Hermione paused, considering the right way to question the Hufflepuff girl. She glanced at the girl, who was nervously checking behind Hermione, clearly fearing Peterson's arrival. Deciding to approach gently, Hermione spoke in a calm tone.
"I was in the library, and you looked pretty shaken up. Did he do something wrong to you?"
The girl bit her lip and lowered her gaze to avoid eye contact. She shook her head in silence.
Hermione didn't fully believe her, given her tense demeanor, but decided not to press the matter directly.
"Regardless, you look upset. Do you want some company? My name is Hermione."
The girl glanced at Hermione, still a little nervous, but slowly nodded.
"Well… I heard you're smart, and I need to double-check my work."
Hermione smiled, always eager to learn more about the wizarding world. Besides, this was a chance to gain some insight into Peterson.
"Of course. What are you working on?"
The girl revealed her Astronomy book.
"I need to see if… I was right in my prediction."
That immediately made Hermione falter. She was never one to put much faith in Divination. Spending time on a subject she was skeptical of didn't sound appealing.
'However, she clearly knows something about Peterson…'
That thought was enough to convince Hermione to stay.
"I don't know much about Astronomy, but I'll do my best to help—I'm sorry, I never got your name."
The girl looked surprised, as though she had forgotten to introduce herself.
"Right. My name is Chiara."
With that, Hermione accompanied Chiara to the Great Hall, where they took seats at the Hufflepuff table. Their presence together drew curious glances—a first-year Gryffindor and an older hufflepuff, an unusual sight. Hermione ignored the looks and focused on helping Chiara with her work, hoping to learn more about this peculiar girl and her connection to Peterson.
Chiara unfurled a large parchment filled with symbols and planetary coordinates.
"What's that?" Hermione asked, astonished by the complexity.
Chiara traced her finger over the chart and pointed to a coordinate.
"These mark where the planets were located at the time of my birth. Instead of using vague predictions based on sun signs, this method uses personal star charts, which are more detailed and accurate—but only for yourself."
As she spoke, Chiara's nervousness seemed to melt away. Her passion for Astronomy shone through, and she quickly shifted from shy and hesitant to animated and talkative.
Hermione nodded, genuinely interested. This method seemed more scientific than the randomness of tarot cards or crystal balls. It reminded her of Numerology—predictable, based on patterns, which made it easier for her to accept.
"What was wrong with your last prediction?" Hermione asked, eyeing the complex charts and notes that must have taken weeks of work.
Chiara gulped and shook her head.
"I'm not sure it was wrong… I—I think I know who it was talking about, but…"
Hermione's curiosity piqued.
"I just need to recheck if I placed the planets correctly," Chiara muttered, avoiding her gaze.
Nodding, Hermione helped her scour the charts. The detailed calculations and references made the process slow, but Hermione, unexpectedly, found herself enjoying the puzzle-like nature of the work.
After some time, she leaned back with a sigh.
"I can't see anything labeled wrong."
Hermione might not have understood how to interpret the horoscope, but she could at least confirm that the planetary positions were accurately mapped. Satisfied with her assistance, Hermione finally gave in to her curiosity.
"What does your horoscope say?"
Chiara bit her lip nervously. She glanced at Hermione before finally reading the prediction aloud.
"I had to double-check with the books because… I didn't believe it."
Her fingers trembled slightly as she tapped on the page of her Astronomy book. She read her horoscope in a near whisper.
"You will be reunited with a kindred spirit today—a fated partner whose life will be entwined with your own."
When she finished, she glanced at Hermione with apprehension.
Hermione frowned, skeptical.
"Reunited? Kindred spirit? How does that describe Peterson?"
Chiara stuttered and then suddenly widened her eyes, realizing something.
"Do you… do you know that Slytherin?"
Hermione froze. She wasn't sure how to answer.
"Well, I don't know him… Gryffindors and Slytherins had joint classes this week," she replied vaguely.
Chiara's frown deepened. She traced her fingers over the parchment, pausing over the Virgo constellation—Peterson's sign.
"18th…" she mumbled, an idea sparking in her mind.
She looked up at Hermione, eyes filled with sudden urgency.
"Can you help me create a personal chart for someone born on September 18th?"
Hearing that date made Hermione pause. It was only one day before her own birthday. Her curiosity grew. Even if she dismissed Divination as nonsense, she couldn't help but wonder about her own astrological chart.
'Maybe Chiara misread the horoscope—it could be referring to someone else, not Peterson… perhaps even me?'
That small thought fueled Hermione's interest.
With both of them working together, they completed the chart much faster than before. Despite their differences in age and house, the pair found an easy rhythm. Their growing camaraderie drew more curious glances from the older students. It was unusual to see a third-year Hufflepuff and a first-year Gryffindor bonding over something so niche, especially given Chiara's usual shyness.
By the time they finished, it was nearly midday, though they hardly noticed, lost in their work.
Chiara scanned the newly formed chart, her expression shifting to one of fear.
"What does it say?" Hermione asked, hoping for some clue to Peterson's mystery.
Chiara's voice barely rose above a whisper as she read aloud.
"Forces are gathering. Your name shall be on their tongues. You must decide in whom you will place your trust…"
As she spoke, Chiara's hands trembled. The ominous words clearly frightened her, but Hermione remained unconvinced.
"Does Peterson talk about… um, human rights?" Chiara suddenly asked, her eyes wide and desperate for answers.
Hermione furrowed her brow, confused by the question, and shook her head.
"You're reading too much into this."
Chiara's face fell slightly, but she nodded slowly, forcing a small chuckle.
"Y-You're right… It's probably nothing."
She began packing her things, though her hands still shook slightly. Despite her feigned nonchalance, her mind was screaming with alarm. To her, everything in the horoscope made sense—it perfectly described Peterson. Everything, except for one detail:
"Fated partner… A Slytherin?"
Chiara let out a shaky sigh as she slung her bag over her shoulder.
"Thank you for your help."
Hermione gave her a small smile. Despite Chiara's peculiarities and her devotion to Divination, Hermione found her pleasant company—just shy and a little anxious.
"Of course. Feel free to talk to me anytime."
With that, they went their separate ways.