Chapter 1
"Oh come on, why won't you help me choose?"
"Ron- you need to feel connected to the deck, you heard the Professor! I can't help you pick it up." Harry could obviously see her looking down in sheer disappointment. Hermione grimaced at the two, "There's no need being so mean, Harry! She just asked for your help. Come on, we'll get you the prettiest deck." She stuck her tongue at Harry as they quickly bypassed him. Ron couldn't help but chuckle as the two made their way down the closest Tarot shop.
Instantly, the calming scent of incense circled them. The shop was dimly lit by orange fairy lights, and had many different Tarot decks organized perfectly in rows. A person who seemed to be the shop owner, smiled as they caught Hermione star-eyed. "How may I assist you girls?" The owner softly said. They had a thick, woolen grey scarf around their neck- reaching down the floor, catching dust along with it. Their robe looked like it's seen better days, it was faded black and full with patches to cover spots where it was ripped. Underneath the robe was a cozy striped sweater, sporting a golden shade of yellow, and a beautiful dark blue.
"Your shop- it's-" Ron was too awed to finish her sentence, so Hermione continued her: "Marvelous!"
The shop owner hadn't seen students this excited in years. The girls reminded them of themselves when they were younger. So enthusiastic about learning, connecting with both spirits and the universe. "Thank you, dearest. I'm assuming this is your first time at a Tarot shop?" Their big boxy glasses slid down their slim nose as they spoke.
"Well, not quite. I already own a few Tarot decks of my own, but my friend here, just recently she joined me in Divination class." Hermione cared to explain, lightly pushing Ron forward.
"I see. Well," the owner reached her hand for Ron to grab, "let's pick one for you, darling."
Ron was awed by their presence. Something about them was so kind and soothing, she could listen to that voice all day long. She sneaked a glance at their fluffy deep brown hair, admiring its silvery tips. They were just so cool.
Hermione smiled to herself as she watched Ron go off with the shop owner, and decided to go around the other side of the shop, looking at some decks.
At the back of the shop there were a bunch of cupboards and wooden racks filled with Tarot decks. Behind the cupboards there were large, colourful posters. Besides that, you couldn't simply miss the amount of plants that inhabited the place. Crawling all over the shelves, reaching down the creaky floor tiles. And Ron could swear she saw a little mouse running by.
"As you may know, it is most important to pick a deck which you feel drawn to." They started, but Ron sighed as it was exactly what Harry was trying to say. She hated it when he was right, it's just that he could be so blunt about it sometimes.
"While that's on your mind, don't be shy to have an aesthetic at heart. There are so many beautiful decks out there, with drawings most pleasing to look at, it would be a crime to ignore the art! My humble shop offers you a collection from all over the world! Here you have a deck from Spain, and here you have one from France-" they showed Ron each of the decks by pointing at them. They were neatly stacked on wooden shelves, which in all honesty seemed a bit dusty. Ron brushed her hand against the boxes, admiring the designs. One deck was black and white, with a figure piercingly looking front on its cover. The other was golden and reminded her bit of renaissance paintings. But there were a few decks who really caught her attention- over the back of the shop, was a pitch black shelf. Right behind the register. Each deck there had a selenite wand above them, with crystal quartz and other crystals Ron couldn't quite name yet (she's got to stop slacking in Crystals) surrounding them. The cards weren't in a box but in a clear bag of fabric which shined with the dimmed light of the room. It didn't take long for the owner to catch up, and realize Ron had her eyes on their own decks. A tender smile widened on their face: "You have good taste." To which Ron only nodded frantically, feeling a bit embarrassed. They escorted her closer to see said shelf upclose. One deck, the one in the middle, was matte black with bright white and crimson decorations. The one by its right side seemed more vintage, the colors were a bit dull in her taste, the art was wonderful nonetheless. But it was the one on the left that truly caught Ron's attention: sure, at first glance it looked almost identical to the vintage deck, but this one was framed black and had a holographic coating. Its colors were absolutely captivating.
While she was daydreaming and imagining using those beautiful cards, the owner interfered: "These are my decks, the ones I use either for myself or customers… You have a sharp eye, if you noticed them all the way from there." The owner could almost hear Ron's heart break. They confidently sat down by the cashier, "It's obvious that there's a passion for Divination within you. It's been years since someone barged in as thrilled as you and your friend to my shop. I am most certain that with years, you'll be a great Tarot reader. The fact you're changing course to take this class already tells me so."
Ron did not tell the owner about changing course, or anything about actually studying Tarot for that matter, besides of course what Hermione told them when they first entered. But it was true. Ron was the only one in her friend group without patrons whatsoever, and she wasn't sure if she would ever find any, or want to work with them. It made her feel excluded to say the least. At first, Harry was like her. When they just started learning at Hogwarts the two of them haven't quite found their way yet. Which is understandable at the fine age of twelve and eleven. But as if blinking for a moment, Ron missed out on the religious aspect of Witchcraft. She didn't feel any certain connection to the God and Goddess, nor did she feel that for mainstream religious figures. It was never at her heart's focus. When Harry started to work with Hermes, some twisted part of her wished it was just a phase. She didn't want to be left alone in such a path. Obviously, there was nothing wrong about it, but it was still very hard for her. It still is. So she decided to try getting better at Divination, and perhaps that would help her connect with that side of Witchcraft. Maybe she could do readings for Harry, who's not very fond of learning Tarot himself, and help him converse with his gods. To help him, at least. Maybe that will help her feel less disconnected from it all.
"Thank you, it wasn't easy, really. I had to promise my parents that I'll put all of my efforts in it. I'm afraid i'll fail them." Ron mumbled.
"I can only imagine, dear. How about i'll give you my own deck- but, you have to promise me you'll believe in yourself, and trust your path. You won't fail anyone, I promise that to you."
Ron's heart was pounding at her chest: "You really don't have to do this, I'm only just beginning, I don't think that i deserve this- I- I barely know your name! I can't even tell you which card's the first!" she felt so overwhelmed and embarrassed, truly believing she doesn't deserve this. Alas the shop owner was generous, willing to give their own deck just like that. "Don't worry. Just remember to cleanse them properly before doing your first read. These babies have been through a lot." They gave a little pat to the cards. "And it's Elayah. I do hope to see you again in my shop ,"
"-Ron! Name's Ron." She quickly added, red at the face.
Elayah packed the deck carefully in a new dark red bag with shimmery golden laces at the top. Noticing the Gryffindor theme, Ron smiled. "Are you certain you don't want me to pay for them? At all?" She asked again and again, only for Elayah to nod 'no' with their head.
Weasley felt like happiness was vibrating all through her body, as she ran back to show Hermione the first Tarot deck she ever owned.
Before the ginger could spare a word, Granger left her hand up in a 'stop' motion, looking in all seriousness down her own cards. She was sitting by a round, tall table, giving herself a light read. "What happened?" Ron exclaimed.
"I just pulled The Tower. Don't. Speak. To. Me."
-
With a hurried sprint, Harry tried to catch up with his best friends down Diagon Alley. Of course that nearly halfway there, the boy fell down and scraped his knees. A few witches that happened to be near him twitched and jumped in their spots. Observing that menace, Hermione and Ron ran to the poor boy. "Don't even say it." Potter looked up at them, disappointed, to which the curled girl giggled and said with unison along Ron: "Karma." Then obviously, helped the boy up. Ron ruffled his messy black mane, with Granger taking out weeds and leaves out of it. "You alright?" She asked in a mocking tone. Harry straightened his sweater as he nodded. "Yeah. Sorry about earlier. I can help you if you still want to," he turned to Ron.
"It's alright, I did manage to get one after all. Look:" Ron then showed him her new deck. Harry reached his hand to touch it, only to get it slapped by Hermione: "Don't touch her cards! You'll get your energy all over it!"
Harry sighed: "What's so bloody awful about my energy?" and the three of them continued walking down the stoney path, together, laughing at his silly questions about Tarot away.
"Now, you've got everything needed for a proper cleanse?" Hermione asked.
"Yeah, I think so."
"Good. I'll grab me some mugwort since I'm starting to run out, so I'll spare a few minutes at The Herb's. Oh, come on, don't give me that look! Herbert likes me, and I know you're jealous that I get free sage bundles."
"Of course Herb likes you, you keep spending every bit of quid you're left with over stuff you're surely not running out of. I've seen your cabinet!" Harry splattered. Hermione gaped as if insulted: "I'll have you know, my deities appreciate a bit of hard work, I'm only giving them fresh offerings every weekend. It's not a crime to put some effort, Harry!"
The black maned lad just laughed it off. "Well, my deities seem rather fine with my offerings." To which Granger rolled her eyes. "Moving on, if you lot suddenly remember that you need anything, call me." Her figure then disappeared into the crowd.
The sweet tapping sound of oxfords against mundane bricked sidewalk could be heard, as the pair were left alone to stroll. It was a calm Sunday afternoon, with a clear sky and fresh air. Scents of perfumes mixed with incense surrounded the old Alley, as well as the lively sound of so many witches. Some looked like they were running late, pushing away any passersby that came in their way, sprinting down the stoned path. Other looked like they were completely taking their time, observing and checking every Crystal in shop, comparing them under sunlight and indoor light. Passing their hand over the gems to feel their energy.
Harry breathed in deeply, appreciating every bit he got to spend there. Ever since his spiritual awakening, places like Diagon Alley felt truly close to home. This could be a place for him to take a break from everyday life, and appreciate the metaphysical, the Earth, the universe. It all felt so grand and mysterious, which at first of course was intimidating. But as time passes, Harry learns to love it, to be comforted by it.
Breaking the daily routine of his home life; After constantly having to deal with his aunt, who's very clear about not believing witchcraft or worse- finding it daft, useless waste of time and money, Potter desperately needed this time of the day. He was immensely thankful for the opportunity to attend Hogwarts, a school meant for learning Witchcraft. A school that introduced him to his best friends, and gave him what he can call 'home' with a full heart.
"Do you really think I'm not putting much effort in my offerings?" Harry mumbled all of the sudden. At the moment they took a break from walking and sat by a nice little juice place. Ron slurped her own drink, "What I think, is that it's between you and your deities. You and Hermione work with completely different patrons, perhaps yours don't acquire the same kind of attention." She put the cup down. "Besides, 'ermione loves that kind of stuff, I wouldn't take it as if her patrons actually ask for any of it. It's just her way of showing gratitude, I believe."
Harry stared down his own cup. Sweet soury smell of apple juice hit his nose as he pondered what Ron had to say. She was right, maybe. But he didn't grow up in a household that worshipped any kind of deities, not even Christian figures for that matter. He didn't know much about Paganism until he reached Hogwarts, and being raised in such a household, Harry wasn't so quick on jumping to find a patron. He spent his first years being a secular witch. Deity work isn't for beginners anyways. So Harry did not know much of this belief system, and of course that now he doesn't want to disappoint or let alone neglect his patrons. They deserve his utter respect and dedication. This made him worry from time to time, wondering whether he's good enough for them.
"I guess you're right. Maybe I'll consult with my pendulum when we're back." Potter bit his lip. Ron could see how worried he was, and she knew this only meant how much he cared for his patrons. It was beautiful in its own kind of way, and she wished he could view himself that way too. Smiling to herself, she rested her hand over his shoulder, softly.
"It's Mabon soon, isn't it? Are you excited?" Ron tried to keep Potter's mind off of his worries. The boy chuckled and forced a smile as well. "Yeah, almost forgot about it actually." He ran his hands through his hair, fidgeting. "But I'm more looking forward to Samhain, being honest."
"Oh, for sure. Fred n' George are always messing with the house around Samhain, the amount of times Mum yelled at them for almost burning our home down… They should really calm down with those bonfires. This holiday is a fire hazard, I swear." She chuckled and the two of them just rolled into laughter, thinking about Fred and George dressed as creepy figures, scaring poor Molly's heart out. Now Harry was expecting Samhain. He couldn't wait to redecorate his altar, to see Hogwarts turn auburn and orange. To compete against Malfoy in the apple bobbing games Gryffindor annually arrange, and watch his sour face as he beats him.
"I wonder what the twins will dress as this year," Harry wondered aloud.
"Figure it's gonna be gruesome. Wanna place bets?" Her smile widened.
"I'm betting 10 quids they'll dress up as mummies." To which Ron replied; "Fine, then I'll bet that they'll go as ghosts!"
With the sound of clashing glasses, two menly voices interrupted:
"My guess is," Fred started, "-either." George finished for him. Ron's eyes widened at that. What. The. Hell. Were they doing here?
"What? Lil' sis surprised to see us?" Fred taunted, sitting awfully close to his sister, smirking and winking at Harry. "At least say hello before you splurt juice out of your nose!" George laughed, jumping on the seat next to Harry. Ah, so their mischief started early today. Ron pushed Fred so he wouldn't sit so close to her, she was already tired of the pair. "Wait, wait, wait, there's one less midget here. Where's Granger?" Fred noticed, pointing at the air.
"Yeah, where is your little crush, RonRon?"
Oh, that's it. She was furious by now.
"Shut up!" Ron punched her brother by the shoulder. Fred, acting like it really hurt, rubbed his hand over where she just hit him.
Harry felt a little embarrassed for Ron, so he acted like he couldn't hear that last remark. "She's at Herb's." He said quickly, looking down his cup again. Maintaining eye contact was hard enough, but with these two it could have gotten impossible.
"Cool, cool. Bet she's looking for something to use in a love spell-" Fred continued his tease. "I'll hex you if you won't quit!" Ron almost yelled, feeling Harry physically holding her back.
The last thing he needs is helping Weasly recover from something horrible backfiring at her. The twins chuckled it off, of course they weren't serious. But Ron didn't talk about this with Harry really, and she wasn't quite sure what was it that she felt towards Hermione anyways. She decided not to think about it. Until these two bozos came around, reminding her to never tell them anything ever again.
"So, what are you guys going to dress up as?" Potter tried to sway them away from the whole Granger scenario, as it seemed to make his friend too uncomfortable. "If we'd tell you, then what's the point? you'll have to wait and see for yourself." George answered. "But I will give you a hint, none of your bets were correct. Not even close." Fred added, getting up and signing his twin to leave.
As the pair watched the twins walk away, George turned around and whispered: "or were they?" Wiggling his brows, then, finally moving to somewhere else.
"Don't mind them. They're just… bored. Trying to take it out on whoever's the closest." He tried to cheer her up. But Ron didn't want to talk about it. She had a hard time really opening up to Harry in the first place, and she didn't want to make it weird for him. Hermione was their friend. She was pretty sure Harry fancied Hermione himself. And of course she'd prefer Potter over herself, what does she have to offer? Harry is good looking, his parents were basically a legend at Hogwarts, he's good at sports. And Ron, well, first of all isn't a guy. She didn't even know if Hermione liked girls.
She's overthinking this way too much. Much to her luck, it didn't take too long after that for Granger to call Harry on the phone. He told her where they're at, waiting for her.
"We're going to miss our ride back, let's go." Hermione barged in, her tote bag looking a bit overfilled with, of course, more than just mugwort. Harry raised his brows at her. "Shut up." Her mouth clicked.
"I haven't said anything!" Harry fake-defended himself. "Come on. I know you want to show us what you got." Potter teased, shoving his elbow at her waist. She couldn't hide the smile that spread her face as he said that. "Fine. I'll show you on the way back to Hogwarts, we have a long way." Her eyes glistened.
The sun went down as the students made their way to the train. It was getting rather chilly, which only reminded Harry of how close the holidays actually are.
It was a nice little day off.