A lunchtime concert...
Date: Monday, 3 July, 2000
Time: noonish
Place: The Leaky Cauldron, Trafalgar Square, St. Martin-in-the-Fields Church
Characters Involved: Seamus Finnigan, Luna Lovegood, by invitation only
Rating: Probably not more than G, unfortunately
Complete or Incomplete: Incomplete
( Ah, Music! A magic beyond all we do here! - Albus Dumbledore )
Time: noonish
Place: The Leaky Cauldron, Trafalgar Square, St. Martin-in-the-Fields Church
Characters Involved: Seamus Finnigan, Luna Lovegood, by invitation only
Rating: Probably not more than G, unfortunately
Complete or Incomplete: Incomplete
( Ah, Music! A magic beyond all we do here! - Albus Dumbledore )
“Aye, luv, there’s much to do then and ‘tis already begun.” He paused and tried to weigh what to say and how much to add. “Mr. Jiggers did say that if the problem continued to find me a wizard physician. Right, I’d asked amongst friends, without a reply.” Then he laughed, “Canst be too hard on them lass as this Seamus knows no healers himself then, save Madame Pomfrey.” His expression hardened a bit. “I’ll not to St. Mungo’s, not whilst there’s a healer elsewhere to be found.” Then he smiled at her again.
“Well then, me mum sent out the word to her own witchy women, and found me the name of some healers in town here. Seeing one then of a Wednesday to see what’s to be done with this Seamus, and what other advice there might be.” He doubted there would be much help from that quarter, but was bound to explore all his alternatives, and glad his mum had found him someone he could trust.
She’d asked after his family, and they’d said more than plenty, as talking is the blessing and curse of the Irish. “Aye, luv, me Mum and me Da had questions a plenty and suggestions both welcome and fair. Done me good then it did, to be hearing their advice now and taking some of it right whilst I was there.” He hesitated to bring up religion with Luna, but it was an important part of his life that they’d not discussed at all. He had no idea what her feelings were on the subject, but she should know his own. He gave her a sly glance and a conspiratorial smile.
“’Twas almost a joke, luv, if it hadn’t been so helpful to me then, but me Da got himself on the wrong side of Mum, and that’s something you don’t want to do now, by telling me priest that a wizard I be, without her a knowing or agreeing to do it. He’s known since me birth, which me own Da admitted to tell me ‘twas safe to be confiding and confessing to our own Father Rory, right there in Kenmare.” He laughed again, knowing his mother might give his father a bad time about it for a while, but soon all would be forgiven. When he’d come back from seeing Father Rory, there’d been no doubt to any of his family that it had been a step in the right direction for Seamus.
“Well then, a relief it was, lass, to be able to speak of the deeds of the war in just such a way then. It helped without question to give me the peace to be finding some sleep after that.” He didn’t really want to tell her about the nightmares, but he felt it would be dishonest not to tell her. “Right, the insomnia seems better and some sleep I’ve been getting for part of each night then at least. Still, with each sleep comes the chance of a nightmare.” He looked over to see how she was taking this news. It was hard to balance being honest with trying not to worry her unnecessarily.
Reply
"But you would consider St. Mungo's if there isn't?" she asked, eyeing Seamus closely. She didn't enjoy the hospital much, herself, but some help was better than none at all. "We have friends there, like Neville and Ginny." And Lisa, too, but Luna didn't mention her in case Seamus was not familiar with the name. "Perhaps they could help?" They weren't certified healers, but they could have the knowledge and connections to put Seamus on the path to recovery.
At the mention of a priest, Luna's eyes lit up as they often did when discussing mythological creatures or a place she had never been. She knew the word, but only from the most basic of knowledge in religion. Muggle Studies at Hogwarts had barely covered the subject (after all, it was only one aspect of Muggle life, and a confusing one at that), and she had what references and imagery she had gleaned over the years from living so close to Muggles. She only understood the concept in terms relative to her own existence, and to her religions were like self-contained societies. Therefore, when she heard the word "priest," the image she received was of something between a teacher and the Minister of Magic (or the Prime Minister, in their world).
With that image, Luna could imagine the import of revealing Seamus's true nature... even if her understanding was a bit off. But she was glad to hear this Father Rory did not shun or embarrass Seamus, but was actually able to provide a bit of solace! He was certainly a good man and friend, Luna thought. At least Seamus was able to get a bit of sleep. But... nightmares?
She frowned; oh yes, this certainly did worry her, and just as Seamus looked at her, she turned her head away, staring thoughtfully at the sidewalk passing beneath them. So even if they were to get past the insomnia, only disturbing dreams awaited? Well, that could certainly be a cause for the insomnia, depending which started first.
This only served to confirm that the insomnia was not a completely physical problem, treatable with potions. It was a psychological ailment that had attracted Seamus's demon, and that required a different kind of treatment.
Without a word, Luna turned her gaze to Seamus's chest, staring pointedly as if she could see something there. There was nothing, of course.
"So... somehow we have to help you to feel safe again," she said calmly, still staring at his chest pointedly. Finally she shook her head and gave Seamus's face her full attention. "Then perhaps it will move on, this demon."
Reply
“Aye, luv, in case of emergency to be sure then.” As to considering Ginny or Neville, that was a larger question. He had not seen Ginny in quite a while. All he really knew about her was that she had helped the healers at Hogwarts and that she and Harry were having problems. He didn’t know if she was far along in her training at St. Mungo’s, or just beginning. Neville was only interested in plants, wasn’t he? Seamus had heard his long dissertation about the rare plant in Bora Bora often enough. He did not think that Neville’s expertise extended to treatment, but he wasn’t sure.
“Aye, luv, well now, I’ll just be adding speaking with Neville to the long list of remedies to be trying then.”
As he spoke of his nightmares she was frowning and thoughtful. Seamus was not one to try to guess at what anyone was thinking, least of all Luna, but he did wonder what she might have to say about it. When she did speak, he was rather unnerved by it.
"So... somehow we have to help you to feel safe again….Then perhaps it will move on, this demon."
Seamus was flabbergasted. A demon? This could be the work of a demon? It was something he’d never once considered.
“A demon?” He came to a full stop, right there on the street, barely mindful to keep his voice down against the possible overhearing of passersby. “A dark creature? You think this could be the work of a dark creature against me?” His thoughts were filled with boggarts, banshees, grindylows, dementors, and red caps - but most of all banshees. Was there a dark creature he did not know of that siphoned off the sleep of wizards? Or filled his dreams with nightmares? Was that even possible?
He was still puzzling over demons when the import of the rest of her statement finally registered. Was it possible he didn’t feel safe? And if he didn’t, how was that to be remedied?
Reply
Of course, this was Luna, and comments from her were rarely normal or rational. In truth it was not so much surprised by his sudden reaction as she was by the fact that he seemed to be taking her seriously. Seamus usually did, of course... but come on, she'd just practically said he was being attacked by demons.
She smiled with a bit of bemusement, sorry that she had troubled him so with what had been a casual remark on her part, and unsure of how to explain. "I don't know," she said softly... completely oblivious to the many people now passing around them and staring. "I wish I did. Then, at least, it would be one more option that we could rule out."
Was it a true demon that plagued Seamus, or a figurative one? Luna couldn't say... and to her, they were pretty much the same. To her, the world was an endless network of emotions and souls, always interacting, always influencing the emotions and souls around them. Seamus's insomnia and nightmares could have been caused just as easily by his own dark memories of the battle as a little imp sitting on his chest and weaving terrible dreams every night.
She made no move to get them walking again, but leaned closer so that she could speak more intimately; this really wasn't a conversation for innocent ears, despite their public surroundings. She brought her free hand up so she could hold his arm in both of hers.
"Something followed you back from that battle, whether or not it has a name." Luna's eyes were unusually hard and spiteful. "There was a great deal of evil spawned by that war, and not all of it visible."
Her expression became much warmer and her hold on Seamus's arm a little more secure. "And such things feed on our weaknesses... fear, guilt, anger. It's those things we must fight."
Reply
"Something followed you back from that battle, whether or not it has a name. There was a great deal of evil spawned by that war, and not all of it visible."
Her words hung in the air between them, punctuated by the force of her hardened expression, underlying their strength and accuracy. Seamus was hearing and absorbing them, realizing as he did just how true they rang within. He had no doubt that it was the war following him like a plague to the afterlife. It was not supposed to be this way. The war’s end was supposed to have brought peace and ushered in a better age. Harry’s sacrifices, aided by Ron and Hermione, were supposed to have made an end to the troubles.
Now, standing here in the sunlight a full four months later, it could not be clearer that the war had brought an end only to the Dark Lord and his organized minions. The peace they’d bought so dear was a restless peace, and the new age one of political selfishness, not the self sacrifice modeled by Dumbledore.
“Aye,” he said softly, “Aye, love, you’ve the right of it.” He was stunned by her intuitive understanding and grasp of what sounded to him like exactly the trouble. He was more astonished still when she added her own, strongly stated solution.
”And such things feed on our weaknesses... fear, guilt, anger. It's those things we must fight."
“Aye, love, ‘tis much easier to say than to do then.” She had pinpointed, in one clear statement, his most overriding emotions. The guilt he’d at least partly assuaged while in Kenmare, for confession was especially good for his soul. The anger he felt was growing each day as the registry weighed on his conscience. He’d done it to support Harry and Ron - both of whom were no longer registered themselves, but also for Remus and Zak, and for the other Order Members who were also required to submit to a fecking registry that accomplished nothing he could see for the trouble.
His anger had grown so much that he’d not even had time or inclination to consider his fears. But her words felt more like a talisman, something he could make into a touchstone to use in his fight to defeat this demon.
“Aye, love, fight them I will.” He removed one of her hands from around his arm, bringing it to his lips in gratitude, unmindful of the watchful stares of wondering strangers.
Reply
Well... he was still there, and he seemed to comprehend her. So maybe not.
Oh yes, it was a lot easier said than done... but not impossible. And she wanted to correct his last statement; to "we," instead of "I." Not alone, she wanted to tell him. But there was only so much she could do with, and for Seamus. It was his demon, after all, and one that ultimately, he would have to conquer himself. The best she could do was provide him companionship and comfort in the meantime, and she would do both with enthusiasm. There was already the bud of one idea forming, but it would take a bit of time for her to implement.
In the meantime, she smiled as he kissed her fingers, and curling them around his, she pulled at him gently. "We'll miss the performance." To the rest, she said nothing. It seemed pointless to state what he already knew.
Reply
He held her hand and led the rest of the way towards Trafalgar Square. There were plenty of places to sit in the open, but they chose a spot close to the church so they could go in as soon as they finished.
As soon as they’d opened their lunch and started eating, Seamus decided there was no use in delaying any longer.
“Luna, luv, I’d invited you to come to Kenmare with me the next time I go. Well then, do you think you might like that, lass?” He smiled at her, hoping she would be pleased about this invitation and wondering if she had any idea what that meant in his family. He was pretty certain she did not. “Right, Mum and Da are impatient looking forward to meeting you, and so are my brothers.”
He paused and ate a bite of his lunch. He was tempted to leave it there, but knew that was unwise. He felt certain there might be problems later if he didn’t mention this to her.
“Right then luv, whilst I was in Kenmare me own Da had a word with this Seamus about you.” He gulped and took a drink of his water before continuing. “He and me prat brothers insisted I tell them about you, Mum, too.” Now he was getting nervous about telling her. He shook it off and went on in a rush. “Da took me aside ‘fore I left. He suggested I visit your Da in Devon.” He looked away, but then forced his eyes back to hers.
“So I did.”
Reply
It made sense that he would have mentioned Luna to his family while he was in Kenmare, but all the same she seemed a bit surprised that they had talked about her. She had started to grin, wondering what sort of things Seamus told them about her. But the grin never had a chance to properly form, because in the next moment she was too shocked to do more than stare.
He'd visited her dad... alone?
"My Dad?" she finally managed, wide eyes unblinking. She wasn't angry or concerned, really... she just couldn't imagine Seamus going back on his own, after the fuss her father put up when they first met. Dad had clearly been unsettled by the idea of she and Seamus being more than just coworkers. He knew now that they were seeing each other, of course, but it was a topic they rarely discussed past the conversational, "How's work?" and "Will you be going out this evening?" Luna had the impression that Mr. Lovegood didn't so much dislike Seamus as he disliked the idea of him, but she never felt up to trying to change his mind.
He was content with the life he had now; a life that only included his daughter and The Quibbler. Who was she to disrupt that contentment? If she ever took the time to think about it, the pair had a very odd relationship, built almost solely on keeping the other happy. A lot went unsaid between them, simply because open communication offered too many opportunities for conflict. She was somewhat fascinated by the idea of Seamus "visiting"... Seamus, who was one of those many unspoken opportunities.
Luna stared for a long moment before asking quietly, "What happened?"
Reply
Now, how was he to explain all this? He took a drink of his water, and then ran a hand through his hair; a sure sign he was unsettled. First things first, he decided. He tried to keep his eyes on her, but that was not as easy to do as it usually was. He needed to keep his voice calm and his feelings in check. That was why they were in public.
“Luna love, for this Seamus to bring home a witchy woman to Kenmare, to Finnigan's…..” What could he say to help her understand? “Well luv, let’s just say they’ve probably already posted the banns for us at Holy Cross.” He was about to laugh, when he gulped instead, and looked away from her quickly. They wouldn’t, would they? Seamus was afraid there might be more truth to his words than he’d intended.
Shaking off the possible ramifications of that, he decided he’d better return to her question, and talk about his trip to Devon.
“Sweetheart, me Da pointed out that wizard or no, your Da would be worried about his witchy girl. ‘Twood be best if he knew that this Seamus held you in most high esteem.” He took a moment to compose his thoughts and choose his words carefully. “Well then, love, after leaving Kenmare, I had several hours before my shift at The Leaky, so it seemed best to go see your Da right away. I dressed in me wizarding best and apparated to Devon. Your Da was not expecting me, but he was to home and whilst we did not have the longest of conversations….” Seamus hesitated to imply that her father did not like him, but since he hadn’t told Luna about the visit, that seemed a logical conclusion to Seamus.
“Right, said my say and was off then, love.” Seamus again ran a hand through his hair. It was pretty difficult for him to say anything so personal here, in public, especially when he was unclear on Luna’s feelings towards him. It was plain that she liked him, but he was uncertain if she returned his high regard. He took a deep breath and spit out the words in a rush.
“Aye, luv, went to tell your Da how important you are to me, and that’s what I did.”
Reply
That first part had her for a moment. Being pureblood, Luna had only the most basic knowledge of Christianity, so at first she took "Holy Cross" quite literally. It was "the banns" that brought more clarity, because she'd heard the word a few times in Ottery St. Catchpole, and once in a Muggle Studies class during a unit on Muggle architecture. The unit had briefly covered churches... and wedding chapels. That, of course, led to a brief discussion of marriage ceremonies.
Seamus had moved on and Luna did not have time to fully grasp just what he meant by that statement, but she was a lot more focused now, determined not to miss anything else he said. She had hoped that perhaps he would explain the banns comment a bit more... instead he began talking about her father, and that held her attention just as raptly.
She could feel a flutter in her heart with every word. Advice from Seamus's father, that he should dress up just to visit her father... Luna wanted to hear every detail of their conversation, every word that was exchanged, but that was surely too much to ask.
But the conclusion was enough, and for a moment, it left her silent.
She remembered how Seamus had asked her out that first time. He'd been a bit smoother then, but nearly just as nervous. She remembered how he'd rushed his words then too, as if hurrying to get them out before she had time to object. That had been a scary and exciting moment in her life... just like now.
“Aye, luv, went to tell your Da how important you are to me, and that’s what I did.”
In a way, Luna already knew... but to hear him say it made it much more real than women's intuition. It was confirmation--assurance--that Luna's feelings were felt and returned. Strangely, it had seemed easier to keep this a secret; there was an odd comfort in knowing her own feelings without worrying about his. For a long moment, she wasn't sure what to do with this revelation.
...how important you are to me.... It kept replaying in her head. Why did this feel so new?
Whereas Seamus had gone to great pains to keep his composure through all this, Luna replied with an unusual show of impulsiveness. She suddenly threw herself into his arms and quite literally tackled him onto his back. She lay on top of him, oblivious to the eyes that had turned to see why that blonde girl was attacking her boyfriend. Passersby continued to stare as she rested her forehead against his, hair and plaits curtaining their faces.
"Thank you," she whispered. She was moved by his courage and his anxiety. Her poor Dad. The thought made her grin.
"You're important to me too, Seamus."
Reply
Leave a comment