"So," Ginny said brightly, sliding into the spot next to her brother, "word is that you're back to snogging constantly."

"We do not," Ron said defensively, "snog constantly."

Ginny laughed. "Sure." She leaned over. "If it's any consolation, I like Padma a right side better than Lavender."

"Yeah," Ron said, "because that's what I'm worried about. Your approval."

She laughed as Padma slid in next to Ron, gave him a peck on the cheek, and began to shell a handful of pistachios.

"I can't stay around for too long," Padma lamented. "Trelawney is really packing on the homework."

"Really?" Harry said, genuinely surprised.

"Yeah. We're studying the Minor Arcana right now."

Before Harry had time to ask what the Minor Arcana was, Hermione and Draco settled themselves at the table.

"Morning, Weasley," Draco said affably. "I see that one of you lot was in the Prophet this morning." He handed over a copy of the newspaper; Hermione was grinning.

"Yeah," he said. "My dad got the job. What of it?"

Draco shrugged. "Just thought you might be interested in the clipping. Send it to your mum or something."

"Thanks," Ron mumbled.

Amused, Draco studied his expression. "You mean, I haven't offended you in any way? Surely you hate me."

After a long pause, Ron shook his head, staring down into his cup.

"Well, that's unsettling." Draco settled back in his chair. "I must be losing my touch."

Ron stared at him with a hardened glare. Draco was kicked back, hands folded behind his head, a tiny smile on his lips.

"You need to let me get back to my roots, Hermione," Draco said lazily. "I need to go back to the Manor and host a Death Eater luncheon... we can discuss some Dark magic over crumpets and chamomile tea... maybe torture a Squib or two..." He paused. "But there is no way I'm going to let Voldemort bring the pastries." He made a face. "You never know what's in them."

"Don't you know this is serious?" Ron shouted, but he was laughing.

Padma smiled and rose from her chair. "I ought to get off to the library," she said.

"Wait," Harry said. "What is the Minor Arcana?" He was truly curious.

"Oh." Padma settled back into her chair and pulled a tarot deck from her bag. "It refers to the tarot cards. It comprises four suits--" She laid four cards out. "Wands, pentacles-- which are sometimes called coins-- cups, and swords. Each suit represents a different element, class, and faculty."

"What?" Ron was confused.

She smiled. "For instance, take the cup. The cup represents water, clergy, and emotions and love." She tapped her finger on the wand. "The wand represents fire, peasantry, and creativity and energy. The sword--"

Harry was noticing a pattern. "Something to do with bravery, am I right?"

"Well, you could say that," Padma told him. "The sword represents nobility and military, and reason and will."

He let out a low whistle. "My God."

"Care to let us in on it?" Hermione asked.

"Ravenclaw's wand. Ravenclaw wanted the brightest students; the wand represents fire and creativity. Hufflepuff's cup. Hufflepuff wanted to let everyone in; the cup represents love. Gryffindor-- his only known relic is the sword. And what do swords represent?"

"Blimey," Ron said. "So you think Gryffindor's sword--"

"No," Harry said immediately. "Not possible. Remember, Dumbledore said--"

"What are we talking about?" Draco interrupted.

Harry and Hermione exchanged a quick glance. "Getting rid of Voldemort," Harry said flatly.

Draco leaned forward. "Where do I sign?"

"Really?" Ron said.

"The man murdered my mother," Draco spat. "I won't be kissing his boots."

"I think," Padma suggested, "you should come talk with Professor Trelawney. Now, before you all start hacking me to bits--" she held up a hand-- "sometimes she really does know what she's talking about."

Harry knew very well that she did, and allowed Padma to walk him to Trelawney's classroom; but when they arrived, the room was empty.

"Professor?" called Padma. She walked down into the classroom. "Professor Trelawney?"

There was a clattering noise, and Trelawney rose out of a cloud of incense, sherry glass in hand. "Yes, dear girl?"

"Actually, Harry had some questions for you..." She trailed off.

Harry took a deep breath. "I'm looking for a cup," he began.

Harry thundered down the spiral staircase and nearly tripped over Ron and Ginny, who had been sitting on the bottom stair.

"What's the word?" Ron asked.

"She says the Chamber of Secrets has to be re-opened," Harry said grimly.

"Let's go, then," Ron said stoutly.

"Good, because I am going to need one member of the Weasley family."

Ginny's eyes widened. "What?"

"Trelawney said that I would need either you or Ron, Zacharias Smith, and Melody Salpeter. And the Sorting Hat."

Ron furrowed his brow. "I don't--"

Luna's vacant voice sounded in the corridor. "Zacharias is down the hall," she said. "I just passed him."

"Thanks, Luna," Harry said quickly, and dashed off down the hallway. "Oy! Zacharias!"

He turned, blueberry muffin in hand. "Hello, Harry. Ron, Hermione." He paid no mind to Ginny and Draco.

"Zacharias, I was wondering if you'd mind lending us a hand?" Harry thought fast, trying to devise a way to ask him to go into the Chamber.

"Sure," he said brightly. "With what?"

"Well," Harry said slowly, "we're going to look for a cup. Very valuable, belonged to a nice old witch named Hepzibah Smith--"

"My gran was named Hepzibah," Zacharias told him, an odd look crossing his face. "Two of her greatest treasures turned up missing after she was poisoned by that rotten old house-elf."

"A cup and a locket?" Harry guessed.

"How did you know?"

"Your gran's enemy was someone much worse than a house-elf," Harry said darkly. "Let's get Melody and go pay Myrtle a visit."