Can't believe I made it to the 50th chapter of this particular fanfic, though if we count the original Hogwarts Mystery Chronicles fanfic that means I've written over 200 chapters for this fanfic in total! Also, sorry for the delay on writing Year Seven because once again I wanted to wait until enough content was available before continuing. So with that said, I hope you enjoy this latest chapter!

Chapter 50: Job Interests

While Claire was able to pass her final exams for Sixth Year just fine, she still couldn't believe what she had witnessed in Knockturn Alley. Merula was the Hogwarts mole for 'R,' and joined them under the persuasion of a mysterious Dark witch who was apparently one of 'R's members. It forced Claire to question all those times when Merula was being surprisingly helpful and honest. Did Merula really mean the things she said, or was it just part of an act to gain Claire's trust? For this reason, Claire didn't have the heart to tell any one of what she had seen even in the Circle of Khanna.

Back at home during the summer, Claire assured her parents that Jacob was fine though they didn't approve of him going after 'R's remaining members by himself. She also got frequent letters from Barnaby, which were very sweet and helped alleviate some of the stress from her mind. Thus when her gray owl Eban delivered a letter from Hogwarts with a list of supplies for Seventh Year, she was confident enough to go to Diagon Alley by herself to get the things she needed which included stuff for Muggle Studies.

An elective course in the Hogwarts' curriculum, Muggle Studies wasn't required for students to take since it depended on if they were going to frequently interact with Muggles or not career-wise. Though because it was going to be a subject covered in the upcoming N.E.W.T. exams, Claire decided to take it this year despite her familiarity with Muggle life. While Claire had to bare another lonely train ride to Hogwarts, she was glad to see her friends in the Great Hall.

"I can't wait to show you all the potion ingredients I collected this summer," Penny smiled.

"While I didn't do that, I did map out all of Knockturn Alley," Ben added.

"Sounds productive," Claire remarked, trying to sound happy.

"But it is still hard to believe that we found the final Cursed Vault, and with Rakepick sealed inside she'll never hurt anyone ever again," Ben said.

"Yes, so that means we can enjoy our last year at Hogwarts without worrying about Cursed Vaults, Rakepick, or 'R' for that matter!" Penny responded joyfully. "So what are you excited about for this year, Claire?"

Unsure of how to answer, Claire said, "Maybe we should talk to our other friends, and see how their summers were."

Agreeing to this, Penny and Ben accompanied Claire to the other tables in the Great Hall where they talked with Charlie, Percy, Barnaby, Badeea, Chiara, Jae, Talbott, Tulip, Liz, Ismelda, Diego, and Andre. Only Merula wasn't present, which worried Claire though she tried not to show it.

"Has anyone seen Merula?" Claire questioned.

Ben thought for a moment. "I haven't seen her since our big end-of-the-year party at the Three Broomsticks. Why do you ask?"

Just as Claire hesitated to answer, Professor Dumbledore walked up to the podium at the head of the Great Hall.

"Your attention, please," Dumbledore announced. "It is with great pleasure that we welcome you all to another year at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Among the things to be gained here are friendship, knowledge, and growth. This is especially true for our Seventh-Years, who will gain the opportunity to explore various wizarding professions off the school grounds through a special arrangement with some equally special friends around the world."

Hearing that, Penny's eyes widened while Ben and Claire seemed equally interested.

"Though last year's loss was devastating, let us look towards the future with our loved ones' memories intact," Dumbledore concluded. "Now, let us begin the Welcoming Feast!"

Once the food appeared on the tables, everyone started digging in. Afterwards, Claire met up with Ben and Penny, who was ecstatic.

"I can't believe we get to go off school grounds to explore careers!" Penny beamed.

"Sounds like we need to start thinking about what we're going to do in the world outside of Hogwarts," Ben realized.

Penny's attention was then drawn to the entrance of the Great Hall. "Hey, it looks like Merula has finally arrived."

Claire followed Penny's gaze and sure enough, Merula came walking from the entrance to the Great Hall and sat next to Ismelda.

"Makes you wonder what she's been doing this summer," Penny remarked.

"Yeah, about that," Claire spoke up. "There's something I would like to discuss with the Circle of Khanna in the Courtyard later tonight."

###

In the Clock Tower Courtyard, which was illuminated by the lights from the Great Hall, Claire met with all the Circle of Khanna members she talked to earlier including Tonks.

"So, um, to begin this meeting…is anyone thinking of trying a specific career?" Claire asked, trying to use a lighter topic before bringing up the main issue.

"Creatures!" Barnaby exclaimed.

"What do you mean, Barnaby?" Tonks asked.

"He's excited about a career involving magical creatures," Claire said.

"Exactly, because I love them so much," Barnaby acknowledged. "Is there a Ministry of Magic department that handles creatures?"

Liz paused. "I know there are official Ministry Magizoologists, but I'm not sure if I want to be one myself."

Tulip shrugged. "Working anywhere but the Ministry of Magic is fine with me."

"Personally, I'm torn between being a Curse-Breaker and working for the Accidental Magic Reversal Squad," Ben admitted.

"Maybe I could put my potion-making skills to good use and make medical remedies," Penny speculated out loud.

"Following Professor Flitwick's footsteps and becoming a Dueling Champion sounds good to me," Diego stated.

"It's being an Auror or nothing for me," Tonks declared.

"Madam Pomfrey thinks I should work at St. Mungo's as a Healer, but I'm nervous," Chiara said while blushing.

Hearing all of these, Claire realized she had become so focused on breaking Cursed Vaults that she never considered what to do after graduating from Hogwarts.

To be continued…