Chapter 309 - O.W.L.s (2/2)
Chris hurried forward and helped Professor Trelawney to her feet. Some of her glittering beads had become entangled with her glasses. She hiccuped loudly, patted her hair, and pulled herself up on Chris' helping arm.
”What happened, Professor?”
”You may well ask!” she said shrilly. ”I was strolling along, brooding upon certain dark portents I happen to have glimpsed . . .”
Chris started to pick up Professor Trelawney's things from the floor as she continued her muttering.
”Here, Professor,” Chris said handing Trelawney the bottles and the deck of cards.
But as Chris pulled her hand back she drew a card with her. Professor Trelawney noticed it and all of her vague mutterings stopped. She looked awfully delighted.
”It's a sign,” she said in her misty voice. ”What is it? What is it?”
”Er —” Chris turned the card around. ”Six of spades.”
”Six of spades: a long and hard journey,” said Trelawney dramatically. ”Very long journey and very soon it'll begin but — this —”
”Long journey? Soon?” Chris frowned. ”But Professor, I have two more years left before I leave school. Where will I go before that? It isn't some kind of spiritual journey, is it?”
But Professor Trelawney wasn't listening, she was shuffling her cards hastily.
”Christina, pick three cards,” she said holding the cards out.
”I don't know Professor —”
”Quick! Quick!”
Chris sighed and chose three cards. Trelawney flipped them over and spoke, ”Queen of spades: Ambition and cleverness. Nine of spades: Trapped. Ten of spades: Violence.”
”What's up with me and all the spades?” asked Chris. ”And what all this means? How am I supposed to go on a long journey if I am going to be trapped?”
”Sometimes the cards don't show the entire future but a glimpse of it,” said Professor Trelawney, though she looked equally confused. ”And future works in its own way. It doesn't bother —” She abruptly stopped. ”Dear, dear, I almost forgot — I should go. Christina, you are always been a good student. So I will advise you to be careful. All this year the cards have been telling me only one thing clearly, calamity. Disaster. Coming nearer all the time . . .”
And saying that she scurried away leaving a stunned Chris in the deserted corridor.
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To be continued. . .