Careers Advice (OP)
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Careers Advice is the twenty-ninth chapter of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.
Contents |
Easter holidays
The chapter begins with Harry telling Hermione that he will no longer have Occlumency lessons with Snape. He does not tell her the true reason for that (which would be that he went snooping on Snape's Pensieve); instead, he says "Snape reckons I can carry on by myself now that I've got the basics."
Hermione is, of course, sceptical and indignant, but Harry brushes her off.
It is the first day of the Easter holidays. As were her custom, Hermione had drawn a revision timetable for the Trio, with each square flashing a different colour according to each subject. Ron had been shocked to realise that there were only six week left until their OWLs.
Ron is at first happy to realise Hermione has given him an evening off every week, but she points out that that is for Quidditch practice. Ron gloomily replies that the team has "as much chance of winning the Quidditch Cup this year as Dad's got of becoming Minister for Magic."
Hermione says nothing and looks a Harry, who is blankly staring at the wall. She asks him what's wrong, and he says it's nothing, fetching his copy of Defensive Magical Theory pretending to be looking at the index.
Hermione tries to guess what happened, mentioning that she's seen Cho Chang, and that the Ravenclaw looked miserable. Harry confirms that they have had a row about Marietta Edgecombe (OP27).
Ron starts ranting about the traitor to the D.A., and Harry nods along, dwelling on what he saw in the Pensieve (OP28). He had thought that his parents were wonderful people, and had never thought of believing the awful things Snape used to say about James. Hagrid and Sirius had helped him feel that way, and even McGonagall had done the same (PA10). She had described James and Sirius as trouble-makers; but Harry could never imagine Fred and George Weasley hanging someone upside-down for the fun of it, not unless he deserved it.
Harry couldn't even try to make himself believe that Snape had deserved what James did to him. Lily herself had asked; James said, "It's more the fact that he exists, if you know what I mean."
He remembers that Remus was made Prefect in hopes that he could control his two best friends (OP9), and sees that, as the Pensieve revealed, Lupin did fail miserably.
Harry tries to remind himself that Lily intervened. But the memory of her outrage disturbs him: she clearly loathed the man who was to become her husband, and Harry actually wonders whether James had forced her to be with him. For the first time in Harry's life, the thought of James offers no pride or comfort.
The Easter holidays passed in a haze of review work and long days in the library. Harry was satisfied with using the approaching exams as an excuse for his foul mood.
One night, he is alone at a library table when Ginny Weasley joins him. She has just left Quidditch practice (Ron had to take Jack Sloper to the hospital wing, because the boy knocked himself out with his own bat), and brings a package that has undergone Umbridge's screening process, containing several Easter eggs from Molly.
Harry's egg is decorated with iced Snitches, and contained a bag of Fizzing Whizzbees. He feels a strange and painful lump in his throat, and Ginny expresses concern for his odd facial expression, suggesting that Cho may have something to do with it; Harry blurts out to her that the person with whom he wishes to talk is not Chang, but (he checks the surroundings before completing the sentence: Madam Pince is several shelves away, stamping out books for a frantic Hannah Abbott) Sirius Black. Harry knows, however, that he cannot speak with him.
Ginny watches him carefully as he, for lack of something better to do, unwraps his egg and eats some. She then suggests that they could perhaps find a way to make it work. Harry is skeptic, and she replies, "The thing about growing with Fred and George is that you sort of start thinking anything's possible if you've got enough nerve."
Harry feels a bit more hopeful, perhaps due to the chocolate (Remus has always advised him to eat some after facing Dementors - PA5, PA9) or perhaps because he's finally confessed the wish he'd been bottling up for a week.
Suddenly, Madam Pinch sees what the two are up to, and is predictably furious. "Chocolate in the library! Out — out — OUT!" she screams, using her wand to make Harry's books, bag and ink bottle chase him and Ginny from the library.
Wizarding careers
Shortly before the end of the holidays, pamphlets and notices concerning wizarding careers appear on the tablets in Gryffindor Tower, along with a notice announcing that fifth-years need to attend a short individual meeting with their Head of House during the first week of the summer term to discuss their careers.
Harry looks at the notice and sees that he is expected at McGonagall's office at half past two on Monday, which means that he will miss most of Divination.
All Gryffindors spend a good part of the final weekend of Easter break reading up on career information and requirements:
- Healing: an 'E' at NEWT-level in Potions, Herbology, Transfiguration, Charms and Defence Against the Dark Arts.
- Muggle relations: an OWL in Muggle Studies, "enthusiasm, patience and a good sense of fun!"
- Curse-Breakers for Gringotts: a job that includes "travel, adventure and substantial, danger-related treasure bonuses"; it requires, among others, Arithmancy.
Ron does not like the idea of Healing; he thinks the requirements are too difficult. Hermione does not fancy banking.
Fred and George show up, mentioning that Ginny has brought Harry's problem to their attention. Hermione can hardly believe the carelessness of the thought, but George smiles and says to her that all they need is a diversion.
The twins have been quiet on the mayhem front during the holidays; there is no point in disrupting leisure time and students' revision (Hermione is surprised at that bit of thoughtfulness). But tomorrow they will be back in full swing, allowing Harry to use Umbridge's office fireplace, which is the only one not monitored (OP28).
When Harry states his intentions of using the fireplace of the High Inquisitor herself, Hermione asks him if he is insane, and Ron throws him a wary look. He explains that he will get in there using Sirius' knife (GF23). Hermione furiously turns to Ron, asking him for support; Harry is reminded of Molly's similar request to Arthur (OP5).
Ron gives a noncommittal answer, of which Fred heartily approves. The twins continue unfolding their plans: they will do it when all students are in the corridors (to cause maximum impact), in the east wing (to draw her far from her office), and make it last at least twenty minutes.
They refuse to reveal what sort of diversion it will be; they say simply that if Ron wishes to see it, he should go to the corridor of Gregory the Smarmy at around five o'clock the following day.
Monday
Harry wakes up feeling almost as anxious as he did on the morning before his disciplinary hearing (OP7) for three reasons: he will use Umbridge's fire without permission, he will hopefully hear from Sirius some excuse to justify James' behaviour, and he will meet Snape for the first time since the Pensieve incident.
Looking out the window, Harry catches a movement near the edge of the Forbidden Forest; it's Hagrid, who limps to his hut and disappears inside it. Minutes later, smoke comes out of the chimney.
All day long, Hermione continuously tries to dissuade Harry from his plans for the afternoon. For the first time, she was as inattentive to History of Magic as he and Ron were, reprimanding him for the initiative ("…and if she does catch you there, apart from being expelled, she'll be able to guess you've been talking to Snuffles and this time I expect she'll force you to drink Veritaserum and answer her ques¬tions…")
Ron interrupts her to ask her to take notes, and she sharply retorts that he should take his own.
Potions
By the time the Trio reaches the Potions classroom, neither of the boys are speaking to Hermione. She continues to hiss warnings and lectures so low and so persistently that Seamus Finnigan checks his cauldron for leaks.
Meanwhile, Snape has decided to pretend that Harry is invisible. The boy is far to used to that tactic after fifteen years at the Dursleys', and is rather thankful for the change of attitude. He was also pleased to find that he made an Invigoration Draught with considerable ease; when he leaves it at Snape's desk, he feels as thought he may at last have managed to get an 'E'.
When Harry turns away, his potion sample falls on the ground. Draco Malfoy starts laughing, and Snape smugly informs Harry that he has just earned another zero. Harry turns to his cauldron to fill another sample, only to find out that its contents have been Vanished. Hermione apologises profusely.
The bell rings, and Harry rushes out of class and sits between Neville and Seamus for lunch.
Careers advice
Harry's mood is so terrible that he even forgets about his appointment with McGonagall; Ron reminds him, and he arrives, breathlessly, a few minutes late. He apologises, and Minerva says it doesn't matter.
Only then does Harry notice that there is someone else in the room. Umbridge is sitting at the corner, looking smug with a pie-frill around her neck. The Transfiguration teacher's hands tremble slightly as she gestures for him to sit.
McGonagall asks Harry, who does his best to ignore the sound of Umbridge's quill, what thoughts he has had regarding his life after Hogwarts. Harry replies that he thought of being an Auror; Minerva points out that he will need excellent grades for that, a minimum of five NEWTs, and nothing under 'Exceeds Expectations'; afterwards, a series of character and aptitude tests at the Auror office.
It is a difficult career path; Minerva doesn't believe that anyone has been accepted in the last three years. At this point, Umbridge coughs, and is ignored. Minerva goes on to say that Harry will need to take Defence Against the Dark Arts—Umbridge coughs again; with some effort, McGonagall does not react—, Transfiguration—and McGonagall does not accept students into her NEWT classes unless they achieved at least an 'E' in their OWLS, something she isn't sure Harry can scrape, considering his current 'Acceptable' status—, Charms, and Potions.
She smiles, and adds that poisons and antidotes are essential for Aurors, and Snape does not accept students with anything less than an 'Outstanding' in his NEWT classes.
Umbridge coughs once more, so loud that Minerva can no longer ignore her. "May I offer you a cough drop, Dolores?" she asks curtly, without turning to face the High Inquisitor, who laughs and thanks her.
The Defence teacher requests to make an interruption; McGonagall grudgingly allows her to do so. Umbridge sweetly points out that she has been wondering whether Harry has the right temperament for an Auror.
"Were you?" says McGonagall before turning to the boy once more and continuing to recommend to him that he improve his Transfiguration and Potions skills. Flitwick has graded him between 'Acceptable' and 'Exceeds Expectation' for the last two years, so that should be no problem.
"As for Defence Against the Dark Arts, your marks have been generally high, Professor Lupin in particular thought you — are you quite sure you wouldn't like a cough drop, Dolores?"
Umbridge thanks her once more, and asks whether Harry's latest Defence marks have gotten to Minerva. McGonagall, visibly disgusted, pulls the pink parchment from Harry's folder to confirm that she has indeed received the note.
When McGonagall attempts to focus on Harry once more, Umbridge wonders if she has not understood the note; if so, why is Minerva giving the boy false hope of becoming an Auror?
The Transfiguration teacher pointedly replies that Harry has scored highly in all his Defence exams; Umbridge tries to contradict this statement, but Minerva corrects herself, at last turning to face the High Inquisitor: he has scored highly on all exams set by competent teachers. Dolores' smile vanishes at once, and she starts writing furiously.
Harry asks McGonagall what sort of aptitude tests will be necessary. She explains that the ability to react well to pressure is essential, as well as perseverance and dedication; Auror training takes three years. High skills in practical Defence are also mandatory, of course.
Umbridge coldly points out that the Ministry examines the criminal record of the applicants, "which means that this boy has as much chance of becoming an Auror as Dumbledore has of ever returning to this school."
"A very good chance, then," replies McGonagall.
The two witches then argue loudly, in a dispute that ends with the Head of Gryffindor House saying, "Potter, I will assist you to become an Auror if it is the last thing I do!"
Dolores intervenes that the Ministry will never hire him, to which Minerva counters that there may be a new Minister by the time the boy graduates. Umbridge then believes she has uncovered the truth: McGonagall wants to take her place; she hopes that Dumbledore will become Minister for Magic.
McGonagall disdainfully points out that Dolores is raving, and dismisses Harry. The boy leaves, and continues hearing the dispute of the two from the hallway.
Defence Against the Dark Arts
Umbridge is still in a terrible mood when she enters the classroom to teach. Hermione points it out to him and asks him once more to rethink his plans; Harry ponders that McGonagall has just vouched for him, and will be disappointed to find that he has broken yet more rules.
All students open their books to chapter thirty-four of Defensive Magical Theory (Non-Retaliation and Negotiation). Umbidge glares at Harry after now and then.
Hermione insists: Dumbledore sacrificed himself to keep Harry at Hogwarts. He remembers what Sirius said to him in the common room fire: "You're less like your father than I thought...the risk would've been what made it fun for James..."
The class ends, and Hermione makes yet another attempt. Ron continues not interfering, but he eventually shuts her up with the argument that Harry can make up his own mind.
Harry's heart beats very fast as he leaves the classroom. The unmistakeable sound of a prank reaches his ears, and he sees Umbridge leaving to examine what's happening. It's now or never. Hermione tries one last time, but Harry has made up his mind.
Floo
Harry sprints to Umbridge's office, using Sirius' knife on the door (inserting the blade into the crack around the door and moving it gently up and down; after he withdraws the knife, the door opens) and having put on James' Invisibility Cloak.
He drops Floo powder on he log and enunciates, "number twelve, Grimmauld Place". His head goes through the flames, but his knees remain on the flood of Umbridge's office.
Harry's head finds itself in the fireplace of the Blacks' house, staring at a very shocked Remus, who sets off to call Sirius at once.
Padfoot sits on the floor before Harry, and Remus kneels beside him. They are both concerned; they become startled when Harry reveals the subject of the conversation is James. He explains what he saw in the Pensieve.
Remus says James was only fifteen and shouldn't be judged by his behaviour; Harry retorts that he, too, is fifteen.
Sirius says James and Snape hated each other from the moment they set eyes on each another. Snape was jealous of James' popularity and Quidditch talents (PA18); James was good at pretty much everything, but Snape was an odd kid who was up to his eyes in the Dark Arts—and James always hated the Dark Arts.
Remus continues, pointing out that James and Sirius were the best in school at anything they did (PA10); everyone admired them, and they sometimes got a tad carried away ("we were sometimes arrogant little berks, you mean," Sirius corrects him).
Harry says that James kept messing up his hair, and the two friends laugh affectionately. Remus eagerly asks if he was playing with the Snitch, and the two beam once more.
The boy does not understand why Sirius and Remus seem so fond of those memories; he says he thought James was a bit of an idiot. Sirius heartily agrees, and includes himself in that classification as well, but "not Moony so much".
Remus refutes this, noting that he never succeeded in getting his two best friends to lay off Snape. Sirius counters that he sometimes made them feel ashamed of themselves.
Harry adds that James kept glancing at the girls by the lake, hoping they were watching him. Sirius shrugs, saying James always made a fool of himself when Lily was around, and couldn't stop showing off. Harry miserably asks how could she have married someone she hated. The two Marauders say that she did not, in fact, hate him; Lily started going out with James in seventh year, once he had "deflated his head a bit" and "stopped hexing people just for the fun of it".
"Even Snape?" Harry asks. Remus replies that Snape was a special case; he never lost an opportunity to hex James, either. And Lily didn't mind it much, in the end; James never took Severus on dates with the two of them, after all.
Sirius makes one last effort to convince Harry, saying that James was the best friend he ever had, and a great person. He was an idiot at fifteen, granted, but he grew out of it. Padfoot then asks what Snape's reaction was; Harry says that Severus has stopped teaching him Occlumency.
Remus and Sirius react strongly to this, and are both outraged. Remus instructs Harry to require lessons from Snape; nothing is more important than his learning Occlumency. Harry begrudgingly agrees, and then he hears distant footsteps on his end. After hurried goodbyes, he is almost caught by Filch, who goes to the office to fetch the Approval for Whipping for Umbridge to sign. He gleefully finds it, kisses it, and leaves the office.
Pulling a Weasley
Harry leaps to his feet, and runs out to find the source of the confusion. Most of the school is assembled: some students are covered in a substance that resembles Stinksap, teachers and ghosts are also attending. Inquisitorial Squad members look very pleased with themselves and Peeves is near the ceiling. They are all staring at Fred and George, who are in the middle of the floor, cornered.
Umbridge is triumphant. She asks the twins whether they believe it amusing to turn a school corridor into a swamp, and they acquiesce. Filch arrives right then, elbowing his way to Umbridge, and gives her the parchment. He claims he has the whips waiting for her consent.
"You two are about to learn what happens to wrongdoers in my school."
"You know what? I don't think we are," says Fred. "George, I think we've outgrown full-time education."
"Yeah, I've been feeling that way myself."
"Time to test our talents in the real world, d'you reckon?"
"Definitely."
They Summon their broomsticks from Umbridge's office.
"We won't be seeing you," says Fred.
"Yeah, don't bother to keep in touch," George adds, mounting his broomstick.
They triumphantly announce that Portable Swamps will be for sale in new shop at Diagon Alley. The shop will offer special discounts to Hogwarts students who swear that they will use products against Umbridge.
The High Inquisitor is hysterically shrieking for someone to stop the twins, but the Inquisitorial Squad does not reach them before they can kick off fifteen feet into the air.
Fred looks at the poltergeist, bobbing a few feet away from him, and says, "Give her hell from us, Peeves."
Harry has never seen Peeves take orders from a student before, but the poltergeist now salutes the twins as they flow away through the open front doors, under thunderous applause from the student body.
Trivia
- St. Mungo's has a crossed bone-and-wand emblem.
- The career pamphlets that Hermione reads are:
- "'SO YOU THINK YOU'D LIKE TO WORK IN MUGGLE RELATIONS?"
- "'HAVE YOU GOT WHAT IT TAKES TO TRAIN SECURITY TROLLS?"
- "'MAKE A BANG AT THE DEPARTMENT OF MAGICAL ACCIDENTS AND CATASTROPHES"
- Ron reads one named 'Cultivated Fungus Trade'.
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