In truth, Ryan didn't really care if Kat hurt those boys (though he did draw the line at permanent harm), he only stopped her because he was worried about her getting in trouble. So he was fine with that apparent fear spell that she put on them, assuming he heard heard her right. Feeling a surge of courage, he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into a big hug "it's okay Kat. A few nasty words is nothing compared to the cold loneliness that used to fill my life, or what the Witches my age used to do to me. You don't have to worry about people saying bad things about me......although...it makes me happy to have someone care enough to get mad." Then, he added with a in a whisper in her ear "I didn't care what happened to them, only what the school was going to do to you when they found out. So don't worry; your secret's safe with me. Let's just hope no one else figures out what you did"