Chapter Five:

Turn Me Inside Out

This chapter is for M.A.S. You made me think about my life. I hope I made you think about yours.

-superguy

When Harry got up the next morning Ron had already made his bed and left for breakfast. It took Harry some effort to push himself off the cot and over to his pile of clothes, but after a few lazy minutes of stumbling he was fully dressed and heading down the stairs to the kitchen.

Upon reaching the landing the smell of popping bacon and sweet French toast invaded Harry's nose. He took a deep breath and walked into the kitchen where Mrs. Weasley was happily serving breakfast. Ron was already seated at the long kitchen table and Ginny was as well.

"Good morning, Harry, dear!" Mrs. Weasley greeted Harry with a frying pan full of delicious home fries. "Come on and take a seat."

"Thanks, Mrs. Weasley." Harry smiled and took a seat beside Ron. Ron appeared uneasy as Harry started filling his plate.

"You two are still taking me shopping?" Ginny stated more than asked. Ron rolled his eyes.

"Yes, Ginny." he forced.

Ginny grabbed the milk and started pouring some in her glass.

"Good. Because I've been saving my money for this."

"And you let her take her time." Mrs. Weasley lectured.

"Yes, Mum." Ron recited in monotone. Harry grinned.

"Harry will keep you in line, won't you, dear?" Mrs. Weasley smiled at Harry.

"Sure, Mrs. Weasley." Harry replied, cutting his pancakes.

"We have you trained well, Harry." she grinned back. "Would you like some more bacon, dear?"

Harry nodded.

"I'll go get some cooking."

Mrs. Weasley turned back towards the kitchen. The three were left alone at the table. It was silent for a moment before Harry started conversation.

"How'd everyone sleep last night?"

Ginny seemed self occupied.

"Not bad."

She tucked her hair behind her ear.

Harry looked up at Ron.

"Ron, how about you?"

Ron looked up.

"Fine." There was a short pause where the tinking of silverware filled the room. "Why?"

Harry blinked and shook his head as if trying to get water out of his ears.

"No reason, I..."

He caught Ron's gaze.

"I just...I've been having strange...dreams, again..."

Ron took a bite of his toast.

"About what?"

Harry thought for a minute. He was going to say, "Dreams about you," but thought better of it.

"Dreams about...friends. In danger."

Ginny still wasn't paying attention. Ron held Harry's gaze a moment longer before looking down at his plate.

"It's just a dream, Harry."

Harry was taken aback by the bluntness of Ron's reply. He should know as well as Harry how important dreams were in the past.

"Don't you think it might be trying to tell me something?"

Ron continued eating.

"Not all dreams give us advice on life, Harry. I'd let it go. Whatever it was, just put it out of your mind."

Harry didn't like the lack of interest Ron was showing, so pressed on.

"The dream was about you."

Ron had been chewing and stopped suddenly, holding Harry's gaze. Ginny was still focused on herself.

"Don't you want to know what happened in the dream?" Harry broke the silence.

Ron looked down before answering.

"No. I'd rather not be paranoid for a while."

He continued eating.

Harry sat back and folded his arms. This was certainly unexpected. In the past Ron and Hermione had always been interested in Harry's dreams.

"Okay," Harry finished. "That's fine."

Ron didn't make eye contact.

"We'd better hurry up. I want to be back at a reasonable time."

Ginny got to her feet.

"Yes, let's go."

Harry placed his fork down and got to his feet to join them.

"Okay."

They all started towards the fireplace. Harry stopped beside Ron who had his pinch of flu powder in hand. Looking over, he held Ron's stare.

"We wouldn't want to waste time."