Here's a bonus chapter for you all! Thank you so much for waiting. I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments, and I hope you have a wonderful time reading!
Early the next morning.
When Dumbledore and Jane came downstairs, they found Slughorn with heavy dark circles under his eyes, the bags as large as his eyes themselves - clearly he hadn't slept all night.
Upon seeing them, he immediately gestured for them to sit at the dining table.
Seven plates were laid out, filled with fried eggs, bread, and sausages.
Wielding knife and fork, Slughorn personally cut each dish into seven pieces, serving them onto their plates.
As he worked, he spoke to Jane in a grave tone:
"Seven is the most magically powerful number in our world. If you take Arithmancy this year, you'll learn that Bridget Wenlock was the first witch to discover seven's magical properties."
Dumbledore's utensils froze mid-air, his long eyebrows twitching slightly.
Slughorn didn't spare him a glance, continuing unprompted:
"Many wizards' lives are closely tied to seven. Experts believe magical ability should manifest at age seven, young wizards study at Hogwarts for seven years... even many names have exactly seven syllables."
"And about what you asked yesterday - I might be missing exactly seven Chocolate Frog cards."
Dumbledore gazed at Jane with extreme curiosity, as if seeing some magical creature sitting at his breakfast table.
"Which cards are you missing?" Jane inquired.
"I'm not certain," Slughorn shook his head irritably. "I believe Euler Bloch was the expert on this matter, that despicable Greek Herpo likely put it into practice, and Grindelwald knew something of it too. Beyond that, I couldn't say."
Jane didn't have any of these three cards - apparently she couldn't help after all.
She shrugged regretfully.
But Dumbledore seemed to have confirmed something, appearing both excited and anxious - quite unusual for him.
He shot Jane an approving look before turning to clink teacups with Slughorn:
"Thank you, Horace. Truthfully, all these years I've felt Hogwarts's loss in your absence."
Slughorn snorted through his nose:
"Loss? If you truly felt that way, you'd offer me the Potions position instead of claiming only Defense Against the Dark Arts is available - don't think I don't know that position's cursed to last just a year."
Puffing up indignantly, he resembled a walrus flapping its flippers.
Dumbledore awkwardly tugged his beard, setting down his cup:
"It's not an excuse, but Severus has done well as both Potions Master and Head of House - I see no reason to replace him. And this year's Defense position was filled months ago."
"Of course I'd invite you to any vacancy, as I do every year."
Slughorn waved his wand, causing the room's decorations, collections, and furniture to shrink and pack themselves into boxes. Within minutes, save for their dining furniture, the house stood empty.
"Well then, I suppose I'll have to travel the world," he muttered, clearly ready to flee. "Go somewhere remote, deep in the mountains, where this old man can live alone and afraid."
Watching this, Jane privately admired his masterful use of strategic retreat!
Dumbledore was so startled his glasses slipped down his nose:
"No, no, no - I'm sure we can squeeze in one more professor, Horace."
He pondered desperately, sweat beading on his forehead, unable to think of any available position.
Jane set down her fork, offering sincere advice:
"Have you considered creating a Career Guidance Counselor position?"
She felt Professor Slughorn's networking skills and social abilities far surpassed any current Hogwarts professor. His extensive experience and successful former students spread across the wizarding world spoke volumes.
For capable students, having such a teacher to help with job introductions, recommendations, and networking could greatly benefit their career development.
Moreover, by his own account, those he'd helped sent annual gifts of crystallized pineapple or free Quidditch tickets - practically helping without expecting returns.
"Career Guidance Counselor?"
Both men voiced their confusion as Dumbledore pushed his glasses back up.
Jane smiled mysteriously and began explaining:
"Yes, I've heard from older students that career guidance starts in fifth year, handled by House Heads."
"But as I understand it, the Heads are quite busy teaching multiple year levels. It's difficult for them to understand every student's aspirations and personality. Many students feel lost about their future careers."
"You could guide them based on their personalities, interests, and grades. With your connections and abilities, plus your understanding of various professions, you'd excel at this."
"Perhaps you could organize career experience opportunities - like summer internships for older students at St. Mungo's, the Ministry, newspapers..."
Slughorn's eyes grew increasingly bright.
The rotund professor rushed to her side, clasping her hands tightly:
"Child, you understand me! I knew you would!" Tears welled in his eyes as he shook her hands. "To gather all the talented students, help these young wizards find suitable positions, give them bright futures - that makes me hundreds of times happier than being Minister for Magic!"
Overjoyed, he began rambling about his former students' careers:
"Oh my, Daily Prophet editors, Holyhead Harpies captain, Head of Goblin Liaison, the inventor of Wolfsbane Potion, all those Aurors... too many to count!"
"I must compile a list, organize all the career information, document every possible path for graduates, so I can answer any questions they might have. If only my network were even broader..."
Dumbledore had to interrupt an increasingly excited Slughorn, who looked ready to whip out a quill and start writing career paths then and there.
"Ahem - an excellent suggestion," Dumbledore approved. "I think this would benefit the students greatly, having such an experienced professor's guidance. I trust your judgment of character, Horace."
"Ho!" Slughorn looked somewhat embarrassed, mumbling, "It's nothing special, I've made mistakes too... everyone does... I'm not stubborn, I can learn from them."
He turned to Jane, patting her shoulder affectionately:
"Worthy of those Special Services Awards indeed - Slytherin truly produces remarkable talent!"
"You'll achieve great things, child." He turned to Dumbledore, "Albus, this one might surpass even you someday! Just leave her to me, I'll mentor her well!"
He wrapped an arm around Jane's shoulders, speaking with dramatic emphasis:
"You must join my club - I'll introduce you to every outstanding student I've taught!"
Warning bells rang again in Dumbledore's mind.
This wasn't right at all.
"Leave her to me," "I'll mentor her," "join my club" - what did all that mean?
Don't you have your own students?
He forced a smile and stood, preparing to make their exit.
"Well, that's settled then, Horace," he said in farewell. "We've taken enough of your time - we'll let you prepare for the new term."
Slughorn cheerfully saw them out, pressing a large basket of sweets into Jane's hands.
"See you at school, dear child!"