Ron's angry exclamation of, "Don't say that word!" at the mention of the word 'Mudblood,' seemed to go unheard, and if there was one thing he hated, it was being ignored. Especially when he worried for a moment that she would provide a valid reason that he couldn't shoot down.

Of course, Ron was the king of shooting things down. Though, admittedly, he was surprised by how calm and reasonable he sounded compared to Hermione. "Snape went through hell and back to help Harry. But he only did it to stay close to him, because those were his orders. Malfoy's no different. And if you think I'm going to fall under his little spell just like the rest of you did, sorry, it's not happening."

He paused for a moment before adding, "And I never called you an idiot. I'm bright enough to know better than that, at least. But you're too trusting for your own good sometimes, and if he hurts you or Harry... well, I'm just gonna have to kill him."