Cleverly

Nastily Exhausted

The snow was already melted and there was a nervous sensation in the air for all seventh years at Hogwarts. The Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Tests were only a few weeks away. Cleverly could usually be found studying in the library. She had to pass all of her exams. If she didn't, her career choices would be limited even more than they already were.

Cleverly looked up from her Herbology book about Venomous Tentacula to rub her eyes.

What time is it?

Glancing at the clock, she saw it was around seven thirty. The library would close in half an hour. Cleverly leaned back in her chair and looked up at the high bookshelves.

She was running out of time.

Her mind wandered back to two years ago --her fifth year-- right before her OWLS when all the students her age had career counselling. They all met with their Head of House to discuss classes for their future career.

When Cleverly met with Professor McGonagall she had no idea what she would say. She remembered having to leave Charms for her scheduled time to meet with McGonagall.

Cleverly knocked on the door to Professor McGonagall's office.

"Come in," said a small voice on the other side of the door. Cleverly strode in. "Take a seat Miss Stone," she motioned for her to take a seat in a chair in front of her desk. Sometimes she could be very intimidating. "Miss Stone, what careers do you think you would like to pursue in the future?" McGonagall had asked.

"That's just it, I don't know." Cleverly shrugged. Her hands were on her lap clamped together and sweaty.

"Well, what classes interest you the most?"

"Um, I like Care of Magical Creatures and-- and Herbology. I suppose Charms is alright too--" Cleverly shouldn't have been very nervous, there was no reason to be nervous. She had known McGonagall for five years.

"Have you considered working for the Ministry of Magic?" she asked. "If you like animals there are plenty of options out there anywhere."

"What jobs are out there?" Cleverly asked. She really wanted to know. Even then, her future didn't look promising.

"Well, you could work for the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. You could be a magizooligist, a dragonoligist... the possibilities are endless."

"Yeah, yeah, I think I'd like to do something like that, in that area of field. I really like animals."

"Well then, I would suggest focusing on the classes Care of Magical Creatures for sure, Herbology, Transfiguration and Potions just to be safe. Be sure to do well on on all the exams, especially OWLS coming up. Outstanding and Exeeds Expectations are required if you want the job you desire." McGonagall was practically looking down at Cleverly as she sat behind her large desk. Her gray hair pulled back into a bun with her pointy hat and glasses.

"Okay, thank you." Cleverly said standing up and walking to the door, her red hair long down her back, just a few shades away from the scarlet on her robe.

 Just as she opened the door McGonagall called out to her, "Oh, and Cleverly-- good luck on your OWLS. I know you'll do well." She gave a small smile before Cleverly shut the door. Walking back to Charms, Cleverly grinned to herself. Having had McGonagall believe in her was a very good thing.

Cleverly snapped out of her trance. Yes that's what I'm doing. After Hogwarts I am going to march into the Ministry and get a job there. I can work in the Best Division or the Being Division or The Goblin Liaison Office or anywhere!