AO3 Comments Are SO SO SOOOOOOO Important Because You Can Only Leave Kudos ONCE. You Add To The Hit Count

AO3 Comments are SO SO SOOOOOOO important because you can only leave Kudos ONCE. You add to the hit count ONCE (every 24 hours).

So whenever someone updates their fic, the ONLY way an author knows who their regular readers are is if they comment on each chapter. And we WANT to know who's still reading.

Believe it or not, some of us think about the name that pops up constantly in the comments and go "omg I can't wait to see what they think of THIS SPECIFIC SCENE cuz I KNOW they'll say something about it!!!"

The intense guilt I felt when I clicked that option not knowing that was what the line was. Audible "holy shit that was NOT what I meant MC jfc."

Okay, everyone has lovely headcanons about dear Seb, but my favorite and the seemingly pervasive one is that Sebastian is all in on day one. My man is 100% at the ground floor of this relationship. He sees MC, they kick his ass, and he’s like, that one. No further questions.

He does not possess the ability to do anything halfway. I feel like not everyone really understands this about ride or die kind of people. He didn’t have to think about it. This is his nature. And that is why he is so betrayed when MC and him have the ignorant moment. How can MC not be as willing to compromise everything for him as he is for them? He cannot feel this halfway either.

And I get that this is a red flag for a lot of people, but I will defend this behavior as long as I have access to the means to do so. He is an orphan. His sister is dying. His uncle is abusive. He puts all his faith in MC. He is desperately in our corner and in that high tension moment instead of being patient and returning the faith that he puts in MC they judge him.

I will never forgive the dialogue option for “your uncle was right”

It’s about the most cutting thing MC could say.

Whenever I get an email from ao3 saying "_____ left you Kudos!" or "_____ commented on ______" An extra week is added onto my lifespan. Remember to always give ao3 authors you enjoy kudos and comments to ensure they live forever.

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.

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

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.”