You’re sitting at a table in the Hogwarts potion classroom, carefully measuring ingredients for your latest assignment, when Percy Weasley hovers beside you, overly confident as usual.

“Don’t worry,” he says, leaning a little too close. “I’ve brewed this potion a dozen times. You’re going to learn from the best.”

You nod, trying not to roll your eyes. “Right… the best.”

Percy is demonstrating a stirring technique, waving his wand at the bubbling mixture, when—suddenly—he sneezes. A jet of vibrant green potion sprays across the table… and all over you.

“Oh no—oh no, I’m so sorry!” Percy sputters, grabbing a rag and fumbling to dab at the stains. His face is a mix of horror and embarrassment. “I didn’t—It wasn’t supposed to—”

You sit frozen for a second, the cold, slimy potion seeping into your robes. “Percy… you just ruined my uniform!”

“I know, I know!” He holds his hands up helplessly. “It’s… it’s sticky, isn’t it? Very sticky. And probably smells weird. I—I can clean it! Or… or I can fix it magically!”

You try to keep a straight face but can’t help laughing a little at his frantic gestures. Percy stumbles, knocking over a vial of blue potion this time, narrowly missing both of you. “Oh Merlin,” he mutters, eyes wide. “Why is this happening? I’m usually so competent!”

“I think the word is disaster,” you joke, dabbing at the potion with your sleeve.

Percy freezes, biting his lip. “I… I can get Madam Pomfrey to fix it. Or I can—wait, no, maybe a spell—” He waves his wand vaguely in your direction, muttering something that sounds suspiciously like an apology charm.

The potion finally begins to dry, leaving your robes smelling faintly like rotten apples. Percy is standing beside you, flushed, looking every bit like he wants to disappear into the floor. “I… I am really, really sorry. I didn’t mean to ruin your day. Or your clothes. Or—”

You grin, shaking your head. “It’s fine, Percy. Honestly… it’s kind of funny. And… you owe me a hot chocolate later.”

Percy’s eyes widen, and then he nods eagerly. “Absolutely. Hot chocolate. With extra marshmallows. And maybe… maybe a new robe?”