The Horace Slughorn they had been discussing had already made thorough preparations during the summer holidays.
He had collected all sorts of job brochures, pamphlets on magical careers, and other materials, compiling them into a thick volume titled The Complete Guide to Wizarding Careers: 1993 Edition. This book not only introduced various professions and positions but also detailed their application processes, timelines, and the required N.E.W.T. scores and O.W.L. certificates.
Taking it a step further, he had even followed Jane Yu's suggestion to personally interview "employers." While filling in gaps in the book, he also included notes on personality traits preferred by different recruiters.
For example, St. Mungo's Hospital preferred healers who were gentle, patient, meticulous, and responsible, but they also hired bold and burly security personnel. The Ministry of Magic's Muggle Liaison Office favored candidates who were enthusiastic, patient, and humorous, while becoming an Auror required bravery, quick reflexes, perseverance, and a spirit of sacrifice...
By the time Slughorn arrived at Hogwarts, personally pulled out a chair for Jane in his office, and poured her a cup of hot tea, the book was as thick as a university admissions guide.
"At last, we meet again, my dear child!"
He was dressed in a velvet robe embroidered with gold thread. Months of busy work had slimmed down his once-round figure.
Yet the professor, returning to Hogwarts, was in high spirits, his face glowing with enthusiasm, clearly ready to make a grand impact.
"I've already figured out what to do!" He raised three fingers mysteriously. "First, I'm retaining the tradition of requiring all fifth-year students to participate in career counseling during the summer term, and I'm adding another session for both sixth and seventh years."
"Second, I'm implementing an appointment system. Any student who needs guidance can book a time to talk with me, whether it's about their CVs or anything else—"
He paused dramatically, teasingly:
"Can you guess the third point?"
Jane, recalling how Slughorn had visited numerous shops, companies, hospitals, and even the Ministry of Magic over the summer, immediately realized he had adopted one of her previous suggestions.
—Organizing career placements, or internships for short.
This was likely Slughorn's way of making a fiery debut, fueled by his passion.
"Ah-ha! Spot on!" Slughorn beamed, his smile so wide that his slightly bulging eyes narrowed into slits. "We really are on the same wavelength! It's all thanks to your brilliant suggestion!"
"I dare say, this idea is unprecedented in Hogwarts history. I doubt any other magical school in Europe has something like this. It's a groundbreaking innovation!"
He then launched into a detailed account of the former students he had contacted and the organizations he had liaised with over the summer—
"St. Mungo's, they're happy to let outstanding sixth-year students spend a few months helping out during the holidays. If they perform well, they might even get hired early!"
"The Daily Prophet is open to fifth- and sixth-year students who enjoy working with words to help organize reports."
"And then there are the shops in Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley... I even managed to get in touch with a few broomstick companies..."
He listed them off one by one, clearly having leveraged a vast network of personal connections.
"Unfortunately, the Ministry of Magic—well, I've been running around trying to sort this out all last week."
"You know how bad the timing is, with Sirius Black on the loose. They don't have the bandwidth to consider student internships right now."
"However, a former student of mine in the Goblin Liaison Office is willing to privately offer a few opportunities."
Slughorn refilled Jane's tea, clearly eager to hear the opinion of his star pupil.
"The opportunities you've arranged are fantastic! I think everyone will be thrilled!"
Jane exchanged polite pleasantries with the professor, making him laugh heartily, before smoothly steering the conversation:
"Actually, two seventh-year Slytherin students spoke to me about career planning just yesterday—"
This immediately piqued Slughorn's interest. He leaned forward, eager to hear more:
"They must be exceptional students if you're bringing them up. Who are they?"
He was practically itching to open his collection of talented individuals, his curiosity palpable.
"One is our Quidditch house team captain, who hopes to become a professional player."
"The other is our prefect, who aspires to work at the Ministry of Magic."
Slughorn's eyes lit up, as if ready to induct them into the Slug Club on the spot.
"They're both eager to meet you. What do you think?" Jane skillfully brought up her request.
Helping these two secure priority access was her way of lending a hand.
It was all part of her Plan No. 1.
She thought to herself.
"Ah, wonderful!" Slughorn rubbed his hands together, excitedly patting his shiny bald head. "Of course, I'd be delighted. Perhaps you could fetch them? I've got time right now!"
The look he gave Jane was full of admiration.
She really understood him!
No wonder she was the best student in the school!
Truly the pride of Slytherin!
Hogwarts had given him such a gift the moment he arrived!
He had been worrying about not having someone to practice his counseling skills on!
Slughorn happily flipped through The Complete Guide to Wizarding Careers: 1993 Edition and began rehearsing his talking points.
...
"Merlin's beard—Jane, you're amazing!"
Gemma Farley burst into the common room like a jubilant bird, throwing her arms around Jane.
She had just finished her meeting with Slughorn and felt as if the air was fresher and the world broader.
"Professor Slughorn told me he agreed to return to Hogwarts because of your persuasion."
She gripped Jane's hands tightly and pulled her to a quiet corner, her joy overflowing:
"He's willing to connect me with Dirk Cresswell, the head of the Goblin Liaison Office at the Ministry of Magic!"
"The Ministry... even its most inconspicuous departments are hard to get into without connections!"
She was so moved she was nearly in tears.
She silently thanked herself countless times for building a good relationship with Jane over the past few years.
Helping Slytherin win the House Cup for two consecutive years, securing her position as prefect...
Clearing the confusion in her career path...
All she had done was voice her concerns once or twice, and Jane had used her connections to get her a spot with Slughorn...
What a rare and genuine friend!
"No matter what happens in the future, if you ever need help, you can count on me," she promised earnestly. "This promise is for life."
Marcus Flint was equally ecstatic.
If not for the need to maintain appearances, he looked like he might kneel and bow to her.
"Gwenog Jones of the Holyhead Harpies is one of Professor Slughorn's former students!"
"He's willing to ask her on my behalf. Apparently, she's well-connected with other teams too, so there might be a chance!"
"But she doesn't seem to favor wizards playing Quidditch... I'm not sure if she'll be willing to help."
Flint sighed but profusely thanked Jane, knowing that Slughorn couldn't possibly arrange such opportunities for every student. Clearly, he was benefiting from Jane's influence.
"Even if this doesn't work out, I've got a chance to be a test flyer at a broomstick company!"
"All thanks to you!" He grinned, showing all his crooked teeth. "You brought us Professor Slughorn!"
He already seemed to be daydreaming about life after graduation.
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