Seamus Finnigan and the Quest for the Leprechaun Gold

Chapter One

Dean Thomas just wanted to get through Potions without bringing attention to himself. For a Gryffindor, bringing attention to yourself in Snape's class meant losing points. He didn't need to lose any today.

Seamus Finnigan, on the other hand, had fallen asleep at his desk, and if his snores got any louder, they'd all be in trouble.

"Seamus," Dean whispered. "SEAMUS! Oh for Merlin's sake..."

Professor Snape had finally finished taking points from Hermione Granger for knowing more about Potions than he did, and Dean decided to save himself. He quickly made himself busy with his cauldron as Snape swept round and spotted the sleeping Irish boy.

"It would appear that Mister Finnigan believes my class to be a slumber party. Ten points from Gryffindor."

There were poorly stifled snickers from the direction of the Slytherins.

Seamus stirred slightly, still asleep. "They're not evil, they're alternative."

"Make that twenty points!" Snape growled. "Mister Finnigan! WAKE UP!"

"Wha?" Seamus's eyes opened drowsily. His focus fell on Snape's sneer. "Oh, bugger."

"Welcome back, Mister Finnigan. I think that's worth a solid twenty-five points from Gryffindor." Snape turned sharply and swept back up to the front of the classroom. "Have your mixtures ready for class tomorrow. You will be testing them on your partners. Class dismissed."

"Great work, Seamus," Dean shook his head as he gathered his books up. The two boys went down to dinner, where Parvati Patil made a point of glaring at Seamus through most of the meal.

As the leftovers and scraps from dinner vanished to make way for dessert, Professor Dumbledore stood and the Great Hall fell into a respectful silence.

"As you all know, tomorrow is St. Patrick's Day. The staff and I have decided to start a new tradition for this holiday. I am sure that you will be pleased to hear that there will be no classes tomorrow."

The room erupted in cheers. Professor Snape did not look happy. Seamus wondered if he had known about all this. He was probably disappointed at the delay in forcing his students to drink their potions.

"Instead," Dumbledore began again, and the cheers died down. "Instead, we will be having a Scavenger Hunt. A pot of Leprechaun gold will be hidden somewhere on the grounds or in the castle. You will be divided into teams, and each team will be given a series of clues. The first team to find the gold will receive fifty points for their house and a mystery prize. Now, enjoy the rest of your dinner, and get a good night's rest. The scavenger hunt will begin after breakfast." With that he took his seat again.

The hall was abuzz with speculation over the mystery prize. The Gryffindors barely touched their dessert, they were so excited.

"Wouldn't it be great if we won?" Seamus asked Dean. "It would make up for those points I lost in Snape's class today."

"Who cares about the points?" asked Lavender Brown. Parvati Patil made a face that showed she cared, but Lavender went on. "I just want to know what the prize is."

"I'd settle for ten minutes alone with Malfoy," Ron suggested from a few seats down.

"Ron," Hermione said quietly. "Careful... there are slashers all around... they might take that the wrong way."

"Huh?"

Seamus shook his head. "Anyway, I think we've got a shot. I'm Irish after all. Who better to track down Leprechaun gold?"

"Hey Finnigan, figure out how to turn water to rum yet?" It was Draco Malfoy's unmistakeable drawl. Seamus glared at him, as did most of the nearby Gryffindors. Draco continued, unshaken. "Because that's what you Irish blokes do tomorrow, isn't it? Drink yourselves into stupidity?"

Seamus fought the urge to sock Draco square in the nose, and simply squinted harder at him.

"Looks like the stupidity is just a natural thing then." He sneered in self-satisfaction. "Come on, Crabbe, Goyle." With that Draco strutted off, flanked by his minions.

"Ignore him, Seamus," Lavender said reassuringly. "I happen to think the Irish are quite charming." She smiled.

Seamus blushed slightly, and returned to his cake. Later when he thought no one was looking, he tried the rum spell on his water one last time.

To his surprise, it worked.