Crossroads | Harry J. Potter

𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 - That Professor

The storm had blown itself out, though the ceiling in the Great Hall was still gloomy; heavy clouds of pewter gray swirled overhead as Harry, Ron, Yvonne, and Hermione examined their new course schedules at breakfast. A few seats along, Fred, George, and Lee Jordan were discussing magical methods of aging themselves and bluffing their way into the Triwizard Tournament.

"Today's not bad . . . outside all morning," said Ron, running his finger down the Monday column of his schedule. "Herbology with the Hufflepuffs and Care of Magical Creatures . . . damn it, we're still with the Slytherins. . . ."

"Double Divination this afternoon," Harry groaned, looking down. Divination was his least favorite subject, apart from Potions. Professor Trelawney kept predicting Harry's death, which he found extremely annoying.

Yvonne glanced at her own schedule, her excitement bubbling over. "At least we'll be outside for Herbology! I can't wait to see the greenhouses. I've heard so much about them!"

"Right? Hagrid's lessons are usually the best," Hermione replied, her tone brightening. "You'll love Care of Magical Creatures. Just make sure to watch out for whatever he brings to class."

"Double Divination?" Yvonne said, cringing slightly. "What's that like? I've only heard stories."

"You'll see," Ron said, trying to suppress a grin. "It's a bit of a joke, really. Trelawney's predictions are-"

"Not exactly reliable," Harry finished with a wry smile. "But it can be entertaining, at least."

"Plus," Hermione added, smirking as she spread more jam on her toast, "it gives me a chance to catch up on my Arithmancy while you all are predicting your doom."

"You're eating again, I notice," Ron said, watching Hermione add liberal amounts of jam to her toast.

"I've decided there are better ways of making a stand about elf rights," said Hermione haughtily, glancing at Yvonne with a smile. "And you should join me in Arithmancy! It's really fascinating."

Yvonne felt a mix of excitement and nerves, happy to be included in the banter. "I might just take you up on that! But I'm also looking forward to seeing some magical creatures. I've only read about them."

"Just be prepared for Hagrid's style," Harry said, chuckling. "It's not just theory; you'll get your hands dirty."

"Sounds like my kind of class!" Yvonne replied, her enthusiasm shining through. She could feel herself settling in with her new friends as they continued discussing their day ahead.

There was a sudden rustling noise above them, and a hundred owls came soaring through the open windows carrying the morning mail. Instinctively, Harry looked up, but there was no sign of white among the mass of brown and gray. The owls circled the tables, looking for the people to whom their letters and packages were addressed.

A large tawny owl soared down to Neville Longbottom and deposited a parcel into his lap-Neville almost always forgot to pack something. On the other side of the Hall, Draco Malfoy's eagle owl landed on his shoulder, carrying what looked like his usual supply of sweets and cakes from home.

Yvonne watched with wide eyes as the owls flitted about. "It's amazing how they know exactly where to go," she said, a smile spreading across her face. "I've only read about this!"

Just then, a familiar gray owl with a tufted head swooped in, expertly navigating through the chaos. Yvonne's face lit up. "Otis!" she exclaimed, waving enthusiastically. The owl landed in front of her, dropping a small parcel wrapped in brown paper.

"Looks like he brought me something!" she said, her excitement infectious. She quickly untied the package, revealing a container of saladas-savory crackers spread with Vegemite, butter, and cheese.