A month had passed since he had been in Ireland, Harry couldn't imagine being anywhere else. He helped behind the bar when Dom needed an extra pair of hands. Went on very detailed tours with Seamus. It really was the best time he had ever had. In a weeks time he was going to be 18 usually he hated celebrating his birthday but this year he was actually looking forward to it. Could have something to do with the Irish Hunk you spend all your time with. Thank you for that helpful piece of information Harry muttered to himself.
Dom had to go into Dublin the week of Harry's birthday; he left Harry and Seamus in charge under the guidance of his nephew Liam. Liam was in his early 30s and also a wizard he regaled Harry and Seamus with tales of his days at school and all the trouble he and a friend had caused. The more he spoke the more he reminded Harry of the Weasley twins Fred and George and all the jokes they played on students and teachers at Hogwarts. He was working at the Irish school for Witches and Wizards as the Transfiguration Professor, he spent his summers with his uncle helping out in the pub.
Harry and Seamus told him stories of Hogwarts and of the Transfiguration Professor they had. Liam was certain that Dom had been in the same year as Minerva. He would double check, but he thought he had heard his uncle mention her name once or twice. A steady flow of customers kept the 3 men busy throughout the day until Dom arrived back late in the afternoon.
They four had dinner at the pub and enjoyed a night of swapping stories about school days. Dom telling stories about Minerva that shocked the two students, as they would never have thought she would do anything like that. He told some wild stories about Filch and Mrs. Norris, those didn't surprise them, he had always been rotten and sounded as those he hadn't changed in many years only got worse.
The day before Harry's birthday Seamus went into the pub to speak to Dom. Harry had gone an errand with Liam so it was the perfect time to discuss what he needed. 'Morning Dom' Seamus called as he closed the door behind him. 'Morning lad' Dom answered coming from the direction of the kitchen. ' I wondered if I could have a word' Seamus asked. 'Sure take a seat and I'll bring some coffee over.' Seamus sat down and waited for Dom to come over with the coffee.
Mug of steaming Irish coffee in his grasp Seamus told Dom what he needed. 'I want to get Harry something really nice for his birthday, he never had a lot growing up so birthdays are kind of a big deal' Seamus explained that Harry had been raised by muggles before finding out he was a wizard. He also told him how badly he was treated by those muggles. 'There is a book in the shop in the village on Irish Legends and Mythology that he might like,' Dom was remembering the conversations he and Harry had had and the boy's penchant for magical creatures.
'Great idea Dom he will love that I'll go into the village and pick it up.' Seamus smiled starting top rise from his seat. 'Before you go lad will this birthday be the time you finally tell our young Harry how you feel' Dom didn't bat an eyelid as he spoke. Seamus looked at him with utter amazement. 'I don't really know what you mean Dom, Harry is a dear friend nothing more' who are you kidding you cant take your eyes off him every time he is in the room, tell the truth you coward. The imp had other ideas on how Seamus should have answered, so for once the Irish lad decided he had better take notice.
He sat back down and looked at Dom 'I wouldn't know where to start Dom, Harry has been through a lot I don't want to scare him off' Seamus was looking at the tabletop. 'You have both been through the wringer Seamus but you have also helped each other more than either of you realize. If you notice that's coffee in that mug not whiskey, since he has been here you don't drink to excess anymore if at all, you also smile a lot, something else you never really did a lot of' Dom smiled. 'Why don't you try with a birthday dinner for Harry, Liam and I can be there if you like for moral support, if that goes well, why not try a date take him to the Wicklow National Park for a picnic' Dom surmised.
'You knew that something was happening with me and Harry didn't you?' Seamus questioned. 'I'm not a wizard and a pub owner for nothing my dear fellow' he beamed. 'You just need a push in the right direction, sitting close to Harry the other night was a start' 'You sneaky bugger, you were spying and playing matchmaker at the same time.' Seamus exclaimed. 'I don't know what you are talking about, I simply enjoy fine Irish music' Dom gave a sly grin as he went back into the kitchen.
Seamus walked into the village whistling away. He went into the bookshop and found the book he wanted. Before he left the village he purchased some more of the fudge they had enjoyed the night the band had played. He went home and carefully the book and fudge putting them in a safe spot until Harry's birthday the next day. He took a piece of parchment and began to plan Harry's birthday dinner.
Liam and Harry had gone into Naas a village not far from Kildare to pick up some supplies for the pub. It was a quaint town Liam explained that it was famous for it's trading. They had visited a fish supplier, collected some more Guinness from another and had just come out of a gourmet food shop. 'Do you think you'll get together with Seamus soon Harry?' Liam posed the question with ease. Harry nearly tripped over with shock. 'Is forthrightness a family trait?' he stuttered. 'Your uncle was just a subtle as you' 'We believe in getting to the point' Liam smiled.
'I don't know what I'm doing about Seamus, its not something that I have thought about' Harry said nonchalantly. Liar its all you think about, if your dreams are anything to go by, I would say constantly think about. Tell the truth you wuss. Harry shook his head trying to rid himself of that annoying voice. 'I like him a lot Liam, but don't want to risk our friendship if things don't work out.' Harry mused. 'Wont know until you ask' why not invite him for dinner tomorrow night for your birthday Uncle Dom and I can be there for moral support, give it a go see what happens' Liam looked at the thoughtful expression on Harrys face.
Little did Harry know that the dinner had already been planned and Dom was having this exact conversation with Seamus, which is why Harry had been sent with him to Naas. They grabbed a bite to eat before heading back to Kildare. They had taken a van because it too hard to apparate with so many supplies. It also gave Liam time to grill Harry a bit more. Another idea occurred to him he put to the back of his mind for later. He thought he would see what Dom thought first before mentioning anything.
After speaking with Dom Liam invited Harry and Seamus to Dublin, he was going to the opening of a new night club and thought the lads might like to come. They eagerly agreed so after dinner they headed off. The club was called the Hip Wizard. It was in the magical part of Dublin something only a select few knew existed. Liam thought that if Harry and Seamus could see that the magical world could handle them being gay then they might get around to telling each other how they felt. He had guessed that not being accepted as gay was another reason for their reluctance to express their feelings. Which is why he didn't tell them that this new club was a gay nightclub.
They found a seat and ordered some drinks when a waitress came to their table. Liam greeted some people he knew and even danced with a few of them. Harry and Seamus noted that he was dancing with another man and that no one seemed to care. It was one of the things that had worried Harry was not being accepted in the magical world as a gay wizard. He glanced at Seamus and from the look he guessed it was something that had crossed his mind too.
Liam pulled them out on the dance floor when a groovy song with a beat you could move to came on. Before he knew he was being spun around in circles, bumped against and made to perform some very complicated moves. What made it all the more enjoyable was that it was Seamus that was doing all those things. Liam could see the light in Harry's eyes and the smile on Seamus' face as they were dancing and knew it had been the right decision to bring them here.
It was well after midnight when they all staggered home exhausted and danced out Dom had given Harry the key to the door of the pub so he could let himself in. he walked up the stairs into his room and fell onto his bed. He was asleep and dreaming within minutes. From the smile on his face anyone would have been able to guess what or whom he was dreaming about.
Sitting with coffee in his hand the next morning he smiled when the door opened and Seamus walked in. 'Happy birthday Harry' he smiled coming over and sitting down. 'Thanks Shay' he grinned. 'What do you want to do today?' Seamus asked. 'I really want to go for a fly, I haven't been in ages' he replied. 'Well I'm sure that can be arranged. There is a field behind my parent's house that we can use. I'll see if Liam wants to join us. Seamus wandered off in the direction of the kitchen with Harry's gaze following. Id really like to spend all day in bed with you devouring every inch of that gorgeous body you fine Irish Hunk Harry was near to drooling with that thought in his mind.
Liam, Harry and Seamus spent the morning flying around the field. Playing mock games of Quidditch which Harry learned Liam had also been a seeker for the school team like him. There was nothing like the feeling of soaring through the air on a broom, Harry felt alive and exhilarated for the first time in a long time. This was what life was really about moments like these. The afternoon was spent eating sweets and playing explosive games of Wizards chess. There was no other way that Harry would want to spend his birthday. Seamus told Harry he had a surprise for him and he would see him at the pub a little later on. Liam walked with Harry back to the pub.
While Harry was showering for the evening Liam, Dom and Seamus got everything organised for the birthday dinner. Dom told Seamus he and Liam would only stay a short time then leave the two of them alone. Seamus reluctantly agreed and decided to leave Harry's present for later on. Harry had showered and dressed in an emerald green shirt and black pants, he forced his hair into some sort of order but knew it wouldn't stay that way.
Going downstairs Harry noticed that there was no one in the bar and there was a sign on the door saying closed for a private function. He looked around and was soon greeted by Dom who came around the far corner of the bar. 'This way please' he said primly. Harry giggled and followed Dom through and archway he didn't know was there to a room he didn't know was there. The sight was magnificent, tiny fairy lights had been suspended in the air, candles floated aimlessly above the ornate wooden table, the table itself was covered in an Emerald coloured cloth a different shade to his shirt.
Dom pulled out a chair and motioned for Harry to sit down. He did and Dom and Liam who appeared from nowhere took the seat beside Harry opposite his Uncle. Seamus walked into the pub and towards the back room that was reserved for parties and private functions. He froze when he saw Harry sitting at the table dressed in the most beautifully coloured shirt Seamus had ever seen. He was in awe Harry had never looked so beautiful.
Forcing himself to move he went over the table and sat down. 'Welcome to your 18th Birthday dinner Harry' Seamus smiled. 'Thanks shay it looks amazing. Dinner was served by two of the waiters that normally worked for Dom behind the bar and in the kitchen. Every mouthful was delicious he savoured every bite. The conversation and the wine flowed easily. For dessert they surprised him with Treacle tart and old favorite of Harry's he knew it had been Seamus' idea to have that.
Dom and Liam could see the passing glances between the two and new that was their cue to leave. Saying their goodbyes they left the room and made their way back to the bar. Only to end up at the far entrance to the kitchen so they could spy what was happening. Seamus retrieved the gift from his pocket and returned it to its normal size. 'Happy Birthday Harry I hope you like it' Seamus said shyly as he handed Harry his gift. Harry tore open the paper and gaped at the book in front of him.
Without thinking he rose from his chair and wrapped his arms around Seamus pulling him into a tight hug. Electricity shot through his body and all his senses came alive; he could feel the heat between them and never wanted to let go. He pulled back slightly and stared into Seamus' eyes. 'What's happening' he whispered. 'I think we are falling for each other Harry' Seamus whispered in reply. 'I think so too' he pressed his forehead against Seamus and captured his lips in the most passionate kiss he had ever experienced. Every doubt he had melted away in that moment.
Parting so they could breath, Seamus ran his finger down the side of Harrys face and over the top of his lip. Harry took that finger into his mouth and sucked on it, causing a gasp from its owner. ' I have wanted to kiss you for so long' Seamus said. 'So have I' Harry replied not taking his eyes off Seamus. Harry took Seamus' hand and led him up the stairs and into this room. Seamus pulled him in for another breathtaking kiss, it was slow and passionate each exploring the other. He started to undo Harry's shirt then looked to see if he was sure. 'You sure about this' his voice was low and seductive. 'Never been surer of anything in my life.' No more words were needed; they fell onto the bed exploring each other's bodies, one of them they weren't sure that had spelled their clothes away.
Seamus leant over Harry and stared down at those beautiful green eyes and smiled 'You are beautiful Harry' he leaned down and kissed him gently, moving from his mouth to his neck, he kissed his way along Harry's collarbone. He showed Harry just how beautiful he thought he was that night.