Chapter 785: Career Counseling
Chapter 785: Career Counseling
"You three wait outside for a moment. I'll call you in once I'm done talking with Albert." Professor McGonagall signaled for the trio to leave before gesturing to the armchair beside her and inviting Albert to sit down and chat. "Let's discuss your thoughts on future career paths. This will help determine which subjects you should continue studying in your sixth and seventh years."
Albert furrowed his brows slightly, appearing to give serious thought to Professor McGonagall's question.
"Have you thought about what you want to do after graduating from Hogwarts?"
"Not yet," Albert shook his head. "But I think I'll write a book after graduation."
"Write a book?" Professor McGonagall was taken aback, but before she could say more, Albert continued, "The 'Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection' is a great book, but it's not enough for Hogwarts students to merely study its contents."
"So, you plan to compile a book on Dark Arts defense?" Professor McGonagall was surprised by her own idea.
"Yes, 'Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection' covers a wide range of topics, but it's only suitable for beginners. The field of Dark Arts defense should focus more on practicality," Albert paused for a moment before adding, "In the near future, the wizarding community will need a more practical guide to protect themselves against Dark Arts."
As he spoke, Albert retrieved a folder from his Changeling Lizard Pouch and handed it to Professor McGonagall.
"What's this?" She asked, taking the folder and flipping through its contents. She fell silent instantly.
Albert wasn't just paying lip service; he had already started working on the book. She even suspected that the book might be completed and published before Albert graduated.
Professor McGonagall opened her mouth, then finally asked, unable to contain her curiosity any longer, "Have you considered joining the Ministry of Magic? I believe that with your grades and connections, you could become the Minister of Magic in less than twenty years."
"I haven't thought about it, nor do I wish to join the Ministry. Something about it doesn't sit right with me," Albert shook his head. "Perhaps I'll open a shop or become a fortune-teller. I've heard that seers are highly respected in the wizarding world."
"True seers who can predict the future are indeed respected, but such wizards are extremely rare," Professor McGonagall offered a gentle reminder. "Most fortune-tellers don't lead very comfortable lives, as you may already know."
"I'm aware," Albert said calmly. "But true seers never worry about such matters. By the way, the next Headmaster of Hogwarts will be Professor Snape, if you don't count that pink toad."
"Is that a... prophecy?" Professor McGonagall was taken aback by his words and eyed him skeptically.
"Yes," Albert nodded. "In a few days, the wizarding world will be in for an unexpected surprise. Perhaps you can look forward to it."
"Well, I suppose O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s certificates are of little concern to you," Professor McGonagall suddenly felt foolish. Albert didn't need her career counseling; he had already planned out his life and didn't need others to worry about him.
"If you ever wish to teach Potions at Hogwarts, I'm sure the school would welcome you with open arms," Professor McGonagall said with a smile. "When you leave, please ask Fred to come in."
Albert was slightly taken aback but nodded, "I'll consider it seriously."
Watching Albert's departing figure, Professor McGonagall furrowed her brows. If Snape became the Headmaster, what would happen to Dumbledore?
And what did he mean by a 'pink toad'?
As Professor McGonagall pondered Albert's words, Fred had already pushed open the door and entered.
"Take a seat, Weasley," Professor McGonagall repeated what she had said to Albert. "Let's talk about your future career plans, which will help you decide which subjects to continue studying in your sixth and seventh years. Have you thought about what you want to do after leaving Hogwarts?"
"Of course, Professor. I plan to open a joke shop, a shop that brings joy to people. Yes, a shop like Zonko's Joke Shop," Fred said.
Professor McGonagall's mouth hung open, unsure how to respond.
"You intend to open a joke shop."
"Yes, we've already started preparing, and we should be able to open the shop right after graduation," Fred exuded confidence, and it didn't sound like mere boasting; he seemed genuinely ready.
"You... and who else?"
Professor McGonagall felt that something was amiss with today's career counseling. Fred's goals were clear, and he already had plans to open a shop after graduation.
"Yes, we," Fred confirmed.
"Mr. Weasley, I must remind you that opening a shop requires startup capital," Professor McGonagall didn't want to discourage Fred, nor did she want him to realize too late that he didn't have enough Galleons to open a shop.
"Also, if you plan to open a joke shop, I suggest you pay attention to the five main subjects. After all, creating those joke items requires a solid foundation of knowledge to turn your ideas into reality."
"Don't worry about that, Professor. We've already secured enough startup capital, and Albert will provide us with knowledge and support," Fred said confidently. "He's very supportive of our idea and believes that a joke shop can be profitable."
"This..."
Professor McGonagall had a hunch about the source of Fred's startup capital.
"Well, since you already have a plan in place, I won't say more. Mr. Anderson's judgment is indeed trustworthy. However, I still suggest that you focus on the main subjects, especially in the field of Charms. Improving your skills now will never be a waste of time, and Mr. Anderson himself has been doing the same," Professor McGonagall advised.
"I will, Professor," Fred assured her.
"Ask George to come in when you leave."
It was no surprise that the twins, Fred and George, had almost identical responses.
As Professor McGonagall watched George's retreating figure, she wondered if she should continue with the career counseling. She suspected that Lee Jordan might have similar plans.
"What will I do after graduating from Hogwarts?" Lee Jordan furrowed his brows. "I guess I'll open a Wizarding Card specialty shop."
"Wizarding Cards?" Professor McGonagall was taken aback. Of course, she knew what Wizarding Cards were—they were the card game the four boys had created. It was said that Albert had invented the game.
"Yes, Wizarding Cards," Lee Jordan nodded. "Albert believes that this card game has great potential, and it will be separated from the joke shop. I also love the game and hope to make it popular throughout the wizarding world. In fact, Professor, you may have noticed that Wizarding Cards not only bring joy and laughter to people but also unite the students at school and enhance their magical knowledge..."
Lee Jordan's explanation left Professor McGonagall feeling a bit dizzy, but she finally understood what was going on. It seemed that Albert was leading a group of them to open shops.
No wonder they were all so confident.
Was Albert impressive?
Indeed, he had already made these plans before even graduating. From the way they spoke, she wouldn't be surprised if the trio pulled out a folder and showed it to her.
(And indeed, they had one.) As for the source of the Galleons to open the shops, Albert had already won two grand prizes, so startup capital was not an issue.
(End of Chapter)
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