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(Colin) High Standards
Author: Johanna Steele
Date: 04-23-13 01:59
"The hunt had started…" Angus McLeach said rubbing his hands and looking around the crowed Great Hall.
Colin was pretty sure his friend was not talking about the hunt for a job or a future career. For the past days he had been telling Colin about the Valentine's event held at the school and the importance to get a date as soon as possible, before all the hot girls were taken. But Colin could care less about girls at the moment. He was on his seventh year and it was time to think about his future. For Colin, attendance at the Career Day was mandatory.
There were some booths he didn't even bother to visit such as Quiddicth, Music and Jokes/Inventions. Colin did not see himself following a career in sports and he also had no musical talent whatsoever. He also lacked of sense of humor to dedicate himself to a business like the one owned by the Weasley twins. He also avoid the booths related to fashion, wigmaking, inkeeping, baking and child care, considering them too feminine and not something good enough for him.
"What is the matter with baking? Didn't you see the line formed at Briar's Bakery at Hogsmeade? Imagine the profit she makes daily," Angus told Colin.
Angus had a point there, but Colin just couldn't see himself baking or selling cakes and pastries. Besides he could already picture himself telling his father that he wanted to pursue a career in the pastry business. Theobald Hawke would probably send his son to St. Mungos so the healer worried that he had might have been jinxed and lost his mind.
"What about working as a distiller? Free drinks all the time. And I don't think you would need to have that much of good grades…"
Angus limited himself to suggest all the jobs related to the booths they passed by and Colin started to have the feeling that or either he was teasing him or he had no clue which path to take once he left school and so he was considering all his option.
"I doubt they would hire you as a distiller Angus. They would want someone responsible who wouldn't touch the drinks."
"Drinking one glass or two wouldn't hurt."
"It would be the same thing as drinking in any other job. You would be fired."
"I guess you are right…"
The booth that interested Colin the most was the one held by Lavinia Newmarch. It was quite a popular booth since it dealt with St. Emrys University. Lavinia attended a student at a time and she was very patient, offering pamphlets and writing down recommendations in a scroll for each student to take with them. Her voice was jovial and Colin only regretted there wasn't any St. Emrys student at her booth that they could share experiences with. He thought that maybe going to university would be the best option for him than starting below in a job and climb up in the chosen career. He didn't want to be someone's assistance, fetching them coffees and do a large number of tasks no one else would do.
Colin wanted to arrive to the work world and been offered a good solid position right away. Maybe he was being too ambitious and too picky but what was the matter of having high standards?
Courage
Author: Peregrinus Hartcrofte
Date: 04-23-13 14:43
It had been almost a week since Pip received the owl from Nephele that Horace Slughorn was missing. Being a reasonable hour, he had Apparated over immediately to make sure she was alright. He stayed with her while Bex interviewed her. It seemed like a waste of time to be asking the standard list of questions, but the Ministry loved their forms, everything fitting into checkboxes. At least Kirley was able to have the Ministry send Bex to do the interview. It made sense, since Slughorn was connected to the case Bex was assigned to, but it was fortuitous that Bex was an old classmate of theirs, and a fellow Slytherin at that. Nephele was clearly more at ease than she would have been with any other Auror.
Slughorn's disappearance confused matters greatly. Of the four victims, two were now deceased, one missing, and the fourth, Phineus Grimshaw-Spore, had nothing stolen from his vault. Curiously, Grimshaw-Spore's vault had been seized by the Ministry. Perhaps that meant that whatever the culprit was looking for had been removed prior to the vault's seizure?
They needed answers, but answers were being particularly elusive. Gringotts' own privacy policies meant that they couldn't divulge the contents of the vaults, even if they knew them. Two deceased victims and one missing meant that they couldn't provide details about what might be missing from their vaults. It was highly unlikely that Grimshaw-Spore would volunteer what he may have removed from his vault.
With answers not forthcoming, what Pip needed was a break. A change of scenery. After dressing for the occasion, he Apparated to the front door of Mockridge Townhouse and rang the bell. A house-elf retrieved Nephele while Pip waited, pants firmly in place.
"Pippin? Is everything alright? It's not like you to show up unannounced."
He could not help but grin from ear to ear. If it was possible, Nephele was becoming more beautiful every time he saw her. His heart raced in anticipation of the next words out of his mouth.
"Everything's fine, Nephele. I was just wondering if you would care to join me on a … no, sorry, that's not quite right, best to just be direct. Nephele, would you like to go on a date?"
Furnella & AJ
Author: Furnella Hodfuffer
Date: 04-23-13 15:22
I put out more food samples, some from the Crown & Cauldron's starters menu and some that are small version of the dessert selection, holding one of the trays out to a couple of students who've just approached. After take a few from that tray and one of the others, using the small disposable plates available, they ask some of the same questions I've been asked not only today but Careers Days past.
"Do you have to know how to cook to run a restaurant?"
"No, you don't have to be a cook, a chef, or a baker. There is over seeing the staff, tracking inventory, keeping the accounts, ordering whatever needs restocking plus overseeing what head chef is purchasing fresh such as seafood and vegetables, making sure the restaurant has an inviting atmosphere, a other tasks. It can be an extensive list."
"So I could be an owner or manager and not actually know a single thing about cooking?"
"Yes, though to be truly successful, you'd want to know how the kitchen operates. You'd want to know if the head chef is running it efficiently, that the kitchen staff knows what they are doing or are being properly trained. You don't have to be an expert in the kitchen, but some knowledge is not only helpful but desirable. The same goes if the restaurant has a bar. You don't have to know all the ins and outs of bartending but it's good to have an idea of the basics."
"Do you know all those things?"
"I can cook on the line, expedite orders, step behind the bar if needed. I can step in for the pastry chef if needed. I can do all those things if needed and some days I do end up overseeing the kitchen, but I'm best overseeing the day to day running of the restaurant as a whole, helping people arrange parties either to be held at the Crown & Cauldron or something catered elsewhere. I enjoy being in the front during service, meeting the customers, making sure everything is as it should be."
These questions are followed by the standard inquiries on whether it's better to learn on the job or now that there are wizarding universities to attend one and what courses are best to take. Other students come up as she's talking to these two. They help themselves to some of the food and listen to what I'm saying to the two there before them. Some of them wander off with those two but some stay behind to ask questions they hadn't been there earlier to hear the answers to. Before long I need to resupply the trays again as well as put out more brochures on restaurant management and becoming a chef.
Further along in the Great Hall AJ is fielding questions about being a writer. The current question is, "How do you make yourself sit down to write?"
"I admit that there are days it's hard to get motivated or I get easily distracted. For the most part through writing for me is a passion. I have all these stories inside bursting to get out."
"I wish writing essays was that easy," the student, sixth year Damian Lampwick, grins. "If you love to write that much, how come you wanted to teach?"
"When I was a student here I very much enjoyed the class. When I had a mystery novel with a plot that involved runes, I did a great deal of research, which rekindled my interest. I thought I would like trying to convey my interest and enjoyment in runes to others, and I was right."
"How do you do both? Writing and teaching?"
"Time management, which can be difficult sometimes and for some people, it's something they have a hard time ever getting the hang of. I also have someone who helps with aspects of the research. That frees up time for me to do other things."
"Why do you need to do research?"
"Well, I am working on a non-fiction so I have to make sure the facts there are as correct as possible. All of my published novels to date are works of fiction, mostly murder mysteries. I want details to be realistic. I wouldn't want to set a mystery in and around the world of professional Quidditch without knowing something about the professional league. Anyone reading with knowledge of the sport would pick it apart, which takes away from the enjoyment of reading the book."
Damian nods, "Yeah, okay. I get it."
Damian stays a few minutes longer, making sure to put his name in the book shaped Gryffindor pot at one end of the table, where there are similar book shaped pots for the other three houses. AJ has decided it's time for another installment of his Hogwarts student based mysteries. As with the last time he'd done the this, at the end of the day he'll draw a name from each pot. Those four students will each be represented in a young adult oriented mystery.
Temporarily free of inquisitive students, AJ decides to go grab some of the food off to one side of the room, and to swing by some of the booths giving out food samples to add to his plate.
(Madeline) Career Day
Author: Sy Tremont
Date: 04-23-13 17:34
It was not required for her to spend time within the Great Hall, however, she did venture down from her room during the event to allow herself to consider some options for when she was older - perhaps an internship of sorts when she was perhaps in her fifth, sixth or seventh year.
She let her gaze wander over the booths, knowing well from reading the various stories in The Daily Prophet, that some booths would be more popular than ever - and sure enough there were several students badgering the two aurors at the Magical Law Enforcement booth with questions as well as listening to them recount various stories - the two manning the booth were good friends to the recently deceased former Headmaster, Albus Dumbledore - Harry Potter and Ronald Weasely.
Fingertips brushed through her hair, tugging at the wayward curls for a few moments before she would let her gaze drift over the interior of the Great Hall once more - she settled upon the Law booth, the male wizard at the table was one of recent fame or perhaps the cause of the new wave of fear and hatred in some. Mister Reed Wycombe had found his fame in getting two known Death Eaters freed from Azkaban, the Carrow siblings should not be allowed to walk free and yet this man had managed it somehow.
Law Enforcement or legal proceedings were not something that interested Madeline, so she bypassed both of them. She did however stop for a brief conversation with the two booths dedicated to fashion: Griselda Wright from Gladrags and Thaddeus Flick from Twilfit & Tattings. She had discussed some of her ideas and had even been told to send some of her design sketches to both.
With a few freebies from each she continued her lazy circuit through the Great Hall. She'd paused briefly at the table set up for Devi Linguistics, as well as Professor Hodfuffer's table and she'd also decided to stop and speak briefly with Draco Malfoy who was speaking of International Magical Cooperation, or Foreign Relations, from the Ministry of Magic. That was something that sounded interesting.
After a few more stops through the Great Hall, she decided that she was done, and had retreated back to the Gryffindor commons where she settled down to do some homework.
How Many Have A Real Interest In Bookselling?
Author: Julian Valentine
Date: 04-23-13 18:30
Lysander uses his mug to gesture in the direction of the refreshments, "I getting a refill. You want anything?"
Handing his own mug over Julian requests, "Freshen up my tea? Thanks."
In the short time Lysander is gone the Twice Told Tales table gets a couple more visitors, both girls. They are all smiles and batting eyelashes though Julian had concluded awhile back that such behavior is no longer aimed at him because he's nice looking so much as it is because he has a son who more than one female student on a Hogsmeade weekend has been direct enough to tell him is hot. As many people tell him that Caerwyn looks a great deal like Julian did at that age, Julian supposes being told his son is hot is something of a compliment for him as much as it is for Caerwyn.
Similar behavior aimed at Lysander these days is, Julian surmises, because his best mate has a melancholy, brooding air these days that matches well with Lysander's dark good looks. He's sure his friend cuts a rather romantic figure in the eyes of some of the girls who get flirty with him.
At least almost all of the girls who have stopped by have asked questions about the bookselling business. One of the most commonly asked questions, from both female and male students, is why Julian and Lysander, and Chyler as she was part of Twice Told Tales early beginnings and is the one who named the shoppe, chose to sell used and vintage books instead of new releases. Julian can't give the most truthful answer, which is that many of the dark arts books they once secretly dealt in were older, used tomes, some considered vintage and highly valuable. Instead, he gives a spiel about how interesting vintage books can be, the history behind them sometimes fascinating. That carrying used but newer editions in a variety of genres just seemed a natural extension of the business for them. There is satisfaction in helping someone find a particular book. For example, a reader discovers a books series several books into that series. If Twice Told Tales doesn't have copies of the previous books in the series in stock, Julian enjoys being able to track down copies for the customer.
When Lysander returns there isn't anyone asking questions, or wanting to subtly hint to Julian that she's really nice if Caerwyn is interested. Julian uses the opportunity to say, "You look tired. Are you sleeping?"
Lysander's facial expression is the equivalent of a shoulder shrug. "Yeah, of course."
"Ever so believable."
"Sarcastic much?"
"You're making yourself sick."
"I can't help it. I worry about her all the time and if I do sleep, my dreams are filled with horrible images of what it's like having to live with that ," Lysander is aware enough of his surroundings that he doesn't let his anger have him saying the word bitch aloud in a room full of students. That most, if not all, are familiar with the word is beside the point. It's not one they should hear an adult vehemently saying it about someone even if they had no idea who that someone is. He pauses, takes a breath then finishes his sentence, "that woman."
"Is missing Charlotte and worry about her all it is? You seem even more preoccupied lately."
That shrug of an expression again, this time accompanied by an actual shoulder lift. "Yes, of course that's all it is. Or does attempting to think of ways to get her back for good count as something more?"
"I've been trying to come up with something as well," Julian says. Deep down he thinks there is something more going on with the other man. What though he has no idea so for now he doesn't push it. This isn't the place.
More students come to the table then, a mix of boys and girls, forcing the two men to give their attention to the reason they are at Hogwarts today, which is helping students get some ideas on what they wish to do in life once their days as students are over.
The Victim
Author: Nathaniel Ross
Date: 04-24-13 13:27
Since Nate was just an assistant, most of the information provided to the Hogwarts' students about Muggle Relations was given by Mortimus Flister and Hecubia Nintwinty. It was not one of the most popular booths of the Great Hall, yet it had its considerable number of visits. At first Nate was thinking about not even coming to the Career Day, because he knew Jenny would be there. But he knew he couldn't just refuse. Not only this was a chance to spend some hours at Hogwarts but also he wanted his chief to know he could count on him for everything.
He saw some familiar faces here and there and he greeted some of his old teachers with enthusiasm. From time to time Mortimus would give him permission to speak with a student, and Nate knew he should talk about how life was at the Ministry of Magic, without mentioning the trips to fetch coffee and the not so good salary. Mortimus even patted Nate's back when he mentioned the no wand policy with a fake enthusiasm to a group of curious second years, who were considering taking Muggle Studies next year.
The hours passed cheerfully and Hecubia offered Nate one of her homemade biscuits, telling him to take a break. Nate left the Muggle Relations booth and took a walk around the Great Hall checking what other jobs and professions were being represented.
He was glad there was no sign of Adelaide at the Magical Accidents and Catastrophes. She had been avoiding him at work and whenever he tried to approach her, trying to explain to her what had really happened that night at the hospital she would point her wand to his chest and order him to step back. Nate would do so, because thanks to the no wand policy at his own department, he had to walk around the ministry on his errands without a wand.
As for Jenny, the situation was somewhat different. She had returned to Hogwarts and he hasn't seen her again since then. But he wrote her a letter although there was no reply. Nate had pleaded Tim for news on his sister, but he declared he was not going to involve himself in this issue. Nate new Tim was divided: he didn't know if he should believe in his sister or his best friend. And so in order not to enter into a conflict, he decided not to take sides.
"Hello Nate."
Jenny Gabble was in front of him, wearing her Hufflepuff robes with her prefect badge attached to it.
"Jenny," He greeted back.
"How is your leg?"
"Good as new, thank you. Did you get my letter?"
"Yes, I have."
"And?"
"I am still mad at you. How could you say we were not dating? I asked you at Hogsmeade and you said 'yes'. And don't you dare saying you don't remember. There was an article at Teen Witch about how wizards like to excuse themselves with being victims of memories charms. You are not the victim here. I am."
"You splashed me with hot coffee. I got burnt! That makes both of us victims."
"You were lucky you were in a Muggle Hospital. If you weren't I would have used my wand to jinx you. You should be thankful for the coffee."
Nate noticed that Jenny's friends were watching from a distance. She had probably told them everything. A bit embarrassed he asked Jenny if they could still be friends despite this lamentable incident. He apologized to her once again. He knew Jenny had a kind heart and she was going to forgive him.
"I don't know if I am prepared to be your friend just yet. But I wanted you to know that I moved on and that I already have another boyfriend."
Nate raised his eyebrow in disbelief.
"Really? Who? Where is he?"
Jenny quickly turned and pulled a confused Slytherin student from the St. Emrys booth. She kissed his lips and said:
"This is Colin Hawke. And he is nothing alike you. I wish you a good life Nathaniel."
Colin was about to open his mouth, but Jenny pulled him by the arm and she walked away with him. Her friends followed the pair, not giving Nate the chance to go after Jenny. Instead he returned to his booth. He was pretty sure this was just an act and he thought maybe he should write to Tim about his sister dating a Slytherin boy. He wondered what he would have to tell to his little sister after he learned about this.
Nate spent the rest of the afternoon thinking about the lunch he was going to have tomorrow with Maggie. When she had returned from her trip to Australia they had a coffee together to catch up. She seemed truly upset with what Skeeter had written about her half-brother, the Herbology Professor, Lawrence Masterson and to make her feel better Nate told her about what had happened at the hospital. Maggie laughed and told him he should learn not to upset a witch. She still recalled the state of his face when Phyllida had jinxed him and the memory of his cheeks and forehead filled with pimples made him blush.
Maggie also told him how she had jinxed her ex boyfriend William because of the way he had treated her when he broke up with her. Nate thought there should be an obligatory class at Hogwarts for only young wizards so they could learn how to deal with furious witches. They also spoke about each other's work and Maggie's studies at Communication at St. Emrys.
After a long afternoon catching up they agreed to do so again and so they had scheduled a lunch for tomorrow since they were both free. Nate thought it was good for a change to be with a witch without being jinxed or being thrown with hot coffee to his face.
All Quiet
Author: Desdemona Diamond
Date: 04-24-13 15:38
"Mr. Reed, I see you're still comfortable," I said directly behind him. He once again jumped and whirled around.
He narrowed his eyes at me and tensely responded with "Just Fine." He had moved since the last time I did that to him, to make it harder for me to come up behind him. Too bad it didn't work. I moved away, letting him glare into my back. After a little bit of wandering, I moved back to the WWN booth.
"You're back," Bron said.
"I can see a lot from here."
"Uh huh. Excuse me." A student walked up and Bronwyn started talking with them. I took the chance to move to a snack table to get something to eat. I had been there all day, and I was starting to get a little tired and hungry. John had managed to get replacements for everyone else except him and me. To be fair, I did ask to stay.
Emily had been the first to leave. After wearing her patrol partner out, she crashed. Apparently she did in fact drink the entire cup of coffee. She was going to have a fantastic headache tomorrow. From what I heard she had to have help to get home.
I walked back over to Bronwyn's booth to eat my snack and watch the room. She really did have a decent spot to see most of it. I waited while Bronwyn talked to a few students.
"I've noticed you've been here a while," Bron finally said to me after the students had walked off.
"Yup. Here all day."
"Weren't you supposed to have the day off?"
"Yeah, this was last second. Besides, Orion is being moody."
"Why?"
"I don't know. He can't talk about it. Work stuff."
"Oh."
Another student walked over, taking Bronwyn's attention.