Magic Goes Awry
"Alright, and now press the 'Enter' key," Marlene said.
Severus had been called over by Marlene to see how she, Alice, and Theo were progressing with their research. It seemed that they still hadn't gotten over their experience with Dudley's computer and had decided to develop one using magic. This 'arithmancer' was supposed to possess a variety of functions, such as running potion recipes and experimental charms through simulations, archiving written word, and communicating with others with similar magical devices. But so far, it had taken him a full ten minutes to 'sign in'.
"There you go," Alice said with a hint of relief in her voice as small images appeared on a blue background. "Now, tap the Potions icon."
"... define 'icon'," Severus said as he felt his face redden.
"The picture that says Potions," Marlene said. "Or you could command it to open."
Severus drew his wand and said, "Alohomora."
Suddenly, there was the sound of something sparking, and the arithmancer sprung open. Severus instinctively shielded Alice and Marlene as sparks flew, and Marlene let out a shriek. The magical device started smoking, but before Severus could put out the potential fire, someone had drawn their wand and done it for him. He turned to find Theo standing beside him, having placed himself between the arithmancer and Alice.
"Is everyone alright?" Theo asked as he turned and began checking Alice over for any injuries.
"We're fine," Alice said forlornly as she looked at what remained of the arithmancer.
Severus felt nothing but shame as he realized his blunder had cost his daughters about a month's worth of progress.
"It's alright," Theo said, returning to his usual stoicism as he kissed Alice on the forehead. "We still have the designs written down. We can rebuild. And perhaps add a few fail-safes."
Alice gave him a sad smile, while Marlene gave her a hug.
Severus said, "I can't tell you how sorry I am for-"
"It's fine, Dad," Marlene said, although she sounded like she was only saying that not to upset him. "It's all part of the process. Trial and error, and what have you."
Severus nodded. He turned to Theo and said, "Thank you for your swift action."
"Of course, sir," Theo said, drawing in on himself a bit from the attention. He flicked his wand, and a few loose pages floated before him. "Now, let me see if we need a new two-way mirror..."