Heart on Fire(Seamus Finnigan and Watty Awards 2013 Finalist!)

Chapter 21

For once in their time together, Ailsa and Seamus' life started to become normal. In the months following his release, Seamus began his part time job at the Ministry as a janitor. Though it was slightly embarrassing, the young couple welcomed the extra galleons. During the weekends Seamus worked on the house, painting the shutters and door and replacing old windows, while Ailsa tried to make the garden somewhat tidy, filling it with leftover flowers that Profressor Sprout did not use.

Life became somewhat peaceful.

On a warm Saturday afternoon, Seamus and Ailsa were walking from Hogwarts to Hogsmede. They had just watched the final Quidditch Cup game. It was Hufflepuff against Gryffindor. Ailsa was called into to take Madame Pomfrey's place to help tend to any wounds caused by the other players. Pomfrey had to stay in the hospital wing because last week's game between Slytherin and Ravenclaw was very brutal and it resulted in half of the players from both teams being hospitalized. Ailsa supported Hufflepuff while Seamus rooted for Gryffindor. The game was a close call all the way until the end when the Hufflepuff seeker caught the snitch.

Thankfully there were only some bruises, so Ailsa did not have to stay much longer. They were were about to head over to buy some materials to help improve the cottage when Ailsa gasped. "I forgot to get the mail yesterday!" They walked quickly over and into the post office. Ailsa tip toed over to their mail box, careful not to step on any owl droppings. She pulled out two letters and the previous days newspapers and today's.

While in the middle of the paint area at Harlabee's Hardware, Seamus was trying to find the perfect shade of cream to pain the new shutters.

"What about this one?" Seamus asked Ailsa who was busily reading a letter.

"Yeah that ones fine." Ailsa said not even look at the egg shell cream.

"You didn't even look at it! What are you even reading?"

"A letter." Ailsa muttered.

"Well duh, but from who?"

Ailsa sighed, finishing the letter and handing it over to Seamus. "Your mother."

*~*

My Dear Seamus,

I know the last time we saw each other it did not end well, but I want to say I'm sorry.  your father is too. It was a very stressful time them, but now it is much better.

I recently saw that you went to Azkaban. I wanted to write, but I didn't know what to say. I hope you are doing okay after that.

I also saw that you got married! Why didn't you invite me? That's okay, I'll meet her on Saturday when you're coming over for dinner. At 6. I know that you can't apparate to Ireland but I've arranged for a port-key to be made near where you live.

Love you and see you soon,

Mother.

*~*

They were twenty minutes late and of course Mila Finnigan let them know it.

"Seamus!" Mila cried as she opened the door. She threw her arms around her son and led him into the apartment without even a word to Ailsa. "Goodness I thought you would never show up, you were so late. My, it's been so long! I can't believe you're finally home!"

"I'm not staying Mother, just visiting." Seamus said but his mother was not listening.

"I've cooked all your favorites! Come sit! Your father will be here any minute!" She said. She turned around and then saw Ailsa for the first time. "Oh this must be your girlfriend, Isla!"

"It's Ailsa and she's my wife, Mother." Seamus corrected.

"Ah yes, of course." Mila said.

Ailsa smiled at her mother in law. "It's a pleasure to meet you ma'am."

Mila just nodded at her. "Would anyone like a drink before dinner? I got that new Peppermint Dragon's Tears."

"Actually Seamus and I don't drink." Ailsa said.

"Silly girl, Seamus does drink! At least at such a festive occasion!"

"Mum, I really don't drink anymore. That led me to do the things that got me into Azkaban." Seamus explained.

Mila's face fell. "Oh I guess I'll just save that for another time." Thankfully that's when Mr. Finnigan arrived breaking the strained silence.

Scott Finnigan was a tall, strongly built man who was nearly two feet taller than Ailsa. He seemed to have a kind smile but his eyes said other wise.

"Hello Seamus. Hello Mila." He said nodding his head to Mila while he shook Seamus' hand.

"Hello Dad, this is my wife, Ailsa."

"It's nice to meet you Mr. Finnigan." Ailsa smiled.

"Oh just call me Scott." He said. "Your mother sent me a clipping of the wedding announcement. You're even prettier in person."

Mila came back into the living room and started ushering them into the dining room to eat. They all sat down, Ailsa and Seamus across Scott and Mila.

"So son, what are you doing now?" Scott asked.

"I'm actually working at the Ministry of Magic now, I'm a ...."

"THE MINISTRY! Oh my goodness, that's so impressive, I'm so proud of you! What department are you in?" Mila exclaimed.

"I'm actually a janitor, Mother. It's not my ideal job, but at least I'm doing something to support Ailsa and me. Ailsa actually works at Hogwarts, in the hospital wing. She's an assistant to Madame Pomfrey." Seamus explained.

"Ah, I bet you have lots of stories then." Scott said.

"Actually once this second year came from transfig-" Ailsa started but Mila jumped to her feet.

"Think that was the timer! Our main course is ready!" She hurried into the kitchen and came out with the most revolting dish Ailsa had ever seen.

"What's in that?" Ailsa asked as she started to turn green.

"Oh it's an old family recipe, passed down through generations. I guess one day I'll have to give it to you. It has lamb's spleen, cow liver and pig's heart with some carrots, spinach and beets."

And with that Ailsa ran to the bathroom.

*~*

"Well that was fun." Ailsa smiled as she sipped tea in bed. After Ailsa had thrown up, Seamus insisted that she was sick and had to get her home, much to his mother's dismay and father's relief.

"I can't thank you enough for getting sick, my mother was smothering me, and practically trying to kill you with her eyes." Seamus said as he put a wet towel on her head.

"I wish I had gotten sick on purpose, but that dish was so ack! I already haven't been feeling well so that just tops it all off."

"Do you know what it might be?" Seamus asked.

"Possibly, I'll have Pomfrey check me out on Monday just to be sure."

"Good, now sleep tight and wake me up if you start feeling any worse."

*~*

Seamus came home on Tuesday to a bunch of different boxes on the floor. He heard Ailsa moving around in the second room that they rarely used and kept the boxes that were now on the living room floor. He stepped over the boxes and into the room where Ailsa was sitting on the floor looking around the room eating some pomegranate seeds.

"What are you doing?" Seamus asked playfully.

"I'm thinking."

"Bout' what?" said Seamus as he sat down next to her.

"Where everything is going to go."

"Where what is going to go?"

"The crib, the dressers, a rocking chair. It has to be this room because the other room is just too small." Ailsa said simply.

"Wait... what?! You're? When? How!" Seamus exclaimed jumping up to his feet.

"Well I hope you would know how. Madame Pomfrey confirmed it to me today. I kinda knew for this past week, but I didn't know for sure. Are you excited or happy or what! Tell me something Seamus!" Ailsa smiled.

With that Seamus fainted.