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Josephine lets out a weary sigh as she turns the corner, her steps leading her back to her dorm for the night, a wave of exhaustion washing over her. Yes, she is skipping dinner again, but who cares? Though deep down, she does care, but... whatever.
In the next moment, she feels someone collide with her, prompting a quick, "Sorry," from her lips before she recognizes the person.
"Evan?"
Evan appears visibly upset, struggling to hold back tears as he wipes his eyes and manages a forced smile.
"Hey, Josette. I - I gotta go, I'll see you later -"
Josephine catches his arm, concern etching her features. What has happened? Has someone hurt him?
Evan sighs shakily, and before he can speak, she steers him towards a nearby corner. Sensing he doesn't want to break down in front of strangers, she leads him to a secluded passageway, a dead end.
Josephine knocks twice at a specific spot, causing a stone door to swing open. She guides Evan inside, closing the door behind them.
"What happened?" she asks with genuine worry.
"It's," Evan begins, wiping his eyes hurriedly, the redness becoming more pronounced. "Barty said something."
Josie guides them both to the ground and furrows her brow. Evan, with his tousled blonde hair and those ever-bright blue eyes, now dimmed.
"He told me he wishes I was a girl," Evan whispers.
Her eyebrows raise, she knew homophobia was very present in life, especially among wizarding families. She doesn't blame Barty for having those thoughts.
Evan wipes under his eyes, and Josie whispers, "You can cry, you know. It's just me."
His eyes well up once more, and though physical touch isn't her usual comfort, she envelops Evan in a hug. Josephine gently rubs his back as his tears soak her shoulder.
For a few minutes, they say nothing, until Evan pulls back. "Thank you, Josette," he mutters.
She gives him a small smile, then stands and takes his arm. "Come on, let's go to dinner."
Leaving the concealed passageway behind, they walk to the dining hall together, even if they're running late to dinner.
Josie can't help but wish that Evan was her actual brother, though the thought makes her feel guilty.
Well, everything makes her feel guilty. Josephine yearns for a moment of respite from her ceaseless thoughts.
~~~~~
Sorry for all the short chapters recently, I've been tired. ALSO this chapter like...does not make sense omg..im rereading it the next day wtf was I writing last night?? HAHAHA
