I Know You Can Hear Me

(Lights. Ron enters from stage right, clearly agitated. The stage,except for Hermione who had been standing there when the lights went on, and the Weasley's clock, placed somewhere out of the way in the background, only to show the audience that this takes place at the Burrow.)

Ron (as if he is trying to start an argument with Hermione): Perhaps you've said six words to me all summer. (He waits for a response but there is none. He carries on, still in a snappy tone.) You know, I only did it because of Krum. And it's not like we were dating. (Still no response, though the audience can see that Hermione is growing more angry. A long pause ensues.) I know you can hear me. (Ron gives up the confrontational approach, realizing it's not working, and tries a different tone.) You're more attractive than Lavender. (Hermione rolls her eyes, though Ron is still talking to her back.) She couldn't carry a conversation very well, not that I actually attempted to talk to her. (Hermione clenches her fists by her side now. Ron smacks his forehead.) And you're smarter, much smarter... And I sometimes stare at Fleur to make you jealous because I find it funny, and I think you're cute when you're angry--but this has gotten way out of hand! (Long pause. It takes Ron as much time as he needs to muster up the courage to say this next statement) And... I'm terrified that I've blown it. (Hermione looks a bit less angry, but she does not turn around.) I really hurt you and I guess you have a right to be mad. I'm sorry. (Pause. Hermione now appears conflicted.) I don't know how to fix it but I desperately want to... Remember when I asked you to the Yule Ball? I really did want to go with you, and it took me a while to pluck up the wits to ask you, and I suppose I was embarassed that I fancied you, so I pretended that I was asking you as a last resort. And it hurt me when you said you already had a date... And I guess it still does. I made fun of Neville for asking you because I was jealous... But what I did was still not right, immature even... You looked so beautiful at that bloody ball. And you still do. To me... (Pause.) Hermione, I don't even know if we're going to make it through our seventh year, and I can't bear the thought of that happening and not telling you... And not telling you... That... That... I really like you. (Ron smacks his forehead again. Long pause.) Without telling you that... I love you. (Ron is on the verge of crying now, and Hermione is beginning to tear up, though she makes no noise and Ron does not know it, but the audience can see it. Pause.) For crying out loud, we need to stick together now more than ever. All of us... So please tell me it's not too late again... Look at me, Hermione. I know you can hear me... Hermione, please look at me... Look at me... Please? Look at me, Hermione.

(Lights.)