The days of waiting for Mr. Fawkes's Nirvana slipped by quickly.
In mid-May, Sean received a letter containing a phoenix tail feather.
Headmaster Dumbledore told him that Fawkes was about to undergo Nirvana today, so he invited him to the Headmaster's office for afternoon tea.
Sean walked into the Great Hall, clutching the beautiful, bright phoenix feather.
The Great Hall was as full of chattering voices as ever. Justin was waving at him, and the rest of the group was gathered around Harry, discussing something.
As Sean got closer, he could hear their voices clearly.
"Auror? That's not a bad idea."
Hermione lifted her head from her book.
"Yeah, being an Auror is pretty cool."
Ron said half-jokingly.
"That's right. If you think carefully about what you want to do after leaving Hogwarts, being an Auror is undoubtedly a good choice."
Justin suggested gently.
"Think about it. Your Defense Against the Dark Arts is second only to Sean's, and your athletic talent is also very good. In this light, becoming an Auror is a very good plan for you."
Harry was surrounded in the center of the crowd, his cheeks slightly flushed.
He generally didn't like revealing his thoughts to others, but Ron had let it slip. Now it seemed that saying it out loud wasn't so bad.
"Do you think I can become an Auror?"
Harry stammered.
"Why not?"
Justin asked with a smile.
"I don't think it's certain—"
Hermione spread out her thick book, which landed on the table with a thud, kicking up a bit of dust.
"What?"
Harry asked uneasily.
"You need excellent grades."
As Hermione spoke, she pulled out a small black leaflet from under the messy pile of things on the table and opened it.
"They require at least five N.E.W.T.s, and no grade lower than 'Exceeds Expectations'.
"Besides that, you have to undergo a series of stringent character and aptitude tests at the Auror Office.
"It's a difficult career path, Harry. They only accept the very best. In fact, I remember they haven't taken on any new recruits in the last couple of years."
"Oh."
Harry lowered his eyes.
"But Sean already told me."
He added.
Hermione stared at him in surprise, then looked at the various books on his desk, quietly revealing her canine teeth.
"You'll have to face trickier things than the average wizard and delve into more profound fields, but I think as long as you like the job, that's enough, isn't it?"
Justin concluded.
"He's still far from it—"
Hermione didn't agree with Justin and said to Harry,
"If you're going to continue practicing Quidditch, I think you'll find it very hard to achieve this. You have training five times a week—"
Hermione's meaning was obvious.
"I... I'll figure something out..."
Harry mumbled.
"So, Harry, you probably need to know which subjects you should be studying, right?"
Sean sat down at this moment, and everyone's gaze naturally turned to him.
"What? Sean?"
Harry was confused and asked expectantly.
"Aurors require at least five N.E.W.T. certificates, and grades cannot be lower than 'Exceeds Expectations'...
"Defense Against the Dark Arts is very important. I also suggest you study Transfiguration because Aurors frequently need to Transfigure and Untransfigure in their work.
"Harry, I think you also need to know that Professor McGonagall's N.E.W.T. class only accepts students who have achieved an 'Exceeds Expectations' or higher in their O.W.L. exams.
"Your current average grade is 'Acceptable'."
As Sean spoke, he took out a notebook from his bag.
"You organized the section on magical careers?"
Justin looked at it with great interest alongside Harry.
Sean nodded.
History of Magic class was very easy for him, so he used the time in class to do some special organization.
For example, careers in the wizarding world from ancient times to the present—Vampire Hunters, Hit Wizards, the Accidental Magic Reversal Squad, Obliviators, the Wizengamot, Curse Breakers, and so on.
Sean had categorized and organized them all, adding many of his own insights.
Looking at it now, his insights should be able to help the young wizards of the magical world.
You have to know, education in the wizarding world has always been laissez-faire. With wizards mainly educated at home or in magic schools, the difference in individual levels is immense.
Not to mention, the general cultural level of wizards is a mess, completely incomparable to the systematic education of the non-magical world.
After all, it's hard to require wizarding families to systematically teach their children knowledge, nor can you require teachers in boarding schools to monitor students' studies every step of the way.
And children of this age are playful. What's terrifying is that knowledge in the wizarding world is obscure.
They don't want to learn, can't understand it, and finally don't want to study even more.
This is what young wizards experience, not to mention some force majeure.
Like Professor Snape's "special treatment" of Harry...
Therefore, Sean and Justin agreed that a good popular science book, especially one on career guidance, was scarce and needed in the current wizarding world.
Thus, this book was born: History of Magical Careers: What Do You Want to Do in the Future?
"Aiming for Auror, I personally suggest studying at least four types of magic courses:
"Defense Against the Dark Arts—Auror is perhaps the historical career in the wizarding world that deals with Dark Magic the most. Therefore, it is recommended to place the study of Defense Against the Dark Arts first;
"Transfiguration—Aurors frequently need to Transfigure and Untransfigure in their work;
"Charms—It is useful at any time;
"Potions—Potions and antidotes are basic knowledge that Aurors need to master;
"In addition, wizards who want to become Aurors also need to demonstrate good responsiveness under pressure, such as perseverance and dedication—because Auror training takes another three years.
"Not to mention very superb practical defense skills. This means that wizards have to learn a lot of things after leaving school.
"Therefore:
"If you read this and are still passionate about becoming an Auror, then you can welcome your challenge; and enjoy your applause. Auror is perhaps the most respected profession in the wizarding world."
Harry read this History of Magical Careers with glowing eyes and soon hugged it tightly, unwilling to let go.
"Harry, let me see—"
Ron asked anxiously from the side, and Harry reluctantly placed it carefully on the table.
"Dragon Keeper, Potioneer, Healer..."
Hermione also leaned over curiously, and the group studied it with great interest.
"I think we can publish this as soon as possible."
Justin already foresaw the future market for this book. With such clear and precise explanations, not to mention young wizards, even some adult wizards might need it!
"Mm."
Sean nodded and took out a few more copies to hand to Justin.
Then, he left the Great Hall and headed straight for the Headmaster's office.
Mr. Fawkes was still waiting for him to have afternoon tea.