Holliday's eyes widened and mouth opened into a small O in spite of her anger with the other girl. While she was used to Beatrix Borgin being simply vile, the language to drop from the prefect's lips was course enough that, for a moment, the fifth year forgot herself. Before she could respond—or react in a less genteel manner—however, another prefect descended from the dormitories to intercede.

Holliday considered pointing out that it was Borgin who was grievously in the wrong, but looking from one prefect to the other, thought better of it.

"Sorry," was all the young witch uttered instead, having the decency to at least look cowed.