The first class for third-years was Divination, held at the top of the North Tower.
Since her arrival at Hogwarts, Professor Trelawney had taken up residence in this somewhat remote location.
Ten minutes before class, William, Cho, and Marietta arrived at a platform.
A group of students was already waiting there.
There were no stairs nearby, and the door to the Divination classroom was in the ceiling. A trapdoor.
What a unique classroom!
Suddenly, the trapdoor opened, and a silver ladder dropped down.
The students lined up and began climbing the ladder one by one.
Thanks to Professor Trelawney's "reputation," many students had opted for this class, treating it as an easy way to earn marks.
William climbed the ladder into an odd classroom.
It wasn't so much a classroom as it was a mix of an attic and an old-fashioned teahouse.
If there had been sunflower seeds and an elderly man clapping a wooden block while telling stories, the resemblance would have been complete.
At least twenty small, round tables were crammed into the space. Around each table were armchairs covered in Indian-patterned fabric and overstuffed cushions.
The entire room was bathed in dim crimson light; the curtains were drawn, and the lamps were draped with deep red shades.
The decor was like some certain hidden establishments in William's past life…those mysterious places tucked away in alleys yet always found by those who sought them.
He had even researched why such places favored red decor.
The red lights were eye-catching, a single red lamp in the dark was like a lighthouse in the sea, warm and alluring.
Red also lent a sense of mystery to the place, enticing people to explore the place.
Looking around, William noted that, like the rooms of many single women, this place was a chaotic mess.
The circular walls were lined with shelves holding dusty feathers, candle stubs, battered playing cards, countless silver crystal balls, and heaps of teacups.
It seemed like it hadn't been cleaned in years.
Once everyone was inside, a voice emerged from the shadows, in a dreamy, indistinct tone, somewhat like Luna Lovegood.
"Welcome," the voice said, "it's wonderful to see you in the tangible world."
Professor Trelawney stepped into the firelight. She was incredibly thin and wore enormous glasses.
Her shoulders were draped in a shimmering, translucent shawl, and her long neck was adorned with countless necklaces and beads. Her arms and hands jingled with bracelets and rings.
A walking antique shop, or perhaps a collector of fakes.
"Sit down, my children, sit," Trelawney said, clearly pleased by the number of students.
"I am delighted to see you here, though it fills me with both joy and sorrow."
"I am joyful because you've chosen to follow me into the realm of prophecy. But I am sorrowful because…"
Trelawney's voice caught, and she dabbed her nose with a flowery handkerchief.
"Forgive me, I'm a bit emotional."
"Professor, what's wrong?" asked Judy Crouch, a bold Slytherin student.
"Are you ill? Does this mean class is canceled?" Jon Hart speculated excitedly.
"Were you fired by Professor Dumbledore?" Elena Kaslina chimed in cheerfully.
"If anyone's getting fired, it's not me!" Trelawney shot her a glare, then sighed dramatically.
"Ah, believe me, ignorance is bliss, children. You wouldn't want to know."
Her cryptic words only made everyone more curious.
"I can't tell you, really!" Trelawney shook her head, "It's about a prophecy, a millennial prophecy.
"In 1999, wizards will sign a confidentiality agreement regarding this matter… Don't ask, I cannot say more. Although it's only 1992 now, revealing it could alter the timeline and cause unimaginable disasters.
"Who knows? Everyone might perish!"
The students exchanged uneasy glances. Was she implying the world would end in the year 2000?
William raised an eyebrow. Was she referencing "Earth defence force from his past life."
That aside, he had to admit that Professor Trelawney was quite skilled at captivating young wizards' attention.
After thoroughly spooking the class, Trelawney settled into an armchair by the fireplace, her eyes closed tightly as she spoke in a drifting voice.
"Regardless of the future, welcome to Divination.
"Your choice to take this class shows a certain level of wisdom. Compared to those who chose other subjects, you will go much further."
William and Cho exchanged glances. According to Trelawney's tone, anyone not taking her class might as well be a fool.
Adjusting her shawl delicately, Trelawney continued, "Choosing Divination means embracing its challenges. Among all magical disciplines, this is the most difficult.
"Yes, I've noticed some of you brought Intermediate Transfiguration with you. Let me tell you, the difficulty of this class far surpasses that of Transfiguration.
"Even Minerva would have to admit this."
The students looked dubious. They might not know how hard Transfiguration was, but they were well aware that Divination had a reputation as an easy class.
All you needed was a knack for creative storytelling, something many witches were naturally gifted at.
"If you doubt me," Trelawney went on, "ask Professor McGonagall about her O.W.L. grade in Divination."
She added, "Before we begin, I must warn you: without the 'Inner Eye,' there is little I can teach you. Divination requires innate talent.
"I don't mean to boast, but seers with my level of clairvoyance are rare these days.
"Why else would Dumbledore invite me to teach this course?
"And just last year, he even gave me a raise to keep me here—though I foresaw that with my Inner eye, of course."
There was a long-standing rumor among students that Professor Trelawney might be Dumbledore's illegitimate child. And everyone now wanted to know the truth of it.
Trelawney moved around the classroom like a ghost.
"Many witches and wizards, though skilled in creating loud bangs, peculiar smells, or sudden disappearances, cannot pierce the fog to see the future."
Her enormous, glowing eyes roved over the students.
"This gift is rare. You, child—" she suddenly pointed at Judy Crouch. "How is your uncle?"
"I think he's fine," Judy replied nervously, shrinking into her seat.
"Oh, I wouldn't be so sure. He's headed for trouble," Trelawney said ominously.
With threats, trelawney caught everyone's attention.