Trelawney's predictions

[Geoff Bannister]

No: HPFGUIDX 103170

I am in process of reading through the books again and am currently 
wading through POA at a fairly pedestrian pace. I reached the 
chapter "Talons and Tea Leaves" a day or so ago and idly began to 
look at the various predictions thrown out by Sybill Trelawney in 
their first lesson and to see what evidence there was that they were 
fulfilled. I drafted the following list.

I have indicated the page on which the comment was made (in the range 
pp.80-83 UK edition) and where there was some follow-up, if any.

(1) "You, boy," she said suddenly to Neville who almost toppled off 
his pouffe, "is your grandmother well?"
"I think so," said Neville tremulously.
"I wouldn't be so sure if I were you, dear," said Professor 
Trelawney" (p.80)

I do not see any evidence to support this being fulfilled.

(2) "By the way, my dear," she shot suddenly at Parvati 
Patil, "beware a red-haired man."
Parvati gave a startled look at Ron, who was right behind her and 
edged her chair away from him.(p.80)

Again, I do not see any evidence to support this being fulfilled. 

(3) "Unfortunately, classes will be disrupted in February by a nasty 
bout of flu. I myself will lose my voice. And, around Easter, one of 
our number will leave us for ever." (p.80)

I do not see any evidence regarding the flu but Hermione gives up on 
Divination and walks out of the class and Lavender says; "You saw her 
leaving, didn't you? Didn't you, Professor? `Around Easter, one of 
our number will leave us for ever!' You said it ages ago, Professor!" 
(p.220 "The Quidditch Final")

(4) Speaking to Lavender: "Thank you, my dear. Incidentally, that 
thing you are dreading – it will happen on Friday the sixteenth of 
October." (p.80)

We find a tearful Lavender with the others:
`"She got a letter from home this morning," Parvati whispered. "It's 
her rabbit, Binky, he's been killed by a fox."
"Oh," said Hermione, "I'm sorry, Lavender."
"I should have known!" said Lavender tragically. "You know what day 
it is?"
"Er –"
"The sixteenth of October. `That thing you are dreading – it will 
happen on the sixteenth of October!'" (p.112 "Flight of the Fat Lady")

(5) "Oh, and dear –" she caught Neville by the arm as he made to 
stand up, "after you've broken your first cup, would you be so kind 
as to select one of the blue patterned ones? I'm rather attached to 
the pink." (p.81)

Two lines further on, Neville breaks a cup.

(6) "my dear," Professor Trelawney's huge eyes opened 
dramatically. "You have the Grim"
"The what?" said Harry
..

"The Grim, my dear, the Grim" cried Professor Trelawney who looked 
shocked that Harry hadn't understood. "The giant, spectral dog that 
haunts churchyards! My dear boy, it is an omen – the worst omen - of 
death." (pp.82-83)

"
Harry saw something that distracted him completely: the silhouette 
of an enormous shaggy black dog, clearly imprinted against the sky, 
motionless in the topmost, empty row of seats." (p.133 "Grim Defeat")

(7) `"Until we meet again, said Professor Trelawney faintly, "fair 
fortune be yours. Oh, and dear – "she pointed at Neville," you'll be 
late next time so mind you work extra hard to catch up." (p.83)

Again, I see no evidence of this occurring.

Here, there are eight predictions of which four "seem" to be 
fulfilled – a 50% pass rate.

What of the others? Some appear to be trifling, Neville's punctuality 
and the flu outbreak. But what about Grandma Longbottom? And what 
intrigues me most is the red haired man. Is there anything 
significant hidden in this or is it now too far in the past or part 
of ST's "patter"? Anyone else got any thoughts? Or am I just chasing 
shadows?

I haven't been following the threads on Trelawney which have been 
doing the rounds lately, so if I have repeated questions already 
raised, my apologies.