Natalia Hall

“Not a bad philosophy, if I’m honest,” Elijah laughed, “I mean, I wouldn’t listen to me if I were you.”

“And why exactly is that?”

“Wow, a whole giftcard,” he laughed. “Nah, it was some chick back there. She insisted she was something like that, but to be honest, she looked like a giant deflated balloon, so I dunno if you have anything to worry about, really.”

“Oh thank god. It was a bitch to make this costume.” Nat sighed a breath of relief.

“I don’t know if that would stop.” Hunter laughed, “I’d probably join them, but my days of indulging are long over. For some reason, people expect me to be an adult or something like that.”

“Oh, no, I lead the students there. We go on missions.” Nat was exaggerating just a bit, of course. “Adulting is boring, just be a crazy kid for the rest of your life and you’re fine.”

He raised an eyebrow when she trailed off and shrugged. “Halloween’s not really my thing, professor. I just show up for the food.”

“I showed up here because I heard there was a costume contest and you got a 3 broomsticks gift card for winning.” Nat nodded. “So who’s this other person I look like? I thought I was the only crystal ball.”

"It is going to rain in four minutes, class. Start your timers...now.” Natalia spoke to her class, deciding that today would be a good day to show off. She had grown lazy with her course, and it was apparent that the students were growing even lazier. 

Natalia continued instructing the students on how to properly read their crystal balls. “If you clutch the balls like so,” Nat said, grabbing onto a ball with both hands, letting herself relax for a minute before looking into it. She saw an image, but forced herself to look away. “You can better channel your energy through your arms and out of your palms and fingers. It is not the ball that has the ability to glimpse into the future, it is you.” Nat instructed. 

Her long, layered, dress billowed behind Nat as she approached the window, her silver jewelry faintly reflecting the weak sun. As a cell phone alarm went off, the first few drops of rain began to fall. By the time the student had it muted, it was pouring rain. She turned around, a smile on her face. “Two minutes.” She noted. “Now get back to work. The inner eye is a gift some of you will possess, and some might just have to read the signs the fates put in our paths. Divination is a useful skill.” Nat turned away from the students once more, bending down to change out the burning incense. She sat at a table with a few of the third years, sipping a cup of tea. 

“You do not.” Ezra replied, slightly horrified at the idea. “Fair warning, they’ll hate you for it. Of course, they don’t realize, that’s the whole point. Much more satisfying that way.”

“I do, especially the story of Christmas 2002.” Nat grinned at her brother, knowing the story wouldn’t be one to be forgotten. “A lot of my students don’t take me seriously because I’m a pushover. I need them to fear me. But just a little bit.”

“Are you telling me your tea isn’t screaming ‘get away from this guy’? You sure you’re reading it right?” he joked.

“My tea is saying to enjoy the present company.” Nat laughed lightly, glancing down at the nearly empty cup. “I will listen to my tea before I listen to any man.”

“Huh,” He smiled, “Good to know should I ever want to take over a school. I mean, not that I would. That sounds way too boring.”

Nat looked behind her before shrugging. “You totally should, give the old castle a little fun. Add a little more structure so we don’t have stoned students stealing food in the middle of the night.”

Hunter laughed, “Awh third years are awful. I’m sorry you’re a teacher. Teachers should get paid so much more than what they do.” He mused, “Honestly, I’d do it if I wouldn’t get straight to the Auror’s office.”

“Honestly, we have some really sketch teachers. You wouldn’t get sent anywhere.” Nat said in a joking tone, though she knew it was true.

“Merlin, I bet you egg them on, don’t you?” He teased, nudging her with a soft smile. “It’s always fun until they get detention on the same night of their little parties.”

“Oh I do. I tell them all the stories from when we were kids.” Nat pushed back and smiled at her big brother. “That’s clever. I should do that.”

“Yeah, well. Students seem to be on their worst behavior in my classroom.” He huffed, before giving her a grin. “Yes, actually. And I’ve been doing well so far, I’ll have you know.”

“I don’t need you to tell me that, I get told enough by my students.” Nat smiled at her brother. “I actually have a few who piss you off because they think it’s fun.”

Ezra glanced up, shrugging slightly. “He deserved it. You should see him in class when he’s got all his friends around him and he thinks he’s got something to prove.” He rolled his eyes, leaning back in his chair. “Besides, I’ve got a reputation to uphold.”

“I have seen him, he’s in my class, too.” Nat raised an eyebrow. “A reputation of being a hard-ass?”

“No, I’m totally kidding.” Hunter laughed, “I haven’t made any kids disappear lately. However, I wouldn’t mind doing it if you’ve got some annoying little ones.” He smiled.

“Take the third years.” Nat said before she could stop herself. She grinned, trying to play it off as a joke. It probably didn’t work. “It’s a shame, though. I would pay to see you make obnoxious children disappear.”

“Sounds about right.” Jessica laughed. “Are you doing good?”

“Yes. The drinks are cheap and I got paid the other day. This is why I love Quidditch.”

“Oh, I’m just a little tired I guess.” Malia forced a smile. “How is work going for you? I’m starting to miss your class.”

“Okay...Do you want to sit down?” Nat waved her hand and the chair across the table pulled itself out. “Work is work, I spend half my day with third years who don’t take Divination seriously. What have you been up to?”