Signs of Digestion
Chapter 19: Signs of Digestion
The afternoon sun hung low in the sky as Harry, Ron, and Hermione descended the winding stairs from the North Tower, their minds still reeling from the peculiar Divination lesson. The scent of incense clung to their robes as they made their way across the castle grounds towards Hagrid's hut for their final class of the day: Care of Magical Creatures.
"Blimey, I'm glad that's over," Ron said, rubbing his temples. "All that crystal gazing's given me a headache."
Hermione huffed, her bushy hair bouncing as she walked. "It's all so imprecise. I much prefer subjects with real substance."
Harry remained quiet, his thoughts churning. The Divination class had been... different. Trelawney hadn't made her usual dramatic death prediction. The Boggart he faced wasn't a Dementor, but a twisted version of himself. These weren't just minor variations; they were significant departures from the future he thought he knew.
"The timeline is shifting," Harry murmured to himself, careful not to alert Ron and Hermione. "But why? And how much?"
Harry's mind raced. In his original timeline, Draco had been injured by Buckbeak. But now... what would change? Who might be at risk?
As he pondered this, a new thought struck him. "I can change the future," he realized, a mix of excitement and apprehension washing over him. "But I need to be careful, calculated. Every change could have unforeseen consequences."
As the trio approached Hagrid's hut, Harry discreetly pulled out his pendulum. However, his attempt at secrecy failed as Hermione's sharp eyes caught the movement.
"Harry, what are you doing?" she whispered, nudging Ron.
Harry sighed, realizing he couldn't hide it. "I'm checking for danger," he admitted, holding the pendulum steady.
He'd found this method of divination more precise than coin flips in this magical world. Holding it steady, he focused his thoughts.
"Is there danger for me in this class?" he whispered.
The pendulum began to move, swinging in a slow, clockwise motion. Yes, but the danger seemed light.
"For my friends?"
Again, a clockwise motion, but slightly faster. Yes, with perhaps a bit more risk.
"For the other students?"
This time, the pendulum swung clockwise with moderate speed. Yes, with a medium level of danger.
Ron and Hermione exchanged worried glances as Harry whispered his questions, watching the pendulum's movements intently.
"Well?" Ron asked nervously.
"There's danger," Harry said grimly. "Light for me, a bit more for you two, and medium for the other students."
Hermione bit her lip. "Harry, how do you know these things? It's been happening more and more lately."
Harry took a deep breath, realising this was a crucial moment. "I... I've been having visions," he said carefully. "Glimpses of possible futures. I'm not always sure what they mean, but I'm learning to trust them."
Hagrid's voice boomed across the grounds. As they approached the paddock, Harry noticed Malfoy nearby, sneering as usual.
"Alright there, Harry?" Hagrid called, giving him a friendly wave.
"Yeah, Hagrid," Harry replied with a smile, but his mind was still focused on the possible dangers ahead. "We're ready for class."
"Good, good," Hagrid said, beaming. "Got a special treat for yeh today."
Hagrid introduced the Hippogriffs, giving detailed instructions on how to approach them. Remembering his 'seer acting method,' Harry decided to take action. He approached Malfoy, his voice low but firm.
"Malfoy, a word of warning. Whatever creature Hagrid brings, show it respect. Don't do anything foolish."
Malfoy's eyes narrowed. "What are you on about, Potter?"
"Just trust me on this," Harry insisted, then turned away.
As Hagrid brought forward Buckbeak, Harry tensed, ready to intervene if necessary. Despite his earlier warning, he noticed Malfoy's eyes gleaming with malice.
"I bet you're not dangerous at all, are you?" Malfoy sneered, approaching Buckbeak despite Harry's earlier caution. "You great ugly brute—"
"Malfoy, no!" Harry shouted, but it was too late.
Buckbeak reared up, his sharp talons slashing through the air. Malfoy's scream pierced the afternoon as the Hippogriff's claws caught his arm, tearing his robes and leaving a nasty gash.
Chaos erupted. Hagrid wrestled Buckbeak back into his collar. Malfoy lay on the ground, blood blossoming on his sleeve.
"I'm dying!" Malfoy yelled as the class panicked. "It's killed me!"
As Hagrid carried Malfoy to the hospital wing, the remaining students turned to stare at Harry.
"You knew," Hermione whispered, her eyes wide. "You tried to warn him."
Ron nodded vigorously. "Blimey, Harry. First the pendulum, then the warning to Malfoy. It's like you saw it all before it happened."
Hagrid, trying to calm the class, turned to Harry. "Harry, why don't yeh show 'em how it's done? Buckbeak trusts yeh."
Harry nodded, stepping forward. He bowed deeply to Buckbeak, waiting for the creature to respond. After a tense moment, Buckbeak bowed back, allowing Harry to approach.
"Good lad," Hagrid said, grinning. "Now, climb on up. Show 'em a proper ride."
Harry mounted Buckbeak with care, feeling the powerful muscles beneath him. With a beat of Buckbeak's wings, they soared into the sky. The sensation of flying was exhilarating. The wind whipped through his hair, and the castle and grounds spread out below them like a living map.
For a few minutes, all his worries melted away. There was nothing but the thrill of the flight and the bond he felt with Buckbeak. He leaned forward, feeling the rhythm of Buckbeak's wings, the world blurring around him.
As they descended, Harry felt a deep sense of joy and freedom. Landing gracefully, he patted Buckbeak's neck. "Thank you," he whispered, a genuine smile on his face.
As they walked back to the castle, the whispers around them grew louder. Students were openly pointing and discussing Harry's apparent prophetic abilities and his impressive flight.
"Harry," Hermione said, her voice a mix of awe and concern, "your predictions are becoming more and more accurate. It's not just little things anymore. You foresaw a potentially dangerous situation and tried to prevent it."
Ron nodded in agreement. "Yeah, mate. It's like you've got some sort of... I don't know, Seer power or something. It's bloody brilliant, but also a bit scary."
Harry felt the weight of their gazes and the responsibility of his knowledge. The timeline was changed again, and this time he was actively contributing to those changes. But now, the consequences of his actions—and inactions—were becoming clearer and more significant.
Harry thought he could see the fate that does not mean he can control the fate.
At that time, for the first time, Harry felt the clear sign of the Seer potion digestion.
Harry thought, “So, this is how potion digestion feels!”
As they entered the castle, the trio fell into a thoughtful silence. Harry could almost see the gears turning in Hermione's head, knew she'd be researching Seers and prophetic abilities as soon as she could get to the library. Ron, for his part, looked both impressed and slightly unnerved.
Harry made a silent vow to himself. He would use his unique position to shape this world for the better, but he needed to be more careful. The future was changing, and his actions had real, sometimes dangerous consequences. Whatever came next, he knew he was no longer just a passenger in this story. He was becoming its author, for better or worse.