Pansy woke up as normal, wearing her nightgown, a cream silk loose garment. Rubbing the sleep from her eyes, she slowly sat up in bed and glanced around the familiar space. The room was lighted by a Candelabra Chandelier hanging at the center. As the whole Slytherin house is underground, the only windows are in the Common room, where the windows show a look at the lake inside. She preferred to wake up at her home with the sun's light coming from the windows.

With a sigh, she swung her legs over the side of the mattress and stood, stretching her limbs to wake herself fully. Today was another day at school, and she needed to get ready.

She shuffled into her closet and pulled out her school uniform. She took another look at her roommates, finding that almost all of them were already up, except for Bulstrode.

She climbed her bed again, closed the curtain of her four-poster bed, and undressed. She remembered that her clothes were fixed the week before by the seamstress of her family, hoping to alleviate any fitting issues. However, as she began to dress, she quickly realized there had been no improvement.

Her heart sank as she tried to button up the white shirt. It seemed tighter than ever, resisting her attempts to fasten each small button, and she struggled to maintain her composure. Tears pricked the corners of her eyes.

"This shouldn't…" muttered to herself with a frown. She knew that she was going to gain some weight thanks to her last year's work with the Herbology professor, but she had never imagined that this was going to be this problematic. "No," she whispered to herself, refusing to accept defeat. "I won't let this happen."

She forced the shirt to close, even when the clothes' tightness made her uncomfortable. Then, she wore her black robe draped loosely over her, hiding the signs of her struggle. It's not ideal, but at least it provided temporary cover.

In the mirror, she noted her body shape. To her, these changes meant she was gaining weight, a notion that sent panic coursing through her veins. She forced a smile, unwilling to display her inner turmoil to anyone else.

Steeling herself, she emerged from the confines of the bathroom and joined her fellow students in the common area. They chatted animatedly about their plans for the day, oblivious to the tempest brewing inside her. But in her mind, everyone who turned to see her was trash-talking about her appearance. A whale is not dignified enough to be pure blood.

Pansy tried her best to walk as normal, hoping nobody would notice her. Unfortunately, her wish went unheard as several older girls passed by, openly discussing her appearance.

"Look at her go!" one exclaimed, pointing at Pansy. "Isn't it adorable how she tries to hide behind that robe?" Another snickered. "It's like she thinks we can't see her expanding." A second girl giggled, walking alongside the first giggled at the comment.

Pansy's heart sank as she heard them. She tried to maintain her dignity by ignoring them, keeping her eyes fixed ahead and her shoulders back. However, deep down, the stinging words cut deeper than any physical injury could have.

A few moments later, Pansy arrived at the Great Hall, and when she was at the doors, an even harsher remark pierced the air. A tall, intimidating student with long, curly, reddish hair passed, her gaze landing squarely on Pansy. "Oh, dear," she drawled sarcastically. "Is that a baby bump I see under all those folds of fabric? Better start preparing your nursery, love." The tall girl was accompanied by another shorter, pretty girl with long, shiny dark hair and a freckled nose, and she hurried the tall girl inside, scolding her for the comment, but with a giggle.

Pansy's cheeks flushed hot with embarrassment and humiliation. She wanted to lash out, but Harry appeared at that moment, who only looked at the two girls with a frown.

"Come on, Pansy, let's-"Harry's words were cut when Pansy decided to walk faster to the Slytherin table.

Harry hurried and sat in front of her, grabbing some bacon and beans. Pansy opted for a small portion of porridge rather than anything substantial. Her stomach grumbled in protest, but she ignored it, pushing aside her hunger.

She started to eat her food mechanically, unable to meet Harry's concerned gaze. While eating, Harry saw Pansy's eyes, which showed a reddish irritation. He attempted to strike up a conversation, and she merely nodded curtly. When Harry was about to inquire about her state, she excused herself mid-meal.

Harry was about to stand up, too, but he stopped when Draco called him, "Where to, Suzuki?"

Harry frowned worriedly as he watched Pansy retreat. Something was definitely wrong, but he did not know what. He decided to give her some space but decided to check on her as soon as possible.

"Suzuki?" asked Draco again.

Harry sat and sighed. "Nowhere," replied Harry, somehow defeated. Harry looked around, saw the girl who had made the nasty comment against Pansy and leaned toward Draco. "Say, Draco, do you know anything about that girl?" asked Harry, pointing at the girl with his nose.

Draco turned to see the direction Harry was leading him. He saw the two girls, the tall and the black-haired one. Both girls looked at him and giggled at the same time. Draco could appreciate that the black-haired girl had a beautiful face and could see her blush.

"Which one?" Draco replied while trying to look elsewhere.

Harry was looking at his food at that moment with a mild frown, "the tall redhead."

Draco grabbed some eggs and bacon while replying, "I do recall her being a half-blood. Not sure what her surname is. Why?"

Harry passed his food and replied, "Let's just say that Santa won't bring her any presents this year."

Draco ended up having no idea what Harry meant with that. 'Who's Santa?' he thought. His thoughts were cut when Gemma Farley appeared.

"Malfoy!" said the Prefect before handing him a piece of paper. Then turned to Harry, "Here is yours, Suzuki."

Both boys grabbed their paper and looked at it, and the Prefect girl looked at the table again, "Parkinson's hasn't arrived yet?"

"She just left. If you want, I can go and give her her schedule." Harry proposed, but Gemma stopped him.

"No need, Suzuki. She may be back at the dungeons, so I see her there," said the Prefect before leaving.

Harry and Draco finished their breakfast, and after that, they left the Great Hall and made their way toward the courtyard. There, Hermione and Dean were waiting for them, already seated at one of the stone benches, chatting.

"Hey, Harry, Draco!" Hermione greeted them cheerfully as they approached. "How did your schedules turn out?"

Draco took a seat next to Hermione while Harry remained standing, peeking over at her parchment.

"Well," Harry said, rubbing the back of his neck, "I ended up with Divination, Study of Ancient Runes, and Arithmancy. I wasn't allowed to add more than that."

Hermione's smile broke for a moment, "I didn't know you wanted to be in all the electives."

Harry smiled, "Hermione, I am a Slytherin. I aim to be the best in everything." Dean chuckled at that while Hermione shook her head, smiling.

Harry was about to ask for hers when Hermione interrupted him, "But are you sure you can keep up with all those electives and your mug… your non-magical studies?"

Draco turned with a frown expression. "non-magical studies? You mean you also got into Muggle studies?"

Harry turned to see him, and Draco raised his hands in surrender, "That's the name of the class, isn't it?"

Harry shook his head. "It is, I guess. But not, I am not in that class." Harry scratched the back of his head before continuing. "What she means is that I am still studying classes I had before coming to Hogwarts, you know. Physics, Maths, Chemistry, and so on."

Draco wanted to say more, way more, but he remained silent and only nodded.

Dean then asked, "So, do we all have any common class? I am in Divination and Care of Magical Creatures."

Draco shrugged, "Care of Magical Creatures and Ancient Runes."

Hermione nodded and said, "Me too," without specifying to whom she was referring.

Dean then turned to Draco, "Hey, mate. How did you manage to bring 'The Monstrous Book of Monsters'?"

"I used a cage, of course. I asked my elf to tie it," said Draco before continuing. "Seriously, only Dumbledore will hire a…" Draco stopped before insulting Hagrid and instead said, "A non-graduated person. Only he will ask for that kind of book."

Hermione shook her head and then turned to see Harry and Draco, "and where is Pansy?"

Draco shrugged while Harry looked to the hall that took him to the dungeons. "I think she is at our Common Room. Not sure her schedule either."

Hermione looked at Harry and raised an eyebrow, "Did something happen?"

"Not sure. She is not acting like herself lately," replied Harry.

Draco intervened, "She left breakfast when Harry tried to speak to her."

"Well, then you need to apologize," said Hermione to Harry.

The Suzuki heir was taken from his imagination and returned to the conversation. "Wait, what?"

"You need to apologize to her," said Hermione again.

"I heard you the first time, just. Why should I apologize for?" Harry asked, genuinely confused.

"Well, it is obvious that she does not want to speak to you, so you need to apologize for whatever you have said to her," said Hermione. "Surely you said something. Pansy, don't get angry with you so easily."

Harry wasn't sure of Hermione's logic and turned to look at his male friends.

Dean only shrugged, and Draco rolled his eyes, "I still believe that is a women's thing."

Hermione raised an eyebrow while turning to see Draco. Behind Hermione was Dean, who raised his eyebrows a little while his mouth made what was almost an upside-down, nodding in approval.

Harry shook his head. "Anyhow," he began, "I think it is about time for Divination class. I'll go and grab my books before heading to it…" He turned to Dean and Hermione again, "We can meet at the main stairs and go together." The three nodded, and the four walked back to their common room.

Once in the Slytherin Common Room, Harry wanted to talk with Pansy, but she was not there. Without much time, Harry decided to go and grab his books, parchment, and the Divination materials inside a leather bag he carried across his body.

Harry, this time, was the first to arrive, and he watched the paintings around while waiting. Then he saw Ron and Neville walking out of the Great Hall running, probably because they were late for their class.

He kept watching the paintings, entertaining himself with a knight who looked like he was putting on a comedy show with him falling over and over again. Harry found entertained not only by his falls but also by his way of talking.

After a few minutes, he saw Ron's little sister helping Luna's hair as if something was in it. Luna looked at him, smiled, and nodded slightly, which made Ginny look at the way Luna was nodding and met Harry smiling, nodding back to Luna. The Weasley girl's face went red, and she started talking to Luna, who just giggled.

Then, the giant shadow of Hagrid appeared. "Are you all right, Harry?"

Harry nodded, "I am doing fine. What about you? Nervous for your new position as a professor?"

Hagrid smiled though his fingers moved as if he was cleaning his clothes. "Not so much, not so much."

"I hope everything goes well," said Harry.

"Thank ya, Harry," Hagrid smiled again. "And why you didn't take the class? Worried that ol' Professor Kettleburn would still be there? You can still have time to choose the class."

Harry shook his head, "I wished I could. Believe me, I tried to be in the class, but it happened to be at the same time as Ancient Runes."

"I see, I see," said Hagrid, a little less enthusiastic.

"I'll still have the classes during the winter and spring breaks. Mr Lovegood has promised me to give me some personal classes," said Harry.

Hagrid frowned while thinking. "Lovegood? Wasn't he the fellow from 'The Quibbler'?"

Harry nodded and smiled, "the owner himself."

"Oh," said Hagrid. "I see… Well, you better watch yerself around him; he's got a funny way of looking at things," advised the half-giant. After that, Hagrid left the place, leaving Harry alone again.

Then Dean finally arrived with Seamus Finnigan. "Hermione said that she forgot something and that she would see us at class," said Dean.

Seamus raised his head to greet Harry, who nodded slightly in return. Then Harry addressed both, "Very well, then let's go to the north tower."

"One question," said Dean. "How?"

Seamus replied, "We can always just step outside and look for the northernmost tower and go that way."

Harry and Dean shrugged. "I don't see a problem with that plan," said Harry, while Dean asked, "Northernmost?"

The three students walked together to the tower. While they talked about nothing in particular, Harry observed all the students walking around the corridors. Those walking close to the windows inside the castle and those walking close to the halls.

Dean and Seamus stood in the courtyard outside the tower. They noticed that it stood taller and more imposing than how they remembered it. Harry commented that they never had a reason to go this close, so it was normal to feel that it was bigger.

The three friends exchanged glances, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension as they ascended the winding staircase inside the tower.

Harry, always the leader among them, took point as they made their way upwards. "So, do either of you know anything about our Divination professor?" he asked, hoping to break the silence.

Dean shook his head. "No clue," he replied. "I heard the class is pretty easy, tho. That's why I chose it."

Seamus nodded, "yeah, me too."

They continued climbing the stairs, their footsteps echoing through the empty corridors. Suddenly, Dean stopped short, where most of the class was already assembled. There were no doors, but then Dean spoke.

"Hey, guys, check this out," he said, pointing to a circular trapdoor on the ceiling with a plaque on it.

"'Sibyll Trelawney, Divination teacher,'" Harry read.

"How're we supposed to get up there?" asked Seamus.

As if answering Seamus, the trapdoor opened, and metallic stairs appeared, descending alone until they reached Seamus' feet.

Harry then wonders aloud, "Now, we have to know if that was the correct thing to say or if the stairs come down automatically at a certain hour."

The students started to enter the classroom, one by one. When Harry entered, it reminded him of his non-magical classes in the private schools, except for the circular tables with crystal balls in the middle, two armchairs at the sides, and crimson light. But to the other students, it was something to wonder about, as the semi-circular classroom was unlike any other in Hogwarts.

"Welcome," said a voice from someone in the shadows. "How nice to see you in the physical world at last."

The owner of the voice then stepped to the light, revealing a slender woman with big eyeglasses, wrapped in loose robes and bracelets, with sparkling sequins and shimmering strands of beads.

"Sit, my children," said the woman, and the students started to look for a chair. Harry saw that only two chairs were on each table, and when he was about to call Dean to sit with him, he was already Seamus.

Harry sat at one table, and suddenly Hermione appeared out of breath and sat next to Harry.

"Greetings to Divination," proclaimed Professor Trelawney as she settled into an elaborate armchair positioned near the center. "The name is Professor Trelawney."

The woman looked around and continued, "You may not have seen me before. I find that descending too often into the hustle and bustle of the main school clouds my Inner Eye."

The class remained in silence, possibly because they did not know if he was joking or if she was being serious.

Professor Trelawney meticulously adjusted her glasses and proceeded, "Thus, you have opted for the study of Divination, considered the most challenging of all mystical disciplines. Right away, let me caution you, should you lack the ability of the Sight, there is scant knowledge I could impart upon you. Even the most comprehensive texts would only carry you thus far down this path..."

With those words, both Harry and Hermione raised one eyebrow, but for different reasons, as she was taken aback by the idea that books might not be particularly useful in the class. Meanwhile, Harry was impressed by her bravery in telling anyone about her skill set, Sight.

"Many witches and wizards, talented though they are in the area of loud bangs and smells and sudden disappearings, are yet unable to penetrate the veiled mysteries of the future," elaborated Professor Trelawney, her eyes darting between faces, each fixed with apprehension.

"This unique faculty has been bestowed upon but a fortunate few. Tou! Young man," she abruptly addressed Neville, who nearly tumbled off his seating cushion, "Is your grandmother well?"

Neville nodded nervously.

"I wouldn't be so sure if I were you, dear," advised Professor Trelawney, the fire's radiance dancing over her elongated jade eardrops. Neville visibly swallowed hard as Professor Trelawney calmly resumed speaking.

"During this academic session, we shall cover the essential techniques of Divination. Our first term will focus on interpreting tea leaf patterns. Following it, we shall advance to the art of palmistry. Oh, and one last thing, my dear," she unexpectedly quipped at Parvati Patil, "be cautious around men red-haired."

Harry leaned slightly at Hermione, "That's what? 15 percent of Hogwarts' population?"

"Continuing through the semester," continued Professor Trelawney, "our studies shall evolve towards the crystal orb, assuming we have successfully navigated the prophetic insights provided by fiery portents. Unfortunately, classes will be disrupted in February by a nasty bout of flu. I myself will lose my voice. And around Easter, one of our number will leave us forever."

A profound hush enveloped the classroom following Professor Trelawney's proclamation; however, she appeared oblivious to the tension. She then created another future proclamation, specifically to Lavender Brwon, "Indeed, the event you foresee with trepidation shall transpire on the sixteenth day of October."

With a wave of her hand, Professor Trelawney directed the class, "Form pairs and choose a teacup from the shelves. Present them to me, and I shall fill each vessel. Drink deeply until only remnants linger. Agitate these residual drops thrice with your left hand, then invert the cup upon its saucer, awaiting the final droplets to escape. Subsequently, bestow your cup unto your partner, allowing them to decipher the patterns using pages five and six of 'Unfogging the Future.' As you embark upon this task, I shall circulate amongst you, guiding and instructing where necessary. Ah, and dear young man" - seizing Neville's arm before he could rise - "once you have shattered your initial cup, might I request one bearing a blue pattern? I am particularly fond of the pink."

As predicted, Neville's ill-fortune happened. Unperturbed, Professor Trelawney approached him with a dustpan and brush, stating, "Kindly procure a blue-patterned cup, dear. Thank you…"

Once Harry and Hermione had received their brimming teacups, they returned to their table and hastily consumed the piping-hot liquid. Complying with the Professor's instructions, they swirled the leftover tea around the cup three times with their left hands, inverted the cup onto its saucer, and patiently waited for every drop to dissipate. Exchanging cups, they opened their book to pages five and six.

Hermione, already not liking the class, decided to ask Harry to be the first to read her tea leaves.

"Well, there's an acorn … a hippogriff … and a sheep?" said Harry, not so sure, which made Hermione chuckle as it was the first time she saw her friend having difficulties with something. She calmed herself as she saw Professor Trelawney looking their way.

Harry was with the book open and then, "I think I got it. Your tea leaves say that you are going to experience personal growth, adapt to new situations, and maintain a sense of inner peace, even when faced with changes or uncertainties." Harry said with certainty that Hermione, for a second, believed it.

"Your turn," said Harry.

Hermione nodded with a smile, looked at Harry's teacup, and then opened the book and quickly moved through the pages. She smiled while confirming what she saw.

Harry only saw her giggle and asked her, "Well, what? What's so funny about my future?"

Professor Trelawney was already next to their table. "Well," Hermione began with a smile and, with a voice a little more patronizing than before, continued, "you have a crooked cross and a sun, which means that you're going to suffer but be very happy."

"Let me see that, my dear," the Professor said while taking the cup from Hermione.

The room fell silent as everyone watched Professor Trelawney intently. Her gaze fixated upon Harry's teacup, which she began to spin counterclockwise. A hush fell upon the crowd as she spoke, "The falcon ... my dear, you have a deadly enemy."

Hermione spoke suddenly, "Everyone knows that." Harry turned to see Hermione, as it was not common for her to interrupt a Professor. Hermione only made a face as if saying, 'What?'

Professor Trelawney continued her reading, turning the cup further. Each rotation brought forth more dire predictions, "… an attack … danger in your path." As Professor Trelawney finished her Divination, she let out a scream and collapsed into a nearby chair.

"What is it, Professor?" said Dean Thomas.

Professor Trelawney looked at Harry and revealed the devastating news: "My dear boy... you have the Grim."

Harry, who was serious for a moment, suddenly said, "Oh, that?" And then he smiled. "If it's that, then there is nothing to be afraid of, Professor."

Harry maintained his calm demeanor as the class held its breath after Professor Trelawney's declaration.

"The Grim," Professor Trelawney reiterated with a shaky voice, "is a portent of Death. It's one of the most feared omens in the world of Divination. You must understand how significant it is that you have it in your leaves."

Harry, unfazed, tilted his head. "Is that so, Professor? I don't think there's much to worry about," he said casually.

Professor Trelawney frowned, clearly expecting more concern from Harry. "I'm not sure you grasp the severity of this omen, my dear. The Grim means Death is close."

Harry nodded thoughtfully but still seemed too relaxed for the Professor's liking. "It's just… well, in my belief, Death isn't all that terrible. You see, I follow the religion of the 41 Supreme Beings, And some believers call the Supreme One: Death."

The class blinked in confusion while Professor Trelawney looked puzzled. She clearly didn't know how to respond to Harry's unusual declaration.

"Be that as it may, you should still tread cautiously, Harry," she warned. "The Grim is a sign to be heeded with care."

Harry simply smiled, showing no sign of being troubled. "I appreciate the advice, Professor," he said kindly.

The Professor eyed him for a moment longer, then sighed and turned back to the rest of the class. "I think we will leave the lesson here for today," said the Professor to the class. "Yes … please pack away your things. …"

As the students began packing up, Harry noticed Hermione looking upset. He walked faster to walk to her side.

"What's wrong, Hermione?" he asked.

She hesitated for a moment, then sighed. "I just don't like the way Professor Trelawney handles the class."

Harry smirked and elbowed her playfully, "Well, between you and me, I think I prefer her." Hermione turned to look at him with a frown, and then he continued. "Hermione," he said calmly, "I am sorry to disappoint you, but I'm not a masochist."

Hermione couldn't help but burst into laughter. Together, they went to the next class, Transfiguration, the first in almost a year.