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Josephine stares down at the instructions in her hand, struggling to comprehend them. She and Regulus are seated in their potions class, tasked with brewing a specific concoction. However, the directions make no sense to her.
Today is exceptionally challenging, not because of any significant events, but it just feels like a series of unfortunate incidents. She can't shake off the feeling of unease.
Regulus leans in and whispers, "You okay?"
She doesn't answer, too engrossed in her attempts to decipher the instructions.
"Josephine?" Regulus tries again, concerned.
Startled, she snaps out of her reverie and looks at him. "What's the next ingredient?"
She checks the book and reads the ingredient before passing it to him. It is only after he adds it that she realizes she has handed him the wrong ingredient.
"Wait–" She attempts to warn him, but it's too late. The potion begins fizzing, its color turning completely different from what it should be. Then, it erupts, dousing both her and Regulus.
The sudden coldness catches her off guard, and she gasps as the green potion splatters her hair, clothes, and even her face. She glances down at her shoes, which are now soaked in the mess. Her arms are no better.
Josie wipes away some of the slimy potion, cursing her ruined hair. She had just washed it, too.
All eyes in the classroom turn towards them, and Josie feels a wave of embarrassment wash over her. Professor Slughorn's quiet mutter reaches her ears as he approaches.
"I'm so sorry; this is my fault," she apologizes as the professor arrives. Regulus is as soaked as she is, his expression blank. She berates herself for not double-checking the instructions.
"It's alright," Slughorn reassures her. "You two, go get cleaned up. Ten points from Ravenclaw."
Fuck.
She releases a disappointed sigh, careful not to worsen her bag's condition as she picks it up. She leaves the classroom with Regulus. Once they are out, she turns to him.
"I'm so sorry, Regulus. I should have reread the instructions and given you the right ingredient–" Her voice cracks. The day is just terrible.
"Hey," he says softly, glancing around the hall before giving her a sympathetic look. "Josephine, it's okay."
"I'm sorry," she whispers, on the verge of tears. She wipes her eyes, struggling to keep her emotions in check.
"Josephine, it's okay," he assures her, his gaze unwavering.
Even with green potion covering him, he still looks handsome. Her eyes drop, and she feels upset and foolish for messing up the potion. It isn't a big deal, but it adds to her already terrible day.
"Look at me," Regulus says, placing his finger under her chin and tilting her face up. "It's okay, Josephine. It's not your fault."
"I'm sorry."
"Stop apologizing," he gently chides, his hand gently cradles her face.
She sighs. "I just have a bad day, and I'm so–" She breaks off, noticing the expression on his face. "Fine, I won't apologize again."
"Good," he nods, withdrawing his hand from her face. "I'll see you later, okay?"
She nods, and he walks off toward his common room. Josie sighs once more as she examines her ruined outfit, hoping she can salvage it from the slimy mess.
