Insomnia | Fred Weasley |

8. Death omens and hippogriff attacks... Normal Monday at Hogwarts

Muggle Studies was the perfect distraction from what Fred had said because it was way more fascinating than Alex anticipated.  Hermione had run in at the last second and claimed the open spot next to Alex up front.  As they sat in the lesson, Professor Burbage explained everything that they would be learning throughout the year.  Alex turned to Hermione several times, asking questions, which Hermione was happy to answer.

It seemed the class ended way too soon for Alex's liking and they were left with the assignment of reading the first three chapters of Home Life and Social Habits of British Muggles.  Alex already had a head start as she made her way to Transfiguration.

Once inside the classroom, she claimed the spot next to Harry in the back of the class, her nose still stuck in the textbook.  It took a second for her to notice just how annoyed Harry was acting.  She looked up in time to see almost every student entering the class glancing in Harry's direction with nervous looks on their faces.

"Did I miss something?" She whispered to Harry as everyone settled in.

Before Harry could tell her what had happened in Divination, Professor McGonagall had begun her lesson on Animagi.  She even showed the class her transformation into a tabby cat, which amazed Alex, but no one else seemed dazed by it.  In fact, they all had rather grim expressions.

"Really, what has got into you all today?" Professor McGonagall asked.  "Not that it matters, but that's the first time my transformation's not got applause from a class."

Alex was still confused as she looked around until Hermione raised her hand and told her how in Divination, they were reading tea leaves and how a student was predicted to die.  That student just happened to be Harry.

Immediately, Alex's blood ran cold as she looked at Harry, who was pale himself.  Professor McGonagall then told everyone how it was normal for Professor Trelawney to predict such things at least once a year about a student.

"You look in excellent health to me, Potter, so you will excuse me if I don't let you off homework today.  I assure you that if you die, you need not hand it in," she told him, causing several students to laugh and Harry to smile.

As Professor McGonagall continued with the lesson, Alex turned to Harry, curiosity getting to her.  "What exactly was it that Professor Trelawney showed you?" She whispered.

"A death omen in my tea that was the shape of a large black dog," he told her.

Even though McGonagall had reassured her that it was normal for Trelawney to make such predictions, Alex's blood ran cold because she had also seen a large black dog, the same night Harry had written to her about blowing up his aunt.

"What?!" She exclaimed louder than she meant to.

"Miss Selwyn," McGonagall's voice called, causing both her and Harry to look forward.  "Need I remind you that transfiguration is quite a complicated subject, I recommend paying attention."