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Josie finishes donning her gloves, waiting for Dorcas to finish getting ready. It's Regulus, Evan, and Bartys' Quidditch game today, and the chilly weather makes Josie remember her gloves this time. Dorcas emerges from the bathroom, proudly displaying her Slytherin colors, while Josie opts for a simple green sweater.
"Let's go," Dorcas says, linking her arm with Josie's, and they make their way to the common room where they're supposed to meet Pandora.
They find Pandora by the fireplace, shivering from the cold. "Why is it so freezing already?" Pandora complains. Josie laughs and links arms with her, joining the trio on their walk to the Quidditch pitch. Just as they're nearing the doors, James intercepts them.
"Josie," he calls out, stepping in their path. His gaze shifts from Josie's green sweater to the decked-out Slytherin attire of Pandora and Dorcas.
Josie sighs. "Yes, James?"
"Can we talk?" he asks, his expression indicating a desire for privacy.
"I'm a bit busy right now. I'm on my way to the Quidditch game," Josie replies.
His eyebrows furrow. "But you hate Quidditch."
Josie narrows her eyes, annoyance evident in her voice. "I don't hate it, James. Besides, I'm there to support my friends. Now, make it quick. What do you want?"
Realizing the need for a private conversation, Josie releases her hold on Pandora and Dorcas, gesturing for them to continue without her. "Go ahead, guys. I'll join you soon," she promises. Though hesitant, her friends eventually leave.
"Now, what's on your mind, James?" Josie tilts her head, awaiting his response.
James lets out a sigh, his hands trembling slightly.
"I want you to be safe, alright? I know I can't control you, and I finally realize that now. But still, you're my sister," he says, reaching out to hold her hand. "Just promise me you'll be careful. I understand that you don't buy into the notion that all Slytherins are bad, but... I know what Dumbledore has asked of you. And even though you might not believe it, many Slytherins will align themselves with that dark wizard. I don't want you to get hurt."
Her gaze softens, and Josie reassures him, "It's okay, James. We're going to be alright and safe. I'll be cautious, I promise." She pulls him into a hug, offering him comfort. Breaking away, she gives him a smile. "Later, you'll have to tell me about you and Lily. I've noticed you two getting closer."
His face turns slightly red, but he smirks. "Of course."
Waving goodbye, Josie walks away. Her friends deliberately slow their pace, allowing her to catch up with them.
"Are you alright?" Dorcas asks.
Josie nods, and they continue towards the Quidditch pitch.
Pandora inquires, "Have you ever seen Regulus play?" as they arrive at the Ravenclaw stands to watch the game.
"Not really," Josie replies.
She takes a seat and wraps her jacket tightly around herself. Glancing down, she spots the Slytherin team.
"You know, I don't actually know much about Quidditch, even though my brother loves it," Josie admits to Pandora, leaning back.
"Really?" Pandora seems surprised.
"Yeah, it just never interested me."
After a few more moments, the game finally begins. Josie's eyes are immediately drawn to Regulus. He looks impressive, to say the least.
Remus begins commenting on the match, but Josie finds it hard to pay attention to his words. Her focus remains on Regulus as he soars through the air, searching for the Snitch.
The other players are already scoring points, with Slytherin taking the lead. Josie notices Barty skillfully launching bludgers at the opposing team.
Returning her attention to Regulus, she watches as he darts forward. Her eyebrows raise. He must have spotted the Snitch.
Suddenly, the Hufflepuff seeker also darts forward, racing alongside Regulus for the Snitch. Josie's attention shifts between them, anticipating the outcome.
Glancing at Barty and Evan, she can sense their frustration as it seems that Regulus and the Hufflepuff seeker will be locked in a gripping race for the Snitch.
The Hufflepuff team has managed to gain a higher score. Josie notices Evan's annoyed expression.
However, Regulus once again captures her attention. He's getting closer to the Snitch than the Hufflepuff seeker and reaches out to snatch it. He succeeds.
The Slytherin students in the stands erupt in joy, clapping and cheering. Remus declares the Slytherin team victorious.
Pandora and Dorcas stand up, joining in the applause. Josie smiles, her gaze fixated on Regulus as he touches down on the ground, immediately surrounded by people.
"Come on, let's go down there," Pandora suggests, and they make their way to the field.
Josie observes Regulus talking to a girl, the team captain. A peculiar feeling settles in her stomach, and she sighs, picking at her nails as they approach.
"You did so well, Reg!" Pandora exclaims, placing a hand on his shoulder. He offers her a slight smile.
"Good job," Dorcas chimes in, slinging an arm around Barty's neck. He rolls his eyes playfully.
Evan walks up to Josie. "Great job, Evan," she compliments, smiling at him. He responds with a smirk and then goes to join Barty.
Finding a moment to approach Regulus, Josie speaks up. "You did a fantastic job," she compliments as she walks closer.
He smirks in response. "Well, thank you, jolie fille,"(Pretty Girl) he teases, using the French words that only intensify the butterflies in her stomach.
"Did I meet your expectations?" he continues, leaning closer as the crowd around them begins to disperse.
Josie nods, her face practically blushing. "Absolutely," she replies, locking eyes with him.
She absentmindedly picks at her nails, trying to snap out of her dazed state. Evan approaches and wraps an arm around Regulus.
"Josette, did I meet your expectations too?" he playfully asks. Regulus rolls his eyes and pushes Evan's arm away.
She chuckles. "Absolutely, Evan."
"Good to hear," he nods.
The boys head to the changing rooms to freshen up, while Pandora, Dorcas, and Josie stroll back towards the castle. As they near their destination, Barty, Evan, and Regulus catch up with them.
"There's a party in the Slytherin common room tonight," Barty announces.
Josie's mind drifts off, lost in her thoughts as they continue walking.
"Josephine?" Regulus calls her name, pulling her attention back.
"Hm?" She turns her head to see all of them looking at her.
"Will you be there?" Evan inquires.
"Be where?" Josie tilts her head slightly. Evan chuckles, "The Slytherin party tonight."
She hesitates for a moment. "Um..."
"You don't have to go," Regulus assures her.
"I'll think about it," she decides. The idea of attending the party intrigues her, but the prospect of getting ready and socializing feels a bit exhausting.
