Reality Bites Harry Potter

Making Career Choices

I was still feeling a bit faint from the Dementor attacking me. So, the moment I entered the school, I went straight to Madam Pomfrey. I knew that if I didn't, Theo would be more worried. He wanted to come with me, but I told him I could make it there. I was a bit surprised to see Harry walking out of the Hospital Wing when I arrived. "You too?" I asked him, frowning. He nodded, looking relieved.

"I'm glad I'm not the only one." Harry said grimacing. "Someone heard about it and has been telling everyone."

"I'm sorry, Harry." I said sympathetically. It's okay if I fainted from the Dementor attack because I'm a nobody to these people. But it's going to suck for Harry because he's the 'boy-who-lived'. "Shay and I are here for you if you need to talk to someone."

"Thanks," Harry said smiling.

"I mean, if Draco isn't already an option." I said teasingly and he blushed.

"Please don't tell anyone." He begged me. "We're in a tricky situation and it can't get out about that."

"You have my word, Harry." I told him seriously. "I won't say anything and I mean ANYTHING about you two until either you've said it yourself or you're ready."

"Thanks, Pyper." Harry said sounding relieved. "I'll see you at dinner." I nodded and went into the Hospital Wing.

"Not you too, Miss Harper." Madam Pomfrey said exasperatedly. I smiled sheepishly.

"I'm afraid so, Madam Pomfrey." I said sitting down on a bed. "I can tell you it wasn't my choice."

"Yes, dear. I believe you." Madam Pomfrey said with a smile.

"Madam Pomfrey, I have a question." I said thoughtfully.

"Go ahead, dear." She said as she went through a drawer.

"How many years of studying did it take for you to become a Healer?" I asked her. I was seriously thinking about being a Healer. What if my friends or Shay gets hurt and there isn't anything I can do about it?

"I took as many advanced classes as I could in Hogwarts." She said thoughtfully. "I also did a lot of extra research on the subject, of course. And then my professor suggested that I should intern at St. Mungo's for more experience. I interned there for an additional three years before I was hired there. And then, I decided to work here as a Healer after being at St. Mungo's for fifteen. Are you thinking of becoming a Healer, Miss Harper?"

"Yeah. I want to be able to help my friends." I said smiling. "I like playing Quidditch, but I don't see myself as being a professional Quidditch player. So, I want to find a job that's more sensible."

"You've got a smart head on your shoulders." Madam Pomfrey said getting out what she'd been looking for. "I'll talk to Professor Snape about this tomorrow morning. Take this and you can go to dinner."

"Thank you, Madam Pomfrey." I said smiling at her. I took the potion and grimaced at the taste. Ugh. But I did feel better.

"You'll have to work very hard to become a Healer, Miss Harper." Madam Pomfrey said as I stood up. "Come to me if you have any questions about the profession. I'll do my best to help you."

"I really appreciate it, Madam Pomfrey." I said beaming at her. "Have a good night."

"You too, Miss Harper." Madam Pomfrey said before I left the Hospital Wing. I made it back to dinner just in time for the last first year to be sorted.

"Are you okay?" Theo asked me the moment I sat down next to him.

"Yes." I said smiling. "Madam Pomfrey gave me a potion."