It seemed that Katherine Arundell was afflicted with the same energy—and willful optimism—as Regina's niece. Recognizing this, the Hufflepuff knew she was unlikely to get rid of the other girl unless she was exceptionally rude or entirely direct, neither of which the first year was likely to do.

"It happened in potions class," she offered softly, though she did not provide any further details. "An accident."

Regina often had accidents in class—it was part of the reason she disliked them so much. Accidents could lead to far worse than her present circumstances. An accident had killed people, back in the summer months.

(She had killed people.)