[ It's more than she's expecting to get and also more positive than she's anticipating, both of which are extremely welcome. Never mind that implications behind growing apart are lost on her, what that really means. That he doesn't speak of her with the same degree of malice that any of his other classmates have garnered leaves her feeling relieved. ]

It happens. It sucks but it does. [ Claire does think of Zach when she says it, even if it's not remotely the same, and she knows better than to inquire further. ] Is potionmaking as much about magic as the other things you're able to do? I know you shot down my chemistry comparison a long time ago, but it seems like it's more hands-on, or just - [ She makes a gesture with her hands, like she's squeezing grapefruit for ripeness. ] - tangible.