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Josephine steps onto the train platform, taking deliberate, calming breaths. She reassures herself that everything is under control, determined not to succumb to a panic attack.
Navigating through the crowd of students, Josephine finally finds solace in a discreet corner. There, she absentmindedly twists her rings, granting herself a moment's respite before joining the others in the compartment, where she will maintain the façade of composure.
The memory of James's recent actions lingers, casting a shadow over her day. His words and actions have managed to dampen her spirits significantly.
Speculating about James's motives, she ponders what he might have disclosed to others. His conversation weighs on her mind, leaving her in a state of uncertainty.
Abruptly, a voice pulls her from her thoughts. Startled, she looks up to find Regulus before her.
"Josephine?" he inquires, concern evident in his furrowed brows.
She manages a forced smile. "Regulus."
He studies her, his eyes reflecting a mix of emotions. The gray of his eyes appears to possess a newfound hint of blue.
"You ran away?" he remarks, seeking an explanation.
"He must've told you," she replies, confirming her assumption.
Regulus nods subtly. "You didn't mention it in your letters."
With a shrug, she dismisses the omission. "It didn't seem relevant."
"Josephine," he says, his tone tinged with frustration.
Attempting to articulate her feelings, she takes a steadying breath. "Honestly, it just...didn't seem important."
"Didn't seem important?" Regulus echoes, clearly not satisfied.
She nods, her acknowledgment carrying a mixture of conviction and uncertainty.
A sigh escapes Regulus. "Is you running away linked to the cut on your face?"
Instinctively, her hand rises to touch the cut's tender skin.
"Maybe," she admits, her voice soft.
"What happened?" Regulus probes, his hand poised to brush aside the hair concealing the wound.
Her hesitation lingers for a moment before she divulges, "My father threw something at me."
Silence hangs between them momentarily.
In her nervousness, she begins to ramble. "But it's fine, really. It's not a big deal. Running away was perhaps a bit of an overreaction..."
Interrupting her spiral, Regulus interjects, "Josephine, you don't have to explain to me. Just tell me everything when we're back at Hogwarts, alright?"
She nods in agreement.
"Now, let's head back before Evan complains about being neglected," he proposes, prompting a laugh as they make their way towards their compartment.
Before leaving, Regulus turns and offers a compliment, "Your hair looks nice."
Grinning, she thanks him, "Thank you."
Entering the compartment, they join their friends, who are already seated and engaged in conversation.
"Josette!" Evan greets, he gives her a quick hug. "How was your break?"
"So good!" Josie says sarcastically.
Settling in beside Regulus, Josephine occupies the window seat. The group chats about their respective holidays.
Dorcas's somber tone cuts through the cheerful atmosphere. "There have been more attacks on Muggle families, as reported in the papers."
Josephine can't help but tense at the mention of such dark events. Her internal struggle is apparent, a reminder of the tightrope she walks as a spy.
Assuring her friend, she says, "Your family will be safe, Dorcas."
Though Dorcas accepts her reassurance with a nod, Josephine knows that more is at stake. To protect those she cares about, she has to navigate the path of being a spy.
~~~
Dumbledore's speech concludes, and Josephine's attention returns to her table.
Amidst the crowd, she can't help but notice James's persistent gaze fixed upon her. Unlike Sirius, who makes an effort to mask his curiosity, James's stares are unsettlingly direct.
Oddly, she finds herself becoming the subject of Dumbledore's intermittent glances as well, his eyes straying in her direction every few minutes.
The realization prompts her to recollect her resolve to terminate the occlumency lessons. Those sessions have to be brought to a close.
Simultaneously, her thoughts revolve around the pressing matter of Tom Riddle. She has to learn more about him, even if it means devising clever strategies during their meetings.
The prospect is daunting, undoubtedly, but Josephine is resolute. Uncovering the truth of what he wants exactly requires a lot of tricks, but her determination outweighs the challenges ahead.
