Disclaimer - I own nothing you recognise.

Word Count - 676

Wait Him Out

"Where've you been hiding?" Seamus asked, slumping down on the end of Dean's bed.

Dean looked at him from over the top of his book. "Around," he shrugged. "What did you get up too?"

Seamus frowned. "I didn't get up to much, since my best friend was nowhere to be found."

"I had something to sort out," Dean said quietly. "It happens."

"Fine, keep your secrets," Seamus huffed, shifting onto his back to stare up at the canopy of the bed sulkily.

"We're making a secret Defence group," Dean muttered. "Because Umbridge is a shite teacher and we need to be able to defend ourselves."

Seamus blinked. "Why would you think I wouldn't be interested in that?"

"It's called Dumbledore's Army, Shay. We're training to fight You Know Who. I'd love you to join, but… will you?"

"Nope," Seamus said sitting up. "And you shouldn't either. Are you mad?"

Dean shook his head. "I'm not mad at all, and if you were thinking straight-"

"He's not back," Seamus snapped. "Potter's lost his mind!"

"Dumbledore too?" Dean asked, looking unimpressed. "Because Dumbledore believes Harry, and I can't see that happening for shits and giggles, can you?"

Seamus didn't bother replying, he just stormed out of the dorm, leaving Dean alone. Dean shook his head. He loved Seamus, he really did, but he was being a goddamn idiot!

…

"You're actually doing this then?"

Dean looked over at Seamus, who was sitting on his bed propped up by his pillows, his books and homework spread out on the sheets in front of him.

"Yeah, we're actually doing it," Dean replied. "And I'm not going to talk to you about it, because you're not interested in it and I don't want another argument with you."

"So you're choosing to just… ignore the situation?"

Shaking his head, Dean moved over to sit on the end of Seamus' bed. "Look, we disagree about this, but I'm not about to lose you over something that I don't need to. Just… let's not talk about it."

"I'm not joining, Dean. Doesn't matter how long you wait me out."

"I didn't ask you too," Dean replied tiredly. "So why don't you stop talking about that and help me out with the Charms homework?"

Seamus stared at him for a long moment before he nodded stiffly. "Okay."

…

"Deeeeeean," Seamus called, a whine in his tone.

Dean looked up from where he'd been unpacking his school bag. "Hmm?"

"I need help with this Transfiguration homework. The words in the book aren't written in English."

"They are," Dean replied, frowning.

"Not in an English that I understand," Seamus muttered. "It might as well be Mermish."

Dean snorted. "I, ah. Have a thing. But I'll help you after if you want?"

Just like that, Seamus' eyes darkened and his expression closed off. "You know what, I'll find someone that actually has time for me anymore."

"Seamus-"

"Don't bother."

Dean sighed. Why did this have to be so hard?

…

Dean could only watch as Seamus slowly distanced himself. It hurt, it hurt like hell, but there was nothing Dean could do to stop it from happening. He'd tried to call Seamus out on it, and it had only led to an argument, so that was out.

He wasn't about to give up his own beliefs to suit Seamus, because that just wasn't Dean. He believed Harry about You Know Who being back, and he'd stand by that.

So he watched and he hoped that there wouldn't be too much time between now and Seamus pulling his head out of his ass.

…

The day the article Harry had given the Quibbler came out, Seamus sat beside Dean at the breakfast table, the magazine grasped tightly in his hand.

"So… you might have not been entirely wrong," he muttered.

Dean rolled his eyes. "Will you ever learn how to pronounce the word 'sorry'?"

"I'm already going to have to apologise to Harry, Dean. Don't be cruel."

Dean snorted. "Jerk."

Seamus' lips tilted. "I probably deserved that."

"Uh huh."

Written for;

Disney - S1 - write about someone following their own path, regardless of others opinions.

Lizzy's Loft - 1. Write about a good friend.