(A/N -So I was trying to write a Seamus-is-jealous-of-Ginny chapter, but it was really not working, and I was getting so frustrated I was considering giving up on the story, but then this plot bunny came along and bit me so hard I bled, so I thought why not? Who am I to argue with destiny?

So, just for your reference, from this chapter on (and I'm not exactly sure how much longer it will be, probably not much longer than a chapter or two more… unless I get buckets of inspiration and a few adoring fans begging for more) We're officially within the bounds of book seven, so I guess there would be some pretty mild spoiler alerts here.

Also, thanks a million to my darling new reviewer, PENGUiN2006MASTER. Reviews are my life.)

(A/N 2 After this I swear I'm done, I just wanted to say, I read this one fic where Lee was Seamus' friend/mentor, and loved the idea, so I'm borrowing it. If I find out what the title is, I'll post it here next chapter. And I bet you're sick of reading me babble, so here goes-)

Sdsdsdsdsdsdsd

They lived in troubling times. Dean became a target. They were afraid. They should have been even more so. Finally it was decided that flight was the only sensible option, at least for Dean, who wouldn't have a chance out in the open.

A few weeks after Dean left, Seamus took a train into London, to meet his friend Lee Jordan for lunch. Lee had graduated, and didn't have to deal with all of the craziness that Hogwarts was about to be plunged into. Seamus did, and was nervous. In a less than tactful attempt to distract him, Lee brought the subject around to Dean, curious, in any case, as to why he hadn't come up earlier.

Seamus seemed discomfited by the turn of subject, and said nothing or a moment, before blurting out, "He told me he loves me."

"Finally!" Lee exclaimed with a grin.

"What?"

"Nothing, never mind, just tell me what happened."

"He was getting ready to take off. On the run, you know. And one day, the last day, he asked me what I was so worried about, I wasn't the one going into hiding, and so I told him. I told him I was scared he wouldn't come back. Then he said it. He said, 'I love you. That's why I have to come back.'"

"Then what?" Lee asked as Seamus stared abstractly at his hands. When Seamus didn't reply, Lee asked, a little sharply, "Seamus!"

He looked up quickly at the sound of his name, his gaze startled, as if he'd forgotten Lee was there, asking, "What?"

"Then what happened?"

"Then he kissed me. He kissed me and then asked if I still wanted him to come back. I must have said yes, or nodded or something. I'm not sure. Then he disappeared."

"Just like that?"

"Just like that," he replied glumly.

"And you haven't heard from him since?"

"Of course not," Seamus snapped, "that's not part of the plan."

"I just thought after something like that-"

"The plan," Seamus continued briskly, if a little sadly, "is that he'll send an owl if he finds a secure place and a discreet looking bird. If not, no contact. There's no point in going into hiding if he's going to get himself caught sending an owl."

Lee would have had to be completely unperceptive not to notice the fretful, uncertain look on Seamus' face. He was a little unsure what to say, but offered the only thing he could think of.

"You know, if you don't hear from him soon, you could post a notice on Potterwatch, to see if anyone's run into him. At least you'd know he's alright."

"I thought only family was supposed to do that," Seamus commented, still unconvinced.

"I have some connections…" Lee murmured elusively, and then continued more clearly, "Just say you're asking for his muggle mother and his poor baby sisters. Face it, Shay. For better or for worse, as far as family goes, you're pretty much all Dean has."

"I guess so. Thanks Lee. I may just take you up on that, if he goes too long without writing."

"What are you going to say if -when you see him again?"

"I don't know."