"This isn't a competition," Regulus snapped, glaring at his friend.
"Course it is," Barty said. "Slughorn said the best potion got a prize. So I've got to beat you."
"Okay, first of all, he didn't tell us what that prize was. It could be completely rubbish," Regulus said, ignoring Barty's scoff. "And secondly, we're working together, you idiot."
Barty scowled down at their potion. It was bubbling a violent shade of purple, the occasional spark flashing across the surface. It was supposed to be a pale pink.
"It's also incredibly unlikely we're going to win," Regulus added, jumping at the loud bang of a cauldron exploding at the other side of the room.
"I'd say our odds just got better," Barty said cheerfully.