What If? Year 2

Chapter 43

Just before dinner, I finish up my potions homework. I pull at a piece of parchment in my book and it opens me to the Shrinking Solution with a couple notes in it. The one on the parchment was in bold writing that was mine and read; POTIONS WITH NEVILLE THIS SUNDAY
"Shoot..." I whisper, as I remember the lesson I was teaching tonight. I look at all the other notes and smile as Mum's handwriting brings me comfort.
"Are you ready for dinner?" Ara asks, poking her head into the dorm.
"Yep! Don't forget that I've got... um tutoring Neville tonight."
"I still can't believe Snape is not only letting you do this, but also let you change the day from what he originally said." I smile and grab my book.
"I guess I've just got a way with words," I tease at her, as we walk down the stairs.
"Or he just likes you," Ara teases right back, "anyways, yes, I remember because Neville has been asking me all day if he should cancel is because of last night?" I sigh and shake my head.
"I think it might actually make me feel better," I reply, "potions and helping a friend... sounds like an almost perfect evening."
"Almost?"
"Umm... he's technically a friend too, I guess." Ara laughs and pats my back.
"Well, you might want to reassure him if you see him at dinner."

"Hey, Goldie, are we still on for tonight?" Neville asks, sheepishly, as I sit down, "It's totally alright if not... I-..."
"Yeah, I'm still planning for it Neville. Snape's already gotten the ingredients together for us." Neville looks at the table, his cheeks turning red.
"Are you sure you're up for it? You've had a rough couple of weeks, we can totally reschedule." I set my hand on his shoulder.
"It's good, Neville. I've been looking forward to it." Neville smiles and scootches down the table by his friends. Cedric sits down besides me and his hand find mine immediately. I look up at him and smile. The moment is quickly broken by Dad and Sirius sitting across from us.
"Hello, Mr. Potter, Mr. Black."
"Cedric," Dad says. Sirius keeps quiet, but sends me a small smile.
"May I ask you some questions, sir?" Cedric asks, squeezing my hand under the table. Dad looks at me, but I just shrug.
"Sure... what about?"
"Umm... well, sir, I'm a fifth year and I've putting a lot of thought into my future. Well, anyways, I was wondering if you'd tell me a little about being an auror?" Dad smiles and elbows Sirius. Sirius look at me and I nod.
"So, you want to be an auror?" Sirius asks, smirking.
"I think so... or, it's one of my top options. I just thought it might help if I heard about it from someone who actually works in the field."
"That's a good idea," Dad tells him, "Well, it depends on where you might be interested in working as an auror. Sirius and I are active, which means we can be called into action and onto mission in a moments notice. Since we are higher ranked, we are not called in nearly as much and we lead missions when we are. Now my wife is semi-active, which means that it's more of an office job. She does research, helps plan out missions, and organizes mission reports. She can get called into missions but it would be voluntary based. Both have the same benefits, but active aurors get paid more. Do you have specific questions?" Cedric moves his hand from mine to fold with his on the table.
"Um... what do missions involve? If you're allowed to say."
"Well, it depends on the mission. Some are simple and often very safe, like escorting some person of notoriety or getting posted somewhere every so often. And, obviously, there are some that can get kind of messy, like searching for a missing person or for a criminal. There is undercover type things too, during war times mostly." Cedric nods slowly.
"But those don't get given to lower level aurors until it is absolutely necessary," Sirius adds, "They're very good at making sure your prepared for the missions."
"Yes, we'll never send you out on a mission without training."
"Training?"
"We go over spells you'll need and any danger points in the area. You'll also learn about the person you're searching for or helping and... or any terrain you may need to travel through."
"Have you ever done any semi-active work, even though you're active?"
"When my kids were first born and really young, I moved to semi-active work. You can switch back and forth, because you need the same training no matter what. It was alright, but much more a job for my wife. I need to be moving and going to do things."
"So you can choose?"
"Yes."
"Thank you, sir."
"Of course... if you've got any other questions, don't be afraid to ask." Cedric nods and pats my shoulder.
"I'll see you tomorrow, Golds..." he says, "stay safe, sleep well."
"Goodnight, Cedric." Dad and Sirius watch as he walks off to the Hufflepuff table before they look back at me with a matching smirk.
"So Cedric wants to be an auror?" Dad asks, "Did you know that?"
"Yep," I reply, "We've talked about it a couple times." Sirius looks to Dad and they both frown.
"Hey, what's that look for? Don't... don't do anything embarrassing, please."
"We'd never do anything embarrassing, flower," Dad says, "I'm gonna go talk with your brother, alright?"
"Okay, but... wait! I'm tutoring Neville after dinner, so I'll be out late!"
"How late? Sirius and I might hang around there incase."
"Professor Snape will be there," I tell them, "so, we should be good."
"The dungeons then?"
"We'll walk you down and then stand guard before walking you back up."
"Dad! Uncle Sirius! I'm sure Professor Snape would be more than willing to walk me back."
"Exactly," Dad says, "I don't really... it's not a point of discussion." I sigh, and let him walk off. I look at Sirius and he shrugs.
"I agree with him," he says, "sorry... Umm, may I ask... about Regulus?" I sigh and nod.
"I... I'm not sure how much I even know," I lie, "I d-dream walk... I guess. I met Regulus and he said he wanted to speak with you. I... I didn't know how, but he said I'd know when the time came. I wish I could've held on longer." Sirius grabs my hands from across the table and chuckles.
"You did just fine, Goldie. I didn't even think it was possible, but you did it, somehow... I thank you for it. It was nice to hear some from my brother." I nod and smile.
"I just wonder... if I had been able to hold through, just a little longer, what might have been."
"It doesn't do well to dwell on what might have been. Just think that you connected me with my brother." I smile again and nod.
"Thanks, Uncle Sirius. And no one else knows, right?"
"Right... it's a secret I'll take to my grave."