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Another attempt at locating the horcrux is underway.
So far she knows that one of the horcruxes is concealed within Hogwarts – specifically, the diadem.
She also knows that he has likely transformed an heirloom taken from the Gaunt family into another horcrux and concealed it. Her next objective is to discern the location of this second horcrux.
Given the limited knowledge she possesses about him, she surmises that he would have hidden it in a place that holds symbolic significance. The Gaunt family's home, after their demise, seems like a plausible choice.
The next step is to delve into research about the Gaunt family and pinpoint their residence, which might require a visit during the upcoming summer break.
Nonetheless, three other horcruxes remain unidentified.
She currently finds herself in the Room of Requirement, engrossed in books and diligently jotting down notes. One particular volume delves into the history of the Hogwarts founders, highlighting Rowena's diadem while alluding to heirlooms created by the other founders.
Helga Hufflepuff's cup and Salazar Slytherin's locket emerge as prime candidates for potential horcruxes. Given their historical obscurity, they seem to fit the profile. She meticulously documents this information.
With two possible horcruxes identified, only one remains a mystery.
Closing the book she has been reading, she stands up, albeit somewhat unsteadily. It takes a moment to regain her balance.
She props herself against the wall to clear her head and blinks rapidly, determined to push through this momentary discomfort.
Recalling the last time she ate, she realizes it was yesterday, and the lateness of the day confirms her hunch. Yet, her priority is to continue the search for the horcrux, with a clandestine trip to the kitchens on her agenda for later.
After scouring for the horcrux for an hour, she reluctantly decides to give it a rest.
Exhaling deeply, she exits the Room of Requirement and wearily makes her way towards the kitchens. Hunger and fatigue have caught up with her, though she dreads the prospect of dining with others amidst the hustle and bustle.
A familiar voice interrupts her thoughts, "Josephine?" She turns around and greets, "Hi."
Regulus approaches her, concern evident in his eyes, "Why aren't you at dinner?" she inquires.
"I was actually searching for you. I haven't seen you at any of the meals today," he responds.
She takes a moment to gather her thoughts, then says, "I'm heading to the kitchens now."
He offers to accompany her, but she hesitates, saying, "You don't have to."
"I'd like to," he says.
Josie smiles to herself, and they begin their walk to the kitchens.
Upon reaching the kitchens, Josie approaches one of the elves who seems less occupied and asks for some food. After contemplating her options, she settles on having soup.
Seated in a cozy corner of the kitchens, Josephine and Regulus wait for their food.
"Pandora's birthday is coming up, right? It's on the 24th, isn't it?" she inquires.
"Yes, it's the 24th," he confirms.
Josie lets out a thoughtful hum.
"When's your birthday?" Regulus asks.
"August 30th," she replies, at least she knows thats true, from the information she has acquired from Tom. "Yours is on June 25th, isn't it?"
Regulus furrows his brows and leans forward, puzzled. "How did you know that?"
Josie shrugs with a smile. "I can't reveal my secrets."
Regulus plays along sarcastically, "Of course not."
Their food arrives as a house elf brings it over. "Thank you," Josie expresses her gratitude to the elf, who nods before departing.
While engaging in conversation with Regulus, Josie mostly stirs her soup but does take a few bites. Regulus notices and urges her to eat more.
"Eat a few more bites," he insists. "You haven't eaten all day"
She glances at him, somewhat defiant. "You don't know that."
Regulus gives her a stern look. She sighs and obliges, taking a few more bites.
"Okay, now I'm done and need to go," she announces, beginning to tidy up her side of the table.
"Where are you going?" Regulus inquires.
"I need to study," she responds.
Regulus raises an eyebrow. "For what?"
"OWL exams," she says, her voice trailing off as she sees the look on his face. "What? They aren't that far away, and I need to review my potions notes."
"I'll help you study," Regulus offers.
"Are you sure? I don't want to bother you," she hesitates.
"I offered," he reminds her.
After cleaning up the rest of the table, they decide to go to his dorm, as there won't be anyone there, and his notes are readily available.
"What have you been doing all day?" Regulus asks, absently fiddling with a ring on his finger. His hands are hot. Stop.
Josie averts her gaze. "Oh, nothing, just reading, honestly."
"What kind of books?" he asks with a sly smirk. He knows what kind of books.
Rolling her eyes playfully, she retorts, "Oh, shut up."
"Make me," he says casually, his tone suggestive.
Her breath hitches, regardless of his intention. "Is that a request or a demand?" she teases, noting the faint flush on his face.
Unable to contain her laughter at his reaction, they make their way to the Slytherin common room, where they can discreetly access his dorm as dinner is still ongoing.
Now, they sit on his bed, surrounded by his notes.
"What ingredients are used to make Invigoration Draught?" Regulus quizzes her.
"Peppermint, honeywater," she says, biting her lip as she thinks. "Infusion of wormwood, vervain infusion, and ailhotsy leaves."
"You're missing a few, but you did well," he reassures her.
Josephine sighs in disappointment.
"Hey," he says in a gentler tone. "You're doing well. Even if you didn't study, you'd still get a good grade on your OWL exams."
"I need top grades, though," she replies, her determination shining through.
"Why?" he inquires.
Because it's whats expected of me. At least it was with Fleamont. Now it was more herself forcing her to be the best.
She hesitates for a moment, then decides to change the subject. "Come on, quiz me again."
