Disclaimer - I own nothing you recognise.
Challenges listed at the bottom.
Word Count - 522
My Friend
Seamus gripped his mother's hand tightly. He looked around Kings Cross, searching for any sign of his father. He'd said he'd be there.
He'd promised.
"I think it's time we went through the barrier, sweetheart," his mum said quietly.
"He'll be here," Seamus replied, his tone firm with the denial that his father wasn't going to let him down this time.
"I… okay, we'll wait for five more minutes."
There were lots of people around, and watching carefully, Seamus could see the moment they disappeared behind the barrier. He saw friends greeting each other and he sighed. He hoped he could have that during his time at Hogwarts.
He'd never had a friend before.
His father's unpredictable nature made it impossible to ever make any kinds of plans with other people.
Five minutes, then seven, and there was still no sign.
A single tear slipped down his face. His mum wiped it away.
"Why didn't he come, Mum?" Seamus asked. "He promised. He… he promised."
"You know that your father has… issues, Son. It's… he is what he is."
"I hate him," Seamus muttered, dropping his chin to his chest. "I hate him. He's never here."
"You don't have to forgive him, sweetheart. God help me, I haven't forgiven him yet, not for a lot of things. You're allowed to be hurt. Just don't let it consume you."
Seamus nodded, swallowing hard. That was one of his mum's rules, it always had been. It was okay to feel negative emotions, but never let them take over your life.
She hugged him tightly and saw him onto the train, pressing words of love against his temple before she released him. Seamus moved down the train, searching for an empty compartment. He was relieved when he found one, glad for their early arrival at the station.
Stashing his trunk away, he looked out of the window, watching parents say goodbye to their kids. There were so many fathers there seeing their children off, and it hurt Seamus to watch the many hands ruffling hair, hurt to listen to the loud laughter caused by what Seamus assumed were 'dad jokes.'
"Anyone sitting there?"
Seamus looked up and shook his head.
"I'm Dean Thomas," the other kid said, holding his hand out.
Seamus took the hand, shaking it like he'd seen others do, and managed to force his lips into a smile when Dean sat facing him.
The warm smile aimed at him made butterflies flutter in his stomach, and he shifted in the seat. Dean seemed nice, a worthy choice for a first friend. Without his Father around to derail any plans, Seamus thought that he might actually be able to make and keep a few friends now.
"What team do you support?" Dean asked, before Seamus could open his mouth.
"I. Erm. Puddlemere."
Dean blinked. "What? What are a puddlemere? I meant… I'm a West Ham fan. I'm talking about football."
It was Seamus' turn to be nonplussed. "What's football?"
Dean's smile seemed to freeze for a moment before it turned into a wide grin. "Oh, we have much to talk about, my friend."
Written For;
Disney - T3. Character making their first friend
Book Club - Brian Thorn - Denial / Hurt / "God help me, I haven't forgiven him yet."
Leaf Pile - Barrier