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Josephine trails James discreetly, her heart conflicted about playing the role of an inadvertent stalker. She yearns to convey her birthday wishes, although summoning the courage to do so is an arduous journey.
As James veers around a corner, finding a rare moment of solitude, Josephine quickens her steps behind him. "James," she calls out, the hallway devoid of any onlookers.
Turning to her voice, James arches an eyebrow, his expression shifting upon recognizing her. "Hi, Josie," he greets cautiously.
Fidgeting with her nails behind her back, Josephine approaches him tentatively. "I just want to wish you a happy birthday," her voice quivers, weighed down by recent family turmoil. She holds onto a glimmer of hope that after dealing with Tom, and if she survives, she can rebuild her bond with James.
His demeanor softens entirely. "Thank you, Josie," he responds warmly.
With a nod, she pivots, hastening away as swiftly as possible.
Retreating to her common room, Josephine grapples with a whirlwind of emotions too overwhelming to untangle.
~~~
The following day ushers in yet another meeting with the Order, signaling another encounter with Tom.
Before departing for the Order meeting, Josie covertly slips into Helena's dorm to reassure herself that the horcrux remains safely hidden. Relief floods her as she confirms its presence.
Perhaps she is becoming overly cautious.
An unnerving sensation lingers since the other day when she felt like she was being watched. Maybe it stems from discovering the horcrux and the growing certainty that she'll uncover them all, no matter the time it takes.
Contemplating the potential peril of places where the horcruxes might be concealed, Josie entertains the likelihood of danger—perhaps fatal. The thought prompts a pause. Will she sacrifice herself in this pursuit? Despite Helena's advice to prioritize her safety, her commitment to others eclipses concern for her own life.
Shaking off the unsettling notion, she departs Helena's dorm, heading toward Dumbledore's office.
Pretend. Pretend. Pretend.
A mantra to steel herself for what lies ahead.
With a heavy sigh, she trudges towards Dumbledore's office, resigned to yet another mundane and tiresome meeting.
~~~
As anticipated, the meeting proved to be utterly dull. The only noteworthy information gleaned is the capture of an Order member by the Death Eaters and their intention to target Tom's most pivotal death eater.
Contemplating who this significant figure might be, Josie strolls towards the Shrieking Shack. Would it be Bellatrix Lestrange or Lucius Malfoy?
Curiosity nags at her. Perhaps he will disclose this crucial information.
