DISCLAIMER: ALL characters property of JK Rowling. No copy right infringement intended

On the morning of May 25th, 1997, one Seamus Finnigan woke to a large pile of presents at the foot of his bed, and the calls of 'Happy Seventeenth', from his friends. A smile could be found on his lips as he hastily opened presents. There was a watch from his mother, the traditional gift, and some other things, nothing to important. He was disappointed, when he found that there was no gift from his best friend.

After breakfast, he cornered his friend Dean in the common room. "Dean," He asked slowly, "If there was something I really wanted for my birthday, I should be able to get it, right?"

Dean nodded, and Seamus continued, "What if it was something I've wanted for a long time, and never had the chance to do—get, I mean."

"Sorry I didn't get you a present, mate," Dean said, though he was sure that this wasn't what Seamus was coming to, "Money a bit of a hard spot for my family right now…"

Seamus smiled, "Its fine," He insisted. "So, this thing, I have every right to it?"

Dean once again nodded confusion clear on his face. "So, you'll have no objections?" Seamus finished, moving to stand a little closer.

"'Course not," Dean replied, bewilderment in his voice.

He wasn't expecting to see Seamus get closer still, to place his lips hesitantly, gently on Dean's. Dean was taken by surprise, but he didn't pull away. The kiss was sweet, and gentle.

When Seamus ended the brief show of desire Dean stared at him, an odd expression on his face. "I never knew that was what you wanted for your birthday." Was all he managed to say.

Seamus looked at his feet, "You said you wouldn't have any objections," He said, in an almost whisper "You said it'd be okay."

The pain of this rejection was as obvious as the tears that threatened to spill. He went to turn away, but Dean spoke, surprising him.

"It was."

Before he knew it, the other boy had pressed his lips to his, and the kiss was more demanding then the other, they were confirming what they had already known, what they had hidden.

Dean pulled away, a little shocked at his actions. Seamus sighed, upset that his friend had to be shocked, ashamed of what happened. He reached his hand out, and placed it lightly on Dean's cheek. "If this is too much for you, Dean, we'll take it slower. This is new to you."

"I… I'm just a little… surprised is all. I mean I never saw myself falling for my best mate. No offense or anything, but I never thought I'd like a guy! I mean, before this, I was with Ginny Weasley. Have you seen Ginny! She's just sexy. And now, now I find myself kissing a bloke." Dean stormed, turning his back to Seamus.

Seamus wanted to touch him, to comfort him, but before he could do anything, Dean stomped toward the portrait and left the common room. Seamus allowed a sigh to issue from his lips as he dropped into an armchair. A little first year looked at him, with laughter on his face. "What, you never see two boys get on?" He barked angrily, "Don't make me hex you,"

The first year looked again at Seamus, before laughing and heading out to the portrait. Seamus twirled his wand angrily in his fingers, causing sparks to erupt from the tip. "I was stupid to do that," He kept mumbling.

The common roomed cleared, and it was twenty minutes before he realized he was supposed to be in class. "Bloody hell, McGonagall's gonna murder me,"

He grabbed his bag, and hastily stuffed his wand in his pocket, and ran to the Transfiguration room. He arrived there, out of breath. Seamus pushed open the door, hoping it wouldn't creak. Much to his dismay, the door made a drawn out squeak as it opened. McGonagall looked at the boy coldly, and said "Well look at that, Mr. Finnigan has decided that my class is worth his time. Twenty points from Gryffindor for tardiness and a detention tonight, I think."

Seamus nodded, and entered the class room, he was about to sit in his usual spot, next to Dean, but something told him that Dean didn't need him close. Dean didn't need to feel pushed into a relationship he wasn't sure he could cope with.

Seamus gazed around and slipped into the seat next to Parvati. She briefly explained their task before she turned to him again and asked, "What's with Dean, he hasn't talked to anyone all class… He's usually very friendly and he told me to shut up."

Seamus took a moment before answering, "He's a little preoccupied. Now stop being so nosey."

He tried to concentrate on his work, but instead found himself stealing glances Dean's way. He wondered if Dean would ever look at him again. Seamus found himself wishing he hadn't ruined the one thing that had been concrete. Even if Dean didn't return the feelings, which Seamus was sure he did, but he couldn't be sure, there was no returning. Now, if Dean decided that there was no chance between them, Seamus would have ruined the one thing he treasured above all: his friendship with Dean.

He again turned his head in Dean's direction, and was happy to see Dean looking back. It was only for a moment, though, and he turned hastily back to the front. A smile stole across Seamus' face, and he found himself eager to confront Dean.

Oh, but he mustn't! He knew he had to let Dean come 'round in his own time, whenever that may be. Seamus only wished that he had told Dean of his sexuality earlier, so that Dean might see that he was the same, and would have a chance to work out his issues about it… But plans don't always go the way you want them too.

A/N: Okay, so, this is one of my most favorite pairings ever... Sorry for the short chapter. Please review, if you have any idea where this should go, you can tell me... And keep reading, there's more to come!