Chapter 27: Divination Test

Victor’s second class of the day was at 3 PM.

As class time approached, more and more students began streaming into the Divination classroom, nearly tripling the usual attendance. Among them were the Gryffindor twins, Fred and George, accompanied by their good friend, Lee Jordan.

The trio entered the classroom with arms slung over each other's shoulders.

Compared to the morning, the Divination classroom had undergone some changes.

Though the space remained tidy and spacious, the curtains on either side of the attic windows had been drawn once more. The room was illuminated by white candles placed on each table. At the front of the classroom, the fireplace had been extinguished and replaced by a brazier on a stand, its flames flickering intensely.

Fred and his companions chose a round table near the brazier. As soon as they sat down, they began whispering excitedly:

“I heard the seventh-year morning class was really interesting. A seventh-year Hufflepuff told me they learned how to use a pocket watch to divine which path was safer.”

“Think about it—we could use that to avoid running into Filch during nighttime escapades!”

“Exactly! Now I really want to pay attention—”

Their conversation was quickly veering into territory that would surely make Professor McGonagall’s blood pressure spike. But just as George started to voice another idea, he glanced at the brazier with some confusion.

“This doesn’t look like we’re using pocket watches… Are we going to learn fire divination?”

“Close enough, Mr. Weasley.”

A low, eerie voice suddenly spoke from behind them, startling the trio.

They turned to see Victor emerging from the shadows behind them, moving at a leisurely pace. No one had noticed when he’d arrived.

Victor didn’t say more to Fred, instead heading directly to the podium.

The class was about to begin.

With his dark, hollow eyes, Victor surveyed the young witches and wizards before him.

“Welcome to Divination, everyone. Before we start, I have some unfortunate news to share.”

His words immediately captured the students’ attention, their ears perking up.

Victor continued, “Though many of you are intrigued by Divination, by the end of today’s class, some will leave this room never to return—not due to any misfortune but because not everyone possesses the innate ability to perceive the future.”

“The process of divination requires one to release their spiritual energy, connect with the surrounding world, and interpret the unseen feedback from that connection.”

“But the amount of spiritual energy one has is innate, much like being born a wizard.”

“Having less spiritual energy doesn’t mean you can’t excel in other areas of magic. It simply means that pure divination may not be your path.”

“Therefore, I’ve prepared a preliminary test to help guide those less inclined toward Divination toward other disciplines where their talents may shine brighter.”

A test?

An exam?

The students’ previously eager expressions shifted into ones of concern and irritation. After all, how could anyone guarantee they possessed the required spiritual sensitivity? Without it, would they miss out on learning the fascinating aspects of Divination?

George suddenly raised his hand high.

“Yes, Mr. Weasley?”

“Professor, if we don’t have any prior knowledge of Divination, how can we pass this test?”

“Good question.” Victor nodded lightly. “That’s why I want everyone to take out your Unfogging the Future textbooks. If you didn’t bring yours, feel free to share with a nearby classmate.”

A rustling sound filled the room as students pulled thick textbooks from their bags.

“Now, turn to page 15.”

More rustling followed.

Fred quickly flipped to the page and saw the title at the top: Various Symbols in Tea Leaf Reading.

“As you’ll see on this page, there are many images with symbolic meanings, such as a sun shape in tea leaves representing one thing, and an eagle another.”

“I won’t ask you to interpret these symbols just yet. Instead, I want you to use the imagery mentioned here to identify the shapes you see in the smoke from the flames.”

“Then, answer the questions on this parchment.”

Victor picked up a thick stack of parchment from the table by the fireplace and began distributing it to the students nearest him, instructing them to pass it along. Low whispers spread through the classroom.

George examined the parchment the moment he got it, carefully reading the questions:

Question 1: In the smoke predicting this year’s campus safety, which of the following patterns did you see?
A. Sun
B. Ram and horns
C. Raven
D. Crooked cross

Question 2: In the smoke predicting this year’s magical world safety, which of the following patterns did you see?

Question 3...

George quickly skimmed further down, finding the format similar until the last question:

Question 10: In the final segment of smoke, describe a scene you perceived, including its emotions and colors.

???

George was stunned. Even Percy’s old Divination exam papers hadn’t looked like this!

If he could answer these questions, shouldn’t he already be graduating?

“At the end of the class, I’ll reveal the answers so you can grade yourselves.”

“I only recommend students who correctly identify at least six symbols to continue with Divination, as those who struggle to perceive directly may be better suited to studying Arithmancy.”

Victor spoke while walking toward the fireplace, where he retrieved a wooden bowl of lettuce and a small dish of spices.

He sprinkled a handful of spices—including rosemary and forget-me-nots—into the brazier, followed by a few lettuce leaves. As the lettuce hit the flames, Victor explained in a calm, detached tone:

“Forget-me-nots enhance sensory perception. These special lettuce leaves elevate your spiritual connection…”

As soon as the leaves landed, the flames surged, suddenly expanding tenfold and nearly touching the ceiling!

The fire turned a strange, dark purple, releasing pale white smoke tinged with glowing violet specks. The smoke formed small clouds in the air, hanging there without dispersing.

The students gasped in awe.

“You may feel slightly dizzy or thirsty, but that’s normal and requires no intervention. Just focus on the smoke and choose the patterns you see—”

“Mr. Weasley, do you have something to add?”

Victor’s gaze fixed on George, who had raised his hand again.

George froze momentarily, surprised Victor could instantly distinguish him from Fred. Instead of addressing that, he eagerly asked:

“Professor, if we guess six answers correctly, can we still continue Divination?”

“Why not?” Victor replied.

“Guessing six answers correctly is a sign of fate’s guidance. It indicates extraordinary luck, which will serve you well in Divination.”

“Well then, any more questions?”

“Begin.”