Days at Hogwarts

Chapter 713 Receiving a Job Offer Before Graduation

In April, the grass in the courtyard was already quite lush.

The rain that had lasted for several days finally stopped, and the sky, washed clean by the rain, was clear and bright. It was the perfect time of year, neither too hot nor too cold, and the sun shone just right, casting a filter over the whole world. The leaves were lush and green, the lake water was crystal clear, and the girls walked in the sunlight, their fair skin glowing.

Two weeks after the holiday, Hogwarts resumed normal classes, with some subjects moving ahead to the final chapter of the academic year. Starting last weekend, Hermione began leading a group of boys in final exam preparation, devising study plans for Transfiguration, Charms, and Potions.

He even helped Loren organize his elective course notes, which were arithmetic divination and ancient runes. Other subjects were put on hold for the time being because there were more important things to do.

Sunday noon.

As usual, Loren and his friends, who had been studying hard in the library all morning, were about to go to the auditorium for lunch when they heard a noisy commotion coming from the corner of the stairs before they even reached the first floor.

A group of students, mostly sixth and seventh graders, gathered in front of the bulletin board. Simo and Dean stood in the center of the crowd, reading the announcement aloud.

Loren and his group arrived a little late and missed hearing the full announcement, but they pieced together the useful information by combining it with the discussions of those around them.

The announcement stated that sixth and seventh graders would be temporarily suspended from school tomorrow morning. From 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, a unified Apparition test would be conducted by Ministry of Magic commissioners at the Quidditch pitch. Students who pass the test will receive a certificate of qualification within 5 business days.

There is no fixed order, and students do not need to arrive early. As long as they complete the test within the specified time, it sounds like an encouragement for students to take the exam at different times.

The missed class time will be made up by the instructor at their own discretion by adjusting the schedule.

"They even have tutoring classes!"

Loren unconsciously frowned.

Hogwarts has also picked up the bad habit of making up lessons. I really don't know where they learned it from. The Apparition Test is the important thing. If you miss it, you miss it. There's no reason to make up lessons afterwards.

"well……"

I feel a little melancholy.

Loren walked into the hall with a sigh.

Sitting down at the end of the long table, the enticing aroma of freshly cooked food filled the air: lightly browned steaks, steaming mushroom cream soup, and piles of perfectly bite-sized roasted chicken drumsticks. My gloomy mood vanished instantly.

Loren picked up a wet wipe and wiped his hands.

"Now that things have come to this, let's eat first."

……

The next morning, at 9:30.

The entrance hall of Hogwarts Castle.

Hermione stood at the bottom of the hallway stairs, wearing a black school-style magic robe. Her slightly slender shoulders and back were straight, and her excellent posture showed an outstanding intellectual temperament. Her black trousers were loose and had a light drape, making her calves look straight and long.

As Loren walked down the stairs, the girl was looking down at her feet, her expression serene. It was unclear whether she was looking at the tips of her shoes, the unknown wildflower, or the ants crawling on them.

A bright blue sky stretched overhead, casting a wide shadow of the castle on the ground. A gentle breeze rustled the treetops, bringing fresh air mixed with the scent of grass and earth. The signs of summer's approach lifted everyone's spirits.

Loren tiptoed to the girl's left and patted her right shoulder.

Hermione realized what he meant the moment she turned her head to the right, then silently turned her head to the left and stared at him.

"hey-hey……"

Loren was greatly satisfied. He took the girl's left hand, interlocked their fingers, and swayed back and forth. "Let's go, let's go take the exam."

"Childish," Hermione said casually.

Loren frowned, turned to look at her, and corrected her seriously, "Hey, don't underestimate this prank just because the steps are simple. The underlying principles are quite complex, involving profound biological content."

Hermione chuckled twice, neither confirming nor denying.

"Anatomy suggests that the left and right hemispheres of the brain have different functions. One side of the brain is rational and logical, while the other side is emotional and intuitive. Considering the subtle differences in the physiological structures of men and women, as well as individual-specific differences, and the fact that the left and right hemispheres control opposite areas of the body, this prank needs to be adjusted appropriately based on the person being played. Consider whether to pat the left or right shoulder."

What if I make a mistake?

"There is a possibility of failure. Perhaps someone will notice your position in advance, or someone will be tapped on the right shoulder but look to the left."

"..." Hermione paused for a moment.

"Now you understand, right? Pranks aren't that simple."

"You misunderstood me." Hermione looked straight ahead, with students passing by after their tests. She said calmly, "I didn't mean that pranks are childish, I meant that you are childish."

"hateful!"

Loren stopped shaking his two hands together.

After a moment's thought, he put his and the girl's hands into his pockets, deciding to warm her hands until her palms were sweaty, making her feel uncomfortable.

Five minutes later.

The two walked hand in hand, swaying as they entered the Quidditch pitch.

Following the usual practice of Apparition training, Dumbledore had already lifted the magical restrictions, allowing students to perform limited spatial teleportation within this enclosed space.

The test area in the center of the stadium was marked out with old Christmas ribbons from last year. It was flat and spacious. I hadn't paid much attention to the stadium surface before. After all, the seats in the stands were fifty feet off the ground, and Quidditch players were flying around in the air the whole time. Neither of us were players. Suddenly stepping into this place gave me a subtle sense of novelty.

The testing process was very clear: first, candidates registered their information, and then they entered the testing room with their number tags.

Loren pulled Hermione to the back of the line and peeked ahead.

The test has been going on for a while now, and the most congested period has passed. There are not many students waiting to take the test in the venue, less than ten people, about one group.

At the front of the line was a table, behind which sat a female employee wearing a badge from the Department of Transportation of the Ministry of Magic. A sign next to her read "Registration Office".

"I knew it, timing is everything."

"..."

Hermione looked at him silently, her gaze distant. "Did you see Harry and Ron?"

"no."

"That makes sense, because they should have passed the test successfully and are now having a great time playing with the giant squid on the shore of Black Lake."

"There's no need to pity them."

"??"

"Their time isn't precious; wasting ten minutes or so queuing is nothing."

"..."

The Ministry of Magic clerks registering the information were very diligent. Even after repeating the process dozens of times, when it was Loren and Hermione's turn, they patiently explained what information they needed to fill out, their voices soft and gentle, though a little hoarse. After receiving their number plates, Hermione expressed her disdain for this rudimentary system and planned to change the registration method to self-filling application forms after taking office, with the required information printed on the top of the form.

Including name, age, college...

The process of obtaining a number plate can be omitted.

The girl, though young, already possessed the demeanor of a minister.

The testing process is similar to the practice process. Students stand within a designated area, with old-fashioned wooden hoops placed nearby, waiting for the examiner to give the command. The examinee activates the phantom appearance, and after confirming the accurate landing point, a specialist checks the body and the starting point. If no separation occurs, it means passing the test.

Each candidate has only one chance.

Those who pass the exam will receive their certificate within 5 business days; those who fail will have to re-register and take the next Phantom Exam three months later.

"Alright, next group!"

It was Loren and Hermione's turn. They walked into the designated area, making sure their toes didn't go over the white line.

Several Ravenclaw students were also in the same group, lined up ten feet apart, facing the old-fashioned wooden hoop in front of them. After an hour of proctoring, the examiner's voice was a little hoarse, but his waving gestures were still very crisp. Accompanied by a series of popping sounds, the examinee disappeared from his spot and instantly landed in the wooden hoop.

"qualified!"

The male examiner first glanced at Loren's body; all four limbs were intact, his features were regular, and his eyebrows were still in place. He noted his number in the register, then looked at the spot where Loren's feet had landed and raised an eyebrow.

"Lady Luck is on my side! The landing point was perfect, without any deviation!"

"Thank you for your compliment."

As expected, the two passed the exam smoothly. Just as they turned to walk back, a weak voice came from behind them.

"Wait a minute!"

With his white hair, Wickie Tykros jogged up to the two, his pale skin appearing even more translucent in the sunlight, revealing almost visible bluish veins. "Greetings, Mr. Morgan, Miss Granger."

"Hello, Mr. Tykros."

Between breaths, Tykros said, "I have good news for you. Because of the mysterious man's lie low, we have regained our original office location. My colleagues and I are encouraged, and the compilation of the teaching materials has sped up. If nothing unexpected happens, it should be able to be published ahead of schedule."

"In advance to when?"

"In two or three years... maybe?"

"Oh, that's really... a whole lot ahead of schedule."

Loren wore a perfunctory expression of excitement, but his voice carried a clear hint of mockery. He didn't really care about the book's publication; after all, he had already graduated, and the magical world didn't need to use it to embellish his resume to find a job.

Tykros heard the teasing in his words and laughed: "I have another piece of news. At Percy Weasley's suggestion, Ms. Burns plans to implement the Floo Network reconstruction project. The Department of Transportation needs to expand its staff, and I would like to invite you to join the Ministry of Magic and the Department of Transportation."

Hermione listened silently, her eyes slightly brightening.

"The Flying Network reconstruction project?" Loren asked, somewhat puzzled.

"Ms. Burns believes the current Floo Network is too rudimentary. While it's convenient for wizarding families to travel long distances, its security is too poor. Anyone infiltrating the Department of Transport can monitor the Floo Network's movements throughout Britain. This is irresponsible to the public and a dereliction of duty by the Department of Transport," Tecros explained. "The reconstruction project plans to encrypt the Floo Network's routes. After the reconstruction is completed, any surveillance will require the signature and approval of either Wisengamor or the Minister's office..."

"I think you have a lot of talent in this area, and since you're graduating next year, I'd like to invite you to join the renovation project."

"Thank you, I'll consider it."

It actually works to enhance your resume and help you find a job.

Loren smacked his lips.

After saying goodbye to Mr. Wicky Tykros, the two walked along the path toward the castle, shoulder to shoulder, almost touching.

"Would you really consider Mr. Tykroth's invitation?" Hermione asked softly.

"certainly."

"I thought it was just a polite social remark." Hermione's eyes changed slightly, and she seemed a little surprised. "You've always said that you don't want to look for a job after graduation. Considering Grandpa Bates' assets, alchemy, and the magic of the Philosopher's Stone, I thought you would stay at home for a long time after graduation, and only come out to find something to do to pass the time when you really got bored."

"Then you're wrong." Loren walked beside her, his shoulder brushing against hers with each step, soft and bouncy. "I'll never get bored staying at home. The internet is developing at a rapid pace, and the film, television, and gaming industries are about to enter a new era..."

"So what changed your mind?"

"Didn't you say before that you wanted to be my colleague and go to and from get off work together?"

"..."

Hermione didn't respond, but a faint smile appeared on her lips.

The two of them slowed down in unison, walking hand in hand along the winding path, like a young couple deeply in love during their adolescence.

The grass is lush and green, and the wildflowers are fragrant.

Despite having no forks in the road, the two top students, who tied for first place in the entire grade, still got lost and unknowingly turned towards the lake. Strolling along the lakeshore, occasionally stopping to admire the ripples on the water and the uniquely beautiful tree branches, they completely lost track of time.

It wasn't until they saw the bass leap out of the water that Loren remembered it was lunchtime, and the two turned around and walked back.

……

Back to the castle.

The other students who had been wandering in the meadows and by the lake gradually returned. Many of them were seventh graders who were supposed to be in the library preparing for their ultimate wizarding exams. They had been tricked out of the castle by the Apparition test and ended up getting lost in the late spring scenery.

As you enter the foyer, even before you step into the auditorium, an enticing aroma wafts over you, and you can tell what kinds of food are on the long table just by the smell.

"That's enough, Theodore."

A familiar voice rang out, and Draco walked by. He must have been lingering outside after the test and only returned now. He lowered his voice and said to Nott beside him, "Don't ask anymore. I really have no news of them. I don't know where they are..."

"..."

Loren watched the two walk toward the Slytherin table.

Hermione said softly, "The Daily Prophet published a tracking report last week, saying that someone saw Death Eaters in Albania. However, Professor Lupin mentioned in his letter to Harry that they appeared in Northern Ireland. The Aurors of the Ministry of Magic are tracking Death Eater families, but there are no concrete results yet."

"Whether in the eyes of the Ministry of Magic or Voldemort, the Malfoy family's wealth is too conspicuous. Given their current situation, the fact that Mr. Malfoy is missing might be good news," Loren said with some emotion. "As the Malfoy heir, Draco must resist outsiders' covetousness of the family's wealth. This kind of hardship will help him grow."

"That tone sounds just like Dumbledore."

"Huh~"

(End of this chapter)