A Bouquet Of New Beginnings Chapter 18: Zephyr Lily

A Bouquet of New Beginnings Chapter 18: Zephyr Lily

Floriography: Sincerity/Will you help me?

Summary: The date for the Asclepius Record is set, Sebastian invites her to Feldcroft that weekend, and a bit of lightning collection with one Garreth Weasley.

[AO3]

Excerpt of the chapter is under the cut below, full chapter can be read through link above!

Professor Sharp lifted an eyebrow as his quill stopped abruptly. “Miss Loreley, could you repeat that?”

Her thumb pressed into her scarred palm.

“I would like to borrow two warded collection jars, as well as receive your written approval, to harvest arcane lightning during this Friday’s storm,” repeated Artemis calmly.

The sound of cauldron metal being scrubbed ceased.

“Merlin’s left tit.”

“Language, Mr. Weasley,” scolded Professor Sharp as he pinched the bridge of his nose.

Atop his desk were two harvested gargantuan venomous tentacula leaves – a show of good faith and proof – and the original Sticky Solution potion with an attached report. The windows behind him were pitch black with the late office hours, and only herself, the professor, and Garreth were there.

The scrubbing started back up at a snail-like pace.

The older man gave a deep, tired sigh before he stood and gestured for her to follow. The moment they entered his office, the door shut and tightly locked.

“And just how were you going to collect this?”

“The Astronomy Tower rooftop, sir,” said Artemis as she pulled out her written proposal. “The latent magic around and within Hogwarts would theoretically provide enough to imbue the falling lightning with enough arcane energy. And with a well-placed lightning conductor and coordinating the warded collection jars into the points drawn in the sketch, the lightning could be contained and gathered with minimal risk.”

“And why do you require arcane lightning? It’s not in any year’s curriculum.”

“Arcane lightning would triple the harvest of Professor Garlick’s greenhouses, which directly impact both your potions ingredient stock as well as for the Hospital Wing. Additionally, arcane lightning would greatly enhance the anti-paralyser potions within the apothecary, and gathering extras would allow experimentation for other possibilities. Mr. Pippin doesn’t carry any, the prices are astronomical, and since it is beyond the standard lightning material, unable to order through the school. I would like to be a bit more… resourceful, sir.”

Professor Sharp lifted an eyebrow. “You do realise there is the very real possibility of electrocution?”

“Safety precautions are outlined on the next page,” continued Artemis as Professor Sharp flipped the proposal. “The tower’s infrastructure has protection runes etched in to prevent storm damage, and the warded collection jars would cease to collect at capacity. A safe distance will be maintained on the nearest platform, as well as don the gear as stated.”

Another long silence followed. Artemis patiently waited for Professor Sharp’s verdict. Of course, it could potentially not storm, but she wanted to be prepared regardless. She’d already gotten a few warded jars for the Hospital Wing and her own stock from the Room, but with the professor’s permission, it would add legitimacy for staying up past curfew if necessary. 

The dull throb continued from her palm through her arm.

“Your material is well-prepared,” started Professor Sharp slowly as he flipped through the proposal once more. “The two jars that you are requesting from me would be for the classroom?”

“They would be for however you deem fit, Professor.”

“I see. Though with electrocution risk, I cannot sign off without at least another person –”

“–I’d like to recruit Garreth,” interrupted Artemis. Professor Sharp lifted an eyebrow. “He is the most knowledgeable at both real knowledge and application for ingredients in our year.”

“You trust Mr. Weasley to assist you with this?”

“Yes.”

“He’s serving detention for exploding his seventh cauldron and nearly destroying a classroom in fire as we speak,” pointed out Professor Sharp.

“I understand, sir, but I trust him,” insisted Artemis. This time, she didn’t shy away from Professor Sharp’s gaze.

Another few moments passed before Professor Sharp let out a sigh. “Call in Mr. Weasley please.”

Artemis blinked twice before she smiled, and gently opened the door.

“Garreth,” called out Artemis as she beckoned him.

Garreth whipped around from the cauldron that he’d been scrubbing. His cheeks appeared pink under the lamp light as he joined them in the office.

“Mr. Weasley, your detention this Friday has been changed.”

“Professor?” Garreth asked, tilting his head.

“You’ll accompany Miss Loreley this Friday, and will adhere to her every instruction. Miss Loreley, I will have the requested jars here Friday. Once the task has been completed, both of you are to report back to me without delay. Is that clear?”

“Yes, sir,” answered Artemis and Garreth.

“Mr. Weasley, you can return to your detention.”

“Yes, sir,” said Garreth.

Garreth’s gleaming peridot eyes met hers before he left the office. She shut the door once more and looked back at Professor Sharp.

“Was there something else, Miss Loreley?”

“Yes, sir. Um – with your latest extra assignment –”

“– the Sticky Solution, yes. It seems you have done a perfect brew; I shall be reviewing the report later.”

“Yes, well… I, would also like to submit this one, sir,” said Artemis as she pulled out her second vial. This one, unlike the coral liquid, was a deep magenta.

Professor Sharp picked up the vial. “This doesn’t look the correct colour.”

“I modified the recipe.”

“Modified it? How so?”

“When testing the Sticky Solution on moving dummies,” started Artemis, carefully hiding the field test on poachers, “I noticed the Solution only envelopes a limited scope, and if it doesn’t land just right would fizzle away. And Diffindo’d easily. This one is modified so it can’t be diffindo’d, and would expand to an extent if the dummy moves.”

Professor Sharp’s eyes widened.

“And what did you modify?”

Artemis held out the copy of the modified recipe. “I adjusted the ratios for the waters, decreased the tree sap and added Devil’s Snare essence.”

“Devil’s Snare…” Professor Sharp repeated as he accepted the copy.

“Yes, sir,” continued Artemis as Professor Sharp started to read through the paper. “Devil’s Snare’s resistant to Diffindo, and with the Devil’s Snare properties, even a few drops land would be enough to stretch to two limbs if the person moves. It’s shrinks down to the original amount with a Bluebell Flame charm.”

“Hmm… interesting. I will review this and will get back to you. For now, focus on your proposed arcane lightning collection. You’re free to go; let Mr. Weasley know his detention for tonight is done.”

Artemis nodded as she left the professor’s office.

“Garreth, Professor Sharp said you’re free to go.”

Garreth sighed in relief. “Oh thank Merlin. Hold up, I’ll walk to you Slytherin.”

“I- alright, sure,” agreed Artemis as she waited. If she had to be honest, she’d never seen the redhead move as fast as he did now putting away the dirty rags.

“Sorry about that,” said Artemis apologetically toward Garreth as they headed into the dungeon hall. The redhead whipped his head toward her, his peridot eyes widened.

“Sorry? Whatever for?”

She shrugged. “I didn’t exactly ask you beforehand if –”

“– Merlin, Snow, do you think I would be upset about gathering arcane lightning?” Garreth rolled his eyes as a grin spread across his face. “That’s got to be the best trade-off! I should be thanking you!”

Artemis blinked twice. “Were you listening at the door?”

“No,” said Garreth too quickly.

Artemis chuckled as she rolled her eyes good-naturedly. “No need for thanks. I would feel better if I had a friend helping me with this, so I’m glad you’re taking it in stride.”

Garreth, if possible, beamed more. “Come on, you need to tell me your secret.”

“What secret?” Artemis asked.

He gesticulated wildly. “How you convinced Sharp to just, agree!”

“Well,” started Artemis as they rounded a corner. “I asked, and gave him a proposal.”

“On actual parchment?”

“Yes, Garreth, on actual parchment. If he’s presented with enough evidence, Professor Sharp’s not going to refuse anything outright.”

“He refused to let me experiment,” grumbled Garreth.

“That’s because you do those ones during class,” tutted Artemis gently. “He’s never really stopped you from experimenting when you come into his office hours, right?”

“I suppose so.”

“Right. I presented that it would be beneficial to harvest the arcane lightning if we could, and that there are steps taken to mitigate the risk of being electrocuted.”

Garreth laughed brightly as his red waves bounced with each step. “Ah. By the way, what are those steps?”

“Staying a safe distance away, doing the prior setup as per diagram, there’s already runes in place so that’s taken care of, the Faraday's cage –”

“– Fara what?”

“Faraday's cage,” repeated Artemis as they stopped in front of the blank wall. “I’ll explain Friday. Thank you for walking me back.”

“Anytime! I won’t let you down, I promise,” declared Garreth brightly. “Good night and don’t let the bed bugs bite!”

“There aren’t any bed bugs…” said Artemis before she gave a fond smile. “But, thank you. Sleep well.”

Garreth nodded, and almost had a skip to his step as he bounded away.

She whispered toward the wall. “Zephyranthes.”

The door shut with a loud thump behind her, and she took her leisurely time to appreciate the descent of the spiral staircase, the serene waterfall, and the soft piano.

She wondered if the Room would conjure a piano, like it did for the warded collection jars or the Healing training mannequins. Her fingers missed the ivories.

Her eyes caught Ominis leaned against the windowed alcove, and Sebastian across from him. As she walked closer, her ears picked up snippets of their conversation.

“Come on, Anne would be over the moon to see you.”

Ominis sighed heavily. “I already told you, I – oh, hello Artemis.”

Sebastian whipped his head toward her, his eyes widened briefly before they relaxed.

“Hello. Any mermaids?” Artemis asked curiously.

“Not today,” chuckled Ominis as he gently shook his head. His eyes matched the blue-green of the Black Lake beyond the window, and the Common Room light danced along the lens. They looked like jewelled marbles or sea glass.

“Leave it to Ominis to sense you. Where’ve you been?”

“Professor Sharp’s office hours.”

Sebastian lifted an eyebrow. “Again? Why you want to voluntarily spend more time in Sharp’s presence is beyond me.”

“He’s really amenable.”

Sebastian pointedly looked at her like she grew a second head. Ominis chuckled quietly as he tilted his head toward the window.

“Anyways, perfect timing,” started Sebastian again as he flapped a piece of paper. “Had to settle for just a day trip, but finally got Ronan to sign off. Not to mention Anne convinced my uncle. You available to come to Feldcroft with me Saturday? Meet Anne?”

“Of course,” answered Artemis without hesitation.

The brunet’s warm chocolate eyes brightened at the quick and smooth response.

“Will you be going as well, Ominis?” Artemis asked.

Ominis shook his head disappointedly. “No, unfortunately I’ve got a… meeting I can’t reschedule.”

Artemis’ eyes flitted to Sebastian’s as the latter shook his head minutely. Right, leave it alone.

“Library tonight, Artie?”

Artemis nodded as Ominis gave a disapproving hum.

“You two with your library outings. Don’t you have enough detention to last you until the end of the month, Sebastian?”

“Damned Peeves,” grumbled Sebastian as he turned toward her with puppy-dog eyes. “It’s always when you aren’t with me that I get caught. Can’t you come more often?”

“Perhaps when I catch up to everyone,” apologised Artemis with a small smile.

Both boys’ expressions turned to a degree of pity, which she shrugged off. Instead, she turned toward Ominis. “Would you like to come with us tonight?”

The blond’s eyes widened even has his head tilted minutely toward her. Sebastian briefly had an unreadable expression flit before he eased into a smile. Then proceeded to throw his arm around Ominis’ shoulder.

“Yeah Ominis, come with us. Sneak around the halls, get into places that we shouldn’t be. Maybe Artie could even sneak out a late-night cauldron cake.”

Ominis grumbled a moment with his arms crossed, but the corners of his lips were upturned.

“I suppose I’d like to witness this famed lockpicking.”

“Fantastic! I’m going to grab the books to put back. You know, a legitimate reason to go in,” exclaimed Sebastian before he nearly skipped his way up toward the boys’ dormitory.

“Ominis?” Artemis started as she kept her gaze forward.

“Yes?”

“Is there anything I could do to help? About the meeting or, anything else.” She got the distinct impression that this meeting was not something Ominis was looking forward to.

In her periphery, she caught Ominis tilt his head toward her as his eyes widened. He breathed in deeply before he sighed heavy, and his dark blond locks shook gently as he shook his head.

“No…no. Though I do appreciate the thought. Actually,” paused Ominis, “try and make sure Sebastian doesn’t do anything ridiculous Saturday.”

Artemis blinked twice. “Like when he accidentally ran into the grate during Crossed Wands?”

Nerida had a right laugh even when she was on the opponent side; Sebastian and Artemis still were victorious.  

Ominis huffed a soft laugh. “He seemed to appreciate you healing up his bruise.”

“I’d be a poor duelling partner if I didn’t,” chuckled Artemis.

Ominis nodded, then his tone became sombre. “Anne’s been through a lot, and though Sebastian’s well-intentioned... Well. You hopefully won’t see it but, he and Mr. Sallow… clash. I heard it got worse this past summer.”

Artemis bit her inner cheek. “I’ll do my best,” settled Artemis genuinely. “What’s Anne like?”

“Why’re you asking me? You’ll meet her this weekend.”

“I like to know your opinions.”

“Ha! Be careful what you wish for. Hmm… well. She’s my best friend along with Sebastian. Less bull-headed but… I daresay much more impulsive, which is saying something, considering. I – I miss her,” said Ominis, his voice fond even as his volume slowly dropped.

“I hope she gets better soon,” whispered Artemis.

“I… me too.”

Artemis looked up at that; she wondered what he had hesitated in saying. A comfortable silence befell between them as the piano continued its nocturne.

“Artemis?”

“Yes?”

“Why do you go to the library?”

Artemis looked up toward Ominis once more. His unseeing eyes were kept toward the boy’s dormitory entrance. She gently leaned against the same alcove as Ominis; he didn’t move.

“I’m worried,” said Artemis honestly.

“Worried?”

“Mm.” A dull pain went through her left arm as she pressed her thumb pad into her scar. “I’m worried he’ll whittle himself to the bone.”

When she went with Sebastian, they snatched up Healing texts. They’d sit by the Common Room fire as they bounced off ideas of potential Dark causes and past Healing examples that seemed vaguely promising. Those nights they came back quickly and talked until one in the morning. She didn’t know when Sebastian returned the nights she was busy with her other projects, but she knew he made it a mission to attempt at least four nights a week. It didn’t matter that Leto agreed to the check-up; Sebastian continued his own research.

She was worried history would repeat itself.

Ominis’ smooth voice cut through her thoughts. “When is Healer Gavin visiting?”

“As soon as Anne gives her consent, he’ll let us know,” answered Artemis.

A brief silence passed between them as Sebastian’s signature brown tousle emerged. She heard Ominis quietly sigh.

“Me too.”

“Hm?”

“I’m worried, too.”

A Bouquet of New Beginnings Ch. 16 "Peony I"

Floriography - Life & Honor

Summary: The First Trial of the Keepers and Other Traumatizing Events

[AO3]

Below is an excerpt of the chapter. Full chapter can be viewed from AO3 link above!

*There are trigger warnings listed within the end chapter notes on AO3, but the below excerpt is the section without any of the triggers involved.*

The steam smelled of honey and peony as the silver ladle created calm ripples across the magenta liquid. Sleeves rolled up of her sky-blue uniform, Artemis hummed her mother’s lullaby as she leaned over the Potions station before she stopped stirring and picked up the pestle and mortar. Mornings when she was tasked to brew and restock the apothecary were a boon, wherein she required just enough focus on a straightforward objective to not be distracted by unwanted thoughts.

“Professor Fig informed me that you were going on an exhibition this afternoon for your independent study.”

Her heart thudded loud against her ribcage as she lifted her gaze from the crushed myrtle petals. The gruff Potions professor’s eyes were lifted as he sat at his desk - a silent insistence to observe her brewing.

“Yes, sir. He was kind enough to offer to show me some of the ruins in the area for History of Magic,” answered Artemis succinctly.

That was technically true – Professor Fig did in fact state that the destined tower was heavily weathered, and they were going under the pretext of catching up on some sections of History of Magic. They couldn’t very well say that they were going to an old, abandoned tower that served as some sort of trial for ancient magic.

“I presume you are aware of the increased activity in the area?”

Again, Artemis nodded as she sprinkled in the crushed myrtle petals and adjusted the fire. The liquid was brought to a roiling boil as the mixture slowly rendered into a viscous pink whilst she stirred seven times counterclockwise.

“Inverto.”

The inversion magic left her wand, and the viscous pink shimmered before the colour dissolved into a milky white. Potent fertility inverted to a potent contraception – a simple idea with complex application. The binding spell in place, and the potion was complete. She poured a sample and gave it to Professor Sharp to test. A single drop of the potion coated the testing strip, and offered the visual of an upside-down peony – a success.

“Good,” commented Professor Sharp as he corked the vial. “Not many would get this potion right to this… potency.”

Artemis bit her inner cheek and bit back her comment; Professor Sharp lifted an eyebrow as he waved for her to finish up. The potion vials clinked together as she packed up, though her mind was now on the trial she’d undertake that afternoon. She hoped that whatever it was, she was ready.

“Miss Loreley,” cut in Professor Sharp as she was about to leave with the box filled with cushioned potion vials balanced on her hip. The professor made his way to her, a sealed roll of parchment in his hand.

“You are to work on this for the upcoming weeks. Ordinarily I wouldn’t be concerned but you… you ought to be prepared.”

“Sir?”

The parchment was tucked into the box.

“You are to work on these during the next few office hours. It would do well to bolster your arsenal other than just spells and Healing potions.”

Artemis blinked twice as she managed to dumbly nod.

The parchment was unfurled amidst Professor Binns’ monotonous review on a goblin rebellion in the 1300’s. Snores weren’t bothered to be concealed, and once again Artemis and Amit were the only two that seemed to remain remotely awake. Leander and Andrew fell asleep within five minutes. Poppy and Natsai made valiant efforts before they too succumbed; Ominis’ dark blond locks glowed softly in the spilled sunlight as he lasted perhaps a minute. Garreth and Sebastian, once again, did not show up.

Her eyes scanned over the parchment as she read the harsh calligraphic handwriting of Professor Sharp, and tilted her head. Sticky Solution was written on the top with a list of ingredients and directions. This looked like an original recipe. Giddy excitement bubbled in her chest at the prospect.

Ominis shivered slightly next to her even as he slept. She envied that he, and frankly every other person, could take a nap. Professor Binns glided by, and a pleasant coolness settled around them. Or rather, it was pleasant to her; everyone else seemed to shiver in their varied states of slumber.

She snuck another look at Ominis, who’d taken to using his arm as a standing pillow. He’d kept her request to keep silent about her embarrassing panic; she knew Sebastian would have relentlessly asked otherwise. She still wondered what she’d missed between the two of them when the topic of where to practise the spell came about, but that was beside the point. The point was that Ominis didn’t need to keep silent, and yet he did.

Her mind flitted to the purple hyacinth that now stood atop her desk in its vase. She sent a gentle warming charm from under her desk toward him, and Ominis’ shoulders relaxed. With a small smile, she continued to read up on the new potions recipe.

I'm gonna say it.

It's unhinged to assume that someone's taste in fiction equates to what they believe is moral or good, or is something they want to see or experience in real life.

That is a bonkers assumption to make.

I'm tired of humoring people with long arguments about it when the simple fact is it is a totally fucking absurd reach to accuse someone who enjoys something in fiction of being in favor of it in real life.

I'm tired of pretending like this is a legitimate position to hold-- that they should be afraid of fiction's dire influence on a reader's moral decay or that it's a sign of what the author secretly wants for realsies in real life.

A Bouquet of New Beginnings: Chapter 10 "Witch's Briar"

Summary: As the first week of school comes to an end, Artemis takes the plunge.

Floriography: Witch's Briar - Ferocity

[AO3]

Full chapter can be read through the AO3 Link above, excerpt below!

Despite returning to her room near the witching hour, Artemis awoke at five in the morning per usual. The semi-permanent black circles were even more pronounced as she braided her hair under the soft candlelight; her roommates all fast asleep. The armada of white hairpins were placed for stability, careful to avoid the side-swept bangs both along her forehead and sides that framed her face.

The day began with another self-defence training session at the Quidditch pitch, supervised by Nocturne who was happily chomping on a jerky reward, courtesy of the “for hungry students” cabinet provided by the kitchen house-elves. She even risked knife-throwing into the mannequins at the edges of the field; it was entirely refreshing to see the blades sink into the centre each time.

However, without her garden, greenhouse or rigorous summer training curriculum, after she’d gotten done with the morning shower and had a green apple from the common room, she was at a loss for what to do. Leto hadn’t sent his response yet, she’d finished up her homework and extra assignments from her long waking hours, and Nurse Blainey had stated clearly Monday to discuss volunteering. Her desire to mingle with people was non-existent at the point, but she’d decided already she’d sketch tomorrow. Aimlessly, Artemis wandered the grounds with her legside bag attached, school uniform on sans robe until she reached the greenhouses. A melodious hum carried in the air.

As she poked her head in, she saw the familiar green robes and braided red hair. Professor Garlick was tending to the venomous tentacula that stood proudly within their greenhouse classroom, the smile on her face soft and endearing. Artemis found her vivacious, bubbly demeanour treading a fine line between endearing and exhausting, but right now it leaned toward the former. A thought came to her as she quietly stepped into the space.

“Good morning, Professor Garlick.”

Professor Garlick let out a surprised gasp as she whipped around, braids and all. The older woman had a hand upon her chest, the clippers in the other lowered.

“Goodness! I didn’t hear you enter, Miss Loreley. Good morning to you as well,” greeted Professor Garlick. “It’s rare, having a student come to the greenhouse on a Saturday. Can I help you?”

“I… was wondering if there was anything I could assist you in the greenhouse today.”

Professor Garlick tilted her head. “Assist me? In the greenhouse?”

“Yes,” said Artemis as she felt the dull pain of her thumb against her hidden scar, quelling her nerves for being so forward.

Professor Garlick hummed as her expression softened considerably.

“Miss Loreley, please do be honest with the question I am about to ask. I shan’t be offended with your answer.”

“Professor?”

“How has the first week of my class been for you? And the extra assignment? In terms of challenge.”

Artemis blinked twice.

“It… was easy, Professor,” answered Artemis honestly. Truth be told, the extra assignment regarding puffapods and their uses had been simple, and the plants they’d been covering in class were second nature to her. She had to search for something to do in class so that her hands were kept busy.

“I suspected as much. I’d never seen a student be able to handle three or four different plants in one lesson without sacrificing the care,” remarked Professor Garlick with a smile. “Professors Weasley and Fig had, of course, shared with us your experience, but it’s another to see it entirely.”

Artemis gave a noncommittal hum as her gaze moved to the venomous tentacula.

“In light of that, I’d like to make some adjustments to your extra assignments,” said Professor Garlick.

Artemis looked toward the redhead, who’d gone toward her desk and came back with a bronze key, its handle decorated with a wild rose and briars. At the professor’s insistence, she followed the older woman out of their current greenhouse.

“My predecessor, before he became… indisposed, had a particular way of running the greenhouses,” explained Professor Garlick as they continued down the scenic path. “I’ve taken to reinvigorating and redoing one per year, and of course, one cannot forget maintenance. This one still is yet to be replanted, re… well, let’s just say it needs some love. A bit of an overgrowth”

Their feet stopped in front of one of the darkened greenhouses. Artemis could make out long, thick lines of some sort of overgrowth along the glass panelling.

The professor stuck the key into the lock; even the click sounded thick and rusted.

A bit of an overgrowth was a gross understatement.

A Bouquet of New Beginnings Chapter 11: "Amaryllis"

Floriography - Determination

Summary: Snippets of Artemis' second week of school - the good, the bad, and the nightmare.

[AO3]

Below is an excerpt of the chapter, full chapter can be viewed from the AO3 Link above!

“So, I heard that you’re quite the covert little thief.”

Artemis paused her quill as she lifted her head. Sebastian and Ominis had been doing their assigned Charms essay, and she her extra assignments, in relative silence for the past half hour in the tucked away corner of the library until Ominis broke the silence.

“Oh?” Artemis asked as she pointedly looked at Sebastian. He was the only source that could’ve possibly said anything to Ominis.

Sebastian had the audacity to give an innocent smile.

“Oh indeed. Something about a padlock and a cat? A traipse into the Re-”

“-Oi! Not so loud,” cut in Sebastian. Ominis rolled his eyes as his head tilted back toward her.

“Just hadn’t expected you to be so brazen already with the rules,” paused Ominis. “Well done.”

Artemis had opened her mouth to make a counterargument, only to shut it in the unexpected praise. In contrast, Sebastian’s jaw dropped.

“What? So I get scolded when I go, but Artie gets a compliment? I see how it is.”

Ominis snickered at his friend’s expense.

“She doesn’t barge into our room with erumpent stomps at two in the morning, Sebastian. Though I am curious as to what you could possibly need. You’ve been here less than two weeks.”

Artemis was saved from answering the question as a sneering voice came from her left.

“Well, who do we have here? All alone and – oh, Gaunt. Sallow.”

Their table was at a strange angle that provided blind spots – clearly, Alistair had thought she’d been alone. The change in his tone was drastic, as the moment he saw the two boys his demeanour completely changed.

Sebastian glared daggers and Ominis’ expression was a carefully controlled brand of neutral.

“Avery. Care to finish what you were saying?” Sebastian asked dangerously.

“No, no I think I’ll take my leave,” said Alistair diplomatically.

“Do,” said Ominis as he slowly turned. Alistair’s hand balled into a fist, glared at Artemis once before he stomped away.

“Git,” spat out Sebastian before he turned to Artemis. “How’d you have the misfortune of meeting him?”

“Poppy and I stopped him from pulling on Persephone’s whiskers,” answered Artemis.

“Still petty I see. Can’t believe he’s the same year as us,” sighed Ominis.

“He seemed intimidated.”

“He should. I’d gladly fry him crispy,” huffed Sebastian.

“More my last name than me,” corrected Ominis. He looked like he bit a bitter bug. “Descendant of Salazar Slytherin, my father being friends with the headmaster. The Gaunt name has its… uses, despite the unfortunate run of pureblood mania.”

Slytherin has a bunch of pureblood supremist bigots, not to mention families associated with the Dark Arts. The Malfoys, the Blacks, the Lestranges, the Gaunts.

“The headmaster has friends…?” Artemis asked instead, perplexed at the concept.

Sebastian choked on air as he quickly muffled his laughter into his elbow; Ominis’ shoulders shook as he controlled his. Madam Scribner gave the group a warning glance as she walked by on her patrol.

“Artie, did you hear back from your contact?” Sebastian asked after it was clear the librarian had left their vicinity.

“Contact?” Ominis asked, his head giving a slight jerk.

Artemis looked between Ominis and Sebastian; the brunet nodded as Artemis let out a soft breath.

“They said they’d need to review their contract for the finer details first,” said Artemis. She’d hoped Leto would have responded back before telling Sebastian, but alas. “But, tentatively yes.”

“Really?” Sebastian asked, his eyes brightened. In contrast, Ominis’ features darkened.

“Contract?” Ominis repeated back.

“Artie has a Healer contact in the Ministry. Said she’d reach out regarding Anne.”

“A Healer? Wait, you told her about Anne?”

“I was getting her a –” started Sebastian before he stopped and ran his fingers through his hair. “Never mind, yes, I told Artie about Anne.”

“Why?”

“She’s my sister, I can tell whomever I like.”

Ominis hummed, though his expression didn’t ease as he looked at Artemis.

“Rather generous of you,” said Ominis. His jaw was set.

“Ominis,” Sebastian started, surprised.

Ominis tilted his head toward her; Artemis’ heart sank. She’d not felt this since Chalvey. Palpable mistrust, clear suspicion.  

“So? Why are you helping?”

“Because I want to.”

She managed to keep her voice controlled. It was understandable, why he would be like this.

“That’s it?”

“That’s it.”

Because she didn’t want history to repeat itself… but nobody else needed to know that.

“You’re lying,” retorted Ominis. “What do you gain from this?”

Her throat tightened. Sebastian’s warm chocolate eyes hardened toward his best friend.

“Ominis, stop it -”

“- Is treating someone the way you wanted to be treated so unbelievable?”

The soft, wobbled words were out of her mouth before she could stop herself.  She hadn’t intended to say that, not really.

Her hands moved quickly as both boys were stunned; Ominis’ eyebrows furrowed rather quickly afterward.

“Excuse me,” muttered Artemis as she pulled out her wand, the rest of her items haphazardly in her arms.  She muttered a quick disillusionment.

“Artie, wait!”

“Mr. Sallow! This is the library!”

Madam Scribner’s shrill warning rang loud behind her as she slunk away into the green floo flames.

raise your hand if you’re also incredibly interested in everyone’s MCs and want to hear about them all the time ✋