't respond immediately but glanced at Kyle.
"The Department of International Magical Cooperation isn't boring either," Kyle said, "Of course, if you're determined to study for the Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes, you must obtain 'O.W.L.s' in Charms and Transfiguration, and your grades can't be lower than 'Acceptable'. That's a strict requirement."
"So, I suggest you continue studying these subjects in your sixth year."
The girl nodded excitedly, thanked Professor McGonagall, and left.
A few minutes later, another student entered.
He was unsure whether to choose St. Mungo's or the Wizarding Bank.
This had nothing to do with Kyle, so while Professor McGonagall was speaking, he flipped through the pamphlets in his hand.
To be honest, it was the first time Kyle realized there were so many different professions in the wizarding world.
A Gringotts Curse-Breaker, an exciting opportunity to work abroad, requiring proficiency in Transfiguration, Charms, and Arithmancy.
A St. Mungo's Healer... Potions, Herbology, Charms, Defense Against the Dark Arts...
A Muggle Liaison... This didn't have any special requirements, only needing a Muggle Research Certificate.
Additionally, there were some even more intriguing options:
A Fungus Cultivator
An Owl Keeper
A Flying Broom Tester
A Potion Taster
A Monster Security Trainer
...
The variety of professions was astounding, and Kyle even found a pamphlet for the Romanian Dragon Sanctuary.
It depicted over a dozen lifelike dragons and a wizard riding a broomstick.
"Are you seeking a challenging job? Do you want to touch and conquer the most powerful creatures, soar with them in the sky, and experience a different landscape? If you think you have what it takes, join us..."
Indeed, this pamphlet was quite appealing, and Kyle wondered if this was what inspired Kyle to choose Romania.
(End of Chapter)
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