"Hermione," Ron said as he walked up to the studying Hermione.
"Yes?" she said looking up at Ron with expectant eyes.
"Whats up?" Ron said, loosing his nerve about apologizing.
"Nothing. Nothing is up, Ron. I'm sitting here in the common room studying. That's it. I'm studying," She said, rolling her eyes in exasperation.
"Hermione?" Ron said with pleading eyes. "I'm sorry! Okay? I didn't mean to hurt your feelings. I was just being stupid like always."
"I knew that," said Hermione, not looking up from her book.
"Okay, Hermione. I know I messed up. But I'm trying to apologize." He said seriously.
"Okay," said Hermione looking at Ron now.
"Okay," Ron said in a preparing voice, "Hermione, I am sorry about copying your essay," Ron looked at Hermione expectantly.
"That's all?" said Hermione with a displeased smile on her face.
"What else is there to say?" said Ron plopping down on the couch.
"Ron. I understand! You will never have my back! I except that Ron. I've learned how not to expect much from you!" whined Hermione.
"I never have your back?" he said, trying to catch Hermione's eyes. "I never have your back?" Said Ron a little bit louder. Hermione could feel Ron's eyes boring into her forehead. "Okay. Let's see. I have your back when it comes to anyone calling you a...a...mud...you-know-what." Said Ron with a stumped look on his face.
Hermione got hit with a shock of guilt. "Ron, I --"
"No, Hermione. It's alright. I never have your back," Ron looked more heartbroken then Hermione had ever looked. "I know I messed up, Hermione. But, I can't be everything you need me to be. So, I think I'm gonna take your advice and," he paused with a look of dread on his face, "back off."
Ron turned around and ran a hand through his hair. He walked away slowly. The slower he walked, the more guilty Hermione felt.