Chapter 13

All of the fifth years in Hogwarts were buzzing about the career counseling. Ever since the notice had been sent out at lunch earlier that day, informing all of them about the time of their individual meetings with their respective heads of house, it was all any of them could talk about. Tom, Lucius, Narcissa and Ally were not alone in their worried yet excited talk about the whole ordeal.

"What about yourself Ally? Yours is the first meeting, and it's only about a half an hour away, what exactly do you have in mind?" asked Narcissa.

Ally let out a deep sigh. "Honestly? I am not quite sure. I mean, I know that I'm not half bad at all of our classes," when Narcissa snorted and both Lucius and Tom raised an eyebrow, Ally grinned. "Alright, I am really good at just about all of them, but I don't know what in particular I would actually enjoy doing and be good enough at to make a career out of! The only thing I can really think of off the top of my head, is drawing, but what good will any of the N.E.W.T. Level classes do for that?"

Lucius nodded. "That's true enough. If you really want to make a career out of it, you might as well not even continue on at Hogwarts. That's not to say I don't want you here," he said quickly as Narcissa started to protest. "After all, you're definitely good enough at your drawing, I am just saying that you might try doing that on the side."

Ally smiled. "I hadn't thought of that, but it's a really good idea. What about yourself Luc?"

"Well, of course I am going to get myself immersed inside of the Ministry, get my name around a bit, become popular, that way in a few years' time I will get elected as Minister of Magic." Lucius said while grinning.

Ally smirked. "I don't know, I can see you more as the head of the Board of Governors of Hogwarts. While maintaining a job at the ministry of course."

Ally chuckled at his look of horror. "Why in Merlin's name would I ever want to do that?"

Narcissa looked pensive before she spoke up. "Well, you do always like to say you could run this place better, and by being on the Board, you would definitely get a say in it."

Tom decided to pipe in. "I think the main thing would be to just get yourself in the Ministry first."

Narcissa looked over at Tom. "And of course we all know what you want to do."

Ally looked over at Tom in surprise as he blushed. Raising an eyebrow in confusion she looked over at Narcissa. "I can honestly say that I don't."

Narcissa grinned. "Well aside from searching out his past, Tom wants to work with the Ministry as well. He wants to implement changes. Ever since first year when he got used to this place that is all he has ever wanted to do."

Ally stiffened up, and though she had a feeling she already knew, she asked the question that plagued her mind. "What kind of changes?"

Tom looked over at her before he started speaking. "I want to change the way that the wizarding world is run. As things are now, about a quarter of the kids who enter Hogwarts are unaware and unprepared for the wizarding world. The number of muggleborns is growing, and the wizarding world as we know it won't be around for much longer."

Ally found herself scoffing at him. "And what would you have the Ministry do? Kill the muggleborns off?"

Ally found herself confused when Tom looked startled at the very idea she had suggested. "Why would I do that? One way or another, changes are eventually going to take place, I am just suggesting preserving the old traditions. Take our situations for example." Tom said indicating both Ally and himself. "Both of us grew up without our parents."

Ally nodded. "But I have a dad..." she started

Tom interrupted her. "A wizard whom adopted you when you were young. That is one end of the spectrum, my situation is on the other hand is completely different. We all know that I stay at an orphanage over the summer. I grew up there, not knowing a thing about the wizarding world. All I knew was that I was different from the other kids around me. They looked at me as some kind of grotesque abomination. Half of them still do, while the others fear that I am going to blink them into oblivion or some other puerile thing."

Ally found herself chuckling at the thought, as he continued. "I, like others such as yourself, was lucky enough to be born with a higher intelligence, and therefore was able to keep up once as I got here," Ally rolled her eyes. "However, I still have to go back there every summer."

Ally nodded. "All right, but what does that have to do with your 'changes'?"

"What do you know about Purebloods? Not their traditions, but them in general."

"That many of them are prejudiced against muggleborns and half-bloods."

"Do you know why?" At the shake of her head Tom continued. "What do you know about the medieval aristocracy?"

She cocked her head to the side. "That there was a lot of in-breeding."

Lucius, whom had been listening intently until then, chuckled. "Let's just say that the Purebloods have had the same problem. Many of our families are interlinked. Take the love of my life over there." he indicated to Narcissa who just rolled her eyes. "We are, I believe fourth cousins six times removed or maybe its sixth cousins, four times removed." Lucius seemed to withdraw into himself as he pondered over it.

"The point is, that because so many of the Purebloods are worried about blood purity, they are forgetting that eventually they will inbreed amongst themselves to the point of extinction. They don't want anything to do with the muggleborns or the half-bloods because they don't know about our world until they are older, and then they don't and won't conform to the wizarding ways. Many of them turn around and live and work in the muggle world after they complete their schooling. Only returning if their kids show signs of magic and need to come to Hogwarts."

Ally indicated Tom should continue. "I am merely suggesting that muggleborns be introduced early to the wizarding world, in something that is similar to muggle primary school. It's not like we can't track them, after all their names appear in books in the schools as soon as they are born, and they are tracked."

"Right, but what if the parents won't agree?" Ally asked.

"They will be given two options. To agree, or give up the child."

Ally looked at him horrified. "That's barbaric!"

He shook his head. "No, what's barbaric is that more squibs are being born every year because of inbreeding, and that there are even children out there whose parents refuse to let them come to Hogwarts, Durmstrang, Beauxbatons or any other magic school. Simply because their parents refuse to accept their magical side."

Ally found herself at a loss for words. She herself had never thought it possible for someone to not attend magic school. But she supposed it was possible that the parent might refuse to allow it, especially if they were anything like the Dursley's whom her brother had grown up with, whom tried to beat the 'freakiness' out of him. "Where would the child go?"

"To a family who would want another child, or even perhaps a family who couldn't have children."

"But what Pureblood family would accept a child from a muggle?"

Lucius looked up. "Quite a few actually, especially if they get the child early on. There are ancient spells and potions to bond people by blood. You can change ones 'blood' and have them become a true member of the family."

Narcissa nodded. "It's true. While my family has quite a few members in it, we are a rare exception. Many families are lucky to get even one child, like Lucius, or Adrian for example."

Tom took over once again. "I would suggest that the Ministry create a wizarding orphanage if nothing else, so that in the case of a parental death, they would have somewhere to go."

Ally once again found herself surprised by Tom's behavior; especially since what he was proposing was actually a fairly good idea. "So you intend to go into the Ministry and change the world?" she asked.

Tom shook his head. "I have no intention of joining the Ministry. If I work for them, it would probably never happen. I am smart, but I don't know that I am quite charismatic enough for it. No, I want to work with the Ministry; through Lucius perhaps. I think I myself am better at actual spell-casting. I am thinking I might try for the Defense position. After all, Professor Merrythought is getting on in years, she is going to have to retire eventually, and I don't mind apprenticing under her."

Narcissa nodded. "I could definitely see you doing that."

Tom looked over at Narcissa before nodding his thanks. "And what exactly are you planning on doing after Hogwarts?"

"Who me?" asked Narcissa.

"Yeah."

She grinned before pushing her long blonde hair over her shoulder. "Well you know me. I want to marry a rich wizard and live a life of luxury."

Ally burst out into laughter. "Please tell me you are joking."

Narcissa raised an eyebrow while looking affronted. "What's wrong with that?" she asked before breaking out into a grin. "Yes I am joking. I don't know, I was thinking about traveling a bit. I am not quite sure what I would really want to do other than maybe working in a shop or something."

"That's alright love, I will be your rich husband so that you don't have to worry too much about it." Lucius said.

Ally stifled her laughter as Narcissa ignored him. "Well Ally, I guess we are back to you, after all you never really answered earlier. What do you plan to do?

"Well, my two favorite classes are Potions and Defense Against the Dark Arts, so perhaps something to do with one of them? Although if Tom is going for Defense, I would hate to have to take that from him."

Narcissa gave her a wry smile. "You could always be a potions mistress."

Ally stared at her for a minute before the two of them both burst into laughter, much to the confusion of the two boys. Finally Lucius spoke up. "What exactly is it that you two find so amusing about that? I think it would be a great idea, especially since Ally is so proficient at potions."

After another bout of laughter, Narcissa was the one that finally spoke up. "Her dad is a Potions Master, she started learning at a young age." Both Lucius and Tom looked at each other surprised before smiling.

Ally seemed to contemplate something for a moment before she looked over at Narcissa. "What do you think of my being a Healer?" At Narcissa's startled look she quickly spoke up. "It was just a thought."

Narcissa gave her a funny look. "No, I think it would be a fine idea. Just as good as a Potions Mistress. The two of them have similar aspects of the job, and go fairly hand in hand."

Ally nodded. "I guess that's true; I think if I had to choose between the two I would prefer to make the potion, because at least then I know it was made correctly and just how potent it will be. Yet at the same time, I would like to work with people as well."

Tom smirked. "You could sell potions and such out of your home, build up a good enough reputation, and you could probably make enough to someday get yourself a shop."

She finished off her pumpkin juice before looking at the three of them. "Well, I guess whatever decision I make has to be made now, because here comes Slughorn."

Sure enough just as she finished saying this, Professor Slughorn waddled up to their table, and tapped on her shoulder to get her attention. "It's time, Miss Bryant." Nodding, Ally got up and waved good bye to her friends as she followed Professor Slughorn out of the Great Hall.

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Ally looked around Professor Slughorns' office, and couldn't help but note all the differences between what it was right now, and the way her dad would have it set up in the future. Where Severus would have lined the walls with strange things swimming in various colored potions, Slughorns' office seemed much emptier. However, it was also much more cramped. The room itself was dominated largely by a table with a bunch of chairs around it, as well as many pictures of Slughorn standing next to various different people.

"Ah, yes, those were all members of my 'Slug Club'. I fear I have been neglecting the club this year, but not to fear, I will have it up and running again by the end of the month. But enough of that, please take a seat."

She took the seat he indicated, as he settled himself across the table from her. "Alright my dear, as you know this is a career counseling meeting. The point of this meeting is to help determine what N.E.W.T. Level classes you will be taking over the next two years. I guess the best way to begin is to ask what it is you have an interest in doing."

Ally took a deep breath before speaking. "Well sir, I have to say that one of my passions in life is Potions. Which I guess can be blamed on my dad, but I also want to help people. Kind of like a healer would. I am just not sure what exactly to do with a career that would include both."

Professor Slughorn seemed to ponder this for a bit before he addressed her. "Well, Miss Bryant, I am guessing you are referring to a possible career for St. Mungo's?"

She nodded. "I was thinking something along those lines. Such as one of the suppliers for their potions, or actually being a healer as well as doing the potion making on the side."

Slughorn chuckled. "You realize that the healers at St. Mungo's don't usually make the potions, for a lack having the time?" At Ally's dejected look he quickly continued. "However, there are a few smaller wizarding clinics, private ones, where the healers make their own potions for each case that comes their way."

Ally found herself grinning with excitement. "That sounds like fun."

Slughorn nodded. "I would even be willing to speak with Madame Pomfrey about having you work a bit with her on your free time." Ally nodded for him to continue. "Right, so classes, well obviously you would be wanting to take Potions as well as Herbology, and I don't suppose it would be a bad idea for you to continue on in both Charms and Transfiguration as well, as you never know what reasons patients may come to you for."

Ally watched him write some things down on a bit of parchment that he seemed to have produced out of thin air, before he continued speaking; though she wasn't sure if it was to her or just to himself. "I guess she will be wanting to continue on in Ancient Runes, Ancient Studies and History of Magic." he looked up to see her nodding in assent, before he looked back down. "Defense isn't really needed."

"I would like to take that class though, though I suppose Ancient Runes would not be so much necessary." she spoke up quickly.

Slughorn looked up in surprise. "Well, if you really want to..." he trailed off, "well, if you feel you really can handle that many N.E.W.T. Level classes..." he once again trailed off while looking up at her.

"Most definitely sir!" Ally said with enthusiasm.

"Eh? Well, then I guess our meeting is done. I will get to work on this immediately. Good luck Miss Bryant, I see big things in your future." he got a strange gleam in his eyes. "Be on the look-out my dear for an invitation to the next meeting."

She raised an eyebrow. "What meeting?"

"Why, to the Slug Club of course!" he said.

"Oh. Well, alright sir." she said as she was getting up. "Have a good night sir." Slughorn waved in her general direction, already lost in his own thoughts. Rolling her eyes, Ally made her way out of his office and towards the Slytherin dorms.

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"Oh yeah, I forgot about the private clinics" said Narcissa.

Ally had just finished telling the other girl about her meeting with Professor Slughorn. The two of them were chatting while they got themselves ready for bed. "What are they for? I had thought that St. Mungo's took care of all of the European Wizarding Society."

Narcissa nodded, but seemed to hesitate for a moment before speaking. "St. Mungo's caters to all sorts, that's true, but if you think about it, how many Purebloods do you know that are willing to wait while a bunch of half-bloods and muggleborns are seen to before them? Especially if they think their problem is more important? Not only that, but there are some magical issues that certain high standing officials wouldn't want to get to the wrong ear. The clinics all have strict closed mouth policies, and therefore their healers are trusted much more than some of the healers in St. Mungo's."

Ally grinned. "I can see it now, Lucius botching a love potion, and having to come to me to heal him."

Narcissa nodded. "There are many that go there because of a botched illegal potion, or some kind of adverse effect from a dark curse or spell; and who really wants half the wizarding world to see and know about it, when they can avoid that by going to one of these clinics. My family has always frequented one of them, mostly because my parents don't want to 'degrade' themselves by waiting."

Ally laughed when Narcissa rolled her eyes. "I get the feeling you don't share the same view as your parents."

Narcissa shrugged. "I wouldn't call it an issue, but no, I don't really share it. Mother feels the need to go to the clinic for every little thing, from the sniffles to a fever. I don't believe in wasting a really good healer's time for something as mundane as that."

The two girls found themselves looking over as some of their fellow fifth year girls came into the room so that they too could get ready for bed. Ally and Narcissa both said their good-nights as the two of them settled in for bed.

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The next few weeks passed in relative normalcy; broken only once or twice by the conferences the fifth years had pertaining to their prospective futures. It seemed everyone had settled down to their routines of increasing homework and harder studies. The four friends were settled down and eating their dinners when a strange thing occurred. It was rare for an owl to bring mail to anyone any time other than breakfast, that to have about eight or so to swoop down and drop a few letters to various students, caused a large burst of whispered speculation to fly around.

Ally, Tom and Lucius all found themselves with a letter in front of them. Ally looked over to find a very confused Narcissa. The poor girl whom had been left out seemed just as clueless as the other three were. Narcissa finally spoke up. "So are you going to open it, or just keep killing me with all the suspense of wondering?"

Tom was the first to pick it up, but both Lucius and Ally mirrored his actions. The three of them found themselves staring in disbelief at what was in their letters. Ally snorted. "Oh, you have got to be kidding me. Please tell me this is some kind of a joke. I mean sure, the man talked about it, but I didn't think he was serious!"

"Apparently so." said Lucius, before he handed the letter off to Narcissa.

Tom remained silent while Narcissa read the letter. Her eyes got wider; whether in shock or horror or both, none of them knew, but Ally was leaning more towards horror when her friend burst into laughter. "Well, I must say, I am kind of glad I didn't get one. I mean the 'Slug Club'? Really?"

Ally joined her in her laughter. The letters were invitations to Horace Slughorns exclusive 'Slug Club'. Lucius and Tom both shared an amused look as the two girls slowly caught their breath. Tom looked back down at his letter before finally speaking up. "Well, I for one think that it's worth checking out at least. I have heard about it. Apparently the man has a good sixth sense, and every single member of his exclusive club has turned out to be some kind of celebrity or well respected something or other."

Ally slowly nodded, "Yes I have heard that too, but why wouldn't Narcissa get one?"

Narcissa rolled her eyes. "That is probably because of my meeting with him. He kind of took my answers about what I want to do after school to mean that I intend to get by with looks alone or something like that."

Lucius shook his head. "That's alright Narcissa, I will find a way for you to join us!"

Ally burst out into laughter at Narcissa's horrified look. "Well I guess Tom is right, it's at least worth it to see what it's about, so I am in, and if I am going, you are going Lucius. Besides, I don't mind telling Narcissa about what happened."

"Thanks." Narcissa said sarcastically.

The four of them got back to eating their dinners, completely oblivious to the others who had received letters. Whispers continued to fly around, but none of the four friends seemed to notice or even care; and when they were done with their food, they all journeyed back down to their common room. Tom however waved good-bye to the other three as he himself had Prefect duties to attend to that evening.