Chapter Six: Disconcerting Dreams
A week later, Harry was dreaming.
Harry stared around himself. It was completely black, and he couldn't see anything at all. He was terrified, and jumped when someone stepped into the light. But he relaxed when he saw that it was Ron, who was grinning, lopsidedly at him.
"Mistletoe, Harry," he was saying. Harry looked up. Sure enough, there was the mistletoe. But as he was watching, the mistletoe became the head of Voldemort. His red eyes gleaming, Voldemort pointed his wand at Harry.
He muttered something, and a horrible scream rang out, but it was not Harry's. Harry whipped around and saw Ron on his knees, shaking and screaming in agony. His face paled considerably, and his blue eyes stared up at Harry, piteously, no longer sparkling, but dark and without hope. Harry opened his mouth to say something, but Ron let out another horrible scream, and it was accompanied by a high, cold laugh that sent chills down Harry's spine.
"Harry!"
It was over. Ron's lifeless body slumped to the floor and Harry let out a howl like a wounded dog. He fell on his knees at Ron's side and began shaking him, trying to awaken him, but he knew he would never wake up...
"Harry!"
Voldemort was laughing. He grinned, wickedly, at Harry. He pointed his wand at Harry and opened his mouth. "Avada..."
"HARRY!"
Harry shot up in bed, gasping for breath. He was covered in a cold sweat, and his scar was burning, fiercely, as if he had just been burned.
"Harry, are you all right?"
Harry nearly screamed, but Ron clamped a hand over his mouth. "Hey, calm down! It's just me!" he hissed. Harry sighed, relieved, but he was still shaking.
"Oh, god, Ron..." Harry whimpered. Tears began to form in his eyes. Ron was taken aback, but he hugged his best friend, hesitantly. Harry clung to his shirt, tears streaking down his face. "I was so scared," he whispered. "I thought you were dead..."
"Hey, I'm not," Ron assured him. "I'm alive and well. Promise."
Harry smiled and looked up into Ron's blue eyes, which were reflecting the moonlight. He looked so beautiful, concerned, but smiling reassuringly...
Harry leaned forward and gently pressed his lips against Ron's, tears still streaking down his cheeks. Ron's lips were chapped under his, but so soft...
Harry jerked back, suddenly realizing exactly what he was doing. Ron looked shocked. "I-I'm sorry!" Harry stammered, leaping out of bed and fleeing the Gryffindor Common Room.