The thought of Lavender and Neville together made Seamus smile, and he felt a chuckle bubbling up, but he mercifully was able to stifle it. He didn't want to have her take it the wrong way, it was just that though they were both great, she and Nev didn't seem at all like each other's types. "Mm," he murmured noncommittally. "Just let me know if y'need me t'thump anybody, and I'll be happy t'oblige."
Before he could register the sensation of her lips on his cheek, or the slight tingle they left behind, she was already speaking again. "Yep, 'fraid so," he nodded brightly, "even when we're both as crotchety as agitated Erumpents." He snorted good naturedly at her last statement. "Lav, y'say that like it's news." He squeezed her shoulder again so she'd know he was just teasing.
He gazed out over the rolling ocean once more, feeling at last a measure of true contentment steal over him. It looked like this Christmas wouldn't end up being totally depressing after all. He turned to Lavender once more. "Thanks, Lav. For everythin'."