The Healer | Part 1: The Hogwarts Years

Healing

Edith

I decided to seek out Professor Flitwick the following week to discuss my career options. I wasn't one to dwell too long on ideas before putting them into action, I didn't like being idle. I was lucky enough to find him in his office during a free period.

'Why, hello Ms Falconer.' He smiled after I knocked on the door. 'What can I do for you this afternoon?'

'Well, Professor,' I started, I had rehearsed this in my mind many times that day. 'I've been thinking a lot about my studies, this being my OWL year and everything, and I've been thinking about what sort of career I should pursue.'

'Have you, now?' Professor Flitwick put down his quill and crossed his arms.

'Yeah, I know we're meant to have a discussion about this later in the school year, but I just had a couple of questions about Healing.' I replied.

'Healing, now there's an interesting idea.' Professor Flitwick stood up and opened a filing cabinet beside his desk. 'Accio!'

A file flew out of the drawer into his hand. He put it down on the desk and opened it. 'Have a seat, Ms Falconer.'

I sat in the chair across his desk and waited for him to speak again. That must have been the file that contained all of my grades.

'Well, in order to pursue a career in Healing, you'll need both OWLs and NEWTs in Transfiguration, Potions, Charms, Herbology and Defence Against the Dark Arts, Exceeds Expectations at least. Now, it's still early in the year, but based on your grades from last term, I'd say you're on track for every one of those subjects, save for perhaps Herbology.'

'That's great, Professor.' I replied.

'Alchemy is offered in sixth- and seventh-year if there's enough interest, it isn't compulsory, but it wouldn't hurt either.' Professor Flitwick said. 'After you graduate from Hogwarts, the Healing course offered at St Mungo's is three years of in-class study followed by two years as a Trainee Healer.'

'Is there any sort of practical experience that's offered while I'm still at Hogwarts?' I asked, 'I know there's probably not much until sixth- or seventh-years...'

'But you'd like to get a feel for it before you make your decision.' Professor Flitwick finished my thought for me. 'There is practical experience in seventh-year at St Mungo's, but if you wish, I could ask our Madam Pomfrey if you may be able to observe her occasionally during this school year.'

'Oh, that would be wicked!' I exclaimed. I had to admit, I had hoped something like that may be an option. I didn't want to wait until seventh-year to find out I didn't like Healing and change my mind when it would be too late to go back and get OWLs I didn't have.

'Leave it with me, Ms Falconer.' Professor Flitwick pulled a fresh piece of parchment towards him. 'Do you have any further questions?'

'Not for the moment, sir.' I replied.

'Well, I commend you for seeking out this information so early on. Not too many students would have taken initiative like this.' He said. I felt my cheeks flush. 'Now, off you go, you don't want to be late to your next lesson.'

I thanked him again and left his office. My free period was almost over, I had just enough time to return to the common room and grab my books for Potions before the bell rang.

***

I filled Mia in on my conversation with Professor Flitwick at dinner that evening.

'Wow, I hadn't thought Madam Pomfrey would teach a fifth-year student,' she said.