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Josephine finishes blending her blush and steps back from the mirror, exhaling softly.
Today's plan involves a trip to Hogsmeade. Pandora is attempting a new hairstyle in the bathroom, but Josie can tell by the sounds that it isn't going well. A quick glance confirms her suspicions.
Pandora frustratingly bangs her head with a hairbrush. Without hesitation, Josephine intervenes, taking the hairbrush from her. "Let me do it, you're going to give yourself a headache."
"Thank you," sighs Pandora in relief.
All Pandora is attempting are some braids, but Josephine, not particularly adept at braiding, attempts to sort out the tangled mess caused by Pandora's agitation with the brush. Josie empathizes; she often finds herself in similar hair-related dilemmas.
After untangling Pandora's hair, Josephine manages to braid a few pieces surprisingly well.
"Done," Josephine announces, stepping back. "You look gorgeous, as always."
Pandora chuckles. "Thanks, Jo."
Josephine smiles back before leaving the bathroom.
Sitting on the bench by her bed, she slips on her black boots. Dorcas is with Marlene, so she and Pandora have decided to get ready together. Thankfully, it isn't too warm outside, allowing her to wear a long-sleeve shirt paired with a skirt and tights.
Her gaze wanders to her bedside table, where the flowers Regulus had given her still sit.
"Ready to go?" Pandora stands at the door.
"Yeah," Josephine replies, grabbing her bag, and they leave the room together.
Passing several groups of girls in the hallway, they descend the stairs, exit the common room, and head towards the Hogwarts' doors.
Then, a reminder strikes her—tomorrow is James' birthday.
She pushes the thought away quickly; she doesn't want to dwell on it.
"Jo?" Pandora's voice interrupts her thoughts.
"Hm?" Josephine turns to her friend.
Pandora furrows her brows. "Are you okay?"
Confused, Josie responds, "I'm fine, are you?"
Pandora offers a small smile. "Yeah, I just... I don't want things to change between us when..."
When the dark side grows stronger, when she's coerced into joining the Death Eaters.
Josephine has made sure that Tom will not let them join. If he wants information and the necklace that she's pretty sure he wants, she's certain he will not press them to join the ranks of the Death Eaters.
She is aware that the approaching year and the summer leading up to their seventh year might be the point at which they're pressured into joining.
"It's okay, Pandora. Even if circumstances change, we'll always be friends," Josephine reassures her.
