"Please be quiet!" Professor Trelawney suddenly raised her voice, breaking through the whispers in the classroom.
She continued, "In the summer term, we will begin learning crystal ball divination—provided, of course, that you have already mastered the techniques of reading fire omens. Unfortunately, we will be forced to suspend classes in February because of a severe outbreak of influenza. I myself will lose my voice at that time. And around Easter, one among us... will have to leave us forever."
As Professor Trelawney's words faded, a deathly silence fell over the classroom. The students exchanged anxious glances, but she seemed unaware of the tension. Her expression remained as inscrutable as ever as she continued explaining the course.
Professor Trelawney spoke softly to Lavender Brown, who was sitting closest to her, curled up in her chair and clearly rather nervous. "My dear, would you please pass me the largest silver teacup?"
Lavender seemed relieved. She quickly stood up, took the enormous teacup from the shelf, and carefully set it on the table in front of Professor Trelawney.
"Thank you, my dear." The professor accepted the cup with a smile. "Also, I would like to tell you that the thing you fear most will happen on Friday, October sixteenth."
Lavender's face instantly turned pale. Professor Trelawney, however, gave her little time to digest this information before continuing, "Now, please split into pairs. Then take a teacup from the shelves along the classroom wall and come to me to have it filled with tea."
"After that, you may return to your seats and drink your tea slowly. Remember to finish it all, until nothing but tea leaves remain in your cups!"
"Next, use your left hand to swirl the tea leaves gently three times, then turn your cup upside down on the saucer