Dumbledore nodded and clinked glasses with Kasenhis. "Still, it's not bad. After all, someone in Slytherin is willing to play this kind of harmless prank on you. And what it sprays out is water, not something like sulfuric acid or some kind of dark magic solution."
"Mhm, true enough." Kasenhis stroked the little snake head on the brooch and sprayed Dumbledore again.
"Kasenhis, I think that's enough…" Dumbledore said, somewhat speechless.
"OK."
The two continued drinking and chatting for a while. Eventually, Kasenhis swayed to his feet and walked toward the skeleton in the corner, patting it on the shoulder.
The skeleton looked up, tilting its head in confusion.
"Come home with me," Kasenhis called.
The skeleton shook its head, then lowered it again and continued reading the newspaper.
"Hm… why?" Kasenhis asked, puzzled.
"Well, you were the one who expelled it from your body in the first place. You were the one who didn't want it and dumped it on me so pitifully. And now you suddenly want to take it back without a word? What do you take it for, some kind of cheap skeleton?" Dumbledore walked over and sat beside the skeleton, speaking in a teasing tone.
"Oh… does it really like staying here that much?" Kasenhis asked again.
"Obviously." Dumbledore wrapped an arm around the skeleton's shoulder, and the skeleton did the same to him. "Obviously, that's the case."
Kasenhis pouted a little bitterly but didn't say anything more.
"Alright then, I'll head off first."
"See you. Remember to come visit him often."
…
A week later, Kasenhis sat in his office with a miserable expression.
Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall, and Snape had all run off, leaving that ridiculous career guidance duty to him.
The problem was, a week ago, Kasenhis had agreed to it without hesitation. But… he had never been employed before!
Just like most university career guidance instructors these days… chances were, they'd never actually had a job themselves…
And Kasenhis was no different. In the Muggle world, he had been an entrepreneur. In the magical world, he had seamlessly transitioned into being a Hogwarts professor, personally invited by Dumbledore.
In a sense, he didn't even know how to write a résumé for the magical world, let alone which direction the doors to magical employment even opened.
And now he was supposed to teach this… wasn't that ridiculous?
Soon, the first student to come for career guidance walked in.
Hermione sat across from Kasenhis. The two of them stared at each other, until Kasenhis finally spoke.
"Shouldn't you be asking me questions?"
Hermione sighed. "Professor, you're supposed to ask me first. Ask what kind of career I want to pursue, then plan accordingly. You should advise me on what advanced classes I need to take over the next two years at Hogwarts, and if any of my grades aren't good enough, which subjects I should focus on improving."
Kasenhis awkwardly rubbed his chin. "Should I also ask for your transcript?"
Hermione clapped lightly in mock enthusiasm. "Professor, you're doing great. You can even draw inferences now!"
Kasenhis's mouth twitched. "Since you're already holding your transcript, let's get to the point. What career do you want in the future?"
"Perhaps… the Ministry of Magic or the Wizengamot. The Daily Prophet would also be an option," Hermione said.
"Let me see." Kasenhis flipped through the career guidance book in front of him. "None of those positions have particularly strict subject requirements. As long as you have a high proportion of Outstanding grades in your N.E.W.T.s, you should be fine."
"However, as a Muggle-born witch, your prospects might not be entirely bright. You should think it through carefully."
Hermione nodded. "I understand, Professor. But if I don't charge in first and clear the path for the Muggle-born wizards who come after me, then they'll never be able to break through."
Kasenhis smiled. "I wish you success. In two years, if you manage to enter any of those fields, come to me if you run into any trouble."
"Then thank you in advance, Professor," Hermione said with a nod.
"Send in the next one," Kasenhis said, nodding back.
Soon, the next student walked in.
Harry.
Kasenhis rolled his eyes. This kid's career path had already been sorted out by Professor McGonagall over Christmas, so he didn't bother saying anything and just waved him off.
Next was Ron. He rolled his eyes again and quickly sent him away too.
This time, though, there was finally someone who had something to say. Neville had arrived, and what he hadn't managed to say at the Christmas dinner table, he could say now.
Back then, there had been too many people, and Neville had been a bit embarrassed.
Now it was different. There were only two of them.
"Let me see your transcript first, alright?" Kasenhis said.
"Oh, okay, okay." Neville quickly handed it over.
"Hmm… let's see. Herbology: Outstanding. Charms: Exceeds Expectations. Defense Against the Dark Arts: Acceptable. Alchemy: Acceptable… You might be well suited to becoming a magical botanist, like Professor Sprout," Kasenhis said.
"A magical botanist… Professor, what if I don't want to go too far from Hogwarts?" Neville asked, a bit embarrassed.
"What is it? You can't bear to leave Hogwarts, or you can't bear to leave someone at Hogwarts?" Kasenhis raised an eyebrow.
"Mm… the latter," Neville answered.
"For you students, aside from a few close friends at Hogwarts who will likely stay with you for life, most other relationships are temporary. That includes professors, upperclassmen, and even me," Kasenhis explained.
"I… still want to stay closer to Hogwarts," Neville let out a breath and said.
"Then study hard and aim to stay on," Kasenhis said, marking circle after circle on Neville's transcript. These were the subjects Neville needed to focus on.
Next came a few more Gryffindor students. The careers they wanted were more or less the same: something involving combat, adventure, or money. In simpler terms, Auror, Hit Wizard, adventure novelist, travel writer, or Gringotts curse-breaker.
After Gryffindor was done, it was time for Slytherin.
A somewhat thin Slytherin student appeared in front of him.
When the student noticed the brooch on Kasenhis's chest, his eyes subtly lit up.
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