Seamus didn't get a moment alone with Hermione until late in the evening.
They'd been squished on the train car with a whole slew of people; Harry, Ron, Ginny, Dean, Neville, and a Ravenclaw girl that Seamus had only heard about in passing- Luna Lovegood. And, of course, he and Hannah needed to go for their shift, so half of the trip was spent participating in their prefect duties.
Even in the car, they'd been sitting next to other people.
It was all fine, though, since these were his friends and there was a lot of laughter once tensions eased about having an unfamiliar face joining them.
White Hermione was patrolling he'd gone and found Lavender, and spent a bit of time catching up with her and politely inquiring about Louis, whom Lavender was still writing to nearly every day.
The ride in the carriages had been…strange, what with Harry insisting that there was something pulling the carriage (there wasn't, there never was. Wouldn't Hermione know this if there was? Seamus trusted her). Luna was a strange bird, for sure, but Seamus held no ill will toward her. He could tell she unsettled others, however.
Then, during the feast, they'd sat next to each other (naturally) but it's not like any student could talk privately with the ruckus of the new year.
Still, Seamus felt eased that he was able to sit next to her, pressing close enough for their shoulders to brush. A sort of sign that yes, they were still together.
He knew everyone thought that Hermione would have come to her 'senses' over break and struck up a relationship with Krum, but Seamus was here to prove everyone wrong.
It didn't matter anyway. No one cared a lick about who Hermione was dating; Hermione and Krum were old news.
The public opinion of Harry was much worse and much more interesting.
His Mum was right that they'd gotten a Ministry person to teach Defense, though he wasn't overly reassured from their welcome dinner. Umbridge seemed to favor pink far too much for any sane person and spoke in a way that troubled him.
Luckily, from the deep scowl on Hermione's face, she agreed.
By the time they were sent off, Seamus was exhausted. Still, he had to help the other Prefects corral the new children, guiding them through the staircases without losing someone.
He saw the way the kids looked up to him. He recalled the way he had stared, wide-eyed at Prefects when he was a little firstie. He hadn't thought about it a lot until now, but it made him feel like he actually had power when wearing this. Not bad power, but that he was old enough to have wains looking to him for guidance.
Merlin, how had he ever thought that 5th-year Prefects knew a lick about what was going on at all?
Adam was practically shining with excitement about what the Sorting Hat had said; all about the inner-school unity.
"I knew it!" He was explaining to Thelma Holmes, "Oh, we need to band together more than ever. Daisy'll know ways to get the houses all united."
"I don't know if that's a problem, necessarily," Thelma was saying as she did a headcount of their new students, "Except for Slytherin."
Seamus' first instinct was to gag to imagine that he could ever find common ground with them, but that wasn't very mature of him.
But those damn snakes made it so hard.
You love your brother…sometimes, and he's a Slytherin, Seamus reminded himself, though it didn't feel like some huge epiphany to make him view Draco or Pansy in a more favorable light.
"Hey, mister!"
Seamus was startled to see a first-year standing in front of him. Euan, he was sure.
"Yeah?" He asked, "Err, I'm Seamus. None of that 'minster'."
"Is it true?" Euan asked, shoulders squared. He had a friend behind him, ducking his head, nudging his friend. Seamus blinked.
Ah, the chosen ringleader.
"Is…what?"
"All that stuff about Harry. Mum's worried he'll kill us all in our sleep."
Seamus let out a choked laugh before catching himself, "Are you insane? What, no!" He sputtered, "Harry's a good friend of mine and I'll vouch for him. Don't believe everything you hear," He added somewhat snappishly.
Euan seemed unsure if he should be convinced by this.
"He's claiming a lot of things…and the papers…" He trailed off, blinking his big, still babyish eyes up, like an owl.
"The papers don't know either," Seamus said, "He is not a threat to you or anyone else. Now off with you lot," He shooed him away.
Hermione, across the sea of students, sent a worried look. In the front of the convoy was Harry, and from the tension holding tight onto his shoulders, Seamus knew that he was hearing every rumor, every accusation.
Seamus was really glad not to be Chosen One right about now.
The common room was as inviting as it always was and Seamus felt a wash of relief to be back somewhere so comforting. With the third degree his mother was giving him recently, plus her obsession and absolute sureness that Dumbledore was a fool and Harry was a madman, he would choose Hogwarts over his homestead any day.
Most people vanished upstairs quickly, tired and wanting to get ready for their first day tomorrow. Lavender and Parvati gave both Seamus and Hermione a wave goodnight, the first to disappear. Neville, Dean, and Ron were coaxing Harry up, who had just been confronted by a fourth-year who thought he had the right to open his mouth and accuse Harry of something stupid.
Soon, few people lingered.
"Alright you two, beds," Adam said, shoving Fred and George toward the stairs.
"We're just putting a measly flyer up," Fred said.
"Yeah, not hurting no one," George agreed, "We're going, we're going."
The Prefects were allowed to remain, to make sure everyone cleared out.
"Good first day, everyone!" Adam said, giving the small gathered group a thumbs up, "And let's get ready for another great day tomorrow!"
Seamus held in a laugh; whatever Adam snorted to get his day going, Seamus wanted some of that. No one was that happy and optimistic all the time.
Velma left immediately. Kenneth and Vicky moseyed upstairs right after. Soon, it was just Adam with Seamus and Hermione. He seemed to be waiting for them to go, but blinked, realizing it at once.
"Oh!" He paused on the steps, "Erm…don't make me demerit either of you for something silly, yeah?" He asked, rubbing the back of his neck.
Hermione's face was bright red, "We're smarter than that, Adam."
"Good, good," Adam said like he wanted to get away as soon as possible. Still, as he placed a hand on the railing, he lingered, just a moment, "We knew you'd get it, of course, Hermione, but I just wanted to say I vouched for you, Seamus. I thought you'd be a great addition. Pleased to see someone listened. Anyway; just wanted to let you both know that. Night."
Then, it was just Seamus and Hermione.
"What now?" Seamus whispered, not wanting to break the spell and summon someone down, but also not wanting to move an inch, lest that mean they had to leave.
"What a day," Hermione said, chewing on her lip, "This year will be…" She trailed off, sighing, crossing her arms. Her unspoken words were clear enough.
"Hey…" Seamus pulled her closer, bridging the gap between them, "Kiss me goodnight?" He asked. They were both tired; he could see it on her face and he felt it in his bones. Though he wanted to stay up longer with her, he knew they must be getting to bed.
Hermione smiled, 'Of course."
She leaned up on her toes, pressing her lips against his. Her arms curled over his shoulders, her hands linking behind his head, stretched out.
Seamus kept his hands politely on her waist, not an inch lower. She pulled back, seemingly like she understood, and swallowed.
"Where would you like to touch me?" She asked quietly.
"It's not proper right now," Seamus replied with a boyish grin, "Got to set an example for any wains, yeah?"
"There's no one here," Hermione whispered with a bold, yet tentative smile. He could see her shimmering with want and the same kind of reckless abandon that drew her to imprisoning an animangus in a jar.
"What are you suggustin', luv?" Seamus asked.
"Nothing. Just…stating facts," Hermione said, grasping his collar and pulling him back up for a kiss. Just as he was leaning into it, getting lost in it, she detached, "Goodnight, Seamus." She said with a mischievous glint in her eyes.
"You'll be the death of me, Hermione," Seamus groaned but certainly enjoyed the show as he watched her leave for bed.
For the first time in his life, he was excited to return to Hogwarts and wake up for school tomorrow.
XXX
When Hermione was getting ready the next morning, she heard Lavender whispering. At first, she paid no attention; Lavender gossiped about a great many things and long ago, Hermione had learned to ignore her.
But today, her attention was piqued when she heard Cedric's name benign mentioned. As she turned her head slightly, and she tugged on her socks, she had a bad feeling what this was about.
"-And how do we really know, you know?" Lavender was gesticulating to Parvati, who was silent, but not stopping her, "I mean, Harry could have done something and said whatever he wanted to make us sympathize for him. And Dumbledore loves him, so, I'm just not sure how safe I feel-,"
"If you're about to say what I think you are," Hermione broke in sharply, "I wouldn't."
Lavender jumped, surprised, and turned, crossing her arms, "It's rude to eavesdrop."
"Then spread your lies somewhere else," Hermione hissed furiously. If not for the tentative friendship they'd forged last year, and the fact that Lavender was friends with Seamus, Hermione might have used more choice words; such as telling her to shut her fat mouth right up, but she didn't.
"It's not lies. That's the point; we don't know the truth," Lavender said, "It doesn't bother you?"
"Harry's not lying," Hermione answered flatly, "You believe this shit, Parvati?"
Parvati played with her long, dark braid, "Uhm, well…I'm not sure…what I believe." Her eyes were wide.
"You went to the dance with Harry last year," Hermione sighed, "Seriously?"
"It's not like he asked me because of some great connection," Parvati pointed out, "It was only because it was convenient. I just guess…" She gulped, "There's just a lot of different opinions, 'is all."
Hermione grabbed the straps of her book bag, stomping out, "You both are cowards to turn on Harry like this," She hissed, "Talk to me when you come to your senses."
And she slammed the door on her way out.
Behind the door, she inhaled hard, trying to keep her breathing focused. Harry would know immediately if something was up, and he had enough to worry about.
She had a new Professor to impress today, after all, and she didn't want all this to detract from focusing on Defense, since she'd be gunning for that OWL this year.
Hermione patted her cheeks, unclenched her fists, and waited a second to see if Lavender or Parvati would come to apologize, before leaving them in the dorm to their delusions.
XXX
Seamus leaned against the stone column, licking his quill as he jotted down their assignments thus so far on his hand.
Fred and George had been right…5th year was no joke.
Seamus wasn't even that good at school. Often he felt like he floated by, but this would really test him, huh?
He already had Binn's and Snape's essays on the roster, neither easy tasks. His potion in Potions hadn't been great, but luckily Harry had messed his up something awful, so Seamus had skated by by not being the absolute worst or the one to set off Snape's ire.
Now he was heading to Ancient Runes, but taking a moment to collect himself, when he saw Hermione strutting down the hall.
"Hey there, come here often?" He called to her. She stopped, blinking for a moment, before turning to notice Seamus, as though he'd jogged her from her thoughts. At his surprise appearance, her face broke into a wide, warm smile.
"Seamus! Are you playing hooky?" She tutted.
"Course not!" Seamus grasped his heart in mock offense, "I just have a break before Ancient Runes."
"With how classes are already, it's nice to get a breather," Hermione said, "I'm in the same boat. No divination for you?" She asked.
"Naw. Dean's all into it, but I'd rather not. Besides, Mam uses runes in everything…bout time I learn what the hell they are. You?"
Hermione sucked in her cheeks, "I despise Divination. It's a bloody ruse anyway."
"Wanna sit out on the grass?" Seamus offered, "Before we go to class. Unless you have more important things…"
"No! No," Hermioen's eyes were wide, "I'd love to."
The sun was still warm and they were not the first to have this idea. They found a spot that was currently unoccupied and dropped their bags, turning their cheeks toward the sky. Seamus loosened his tie and shed his outer rubes, while Hermione pushed her sleeves up to her elbows and pulled her hair into a loose ponytail.
"Mhh," She breathed, "Won't have many more days like this at all."
"Nuh-uh," Seamus said, but grinned, "But I can keep ya warm, Luv." He teased.
"Where's your schedule?" Hermione asked, diving into her book bag, "We should swap." She said, which felt like a bit step, one that had Seamus grinning ear from ear.
He watched Hermione make three copies.
"You got two other secret lovers I should know about?" He teased.
"Well, of course I do, but telling you would mean they weren't very secret anymore, would it?" She giggled back, and then shook her head, "No. We should give copies to Adam and Daisy too." She pointed out.
"So they can work us to the bone?"
"Something like that," Hermione shrugged, unbothered at the idea. He knew that Hermione was thrilled with her new position, and would need to be told to work less instead of working more. When Seamus handed over his schedule to copy, she grasped his wrist, turning his palm upward to see his messy handwriting.
"You know, you do have parchment for this."
"Yeah, but if I don't keep it here, I'll forget it entirely."
"Not with me you won't," Hermione shook her head, "You think I'll let you miss an assignment? Unlikely." Her fingers stayed grasping his hand, "Any more luck…researching?"
Seamus was almost surprised, "You're still on that?"
"Of course I am. You're…" She drew a finger along the creases in his palm, almost like she was doing a divination reading if he didn't know how much she hated it, "A magical mystery. My favorite."
"I'm not sure that makes me feel that great."
"It's not…I'm not pity dating you," Hermione said, jaw locked, "But to say this whole affair with fire doesn't make my bones shiver with excitement about the unknown would be an outright lie. I just think there's a lot more to you than what it seems." She said, clasping her fingers around his, closing his palm gently, "And I'm already researching. McGonagall has tentatively approved my study project about wizarding genetics. I'm meant to give her a full project overview at the end of the week."
"Hermione, that's fantastic news," Seamus said, grinning brightly, "Merlin, if you're the one to solve the wizarding population crisis…you'll be more famous than Harry!"
"I always said I wanted to make a difference, you know?" Hermione said, "And the boys just want to be Aurors. I mean, if I figure out and can help guess when a magical child will show up in non-magical parents, perhaps we can know if it's locational, or random luck, or what it is. I mean, you're right. This could change a lot." Hermione said, practically shining with glee.
"It sounds really mint, honest." Seamus encouraged.
"You know…I do need a research partner…"
Seamus realized what she was after and gave a bark of laughter, "Oh, great Godric, you don't want me. Surely not."
"Why wouldn't I?" Hermione seemed earnest in her confusion.
"I'm just Seamus. I'm not winning awards for my brains, ya ken. I'd probably ruin it."
Hermione put both of her palms on his cheeks, "Seamus Finnegan! You gave me the idea, so that's just categorically untrue that you are not smart. You're far more clever than you give yourself the credit for."
Seamus blushed at her praise, trying to duck his head in embarrassment, but Hermione wouldn't let him.
"Somewhere in there is an amazing wizard, just waiting to show the world what he's made of," She whispered, leaning in to kiss him. He leaned into the kiss, aching for more, but a singer to his left reminded him they were in public. He pulled away, begrudgingly.
"I'll think about it." He nodded to himself, "It would sure make me Mam proud if it went anywhere."
"That's all I ask. To consider it." Hermione checked the time, "Oh, we should be going. Don't want to be late on our first day."
"I'm not so worried about Ancient Runes. I'm worried about Defense. Something about that lady just makes me on edge," Seamus admitted, spying the new Professor Umbridge clicking down the hallway in her gaudy bright pink ensemble.
"She's a teacher. She can't be that bad," Hermione said, far too trusting in his mind. But Hermione was very often right, so Seamus brushed away his gut feeling.
His mistake.
XXX
By the end of the first lesson, Seamus was pretty sure that anyone who liked Umbridge had to be barmy.
He had a few complaints with her in the first few minutes, never a good sign.
Firstly, she was insistent on a whole lot of 'yes, Professor Umbridge' or 'no, Professor Umbridge' replies, like they were goddamn Victorian orphans. The way she held herself annoyed Seamus like she was Godric's gift herself to the teaching program.
And the book she had chosen…Seamus was ready to stand by this, 100%, and say that Binn's lectures were more interesting. And, if given the choice, he'd gladly sit, ears perked in the first row of History of Magic, to never have to listen to the droll of Umbridge again.
He also knew there was going to be trouble when Hermione raised her hand, a scowl on her face, a determined lock in her arm.
Since she was sitting next to him, Seamus saw her first. He sent her a look, as this chapter was basically for babies and he doubted she was misunderstanding any of it, but she shook her head, keeping her hand high in the air.
By the time Umbridge called on her, most of the class had stopped watching their books and started watching her.
And then Hermione asked the question; "When are we actually going to be learning to use Defensive spells?"
It was a fair question. Even from their first year, they'd had practice. Sometimes a bit too hands-on practice, if you asked Seamus, but at least he was doing something with his wand and his hands.
And this question of Hermione's was when the downfall really began.
In short; no spell use of any kind.
Rubbish. He couldn't wait to write to his Mam and let her know how much this Ministry lady was off her rocker. He was looking forward to getting this one right, and having his Mam tell him that she was wrong because he couldn't possibly imagine she would condone this! What was the point of learning magic if you were never allowed to use it? And why the hell would you have Defensive Magic if you couldn't flick a single spell? If the Ministry was so convinced it was all a waste of time, why teach the class at all?
Something wasn't adding up, and even Seamus knew this.
Learning spells in a 'risk-free way'? Oh, please!
He was glad when Harry tried to argue as much.
He could see the anger burning beneath Hermione's expression as Umbridge shot her and Harry down, attempting to continue, and that wasn't right.
He threw his hand in the air.
"Your name?"
"Finnigan. Seamus," Seamus said curtly, eyes narrowed, "They're right, you know? If we are to be attacked, it sure as hell won't be risk-free."
"Language, Mr. Finnigan!" Umbridge squawked like that was the most offensive part of his statement.
But she had lost control. Now it was most Gryffindors throwing their hands up; Dean, Hermione, Ron, Harry, Neville, Padma, and even Lavender. Sure, they were concerned about the idea that the first time they'd be allowed to practice a spell was at the exam (a thought that had Seamus' stomach rolling), but Seamus also knew it was in part a show to stand behind Harry.
There was something that passed between Lavender and Hermione as Lav threw her hand in the air to complain, a smile of sorts, something unspoken that Seamus wasn't entirely privy to.
However…the rest of the class knew their boundaries.
Seamus wanted to be upset, but he couldn't. Not everyone was gifted with sometimes reckless bravery like Gryffindors, no matter how crazy they thought this new teacher was.
Even Hermione knew when to stop, because Umbridge was growing steadily red in the face, a pinched expression like someone had stapled her lips together.
"Who do you think would attack children like yourself?" Umbridge seemed scandalized at the idea.
"Hmm, I don't know," Harry said, pretending to think, "Perhaps Lord Voldemort!"
The hush that fell over everyone told Seamus that Harry had gone too far. Even Hermione, stiff as a board and lips parted in surprise, seemed to also know this.
But Harry couldn't stop.
Even after she took points.
Even after she gave him Detention.
No, even then, Harry continued.
"So Cedric dropped dead of his own accord, then?" He demanded, standing from his desk now, rage filling him so much that it felt like it was suffocating the classroom.
In the end, all Umbridge did was give him a pink slip to take to McGonagall, not so much of a scream ripped from her lips.
And her even silence was the most terrifying thing of all.
"This is complete rubbish," Hermione hissed, pushing the book away from her as Umbridge scribbled away.
"Yeah, but what can we do?" Neville asked across the row, shaking his head, "I mean, I think we're stuck with her."
"Not even a day through and Harry's got detention already…" Seamus mused out loud, "Must be some sort of a record, huh?"
Ron snorted, "Not even by a long shot. The twins have managed to get detention within the first two hours of school officially starting every year." He shrugged, "It's tradition."
Hermione, though, was now staring at the doorway that Harry had left from, "He's going to get himself killed," She whispered, rubbing her hair between her fingers, "This is so much bigger than lies or truth or…" She shook her head, "You can see what's happening, Seamus, can't you? Her being placed here, this course, it's specific and it's methodical. The Ministry is doing something." She was almost begging.
Seamus looked between her, the textbook, and Umbridge at her desk.
"Yeah," He agreed, narrowing his eyes, "We need to tread carefully."
Underneath the desk, Hermione's finger slipped into his and squeezed it quickly, and she pulled it back just in time for Umbridge as she turned around.
Seamus doubted Umbridge was a fan of PDA, but he almost wished he'd kept Hermione's fingers interlaced in his just to see the look on her toad-like face.
That would be a detention he'd gladly write home about.