"No–Minister Shacklebolt, believe me. I would never willingly engage in the Dark Arts. I think it was just a protective spell I learned during the War–look...I’m really sorry," Hermione spoke and moved to the edge of her seat, ready to do anything to get the Minister to believe her. She wanted to defend herself, to speak about Ron's actions. But it was as if she had swallowed the words; they wouldn't come out. She felt too embarrassed to speak of it in front of Kingsley and Ron's brother.