Home Again

Summary: Someone from Hermione's past returns. R/Hr.

Disclaimer: I own nothing, fun right?

A/N: The last chapter was short but I won't apologize. I needed something to lead into this chapter. So think of it this way. If you didn't like the length of the last chapter, tough. I have the artistic license here people. You don't like the way I write, then you don't have to read.

Chapter 5: One Last Request

Dumbledore and Ron were taking a stroll through the woods. Well, for Dumbledore it was a stroll. For Ron, it was more like an expedition up Mount Everest.

"Profess—I mean—Albus, can we stop for a second?" Ron pleaded, panting.

Dumbledore looked back at Ron with his signature smirk and twinkle in his eyes. "Just a bit further now. Mustn't be late." He turned back around and disappeared into the brush and bushes.

Ron sighed and followed him the best he could. "Wild goose chase is what we're late for." He mumbled. Soon, he found himself in a clearing. He looked around for Dumbledore.

"Albus? Albus? Professor?" Ron called out meekly. A chilly wind picked up and he had wished he brought a coat with him. Or at least that ugly maroon sweater his mother knitted him.

"Over here Mr. Weasley!" Dumbledore's voice called from a fair distance away.

Ron groaned and muttered under his breath as he trudged through the snow over to where the ex-headmaster of Hogwarts stood.

"Listen old man, I'm not in the mood to play..." Ron trailed off, seeing a bunch of familiar faces. Neville, Luna. Dean, Lavender. Seamus, Parvati. They were all there. "...games." He finished softly.

Dumbledore clucked his tongue at the younger wizard. "Me play games? What kind of foolish nonsense are you coming up with now?" He replied, the look in his eyes saying otherwise.

"But...I saw you all dead. How is this possible?"

"Anything is possible Ron." Luna responded quietly.

"Which brings me to my next point." Dumbledore cut in, popping another one of those damn lemon drops in his mouth. "I need your help Mr. Weasley."

"Surprise, surprise." Ron muttered.

"Well, if you are not interested, then surely Mr. Potter will help me." Dumbledore retorted sadly. "Although I did have my heart set on you."

Can this man strike those guilt strings or what? A sigh escaped Ron's chapped lips. "No, no need to ask Harry. What do you need help with Albus?"

Dumbledore smiled and with a flick of his wrist, the group was suddenly in the Burrow again. In the living room, where Ron had left everyone.

Confusion masked Ron's face as he looked from his happy family and giddy friends to the cryptic Dumbledore. "Sir?"

Dumbledore motioned to the people in the room with his hand. "These people are the real people that need your help."

With another flick of his wrist, the group found themselves in Hogwarts. To be precise, the Great Hall. "This, Ron, is what needs your help." Dumbledore turned and faced Ron, with a serious tone taking hold of his facial features. The friendly gleam in his eyes gone now. Instead, sadness and desperation.

Ron began to walk around the empty room. The tables were clean. Ron could see the plates filled with food and the candles. He could hear the chatter and the laughter. "You want me to...with this...?" Ron spread out his arms, gesturing to the large room.

Dumbledore nodded. "Yes. But there's more than just that." The room began to spin and Ron reached out to grab something. Soon, the spinning stopped. They were at 12 Grimauld Place. Rather, inside of it.

There was a draft. Ron could feel it seep through his sneakers and thick socks, up his legs. It sent chills through his body as he fought to stay warm.

"This too, needs some attention. I would ask Mr. Potter about this...however I have a feeling he no longer wants to be a part of the Order."

Ron gave Dumbledore an incredulous look. "You want me to be head of the Order?!"

Dumbledore smirked. "Well, not the head. Just the eccentric glue that keeps it together." Dumbledore walked around, placing a hand on Dean's, Neville's, Seamus', Parvati's, Lavender's, and Luna's shoulders respectively. "You would have to gather all remaining members, plus find some new ones."

Ron made a face. "This includes Snape, doesn't it?"

Dumbledore chuckled. "3 years since you have graduated and still holding a grudge I see." He cleared his throat before continuing. "Yes, this does include Snape. I trust him, Mr. Weasley. Although he may seem greasy and unappealing, he has a strong dislike for the Dark Arts and will help—has helped—greatly."

"So, you want me to be headmaster of Hogwarts and help with the Order?" Ron rubbed the back of his neck. "That's a lot to do Albus."

Dumbledore clapped a hand on Ron's shoulder. "I believe in you Mr. Weasley."

Ron sighed. It wouldn't be all that bad. Of course, he'd be around Snape more often. That wouldn't be fun. But maybe he could rope Harry and Hermione into helping him. Ron smiled at the thought. Yeah. It wouldn't be so bad.

"Sure Albus. I'd be honored."

Dumbledore clapped his hands together. "Good! Excellent. Be sure to prepare soon Mr. Weasley. Goodbye."

Ron heard a snap and then the room began to spin. When the room had managed to stop whirling, Ron found himself back in the Burrow with his family and friends as if nothing had happened. He looked around confused.

"Ron? Ron, hold your niece." Hermione said, holding out little Molly to the still stunned Ron.

Ron snapped out of his confusion and looked over at Hermione. He reached out and took Molly from him.

Molly began to laugh. "Ronniekins!"

Ron groaned. "Yep. This is Fred's kid alright." Everyone in the room laughed.