During the next Divination class, the students displayed an unprecedented level of interest. Unfortunately, John found himself in the minority. As they practiced tea leaf divination, John placed his badge in front of him. With a mere touch of his finger, images similar to projections appeared on it. Despite his absence from class, Professor Sybill Trelawney chose to ignore it. Hermione, puzzled and intrigued, recalled the item Professor McGonagall had given her the day before. Wasn't that supposed to be with John?
Intriguingly, John's image was also projected in two other classrooms, leaving the professors both surprised and unprepared for such an innovative approach. John's dedication and eagerness to learn allowed him to not only keep up with the lessons but also actively participate in them.
"Is it difficult?" John mused upon seeing his future troubles in the tea leaves, wondering what challenges awaited him at Hogwarts. Upon sharing his findings with Professor Trelawney, he was immediately awarded points. Professor Trelawney, seeing John's natural talent for prophecy, began to regard him as a potential successor, a talent she had not seen outside her own family before.
However, Professor Trelawney's attitude towards Hermione was less than friendly. After examining Hermione's aura, she commented on its disappointingly faint presence, which infuriated Hermione. Harry, too, was not spared, as his reading hinted at an ominous black dog, echoing John's earlier prophecy and casting a shadow of pity over him, much to his dismay.
Following the Divination class, the mood was somber as they headed to Transfiguration. Professor McGonagall, sensing their unease, reassured them that Divination often involved exaggerated predictions of doom. This comforted the students, until Neville hesitantly mentioned John's prophecy, linking it to actual talent. Professor McGonagall was taken aback, pondering the rarity of a true prophetic gift.
Reflecting on Dumbledore's peculiar decisions regarding the electives and the unique item given to only one student, Professor McGonagall was left in deep thought. Dumbledore's cryptic warnings about curiosity and taboos hinted at his deeper knowledge of John's abilities and the challenges ahead.
As the class ended, the students, unable to contain their curiosity, spread word of John's prophecy. John, now the center of attention once more, was approached by Malfoy, who inquired about the prophecy. John admitted his uncertainty, having spoken under an unknown influence, yet he couldn't shake off a sense of familiarity with the prophesied events, as if they were part of a larger narrative yet to unfold.
This chapter not only advances the plot but also deepens the mystery surrounding John's abilities and the implications of his prophecy, setting the stage for future developments in this magical world. John pondered whether his prophecy was beginning to unfold as he twirled a card between his fingers. This card, a gift from Professor Sybill Trelawney, was said to enhance the Celestial Eye. It bore a symbol resembling an eye, emitting a faint glow visible only to him. "Professor Trelawney is indeed remarkable," John thought, reflecting on her offer to assist with a prophecy and the Tianmu card imbued with ancient magic. He safely tucked the card away, his mind shifting to the afternoon's Magizoology Conservation class. Confident in his abilities, John was certain that under his watch, Hagrid wouldn't impulsively have students flying on Thestrals.
The sound of a commotion from Gryffindor caught his attention, and he turned to see Hermione storming off, visibly upset. Ron, the cause of her distress, seemed bewildered, unaware of the impact of his words. He had insensitively remarked on Hermione's supposed lack of talent in a subject she hadn't even studied yet. John shook his head in disbelief at Ron's obliviousness and Harry's sympathetic nod, thinking that their lack of insight was astonishing.
Later that afternoon, as they headed to Hagrid's hut for the Magizoology Conservation class, John noticed the Slytherin contingent, including Malfoy, Daphne, Pansy, Goyle, and Crabbe, was present. The group's journey across the wet grass was interrupted by Malfoy's taunting, particularly aimed at the younger students. Daphne, unable to tolerate Malfoy's behavior, expressed her frustration to John, who wryly commented on Malfoy's naivety, earning an eye roll from Daphne.
Upon reaching Hagrid's hut, the students were greeted by Hagrid, clad in a moleskin coat, with Fang by his side. Hagrid's enthusiasm about the day's lesson made John uneasy, knowing Hagrid's definition of 'wonderful' could mean anything but ordinary. His apprehension grew as they neared the Forbidden Forest, a place with unsettling memories for many, including Harry.
They stopped at a small paddock near the forest's edge, where Hagrid instructed them to open their textbooks. The mention of the Monster Book of Monsters caused a stir among the students, many of whom had struggled with the book's defensive nature. Hagrid, slightly embarrassed by his oversight, looked to John for assistance. Demonstrating how to calm the book by stroking its spine, John earned Hagrid's praise and gratitude, along with points for his house.
As Hagrid ventured into the Forbidden Forest to prepare for the lesson, Malfoy began to voice his complaints, only to be silenced by John's dismissive glance. "Draco, just calm down for a moment," John said, signaling for patience as they awaited Hagrid's return and the start of what promised to be an unconventional class. Hagrid, now a professor, held the power to deduct points, a thought that irked Malfoy more than he cared to admit. The mere idea of losing points at the hands of someone he deemed unworthy was almost unbearable. However, Malfoy was unaware of Hagrid's lenient nature; the gentle giant was more likely to award points than to take them away. This misunderstanding forced Malfoy to bite his tongue and redirect his attention towards antagonizing Harry, drawing ire as if summoning a swarm of dementors.
During the class, a commotion stirred as more than a dozen magical creatures galloped towards them. These beings, with the bodies of horses, heads of eagles, and expansive wings, captivated the students. John, witnessing the scene, could only cover his face in disbelief. Hagrid, brimming with excitement, clutched a bundle of long iron chains and instructed the students to keep their distance. His eyes sparkled with joy as he beheld the creatures, exclaiming, "Aren't Hippogriffs beautiful?"
Eager to make his first lesson memorable, Hagrid had chosen to introduce the students to creatures classified as XXX-dangerous. He singled out his favorite, Buckbeak, and began to explain with enthusiasm. "First things first, you must understand that they are creatures of great pride," he said, setting the stage for the students to interact with these majestic beings.
As Hagrid scanned the crowd for a volunteer to step forward first, his gaze landed on John. After a moment's consideration, he decided not to impose on him. Harry, noticing Hagrid's hesitation and not wanting his first lesson to falter, volunteered himself. His gesture was not just about supporting Hagrid; it was also about embracing the opportunity to engage with the magical world in a way he had never done before.
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Direct Link to playlist
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_Hg-qsW4rM&list=PLKskshYG-OcPTR4-Nw7IWFEBZm07D8pBV&ab_channel=NovelAudioForge