Dreams involving protection, especially of loved ones like a cousin, often reflect your feelings of responsibility and care in your waking life. The setting of your old school may symbolize a return to your past or unresolved issues from that time.

The act of trying to protect your cousin but ultimately feeling powerless could indicate feelings of anxiety or concern about your ability to safeguard those you care about. The imagery of him being "fried" and then you eating him is particularly striking; it may suggest feelings of guilt or internal conflict regarding your role in protecting others. Eating him could symbolize a loss of innocence or a transformation of your relationship with him in your mind.

Being aware during the dream yet feeling unable to change the outcome speaks to the struggle between your conscious desires and subconscious fears. It might be beneficial to explore these feelings in your waking life, perhaps reflecting on any situations where you feel out of control or responsible for others.

Consider journaling about these emotions and dreams to help process them further. If these dreams continue or cause distress, speaking with a professional might provide deeper insights.