One day later, and she hides. The others are in mourning, and she has no right to intrude. After all, Lavender hasn't really lost anyone in the battle.
Only herself.
OoOoO
One week later, and Lavender still stays away. Her loss is painted over her skin in ugly scars. Her grief is hers alone, and they have no right to intrude.
After all, they haven't lost themselves. Not the way she has.
OoOoO
One month later, and she has her bags packed. Lavender tells herself she isn't running away. She tells herself that a fresh start is what she needs.
Lavender says no goodbyes. She disappears into the night, silent as a whisper, with no intention of ever turning back.
OoOoO
Three months later, and he finds her in Muggle London. To her surprise, Seamus doesn't tease her for taking up a job as a fortune teller. He just sits across from her, offering his palm. "What do you see?"
Lavender tenses and shakes her head. "A part of my past I'd rather forget," she answers stiffly, climbing to her feet and disappearing into the back room.
OoOoO
Six months later, and he's returned every day like clockwork. He doesn't try to force her to talk, and she doesn't send him away in exchange.
"I miss you," he says.
"You miss the old me. She died half a year ago, Shay."
OoOoO
Nine months later, and he convinces her to join him for a drink at the Leaky Cauldron. She feels like an outsider. She knows all the faces, but they're like faded memories now.
She doesn't belong here. This isn't her life anymore.
But Seamus takes her by the hand, and she'll never admit how good it feels.
OoOoO
One year later, and she's starting to find herself again. Her loss isn't like the others. What she's lost has always been there, waiting for her to recover it.
And Seamus has been there, guiding her along.
"Welcome back," he says, kissing her scarred cheek.
Lavender smiles, and it almost hurts. When's the last time she's smiled? She can't remember anymore. "Good to be back."