Let's Try Again

Chapter Twenty: Third Year (Part 1)

But, you, can be so much more. Your mind is open. You have an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. Looking at what you have chosen to study both in and out of school, that is obvious. You have the ability to excel in every subject without sacrificing any of them. That tells me everything I need to know about you.

You see, it isn't about just having the power to preform a spell, but having the knowledge of what spells to use.

If you put in the time and effort, you have the potential to sit in this chair one day. But it will take hard work.

Unspeakable Onyx has suggested that I give you a summer internship to see if you are capable of everything we believe you are."

"Yes." Percy wasn't going to let an opportunity like this pass him by. The chance to learn even a fraction of what the unspeakables did was beyond his wildest dreams.

The man chuckled, although it sounded more like sandpaper on wood. "I was told you would respond like that. As he was the one to recommend you, you will be working with Unspeakable Onyx. You will be his assistant for the summer.

Officially, if anyone asks, you will tell them that you are working in the auditors department. No one will look to deeply at that. Your pay will be coming out of that office just to make sure. I do understand that there are a few members of your family and friends that know about Unspeakable Onyx, so we will accept them knowing about your job, but no one else. And, you are forbidden from telling anyone, if you want one of those that know Unspeakable Onyx to know, then he must be the one to tell them, not you. While you are here, you will be referred to as Apprentice Tesla.

With all that said, Unspeakable Onyx is here. He will deal with everything else for you. Enjoy your time here Apprentice Tesla."

Percy shook the mans hand in a near state of shock. He was an apprentice in the DOM. He couldn't believe it. Turning, he saw who he assumed was Regulus by the door.

Thanking Unspeakable Chronos, Percy said a formal farewell before following Regulus out of the office.

The Burrow

That evening, while everyone was sitting down for dinner, Percy still wore a shellshocked look. Arthur couldn't stop himself from glancing at his son every few minutes during the meal. He didn't understand what could have happened to make him look like that.

"Percy, is everything ok?"

"Fine dad." Percy looked to his father and saw the concern in his eyes. He obviously wasn't doing a very good job at hiding how he was feeling.

"So Percy," came Molly's sickly sweet voice. "Will you be going back to work for Gerald Greengrass this summer?"

"No, I finished that job last year. He just needed me to sort through the mess the previous Chief Warlock's left behind. I went in today to see if there were any other jobs available. I got an apprenticeship in the auditors department."

"Wow, even I didn't think you could be that boring." Ron laughed at his older brother.

"Ronald." Arthur snapped. "If Percy chose to work in the auditors department, then we will support him. You might not like it, but you do not get to decide which jobs your brothers take.

And before you start laughing to hard, just remember, soon enough you will be old enough to get a summer job. Also, you might mock him now, but when he goes to Hogsmeade this school year, he will have spending money."

"What do you mean? Why wouldn't I have money for Hogsmeade?" Ron demanded.

"Have you saved up any money? Your mother and I give each of you 2 galleons for your Hogsmeade weekends. That's enough to get a drink at the Three Broomsticks and a treat at one of the shops. Anything more than that, you will have to pay for it yourself." Arthur was still amazed sometimes at how little respect the younger children had for money, even after all this time.