Molly, May I?
Advice from
Molly Weasley
Dear Molly,
I’m going into my seventh year at Hogwarts and I haven’t completely decided on what I want to do with the rest of my life. My mum wants me to work in the ministry, but I want to be a professional quidditch player. I’m rather good at quidditch, but mum thinks it’s a bit barmy to base my life’s work off of how well I fly on a broom. She thinks that since I’m so good at charms I should go work in the ministry for their research department. I like charms enough, but this is the rest of my life we’re talking about!
I’m of age, so shouldn’t I be the one to make the decision? What’s so bad about wanting to do what I love? Maybe you can help, I know Ginny played for the HH.
Quidditch Gal
Dear Quidditch Gal,
This letter took a bit longer than usual because I was so torn on what to tell you. As a mother myself I completely understand what your mum means, but I also know Ginny would have never forgiven me if I didn’t let her at least try out for the Harpies.
I believe the best answer is for you and your mum to come to a compromise.
Gin and I sat down and had a very long talk where we both expressed our sides and came to a final decision where she should try for the Harpies, but if she didn’t get in on the first try she would have to find work. My main concern was ensuring that my daughter could support herself. I think maybe you and your mum should have the same chat. Your mum isn’t trying to crush your dreams: she is simply looking out for you.
Hope this helps, Molly
Dear Molly,
For the past few months I’ve had a bit of a crush on a man in my office, but in a separate department. I don’t know him very well, but he’s quiet and focuses on his work so not that many people do. We’ve talked a couple times, and I really fancy him. Yes he’s very attractive, but he’s hardworking and kind to our clients and—[Editor’s note: we had to shorten Ms. Nervous’ letter as about three more paragraphs were devoted to the qualities of Mr. Quiet written in Pansy’s Pastel Prose-Flowering Scented Quill Ink.]
The thing is that I’m not sure how he feels about me. I’ve tried chatting him up and dropping hints, but I’m not sure if he simply doesn’t notice or if maybe he just doesn’t like me.
I want to ask him out, but I don’t want to scare him away by being so forward and unladylike.
What should I do? I’m going a bit barmy with nerves!
Nervous and Bold
Dear Nervous,
Don’t fret dear, there’s no reason to worry yourself around old-fashioned ideas like being ladylike! I may be getting up in years, but I do know that being “ladylike” includes much more than it did back in the old days. Why, where do you think we would stand if witches like you and me had kept to the sidelines during the wizarding wars? While perhaps life and death aren’t at stake, it still takes courage to do even the small things in everyday life.
Perk up, dear, and pluck together your courage to ask your co-worker if he’d like to have his tea-break with you. This approach doesn’t take away from work time and is casual enough to just allow him to get to know you better. Perhaps that’s what he’s waiting for—a friend in you first.
But always keep in mind, some people are quite happy by themselves and aren’t looking for love like others of us do. If that seems to be the case, at least you’ve made a charming work friend.
Good luck, dear! Molly
Send your questions to Molly by e-owling her at [email protected]!
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