"Now, I'm not necessarily saying that they're going to approach you because Henrik's is notoriously picky—as well as unreliable in consistent hiring numbers. I was the only one they picked out of my class, but the year after that, they brought on eleven new kids. And even if they don't select you, that shouldn't say anything about your skills, do you understand, Roxy?" Professor Vice smiled at the small girl.

Roxanne—or Roxy, as she insisted on being called—Weasley, was amongst his favourite students since he had begun working at Hogwarts. He had been hired on as the Potions professor fourteen years ago after Professor Slughorn had finally passed away in his sleep.

(Poor man, at one hundred and four years old, he had struggled to move anywhere or do anything, and house-elves had been needed to bring him meals and assist him to bed each night.)

Professor Vice thought that students like Roxy Weasley were the reason why he taught at all. She was very friendly—something that had initially caught him off-guard, since Roxy was a Slytherin, though he had later reminded himself that it was rude to be so prejudiced, and quickly found that, Slytherin or no, Roxy was one of the hardest workers in any of his classes.

The little girl—and it was hard to think of the eighteen year old as anything but a little girl, for the she was terribly short and small—beamed up at her professor. "What are my chances, though? Of getting accepted? Do I have a good shot?"

Professor Vice nodded. A kind man though he was, he had never led a student astray. He knew when someone had a talent for potions, and when they did not. Luckily, Roxy was one of those lucky few who managed to make the ingredients practically sing their secrets to her.

"You, of all my students, are the most likely candidate. They need people like you at Henrik's. Smart, creative, inventive. You're always adding on to my lessons, butting in to tell me how to improve a potions. Why, Roxy, you are a natural at potions! I'd be very surprised if, by the end of graduation, they aren't knocking down your door to get you to sign up."

He had expected her to look happy, or pleased at his praise, but instead, Roxy only nodded listlessly, as though she had expected to hear nothing less. However, she didn't seem interested in what he was saying, too busy twisting her neck to look at the wall. Roxy seemed almost…put out? Yes, she seemed upset, practically annoyed, by his pronouncement.

"Is something wrong Roxy?" he asked, making sure to emphasise that he was concerned. He knew that the girl had issues believing that anyone cared about her—the two, teacher and student, had grown to have a bond of trust and respect for each other, but even still, Roxy would sometimes look up at him, and it was obvious that his words of encouragement fell flat to her ears.

"No, I'm fine," muttered Roxy, still looking away. "I just…" The girl let out a small sigh. "I think everyone expects me to go out and do something great with my life, just because I'm a Weasley. Because I'm George Weasley's daughter, and Angelina Johnson's daughter, and Freddie Weasley's sister. Like, everything I ever achieve won't be because of me, it'll be because of them. And I don't want to get a job based off of anything less than my own merit, you know?"

"Oh, Roxy." He wanted to hug her, to console her and insist that everything would be alright. "Trust me, if they invite you onto the team, it won't be because of who you are related to. It's purely based off talent and skill. It's because you have shown promise and potential, and because you are great at potions. They couldn't care less about your family—your last name means nothing about whether or not they pick you. Please don't be discouraged."

"I'll try," Roxy replied, but her face was glum, and her words empty. As she left the Potions dungeon for the last time, Professor Vice couldn't help but wonder if Roxy would end up falling apart. After all, she had spent so long bottling up everything inside of her.

It would all have to come out soon enough.

30 June, 2028

Henrik's Potions and Cures Company

Dear Miss Weasley,

Congratulations!

We are pleased to inform you that you have been selected for our 2028-2029 internship program. As one of the top in Potions across your year at Hogwarts (2027-2028), we would like to offer you a very prestigious position at our company, beginning with an internship that, if you prove yourself to be a dedicated and hard worker, will grow into a full-fledged position at The Henrik's Potions Co. We here at Henrik's select only the top candidates from each graduating class, not only at Hogwarts, but from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang as well. Occasionally, we are also able to find great talent across the seas, amongst our American brethren, but for the most part, our candidates and employees are culled from the best of the best right here in the United Kingdom. You have been selected due to your grades across all seven years at Hogwarts, as well as your excellent scores on both the O.W.L.S. and N.E.W.T.S. It is both an honour and a privilege to be selected, and even those who find themselves unable to complete the internship program in full will find themselves in highly successful careers due to their connections our company.

An internship at Henrik's is a year to year selection; internships can be taken away at any time should you be found to not be a proper fit for our company. This includes a high-profile arrest or regularly ending up in the tabloids for reasons that might portray our company and employees at our company in a bad light. Your agreement to work with us is also an agreement to be a model citizen in both the wizarding and muggle worlds. Our employees are upstanding and the epitome of perfection. You, too, must live up to this standard, should you agree to join us here at Henrik's on the first of September.

Applicants must return this letter, regardless of whether or not they intend on continuing with the program, or even beginning it at all. This is merely so we can keep track of who we have approached over the years with these offers, and to be able to keep an eye on their progress in any other fields they may choose to forge their path in. Whether you choose to begin a new life here at Henrik's, or decide that we are simply not the right fit for you, we implore that you return this letter with your choice, no matter which one it might be.

Remember that Henrik's will never badger or bother potential interns to join the company. We merely offer incentives and attempt to cultivate an interest in your future here at the company. Having had a long and very proud history of producing some of the wizarding world's finest and most talented potioneers—as well as being number one in the creation and mass-production of new potions every year—we know that each person who is approached is of the highest calibre.

However, we also understand that this does not necessarily mean that each potential intern is of the right qualification to complete the program in its entirety. Three years of hard, and ever-increasing work, leads to a high drop-out rate, and the demand for excellence and a fact-based break-through on a regular basis also lead to many whom choose to seek employment elsewhere. We respect that decision, and should you come to it while under our guidance, Henrik's will do their best to ensure that the proper compensation and skills needed for your new job is available at the time of your departure.

The first date of employment for new employees and interns is, and has always been, the first of September, in remembrance of the beginning of a new year at Hogwarts. We find that beginning on this day more than any other helps new members of Henrik's feel more at home, and to more easily begin their careers here, feeling it to be a new step on their path to success.

As a first-year intern, you will be expected to not only assist full-time employees, but also any intern who currently outranks you. Unfortunately, you are beginning at the bottom of the ladder but think of it not as a long way to climb, but rather as the first rung to a lifetime of success and prosperity. If you work hard and stay dedicated, you will soon find yourself at the very top.

Your position will require you to retch supplies from our store room, as well as track down rare ingredients and prepare them for use. You will also be asked to dispose of any unused or unwanted materials in the proper manner; if a potioneer requests your presence to help test a potion, you must assist, and if the potion is deemed to be harmful, you will be immediately escorted to our Hospital Wing, and proper compensation shall be rewarded.

A first-year intern is paid by the hour—10 Galleons an hour, for 8-10 hours, 6 days a week. Sundays are your personal day, but remember that it is not an excuse to party or get into any trouble! Interns may be called in on Sundays to assist in certain projects, and will be paid 15 Galleons for each hour they are there. This salary will increase with each year that you work with us, and full-time employees receive an hourly wage, along with bonuses for each potion that is successfully brought to market.

Thank you for considering Henrik's Potions and Cures Company for your potential future employment. Remember that applicants are due no later than the first of August and that all accepted internships will begin on the first of September. Absolutely zero late acceptances are tolerated, and any offerings of internships will be revoked until the following year (that is, the year of 2029) and must be re-earned by the applicant themselves.

We hope to hear from you soon,

Adalbert Finnerty

Head of the Internship Application Program 2009-present; Head Potioneer 1995-2009; 1st in Potions at Hogwarts during the class of 1990; 4th in the class of 1990.

"Have you decided what you're going to do yet? About Henrik's, I mean? Isn't the deadline in, like, two weeks or something?" Jo took a sip from her drink, eyeing Roxy.

Jo had been enjoying her fairly easy-going job managing the Floo network, and though this meant their meetings had dwindled considerably, the two friends still made an effort to hang out whenever they could.

Though Roxy didn't much appreciate that many of their conversations had turned to discussion her future plans; it was too much like being at home nowadays, where her mum was always wheedling Roxy to make a decision before time ran out.

"I'll get to it eventually," Roxy replied with a much put-upon sigh. She really was tired of hearing how great Henrik's would be for her. Honestly, Roxy was just in general growing tired of hearing everyone around her insisting that they knew what was best for her. "I just need some time to think about what I want in life. I mean what if I say yes and this job ends up being horrible and highly demanding and I hate every single person that works there?"

"What if it's amazing and opens up so many opportunities for you in the future and you end up making a bunch of new friends while you're interning there?" Jo raised an eyebrow at her. "You never know until you try it. And you've only got two weeks to make up your mind."

"Ugh," Roxy groaned. "You sound like Mum and Aunt Hermione. They're always getting after me about how much I could benefit from this and how little time I have left. It's like nobody wants me to have even a chance to slow down and think about what I want. I mean, we've only been out of school for—for not even a month! And you've got a job, Kieran has a job, hell, I think practically everyone from our year has already found something to do for the next fifty years except me. I just…I just want to be allowed to be eighteen for a little while longer. I don't want to rush head-long into something new that I barely understand. Is that really too much to ask for?"

"I guess this is just what adulthood is, Rox. Rushing into things, making decisions that might seem smart at the time, but turn out to be terrible ideas ten years down the road. And besides, it's just an internship—just a year of your life. If you don't like it, then you can move onto something new, something that interests you more. Nobody is asking you to sign your entire life away just yet."

Roxy crossed her arms, scowling. "That's certainly what it feels like I'm being asked to do." She just wanted an opportunity to sit down for a few days and decide what it even was that interested her. Sure, she was good at potions, and everyone said she would be excellent in a field that utilised her talents, but just because everyone said she should do something didn't mean she had to, right?

Everyone said you'd be in Gryffindor, and look where you are now.

There was a tapping from the window, and both girls turned to look at a small owl sitting outside, clutching a letter in its beak as it glared balefully at them to be let inside.

"How much do you want to bet that's somebody else who wants to talk me into writing to Henrik's and say yes?" Roxy asked, getting up to let the owl inside. The little bird dropped his letter on the kitchen table and—without even waiting—departed once more.

It was addressed from Henrik's Potions and Cures Company.

Roxy groaned once again.

15 July, 2028

Henrik's Potion and Cures Company

Dear Miss Weasley,

We could not help but notice that all attempts to connect to you since your graduation from Hogwarts have gone unnoticed. We understand entirely if you have no desire to join our internship program, or our company at all, but the instructions of our previous letter very clearly state that all applicants must either reject the offer via letter or in person. We here at Henrik's do not take silence as a definite "no", as company policy states that "no is not, nor has ever been, a word in the vocabulary of a Henrik's employee", especially when it comes to recruiting. We hope this does not seem overly forceful or pushy, but you have been reminded that a definite "yes" or "not this year" must be given to our company by the first of August. You have two weeks to respond, or else any potential employment to our company will be revoked entirely, without any chance of recruitment at a later point.

We hope to hear from you soon,

Adalbert Finnerty

Head of the Internship Application Program 2009-present; Head Potioneer 1995-2009; 1st in Potions at Hogwarts during the class of 1990; 4th in the class of 1990.

"Hey Mum?" Roxy called as she headed past the kitchen and towards her bedroom. "Do you have any spare parchment?"

"In the desk drawer, as always. Why?"

"I need to write a letter to someone. A letter I probably should have written a while ago, honestly, but you always told me it was better to something late than to never do it at all, right Mum?"

"Roxanne?" Her mum gave Roxy a questioning look. "Are you writing to who I think you are?"

"That was very a grammatically confusing question." Roxy grinned. "But if you're assumption is that I'm accepting Henrik's internship offer, then yeah, I'm writing to them."

Mum clapped her hands together excitedly, a large smile stretching her features. "Oh, Roxanne! I'm glad to see you're finally choosing to do something great with your life!"

The eighteen year old rolled her eyes, but nodded, willing to let her mum coo over her for a minute if it meant she would be left alone about getting out of the house more often or "doing something with her life".

"I'm so proud of you Roxanne! Do you know, Professor Vice used to write to me sometimes to mention how great you were at Potions? He said you were a real 'natural talent', and that he wouldn't be surprised to see you working at Henrik's in a few short years. I suppose he was right." Mum continued to beam, happily rushing over the desk and grabbing a piece of parchment for Roxy. "You know, he's so much better than my Potions professor."

"Professor Slughorn?"

"Hm?" Mum laughed. "Oh no, he was before my time—and after it, as well, I suppose! No, no, I had Professor Snape. He was absolutely dreadful. I barely learned a thing from him, because he spent most of his time scowling at everyone and taking off points from Gryffindor for the smallest of things. Honestly, he was quite ridiculous. We used to think he was part bat because he'd stomp around the castle in big, black robes all the time!"

"I'm glad Professor Vice isn't like that, then," said Roxy, imagining the friendly Potions professor even trying to scowl at a student. He was very kind and helpful, which was understandable, as he had been a Hufflepuff during his time at Hogwarts.

Mum nodded, her eyes still bright with happiness. "Yes. Well, you ought to get on with writing that letter before time runs out. After all, they are due tomorrow, aren't they? I'd recommend beginning with an apology for your exceptionally late response."

"Yes Mum," muttered Roxy before heading into her bedroom to begin the letter.

31 July, 2028

Dear Mr Finnerty,

Apologies for how late this letter has been sent! I have been considering an internship with your company all summer, and I suppose time simply got away from me. You know how busy the life of a recently graduated student can be! But I am responding now—last minute, yes, and I am very sorry for that—and I hope that it is not too late to still submit my acceptance letter.

I hope that you can understand that I have put the most consideration and thought into this decision as I possibly could before I was able to respond. After all, this is a life-changing decision, and such things are not made lightly. All of the factors had to be thought over many times before I was able to determine the most fruitful path for myself. Luckily, I have come to the conclusion that Henrik's is definitely the best place for me to be able to succeed. I have always enjoyed making potions, and have been told that I have the potential to have a bright career in doing such, and I know that Henrik's is the top place to make such a career out of my skill.

Again, I am terribly sorry for being so late with my response, but I can only beg that your company look back such a delay on my part and continue to consider me and my eligibility to join your internship program this September. If I am allowed to stay, I greatly look forward to working with Henrik's for many years to come, and I hope that your company will find my joining to be a positive experience.

Thank you very much for considering me and I hope to see you in September,

Roxanne Weasley

Roxy sighed, pushing the parchment away, and called for her owl. The only thing left to do now was hope that they would still be willing to take her.

And also to figure out if Lucy's insane claims about ghosts coming back from wherever they had all disappeared to could possibly have any tangible credibility.

Why can't I just have an easy, normal life? Roxy groaned before sending the owl off with her letter. She watched it fly out the window, soaring away until it was just a dot in the distance, and let her head drop into her hands. She was exhausted, having spent the remainder of her uncle's party carefully considering what she wanted.

This is the right decision, right? You aren't going to wake up a year from now, or ten years from now, and realise that you've made a terrible decision? She shook her head. No, this had to be the best outcome for her.

Roxy groaned again, stretched, and made her way across the room.

Here's hoping I don't wake up in the wrong room again, she thought to herself, dropping onto her bed and falling asleep almost seconds after her head hit the pillow.