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Time skip, One month and nine days.
Josephine is staring at the paper, its words blurring together as the OWL exams loom closer each passing day, intensifying their group's collective study sessions.
Lately, Josie finds herself trapped in a monotonous routine: school, order meetings, briefing Tom, and then repeating the cycle. It's becoming rather dull.
She isn't seeking any additional drama—she has her fill for the year. Her only wish is for a drama-free summer ahead.
The sole anticipation for the upcoming summer centers on watching a new muggle movie recommended by Dorcas—Star Wars. Josie is genuinely excited about it.
Lost in her thoughts, she jolts when Regulus taps her hand. "Sorry, what?" she asks, slightly flustered.
Regulus offers a small smile. "You okay, jolie fille?"
A faint flush graces her cheeks. "Yes, I'm fine. I just zoned out."
Exams always take a toll on Josephine; stress and exhaustion are constant companions during this time.
Regulus nods before returning to his notes, and Evan mutters to himself about a confusing topic.
Glancing at Evan's paper, Josephine, being next to him, considers offering help but admits her aversion to that particular class. "I'd help, but I've only taken it once. Good luck," she says, patting his shoulder.
Refocusing on her notes on Defence Against the Dark Arts, she finds the subject rather easy. Most classes intrigue her enough to pay attention, except for Potions.
After a while, they collectively agree to halt their study session, having labored for what feels like an eternity. Josephine packs her belongings with slowness, feeling thoroughly drained.
Only Regulus remains seated at the table, a concern etching his brows. "Are you sure you're alright?" he inquires.
She nods faintly. "Just tired." Whether it's staying up late to study or dealing with recurring nightmares, exhaustion seems to haunt her.
Her nightmares are a peculiar blend, weaving together fragments of the past and her apprehensions about the future. Lately, they often involve visions of Tom endangering her friends after discovering her connection to one of his horcruxes.
She shakes herself free from the haunting scenes playing in her mind and refocuses on Regulus, who regards her with a worried expression. Summoning a fake smile, she rises, slinging her bag over her shoulder.
"Let's go to the astronomy tower," Regulus suggests, gathering his belongings.
Josie agrees with a nod, and together they walk. The sun has long since set, casting the world into nocturnal hues visible through the windows.
Upon reaching the tower, they ascend its countless steps, finally stopping at the top and leaning against the railing.
"I hate summer," she mutters under her breath, resting her head on the cool railing.
Regulus chuckles softly. "Why do you hate summer?" he asks, edging closer to the railing.
"When I was younger, I loved it. But now, it's just... there are too many bad memories attached to it, I suppose," she shrugs, reminiscing about a time when summer was her favorite season until insecurities about her body image tainted the experience.
"What's your favorite season now, then?" he inquires.
"Hmm... maybe winter or autumn. What about you?" she queries, meeting his gaze, finding herself captivated by the color of his eyes.
"Autumn," he replies.
Her gaze briefly drifts to his lips before returning to his eyes. She leans forward, planting a quick kiss on his lips. His cold hand instinctively cups the side of her face, a sensation she's come to expect.
Breaking the kiss after a moment, Josie notes, "Your hands are always cold," before kissing him again, withdrawing as his hand falls away from her face.
Josephine does feel slightly insecure with this relationship, it is new to her. She only hopes that she's not being completely foolish.
They spend a few tranquil moments together, gazing at the stars, a rare sense of peace enveloping them both.
