Whether it's arithmetic divination, crystal ball reading, astrology, fortune-telling with sticks, character analysis, or dream interpretation, the most important thing is to make the other person believe you, whether you actually have the skill or are just bluffing.
Judging from how ordinary students in schools are obsessed with horoscopes and divination, one can imagine just how popular divination would be in a magical school where it's a full-fledged subject, of course, discounting those who are either true masters or utterly clueless.
Clearly, the young lady before Allen did not belong to either extreme. So, unfortunately for her, she got bluffed by Allen.
Faced with the choice between firmly rejecting them, calling them frauds but risking extreme consequences, or obediently helping collect ingredients around the camp, the young wizard named Mike decisively chose the latter.
Before he left, though, his expression wasn't overly sour. Allen cheerfully said:
"Ahem, Mr. Mike, for your own safety, please be careful, according to my method, some of the food will have to be eaten, and I'd hate for another unfortunate poisoning incident on campus."
Mike visibly shifted uncomfortably, apparently, his plan had been to spice things up a bit.
Understandable, but wasting food is not encouraged.
So, Allen, the grand diviner, conducted a proper reading for the young lady, though he didn't fully understand it himself. But that's the beauty of divination: even the so-called master admits they don't fully understand. Everyone just goes along.
If one could truly see fate with perfect clarity, what's the point of doing anything? The best diviners only identify trends, anything absolute deserves a punch. Yes, I'll punch you if I have to!
While the young lady seemed satisfied with the reading, Mike returned carrying a full basket of food. From the assortment of packages, it was obvious he had "borrowed" plenty of snacks from others, there was no way this could grow naturally in the fields.
After checking that everything was decent, Allen casually picked a few items for Mike to eat, the performance has to be complete, right?
After patting Mike on the shoulder to signal the end of the prank, they departed, leaving Mike looking slightly frazzled but trying not to show it.
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Finally, after the "madmen" left, Mike shrugged, what were they up to? If I hadn't gotten all this food from friends, there's no way we'd pass this checkpoint.
Still, seeing his girlfriend's joyful expression, he decided not to pursue it further, young love makes small matters trivial. Just as he turned to hug her, a small bag fell from his pocket with a plop. Curious, they opened it: inside were a few Galleons and Sickles, slightly more valuable than all the snacks combined.
What's this, a late-night service and delivery fee?
Does Allen do divination for free? What international joke is this?!
Even those who had obediently handed over candy only sneaked an equivalent amount of money, now, the bratty ones expect a tip? Not happening.
Mike silently pocketed the coins, muttered "madmen" in his mind, and continued his date. Meanwhile, the rest of the Hufflepuffs, having successfully kicked back the intruders and returned the "dog food," came back with their spoils.
No problem at all, the midnight snack was replenished, yawns were exchanged, and everyone went to sleep. As for the professors, they were far enough away to remain oblivious.
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"Ha, good morning, Allen! How'd you rest yesterday?"
"Ah… so-so. Could you move the fried eggs over a bit? Who even cares what time we went to sleep yesterday?" Allen lazily used the chopsticks on the table to grab a piece of bread and bit into it. Crap, today's herbology class… will we get in trouble like this?
"Relax. We could attend the Japanese or Ilvermorny herbology classes instead, the professors wouldn't know, and we could sneak a nap."
Unfortunately, this perfect plan did not gain support.
"Ahem, unfortunate news. Yesterday afternoon, when you all went out, a professor came over. She discussed with the Ilvermorny professors, who found some interesting herbs here. They're currently studying them carefully. The three professors also had a very smooth exchange, so today's herbology class is combined. All three will teach in the greenhouse, each with their own students for cross-school interaction."
"…Wait, bro, you mean we're going with the professors today?"
Head nod.
A chorus of groans followed, after yesterday, everyone had been swept up in the indulgence of food and forgot all about the afternoon's events, only now revealed by a few.
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The sun shone brightly. Early autumn sunlight wasn't harsh like summer, it made one feel especially drowsy.
By the greenhouse built specifically for herbology, the Gryffindors waited to attend class with the Hufflepuffs. Nearby, young wizards from Japan and Ilvermorny were already prepared.
As they approached the greenhouse, the Hufflepuff boys arrived together. To the Gryffindors' surprise, they seemed different today.
Droplets of water still clung to their heads, and wisps of white steam rose, a peculiar sight in autumn.
"Hey, what's up with that?"
"Oh, nothing. Just went for a run. The scenery looked nice, achoo!" A small flake of ice fell, huh? Running produces ice now?
Before they could ask, the Hufflepuff girls hurried over, cheeks flushed and slightly sweating.
While waiting for the professors, someone noticed that a dozen girls were secretly drinking water. Curious boys peeked, only to receive eye-rolls.
One familiar Hufflepuff girl quietly asked Allen:
"Hey, you guys aren't sleepy? How are you handling this?"
"Ice water… what about you?"
"Chili! Allen, get us some ice water. Normal water won't cut it, phew!"
You win, Allen grabbed a water flask, cast a spell, instantly chilling it, and tossed it back.
"Hey, just so you know, ice water isn't enough, vinegar or something acidic is better."
The girls began to consult one another. There was only a tiny amount available, hardly enough.
"Why didn't you say that earlier? Do the boys have any on them?"
The boys searched, still, only a little.
"Used it all last night, it's a common seasoning. Didn't you bring any?"
"Nope, how else could we enjoy it?"
A moment of silence passed, then Marshall suggested a solution:
"Hey, the greenhouse must have some acidic plants. Just like at our school, we even secretly used some before."
"Right. I think the books said Japan produces several invigorating herbs, there should be some here too."
Everyone looked up at the greenhouse…
Good. Consensus reached.