Career Consultation – 6

"What are you doing?"

Lily watched the Marauders curiously, completely awed by what she was seeing.

Emma, the idiot, was waving her wand over a loaded cross-bow while the others looked on in interest.

"We're experimenting," Black supplied easily, a bag of muggle chips in hand.

"You're…" Lily shook her head at a loss for words. "Where did you get the cross-bow?"

"Transfigured it from a cup-coaster," Potter answered, his head snapping around to watch her while his hand jumped to his hair.

"Emma explain!" Lily commanded.

"I think that if we just tweek this…" Emma said to Remus as a twang! lit the common room. "Ah! Voila!" the wandless said observing a flaming arrow in the wall.

"Why aren't you studying for your OWLS?" Lily asked exasperated, she couldn't even sum up the energy needed to berate them for punching flaming holes in the walls.

"Why would we study birds?" Black asked confused.

"Not owls, you idiot, O-W-Ls!" Lily exclaimed.

"Oh shit!" Remus and Emma said in unison with identical expressions of horror.

"When are those again?" Emma asked, the flaming arrow forgotten.

"Oh for Merlin's-! Aguamenti!" Lily commanded, sending a jet of water to extinguish the flame.

"Nice going Evans, that's a sixth year spell-"

"Shut-up Potter," Lily snapped. "They're in June Emma, most people have been studying since school began."

"Bugger."

"Yes bugger," Lily agreed. "We have career advice with Professor McGonagall coming up, you need to choose a job, you need to pass these flipping birds and. You. Are. Punching. Flaming. Holes. In. The. Wall."

"Right…" Remus nodded, his face set. "This could be problematic…"

"You really think so Lupin?" Lily had clearly reached the end of her leash. "Go study, the both of you. You two," she pointed at Black and Potter. "Disturb them and I kill you. Peter grab a book you'll need the practice." She didn't wait to see if they would listen to her, stalking off to gather her books and find a quieter spot to continue her own studying.

,.,.,

Two weeks later saw Sirius with half a mind to kill Evans. Emma and Remus had taken to their books like Bowtruckles on fairy eggs and the bookwormed idiots had even enlisted Peter.

"Curse Breaker for Gringotts," Sirius said, reading the pamphlet. "You need-"

"I already know what I want," Emma interrupted him, a book in one hand, to which her eyes were glued, her other hand waving her wand over the dancing contents of a Bertie Botts package.

"Oh?" Sirius asked with a sigh. This is what he had resorted to for attention, the girl wouldn't so much as give him a second glance lately and it was all for nothing. Influence meant more in the Ministry then OWLs and Emma would never need money anyway with him and James around.

"An Auror."

Sirius froze, feeling slightly troubled. He was considering the same job to be honest, the adventure was more then enough to tempt him, but Emma… Aurors died, Aurors got hurt and female Aurors… "An Auror's job isn't all glamour you know. It's very dangerous."

Emma gave him an odd look over her text, "You think I can't handle myself?"

Sirius opened his mouth to answer before snapping it shut. Emma had handed him his ass on a golden platter more then once before, he knew she could take care of herself. "No, no that isn't it. I just want to make sure you understand that being an Auror isn't just chasing after bad guys and living it up. It's very dangerous, you're one of my best friends, it would kill me if you got hurt."

"That's very sweet Pads," Emma said giving his knee a soft pat. "But I'm very aware of the dangers. I want to put my… talents to good use," she smiled. "What are you thinking of becoming?"

"An Auror," Sirius smirked at her expression.

"Well I'll save you the lecture," Emma smiled. "I have to go now anyways, I have my meeting with McGonagall… do me a favour and track down Prongs? His is right after mine."

"Will do," Sirius said standing. "Good luck!"

"You to," Emma said giving a small wave before leaving.

Emma made her way to McGonagall's office with little trouble, giving the door a solid wrap before waiting patiently.

"Come in!" McGonagall called in a rather strained voice and Emma stepped inside.

"Professor," she smiled. "Good morning?"

"So far," McGonagall beckoned her over. "Have a seat Dill," there was a brief moment in which McGonagall shuffled papers on her desk, seeming to organize them. "Well, this meeting is to help you with any career ideas you may have and to give you an idea of what you should take during your sixth and seventh years," she paused, her lips pressed tightly into a frown. "Any ideas?"

"Well, with what's been going on lately and my… abilities… I was think maybe… an Auror?" it came out sounding like a question and Emma felt her heart plummet as McGonagall shook her head, her face pained.

"Do not take this the wrong way Emma, I beg you," Emma started at the use of her first name. "You are one of the best in your year as far as enchantments go. You are averaging at Exceeds Expectations in both Filius' class and my own. You are ranked Outstanding in DADA. You will need to pick up Potions, you are only in the Acceptable range there… all your other classes save History of Magic are either Exceeds Expectations or above," she paused. "You, my dear, are not the problem it is just… Wandless are considered dangerous, I am quite confident that the Ministry would never allow you to join," she sighed. "Have you considered other options? Perhaps a career at Flourish and Blotts?"

Emma blinked, forcing a blank smile, "So my marks won't make a difference-?"

"Even if you had only Outstandings," McGonagall sighed.

Emma nodded, "I want to continue Transfiguration, Charms, DADA, Potions, Herbology, Ancient Runes, and Care of Magical Creatures-"

"Dill-"

"What should my marks be like?" Emma refused to hear further.

"At least an E in all of them to continue to the next level. I am sorry."

"It isn't your fault professor," Emma said standing. "But I'm not giving up."

McGonagall watched her leave the room with a heavy heart of course you're not…

James entered the hall at a run; he was ten minute late, ten minutes! Minnie was going to skewer him!

"Come in Potter," the transfiguration teacher called before he could even knock on the door.

"I'm sorry professor!" he exclaimed as he came in. "I-"

"These things happen Potter, take a seat," McGonagall cut him off.

James noticed that she looked rather strained while she shifted her papers. "Well Potter, do you-"

"I want to be an Auror-!" he shuffled nervously at the look on McGonagall's face. "I mean… I-"

"Very well, I think it would be an excellent career for you…let's see," she looked at his papers. "You're averaging Outstanding in both my class and DADA. You have Exceeds Expectations across the board otherwise, excepting a D in Divination and History of Magic," she gave him a stern look which made James blush. "You will need to continue with Herbology, DADA, Transfiguration, Charms and Potions. They all require an E minimum OWL for continuation. I am sure that with a little work that shouldn't be a problem for you. Now there are three extra years of schooling for those hoping to become an Auror, along with a series of aptitude tests-"

"What sort of tests?" James asked sitting forwards in interest.

McGonagall rolled her eyes, "As I was saying Potter, the tests include perseverance and dedication, reactions to stress, concealment and disguise along with stealth and tracking. You must also have a firm knowledge of practical defence which I believe you do," she pursed her lips, remembering the incident involving the Shrieking Shack.

James nodded, "Alright, that sounds excellent… umm… anything else?"

"Do you have anything else you wish to discuss? Another option perhaps?" McGonagall questioned.

"No?"

"Then no, that is everything Potter."

James smiled happily, "Thanks Professor!" he said shooting from the room. He had to get a move on with the new Quiditch plays he had planned, the game was only a few weeks away.

The game against Ravenclaw was upon them before they knew it.

"Alright team, we can do this!"

"Relax James, we win every year," Elaine said easily, her legs propped up in Remus' lap.

"Can it Hooper, this is my speech-"

"That's right guys, because despite having practice for at least two hours every frigging day we might still lose."

"Padfoot-!"

"No doubt because of your horrible aim."

"Swift-!"

"I don't have horrid aim!"

"You hit Alice two years ago, she wasn't even in the game!"

James sighed, taking a seat on the bench while the two fought it out.

"Saved your ass countless times-"

"Sirius! Emma!" Elaine gave them the most intimidating look she could muster, which wasn't much considering she was barely four feet off the ground. "Are you two finished?"

"No, no we're not," Sirius said with a smirk. "But we could be for a price."

"That is gross," Elaine said with little sympathy. "You're bloody ancient!"

"I'm not old!" Sirius yelled looking horrified. "You're young!"

Remus snorted, beside him Frank was laughing loudly, "Enough children, we have a game to win."

"That's right Moony," James said getting back into Captain mode. "Let's-!"

"Kick their buts! Come on team!" Sirius bellowed running from the room.

"Bloody mutt…"

Frank was still wiping tears of laughter from his eyes as the teams faced each other on the pitch.

Ricky Valentine watched in amusement while Black did his best to annoy Dill. They were incredibly amusing to watch, almost as much fun as Potter and Evans, now there was a girl with some spit-fire.

He took to the sky on Hooch's whistle, beater's bat in hand. He did his best to keep the bludgers from his team, all the while keeping one eye on Sirius. He had yet to forget the consequences of attempting to hit Emma, it wasn't everyday someone tried to knock you out with their beater's bat.

Corrin, the Ravenclaw seeker, looked nervous and Ricky could understand why. It was well known that Emma could fly circles around everyone except maybe James Potter, who, if rumours were true, had taught her to fly in the first place.

The game was no different then the others he had played against the outstanding Gryffindor team. Remus was one of the best keepers he'd seen, keeping a cool that he wished Sirius possessed. Sirius, the boy was ridiculous! He shot around the field like a bludger himself, his path revolving near a red head who's eyes would, Ricky swore, rival a hawks. Potter had devised some of the best plays he'd seen, his flying one of the best on the field. Elaine was faster then a speeding bullet and Frank could put the quaffle anywhere he wanted to. Robert had an arm that could rival Sirius', and thankfully a more amiable temper, at least Bell had never taken a whack at someone's head.

He watched his team loose spectacularly and yet couldn't feel too bad about it, he was honoured to have gone up against a team like the one Potter had put together.

"They're something to recon with," Joan told him once they had landed. "I hate how hot Black looks right now."

Ricky chuckled, "We both know he's only dating for fun," he said. "I think anyone can see that he's the only one that doesn't know he's in love."

"WHAT!" Joan looked horrified. "Who?"

"You can't tell?" Ricky snorted. "I guess you've never been around all the Marauders at once, it gets rather obvious."

"McKinnon?"

Ricky gave her an odd look, "Close," he said leaving the topic alone. "So, what have you heard lately about the outside?"

"Only what the Prophet is spewing," Joan rolled her eyes. "There are rumours that an anti-you-know-who organization is forming. What do you think?"

"I think it's something I'd be willing to join. I'm thinking of becoming an Auror, get a piece of these Death Eating rats."

Joan sighed, "Will you stop acting like a head strong Gryffindor please?"

Ricky laughed, "My apologies. In the end it's the logical thing to do though. This can't be allowed to continue, I bet the Gryffindors could use some brains behind their plans."

"You're going to get yourself killed," Joan said with a sigh.

Ricky smirked watching her leave, Something tells me the Marauders have enough man power to keep us all alive, he watched them across the field, Peter having left the stands to be with his friends.

Ricky noticed the things others didn't, he saw the magic that radiated from Emma's very existence. He noticed the golden eyes and absences of Remus Lupin. He knew they weren't all human, anyone with half a brain cell could see that, but, as a half-vampire, Ricky knew that not everything was in your genetic make-up. He was in a school for witches and wizards. There were both a werewolf and a wandless in his year. The gamekeeper was a half-giant that breed monsters in the forbidden forest. No, genes had very little to do with anything, love however, had a lot to do with everything.

.,.,

"Do you have any career ideas Mr. Lupin?"

"What do you think would be possible?" Remus asked the transfiguration teacher.

McGonagall smiled tersely, "With the right grades you might be able to get a job in the werewolf regulations office at the Ministry, or at a shop in Diagon Alley."

"Right," Remus nodded. "What subjects would you suggest for that?"

"At least five NEWTs including Care of Magical Creatures and History of Magic."

"What about potions?" Remus asked sceptically.

"I doubt that it would be required," McGonagall smiled slightly.

"Okay," Remus nodded standing. "Thank you Professor."

"Thank you Mr. Lupin."

She barely looked up as Sirius plopped into the chair across from her, lounging lazily.

"Good day Black."

"Minnie," Sirius gave her a wide smile.

"Well, as I am sure Potter, Dill and Lupin have told you-"

"Yes they have told me," Sirius cut her off with that infuriating smile still in place. "I've decided I want to be an Auror. Prongs – that's James, told me about the necessary courses and what-not already. My question is how my family will play into this."

"They may be wary at first," McGonagall agreed. "However there are quite a few teachers who would be willing to vouch for your loyalty, if you are a bit rash. I have every belief that you joining You-Know-Who is not something we will have to worry about."

Sirius grinned again causing Minerva to frown, "I owe you one Minnie. I give you the Marauders' Word that you won't be the butt of a prank for two weeks."

He was halfway to the door before McGonagall called out, "I give you permission to make an exception for April Fools."

Sirius spun on his heel, "Of course Milady," he said with a bow. "Though I'm not sure how we would have kept you safe for that anyways…"

Minerva watched him leave with a frown, her stomach squirming with the thought of the hundred and one things they might do this year, "Well it's unlikely that they'll top that blasted door," she murmured quietly.

,.

"We are going to get into so much trouble!" Wormtail fretted, his back to his friends and the Marauders' Map practically touching his nose.

"Can it Wormtail," Padfoot hissed sharply. "Will you hurry the fuck up Swift?"

Swift was balanced precariously on the older boy's shoulders so that she could reach the head of a rather menacing suit of armour. "Just another minute," she hissed.

"This is going to be bloody awesome!" Prongs panted, holding Moony on his own shoulders.

"Will you buffoons stop moving?" Moony snapped, catching Swift as she almost lost her footing.

"Alright we're done!" Padfoot sighed in relief as she spoke.

"About bloody time, you weigh a ton!"

"Such a gentleman," Swift snapped, making her way down carefully. Padfoot helped her down, smirking at her disgruntled expression.

"You know I was kidding."

"Shut-up!"

"Someone's coming!" Wormtail fretted. Moony snatched the map from him and he turned into a rat quickly, before being scooped into Prongs' pocket, the cloak over all of them.

Filch stalked by, sniffing the air suspiciously, as if he could literally 'sniff them out' before making his way down the corridor, grumbling loudly.

Albus Dumbledore sat at the high table the next morning for breakfast, wondering what chaos would occur. April Fools was a well known reason to fear the first meal of the day, when something was bound to have been cooked up.

They were halfway through the meal when an odd screeching sound assaulted the ears of all present. Dumbledore looked up questioningly, his eyes flicking to the Marauders who were all smirking,

Well isn't that comforting…

He stood as a pair of Armour came in. They stood at the front of the hall, took a bow, and then began to fight each other mercilessly.

Dumbledore watched in amusement and they reduced themselves to spare bits of metal before re-forming and starting over.

Throughout the day students were forced to stumble around fighting armour in the halls, muttering curses under their breaths as they appeared to classes late.

,.,

Peter was the last of his friends to appear for his Career Advice and probably the most terrified. Emma had come back from hers silent and cold, taking to her books like they might save her life and even Sirius hadn't been able to get her to spill what was bothering her.

"Mr Pettigrew," McGonagall gave a small smile when she saw him. "How are you today?"

"Good," Peter squeaked feeling panicked.

McGonagall gave him a small smile, going through her monologue explaining what the meeting was about. "… Do you have any ideas on what you'd like to be Pettigrew?"

"Well…" Peter wet his lips. "I'd like to be a Potioneer, or something in Divination…"

"Well, a Potioneer needs to be talented in Potions, which I see you are. You will also need Herbology and Care of Magical Creatures wouldn't hurt. Divination has very few careers, and all involve the need of the inner eye, which you may or may not have. Though you are averaging Outstanding in Divination."

Peter smiled, "What sort of marks would you expect for a Potioneer?"

"An O in Potions and no less then an E in Herbology at NEWT level. You will need Es in both subjects for your OWLs in order to continue them."

Peter nodded rising, "Thank you Professor," he turned to go before pausing. "If I asked you about another student, you wouldn't tell me, would you?"

"I am afraid that I could not," McGonagall answered. "Good day Pettigrew."

.,.,

The common room was quiet, Exams would soon be upon them. Emma jumped as Sirius and James entered the common room, Robert in tow and looking excited.

"Quiditch Team!" James called to the common room. "Follow me!"

Emma rolled her eyes, following the smirking trio from the room and down to the field. She sat on a bench with Elaine, arms crossed and glare in place. "This had better be good boys," she said coldly. "I was studying."

Sirius rolled his eyes, dumping a pile of Griffin feathers in her lap, "Man up Swift."

Shiloh Sims was excited on the morning of the final match against Gryffindor. She had a long standing rivalry with Dill and so when she entered the pitch with the rest of her team she was taken back.

The Gryffindor Team had streaks of red in their hair, with red and gold face paint in two lines on each cheek.

Emma's hair had several small braids in it, griffin feathers tied in for a look that was undoubtedly cool. Elaine and Sirius also had feathers in their hair, but no braids. The entire team wore necklaces and bracelets of red and gold ribbon with the feathers, making them look distinctly bad-ass.

"We're dead," Sims couldn't help but nod in agreement with her Captain.

Emma whipped through the air around the pitch, her eyes straining for a glimpse of gold. Sims roved in a slower circle beneath her, keeping her distance. She dodged a bludger, diving down and spotting the snitch. She made a circle over to the Hufflepuff end of the stadium, a bludger was miss aimed, almost hitting the keeper who let a goal in.

She was forced to put on a burst of speed as Sims took after her, chasing her from the hoops.

"LONGBOTTOM SCORES! 10 POINTS TO GRYFFINDOR!"

Sirius watched the two spinning seekers like a hawk, Sims shepherding Emma from the Hufflepuff end of the stadium. He took aim then, slamming a bludger Sims' way, but she was too quick and dodged it, sending him the finger. Cheeky bitch.

"Is Black always that protective?" Sims called out to Dill who flew ahead of her.

"Chances are I have nothing to do with it," Dill called back. "I don't think he's fond of you."

"Why? Because I haven't let him into my pants?" she laughed at the smirk Dill shot her.

"Obviously."

Shiloh caught site of the snitch then, but before she could so much as move, Dill was in her way, the golden ball disappearing.

"I really hate you sometimes."

"I know."

Shiloh sighed as the Gryffindor side of the stadium erupted in cheers, another goal then…

"How did you know?" she began, frowning when Dill sent her a look that said clearly 'come on'.

Shiloh pulled away, roving the pitch again. It was a half an hour later that she spotted the snitch. Gryffindor was in the lead by 50 points and of course Dill was able to snatch the golden ball right out from under her nose.

She really hated that girl, even if she was trustworthy.

The Gryffindor common room was one long party that night, having grasped the cup for the sixth year in a row. The only members of the team to make an appearance for the party however were Sirius, James, Frank and Elaine. NEWTs kept Robert locked in the Head's room and OWLs kept Remus and Emma locked in the Marauders' dormitory, where the noise was less ear-splitting.

Breakfast the next morning was a sombre affair. There was exactly one week left before OWLs, and the fifth years, minus Sirius and James, were feeling the pressure.

"I'm getting in four hours a day," Marlene boasted over toast. "What are you doing Dill?"

"She gets in at least six," Sirius grumbled. "Glued to a textbook all night."

"Some of us actually need good grades Pads," Emma sighed, waving Night Hawk away when he landed (a fork up the ass had only kept him away so long).

"You don't, not with me and Prongs, we have enough money to keep you loaded."

Emma shot him a glare, "Oh, a welcome excuse to slack," she snapped sarcastically.

"You know," James said around a mouthful of eggs. "Evans acts the same way. Why is it that whenever you try to help girls they get mad at you?"

"Because we aren't invalids!"

"We don't think you are, I mean, well yeah," James said gesturing to Emma as a whole, obviously referring to her wandless nature. "But we're only offering help…"

"No, you're offering to be my keeper," Emma sighed. "There's a difference.

"What is it?" Sirius asked Remus, obviously thinking Emma wouldn't give him a straight answer.

Remus didn't bother looking up from the paper to answer, "When a good boyfriend sees their girl crying they ask who they're beating up, but they keep their hands off the other idiots she chooses to talk to," he flipped the page. "Wait until she implies that she wants help, but don't wait for her to ask for it, that makes you insensitive."

"Because that isn't confusing," James muttered darkly stabbing a sausage savagely.

"Anyways," Sirius said waving away the previous conversation with a bacon laden fork. "It isn't like you need to study to get good grades! You're a… a Marauder for Godric's sake!" Sirius said catching his slip-up before it could materialize.

Emma gave him a hard look that made him flinch slightly, "Careful," she warned. "And there's more then just spell work on these tests, I need to practice!"

Sirius muttered something darkly, finally eating his bacon. There were times when he really was amazed she wasn't a mule.