Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Today marks Pandora's birthday, and Josie takes great care to ensure the crystal she is going to give to her won't pose any harm.
Josephine and Dorcas linger in their dormitory, waiting for the day to progress a bit further. Pandora has expressed her desire to spend time with her friends (and her boyfriend) rather than throw a party.
"Go check on the boys and see how the cake is coming along," Josie is instructed.
Nodding in agreement, Josie leaves the dorm and heads toward the common room. Josephine and Dorcas have sent the boys to prepare a cake, intending to grant Pandora some quality time with Xenophelius.
Josephine isn't even certain if the boys are aware of Pandora's boyfriend. She can appreciate why Pandora might keep her relationship private; after all, it's her choice whether or not to disclose it.
As she makes her way through the halls toward the kitchens, something or rather someone catches her attention – Mulciber. Her throat constricts with the realization that they will soon cross paths.
She straightens her posture, walking past him with confidence, but he doesn't even spare her a glance. His own unease is apparent. As she moves beyond him, she allows herself a brief backward glance.
However, she quickly shifts her attention forward, reminding herself that she can't afford to be upset today – it's Pandora's birthday.
A few minutes later, she enters the kitchen.
"Quit your flirting for a moment and hand me the pan," Regulus orders.
"Oh, as if you don't flirt with Josette all the time," Evan retorts.
Josephine raises an eyebrow as she leans against the kitchen entrance. Barty and Evan are standing together while Regulus works at the counter.
"Just give me the pan!" he insists.
Josephine chuckles, and finally, their focus shifts to her.
"Hello, Josephine," Regulus's voice softens.
"Dorcas wanted me to make sure everything is okay," she explains as she approaches.
"It'd be great if Regulus weren't complaining," Evan remarks, leaning against a table with crossed arms.
Josephine hums as she joins Regulus, observing as he pours the batter into the pan.
"What's Pandora up to?" Barty inquires.
"She's probably with Dorcas right now," Josephine replies, not entirely truthfully.
Evan reaches out for her hair, and she pushes his hand away.
Barty laughs, and Evan attempts to touch her hair again, earning a light slap from her.
With the pan now in the oven, they have a bit of a wait ahead.
