A/N: A little recap in the new characters...

Rotiart- First met Neville in the Toss Room in 1974. Talks to Neville in his sleep, most of the time.

Chapin- First met Frank & Alice; he's with them still. Talks slow and doesn't seem very healthy.

Vix- Nearly died, Severus saved him. Lives in the Valley. Spends free time searching for Severus, who he believes is still alive.

Zudan- Has been in contact with Neville & Frank & Alice. He's using Esor to get to Neville for some reason. Not a good person. Is able to change his voice to that of any other's. Is a fan of the Dark Lord's work.

This chapter is in the present and the exact date is told in this chapter. I hope you like the new bit!

DarkLordLongbottom: Review response in my profile page! Thanks for reading on! Oh! And Merlin does get him back for telling...

Turning Your Time Around

By: Cheelalaucha

Dedicated to: Anyone who has seen the TV show Lost. The season (#1) final is this Wednesday on ABC, don't miss it!

B; Chapter 17: "Ronald?"

-

November 14, 1999: (night)

The Headmaster could feel the need for company still coming from the boy, so he stayed in place and held him close. On the outside he looked calm, but the old wizard's mind was going through idea after idea about how in the world Merlin of all people would be after him, and how this sixth year Gryffindor could have possibly known about it. He had been right in suspecting something was wrong, and now, the Headmaster sure felt his age.

The sound of grinding stone was heard through the corridor. Albus Dumbledore was halted in his ponderings and turned his head towards the direction of the noise. Ron did the same and then looked back up at the older wizard. The Headmaster and the young Weasley exchanged curious looks, and both moved to stand up.

Before they could get very far, though, Mrs. Norris came bounding at them. Dumbledore held out his arms, and the cat jumped gracefully into them. He held up the cat to see into its eyes. As he did so, the cat gave a loud, frightented 'meow!' and gently pawed at the wizard's beard.

"What's wrong?" the Headmaster asked the cat as if expecting it to talk to him. Another few 'meow's and the man nodded and placed the cat back down on the ground. "Lead me there." The cat went and did as he was told, Dumbledore following close behind.

Ron stood there, mouth open, eyes wide and mind going haywire. Had he just seen the Headmaster of Hogwarts.. speak.. with a cat? Actually, he spoke, the cat just said "meow", but still...

He realized Dumbledore was turned towards him, obviously waiting for him to come along. Ron snapped out of his shocked expression and walked to where the man stood. The Headmaster wanted him to follow? What had he done to deserve such an honor? Well, to him it was an honor, after all- what other teachers would allow him to come to whatever was going on? He could think of none other than Dumbledore.

"Keep alert, Mr. Weasley," Dumbledore whispered to him as Mrs. Norris guided them to where she had last seen Filch. Ron nodded and glanced all around for signs of movement. As they continued on, an eerie moaning floated around them. A bit of stone crunched under Ron's shoe and he shivered at the awful sound it made. By now, both of them had their wands out, Dumbledore's lighted and Ron's just sitting in his shaking hand.

Another moan echoed down the corridor, but this time Ron recognized it was coming from a person- not a creature- as he had thought before. Another teen's face came into view and Ron knew who it was in a second.

"Kimpson!" Ron yelled to him, running past Dumbledore to help him. Dumbledore's hand wrapped around his arm and pulled him back. Ron looked up with questioning eyes at the Professor, but the older man was not looking at him. An odd pink light shot out of the Headmaster's wand tip, zipping all around them, then slithered back into the wizard's wand. A flick of his wand and Dumbledore levitated Kimpson to them.

Kimpson groaned and put a hand over each ear to keep out the sounds only he could hear.

"It was a trap," Dumbledore explained to the still unknowing Gryffindor Ron.

Ron did not seem to have understood, but waited for later to ask his questions. Boy, that was sure a change from his normal self- acting smart and keeping his mouth shut- something he'd failed to do earlier that very night.

Dumbledore didn't speak again until they (Ron, himself, Kimpson, & Mrs. Norris) had reached the stone gargoyle to the Headmaster's office, and that was only a "lemon drop surprise".

In the office of the great Albus Dumbledore, the atmosphere was pleasant, a slight contradiction from what its occupants felt. After pushing a book in on one of the bookshelves, they all entered the secret 'guest' bedroom. Or, in other words, the place Albus used to hide people he did not wish to be found. The Headmaster laid Kimpson down on the small, yet comfortable bed gently. The boy's hands were trembling at his sides. He'd stopped trying to block out the screeching when they had reached the office. Albus spoke a spell, and the younger one stilled and quieted within seconds.

"What's wrong with him, sir?" Ron asked the Headmaster.

In return, the man sighed and said, "I fear there has been an evil wizard in this school tonight, Ronald. I do not know how, but that is not of most importance this moment. Our dear Mr. Filch, the caretaker, has gone missing."

Ron was surprised to hear the Headmaster call him by his first name, having never heard the man do so before. But, the mention of Filch brought his eyes down to the cat sitting upon the floor, staring at him. So that's what they'd.. er.. talked about.

Albus turned his head to the entrance and sighed yet again. "Ronald, please watch over this young man while I take care of the people waiting outside my door. If he should wake, try to keep him calm."

"Yes, sir," Ron responded, and Albus walked out of the room, sealing it as he went. Bright candles lit the room, but that did not make the place very welcoming. Ron sat on one of the wooden chairs next to the bed, listening for whoever was talking with the Headmaster in his office. With a jolt, Ron realized that it was Harry talking. He hit his head with his fist again. He'd left them all in the dormitory without any explanation!

"We've looked everywhere, sir, and we can't find him!" Harry was nearly yelling.

The Headmaster, however, was calm as could be- he knew exactly where the Weasley child was. "Mr. Weasley is just fine, I assure you. Now, please return to your common rooms and you shall see him tomorrow."

"But-!" Harry started, then stopped and Ron heard a door slam after a few seconds.

Dumbledore came back into the guest bedroom five minutes later looking slightly saddened.

"Sir?" Ron said, getting up from his chair and walking to Albus. "Are you all right?"

Albus smiled at him with twinkling eyes and replied, "Yes, Ronald. Thank you for your concern, I shall be fine with some rest."

Ron wasn't very convinced. "Are you sure, Professor?"

Albus walked over to him and smiled yet again. "I've been better, it's true, but right now I am content. After we take care of this young Ravenclaw, we shall both get some sleep. You are welcome to stay here, if you like. I dare say you will not get much rest if you return to your dormitory."

Ron smiled back and nodded. A flicking of his wand, and a bed appeared in the opposite corner of Kimpson's. Albus took the seat beside Kimpson's bed and looked the boy over. Ron's smile turned into a frown, though made sure that Albus did not see it. He could not explain it, but he got this feeling that the Headmaster had not sat down because he wanted to examine Kimpson, but because he was exhausted. He'd tried to hide it by helping Kimpson- to keep himself going -but Ron saw right past it. It was the strangest thing he'd ever felt and shook his head to make sure he was not dreaming.

Ron slowly walked over to the empty bed, never taking his eyes from the Headmaster. If he went to sleep now, maybe the Headmaster would too. He just could not help but worry for this person. Things were getting strange these days, so he blamed all the weird feelings on the voices in his head. Wait! That was it! The voices were telling him how he should act. This did not seem one of the harmful voices, so he went along with it.

Laying down and closing his eyes, he pretended to fall asleep. No matter how good Albus was, he did not sense the fake slumber of the boy. He covered the both of them up and re-entered his office, sealing the entrance as he left.

Ron opened his eyes and stared into the darkness. Two hours after the Headmaster had left, sounds could still be heard coming from his office. Hadn't Dumbledore gone to sleep yet? He'd looked so weak when he left, and tired also. This man really didn't relax much, did he? Ron swung his legs over the side of the bed and stood up. With a quick glance at Kimpson, he walked to the entrance of the room. He pressed his ear to the wood of the back of the bookcase. He could hear the scratching of a quill and the occasional shuffle of papers, but other than that, there was nothing. The man will work himself to death, Ron thought- or at least the voices thought/told him.

With an annoyed expression (because of the Headmaster not taking proper care of himself) he pushed the bookcase forward and walked out of the guest room and into the office. Dumbledore had looked up from his writing to see who was coming out, his quill still hovering above the desk he was sitting at. For a moment, neither spoke, just looked at the other. Ron looked frustrated, and Albus looked curious- though still had the twinkling eyes.

"Ronald?" Albus finally questioned. "Is there something you need? Or do you need to talk about something?" Albus' voice was gentle, and it almost made Ron forget saying anything and just go back in the room with Kimpson. But, the voice told him to stay firm to what he had come to do.

"I need to talk about something, sir," Ron said after a moment's pause.

"Well then," Albus said with a wave of his hand, "have a seat. I am up for a chat about anything. What do you want to talk about?"

Ron moved closer to the Headmaster's desk, but did not sit.

"You," Ron replied simply.

The Headmaster's eyebrows raised. He had not been expecting that. "Me?"

"Yes, you sir. Why are you still working? You look exhausted, and with all do respect, you don't look too good right now."

Albus' eyebrows went up farther. He really had not been expecting that, either.

When he did not get a reply, Ron stepped around to the side of the desk to face Dumbledore. The voice in his head told him exactly what he should do. He reached out a hand for the older wizard to take.

"I have much more I need to finish, Ronald. I cannot sleep yet. You, on the other hand, are young and need your sleep. I will manage," Dumbledore told him, but it was a little on the weak side from extreme exhaustion.

Ron did not let his hand fall one millimeter from where he had put it out. The lack of strength in the wizard's tone just reassured he was right. Or rather, reassured the voices in his head they were right. Ron looked into the Headmaster's eyes, which had now ceased to twinkle. This man really was tired.

With a small sigh and a glance at the stack of papers on his desk, he waved his hand and the quill fell into a small box on his desk. Albus took the hand that was offered to him by the young Gryffindor and pulled himself up (with the help of the boy).

Ron held on still and guided the over-worked wizard to the door at the top of the small staircase leading to the Headmaster's sleeping room. Only when they were in front of the door did Ron let go.

Albus gazed at him and put a hand on the younger's shoulder. "Thank you, my boy. Now, I'll sleep if you will, alright?"

"Yes, sir. I promise. Goodnight sir," Ron replied, (both he and the voices) satisfied that the man was going to rest.

"Goodnight, Ronald." And with that last word, the Headmaster opened the door to his room and stepped inside.

Ron went back down the stairs and over to the bookcase. Pushing the same book in that Dumbledore had, he walked in and pulled the entrance shut. He laid down on his bed and closed his eyes, this time going to sleep with a little less concern than before.

-

November 15, 1999: (1 o'clock in the afternoon)

"We saw Uranus up close.." Ron was mumbling in his sleep again.

Albus frowned. He'd thought maybe his presence would ease the young one's mind, actually, he hoped it would. He put a hand on the boy's shoulder and spoke his name.

"Ronald."

The young wizard's head turned from side to side and he began muttering in a more frightened tone.

"Subla bad.. no.. he's good, you idiot.. Merlin says bad.. I say good.. go away. Leave me alone!" The last bit was yelled out.

"Ronald, wake up," a gentle voice drifted into his ears. He knew that voice.. who was it though? Was it one that had been inside his head, or was it from a real person? He mind as well ask, he thought.

"Are you real?" Ron croaked out.

"Yes, Ronald, I am real. Wake up." Again he heard the voice. Oh well, he'd better believe someone for a change.

Ron stirred and his eyes flicked open to see both Albus Dumbledore and Kimpson leaning over him. Ron cleared his throat and tried to speak, but a shiver ran up his spine and he closed his mouth. He held on to the bedcovers as if they were a life source. Albus' frown deepened and he put a hand to the boy's forehead. He was burning up!

"Mr. Lovegood, check on my desk for a yellow box and bring it here," Dumbledore said hurriedly to Kimpson. The younger nodded and took off in search of the box.

Albus turned back to Ron and spoke in his calm, gentle voice. "Ronald, whatever you do, don't fall asleep, alright? You do not have to reply, just do not go back to sleep."

Ron tried to nod in return, but a pain shot through his chest and he gasped instead. Now, he was barely able to breath- what next!

"No no no no.." Albus put a hand on each of Ron's shoulders, holding him still, even though Ron was still gasping for air. "Listen to me, Ronald! Keep calm, breath in and out, okay?" The Headmaster was having a hard time keeping himself calm, let alone the Gryffindor in the bed.

Ron fought with his lungs to take a deep breath and let it out again. In his eyes, Albus could only see fear. "Keep breathing," Albus orderd. Ron did, more calmly this time, but still with difficulty.

Kimpson flew back into the room with a tiny yellow box in hand, holding it as if it were glass that could brake so easily. He handed it to Dumbledore who took the lid off and reached inside. Taking a small yellow candy, he put it in front of Ron's nose to smell.

"Lemon Drop," Dumbledore informed him. But, these were no ordinary Lemon Drops, no sir. These were Dumbledore's Lemon Drops.

Ron's breathing calmed and he was relaxing more. Dumbledore tried to keep the young one talking so he would not be able to drift off again.

"They are very good, actually. Would you care for one?"

Ron gave the faintest of nods, and Albus put one into his hand. Ron popped it into his mouth weakly. After a few more moments, Ron finally spoke. "I can see why you like them." It was barely above a whisper, but Albus heard. Kimpson, on the other hand, leaned in closer to try to understand him. Ron, not noticing him until then, turned his head slowly to Kimpson. "Hey," he began in the same low, tired tone. "I thought you were supposed to be the sick one?"

Kimpson gave a tiny laugh and replied, "Couldn't take all the fun."

Ron smiled and took a good look at Kimpson and Dumbledore. The three of them seemed like they'd been friends for years, the way they were speaking with eachother. Sure, Ron had known Headmaster Dumbledore for five years, but he'd only known Kimpson for five days.

"Mr. Lovegood here told me of this small predicament with him being.. out of his normal year at Hogwarts. We'll have to get this all fixed up. I must ask you something else though, Ronald. Do you know the whereabouts of our Mister Longbottom?" Dumbledore asked him, an expression of concern upon his face.

Ron seemed hesitant for a moment, but then replied, "He's.. he's in the past.." Albus did not respond to this (though, he wasn't looking at the older wizard) so he continued. "I think he said he was in 1973 or 74 or something, I don't remember which year exactly, but that's where he ended up."

"You talked to him?" Albus questioned.

"Yes, but I only can when Merlin sends for us. Professor Snape and I were called there and when we got there, Neville was there. It's really strange.. the Vision Realm, I mean. We're all blue and see-through. Last time we saw him there, Neville was acting kind of.. well, not like himself. The way he walked- he was limping -something must have happened to him. We didn't get much time to talk before Merlin came, so I couldn't ask him about it." Ron finished with a glance at the Headmaster.

Albus sat there thinking of the war ahead, something he hated sometimes because of all the problems he came up with. Who knows who would win? With one last sigh, he rose from his seat and spoke to Ron.

"I shall call- Kimpson, would you please put this back on my desk?" Dumbledore cut himself off from saying 'the Order' just in time. Kimpson was his student, yes, but he still needed to be careful. Kimpson did as he was told and took the box. When he was out of sight, Albus continued. "I shall call an Order meeting and we can all discuss this.. these problems. You say Professor Snape knows of Merlin?" Albus finish somewhat annoyed. Why did Severus not tell him of this? Was he not trusted by the man?

"Yes, sir," Ron replied.

"Hmm, I need to have a talk with him, then." The Headmaster's reply was said in a tone similar to that of a parent wanting to scold their child- and certainly would the second they saw the kid. "I will be back soon, Ronald. Do not go to sleep, if you would. I would not find it a joy to find you dead in these chambers." That had to be the moment the Headmaster had sounded the most like Snape ever. It was said to scare the young Gryffendor into obeying, but it was not a lie in the least. Something, or someone, had done this- most likely an effect of being betrayed. It could be none other than (assuming that Ron was correct) Merlin himself. Having met the man before, Albus was having a hard time believing him to be a scheming, dark wizard. By hey, stranger things have happened.

Albus left the room in all his grace and sealed the entrance behind him. After about an hour, voices could be heard from the office. Ron had not fallen asleep for even a second, having heard very clearly what Dumbledore had said and, perhaps, been frightened by it. Had he done the right thing? Yes, you did.. You never do the right thing, you stupid-.. the ones in his head bickered daily, so Ron did not pay them much mind. What was interesting, however, were the people talking in the office. Ron sat up in the bed and strained to hear the conversation as best he could.

"Severus, what I still can't see is why you did not tell me of this. Do you not trust me? Have I done something to prove Merlin's words? I need to know if you are on my side or his." Silence came for a few seconds after Dumbledore spoke, but eventually there came a reply.

"There is but one person I trust.." the Potions master's dark voice told his once-professor. Ron could almost imagine Dumbledore waiting for the rest of that sentence, agony to the old wizard's soul. Had he really gotten through to the Potions master all those years ago? At this point in time, he really couldn't tell. With a deep breath, and a smirk, Snape concluded, "..Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts."

With a sigh of relief, Dumbledore replied, "Thank you, Severus."

Voices could still be heard, but now they were too low for Ron to understand. After another half of an hour, people were coming into the office of the Headmaster, all Order members. Without warning, the bookcase moved from the entrance and they all filed in. Not expecting this, Ron nearly jumped out of the bed and onto the floor.

"Bloody hell," Ron muttered, acting more like himself than he had in days.

Chairs appeared out of nowhere, members sitting in a large circle around the room. Dumbledore came up to Ron and said, "Join us, Mr. Weasley." He motioned towards a chair right by his bed and Ron slipped out and sat. He was going to be at an Order meeting? This was turning out to be a very weird day- no, days.

Ron hardly said a word, just listened to the exchanging of information. The only Order members that were present were those in Hogwarts or Hogsmeade. Actually, that was quite a lot. Fifteen people, Albus and Ron along with a certain cat who refused to leave were all jammed into this small space. It did anything but make the mood bright. Left and right people were arguing, mostly Snape and Remus Lupin. Ron wasn't sure why their old DADA teacher had been at Hogwarts. Perhaps he was just there for a visit, but who knew. Their DADA teacher this year was most likely Lockheart's relation- he sure acted like it! What an idiot, Ron thought. He wondered if there was even a chance that their new Defense professor, Professor Zudan, had even been to a school when he was young. The man practically quoted every word he said in class from a book. Now here's a person who needed a pet.

The members of the Order were now yelling at one another, and a voice inside Ron's head begged him to stop it all. This is getting us nowhere.. Oh shut up, they can go cursing eachother for all it matters.. now the fighting was going on inside and around Ron, and he was starting to get a bit dizzy. Try to imagine five people talking in each ear, and then five more yelling at you behind them, all combined with rock music playing in the background. It did not improve one's ability to think clearly. He could stand it no longer!

Ron stood up in anger and walked to the middle of the circle.

"He's after us," he stated rather loudly, getting the attention of every person. "He is trying to destroy us all and this school by tricking us into believing the people around are on the Dark Side. We can't let him do that! Who agrees?"

More than one hand raised, both Remus and Albus surprised at him. Ron sighed, glad to have gotten through. His happiness was short-lived though, as just then, a buzzing filled the room.. a very familiar buzzing indeed... Not now!

"Professor!" Ron said in a panicked voice, turning to Snape.

"Sweet Merlin, here we go again," Severus muttered under his breath. He'd just gotten tortured by the Dark Lord not two days ago (and his eyes still had a red covering, but disillusioned from view) and now he was about to go see another powerful wizard who cared just about as much as Voldemort about his ailments. What a perfect week this was for him!

After a second, both Ron's and Snape's eyes were on Dumbledore- as they had been the first time- looking straight through him, it seemed. The Headmaster pretended to be calm, which did appear true on the outside, but Albus wanted nothing more than to just leave and get the attention off himself. He was granted his wish when both of his students, former and present, snapped back into reality.

For a brief moment Ron looked dazed but came to his senses and jumped to his feet. He was nearly at the entrance when someone called from behind him.

"Weasley, get back here," the Potions master ordered, but the tone of voice was a little lacking in the venom department.

Ron turned back and looked at him as if he were crazy. With one push, the bookcase was moved aside and Ron ran out of the guest room and then out of the office.

Severus Snape stood swiftly and followed after him (walking, not running), though he did so only because the Headmaster asked him what was the matter. He did not feel like sharing in front of a crowd, especially one that had Remus Lupin in it.

All eyes turned on Dumbledore when the two were gone, as if asking silently 'what was that all about?'. Albus had no answers for them, so he too stood and walked out of the guest room.

Perhaps he was too old for this.

-

A/N:

Ron's weird behavior: Yea, I know- he's not like he usually is, but he'll get over it after this meeting with Merlin. The voices are really screwing up his normalness.. is that a word?

Dumbledore calling Ron by his first name: Albus thinks that Ron was.. hmm.. shall I say 'brave' for telling him about Merlin. He has respect for people who look out for him. Though, when around other adults, he still calls him 'Mr. Weasley'. Sound good?

Kimpson's last name: Well, if you've forgotten it already, why should I bother putting a note about it? I've planned him being who he is since the beginning. I thought about waiting till later to tell, but it didn't matter, cuz Ron didn't notice, did he? You notised though, right?

DADA this year: Oh COME ON! Please tell me you saw his name and went 'Uhh ohh' or at least 'Ohh!'! Sheesh, do I write for nothing! ;-)

Dumbledore (in general): He's getting old, isn't he? Don't be surprised if he dies at the END. That's still a while comin', but he might not make it.. or am I just taunting you? Hehehee...

Ron being 'sick': Yep, it was little ol' Merlin who did that. Well, it was supposed to happen if he was betrayed, but he doesn't know if it happens. He just figured that the person who got sick would die anyways. He sure is confident of himself, isn't he? Remind you of someone? HINT! HINT! Cough-"Hey, I didn't learn joined up writing for nothing you know!"-Cough.

Kimpson getting hurt: It was the same person as the one who took Filch that cursed Kimpson. The effects wore off though. Or did they? Why don't we go ask Luna sometime, shall we?

Lack of action: I do agree with you if you thought this chapter needed more action, but I did try to make it longer so that it was better. I sure have some action planned very soon. Remember the Gryffindor thing with Voldemort? Also, everything is coming to a point, and now we learn who was lying and who was good all along! Who can make it out alive in a meeting with Merlin, Albus, Zudan, Neville, Ron, Snape, Harry, Hermione, Rotiart, Esor, Vix, Lupin and who knows who else! It will be fun...

-

Next chapter: "Seeing Green"

All around was just never-ending green. The green was beginning to remind him of a certain curse.. an Unforgivable Curse.

'This can't be good. Green is never good... But wait.. Lily's eyes are green too, and Harry's.. Should I be scared or not? Geez, now even this is getting confusing!'

Neville waited for a few more seconds in anticipation, wondering what to expect. The image appeared instantly, and Neville jumped in surprise at seeing who it was. This wasn't going to end well, he knew it. The Vision Realm had a nasty habit of showing him depressing and frightening images.

"Neville. NEVILLE."

Neville looked around at the empty green, panting.

"Who are you and what-do-you-want?" He yelled out.