Disclaimer: I do not own any Harry Potter concepts or characters; I am merely borrowing them, hopefully for the entertainment of others! I'm not making any profit!

Note: Possible DH Spoilers- if you haven't read it yet!

This is my third in a series of missing scene stories I'm writing. (Yes I'm going back to my Muggle Studies titles). I thought it might be fun to write about what Ron and Hermione were up to before they went with the order to bring Harry back to the Burrow. Please review! (PLEASE!)

Here's the story

Lessons in Muggle Studies: Escape and Rescue

Chapter one

The Weasley house was once more a hive of activity as members of the order arrived on the door step, each questioned by Remus Lupin in turn as they entered the kitchen, joining the rest of the Weasley family. Only Ron was absent from their dinner preparations, having come up to the privacy of his room to be alone with his steadily increasing worry. From where Ron sat he could vaguely hear the various arrivals and greetings exchanged, but his eyes never left the metal object held tightly in his hand.

'I have to move now Ron, Mum and Dad are leaving this afternoon, I should be there tonight. I can get there by myself'

The message was engraved into the coin Hermione had pressed into his hands as they said goodbye at Kings Cross Station. Larger than the DA galleon, it had been their method of communication for the few days Hermione had returned home, preparing to lead her parents to safety. Ron sprung off his bed, staring out of the window into the fast dimming light, hoping to see Hermione arriving any moment. His gut twisted as he once more looked at his watch. This was all wrong; she shouldn't be out there doing this by herself. She had demanded he stay put, imploring him that it was too dangerous. The plan was for Hermione to wait until her parent's had safely left for the airport, then to go under the cover of darkness and apperate at the safest possible opportunity.

It wasn't meant to have happened this way. His dad had offered to be the one to go and bring Hermione himself the next day, but when an attack happened on a group of muggles near Hermione's street, they had decided that there was no more time to waste. Ron looked once more from the coin to the Hermione less yard outside. He couldn't take this any longer. Having made his decision Ron sprang into action, moving quickly downstairs to where the rest of the order had gathered in front of another of Molly's feasts.

"Hey" Ron yelled to get his voice over the many occupants now in the room. Fred slung and arm around his shoulder handing him a plate of food.

"What's your hurry little bro, we have a very long night of wedding planning ahead of us". Ron ducked away from him dumping the plate on the table and succeeding in knocking over a few drinks.

""Listen! We couldn't wait any longer. There was a muggle attacking near where Hermione lives, she's already performed a memory charm on her parents convincing them to go into hiding so that they'll be safe. She's meant to be coming here later tonight; we have to make sure she gets here safely".

"You'll do nothing of the sort boy" Moody growled from his place by the door.

"In two days we have to get Harry safely out of his house, we have far too much preparation to do. Most of us have duties tonight".

"Now Moody" Mr. Weasley stared up at him from his place at the table, lines of concern creasing his forehead.

"I hardly think that's fair to…"

"Damn it Weasley this is why I didn't want these kids involved. We scheduled bringing Hermione back tomorrow, it'll have to wait until then, and we can't spare anyone tonight. Hermione's a smart girl, she knows what's at stake".

"There's no time" Ron shouted angrily,

"They're after all muggle borns and their families. They know Hermione has a connection to the order, it's not safe for her there!"

"Ron I know it's hard for you to understand" Remus began gently.

"You need to look at the bigger picture here"

"To hell with your bigger picture! Hermione is a member of the order; you have no problem risking her life when it suits you"

"You go to far boy!" Moody slammed the table, his eye moving at an almost sickening speed.

"Ron" Remus was standing now, his hand on Ron's shoulder willing him to calm himself.

"I know Hermione is risking everything, just as well all are. And she is just as important to us as anyone here. But we have our responsibilities, and tonight we can't spare anyone". Ron pushed away from him, anger and disgust overwhelming him. Without another word he turned and strode back to his room, vaguely aware of Moody yelling after him as he went.

The kitchen was unusually quiet as they all sat in uncomfortable silence.

"I think Ron's got it right" Fred muttered, pushing his plate of food away.

"It's all right for us cozied up here together, she's on her own out there".

"They're not kids anymore Moody. They've had to grow up as fast as we have and lucky for us they've come out the better for it. I'd have my son's and daughter beside me against dark wizard's any day". Mr. Weasley said.

"Fred, George, why don't you go and make sure Ron's alright?" Bill spoke up, eyeing the twin's steadily.

"Sure" Fred nodded, nudging Ginny as he went.

"Bring up some food for him would you Ginny, you know what he's like if he misses a meal". Remus watched as the three left the room, eyeing Moody thoughtfully as if trying to read his thoughts. He was startled to find Moody's eye settling on him and hurriedly looked away again.

"Well we better get a move on" Moody growled.

"We've got a lot of work to do tonight".