The Divination classroom, located in the second tallest and least ventilated tower of Hogwarts, smelled intensely of jasmine incense, old wood, and… something indescribable.
Maybe it really did need better ventilation…
It was packed with star-embroidered cushions, flickering candles, teapots letting out a pitiful whistle, and an oppressive heat that could make even a boggart sweat.
Kronk peeked his head through the round entrance, holding a massive tray with a colossal teapot, delicately decorated cups, and a basket of scones (because of course it wasn't going to be just tea).
"Professor Trelawney? Is this the class for 'Looking at Stuff That Hasn't Happened Yet'?" Kronk asked in a low voice, so as not to disturb the atmosphere.
An ethereal figure emerged from among the cushions like a ghostly apparition. It was Professor Sibyll Trelawney, with her magnifying-glass-like glasses, flowing scarves, and an expression that combined drama with perpetual mild confusion.
Alright, maybe it leaned more toward perpetual confusion.
"Ah, yes... you must be… the young man who floats between worlds," she said vaguely.
Kronk stared at her. Was she one of those people who used "therapeutic herbs"?
Because she smelled like one, and he could've sworn the cushion she hastily moved had been hiding a pouch full of—
"You are Kronk, I saw you in a vision… or maybe it was at lunch yesterday. I'm not sure."
"Yup, definitely one of those 'therapeutic' types," the devil Kronk muttered, making an exaggerated inhaling gesture.
"Maybe it's to ease the pain in her nose?" the angel Kronk offered a more logical and innocent take. "Those glasses look really heavy. Her nose must hurt from all that weight."
Kronk placed the tray on a low table surrounded by students and put on an apron that read Clean Cauldron, Serene Soul.
"Tea time! Come on, young seers. Cups up."
With surprising elegance, he poured an infusion he had prepared himself: a blend of mild herbs, dried forest fruits, and a touch of star anise. The tea was warm, aromatic, and left a thick sediment at the bottom—perfect for reading tea leaves.
"Is this… normal tea?" Ron asked, a bit suspicious.
"Tea is always tea (not to be confused with herbal infusions)," Kronk replied. "It's prepared to bring out the best in you."
Trelawney, from a corner, raised her hands dramatically.
"Do not interfere with the forces of fate, young man!"
"I didn't," Kronk said, looking at her like he wasn't sure if he should take her to Pomfrey. "I just gave it a friendly push—with a pinch of star anise."
The students began drinking, and soon each was staring into the bottom of their cup with curiosity, while Trelawney wandered among them, murmuring prophecies. Naturally, Kronk served himself a cup too.
"Oh! You, Lavender… I see a heart pierced by arrows. Love is near—but so is a wasp! Beware sudden emotions!"
"Sis!" Parvati shouted excitedly. "I see a chest! Is that wealth? Or trouble?"
"Emotional wealth… perhaps… or a sale in the spring trunk catalog."
One by one, students read cheerful symbols: clovers, suns, sleeping dragons, shining stars. Some even saw smiling narwhals and tiny goblins dancing the conga.
"This is strange…" Trelawney muttered. "Too much positive energy! The future is rarely this… pleasant."
Where was her usual death premonition?
At this rate… class was going to be so boring!
"Could be the star anise," Kronk offered, stirring another teapot with smooth, rhythmic motions. "They say it balances energies and opens spiritual pathways." He took a sip. "Also gives you fresh breath, ideal for people who can't stand mint."
But then it was Harry's turn.
He looked into his cup and frowned.
Hermione leaned over, followed by Ron.
"That looks like… a dog," Ron said with a shiver.
"A big black dog," added Hermione. "Again."
It was the sixth time Harry had gotten that shape in Divination!
Trelawney lunged at the table with the drama of an Italian opera.
"The Grim! The omen of death! The messenger from beyond! The hound of the abyss!"
Kronk, who was just passing by with another tray of scones, looked at the cup and tilted his head.
"Could also be a wet labrador. Or maybe a schnauzer?" He tried to get a better look at the dregs in the cup. "The snout's a little blurry."
"Do not interfere with the vision!" Trelawney wailed. "Death walks with him!"
Translation: Don't ruin my moment!
Kronk leaned next to Harry.
"Don't worry, buddy. Sometimes a cup is just a cup, and sometimes a dog is just… a dog."
"Thanks, Kronk," Harry gave a weak smile.
"Besides, if anything dark tries to approach, it'll probably get eaten by those gross blankets flying outside the castle," Kronk added, grimacing.
At the back of the classroom, Trelawney kept muttering about dark omens and veils between worlds, but the overall atmosphere remained strangely… optimistic.
That day, the cups spoke of journeys, friendship, and future opportunities.
All of them—except one.