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"Seriously, it's okay," Josie reassures Alora and Karina. The two of them have been invited to a party tonight by some of Alora's old Hogwarts friends.
Though Alora is hesitant to leave her, Josie assures her that she will be fine.
After a few more moments of discussion, they finally agree and leave the house.
Josie settles back onto the bed, letting out a sigh. It had only been last night that she encountered Tom Riddle and somehow managed to provoke him, she thinks.
She mulls over the unexpected offer he has presented her with – to become a spy. The only person she feels remotely close to on the light side is Dorcas, but even then, Dorcas is primarily concerned with protecting her parents.
Perhaps she can find a way to twist Riddle's proposal to her advantage. She'll agree to become his spy, but only if he can guarantee the safety of her friends.
The sense of betrayal she feels from her family is still fresh. Maybe, just maybe, aligning herself with him won't be as terrible as it seems.
Of course, she'll need to confide in Helena about this. Josie is resolved to keep Dumbledore out of the loop. As for Occlumency...she'll figure it out.
Being a spy isn't a prospect that sends shivers down her spine, or so she tells herself.
Suddenly, her window slides open, the movement jolting her given the proximity of her bed. In reflex, she yelps and hurls a pillow at the intruder.
"What's your deal?" Tom's voice cuts through the surprise as he looks up from the window.
"Why are you coming through my window?!" Josephine demands, creating some distance between herself and the window. "Don't put your shoes on my bed"
"You're concerned about shoes on the bed?" He asks incredulously, maneuvering himself through the window.
"Could you be a bit more considerate?" She sighs, relieved that he finally planted his feet on the floor.
"Why are you here?" Arms crossed, she confronted him.
"Can't I pay you a visit?"
"You saw me last night," she says, rubbing her temple with her hand. "Do you expect me to make a decision already?"
He evades her question, his gaze wandering around the room before locking back onto her. "Who did that?" He gestures to her face, causing her to notice just how tall he is.
He practically towers over her, forcing her to tilt her head back to meet his eyes. In an odd way, she finds herself admiring his attractiveness, despite his dark demeanor. It's surprising how appealing he can be for a dark lord, she thinks, recalling the classic allure of villains.
"Josephine?" His voice snaps her out of her thoughts.
Fingers brush against the cut on her face. "My father," she replies, avoiding the complexity of her relationship with him.
