InsaneJournal

Current mood:	curious
Entry tags:	augustus pye, draco malfoy

Who: Draco and Gus
When: Wednesday morning, during the first class slot
What: Draco needs advice a healer can give (no, not THAT kind of advice, schooling advice)
Rating: PG
Status: completed log


Normally Draco enjoyed his early Wednesday morning time. With others in classes and breakfast done, he was free to read as he wished or get ahead on assignments. But this morning he had given himself a particular assignment to get ahead on his planning for after Hogwarts which had him taking the stairs to the Infirmary, hoping he would find Healer Pye and not Madame Pomfrey instead. He came in quietly, not wanting to disturb the other man and taking a moment to observe the things around him. Not that he would need them as a counselor, he was certain, but there was some inherent interest to be taken in things that fixed things.

He cleared his throat to gain Healer Pye's attention, and waited politely, back stiff and chin slightly tilted.

Looking up from the supplies he was putting in order, Gus blinked a bit in surprise at the sight of the pale boy. His eyes immediately took in his appearance for an obvious injury that would need healing, considering what had brought the boy into the infirmary last time he was there. Seeing nothing obviously wrong, not to mention the fact that his body posture didn't say anything about him being in pain or dire need of assistance, he held up his hand to indicate he needed just another second. Finishing counting the potion he was on, he made a note of it on his parchment before setting the ward on the area and approaching Draco. "Hello, Mr. Malfoy," he said as he wiped his hands on his lab coat. "What brings you here today?"

One more glance assured Draco that the door was closed, and that none of the beds were currently occupied. "I wished to find out if you knew anything of the requirements for healing, specifically the disciplines of the mind, and potentially Muggle university as well." There, that was baldly said, but sooner done then the sooner he could begin to gather that which he might need to study. This was one of those moments where it served him best to be blunt, rather than beat around the bush until the information simply fell out.

Gus couldn't help his eyes going wide in surprise as he stared at the younger boy. The first bit wasn't really surprising to him as Healers and doctors weren't that sort of thing that always came from a cookie cutter mold like some of the other jobs, especially in the wizarding world. The last bit though... "You're interested in Muggle university?" he blurted out before he could stop the words. He made a slight face at how that likely sounded before gestured towards his small desk, grabbing a chair from by one of the beds so that Draco had a place to sit as well. "I certainly know a great deal about the requirements for healing, less so though about the disciplines of the mind, which is a rather large field anyways depending on what you're interested in. I know a great deal about Muggle university too. Both in regards to a medical program as well as just in general. My siblings have all gone to varying university programs and, well, I was actually considering enrolling in a medical program before I took this job." Patting the back of the chair as he set it opposite his desk, he walked around to his own seat and sat down in a fluid motion. "So, whatever if on your mind, I'll try and answer it to the best of my ability. Although I'll have to warn you that getting into university may be... complicated."

Draco sank into the seat with careful grace, sitting straight-backed, hands folded. "I am, at the moment, looking between two potential professions. One, which currently appeals less, is the law. The other is counseling. I am aware that the work which my own counselor does employs certain techniques of Muggle persuasion, and that she likely attended some form of Muggle schooling in order to learn her psychological technique. I would be interested to determine how classical mind healing, employing magic to work with the broken mind, might be combined with the techniques of conversation and persuasion, and thus, my interest." Traditional counseling was a small enough field in the wizarding world, greatly overshadowed, in his opinion, by those who worked with damaged minds. He felt it needed more people, and perhaps more publicity, as it seemed the way to change the world was indeed by education.

"I am not afraid of complications, or of hard work," he said mildly. "Nor am I against learning how Muggles do things. I have spent a good deal of the last months exploring the Muggle world and intend to explore more, university or not."

Gus blew out a long breath as he thought over Draco's words, actually thinking over where to start rather than just leaping on what he felt what was the most interesting bit, which of course was Draco's desire to do what Gus was doing, just in a different field. "It will certainly be hard work," Gus said with a chuckle. "We'll start with the easiest part first and the one I have the most experience in. To become a Healer, you'll need at least an 'Exceeds Expectations' in NEWT level Potions, Transfiguration, Charms, Herbology, and Defence against the Dark Arts. If you get into the program, you receive a bit of a trial by fire really. The first year is learning general Healing techniques with some observation and then the two years after that is working under experienced Healers at the hospital. You won't get much sleep at all and it's more of an all around training the first few years and then getting to work on where you want to specialize in the last year." He paused. "At least that's how it is with the... 'easier' disciplines. Mind-healing... It requires additional training from what I hear. Extensive training. Just being able to master those sorts of spells to a degree where people can trust you to go fiddling around in your mind is difficult enough, but the truly great Mind-Healers also tend to have skills in Occulmency and Legilimency, which someone could spend studying all their life and still not master it." He took a deep breath, trying to think of how to approach the next part lightly. "I won't lie to you on the matter. Your history may make it difficult to get into a program. Especially a Mind-Healing one. At least the few that are in Britain. But it would likely be the same if you wished to become an Obliviator or any other profession that deals with the mind. That magic is very powerful and especially in Mind-Healing, they want to ensure that no one will abuse it."

One eyebrow arched as Draco quietly said, "I have already mastered Occlumency, and dabbled briefly in Legilimency, although I am forbidden to continue my studies of the latter until my probation is done. It is a matter of record where my skills lie in magic, after the trials." He spoke plainly of that sentence, for there was little he could do about it and he found others were made far less comfortable than he when he was blunt. "And I am more than aware of the difficulties that my reputation presents for both fields which intrigue me, both in gaining the schooling required and in gaining clients later. However."

He leaned forward, hands clasped upon the desk, looking at Gus. "I do not want to pick apart a person's mind and put them back together whole. Nor do I wish to work with those who have been damaged by magic irreperably. I find myself far more intrigued by the counselor who has worked with Smith and I, and others in the juvenile detention hall. I believe her tasks are far more akin to Muggle psychology."

For the moment, Draco ignored the fact that he did not have the required courses for a Healer. If he were to attend University, he could use the next year to study on his own and he was more than certain that he would find a way to gain the required marks for Herbology and take the NEWT with next year's class.

Gus' eyes widened in surprise. "Really? You have already?" he said in awe before chuckling. "The programme may let you in just for that simple fact. It's rare to get someone who is already skilled in those disciplines applying for a position..."

Taking a deep breath, he ran a hand through his hair. "That's the more difficult part. I'm not sure how much Professor Clearwater has said in your classes" -or rather he wasn't sure how much the students actually listened considering he helped her go over her lesson plans- "but the Muggle education system has the same sort of tests that we do. Most universities want certain levels of scores on these tests in order for you to be accepted. It would require a good deal of studying in order to score properly on the A-levels. It depends how many you need from uni to uni and also from programme to programme, but in order to get into a proper psychology programme, you'd need high marks in some sort of science, which will likely be the toughest." He frowned in thought. "Well, the toughest depending on what you choose. While Care of and Herbology would correspond with Biology, I feel as if Biology goes far more into theory than either of those classes do. Care of just tells you that a dragon breaths fire, but Biology would tell you how it's able to. However... Potions and Chemistry would swap over nicely. It is the same skill set basically, Chemistry just seems to have a bit more math in it." Derailing his train of thought, he waved his hand dismissively. "Anyways, the other issue that may come up with you applying for University is, well, the fact that as far as Muggle records are concerned, you don't exist. The schooling can easily be explained away as there are still a good number of parents who home school their children. I'm not sure if there's some way to go through the Ministry to magically set up some sort of Muggle records, but it is something to take into consideration as another complication. Well, for full time university in which you'd get a degree at the end. There are other universities where you could take part time classes in fields that you are interested in. Usually those sorts of classes have lower prerequisites for joining them. However, that also means that you may have to take the risk that the level of intelligence of your classmates may mean the course gets dumbed down more than you would like."

Draco smirked faintly, pleased at Pye's reaction. "Whatever tests are required, I can take them. It may put me a short period behind, but as I will be required to make up the Herbology NEWT, I can put the time to good use. Are there study guides I could obtain, which would tell me what is required to be on those exams, so that I might begin my studies now? I've no issues with math, so it sounds as if Chemistry might suffice. I do believe they have exams for literature as well, yes? I could take that, to prove my existence isn't solely based upon one science exam created to achieve my goal. As for the records, I am quite certain that if the Ministry saw it as a way to remove me from their world for a time, they would be more than willing to hep me gain whatever records are required, as long as I do not expose the wizarding world to Muggles. Which I assure you, I would not."

He sat back, considering. "The years in University would allow me to perfect the understanding of psychology, and at the same time continue my explorations into Legilimency -- on willing subjects of magical persuasion, of course -- as well as obtaining my Herbology NEWT by exam only. I could begin practice with base psychology and conversation, and enter in the magical healing program at that time. Given the years taken to complete all goals, my notoriety will fade, and I will become a married member of magical society, and those obstacles will be reduced. This sounds more than feasible." Draco glanced at Gus, seeking his opinion.

"There are books and I'm sure that Professor Clearwater could help you as well on what to study as she did attend University after she left Hogwarts. University of Bristol's Social Policy and Politics Programme. But in general, you should at least have an A-level in Science, English, and Maths. The English course in general would be less literature and more just knowledge of the English language and reading comprehension. There is also an A-level for English literature though, but that would require a bit more reading up and such. There are a great many subjects though. Varying forms of technology, languages, different fields of science, history, foreign literature, and then the arts. You can take as many as you like too."

Thinking over Draco's 'five year plan', he frowned slightly. "If you are going to continue your explorations in Legilimency, especially if you require test subjects, I would suggest finding an accepted private instructor or tutor on the matter. Possibly one of the Mind-Healers at St. Mungo's. Even if notoriety fades, it has a habit of being resurrected by what may seem inconsequential matters. Your studying of Legilimency would be looked on more favorably if you had someone who was instructing you and properly reviewing your skills rather than if you were just experimenting on your own. People may question your motives if they perceive you doing this on your own 'for fun' or brush off your talent and skills as just bravado. It's the difference between saying that you've taken a Herbology course and that you have a garden in your backyard. They can talk to a professor in regards to one, but for all they know, your garden could consist of weeds and that's why it's growing as well as you say." He frowned more as his mind went back to the one part of the statement that continued to bother him. "Do you plan on finding a wife as well during this six year programme that you have laid out between attending university and Healer training? I'll warn you, Healer training does not leave much room for free time."

"I am already courting Astoria Greengrass," Draco said, addressing the last question first as it was most certainly simplest, and nothing more needed to be said. "If we continue down that path, I'm quite certain arrangements will be handled. I will take into account what you have suggested regarding Legilimency; I have not had the luxury of a tutor in my prior studies, nor have I attempted practical application yet. Occlumency, however, I had a tutor for and I did benefit from it." In multiple ways; Draco remembered all too well the joy certain people had taken in battering away at his shields, attempting to burst through into his mind and the pain they left when they succeeded. It drove him to excel.

Gus' eyebrows went up in surprise. This was certainly a part of the wizarding world he could never really get used to. It was too much like the novels that Penny loved reading. "Have you discussed this matter with her?" he asked curiously. "This is a six year commitment that you are making at the least. And I know that Apparation makes it easier than it would with Muggle relationships, but will she be alright with you being off somewhere else for that much of your time?"

"We've begun to discuss these aspects, yes. Her own career path may well separate us for a time, and she is aware that mine will keep me busy, so we will find our ways. But if we are afianced, or wed, there will be no problems with visitations or propriety." And were they already wed, they could make the best of all of their time together, with no fears of ruination. "I assure you, she shan't want for my attentions. Whatever stress any schooling applies, it can hardly be worse than what I have already experienced." Draco's tone was soft and dry at that.

Yes, this was definitely not something that Gus could understand, but then he was brought up in a different world. True, there were people who worked the same way in the Muggle world, but... It always seemed more like a business arrangement than what he understood a relationship or marriage to be. "Well, as long as she is aware of it and is fine with the matter, then it's all good, I suppose," he said. "I can get you a list of the different A-level courses that there are and also a few books on psychology over the weekend if you like. Are you alright with me mentioning this matter to Professor Clearwater as well or would you prefer to bring up questions to her in person?"

"Please, feel free to mention it. It can hardly be a secret, after all," Draco said with a wave of his hand. "And I should appreciate any references you can find which will allow me to begin studying for the required exams as soon as possible. I have the time and inclination, and should not like to waste either. I'd be more than fascinated to begin reading on psychology now. If I am able to take extra coursework and finish the university degree sooner, that would put me ahead."

Gus couldn't help chuckling softly, but then he didn't get to see Slytherin ambition first hand often. Or rather Slytherin ambition that was tame and for a greater good rather than trying to do a culling. "I'll look through the materials I have here to see if there is anything relevant with me. Otherwise, I'll pick some materials up over the weekend from the library and send a letter to my father to see if he has anything in his library. Although his would more likely be about the actual parts of the brain and their functions in regards to surgery rather than psychology." He tapped the fingers of his left hand against the desk in a staccato rhythm. "I can also send an owl to my advisor at St. Mungo's if you like to ask for the contact information of a few counselors we work with. They aren't of the sort that I think they have interacting with you and Mr. Smith as they tend to be more.... trauma based and specialized. They could give you a view of how other people work in the small field as well." He took a deep breath as he thought over the situation. "I would advise against trying to complete a degree sooner. Most of the programmes have a defined schedule of core classes that are taken in a certain order and it might complicate things more than it's worth. Plus, with how the classes are set up, you could likely make good connections with the Muggle students as they will all likely be going through the same course load as you and may be a benefit to have around to help if there are... translation issues."

"I'd be interested in the contact information, yes." Draco made a mental note of that, so that he could look into it later, once he had further information, as well as speaking with Professor Clearwater. Something in what Healer Pye said, however, made a smile quirk the corner of his mouth. "So, you are suggesting I slow my studies for the sake of making long lasting friendships?" One eyebrow slowly arched. "I believe I can find time for drinks in the pub, or films, even if I add an extra course or two to my plan. I have already become somewhat comfortable in the Muggle world, and I expect that further excursions will give me the grounding I would require to function at University."

Gus shook his head slightly as he chuckled. "Maybe not full out friends, but at least a level of comfort where one could consider the other a colleague. Especially if you wish to mesh wizarding skills and Muggle skills, it would be wise to make contacts that you could keep correspondence with to see how they are going about their practices and any new methods or ways of thinking that may be popping up in the field."

"You've a point. And I'm quite certain I shall make contacts there as well as I have here; I do not intend to leave friendships behind." Not merely for their use, but also that he'd found something he valued in the people who were important to him. And if he were to admit that there was something to be found in the muggleborn, he wondered what might be found in muggles themselves. A novel thought, one that unsettled him and intrigued him at the same time. He would decide that in due time.