10 November 1995 – Promptly

"How is it that you always manage to blow something up, Seamus?" Parvati asked sympathetically, as Dean roared with laughter, hanging onto Lavender for support. They were leaving Charms, their last class of the day.

"Shut up, Dean," Seamus said, reaching behind him and punching Dean's shoulder. "Ah, thanks, Parvati," he said, accepting the handkerchief she offered him to wipe the ash from his face. "I dunno, it just keeps happening," he told her.

"It's happened at least once a year since we were eleven," Lavender told him, as Dean continued to giggle. "Y'know, I think you might've hit Dean a little harder than you thought with that Cheering Charm," she added, adjusting Dean's weight on her shoulder.

At last, Dean spoke. "I'm fine," he laughed wheezily, waving his hand. "I just never thought reviewing for O.W.L.s could be so much fun!"

Seamus punched him again.

"You're sure you're all right, Seamus?" asked Parvati. "You didn't hurt yourself?"

"No worse than usual," Seamus shrugged as Dean reached forward and mussed his slightly charred bangs, sprinkling ash over the threshold of the Great Hall.

"Charming," Parvati laughed, yanking her robes out of the way.

"Let's sit," Dean said, pointing to an empty space along the Gryffindor table. Lavender and Parvati split off, and sat down opposite Dean and Seamus.

"I'm starving," Dean groaned, reaching for the potatoes as they sat down. "Seamus, pass me the rolls—Seamus. Seamus."

"Hey, Katie," Seamus said, grinning at Katie Bell as she walked down the table. He turned in his seat and leaned back against the table, grinning up at her. Seamus ran a hand through his ashy hair, which shed copiously onto the mouthful of potatoes on Dean's fork.

"Seamus," Katie said curtly, not looking at him but continuing down the aisle.

"Hey!" Seamus called, frowning. "What's up?"

"Nothing," she said, turning back and facing him, looking exasperated. "Did you need something?"

Seamus shrugged and leaned back on his elbows again, grinning at her. "Just wanted to say hello, see how you are, if there's anything you…y'know…needed," he said casually, shrugging. Dean sniggered, and Seamus elbowed him.

Katie rolled her eyes. "Hi, I'm fine," she said shortly. "Are we done?"

"Sorry, Katie-bell," Seamus said nonchalantly. "Didn't mean to upset you." Katie nodded and started to leave. Parvati and Lavender giggled. "You look good, Bell!" Seamus called, and Dean choked into his pumpkin juice.

Katie turned on her heel, narrowing her eyes and leaning over between Seamus and Dean, her face just inches from Seamus's. "There is something you can do for me, Finnigan."

"Name it, madam," Seamus said, grinning confidently.

"I hear you're good with unicorns," Katie said. "Professor Grubbly-Plank said you had a real gift with them. Would you mind helping me with a bit of homework?" she asked sarcastically, as Parvati, Lavender, and Dean promptly burst into laughter. Katie stalked off.

Seamus flushed bright red and turned back to the table.

"Smooth," Dean laughed, as tears of mirth poured down his face.