Chapter 752: Connections
Chapter 752: Connections
After the game ended, the Gryffindor students rushed to the center of the field, surrounding the victorious Gryffindor team who were embracing each other, celebrating a hard-fought win with cheers, blessings, and applause.
In the stands, Albert clapped his hands in congratulations before turning his attention back to the edge of the field, where Professor McGonagall, looking furious, was striding towards the group of Malfoy students who had been startled into a sitting position by Harry Potter's Patronus.
"I bet Marcus Flint did poorly in his Dark Arts Defense classes," Albert remarked with a smile to Isabelle beside him.
"Why do you say that?" Isabelle asked.
Catrina also lingered, her eyes fixed on the edge of the field.
In fact, most of the audience was focused on the unfolding drama at the field's periphery, and there were never any shortage of Hogwarts students who relished seeing Slytherin students in a spot of trouble.
"If Marcus Flint knew about Dementors, he wouldn't have pulled such a stunt with Malfoy," Albert said, watching as the group struggled to extricate themselves from under the hooded black cloak. "Let's go see what Professor McGonagall is saying. It's not often we see her so enraged."
"You go ahead," Catrina said, ignoring Albert and instead linking arms with Isabelle as they left the field.
Anger seemed to have robbed Professor McGonagall of some of her rationality, as she stood berating the group of Malfoy students.
"Conspiring to sabotage the Gryffindor Seeker, using such despicable and cowardly means! You will all be punished, and fifty points will be deducted from Slytherin!"
Albert had just approached and could hear Professor McGonagall's voice.
Many students had gathered to witness the scene, clearly enjoying the sight of Malfoy and his cohorts, who had just freed themselves from the head-shrouding black cloak, being reprimanded by the professor. Schadenfreude was evident on the faces of more than a few onlookers.
"Congratulations. By the way, Marcus Flint is as stupid as ever," Truman commented as he appeared at Albert's side, his eyes gleaming with interest at the scene below.
"Flint is the surname of a pure-blood wizarding family," Albert explained as they began walking. "They're incredibly wealthy and don't have to worry about employment, so even if he's a bit dim, it doesn't really matter."
"You certainly know a lot about the wizarding world," Truman acknowledged. "But you're right, some of those pure-blood Slytherins are downright idiotic, probably due to inbreeding. Of course, you're spot on about their wealth—they can afford to be stupid, and pure-blood status is their ticket anyway. They don't have to worry about their future."
Truman was close to graduating from Hogwarts, and he had gained some insight into the wizarding world.
In this world, Muggle-born wizards couldn't simply exchange their money for Galleons at Gringotts, which meant that the vast majority of Muggle-born wizards would find themselves penniless upon entering the wizarding world.
"What are your plans after graduation?" Albert asked quietly. "Are you thinking of working for the Ministry of Magic?"
With Truman's outstanding grades, securing a position at the Ministry would be a breeze.
"I am considering it," Truman replied. "But in your case, I know you're not interested in a desk job." He smiled and asked, "You're skilled in Divination, right? Can you predict what sort of career path would suit me? And don't ask me for a fee—I don't have a single Galleon on me."
"You have two Galleons in your pocket," Albert bluntly exposed his friend's lie.
"Hahaha, you truly are Albert," Truman laughed. "Ah, I am indeed worried about my future after graduation. I suppose the Ministry of Magic is my best option, as I can't exactly give up being a wizard. But I've heard that Muggle-born wizards don't fare too well there."
"The Magical Law Enforcement Patrol offers more prospects, but without connections, it's difficult to advance. I suggest you look into the Muggle-Born Registration Commission or the Muggle Liaison Office," Albert advised. "Most wizards don't favor those positions, and they struggle to perform well. You, on the other hand, have an advantage in that regard. You could also join the Muggle Studies Association, of which Professor Burbage is a member."
"You're not a member, are you?" Truman asked jokingly.
"No, but I do know the president of the Muggle Studies Association, Wilhelm Wigworthy. We correspond regularly, and I can introduce you to him. I'm sure he'd be delighted to have you join them," Albert offered.
"I haven't studied Muggle Studies," Truman admitted, slightly embarrassed. "But thank you for your suggestion."
"It's no problem," Albert assured him. "I also know people in the Muggle-Born Registration Commission and the Muggle Liaison Office, and I can recommend you there. You can start with an internship and then become a full-time assistant if you wish. It should be a straightforward process." Albert could understand why Truman wouldn't choose Muggle Studies, as he himself found the subject rather unremarkable.
Truman didn't respond immediately, considering whether to accept Albert's offer.
"There aren't many advancement opportunities there, though," Albert added with a wink. "But they tend to be more welcoming to Muggle-born wizards, and there are some hidden perks."
"I'm willing to give it a shot," Truman decided after a moment's thought. "If there's anything I can do to help in the future, let me know, although I doubt you'll need my assistance. Nonetheless, thank you."
In truth, Truman had maintained connections with some upperclassmen from Hufflepuff, and he was well aware of the inner workings of the Ministry of Magic.
Without connections or seniority, entering the Ministry would be a constant struggle, and climbing the ladder would require patience and good fortune.
Excellent grades from Hogwarts might get one's foot in the door, but they didn't guarantee success within the Ministry.
"Let me give you a friendly piece of advice," Albert said suddenly. "If things start to look dicey, don't hesitate to run. Just get out."
"Run? What do you mean?" Truman was perplexed, not understanding Albert's warning.
"You'll understand soon enough. It won't be long before you see the signs," Albert said, his eyes twinkling with a mysterious smile.
"Really, is this some sort of seer's intuition?" Truman grumbled, but he made a mental note of Albert's words. He sensed that something might be amiss, otherwise Albert wouldn't have advised him to flee if things turned sour.
At that moment, Percy and Penelope walked past them, chatting and laughing as they made their way towards the castle.
Their relationship seemed to be going well, and Percy appeared to have resolved the issue of the bet.
"We've talked about this before, but Percy is also planning to join the Ministry of Magic," Truman said, watching Percy's retreating figure. "However, given his exceptional grades, I think he'd make an excellent Auror."
There were some things Truman didn't say aloud. He believed Percy to be rather opportunistic, always seeking to associate with those in power. If he pursued a path of power, Truman suspected he would eventually break up with his current girlfriend and marry a pure-blood witch to further his ambitions.
(End of Chapter)
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