She lost her patience. "And that’s my business to deal with, not yours! I told Draco before and I’ll tell you now, I don’t bloody well need anybody fighting my battles for me! I am not some swooning maiden, or helpless Princess, or – or – God! I’m not someone who needs you stupid posturing boys to guard my honour or stake your fucking claim on me! I can goddamn well look after myself, thank you very much!" Hermione erupted at him, face hot with anger and her voice shaking and shrill with the strength of her rage, and oh it felt so good to get all that out. And then it was out and Hermione clapped her mouth shut, lips drawn into a thin tight line as she glared at Ron, waiting for him to apologise and grovel and tell her that of course she was right, and he had been enormously stupid and he would never do it again. Ron’s eyes widened and his lips curled with pre-emptive horror and contempt.