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September 1st, 1976.
Josephine Potter, now entering her fifth year at Hogwarts, sits on the sofa in the Potter mansion, awaiting her family.
With each passing minute, her lip twitches, a manifestation of her anxiety. It seems to be the driving force behind her early rise, as she contemplates the day ahead.
This year, Josie got the position of prefect, much to her parents' delight. While she shares their happiness, the added responsibilities weigh heavily on her. With a multitude of classes to attend and the looming O.W.L exams, she finds herself burdened with responsibility again.
Sadly, it seems that no one truly cares about her feelings or opinions, particularly her family. Although her mother listens to her more, her father unconsciously distanced himself from Josie after she was sorted into Ravenclaw. The situation got worse as James, her own brother, falsely accused her of befriending Slytherins. In reality, she barely knew them, the only one she kind of knew was Barty even then they aren't close. It pains Josie to realize she lacks close friendships, apart from Dorcas. Merlin, how she missed Dorcas this summer.
Her brother's newfound interests with his friends after his first year at Hogwarts further strained their once-close bond. Josie can't help but feel that her getting sorted into a different house contributes to their growing distance.
"Hey there, little Potter," Sirius Black greets, descending the stairs and playfully tousling her hair. Having sought refuge at the Potter mansion after escaping his own home, Sirius is a presence Josie can tolerate, except for his tendency to fuel her brother's mischievous nature. Additionally, she finds it weird that he flirts with her, considering her suspicion that his heart belongs to Remus.
"Touch my hair again, and I will make sure they never find your body," she replies, smiling sweetly at him.
"Scary Potter this morning, eh?" Sirius retorts, proceeding to the kitchen to prepare a bowl of cereal.
"Padfoot!" James calls out from upstairs.
"What is it, Prongs?" Sirius responds, bringing his bowl of cereal to the couch and sitting down to eat.
"I didn't know where you were," James's muffled voice comes from the stairs. Josie turns her head toward him, noticing her brother standing at the top of the staircase, toothbrush in his mouth, still clad in pajamas.
"Finish brushing your fucking teeth, James," Josie snaps.
James rolls his eyes and retreats to the bathroom.
"Don't be mean to Prongs," Sirius teases, reclining into the sofa.
Those infuriating nicknames. Josie knows about them being animagi and Remus being a werewolf, even though they never explicitly told her. The nicknames practically give it away, along with Remus conveniently falling ill every month and visiting his "sick" mother. How obvious can they be?
