Immortal Magic (Book 1)

Chapter Seven

Allison's point of view

Hermione and I hurried through the corridors toward the Divination classroom, narrowly slipping into the crowd of students climbing the silver ladder leading to Professor Trelawney's tower classroom.

The room was exactly as strange as I remembered from the books. Everything was dimly lit and overcrowded with squashy armchairs, tiny tables, hanging scarves, candles, and clouds of perfumed smoke that made the air feel far too warm.

While everyone else settled in, Hermione and I quietly slid into the empty seats beside Harry and Ron before either of them noticed.

"Welcome, my children," a dreamy voice drifted through the room. Professor Trelawney floated toward us dramatically, her bangles clinking together while her enormous glasses magnified her eyes.

"In this room," she continued mysteriously, "you shall explore the noble and mysterious art of Divination. Together, we shall cast ourselves into the future."

Hermione and I exchanged a look. "But understand this," Trelawney said, lowering her voice theatrically, "the gift of Sight cannot be learned from books. Books only cloud the Inner Eye."

Hermione and I scoffed at the exact same time. "What a load of rubbish," we muttered under our breath in perfect sync. Quickly, we tucked our Time-Turners safely beneath our robes before anyone could notice them.

Beside us, Ron suddenly turned around, blinking in confusion. "Where did you two come from?" Hermione looked offended. "What do you mean?"

"You weren't here a second ago!" Hermione and I exchanged innocent looks. "Ron," Hermione said slowly, "we've been here the whole time."

Ron opened his mouth to argue further, but Professor Trelawney suddenly pointed dramatically toward Neville. "You, boy," she said ominously. "Is your grandmother well?" Neville looked alarmed immediately.

"I-I think so?" Trelawney hummed thoughtfully. "I wouldn't be too certain, dear." Neville looked like he might faint on the spot. A few moments later, she turned toward Parvati. "Beware a red-haired man."

Ron looked deeply offended. "What's wrong with red-haired men?" I snorted quietly while Hermione tried not to laugh.

"The first term," Trelawney announced, "shall focus on tea leaves. If all goes well, we will proceed to palmistry, crystal gazing, and interpretation of fire omens."

She smiled dreamily. "Unfortunately, classes will be disrupted in February by a nasty bout of influenza. I myself shall lose my voice,  and around Easter, one of our number will leave us forever."

The entire class fell silent. Everyone exchanged deeply uncomfortable looks while Trelawney looked entirely pleased with herself.

Time Skip

By the second half of the lesson, everyone sat hunched over teacups trying desperately to identify symbols inside the leaves.

Hermione and I had exchanged cups, meaning she now studied mine while I attempted to decipher hers.

"Broaden your minds," Trelawney called dramatically while drifting through the room. "See beyond the ordinary." I rolled my eyes but continued flipping through Unfogging the Future.

Nearby, Trelawney leaned over Lavender's cup. "A five-leaf clover," she announced solemnly. "You should expect to wake tomorrow morning with a nasty rash." Lavender gasped in horror.

A moment later, Trelawney turned toward Neville. "Mr Longbottom, after you break your first cup," CRASH. The class jumped. Neville stared at the shattered pieces beside his chair in horror.