This kind of argument went on for a while. Ron had become extremely defensive in a short matter of time, but it became clear that perhaps they hadn't known each other long enough for that. Ron could see that although Harry seemed solid to everyone else, he tended to shrink in on himself. A lot of things didn't add up, and even though it seemed like Harry wanted to be assertive, he couldn't always manage it with people who he respected or cared for. And whenever Ron would ignore him or give the silent treatment, Harry was anxious for Ron to start talking again. Like he was scared he never would again.