I do not own Harry Potter, the Wizarding World, or any canon characters.
Extended Family
Chapter 94 – Career Fair
Takes place around Chapter 60
"McGonaGranMum!"
"Hello my sweet lass!" McGonagall vanished the soot and ash from herself and knelt hurriedly, smiling broadly when Dahlia hugged her. "Oh you are getting so big!"
"I eat a lot," Dahlia said proudly.
"A healthy appetite is good for a growing girl. Oh I brought this from the kitchens, compliments of Dobby, Inky, and Fanny." Her smile grew when Dahlia squealed happily, looking into the bag.
"Thank you! Can you thank them for me too, please?"
"Of course I will. Will you have a bit now?"
"We can have them after dinner," Dahlia said.
McGonagall patted her head proudly. "What a good girl you are."
"Dahlia's very good about eating treats and desserts," Katie smiled as she walked up. "Needs to have plenty of stomach space for her daddy's cooking." Katie smiled at Iris babbling in her arms, tiny arms reaching out. "I think someone wants her McGonaGranMum."
McGonagall took Iris eagerly. "And hello to you too! Are you being a good baby for your mother?"
"She's finally letting us sleep through the night," Katie said, yawning slightly.
"Now that is a very good thing," McGonagall said. She bounced Iris in her arms. "You let your parents get their beauty sleep. Your father certainly needs it."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Harry called from the kitchen.
"Yeah!" Dahlia said crossly, narrowing her eyes at McGonagall and little Iris did the same making McGonagall laugh.
"It means I imagine you two run him ragged and he needs the rest," she replied smoothly.
"You make me work harder than them and Quidditch combined," Harry said dryly.
"As I should," she snorted.
"Come on then and have a seat. You must be tired from teaching and giving me the business," Harry smiled as he waved her to the dining table. "Dinner is just about ready."
"Daddy made Scotch eggs!" Dahlia said as she led McGonagall to her seat.
"Did he now. Is it because I was coming to dinner?" She mock-glowered at a grinning Harry. "You do know that they are not actually Scottish."
"They taste good though," he said. "I also made cock-a-leekie soup and neeps and tatties, so there."
"Luckily you make them well," McGonagall sighed. After a very tasty dinner and a dessert of various small cakes made by the Hogwarts House Elves, they sat together in the sitting room. McGonagall held Iris comfortably, smiling at the slumbering baby and she gently patted Dahlia who laid over her lap. "Thank you for the dinner. Delicious. Even the Scotch eggs."
"Thank you. The eggs are a bit of a process but I enjoy making them now and then." He poured tea for everyone. "So, you said you wanted to ask us something?"
"Yes. The Heads and the Headmaster had a meeting and it was brought up that the career counseling we do, while helpful, is a bit late in your school career. Lately, there has been more instances of students unsure of what they want to do, especially Muggleborns."
"I don't know what that's like," Katie said with a small smile.
"Indeed," McGonagall smiled back. "So we had a discussion and there was a proposal that we have various individuals come to speak with students and showcase their professions, answer some questions, that sort of thing. Apparently it is called a career fair."
"Say, that's a good idea," Harry said.
"We thought so too. It would be good to let the students of all years have some exposure into many different careers and help them find something they might like."
"I'd be happy to help," Katie said enthusiastically.
"Me too," Harry agreed.
"Splendid! I had hoped you two would. Sports Healing and Healing in general are always excellent options and I can trust Harry to be frank about being a Professional Seeker, not to focus only on the fame and fortune."
"I'll ask Captain and Angelina, and actually some of the other Portree players," Harry said. "Want me to ask MumAndi or SamaMum for more healer perspectives?"
McGonagall smiled. "Thank you, and yes please. That would be excellent. I plan on asking Hermione to present as a solicitor. I also hope to send some messages out to ask others if they would be willing to spend some time at the school."
"I think Alicia or Daphne wouldn't mind talking about working in the potions business. Tracy might for her family's construction firm. I can see who else is willing to come with different professions."
McGonagall sighed with relief. "Thank you, my boy. That would be wonderful."
-0-
McGonagall sighed with vexation. "Why have you done this to me?"
Harry flushed. "Hey, I thought I was helping."
"You call this," she waved her hands before her, "helping?"
"I'm wounded," Sirius said. "I have a distinct feeling that you don't want me here."
"Or us," the twins sniffed.
"You two," she said pointing at the twins who flinched from deep-seated cultivated response, "I can understand due to your entrepreneurship. That said, you better not be selling any of your wares today. You, however," she pointed at Sirius who also flinched from deep-seated cultivated response," what can you possibly share with your…what exactly is your profession?"
"I am technically an ambassador with the Department of International Cooperation, thank you very much," Sirius sniffed. "As well as liaison with the Wizengamot, something anyone can become and is a position in the Ministry."
"He's also chief apologist," Harry grinned.
"That too! I'm a good groveller."
McGonagall snorted deeply. "Not something one should be proud of. You better watch your words and actions, you are not too old for me to punish." She sighed when he and the twins ran off. With a roll of her eyes she smiled at the other assembled people. "Thank you all for coming and volunteering your time."
"Happy to," Tanya smiled. "It's nice to visit again and it'll be good to give an unvarnished view into the League. So many show up without any idea what to expect." Other professional Quidditch players with her murmured agreement.
"Same with the Aurors," Tonks said and Kingsley and Hestia nodded. "Boss Lady liked the idea and we want people to know what to think and expect before trying to join the Corps. We kept Mad-Eye at home to keep from scaring the kiddies though."
"Mistress Castor is always happy to see prospective mastery students," Daphne said. "And even I did not know the possibilities for professions in the realm of potions."
"It will be good to show the different facets of Healing as well," Andromeda said and the cadre of healers and Medi-Magicals nodded with agreement.
"We're happy to talk about working in the law and what kind of work you can do," Hermione said, standing with Padma and Susan.
"You have my gratitude," McGonagall smiled. "We are setting things up in the great hall and the House Elves will provide you tables and chairs as needed. Classes for the day have been cancelled and students will be in and out all day. A very special dinner will be made for you in thanks at the end."
"Tracy will be here soon," Harry said to her as the others began setting up their stations and tables inside the great hall. "She's coming with a crew from her firm. They're going to show building and landscaping and stuff like that. At first she didn't want to do it because she didn't want to create competition. Then she realized she can actually create a monopoly by snatching up anyone interested so she changed her mind." He smiled at McGonagall's snort. "Bill and Charlie are coming a little later. Bill of course will talk about curse breaking. Charlie is setting up outside with Hagrid."
"Please do not tell me that Charlie is bringing any of his charges," she begged.
"I honestly have no idea but I do know he talked to the Headmaster a few times since I asked him if he'd come and talk," Harry said, shrugging weakly.
"Oh good, then I can wash my hands of it and not be responsible for that happens," she said with naked relief. "Parvati and Lavender are coming later too to talk about their store and I have a few of the Hogsmeade shopkeepers coming as well."
"Sounds like a really good range of professions," Harry smiled.
"Yes, very good range. I have you to thank for reaching out."
"Even for the first three?"
"I am holding you responsible for any appearances of Weasley products in the near future."
"Not fair! I don't control that! Plus I made them promise they won't sell anything when they're here."
"Oh thank goodness."
"But they then told me that giving order forms and catalogues out isn't selling at the time-"
"Oh for pity's sake," she groaned. "However did you get Sirius to contribute?"
"He heard me asking MumAndi and Dora. He said he could share his work and well, he does do a lot at the Ministry. It's just it's not something that falls under one distinct role or position. At first he was going to talk about being a professional jack-of-all trades. But then Dora said he was more like a professional jackass and offered to transfigure him into one." He smiled at McGonagall's rich snort.
"I think you would do the transfiguration very well, if need be," she smiled.
"I think so too," he chuckled. "He's developed this new tactic to avoid being punished for something. He'll transform into his dog form and hide with Dahlia or Iris or the other girls."
"Now that is pure cowardice!"
"It can backfire though. Last time he did that he was trapped for a while because the girls kept tying ribbons into his fur and painting his nails." Harry joined her in loud laughter.
-0-
"This was a splendid idea," Dumbledore said to a beaming McGonagall.
The great hall was awash with noise. Students from all years and all Houses wandered around, visiting with the different tables and people there. The largest groups gathered around the Quidditch players, the Healers, and around the Weasley Twins' table but all the tables had at least a few interested students. People mingled and talked without reservation, an open market of ideas and experiences and possibilities.
"Very much so," McGonagall said proudly. "It has gone incredibly well."
"I need to ask everyone if they would be willing to do this yearly. I think this provides a lot more information and opportunity to our students. Pity we never thought of it before," Dumbledore said, stroking his beard. He smiled and looked at McGonagall. "And I cannot help but notice that you are responsible for the majority of the visiting professionals here."
"To be fair, that was mostly Harry's doing," she said almost smugly.
Dumbledore chuckled. "You approached Harry however, and that made the difference." He looked over at a corner table where an older wizard with a braided beard talked to a small group of older students. They hung on his words as he showed them something on the table. "However did Harry convince Artorious to come out? He usually dislikes showcasing his things and abilities like this."
"They are friends of a sort. Andromeda and Sirius are patrons of his store and his family are big fans of Portree. His granddaughter is hoping to do a Transfiguration mastery. She had a hand in convincing him too, I believe."
"Ah yes, Leslie if I recall. How is she in your class?"
"Much better than her grandfather when he was that age," McGonagall smiled. "I like her well enough and have no reason not to accept her as an apprentice eventually. By then, I will be having Harry aid me in teaching her as well."
"In your continued endeavor to have him come teach," Dumbledore smiled knowingly.
"Mark my words, one day he will be Professor Potter, Accomplished Master of Transfiguration at Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry," McGonagall said firmly.
"I have faith," Dumbledore smiled. "Now if you will excuse me, I am to be helping Misters Fred and George in testing their wares."
"Why are you doing that?!"
"They asked me to and it seems fun," Dumbledore said with twinkling eyes and walked off sprightly.
She shook her head, watching him go. She then roamed about the hall, enjoying the sight of seeing the students eagerly engaging with others. Seeing everyone learning from others, listening to them asking questions, seeing the eyes of the students lit up with possibilities made her feel very satisfied. She gave a small group of particularly rowdy second years a stern look, making them become calmer.
Suddenly something slammed into her side, making her stumble slightly and she looked down, her reactive frown melting away. "Oof! If you were a few years older, I would be taking points from you for assaulting me!"
Dahlia looked up with giant emerald green eyes. "I'm not assaulting you; I'm hugging you!"
"Hmm, I suppose there is a difference," she smiled and the students stared at the sight of her smiling.
The little girl blinked soulfully. "You won't take points from me for hugging you when I'm a student here, will you McGonaGrandMum?"
The title was whispered by the surrounding students in shock.
"Never," she said, heart melting at Dahlia's expression. She lifted Dahlia up and smiled wider when Dahlia rested her head on her shoulder, wrapping her arms comfortably around her. "How do you like Hogwarts?"
"It's very big! And it feels warm and nice," Dahlia said.
"You will love it when you arrive to be a student here," McGonagall said. She stopped and turned, her warm smile melting away into steely disapproval. Her eyes narrowed at two students who had moments ago said something she very much disagreed with. A surreptitious wand wave cast a sound blocking charm on Dahlia and McGonagall glared. "Care to repeat that, Mister Jacks and Miss Reeves?"
The two students went red, knowing instantly they were caught. "Uh, well-" Jacks stammered.
"I am sure Healer Potter would be very happy to hear your opinion of her daughter," McGonagall said coldly. The two students groaned when they realized who Dahlia was. "And that you are in a position to dictate who is and who is not allowed at Hogwarts. Perhaps I should take you two to her so you can share your opinion?"
Other students began edging away, wanting to be nowhere near Jacks or Reeves. Jacks went pale and Reeves began to shake. "We didn't mean, I mean think-" Reeves said, voice trembling.
"Clearly," McGonagall interrupted. "Perhaps you would like Seeker Potter to hear your opinion then? I would think that since one of you aims to join the League and the other to be a Healer, such valuable time with august individuals in their fields will be welcome?"
"We didn't mean it!" Jacks nearly shouted; panic written clearly across his face.
"We're sorry!" Reeves nearly shrieked.
"If I hear one more word out of either of you, you certainly will be. Pray I choose to ignore this incident before next we meet and pray hard I do not mention it to her parents." She glared as they fled. With a sigh she undid the charm.
Dahlia had been looking about in confusion for a bit. Once the charm was dispelled, she hugged McGonagall firmly. "Are you okay?" she asked, worried.
"I am fine," McGonagall said shortly. She smiled when Dahlia hugged her again. "Those two were being naughty and I did not want you to hear me be unpleasant."
"Daddy says when you scold people, they usually deserve it."
She chuckled softly. "Does he now? That is very generous of your father to say, considering I scold him as well."
"He says he only sometimes deserves it."
She laughed. "Fair enough. Come along Dally. Let us go to the kitchens and get a snack for you and your parents."
-0-
"There you are," Harry smiled when Dahlia latched onto his leg. He reached down and hefted her up with practiced ease, resting her against his hip. "Are you enjoying yourself?" He opened his mouth when Dahlia did and smiled when she put a small cake inside.
Dahlia nodded happily. "McGonaGranMum took me to the kitchens and I saw Dobby and Inky and Fanny!"
"I can tell," Harry laughed, wiping some frosting off her upper lip. "Did they stuff you full of sweets?"
"They tried," McGonagall said dryly. "I was able to curtail it somewhat. I did not want her to get an upset stomach."
"I only had three. I was good." She smiled proudly when Harry kissed her cheek.
"That's my good girl," he praised. He held her comfortably against him as she snuggled into his arms and neck.
"She really did," McGonagall said. "Granted, they were three rather large treats."
"Still counts I guess," he laughed. "She has an amazing metabolism though. I was worried I was underfeeding her at one point given how much she eats."
"I eat a lot," Dahlia said proudly.
"Yes you do," Harry said just as proudly. He grinned when she rested her head on his shoulder, rubbing her cheeks against him. "Looks like a really successful fair. We've had a lot of students ask questions and more than a few were reevaluating their thoughts about it."
"That is good. I had hoped that would be the case," McGonagall said with relief. "I had thought that most of the students would not have spent all day here but I am pleased to see that the majority has."
"We got a really good spread of professionals here," Harry said. "Valuable experience and all that."
"Indeed." She looked at the large crowd surrounding the Quidditch table and she gave Harry a sly smile. "You know, it is a pity that most others are able to show their wares and skills and you and yours have not."
"What are you saying?" Harry's eyes sparkled. "Are you actually giving us permission to do an exhibition game?"
"Well you are here to show your skills, are you not? Perhaps your team can play against the best that Hogwarts has to offer?"
"Really? Professional players against school players?"
"They would jump at the chance to see how they measure up and a little reality would be good for them."
"That's mean, even for you," Harry guffawed.
"Educational you mean," McGonagall smiled.
-0-
"You've got some really good Quidditch players this year," Katie said with a professional eye.
"I am pleased how resilient they are," McGonagall said. "Still willing to play despite being slaughtered in every game so far. If I had not seen Portree and the others play professionally, I would say they were not holding back in the slightest."
"At least with Blitz Quidditch, it isn't as one-sided," Katie laughed. She and the others had laughed when Nathan had caught the Quaffle and looked utterly confused for a moment at what to do next, following him flying towards a Bludger on reflex and realizing belatedly at the last moment that he did not have his bat. He had thrown the Quaffle at the Bludger and all were amused when the Bludger flew off from the impact.
McGonagall smiled as she watched Dahlia dancing on the sideline, cheering for her father and aunts and uncles on the professional team with Hailey and Hadley. The other two girls had come with Angelina and Alicia who joined the Career Fair to share their own experiences. "I see they share the passion with their parents."
"It's definitely a family thing," Katie said proudly. "They already play mini-games and they're going to be a great Chaser trio. Well I hope Dahlia wants to play Chaser. She hasn't decided yet and we aren't pushing."
"Something to look forward to then."
"What if they aren't in the same House or not in yours?" Katie asked slyly.
"I will do terrible things if that is the case," McGonagall said with conviction.
"So would they. They're pretty attached to one another."
"I can tell," McGonagall said fondly.
"Think you can handle them when they come here?"
"I should hope so. Then again, knowing their parents, perhaps I should have some cause for worry." She smiled and patted Katie's arm when the woman looked indignant. "Not from Dahlia of course. I confess that Hadley will be a bit of a mystery."
"She's as stubborn as her mother yet somehow as easy-going as her father," Katie laughed. "Basically she's fine to go with the flow on a lot but find something she feels strongly about and she won't let that go. She's also as cheeky as her mother."
"And Hailey?" McGonagall asked with a hint of worry.
"She's sneaky and prone to be playful," Katie smiled. "But she's a good girl. Rarely needs to be told no more than once when to behave. She knows when she can play a trick and when she can't."
"More than her father knows, that is for sure," McGonagall sighed as Katie laughed.
"Now the little twins are still babies so no idea how they'll be," Katie warned.
"At least I'll be able to tell them apart more," McGonagall snorted. They applauded when the latest game ended. Harry flew down and was immediately mobbed by the trio of girls and was kept in one place as they sprawled over him. She smiled as plenty of students approached to talk to him and some of them gushed over the girls. "It does my heart well to see him so happy," she murmured.
"Same," Katie said sincerely.
"Thank you for coming and spending your day here with us."
"Thanks for asking. It's always nice to visit and well, it was fun to talk about the job and answer questions and things. It's nice to be able to help others and make things better, you know?"
McGonagall dabbed her eyes, beyond proud of her former student. "I do," she said warmly. "Their futures are brighter with your efforts, and I am very proud of you for it."
Katie blushed, "Oh well, we didn't do anything that special."
"I disagree," McGonagall said softly and with a very big smile.
-0-0-0-
Ghostwriter - Thank you very much.
Arnie1701 - Thank you. I thought it would be ncie to explore his character some.
EbonPurlight - Only a few family moments.
odonnellzoo99 - It might be a bit trite, but I like to think that the girls would be kind and be able to lift Alastor's spirits by being kind girls that can ask those hilariously inappropriate questions that only children could ask point blank.
guest - He needed and deserved it.
DOOOOOOM Lord of Waffles - Good to see you, hope things are better for you. I thought it would be interesting to explore his character some more. The last time we really saw him was way back in Family and I thought a bit of a role reversal would be fun.
alix33 - I really enjoyed exploring the way Mad-Eye and Tonks would interact.
Urgwaew - Thank you very much. It's been a while since we saw him, way back in Family, and it was interesting to explore his character then. I thought it would be fun to further explore him a little here, and show him and Harry with opposite roles to a degree. Moody is his last name as far as I know, at least how I've always thought of it. It was fun to explore how he and Pomfrey and Tonks would interact and then show him meeting the girls for the first time. I like to think they would have a positive impact on him, while being hilariously blunt as only children can be.
I am doing okay thank you. Still dealing with a lot but somethings have improved thankfully. Others have not but are manageable. I appreciate your kindness and hope things are getting better for you as well. My best to you.
kaya - Thank you.
