"I think we still have a little time."
Trelawney set the stemmed glass she had just taken out on the edge of the table and casually drew the plain glass bottle of homemade liquor closer.
Gavin settled into the patterned armchair she had cleared for him. He rested his Dragon Hide Bag on his lap, took out a notebook, and opened it.
Trelawney lifted the bottle. Dark-gold liquor poured into the glass, raising a small ring of amber bubbles at the bottom.
"What a pure... medium."
With that, she raised her glass.
"To fate."
She took her first sip slowly.
The liquor, rich with wildflower honey, slid down her throat. Trelawney closed her eyes and drew a deep breath. Its thick, sweet scent spread through the dim, stifling attic, even softening the acrid smell of cheap herbal incense from the fireplace.
She let out a warm breath, her shoulders sinking slightly as she relaxed.
"This really does ease the exhaustion of gazing into the future."
Gavin glanced at the glass she had raised again, and the corners of his mouth lifted.
Praise Hufflepuff.
No wonder she was the most beloved of the Four Founders.
One sip, and the effects were already obvious. Two more, and even fate probably wouldn't have to show up for work today.
Seeing his chance, Gavin went straight to the point.
"Professor, can the ability to prophesy really not be acquired through practice?"
Trelawney's glass stopped halfway to her lips.
She studied Gavin through her enormous convex lenses, a hint of pride entering her gaze as she addressed an eager young student.
"Studying Divination and truly opening the Celestial Eye are two different things, child."
Trelawney took a small sip, then spoke in a low, measured voice.
"Ordinary students can learn to observe omens, interpret symbols,