Strange Beginnings

Chapter ii.III

Cedric mentioned to Y/N that professor Trelawny was one of his favorite instructors (but they noted he said that about almost all of the professors). After a short breakfast they were climbing the stairs with most of the third years towards the top of the north tower. The smell of old tea and incense drifted down the steps and became more pungent as they reached the classroom. It was barley lit with scarlet drapes covering almost all of the windows. It seemed as if someone repurposed a quidditch stand to fit all the circular tables around the room so they could see where the professor sat in a chair, very transfixed on her empty teacup.

The students tried not to trip over the many rugs and pillows that garnished nearly every inch of the space. Y/N sat at a table in the second row close to the door, hoping it would prove a prime location to escape the potent aroma as soon as the period ended. Harry Potter and Ron Weasley must have had similar intentions and sat just below them. The two boys gave a polite smile towards Y/N. After the adventure the three shared earlier that year in the chamber of secrets there was a change in attitude towards one another. The young Slytherin was grateful for it, two less classmates to be annoyed by, especially speaking for Ronald. Something about the red head annoyed them in particular but perhaps that would be less so now. As the last students entered, Sybill Trelawny started the lesson.

"Welcome! And prepare to explore the mysterious and noble art of Divination..."

Her fanciful voice and wild hand gestures made Y/N chuckle slightly. This will be interesting, they thought they murmured to themselves. However, an equally unimpressed voice responded next to them.

"You're telling me."

Y/N jumped slightly. Hermione Granger was now sitting opposite of them at the little table, unpacking a couple books and a roll of parchment.

"Merlin's beard, Granger. When did you get here?" Y/N asked.

"What are you talking about, I've been here. You must not be very observant, Y/N."

One thing the Slytherin privately prided themselves on was being aware. Noticing the subtleties, the quite ones, and the missed cues. It was rare for them to be surprised like that and yet the frizzy haired girl had managed to sneak around them and sit at their table. Perhaps they should avoid having so much pumpkin juice with their breakfast.

"-and pick up your partner's tea cup. Not your own, swap, yes yes yes very good-"

Hermione rolled her eyes as she handed her cup across the table. The professor peeked into the many tea cups through large spectacles. Some students were flipping through their copies of Unfogging the Future while others were waiting for the dregs in the cup to move or whisper their partner's fortune. Y/N stared at the bits of tea leaves trying to decipher a shape or omen, but they only saw abstract figures and symbols.

"You boy," Trelawny spoke up, "how is your grandmother?"

Neville Longbottom's face looked stupefied at the grave tone the professor used.

"Uh, well, I think?"

She took the cup from Dean Thomas' hand and from that short glance she placed it back down on the saucer with a shake of her head. Once she moved on he grabbed the ceramic cup and worriedly searched the tea leavea.

As she tiptoed around, the class tried to open their minds to the great beyond. Some were there without even knowing it. Sybill gasped with excitement as her eyes landed on the red headed Gryffindor Weasley, causing everyone to jump slightly off their cushions. Apparently Ronald's aura was radiating, he was urged to translate Harry's future from the speckled mess in the cup. He mumbled something about a wonky cross and sun, perhaps foretelling trials and suffering in the midst of happiness for the raven haired boy.