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"What should I wear?" Josie ponders aloud, tossing clothes around her room.
Dorcas quirks an eyebrow. "Why the panic? We're just headed to Hogsmeade."
It had completely slipped her mind to inform Dorcas. Josie lets out a sigh and turns to face her friend.
"Oh, by the way, Regulus asked me out on a date. And, well, we also kissed."
"What!?" Dorcas exclaims, rising from the bed with widened eyes.
"Oops, sorry I forgot to tell you."
"You forgot!" Dorcas exclaims, closing the distance between them.
Josie sheepishly grins. It's the final Hogsmeade trip of the season, one of the last days before the holiday break. Josie isn't overly thrilled about going home. She knows she could stay at Hogwarts, but that would disappoint her mom.
"Well then, just make sure you stay warm. It's cold out there," Dorcas advises once her initial shock subsides.
"Right," Josie murmurs. She knows her friends are there for her, but she often prefers handling things independently. Besides, others' advice isn't always spot-on.
After thoughtful consideration, Josie settles on a pair of black pants, a cozy blue sweater, and a long black coat. She also remembers to bring her gloves. Josephine's nerves are getting the best of her, bordering on a potential panic attack.
Perhaps today isn't the ideal time for a date, considering the imminent departure. No, she needs to stop those thoughts. Regulus has asked her out, and she's going to go.
"Ready to go?" she says to Dorcas.
Dorcas returns her smile, and they set off on their journey. The outside is chilling, and the anticipation of Christmas is in the air. Josie wonders if any of her friends will remain at Hogwarts during the holiday break.
They reach the doors where Professor McGonagall stands. Josie offers a smile before stepping out into the snow, headed towards their group of friends.
Her gaze immediately seeks Regulus (as usual). Naturally, he looks stunning. His aesthetic blends seamlessly with the season.
"You're practically drooling," Dorcas teases with a chuckle.
"Shut up!" Josie playfully nudges her friend's shoulder.
"You two are the only straight couple I approve of," Dorcas remarks.
Josie gives her a teasing look. "Technically, he hasn't asked me to be his girlfriend."
Dorcas rolls her eyes. "Well, he better ask you soon."
Josie's laughter resonates as they finally join their circle of friends.
A warm smile graces Regulus' lips as he instinctively draws closer to her.
Exchanging knowing glances, their friends subtly retreat, leaving Josie and Regulus with their own quiet space, as though orchestrating an unspoken plan to grant them more time together.
