Seamus Finnigan might not be the most popular Harry Potter character.
But if we’re talking story arcs…
He’s got 1 of the most fun and interesting character development in the story.
In fact, it’s a shame that very few fans actually know his background.
And it’s time we change that…
Continue reading to discover:
- Why many fans misunderstood Seamus Finnigan.
- What happened to Seamus after the Battle of Hogwarts.
- 1 of the bravest things a Gryffindor has ever done in the Harry Potter series.
- And so much more…
About Seamus Finnigan
| Born | Between September 1979 and August 1980 |
| Purity | Half-blood |
| House | Gryffindor |
| Character Traits | Clumsy, Brave, Loyal, Curious |
| Patronus | Fox |
| Wand | Unknown |
| Zodiac Sign | Cancer (Likely, but not proven) |
Seamus Finnigan background
Seamus Finnigan was born sometime between September 1979 and August 1980.
He was a Half-blood.
And his father’s a regular Muggle who can’t use magic…
Meanwhile, his mother’s a talented witch.
And although it’s not 100% guaranteed…
There’s a good chance their family lived in Kenmare, County Kerry. A small wizarding town in Ireland.
Because the Finnigans were of Irish descent…
And they supported their local Quidditch team. The Kenmare Kestrels who were exceptionally good at flying and playing the sport.
Seamus Finnigan attended Hogwarts in the same year as Harry Potter.
And after the longest minute of his life…
The Sorting Hat sent him to Gryffindor.
Because the enchanted object recognized his bravery and courage.
Seamus Finnigan occupation
We only ever saw Seamus as a student through the entire Harry Potter series.
So as far as an actual job goes…
We can’t say for certain where he decided to work after the story’s conclusion.
But does that mean he had 0 experience with responsibilities?
No, of course not.
And with his can-do attitude and enthusiasm…
Seamus was always ready to tackle any challenge.
For example, he was a huge supporter of the Gryffindor Quidditch team.
And apart from cheering them on…
He also tried out a few times too.
On top of that, Seamus was 1 of the founding members of Dumbledore’s Army.
The secret organization led by Harry Potter.
Seamus Finnigan would learn a lot of spells to keep him safe.
Not to mention, defensive charms that would come in handy much later in the story.
Seamus Finnigan character
Seamus Finnigan loved wearing the Gryffindor colors.
So you’d always find him in robes with a red-and-gold tie.
But as for what made him different…
His uniform was always a mess.
In fact, it made him look like a couch potato…
Or a particularly lazy Gryffindor that couldn’t be bothered with looking presentable.
On top of that, he had pretty average height in the books…
Which was around 177 cm (5’9½”) tall.
But in the movies, Seamus was 1 of the shortest characters.
And he was only 157 cm (5’2 ft) tall.
He also spoke with a heavy Irish accent.
As for his personality, Seamus was quite easygoing.
In fact, most fans remember him for his clumsiness.
For example, he’d always blow stuff up by accident…
Even when he was trying his best to do what the professors told him.
Seamus was also pretty curious for a Gryffindor.
And he was never afraid to ask questions directly.
3 most famous Seamus Finnigan quotes
#1: “You know what? He’s right, I don’t want to share a dormitory with him anymore, he’s a madman.”
Seamus Finnigan didn’t believe Harry Potter.
Seamus thought Harry was simply lying about You-Know-Who coming back.
And since Seamus’s mother didn’t think Voldemort returned as well…
Seamus couldn’t help but confront Harry.
#2: “Harry! I… uh… I wanted to apologize. I know with everything me mam is saying in the Prophet is all very druddle. So, what I’m really trying to say is that… I believe you.”
Of course, when the truth came out…
Seamus knew he had to be the bigger person.
So he went up to Harry to apologize.
#3: “She’s got lots of them, but there’s only one Harry.”
When Harry returned to Hogwarts.
Ron commented on how Ginny was way happier to see Harry than her own brother.
And that’s when Seamus let off a funny nudge at the Weasley family…
Saying Ginny’s got enough brothers, but only 1 Harry Potter.
More facts about Seamus Finnigan
#1: Absolutely loved explosions
If there’s 1 thing you can count Seamus on…
It’s all the explosions he can make.
And while it was played off as a joke in the earlier films.
Did you know he actually became quite skilled in pyrotechnics?
In fact, even McGonagall recognized Seamus Finnigan’s skill of blowing stuff up:
“Why don’t you confer with Mr. Finnigan? As I recall, he has a particular proclivity for pyrotechnics.”
Of course, it might not be that helpful of a skill in real life.
But if you want to see his ‘explosive’ personality again…
This video compilation’s a must-watch for any Seamus Finnigan fan:
#2: Weird family situation
The world of Harry Potter’s rich with not-so-healthy family relationships.
And in Seamus Finnigan’s case…
His family didn’t fare that well either.
You see, his mother was a full-on witch.
But did his father know about it when they were dating?
Not in the slightest.
His father was just a Muggle. A simple man who didn’t know anything about magic.
In fact, it’s honestly quite amazing how Seamus’s mother managed to keep a secret.
So when did she break the news?
Shockingly, just after the 2 of them got hitched.
But the worst part?
That’s all we know about the story.
Because Seamus Finnigan never said anything more about it but this:
“I’m half-and-half. Me dad’s a Muggle. Mum didn’t tell him she was a witch ’til after they were married. Bit of a nasty shock for him.”
However, a study shows healthy relationships with family are great for your well-being.
So maybe avoid taking a page from the Finnigan family’s book…
Because keeping a big secret like that won’t work as well in real life.
#3: Can’t get enough of Quidditch
Quidditch was 1 of the greatest things about Harry Potter.
And seeing wizards fly on brooms was exciting to see on the big screen.
But can you guess who was 1 of the biggest fans in the story?
Well, that title goes to Seamus Finnigan.
In fact, he spent his childhood flying on a broomstick.
And he kept zooming all across the countryside like it was nobody’s business.
Unfortunately, despite all that practice…
He couldn’t replace Katie Bell as a chaser for Gryffindor.
That role was in charge of making goals and flying really well…
Something which Dean Thomas was much better at than Seamus.
But on the bright side, at least the Irish team won at the nationals during his 4th year.
And with enough time and practice…
He could land himself a spot on their Quidditch team too.
#4: A love that was never meant to be
Seamus Finnigan might not seem like the romantic type.
But did you know he had a fling in the story?
Okay, maybe that might be stretching it.
But he did go to the Yule Ball with Lavender Brown.
And while it’s a formal dance event…
You have to ask your partner out first.
And knowing Lavender’s clingy behavior…
There could’ve been a spark that we didn’t get the chance to see.
In fact, if you’re itching to know what a relationship between them would look like.
You can find dozens of fan fiction online about the 2 of them ending up together.
And that’s why I love Harry Potter so much.
If you can’t get enough of the story…
Then the fans will pick up their pens and explore the world even more.
#5: Misunderstood by many fans
The Harry Potter community can be very split about a lot of things.
And when it comes to Seamus Finnigan…
A lot of fans still look at him in a bad light because of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.
But was it really that bad?
Well, Seamus was simply misunderstood.
Sure, you’d expect a fellow Gryffindor to believe Harry…
Especially when he’s saying that the evil Lord Voldemort has returned.
However, we need to look at it from Seamus Finnigan’s perspective too.
He wanted to believe his mother again.
And when Harry pushed and got confrontational…
It’s not surprising why things escalated the way they did.
But when the truth finally came out.
Can you guess what Seamus did?
He apologized.
In fact, he went as far as convincing his mother too.
And that’s when you know you have a real friend.
Plus, even research agrees.
Because forgiveness works both ways…
Helping each other heal and improve their mental well-being.
#6: An important figure in Dumbledore’s Army
Sure, Neville Longbottom may have stepped up as a leader.
But if you want to know who else was on the frontline…
Seamus Finnigan was always there.
And he was never afraid of Amycus or Alecto Carrow.
In fact, he got so beaten up from the punishments…
Harry barely recognized Seamus when he came back.
Plus, even Neville agreed:
“This is nothing. Seamus is worse. You’ll see.”
And that’s how I know Seamus Finnigan’s character went through so much growth.
Because he’s a shining example of Gryffindor’s best traits…
Fearless in front of evil and righteous to fight against injustice.
#7: Saved Harry Potter from Dementors
While it sounds crazy…
It actually happened.
You see, during The Battle of Hogwarts…
Everything was in chaos.
And even Harry Potter and his friends couldn’t protect themselves 100% of the time.
As a result, when their guards were down…
Dementors came charging at them. Large and dark creatures ready to take advantage of their blind spots.
But can you guess who stepped in to shield them?
It was Seamus Finnigan…
Alongside Ernie Macmillian and Luna Lovegood.
The 3 of them used their combined Patronuses…
Creating a very powerful defensive spell.
And that’s all Harry, Ron, and Hermione needed to get to safety.
So if research says friends are important.
Because they can provide greater life satisfaction.
Seamus Finnigan took it 1 step further…
Actually saving Harry Potter’s life.
#8: Almost died at the hands of Voldemort
If Harry Potter had his close calls with death…
Seamus Finnigan also had his moments when things looked impossible to overcome.
In fact, he actually almost died at the hands of Voldemort.
You see, in the heat of the battle…
The Dark Lord aimed killing curses at Seamus Finnigan and Hannah Abbott.
Luckily, Harry Potter was right there in the nick of time…
Casting enough shield charms to keep both of them safe.
So brave as Seamus can be…
He can be reckless as well.
But it’s a good thing Harry Potter was there to return the favor…
Saving Seamus as he did for him just moments ago.
#9: His later life remained a mystery
As fun as a character Seamus was to follow…
We actually don’t know much about his life after the 2nd Wizarding War.
In the films, we saw him last with Dean Thomas and Aberforth Dumbledore.
But everything else after that?
It’s simply a mystery.
Of course, knowing his skills…
He could probably get himself a job anywhere.
In fact, with guts like Seamus.
He could pass as an Auror…
Chasing and capturing dark wizards for a living.
Or maybe even something with his pyrotechnics…
Coming up with magical inventions for exploding.
However, as far as concrete evidence goes.
We can’t say anything for certain.
So we can only leave it up to fan fiction to tell us what could’ve happened to Seamus Finnigan.