Chapter 424 - Society for the Support of Squibs Ⅱ (2/2)
Both Arabella and Argus are a bit amazed by the attitude. Having always been viewed as almost second-class citizens in the wizarding world it was rather astonishing to meet such a forthright squib. But at the same time, it filled them with immense hope for the future. Maybe, the squib children of this generation would go on to do great things that they themselves had not been able to achieve.
Pauline flashes them a confident smile that greatly resembles her younger brother's smile minus the dimples. The four of them begin to earnestly chat until the chairman of the society appears a witch by the name of Irma Wright. A passionate middle-aged woman trying to better wizarding society for squibs in Great Britain.
Irma Wright loudly clears her throat as causing the various squibs, parents, and guardians to quiet down. ”Thank you all for coming tonight to our monthly social gathering,” Madam Wright said. ”I see more than a few new faces and I say welcome, we are most happy to have you all present.”
There is a general murmuring of welcoming voices, before Madam Wright says, ”I have a bit of positive news to share. Gringotts this upcoming summer will be conducting interviews seeking to hire muquibs or squibs as their financial representatives in muggle finances and various other related employees in the field. They do require a degree or having been previously employed in said fields. If you know any squib or muquib in possession of said skills, please have them apply directly at Gringotts Bank.”
Pauline perks up as she shares a glance with her younger sister, Sophie. Their dad was right! They'd be able to use their connections in the wizarding world to be properly hired. Naturally, they would first have to complete their general education and then a university degree. But still, the goblins paid in wizarding wages, which meant the process of exchanging said wages to muggle money meant they would actually be earning higher and better than their muggle counterparts.
Mrs. Wright continues to drone on for a bit with various news, before saying, ”Now before we can begin to properly socialize, is there any exciting news that anyone would like to share?”
Argus's eyes dart wildly for a moment before he climbs onto his feet in a signal that he wishes to speak. ”Oh my, Mr. Filch?” Madam Wright said in obvious delight. ”Please Mr. Filch share with the rest of the group your glorious news.”
”Er,” Argus drily swallows, before saying, ”I wish to announce two things. The Hogwarts Board has hired squib, Benjamin Buchanan as a professor of wizarding etiquette.”
There are gasps of amazement throughout the whole room. This was utterly revolutionary, a squib professor at Hogwarts herself! It truly was a sign of progress and a direct result of the Minister of Magic, Eugenia Jenkin's actions. She truly was a godsend from Merlin himself!
”And secondly,” Argus croaked as a dark flush began to climb up his scrawny pasty neck. ”There is are two more positions open at Hogwarts for a muquib and squib caretaker to serve with me at Hogwarts. If anyone would like to apply, please apply with the Hogwarts Governing Board.”
With great relief, Argus slumps down in his seat as Madam Wright happily said, ”Simply marvelous! I for one am simply delighted by the news. Please anyone seeking a new position for oneself or anyone else, I urge you to apply. Now then, let us mingle and enjoy ourselves!” Madam Wright's personal house elf in a neat tea-towel appears with platters of food and begins to serve the guests.
The rest of the gathering passes by quickly as Argus talks more than he had ever with the two Lockhart girls and various new faces. Overall, it was a rather pleasant evening that had Argus fairly skipping back to Hogwarts. If things continued just like this, he might finally gain the courage to invite Irma Pince down to the Three Broomsticks for a pint and dinner. A guy can dream after all.