Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
"Where's Josephine?" Regulus whispers to Dorcas from the Slytherin table.
"Right here," Josephine replies, sitting down at the Ravenclaw table for lunch. She can't hide her exhaustion; it's Friday, and she has double Potions today. Unaware of the assigned essay, she has spent the entire morning working on hers. During every break, she diligently pulls out the essay and continues working.
Evan notices her tired state and raises a brow. "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine," Josephine replies, picking up her cup of coffee and downing it.
Everyone's eyebrows shoot up in surprise.
"Are you sure you're alright?" Pandora asks, placing a hand on her arm.
"Yes, I'm fine. Just tired," Josephine assures them, though it's a lie. She has lost count of the number of cups of coffee she has consumed that day and has no idea where they keep coming from.
She takes a small portion of food and eats it slowly.
"Where are you guys planning to go during Hogsmeade tomorrow?" Josephine changes the topic, directing the attention away from herself. Everyone starts discussing their plans, mostly centered around visiting the various shops and ending the day at the Three Broomsticks.
Regulus, however, glances at Josephine and asks, "And where are you planning to go, Josephine?"
"Probably just the bookshop and then the Three Broomsticks," Josephine replies, knowing all too well that she will likely spend more money than she should at the bookshop. But hey, who cares?
"Don't you still have like 10 unread books?" Dorcas questions.
"Shhh," Josephine hushes her, placing a finger to Dorcas's lips. "Let's not bring up the unread books."
A smile spreads across Josephine's face. She cherishes how close she is becoming with this group of friends.
"Anyway, I have to go. I'll see you all later," Josephine announces, picking up her bag and heading out.
She makes her way back to the library, hoping to finish up her essay before the next class. As she walks, she absentmindedly picks at her nails. Upon entering the library, she finds an empty seat and takes out her essay.
"Properties of Moonstone," the title stares back at her. It's a struggle to gather her thoughts and put them into words.
Suddenly, someone sits down across from her. Josephine looks up, a strand of hair falling into her face, which she quickly pushes back. "Regulus?"
"Josephine," Regulus greets, his Slytherin uniform slightly disheveled.
"What are you working on?" Regulus leans forward in his seat, asking with genuine interest.
"Oh, just this Potions essay I forgot about," Josephine admits, reluctant to confess that she forgot about it. It makes her feel... weak, acknowledging her imperfection. She always strives for perfection.
Regulus's eyebrows arch in surprise.
"You barely ate lunch," he remarks, steering the conversation away from the essay.
She is taken aback. He actually noticed?
Clearing her throat, she tries to shake off the shock and regain her composure. "I have to finish the essay," she replies, determined to focus on her task.
Regulus exhales softly. "Do you want help?" he offers.
A part of her wants to accept his offer, to let someone lighten her load for a change. But she hesitates and replies, "No, I can handle it myself. Thank you, though."
Glancing back at her essay, she realizes the bell has rung, signaling the end of the break.
"Shit," she mutters under her breath, hastily gathering her belongings.
"I'll see you in Potions," she informs Regulus before swiftly exiting the library.
Her next class is Ancient Runes, a subject she enjoys. With any luck, she can make some progress on her essay before Potions class.
~~~
She manages to finish the essay just in time before Potions class.
As Josephine makes her way to the Potions classroom, she accidentally bumps into someone. It's Severus. While she had no personal issues with him, her opinion of him changed when he used a derogatory slur against Lily.
"Sorry," she mutters, attempting to move past him.
To her surprise, he grabs her arm tightly, causing her to wince from the pain.
"Let me go," she demands, meeting his gaze defiantly.
"Tell Lily I'm sorry," he pleads.
"No, fuck you," she retorts, her anger simmering.
His grip tightens further, and her patience wears thin.
"Let me the fuck go right now!" she exclaims, her frustration reaching its peak. She prepares to defend herself if necessary.
Just as she's about to unleash a punch, he abruptly releases his grip.
"Tell her I'm sorry," he mutters before walking away without another word. Josephine looks down at her arm, where his grip has left an angry red mark.
Rolling her eyes at his behavior, she continues on her way to the Potions class, realizing she will be arriving a bit late.
Approaching the classroom, she notices that the professor is just about to close the door.
"Sorry I'm late, sir," Josephine apologizes, entering the classroom with a sense of relief.
"Oh, it's alright, dear. Just try to be earlier next time," Professor Slughorn reassures Josephine as she walks into the classroom.
Taking her seat next to Regulus, Josephine can feel his concern. He leans in and whispers, "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine," she responds with a tight smile, determined to focus on the upcoming lesson.
"Please bring your essays to me now," Professor Slughorn instructs the class.
Josephine rummages through her bag, retrieving her essay. She hands it to the professor and then returns to her seat. She can't help but feel the weight of exhaustion. Knowing that the Hogsmeade trip is tomorrow, she realizes the importance of getting a good night's sleep.
Glancing at Josephine, Regulus seems to analyze her. She smiles at him to reassure him and he looks away. Looking down at the arm that Severus had grabbed. It's probably gonna leave a bruise.
