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As Josie admires her freshly painted black nails, courtesy of Pandora, she waits for them to dry near the black lake with her friends. Barty and Evan are up to their usual flirting antics, while Pandora focuses on painting Regulus's nails. Dorcas is notably absent, busy with quidditch practice.
"Hold still," Pandora mutters to Regulus, who protests playfully. Josie notices the wind bothering Pandora's hair, so she kindly fixes it, earning a grateful smile from her.
While they enjoy their time together, Dorcas suddenly appears, running towards them in her quidditch uniform, gasping for breath. Josie is curious about the urgency and raises her eyebrows in question.
"Dorcas?" Josie inquires.
Dorcas signals for a moment to catch her breath. Barty takes a sarcastic jab at her, suggesting she should be in better shape due to her quidditch practice, and Dorcas playfully responds with a middle finger, causing Josie to laugh. However, her laughter fades as Dorcas finally speaks about the reason for her rush.
"Davian is spreading rumors about you," Dorcas reveals, her eyes filled with concern.
"What type of rumors?" Josie asks, her friends' attention now fully focused on Dorcas.
Dorcas seems hesitant, but Josie pleads for her to tell the truth.
"He's saying that you slept with him and that he won a bet that the Ravenclaw team had," Dorcas explains.
"A bet?" Josie stutters, her mind trying to grasp the full picture.
Regulus, Barty, and Evan exchange glances, but Josie ignores them, focusing on Dorcas for an answer.
"A bet on who could take your virginity first," Dorcas reluctantly discloses.
"That little bitch," Pandora mutters, showing her support.
Josie's mood shifts from sadness to anger, finding the situation incredibly cruel.
"Are you alright?" Evan asks, concerned for her well-being.
Josie remains silent, her emotions swirling with anger towards entitled men and the unjust rumors being spread about her.
"Jo?" Pandora calls out, and Josie looks up, her mind clearly preoccupied.
"I have to go," Josie hastily packs her belongings into her bag.
"Are you alright?" Regulus reaches out to touch her hand lightly.
"I'm fine, actually, I have a plan," she smirks, feeling determined.
"Dorcas, come with me." She links her arm with Dorcas's, and they start walking together.
"So you heard him talking about it today?" Josie raises an eyebrow at Dorcas.
"Yes, but he said that it happened a few days ago, so I'm guessing he's already told everyone," Dorcas replies, concerned.
