Barty Crouch enters Slughorn's office at half past three, right on time for his advising session. His Potion's professor has his back towards him as Barty enters. Slughorn turns around, a smile barely seen under his ginger beard.
"Ah, right on time my boy," he says. His voice echoes in the small room. He gestures to the chair as he sits down. "Please take a seat so we can get started."
Barty complies quietly. He watches as Slughorn glances over his academic success. He had been disappointed when his Hogwarts letter for his fifth year came without the shining Prefect badge. But his grades are excellent; all Outstandings and Exceeding Expectations.
Slughorn looks at him with bright eyes. "You are doing well in all of the subjects that you are taking. Today's meeting is to determine which classes you will continue to take for the job that you want after Hogwarts."
Barty nods. "I would like to be in the Ministry of Magic," he says.
"The Ministry has vast. Where in the Ministry are you thinking?" Slughorn asks. He doesn't wait for the answer as he turns to his right side and picks up several pamphlets.
"The Department of Magical Law Enforcement," Barty replies.
Slughorn makes a sound of agreement. "Good choice," he says. "For that, there are several options for you." He spreads the pamphlets out for Barty to look at. "Auror, Improper Use of Magical Objects, Wizengamot Administration Services. All of these require you achieve at least an Exceeds Expectations in Defence Against the Dark Arts. I would also suggest you achieve at least an Exceeds Expectation in Charms, Transfiguration, Potions, and Herbology."
Barty reaches out and takes the pamphlets in front of him. He has an Outstanding in both Defence Against the Dark Arts and Transfiguration, and had Exceed Expectations in the other three his Potion's professor recommended. More studying, and he's sure that he will continue to get at least necessary Exceeds Expectations in all of them.
"Is there anything else?" Barty asks.
Slughorn turns again; this time to his left and gathers more pamphlets. "Arithmancy, for some, and Muggle Studies, for others, wouldn't hurt, given you get Exceeds Expectations in those as well." He hands Barty the other pamphlets. "There are also internships available at the Ministry. They are all very competitive. You may want to look into those. It would look good for you if you choose to go into the Wizengamot Administration Services."
Barty glances between the pamphlets in his hands and Slughorn. "Is that all?"
Slughorn looks at Barty's grades one last time. "You should have no problem getting into the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, my boy."
"Thank you," Barty says.
And when Slughorn doesn't say anything else, Barty takes his leave, his hands full of pamphlets that will determine his future. Department of Magical Law Enforcement isn't the real place he wants; he would rather be the Minister of Magic. He has to start somewhere to gather a reputation before he can run for Minister, though, and what better place than the Department of Magical Law Enforcement?
He reaches up and fixes his green-and-silver tie. He's going to be Minister. He'll make sure of it.