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It did indeed bruise. This morning, as Josephine prepares herself, she opts for a short-sleeved top and discovers the bruise. Given the heat of the summer day, wearing long sleeves would only make her sweaty and uncomfortable. Josie decides to bring a jacket and hopes to keep it on her arm throughout the trip.
She grabs her bag and puts some money in it. Her parents usually provide her with an allowance, so if she spends it all on this outing, she won't receive any more until they send her money.
"Ready to go?" Dorcas calls out from near the door. Josie nods, and they head out to meet Pandora in the common room.
Eventually, they join the boys and make their way to McGonagall, who will collect their permission forms before they walk to Hogsmeade.
Josie hands McGonagall her permission slip and waits for her other friends. Friends? She hasn't realized they were considered friends, but her brain seems to have made that decision for her.
With a light smile directed at everyone, they set off for Hogsmeade. Josephine stays towards the back while the others engage in conversation. However, Regulus slows his pace to walk beside her.
"Josephine," he calls.
She twists a ring on her finger before adjusting her jacket to cover the bruised area. "Regulus," she responds.
Tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "Are you truly planning to visit only the bookshop and the Three Broomsticks?" Regulus squints his eyes against the sun as he asks.
"Yes, maybe Honeydukes as well, but it's unlikely," she replies. Josephine rarely goes into Honeydukes, despite her fondness for sweets she just...preferred not to go in there.
Regulus nods, and they continue in silence until they reach the village.
They all agree on a designated time to meet at the Three Broomsticks, bidding each other farewell as some venture off in pairs.
Josie immediately heads to the bookshop and greets the owner with a friendly wave, as she is somewhat acquainted with them.
The reason she always makes this store her first stop is due to her always having to walk around the store many times, knowing it will take a considerable amount of time.
Her eyes are immediately drawn to a special edition of Pride and Prejudice. "Oh my Merlin," she whispers in awe as she examines the exquisite cover. It is undeniably beautiful. Josie is aware that she already owns two other copies of Pride and Prejudice, but this particular edition is simply irresistible. Clutching it to her chest, she ventures further into the store.
As she peruses the shelves, Josie can't resist adding numerous more books to her growing stack. Balancing them precariously in her arms, she struggles to maintain her grip. Just as she is about to head to the counter to pay, her gaze lands on a copy of Little Women resting on the top shelf. Merlin, she is choosing books she already has, but this one happens to be a special edition hardcover.
