Time flew by, and the day of the Gryffindor vs. Slytherin Quidditch final was drawing near. Both houses were brimming with tension, making it seem as though no other match had ever been so charged with rivalry.
By the end of the Easter holidays, the atmosphere was so tense that it seemed like a spark could ignite chaos. Minor scuffles in the corridors escalated into serious incidents, culminating in both a fourth-year Gryffindor and a sixth-year Slytherin landing in the hospital wing. Both were found with leeks sprouting out of their ears.
If not for Augustus's reputation and the respect he commanded within the school, which encouraged both houses to show restraint when he was around, the hospital wing would likely have been overflowing by now. Yet, even with his calming presence, the looming match created an atmosphere that was unnervingly heavy.
During Divination class, Augustus, Malfoy, and Lillian arrived early to the dim, stuffy tower classroom. Each small table bore a glowing crystal ball filled with swirling, pearly mist.
"Crystal balls again? These things are quite common in the Muggle world," Lillian remarked with a frown. "They're said to bring good fortune, but using them for divination? That's rare."
Malfoy, picking one up lazily, examined it with disinterest. "Aren't we supposed to learn this next term? This old bat really doesn't follow the syllabus."
A mysterious, ethereal voice floated from behind Malfoy. "The sequence of a textbook holds no relevance for the transcendent art of divination. I've told you many times: only the visions of the Inner Eye can guide us to the future we must heed. The structure of how you learn is my domain."
Malfoy turned around, trembling slightly, to find Professor Trelawney staring at him with her large, magnified eyes that seemed to pierce straight through him.
"Ah... yes, professor," he stammered, his tone careful. "The Inner Eye is truly an enviable gift. Perhaps with more time under your guidance, we might hope to unlock such abilities ourselves."
Trelawney merely gave a noncommittal hum before addressing the class. "I have decided to introduce crystal ball scrying earlier than planned," she said as she walked to her desk and sat down, her back to the fire. "Destiny has informed me that your June exams will involve the crystal ball, and I'm eager to provide you with enough practice beforehand."
This announcement sparked interest among the students. The possibility of learning something that might give them an advantage on exams was undeniably appealing. Even Harry and Ron straightened up, intrigued by the prospect.
Hermione, however, let out a derisive snort.
"Oh, honestly... 'Destiny informed her'? Who sets the exam content, anyway? Her? What an astounding prophecy," she muttered, loud enough for several to hear.
Lillian chuckled in agreement. "The charlatan knows her audience. She's well aware that exams are the Achilles' heel of students. Smart move to secure their favor."
Trelawney began the lesson by instructing the students on how to clear their minds and focus on the crystal balls. "Gaze deeply into the mists. Clear your mind of all distractions. Only when you achieve true clarity can the mists reveal the future to you."
For Augustus, this exercise was effortless; clearing his mind was a routine part of his meditations. However, even with a focused state, the crystal ball revealed nothing beyond swirling mist.
Trelawney moved among the students, offering her interpretations. When she reached Augustus, she gasped dramatically.
"Oh my! What is this?" she exclaimed, leaning closer to the crystal ball. Her massive glasses reflected two distorted crystal balls. "Something moves within... but what is it?" She turned to Augustus, her expression grave. "My dear, a dreadful omen strides toward you—closer and closer... something most ill-fated."
Augustus suppressed his irritation and replied calmly, "It seems I'm doomed. Perhaps I should start drafting my epitaph in advance?"
Hermione let out a sharp laugh. "Oh, please," she sneered. "What could possibly threaten Augustus? Voldemort? Dementors? Those are just his defeated pawns. Professor, you've picked the wrong target for your ominous prophecies."
Trelawney's lips trembled, her face obscured by shadow. Even her most devoted students, like Parvati and Lavender, seemed to acknowledge the absurdity of applying an ill omen to someone like Augustus.
Trelawney regained her composure and turned to Hermione. "I regret to say, my dear, that since the day you joined this class, it has been evident that you lack the qualities required for this noble art. Indeed, I have never encountered a mind so hopelessly mundane."
There was a moment of stunned silence. Then—
"Fine!" Hermione snapped, rising abruptly. She stuffed her copy of Unfogging the Future into her bag. "Fine!" she repeated, slinging the bag over her shoulder so forcefully that she nearly knocked Ron out of his chair. "I'm done! I'm leaving!"
To the astonishment of the entire class, she marched to the trapdoor, kicked it open, and disappeared down the ladder without a backward glance.
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