magic • j. hale [✓]

Chapter 39

Ariella looked up from her clipboard as Harry entered the office. She was there to help guide Harry in his Career's Advice, and to make sure that Dolores Umbridge keeps her mouth shut in the process.

"Sorry, Professor," he panted, as he closed the door. "I forgot. . . ."

"No matter, Potter," McGonagall said briskly, but as she spoke, somebody else sniffed from the corner. Harry looked around.

Ariella was there, sitting not far from McGonagall. Professor Umbridge was sitting there as well, a clipboard on her knee, a fussy little pie-frill around her neck, and a small, horribly smug smile on her face.

"Sit down, Mr Potter, so that we may begin with the Career's Advice." Ariella smiled politely at Harry. His face morphed into that of confusion when he heard the professionalism in her voice, but when Ariella's gold eyes quickly darted to Umbridge, he understood.

Harry immediately sat down with his back to Umbridge and facing McGonagall and Ariella. The vampire stifled a laugh. It was painfully obvious that Harry loathed Umbridge, and of course, there was a reason for that.

"Well, Potter, this meeting is to talk over any career ideas you might have, and to help you decide which subjects you should continue into sixth and seventh years," said Professor McGonagall. "Have you had any thoughts about what you would like to do after you leave Hogwarts?"

"Er . . ." Harry trailed off. It became clear to Ariella that Harry had thought about this matter. He just wasn't sure what to pick yet.

"Yes?" McGonagall prompted.

"Well, I thought of, maybe, being an Auror," Harry mumbled.

Ariella grinned. "I see you want to follow in the footsteps of your parents."

"Yes, well, I suppose." Harry said.

"You'd need top grades for that," said Professor McGonagall, extracting a small, dark leaflet from under the mass on her desk and opening it. "They ask for a minimum of five N.E.W.T.s, and nothing under 'Exceeds Expectations' grade, I see. Then you would be required to undergo a stringent series of character and aptitude tests at the Auror office. It's a difficult career path, Potter; they only take the best. In fact, I don't think anybody has been taken on in the last three years. Well, with the exception of Miss Swan, here. She'll be starting her training when all this blows over."

Harry knew what she was talking about, and with the curt smile on Ariella's face, it seemed as though she knew what McGonagall was talking about as well.

Umbridge gave a small cough as if trying to test how softly she could cough. McGonagall pointedly ignored her, which made Ariella slightly grin. She pursed her lips, trying to stop the large smile breaking out from her face.

"Well, Mr Potter, to continue on with taking an Auror Course, there are specific subjects you're going to have to take." Ariella said, her voice slightly louder.

"Yes," Harry nodded his head. "Defense Against the Dark Arts, I suppose?"

"Naturally." McGonagall said. "I would also advise -"

Professor Umbridge gave another small cough, which was slightly louder than the one she gave earlier. Ariella rounded on her, a polite but curt smile on her face. "Professor, perhaps you'll do with a bit of water? I can't help but notice that you've been coughing, and your fits have been quite disrupting the Career's Advice I and Professor McGonagall have been giving Mr Potter."

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[ I think I'll be giving three of four chapters today. Just a thank you for more than 45K reads. Thank you all! 

Stay safe, all the love, E x ]