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slipstick · 10-03-2004, 06:47 PM

Ch. 29

The portable swamp the twins had left was a source of constant amusement for all the students, all the more so as Filch had to punt them across. As Ginger and Tex were making a crossing she murmured, “Kinda romantic, really. Like the canals in the Venetian in Vegas.”

“Rather soothing and relaxfull.” Then he almost whispered, “Ah imagine Mr. Filch would enjoy it much more if he could punt us across American style.”

*******

Tex was scheduled for career counseling same as everybody else even thou he thought it a waste of time. He wasn’t going to work in Britton and he certainly wasn’t going to work FOR Britton. But if there’s one thing these people are good at, he mused, it’s bureaucracy. He would just go along, smile sweetly at what ever McGonagall said and when his seven years were up; win, lose or draw, he would go home to Graymatter and use whatever he had learned to make it even more the best ranch around. He had not taken into account how much he had impressed her over the years with his skills in certain areas.

“Good morning, Michael, please take a seat.” Sitting in the only seat other than the one occupied by her scrawny butt, he remembered the time, five years ago, when a counselor back home had said, “Take a seat.” and there was none. He later learned that this was a frequently used test. Some students just stood there, some sat on the floor, the ones the testers approved of spoke up and said that there was no seat. Being of an engineering frame of mind he had brushed a stack of papers off of the corner of the desk and sat there.

“So tell me, what would you say is your best subject?”

That was easy enough. “Care of Magical Creatures.”

“I agree. And Professor Hagrid says you’re the best he’s ever seen. And that covers a lot of territory. You also have my endorsement on Transformations and after Miss Granger you’re the best potions student in Gryffindor.”

His eyebrows went up. “Ah’m good at potions, mam?”

“Among Gryffindors. Since all Gryffindors do abysmally in Professor Snape’s class to get even a passing grade is note worthy. And as the O.W.L.s tester will have no personal grudge against you, you should do splendidly. You were planning to go back to The States after you finish school, and do what?”

“Ah’m gonna work on mah folks ranch. Veterinary magic has long been a tradition in our family and mah skill set seems to fit.”

“An excellent plan. But you can benefit by trying out your skills before then.”

“Uh, your pardon, mam?”

“I’ve taken the liberty of writing St. Bonzo’s.”

“The Magical Veterinary Hospital?”

“The same. They’re having a summer internship, for only the highest students. I have recommended you. They wrote back that you would be acceptable, if you received Outstanding in Care of Magical Creatures, Potions and Transformations and an Exceeds Expectations in Charms. All of which seem well with in your grasp.”

Tex was at a loss for words, a rare event indeed. The summer internship alone would be invaluable in learning to work with animals. And if he should prove himself to the point of going on staff for a few years he could make Graymatter the premier ranch in all of Texas, that is to say The World.

Professor Umbrage arrived before he could think of a proper response. “Hem, hem. So sorry I wasn’t here sooner. But it really doesn’t matter, all things considered.”

Professor McGonagall bristled. A gesture Tex found frightening enough even when he wasn’t on the receiving end. “And what, precisely, does THAT mean, Dolores?”

“Only that Mr. Shultz isn’t likely to NEED career counseling.” To their blank looks she answered. “Because he isn’t likely to HAVE a career. Oh, he’s clever enough to get by in class but the exams will weed him out of any program in Britton. After his school days are over he’ll go back home and find something to do, maybe muck out the corral or whatever cowboys do all day.”

Tex burned. Not only did the new knowledge that he had the potential to be a vet by local standards raise his self-esteem, but the deprecating tone the professor used in reference the work his family had followed for generations galled him. Before McGonagall could speak he said, “Ah’m sure you’re quite right, professor. When mah Hogwarts days are past Ah’m sure Ah’ll be heading back home and just mess around with the cows.” Turning back to his housemother he touched his hat brim and said, “Ah thank you for your time, Professor.” Then he winked with his head at an angle where only she could see and left.

10-03-2004, 06:47 PM	#27 (permalink)
slipstick Troll Location: Barony of Graymatter Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 4,887 Hogwarts RPG Name: Jeff Braunswieger Fourth Year	Ch. 29 The portable swamp the twins had left was a source of constant amusement for all the students, all the more so as Filch had to punt them across. As Ginger and Tex were making a crossing she murmured, “Kinda romantic, really. Like the canals in the Venetian in Vegas.” “Rather soothing and relaxfull.” Then he almost whispered, “Ah imagine Mr. Filch would enjoy it much more if he could punt us across American style.” ******* Tex was scheduled for career counseling same as everybody else even thou he thought it a waste of time. He wasn’t going to work in Britton and he certainly wasn’t going to work FOR Britton. But if there’s one thing these people are good at, he mused, it’s bureaucracy. He would just go along, smile sweetly at what ever McGonagall said and when his seven years were up; win, lose or draw, he would go home to Graymatter and use whatever he had learned to make it even more the best ranch around. He had not taken into account how much he had impressed her over the years with his skills in certain areas. “Good morning, Michael, please take a seat.” Sitting in the only seat other than the one occupied by her scrawny butt, he remembered the time, five years ago, when a counselor back home had said, “Take a seat.” and there was none. He later learned that this was a frequently used test. Some students just stood there, some sat on the floor, the ones the testers approved of spoke up and said that there was no seat. Being of an engineering frame of mind he had brushed a stack of papers off of the corner of the desk and sat there. “So tell me, what would you say is your best subject?” That was easy enough. “Care of Magical Creatures.” “I agree. And Professor Hagrid says you’re the best he’s ever seen. And that covers a lot of territory. You also have my endorsement on Transformations and after Miss Granger you’re the best potions student in Gryffindor.” His eyebrows went up. “Ah’m good at potions, mam?” “Among Gryffindors. Since all Gryffindors do abysmally in Professor Snape’s class to get even a passing grade is note worthy. And as the O.W.L.s tester will have no personal grudge against you, you should do splendidly. You were planning to go back to The States after you finish school, and do what?” “Ah’m gonna work on mah folks ranch. Veterinary magic has long been a tradition in our family and mah skill set seems to fit.” “An excellent plan. But you can benefit by trying out your skills before then.” “Uh, your pardon, mam?” “I’ve taken the liberty of writing St. Bonzo’s.” “The Magical Veterinary Hospital?” “The same. They’re having a summer internship, for only the highest students. I have recommended you. They wrote back that you would be acceptable, if you received Outstanding in Care of Magical Creatures, Potions and Transformations and an Exceeds Expectations in Charms. All of which seem well with in your grasp.” Tex was at a loss for words, a rare event indeed. The summer internship alone would be invaluable in learning to work with animals. And if he should prove himself to the point of going on staff for a few years he could make Graymatter the premier ranch in all of Texas, that is to say The World. Professor Umbrage arrived before he could think of a proper response. “Hem, hem. So sorry I wasn’t here sooner. But it really doesn’t matter, all things considered.” Professor McGonagall bristled. A gesture Tex found frightening enough even when he wasn’t on the receiving end. “And what, precisely, does THAT mean, Dolores?” “Only that Mr. Shultz isn’t likely to NEED career counseling.” To their blank looks she answered. “Because he isn’t likely to HAVE a career. Oh, he’s clever enough to get by in class but the exams will weed him out of any program in Britton. After his school days are over he’ll go back home and find something to do, maybe muck out the corral or whatever cowboys do all day.” Tex burned. Not only did the new knowledge that he had the potential to be a vet by local standards raise his self-esteem, but the deprecating tone the professor used in reference the work his family had followed for generations galled him. Before McGonagall could speak he said, “Ah’m sure you’re quite right, professor. When mah Hogwarts days are past Ah’m sure Ah’ll be heading back home and just mess around with the cows.” Turning back to his housemother he touched his hat brim and said, “Ah thank you for your time, Professor.” Then he winked with his head at an angle where only she could see and left.