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Josie reluctantly acknowledges her growing sense of missing Regulus. While they share most of their classes, today was filled with various distractions. However, she knows that her current focus has to shift away from Regulus.
Her immediate concern lies in preparing her discussion with Dumbledore regarding joining the Order and confessing her struggles with Occlumency. Admitting that it is challenging for her is frustrating, as she is loath to acknowledge any difficulty, even if what she will tell him will be a lie.
Learning even a small amount of Occlumency proves to be a formidable task for her, considering her typical inclination to quit something if she doesn't excel at it instantly. Her gaze drifts towards the letter she has received mere hours ago, bearing nothing more than a date and time, signed by Tom Riddle.
Clearly, Riddle has his spies within the castle, and she reluctantly admits to being one of them, though she hasn't divulged anything yet. Josie conceals the letter carefully and leaves her room, embarking on the walk to Dumbledore's office, each step feeling difficult to take.
She distracts herself by playing with her rings, desperately trying to divert her thoughts until she finally reaches the imposing door to Dumbledore's office. All that remains is to knock.
Summoning a facade of cool confidence, she raps on the door. Without hesitation, Dumbledore's voice invites her in. The door slides open, and she steps inside, finding the room unchanged.
"Hello, Sir," she greets, approaching the chair in front of his desk.
"Ah, Miss Potter, please take a seat," he offers, and Josie hides her reaction to the last name.
She can't help but wonder if Euphemia and Fleamont have shared the details of happened to anyone.
"What can I do for you, dear?" Dumbledore's inquiry prompts her to clear her throat and sit up straight, preparing for the conversation ahead.
"Well, if I'm being honest, there are two reasons," she begins, choosing her words carefully. "Firstly, I'm not sure if I want to continue with Occlumency." She observes Dumbledore's understanding nod and his reply, "It's quite challenging."
She manages to feign agreement, concealing her true feelings. Josie is skilled at maintaining a facade most of the time, preventing Dumbledore from noticing her inner frustration and desire to roll her eyes.
"Secondly," she continues, "I've thought over your offer to join the Order and discussed it with my parents. I would like to accept." She notes the surprise and a glimmer of satisfaction on Dumbledore's face, which intrigues her. Why is he so pleased with her decision? Perhaps it's because another person is willing to stand with him, even if it means risking their life.
"I'm quite happy you've decided to join, dear. I believe your family will be pleased as well," he says with a smile. "We have meetings, but the locations vary. I'll inform you about our next one."
Josie summons a fake smile. "Thank you. It's reassuring to know I'll be fighting for the right side. Have a good night, Sir," she bids him farewell.
Dumbledore nods, and she finally leaves his office, shaking off her disgust at the charade she has just performed.
It feels awful to pretend to be someone she isn't.
As she walks down the hallway, her gaze lands on a corner where Helena is lingering. She needs to speak with Helena about Tom Riddle; it had almost slipped her mind.
"Helena?" she calls out. Helena stares at her for a moment before floating off towards her dormitory. Josephine decides to follow her.
Heading back to her common room, Josephine contemplates Tom Riddle's true nature. Helena had warned her that he is bad, which is most definitely true, but she can't help but wonder why. What has Tom Riddle done? Helena would have been dead already during Tom's time at Hogwarts, and if she refuses to talk because of what Josie is doing for Tom, perhaps Josie can involve her in her own plan.
She is determined to find something on Tom Riddle, something she can use to control him. While he wants her as a spy, she senses he desires more. Being a spy is just the beginning; she needs leverage over him, something she can use when the time comes.
Pushing these thoughts aside for now, she continues her journey to her common room, her mind filled with intrigue and determination.
