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Josephine glances at her notes, then shifts her attention to the board. Transfiguration seems to tread a fine line between being somewhat easy and somewhat challenging.
Professor McGonagall diligently aids them in their exam preparations.
Struggling to stay attentive, Josie stifles a yawn and tries to re-engage with McGonagall's instructions.
Regulus leans closer to whisper, "Would you like to study in the library later?"
She nods slowly. "What time?"
"Six."
"Sure," she agrees.
Lately, studying has consumed her life, and she loathes the looming exams more than anything.
~~~
Later that day, Josie arrives at the library a little ahead of schedule.
Taking a brief stroll amidst the shelves, she hopes to stumble upon new books, but to her disappointment, there are none. Eventually, she secures a table where she and Regulus can study together.
Glancing at the wall clock, she notes it is still a few minutes shy of six.
With a sigh, she redirects her gaze to her notes.
Fatigue envelops her. Josephine rests her head on her arm as she waits, unintentionally succumbing to the heaviness in her eyelids as they flutter shut.
~~~
She awakens with a start, realizing she has dozed off. Panic surges within her.
Her eyes blink open slowly, finding Regulus sitting next to her, engrossed in a book.
"How long was I out?" she asks, feeling a rush of worry.
"About an hour," Regulus replies calmly.
"An hour? You should have woken me! The exams are just two days away," she exclaims, a hint of stress creeping into her voice.
Regulus looks up from his book. "You've been pushing yourself too hard. An hour's rest was necessary," he remarks, concern lacing his words.
She sighs, still feeling fatigued. Hopefully, she'll manage a good night's sleep—though it seems unlikely.
"Okay," Josie breathes out. "Let's study for an hour."
He nods, placing his book aside, and they delve into their studies.
Some subjects come naturally to Josephine, ensuring her confidence in passing those exams. However, others, particularly potions, present a challenge. She hopes for an outstanding grade in that class.
Their study session is abruptly interrupted by the librarian ushering everyone out.
"I'm heading to my dorm to hopefully catch some sleep," Josie announces, rubbing under her eyes to ensure no smudged makeup.
"You should rest too," she urges Regulus.
He offers a small smile. "I'll see you tomorrow, Josephine."
Turning, Josephine makes her way to her common room, intending to speak with Dorcas about the Order. Hopefully, she'll find Dorcas there when she arrives.
The halls are sparsely populated due to the late hour, making her journey relatively quiet. Upon reaching the common room, she encounters more people but manages to slip by without engaging in conversation.
Upon entering her dorm, she collapses onto her bed.
"Rough day?" Dorcas raises an eyebrow. The other girls in their dorm are not there.
"Just exhausting," Josie mutters wearily.
Dorcas chuckles and moves from her own bed to sit beside Josie.
"Up for a chat?"
Josephine nods, sitting up to listen.
"I don't trust Dumbledore," Dorcas states frankly. "Something about him just..."
"Feels weird," Josie finishes. "I share the sentiment, but others seem to trust him, or at least I think they do."
"Marlene doesn't," Dorcas replies. "And Lily thinks he's got this odd vibe, like he knows something we don't."
"But we have to play along and pretend to trust him. It's about protecting people, learning about the war."
Dorcas nods, a smile breaking across her face.
"Now I'm going to shower and then sleep," Josie announces with a tired grin.
