There's only so much kicking to be done against someone with a gun or a knife, Sirius thinks though he manages to keep that to himself. But it doesn't stop him from opening his mouth in indignation once more.

"I haven't!" he insists still. "You came home frightened and scratched, having escaped attack from some wild dog and I'm being unreasonably for worrying?! When have I ever tried to stop you from going out, Kieren? We moved to the bloody woods on my insistence, I'll remind you. That's a good deal more dangerous than your flat."