Disclaimer: All content with the exceptions of Franky, the Plot and Dreamsters happen to belong to J.K. Rowling.

R&R!

"Okay, so all we need to do," Ron started as he fed Pig the owl treats in front of the Pet Store of Hogsmeade, "is get that blasted potion."

"I hope for your sake it isn't too expensive," Harry said, glancing down the street.

"Franky said it shouldn't be," Ron said, handing Pig the last treat. "Or at least it wasn't the last time he checked."

"Then we better hurry and get your potion, Ron," Hermione said and started walking to the Potions shop with gusto.

"Well wait up then!" Ron yelled and hurried after her, Harry trudging behind them, his thoughts elsewhere as usual.

In a matter of minutes they'd arrived in the doorway of the potions shop that contained the potion that would hopefully get rid of Ron's Dreamster for good. Hermione had taken the lead, standing in front of both Ron and Harry. "Um, excuse me miss…"

Hermione whirled around to face a timid looking man staring at her in a deer in headlights kind of way. "Yes?" she asked, straightening her back, which made the man hunch over just a bit.

"C-can I help you w-with anything?" the timid man asked. He was just a bit taller than Ron, who was the tallest among their group, but it appeared the scared man would have been taller if he'd straighten up.

"We're looking for a certain potion," Hermione began, "that specializes in getting rid of Dreamsters." Silence followed her words. After a few moments she leaned forward slightly and raised a single eyebrow. "Might you have any in stock."

"Maybe," squeaked the man. "I-I'll go c-check…" With that he disappeared into a back room, the door behind the counter.

"He's kind of skittish," Ron whispered to Harry.

"Huh?"

"Harry, weren't you paying any attention?" Ron asked, nudging his friend in the shoulder. "Where were you, Mars?"

"I don't think so…" Harry commented and shrugged his shoulders. Ron rolled his eyes and then turned his attention back to the door behind the counter. The timid man came scurrying back out, several bottles in his arms.

"H-how many do y-you need?" he asked quickly.

"Just one, please," Hermione said and stepped forward to grab a bottle out of his arms. He flinched and a bottle tumbled out of his arms. Out of nowhere, Harry lunged for the bottle and caught it easily, without even having to lose his balance.

"Nice catch, Harry!" Ron congratulated and clapped him on the back.

"Thanks," Harry mumbled and smiled briefly at his friend. The timid man stared at Harry for a few moments, a mixture of curiousity and fright mengling on his features.

"How much will the potion cost?" Harry asked, annoyed at the silence and the awkward stare. The man snapped out of it and gingerly set the remaining bottles on the counter.

"Two galleons," he said without stuttering for the first time. Ron fumbled in his pockets for the money, but Harry beat him to it. He laid two galleons on the counter and then started for the door, handing Ron the potion as he passed. He left the shop first and then continued walking as Ron, Hermione and the timid store manager looked after him.

"What's w-wrong with your friend?" the man asked, looking at Ron and Hermione. Both gave a shrug.

"Thanks!" Ron said, waving the potion at him and then they left, hurrying after Harry.

"What's up with Harry lately?" Ron asked Hermione as they searched for their friend, speed walking.

"I should be asking you," Hermione snapped, then blushing promptly afterwards. "Sorry," she mumbled before continuing. "You do room with him, after all. Haven't you noticed anything strange lately?"

"He's just been brooding often," Ron said, trying to remember anything odd about Harry's late demeanor. "But he gets like that sometimes, you know?"

"Yes, he does," Hermione agreed, looking around. "Do you think he's been having dreams about…about you-know-who again?" Her voice had lowered to a whisper and she'd moved closer to Ron.

"I don't know…" Ron whispered back, trying not to blush or let his voice crack. "He hasn't woken anyone at night…" He shrugged his shoulders and straightened his back, standing up straight.

Hermione narrowed her eyes and peered off in search of Harry. Now that one problem might be solved, another had arisen. Typical.

PS - I apologize for any grammatical/spelling errors. I'm really just in a hurry to get this out of my head. )