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TW. Mention of eating disorders, not really sure on what to name this.
"I can't believe you're actually willing to come to a party," Dorcas's voice drifts in from outside the bathrooms.
"It doesn't matter, Dorcas. I probably won't stay long," she replies, struggling to button her pants. She frowns down at her favorite pair, noticing they are getting snug. Stop eating. You indulged too much yesterday. That's why.
Shaking her head, she sighs. The pants still fit, just a bit more snugly.
Once she finishes, she meticulously fixes her hair before finally opening the bathroom door.
"Are you ready to go?" Dorcas asks, briefly pausing in her shoe-tying.
Josie nods and begins adorning herself with her rings and the necklace Regulus had gifted her. Together, they leave their common room with Pandora.
Pandora is fussing with her hair as they walk.
"You look absolutely stunning, Pandora," Josie compliments as they stroll along.
Pandora lets out a sigh. "Xenophilius will be there. I'm nervous."
"Well, you look incredible, and if he doesn't see that, I might just have to push him from the astronomy tower. I'd be shocked if he didn't find you beautiful."
Pandora chuckles. "I don't doubt that you would push him, Josie. And thank you."
She gives Pandora a warm smile.
Minutes later, they arrive at the Slytherin common room entrance. Evan stands there, taking a drag from his cigarette.
"Is that weed?" Dorcas raises an eyebrow.
Evan smirks. "Yep. The Hufflepuffs sell it."
Josephine shakes her head with a laugh. She dislikes muggle cigarettes the most—their smell is unbearable. The weed ones aren't as bad, although, upon reflection, maybe they aren't great either. She hasn't been close with many people who indulge in getting high.
Evan speaks the password, and they enter the common room.
The music blares loudly. "I see Marlene. Bye, guys," Dorcas hurriedly excuses herself.
"I'll take you to Regulus," Evan offers. He gestures for Pandora and Josephine to follow him, and they do.
Regulus is seated in a corner of the sofa, engaged in conversation with another Slytherin. His face bears a meticulously crafted facade, playing the role he is expected to.
Evan glances at the other boy Regulus is talking to. "I'll handle him, so you can have a moment with Regulus."
"Oh, no, it's okay," she begins to say, but Evan is already on his way to the sofa. Evan leans down to whisper something to the other boy, and soon enough, the boy stands up and departs. Regulus shoots Evan an amused glance.
