The vehemence of the reaction makes him step back in obvious surprise. The anger, despite being aimed at his parents, can't help but make him flinch just briefly.

"What-- of course they did," he replies, confusion and alarm laced through his voice, "We had a huge row the first night back because they were saying horrid things and I-- rather rudely pointed out how that's probably not very good to say. 's what I get for being a bit of a prick. I'm not nearly as good as you or James about phrasing it in a way that-- makes sense."