its-sybill

[its-sybill]

Sybill sighed out a tiny huff of air. "Yes, well, it's less about which man and more about the feeling of the interaction. Not every question is, you know, an actual question. Some are traps. Some are just… existentially draining. Hopefully, you can assess who." She waved a vague hand. "But I'm sure you'll feel it. Like an internal siren, perhaps. An intuition." It amazed her that not everyone was lucky enough to have the skills she did and they were forced to be blind to their own futures. She managed to suppress a smile, picking up the next card. "Okay, next up we have… The Tower." Sybill's eyes widened almost imperceptibly, holding a dramatic beat. "Oh. Well. That's… not better. That means things are about to get...different." There were worse ways to put it, but she decided to spare that from Peter. "So maybe just avoid all men tomorrow. And large structures. And probably stairs. Might be safer to call in sick."

Peter didn't quite know how he'd end up in this situation, perhaps boredom had gotten the best of him or simply the fact that he hated to disappoint, so when offered a reading he didn't refuse. The wizard stared at Sybill as she mixed the cards, his eyes following each one as she turned them over, not understanding one bit of it. Almost lost in his thoughts, her words caught him aback, a blank expression taking over his features as she tried to make sense of it. "Wait, a man? How will I know who that man is? I work at a shop, men come in all the time and they all have questions." He cleared his throat, uncomfortable but trying to remain positive, a washed smile on his lips. "Okay, what more does it say?"

[its-sybill]

"You shouldn't feel nervous about conversations with your boss. They hired you for a reason," Sybill said, her voice attempting a casual confidence. "At the end of the day, it's never personal." It was advice she desperately needed to swallow herself, especially with the way she let the children's thoughts at her own work get under her skin. She offered a small, knowing smile across the table as she reshuffled the cards, only for them to lay out three, the third one making her brow quirk.

"First, the Ace of Pentacles," she began, tracing its outline. "Then, The Chariot." Her gaze flickered to Frank. "I sense a strong new beginning coming your way, Frank, and the Chariot absolutely shows your energy—vibrant, moving forward. But then…" Her finger landed on the third card, the Three of Swords, and her voice trailed off. A faint frown touched her lips. "This third card, it… it suggests a problem with this new addition. Something that might introduce a sharp disappointment or a difficult truth. It's… It's hard to tell the exact nature, though." Sybill looked up, meeting Frank's eyes, a strange sense of déjà vu washing over her. "Am I close?

Sybill had... personality. Frank couldn't deny that. She was a kind of person that took some getting used to. But she was kind. And she meant well. Plus, she could easily get messages along to Dumbledore. So he could stomach some time in Puddifoot's and a card reading. He didn't even mind the card reading portion. "Hopefully the person's not my boss, that could get a bit awkward. What's the next one say, then?"

[its-sybill]

Sybill eyed the woman across the table and shuffled the deck again, offering a small smile. It was clear that something was troubling her and already the first drawing of cards didn't sit well. That could sometimes happen when the person didn't have their mind set on something before the cards were drawn or it didn't match with what they were looking for. "Someone you might already know. A friend. He might call upon you for help or ask you a question. Just tread carefully before saying yes."

Perhaps it was a crisis of sorts or a sort of desperation to gain control back over her life with any means necessary. Perhaps it was something else altogether. Estelle would have been entirely unable should anyone actually bother to ask. “Right, it doesn’t matter. I just need things to look up.” The witch glanced down at the cards. No, normally she wouldn’t be caught dead around someone like Sybill, given that she had a sort of reputation. An oddball, to a large degree.

“Do those cards say who? I can’t be avoiding anyone who asks things.” Estelle let out a sigh. How was she supposed to avoid questions from a man, any man, when she was working a stead job in the ministry with plenty of questions hailing down on her every single day? - @its-sybill

[its-sybill]

"This is someone you already know. Someone tall, dark hair will ask you a question this week specifically. Would you like me to draw more cards either for work, personal, or romantic? Perhaps that could provide more answers for you," Sybill asked, already shuffling the deck. "Oh, I wouldn't worry too much of your future, I've already been given a good impression of you."

"A man? Any man? Or a specific one, Syb?" It was a broad answer and Greta hoped that her friend would be able to narrow it down, at least a little bit. As not answering any questions she got asked by any man for an entire day might prove to be a bit... well impossible. "You're right. Hopefully the next one's better. Tell me, what does my future hold?"

[its-sybill]

Sybill frowned at Charity, thinking that while there were some professors over a certain age limit, it shouldn't disqualify them from being friends of hers. In fact, there was a chance that because of their age, they were lonelier than they would be willing to admit. "I think my chances are better than some others. Imagine being given a raincheck by Flitwick for a drink. I don't think I'd be able to see him again." Sybill was thankful her friend was there or she would be the one drinking alone. Perhaps that was her fate, but she knew what her fate was, a reading that she wouldn't share with just anyone. "A cat would at least encourage a new set of skills. You can still dress them up like a baby if they allow you. My cat has a low tolerance. Oh, that is true, she did do us a favor with that one. Now let's hope other pureblood women can follow through and realize their futures don't have to be so, well, grim."

Their conversations would probably sound a little bit odd to any passer by catching a whiff of it. Sometimes it felt like they were each speaking of a different topic, but the witches understood each other quite perfectly. “Aren’t the rest of the professors too old?” The witch wondered. “Not that they couldn’t use a drink, though. You should definitely go for it, Syb.” Charity was encouraging, hoping things would smooth out for her friend with time. “Ah, no, no kids whatsoever. We wouldn’t be able to have fun if you became a mother. Or if I did.” Her features contorted into a disgusted expression. “I could get a cat, I could be the cat lady.” She assessed, considering the option, perhaps a fun adventure. “I don’t know the girl, but at least we’ve been spared of attending yet another boring wedding.”

[its-sybill]

location: Madam Puddifoot's status: open to all!

"So, you were saying about your day?" Sybill asked as she shuffled the cards. It had been awhile since she had done some readings to strangers that were not under the drinking age or who's height stood beneath her waist. It was easy to read teenagers: tell them about a bad grade and they know which class, tell them about a crush and they will get excited. Everyone else was harder. Sybill swallowed back some words as the cards began to reveal a good mix of positives and negatives. "The cards don't lie I'm afraid," she grimaced but remained hopeful. "I wouldn't answer to a man who asks you a question tomorrow...or any day, but that's just me. Let's see what the next one says, hopefully something better."

[its-sybill]

I'm gonna fuck up some football players and I'm buying a gun.

[its-sybill]

Sybill carried the thought in her mind, nodding as if to convince herself it was true. She could be very helpful and that's all that she wanted to do and that's what she was doing. What was a professor if not someone who helped people every day? "I'm sure it'll get better. I should get a drink with the other professors. Maybe I can arrange an outing or perhaps even a night in my tower. I can't be known as the cat lady at the school, the children will take it and run with it. You know they can be...I think it's making me believe I shouldn't have children." Sybill hid her smile beneath another sip of wine, coughing against the tannins. "I don't think Rosier loved that poor woman. No...and perhaps it's for the best. There's probably someone out there for him. Someone who knows how to obliviate themselves after a conversation."

Charity listened carefully to her friend's words, considering them thouroughly as she didn't actually share that everyone would be someone, some people simply faded away with the years. However, she did agree only a few could be important, a distinctive quality that could be worked upon to help them flourish. "If there's anyone who can help them, it's you, my dear." She offered quite genuinely. "You're passionate about what you do and committed to it, that's no simple task. I mean, could you imagine me as a teacher?" The thought made her laugh, not a chance in the world she would be shaping young minds. "Oh, spicy, I love it. It might be working already too, the Rosier wedding was called off after all." The witch mused happily, her faith on Sybill strong as ever.

[its-sybill]

"Oh you'll be the first one I reach out to. It is too good of an opportunity to waste on a retched day, but maybe I can use it when it's more...needed," she said politely and smiled, already feeling much better next to her friend. Sybill slowly nodded her head, doing her beset to keep up with Lydia and went silent enough to finish her glass of wine. "Well, he doesn't sound like a very good person and you should only spend your life with those who want to be in it. If you share with me his birthchart, I might be able to see when his next bad day is. It's usually Thursdays for me. Or whatever day it is today." She shared a sympathetic smile with her. Sybill wasn't one for much gossip as people didn't usually tell her things. "Oh, I must be behind in the news then. I could've sworn that he was with someone. Perhaps I am only looking ahead and he will be with someone soon. If that's the case, I hope you have a good time."

"Just let me know if change your mind, because I'll totally do it." Lydia said, stubborn and loyal to the bone. At least Sybill was smiling again. It was a silly, if fairly accurate, impression. And it wasn't as if Marcus didn't care he was just... exacting. "Step-father, and yeah, loads. Less now that I stopped introducing him to people. He's not exactly what I would call super fun to hang out with. But I'm pretty sure he does care, deep down. Probably. Don't worry though, I'm always careful. Besides, Ev's not married. He was engaged, but then Alara ran off, so now he's single as can be."

[its-sybill]

Sybill sniffled as the other witch went on and she wasn't that much of a wine person. No, but she knew the difference between red and white and it was enough to get her by. The conversation went over Sybill's head and she gave a polite nod, while she reached for her glass to finish it off. "You're absolutely right. But this is probably not the best place for the 'expensive ones.' What's that saying-oh, yes, it's all going to the same place. As long as it gets the job done, I can ignore the label and vintage." Sybill poured herself another glass and nodded at the witch's if she would like her's refilled as well. "Though I'm inclined to go some place...do you have any recommendations?

It was truly tragic that Davina preferred expensive alcohol, but had to settle for the cheap stuff more often than not. It wasn't fair, but she had long gotten used to it. "I suppose if you are in the mood to get drunk, it's best to do it with the cheap stuff. I try to avoid it, it just makes me feel sick. It's truly a shame that they don't have higher standards here and start keeping some of the more expensive stuff," she sighed. Davina glanced at the other woman and then at the expectant bartender. "I'll have a martini."

[its-sybill]

The war was a filthy thing to be a part of and it didn't matter how hard Sybill tried, she would never comprehend why someone would rather choose violence and go after innocent individuals to prove their own selfish point. Sybill couldn't count how many times these inconveniences became part of her life, her friend's lives and it never did any good. Maybe it was good that she was behind the safety of Hogwarts' walls. "And leave you with a mess? Absolutely not. Tell me how I can be helpful, I insist," she said, clearly not leaving until she could at least do something productive. "They're hormonal teenagers, I'm trying not to let what they say get to my heart."

Aurora gave a small nod. "Yeah," she said quietly, still sorting through the aftermath of the other night. She hadn’t wanted to stay too late, not with Remus around. She shrugged. "I don't know. I can't imagine anything I have would appeal to anyone," she admitted. Most people hardly knew her shop existed, and she preferred it that way. "I wasn’t here when it happened. I'm fine." She hesitated, then added, "Really, I don't want to be a bother. I can finish the rest on my own." Even so, she was glad to see her friend. It had been too long. "It can't be that bad," she teased lightly, moving to stand beside Sybil. "You have to tell me everything. Are the students being nice to you?"

[its-sybill]

"It is long overdue, plus, I am glad to know someone who will have a reason to use it and I know it is in very good hands. Unfortunately, you cannot return it, but if you do not want it, please return it to me. Okay, I am done spoiling the surprise and will leave it to you," she says and claps her hands together to look over the tea menu. Sybill smiled but her negative thoughts caught in her mind like being stuck in a tight web. Dumbledore was a busy man and it seemed like Sybill saw him less and less. He wasn't in the corridors as much and even when she tried to get a moment with him, she was met with McGonagall instead. While she was a good replacement, she was one of the few who didn't think there was a future for divination at Hogwarts. "I should write them down more and owl it to him since I can't find him. And of course they listen, now I don't know if they believe me. But it shuts them up. How is your job going?"

"You’re too sweet, Syb," Pandora said warmly, truly grateful for her friend's unwavering support. She didn’t have many friends, but the few she did, she cherished with her whole heart. Inside the package she'd brought for Sybill were a few carefully chosen stones: amethyst to strengthen her visions and dreamwork, labradorite to open and protect her third eye, and fluorite to ground chaotic visions into clearer understanding. Pandora felt a quiet pride for everything Sybill had accomplished. "I’m sure he’ll listen to all your ideas, and see how much you could improve the program," she said with an encouraging smile. A soft giggle escaped her. "They actually listened to you? And believed it?" Pandora remembered all too well how cruel students could be to anyone who was different. People like her, like Sybill, the ones who didn't fit into neat little boxes, were often looked down on.

[its-sybill]

Sybill straightened back up once she was done petting the ferret and nodded happily to his answer. "It's good stimulation to challenge animals as they understand far much more than we think they do. It's also quite rare that a pet owner spends so much quality time with their pet. You can tell a lot about someone how they treat animals. You must have a special bond. I know her name, now what's yours?"

Clyde watched as Bonnie leaned into the woman’s touch, a little thrown someone actually sincerely wanted to say hi to his pet. “I’m glad it’s not just me who appreciates her.” He said as he watched them interact. “Oh, almost always. Sometimes I make it harder for her just so she’s got a bit of a challenge, you know? But she’s genuinely good at finding me.”

[its-sybill]

"Well, they're all going to be someones, but important. Important is hard to become. I can always tell when someone will be or if someone is already. There aren't any in my class, but I'm optimistic. Maybe next year there'll be someone who has that light. The gift," she nods. Sybill had her issues with a few of her classes, but the main one was that they weren't engaged. They were more worried about the war and she couldn't blame them. It was hard to focus on lessons when they knew after graduating, they'd be thrown into the madness, whether or not it was still raging on. "I cursed that the person they love would never love them back. It's a good one to use for that kind of situation. I think it was the Carrows, an Avery, and oh, Rosier."

"Look at you, shaping the minds of wizards that could end up being someone in their lives." Charity offered with a light shrug of her shoulders, giving it some serious thought. "If there's decent enough ones, those should take up your attention. The rest are a lost case already, so you'd be a great teacher if you'd instead ignored them." She gave the advice freely, dreading the idea of dealing with annoying youngsters in a classroom herself, but knowing Sybill had been enthusiastic about the job. "I do know the kind, honestly deserving of any curse. What was the one you've tailored for them?"

[its-sybill]

THE WHITE LOTUS S03E08

[its-sybill]

TAROT (dir. Spenser Cohen, 2024)

[its-sybill]

"Perhaps I might have to strongly consider it. Their faces would be quite nice to see..." Sybill was already picturing it but felt an instant pang of guilt when she was imagining a third year getting upset with something. Sybill would leave that to the other classes as she didn't want anyone to cry. She wouldn't know what to do with them. Lydia's act did raise a smile to her lips, enough to stop any trouble from worrying her mind. "I've never met your father but I'll assume it's pretty close. Does that happen often?" Sybill thanked the bartender and sipped from her red wine, feeling that tanins kick the back of her throat when she heard Lydia mention a name. "Oh, do be careful with that one. Isn't he...? You know," she says before dropping her tone. "Married?"

"You can't yell at them, but I totally can if I need to." Lydia insisted. She didn't like people that made her friends cry. Besides, the Board of Governors couldn't do anything to her. She really didn't like the idea of Sybill thrown out of her job. Lydia pitched her voice low and screwed her face into a scowl, "Lydia," she rumbled in her best impression of her step-father, "What disgrace have you brought into your bed today? Other people's happiness does not concern me."

She shook herself and smiled, back to her normal self again. "Oh, I'm up no good, as usual. Hanging out with Evan, since Alara left. He's been really fun."