Rain on June

Being petrified was undoubtedly the strangest experience of Joey's life. It felt like she had been asleep for an eternity, dreaming of fragmented scenes, some of which even seemed to be memories from before her time travel. But when she woke up to Fred's kiss, all those memories faded away, leaving only a lingering sense of fear. Now, every time she lay in bed, she tried to recall those dreams, but they remained just out of reach.

Joey wasn't one to dwell on things she couldn't change. Life had to go on, and she was determined to enjoy every moment of it. Standing in front of the mirror one morning, she gave herself a pep talk: "Hey, Joey! If you can't remember it, it doesn't matter! Live in the moment!"

The mirror, ever the critic, chimed in lazily, "You're in a good mood, but could you button up your pajamas? You can't go to the boys' dormitory like that."

Joey rolled her eyes at the mirror but obediently buttoned her pajamas all the way up. "There, safe and sound," she muttered.

Her acne had vanished after just half a bottle of Flami's potion, and Joey had been quick to suggest that Flami sell the recipe to the twins. "You'd make a killing!" she said enthusiastically.

Flami, however, was less than amused. "You're really pushing the 'business partner' angle, aren't you?" she said dryly, watching Joey and the twins copy her notes in the library.

With Angelina now monopolized by Ryan for private tutoring sessions, Joey had turned to Flami for help with her exams. Her plea for assistance had been dramatic—complete with tear-stained letters—and Flami had reluctantly agreed to meet them in the library after dinner.

"I won't sell the recipe," Flami said, leaning back in her chair with a shrewd smile. "But I'll grant you exclusive rights to sell it. How does that sound?"

The twins were thrilled and immediately began negotiating terms with Flami. Joey, watching the exchange, couldn't resist chiming in. "George, why don't you just make Flami your partner? That way, you won't have to worry about splitting profits!"

The room fell silent. George looked stunned, while Flami's face turned bright red before quickly paling. She gathered her notes, shoved them into her bag, and left without a word.

Joey blinked, confused. "What did I say? Did I offend her?"

George sighed, leaning back in his chair. "If I end up single forever, I'm blaming your girlfriend."

Fred, trying not to laugh, whispered in Joey's ear, "You just exposed what George has been too scared to say."

Joey, still clueless, glared at them. "What are you two talking about?"

Before they could explain, Madam Pince appeared, wielding her feather duster. "Out! All of you!" she barked, shooing them out of the library.

Standing in the hallway, George groaned. "Great. Now I've lost both my study partner and my chance at a girlfriend. I'm doomed to fail my exams."

Fred patted his brother on the back. "Don't worry. Joey's got your back."

Joey, still fuming, crossed her arms. "I'm not helping anyone who calls me stupid!"

Fred laughed, pulling her into a hug. "Don't be mad. I love your innocent, clueless charm."

"Ha! Clueless Joey!" George teased, dodging as Joey lunged at him. Fred held her back, laughing so hard his sides hurt.

———

Flami, however, was not laughing. Joey's attempts to apologize via letter were met with cold rejections. "No time," Flami replied each time, her tone final.

Desperate, Joey decided to confront Flami directly. Early the next morning, she stationed herself outside the Slytherin common room, determined to talk to her.

The Slytherins passing by gave her curious looks, and a few even tried to approach her, only to be stopped by their housemates. "That's Joey Forest. Do you want to get hexed?" one of them whispered.

Joey waited patiently, but instead of Flami, she was met by Green Finney, Flami's former friend. The encounter was anything but pleasant.

"How dare you stand here?" Green Finney sneered, her voice dripping with disdain. "You're defiling our floors! House-elf! Clean this up!"

Joey remained calm, refusing to engage. But when Green Finney and her friends drew their wands, Joey decided she'd had enough. "Are you sure you want to do this?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. Before they could react, she punched Green Finney square in the face.

The Slytherin girl stumbled back, clutching her nose. "You—you hit me!" she screeched.

Joey shrugged. "You started it."

The commotion drew the attention of Draco Malfoy, who watched from a distance. When a group of first-years tried to intervene, Draco stopped them. "Mind your own business," he snapped, sending them on their way.

Joey, still holding her ground, turned to Draco. "Cousin, am I embarrassing you?"

Draco rolled his eyes. "If you're not careful, you'll end up in the hospital wing for two weeks."

"I'm here to see Flami. I'm not leaving until I talk to her," Joey said stubbornly.

Draco glared at her for a moment before sighing. "Wait here," he said, turning to enter the common room.

Joey was surprised. Was Draco actually helping her? She leaned against the wall, waiting patiently.

In the shadows, Shafiq watched silently. He had been observing Joey for some time, drawn to her energy and determination. But he knew their paths were diverging. He had made his choice, and there was no turning back.

As he turned to leave, he whispered to himself, "Goodbye, Joey Forest. Goodbye, Hogwarts."

———

Joey didn't notice Shafiq's presence. Her focus was on the common room door, waiting for Flami to appear. She didn't know what the future held, but she was determined to face it head-on, just as she always had.