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"Where's Regulus?"Josephine inquires, glancing at Evan during their early morning breakfast.
"In the library. Not sure why he's attending classes today; he's sick," Evan replies.
Her eyebrows shoot up in concern. "He's sick?" Worry surfaces in her mind. She expected him to fall ill and is surprised she hasn't herself.
"Yeah," Evan continues. "I offered to take notes for him, but he said my handwriting is shitty."
"Because it is," Barty interjects.
"Oh, fuck you," Evan shoots back.
"You did"
Josephine stifles her laughter behind her hand.
"I'll go check on him," she announces, rising from her seat.
Exiting the great hall, Josephine makes her way toward the library. She hopes Regulus is alright, although she hesitates to inquire, considering his previous snap at her when he got injured.
It upsets her when people she cares about lash out at her.
Her footsteps halt as she turns a corner and spots Lily conversing with Snape. The situation seems tense; Snape appears angered, while Lily seems eager to escape. Moreover, older Slytherins linger at the hall's rear, appearing ready to intervene.
"Lily!" Josephine quickens her pace. Lily's expression softens in relief, though Snape seems annoyed.
Drawing closer, Josephine apologizes, "I'm sorry for being late. I know we had plans."
"It's alright, Josie," Lily responds, stepping away from Snape to join Josephine.
Josephine shoots Snape a pointed glance. "Goodbye." She links arms with Lily, guiding them away, even if it is the wrong direction for Josephine. Lily nervously runs her hand through her red hair.
"Are you okay?" Josephine whispers.
Lily nods. "I was fine with facing him, but... those other students at the end of the hall..."
"It's alright, I get it," Josephine reassures her, walking alongside Lily until they are at a safe distance.
"I'm supposed to be in the library, but stay safe, alright?" Josephine detaches her arm from Lily's and steps back.
"Thanks, Josie. Take care," Lily responds before Josephine turns and retraces her steps. Thankfully, the threatening students have vanished.
Entering the library, she scans the area, hoping to spot Regulus nearby. No luck.
As she navigates through the shelves stacked with various books, some of which seem to fly off, Josephine has to dodge to avoid getting hit.
Around a corner, nestled in a small space between bookshelves, sits a visibly unwell Regulus at a table. His sickly appearance is evident: pallid complexion, red eyes and nose, coupled with persistent coughing.
