19 Ambitions

As the morning sun cast its warm glow on the last day of Harry's stay at St. Mungo's, he contemplated his future in the wizarding world. Having received the necessary vaccinations for magical diseases, he felt a sense of protection that paved the way for his next steps.

Researching the best-paying jobs in the magical realm, Harry narrowed down his interests to four intriguing options. Healers, with their substantial responsibilities and intensive studies, caught his attention due to their significant annual earnings. Aurors and hit-wizards, akin to high-class policemen, presented a second option. Hit-wizards, the elite force handling special missions, stood out as the advanced form of aurors, serving as the wizarding world's army against dark wizards.

Cursebreakers, tasked with lifting curses from objects or places, formed the third choice. Among the best, some earned lucrative rewards. Lastly, Harry considered becoming a master of magical arts, particularly focusing on Runes and Charms. These skills were essential for crafting some of the most expensive magical devices, involving intricate rune engraving and charm-powered runes.

Harry also explored potential opportunities at the Ministry of Magic, acknowledging decent salaries but nothing extraordinary. Starting his own business seemed like an option, though he recognized the challenges in finding a unique and desirable product.

Turning his attention to sports, Harry discovered Quidditch, a beloved magical sport akin to basketball with three hoops on each side of the field. The three kinds of balls—quaffle, bludgers, and the elusive snitch—added excitement to the game. Harry, with his good aim from football training, contemplated trying out for the position of chaser, the most active role in the game. While seeking wasn't entirely off the table, he found it somewhat boring compared to the dynamic nature of being a chaser.

Recalling information from Hogwarts: A History, Harry learned that there were cases where first-years were recruited into house teams. As he prepared to leave St. Mungo's, a sense of anticipation and curiosity filled him, eager to explore the myriad possibilities that awaited him at Hogwarts and beyond.

Whether or not he pursued a career in Quidditch, Harry knew he needed to explore his flying abilities first. If he chose Hogwarts, he could try out for his house team starting in his second year.

The allure of going professional in Quidditch was undeniable. Like any athlete, Quidditch players earned substantial wealth if they excelled in the game. The flexibility to transition to another job after a stint in professional Quidditch was an option.

Harry had done his research on career paths after Hogwarts. Graduates often applied for jobs based on their OWL and NEWT grades. Apprenticeships were reserved for those exceptionally skilled in a subject. Alternatively, students could pursue mastery through self-study, culminating in a test at the Ministry of Magic. However, those who apprenticed under a master were generally more respected, depending on the reputation of the master.

The idea of a part-time apprenticeship intrigued Harry, as it could be combined with a professional Quidditch career. His fame for his actual talents presented promising opportunities. Driven by extreme ambition, he aimed to be the best, refusing to settle for anything less. After having to falsify grades for the Dursleys, he had decided to always strive for the top, giving his absolute best.

Maintaining a balance between academic success and sports prowess was crucial. Harry understood the importance of not being labeled a nerd, which was why excelling in sports, particularly football, mattered to him. Being skilled both in sports and academics, as long as he didn't flaunt it excessively, would only enhance his popularity.

Although he identified with the traits of Slytherin from the house descriptions, there was a significant hurdle. The post-Voldemort era had bred prejudice against Slytherins. Harry couldn't afford to be perceived as a potential dark wizard in training. Aware of the fickleness of fame, he had seen how celebrities in the Muggle world faced harsh criticism for minor missteps.

If he wanted to avoid being labeled as the next dark wizard, he needed to navigate the wizarding world's outdated cultural beliefs. Wizards seemed stuck in the late Middle Ages, clinging to stereotypes reminiscent of the witch trials. Harry was determined to carve his path, demonstrating that success didn't equate to dark intentions.

Accusations, once spoken, possessed a tenacity that made them difficult to dispel. Harry was acutely aware of this as he grappled with a secret he discovered only weeks ago—his ability to speak Parseltongue, the language of snakes. He understood the implications; in the eyes of many, this skill could brand him as someone with dark inclinations.

The revelation occurred during an unexpected visit to the zoo, a consequence of Mrs. Figg's unfortunate injury. In the reptile house, Harry engaged in a brief conversation with a boa, discovering his connection to the ancient language. However, the fear of suspicion forced him to conceal this talent, especially when Piers approached.

Salazar Slytherin, one of Hogwarts' founders, had been a Parselmouth, and the snake became the symbol of Slytherin house. Harry contemplated the possibility of a familial connection to Slytherin but deemed it inconsequential. For now, he resolved to keep his Parseltongue ability hidden.

Ravenclaw seemed like his optimal choice. He recognized his intelligence and believed it would be the house where he could thrive. The challenge lay in avoiding Slytherin during the sorting process, a decision critical for shaping his early reputation.

To be acknowledged for his abilities and not solely for the tragic events of his past, Harry needed to steer clear of any negative labels. The method of sorting first-years into houses remained a mystery, and understanding it would empower him to make strategic decisions.

Yet, the allure of alternative options in different countries tugged at his thoughts. The magical world's fixation on him made the pursuit of a non-magical education challenging, but Harry considered the possibility of leveraging his importance for personal gain. If Hogwarts truly desired him, perhaps he could extract some advantages from the situation and navigate the intricate web of magical politics to his benefit.

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