When the dust had settled, everyone scattered. Some sought to bear witness to the sacrifices of those who had not survived and accompanied their loved ones on their journeys home. Others could be found in huddled corners around the castle seeking comfort with the only people who could truly understand. More than a few needed some time alone and could be found simply staring into space, trying to accept this altered reality.
The urgency was over, the aftermath was now.
He wasn't sure what had driven him up to this place at this time, couldn't even remember the journey up through the castle. And yet, here he was…sitting on the floor, the only support offered to him being the solid feel of Dean's bed on his back.
He watched dispassionately as an industrious and oblivious spider scurried over to the only corner of the Gryffindor dormitory untouched and unmarked by debris, scorch marks or an unplanned open window blasting in the cool night air.
He heard the footsteps and conversations but couldn't bring himself to respond when they became intermingled with fresh screams and cries, he simply closed his eyes and rested his head back against the bed.
"Seamus?"
He heard the hesitant query and brought his eyes to the doorway quick enough to see Hermione squeeze Ron's arm before he had company beside him on the floor and Hermione disappeared to give them some privacy.
Grateful that Ron seemed to realise the need for simply sitting there in that moment, Seamus silently observed the ruined wreckage of their shared childhood. Canopies had long since collapsed on top of the beds they once shielded and barely recognisable debris was scattered across the floor.
"I'm sorry about your brother."
The words shattered the contemplation but needed to be said.
Ron drew a shuddering breath,
"Yeah."
It was the only reply possible but the broken voice drew Seamus from his own fog and he cleared his throat, the smoke and spell vapour seemingly having had some impact on his lungs.
"You should be with your family mate," he said as he surveyed his former dorm-mate, "Go on, I'll be down in a bit."
"We're heading home soon," Ron said as he absently picked up the charred remains of a scarf before throwing it aside, "We were just….well…I just needed to…"
Seamus didn't need it explained, nor could he be the one to put it into words, he simply understood. The familiar silence returned for a moment as both young men took this moment.
"Do you remember what it was like?"
Ron's only response was silence and so Seamus shifted around to face him.
"Do you remember back when everything was so clear? We went to classes, played Quidditch, complained about homework…everything was so simple."
"I guess so…on the surface at least."
"The future just seems such a fog…as messy as the present," Seamus said as he once again surveyed the wreckage of their dorm. "You're lucky to have someone to figure it out with…y'know?" Seamus muttered as he remembered the figure who was no doubt waiting for Ron down in the common room. He was startled when Ron pulled himself to his feet and then offered a grubby hand to him,
"C'mon mate," he said before pointing out the large gash across Seamus' forehead and the charred burn on his right arm. "Let's get you sorted, yeah?"
It was only when they were pointed out to him that the pain from his wounds reasserted themselves and shattered the moment.
"Oh yeah," Seamus muttered as he glanced down at his arm and winced, "…really should get that seen to."
He gratefully accepted the helping hand and was pulled to his feet. If either one of them thought it strange that they both had to take a moment to close the broken door, which was stubbornly clinging to the battered hinges, neither of them mentioned it as they walked together back down the stairs.
