Holy...

Holy...

The lighting? The way he is illuminated because of *her*?

I love. Clora is just ✨✨✨

🖤 his light 🤍

A Bouquet of New Beginnings Chapter 24: "Pink"

Summary:

An argument in the Undercroft between Sebastian & Ominis.

A Bickle Pickle.

Floriography: Make haste, Pure love

Full Chapter: [AO3]//7.4k words

Except Below:

“But, didn’t goblins curse Anne?”

Ominis was the first to respond. Sebastian let out a frustrated sigh as he tousled his hair.

“We only saw goblins at the estate. But Healer Gavin did these –” Sebastian gestured with his hands. “–Diagnostics? Which came up that it wasn’t goblin magic. But it could still have been goblins if they had a wand and found the spell somewhere.”

Artemis hummed slightly. “Goblins have their own magic right? Why take the extra step to use wizard magic?”

Sebastian scoffed. “I don’t know, irony? Why terrorise all of these hamlets? Loyalists don’t need any reason for that.”

Artemis gave a slight nod; it was clear they were near Feldcroft for the connection with the Keepers and Isidora. But the bulletin board in Hogsmeade showed their reach was far beyond the region.

Sebastian sighed before he brightened slightly. “But the good thing is, at least it narrows it down to wizard curses. I was thinking maybe we can find something to give to Healer Gavin. Help with researching the cure.”

“We could research in the l –”

“– Actually,” interrupted Sebastian. “Ominis could just tell us about the Scriptorium.”

The air chilled instantly around Ominis. His brows knitted together as he clenched and unclenched his left hand.

“Scriptorium?” Artemis repeated. Her question fell on deaf ears.

“You rat!” Ominis hissed. “This was supposed to stay between us!”

Sebastian’s eyes flashed. “Ominis, there’s nothing in the library! Anne had another bout tonight and it was so much worse! The Scriptorium could have –”

“– No it won’t,” interrupted Ominis. “I can’t believe we’re still talking about this.”

“Because it could have something to help Anne!”

“Anything to do with the Dark Arts should be avoided. It’s one thing to read, but this? It’s too risky.”

“You missed visiting Anne for this; it would be a waste to not use this. Anything to do with Salazar Slytherin is worth the risk.”

Artemis blinked twice, too stunned at the influx of new information to do anything. Salazar Slytherin had a Scriptorium in this school?

“I can’t agree.”

“Why don’t you want to help?” Sebastian said accusingly. “Artie’s done more than you have –”

“– How dare you,” hissed Ominis. A flash of hurt passed before a steely mask settled. “I’ll not say a word more.”

“Wait, Ominis!” Artemis called out in vain as the blond stormed out of the Undercroft.

The gate crashed down. Artemis sighed as she looked toward Sebastian. The brunet released a frustrated groan as he paced back and forth once more. She, for her part, felt useless as she stood there, her thumb rubbed against her scar. She should’ve stepped in and not stand there like an useless fish.

“Sebastian –”

“– Healer Gavin’s great,” interrupted Sebastian. “I just –”

Sebastian stopped his pacing when he stood in front of her and sighed. Despite it being his birthday, the joys had been replaced by a heaviness in his shoulders.

“You want to help Anne,” finished Artemis.

Sebastian’s eyes softened slightly. “Exactly. You understand, don’t you?”

“I do.”

More than he knew.

Artemis sighed as her eyes went back to the gate; she was going to have to figure out a way to drink another Calming Draught discreetly before going out. Somehow.

“Was the Scriptorium actually supposed to be a secret, Sebastian?”

“Sort of,” said Sebastian with a shrug. “Ominis didn’t specify that we kept it between me and him. But, he showed you the Undercroft, so I thought he wouldn’t mind … wait, that’s it!”

Sebastian exclaimed loudly as his warm chocolate eyes brightened. His hands flew as they grabbed her shoulders.

“You can help me convince him!”

Artemis blinked twice.

“Of…?”

“Going into the Scriptorium!”

Artemis tilted her head slightly. “Sebastian, how is Slytherin’s Scriptorium going to help Anne?”

“Look, the Gaunts are full of secrets, like the Undercroft. And, the Gaunts know better than most that there’s more to Dark magic than people realise. Can you imagine what Slytherin must have stuffed inside a hidden Scriptorium? There might be long buried texts! And –”

“– Sebastian,” cut off Artemis. “Where’s this coming from? The diagnostic?”

Sebastian sighed. “Yes. It showed these… dark tendrils that were wrapped around Anne’s veins.”

The grip around her shoulders tightened.

 “Said that it’s a sign of the curse being something old, and aristocratic Purebloods tend to have more than their fair share of old magic. The Blacks, Lestranges… even the Prewetts.”

“Are the Sallows…?”

“– Pureblood? Yes, but definitely not aristocratic, clearly. Anyways, I want to make sure we don’t miss any possible thing that could help Anne. The issue, is that only Ominis knows how to enter and, as you clearly saw, he won’t tell me.”

“You did tell him he didn’t care about Anne,” pointed out Artemis, “Which you know isn’t true.”

Sebastain sighed as he tousled his hair. “I admit that was uncalled for. I was just… frustrated with everything and – anyways. Would you help me convince Ominis?”

She blinked twice. She could see the point Sebastian was making, though there was no guarantee of anything being inside. If the Scriptorium had any sort of material that could help Leto create a cure for Anne – or something to manage it – that would be worth the risk.

“Only after you apologise and he forgives you. Then I’ll… talk to him about this,” said Artemis.

Even if she didn’t, her gut said Sebastian would find a way. Plus, they still needed to ask him about that shed.

“Deal,” said Sebastian with a relieved smile. He let go of her shoulders. “By the way, that book cover and bookmark – those are the enchanted ones, right?”

“Yes. The book cover turns into an Arithmancy title, and the bookmark lights up. Though, that might disrupt your roommates…aside from Ominis.”

“Fantastic, now I can read forbidden books out in the open. No one would be the wiser.”

“Unless someone comes up behind you and reads over your shoulder.”

“Fair point.”

Sebastian chuckled, but it sounded hollow.

The ashes atop the Sallow table flitted back to her mind. Artemis bit her inner cheek before she pulled her wand and conjured a boutonniere – a gladiolus with a forget-me-not and a geranium surrounded by green. Not a bouquet, but small and compact. She pulled a hairpin from her hair and transfigured it into a silver pin.

“May I?” Artemis asked as she lifted the boutonniere.

Sebastian’s eyes widened. “Oh, um.” He cleared his throat. “Of course.”

Artemis hummed as she carefully slipped her fingertips under his left lapel. The bright and colourful flowers stood out against the Slytherin uniform. She straightened the lapel and the flowers before she looked up; the freckled face of her friend was intently concentrated on her.

“By the way, didn’t know you knew a Curse-Breaker.”

“Kierston?” She asked as she looked back down to make sure the pin didn’t pierce her friend. “He’s a dear family friend. I wasn’t sure if he would be popping by today.”

“Do you think he’d be able to take a look at Anne?”

“He doesn’t know human physiology well enough, but he’s definitely a resource. I’m sure he’d be willing to help,” she answered as she finished pinning the boutonniere. She gave two gentle pats. “There. All done.”

Artemis lifted her head, her forest green eyes meeting his. Something passed through Sebastian’s eyes, though she couldn’t pinpoint what.

“Happy Birthday, Sebastian.”

“Thank you, Artie,” said Sebastian softly. A second passed in utter silence before he cleared his throat. “I’ll just, grab the other gifts. Then we can head out.”

Artemis knocked down a Calming Draught when Sebastian’s back turned as he grabbed his presents.

Ominis didn’t come back; her thumb dug deep into her scarred palm.

A Library Defiled

Garreth Weasley x f!reader

Summary: An tense encounter in the library shatters the barrier between friends and lovers. Tags: explicit | fingering | semi-public sex | friends to lovers 1.7k words

A/n: Just a quick smutty drabble from me but it's been a while since I wrote anything for Weasley Wednesday! I was inspired by this art which sent me slightly insane yesterday (help, he's so fucking tall).

The gold embossed spine winked down at your from its perch, far out of reach amongst the teetering heights of the stacks. Your instinct was to grab your wand and cast a quick summoning charm, but that idea fizzled out with a quick glance at your surroundings. The signs that Madam Scribner had hung earlier that year usually went ignored, but the stern librarian was only feet away now, shuffling through a cart of returned books. Forbidding the use of magic in a magical school was preposterous, though you could quite easily see Professor Black agreeing with her madness. No doubt it had been in response to that business with Cressida and her damned flying diary. 

You rolled your eyes before standing on tiptoes, fingers merely inches away from your prize, and yet it was to no avail. That extra height eluded you. The thought occurred to you to start climbing the shelves until the very book you needed was snatched from above.

“Wait, I-...”

“Is this what you wanted?”

You needn't have turned to discern who'd spoken—his voice was as familiar as his densely freckled face—but you fixed your face with a suitably irritated expression. You came face to face with his chin, having to crane your neck to meet the towering redhead’s eyes. Garreth held the book out for you with a smile that looked far too self satisfied for your liking.

“Yes, it is. Well done for being so tall,” you replied, casting another mutinous glance at the librarian. “How does she expect us to get anything down without using magic?”

“I think she'd be happy for nobody to touch the books ever again. However, I'm always happy to help a damsel in distress.” You could practically feel the implied flirtatious wink.

Shadow eclipsed your face, an arm braced against the shelf beside you. Your heart stuttered, arms clutching the book tightly to your chest like a shield in case the organ burst from your ribcage. The reaction he elicited wasn't new or unexpected—in fact, he played into it as much as he could these days. He knew how to stand, how to speak and what to say to send your heart racing, hoping that one day you would end the torturous game you played and let him fulfill those desires you both knew you held. The chase was fun but your patience and self restraint grew thinner with each passing day.

“Is that what I am?” you asked. Your voice quivered as you felt him envelop your back, his warmth seeping through your shirt. He ran hot like a furnace. You'd forgotten how to use your limbs, how to think; every sense was acutely aware and attuned to his movements. 

“You looked pretty distressed before I got here,” he chuckled, his mouth so very close to your ear. His fingers flexed against the wood, warm breath slipping down your collar. Another inch and his lips might brush your skin.

Garreth knew when to stop. This invisible boundary you'd drawn lay somewhere on the hair's breadth between your bodies. You still felt everything—the steady rise and fall of his chest, the copper curls that barely ghosted your forehead and his gaze lingering on your neck. 

Sweeping the hair away from that spot, you heard him inhale, dizzy from the slightest show of skin; not quite an invitation, only an enticement. If he insisted on teasing, you would repay him for his efforts. When he stepped closer you knew it had been foolish.

There was no more room between you anymore, only his muscled chest and the hint of softness at his midsection. “Are you going to let me leave or keep me pinned here forever?” you asked, hoping that the answer might be ‘yes’.

“I'm not stopping you.” He shoved his free hand into his pocket. He was quite correct—there to your right, was a route of escape. You could turn and leave, but your legs had suddenly atrophied. And then Garreth dipped his head further. To an outsider it might look as if he were whispering conspiratorially in your ear, his billowing robes and broad shoulders masking just how tightly your bodies pressed against each other. “You can go, or you can stop pretending not to want this,” he said.

“And what is this, exactly?”

Garreth shifted his weight ever so slightly, enough for you to feel an unmistakable twitch in his trousers. Cheeks blazing, you inhaled sharply whilst suppressing a whimper, clutching the book so tightly you thought the spine might crumble.

“You drive me crazy,” he replied with what could only be described as longing lacing his voice. Garreth wasn't the type of person to manipulate others; you knew he was being sincere. “Just give me a chance to love you.”

You finally looked at him then, shocked to hear that word slipping from his lips. He didn't seem to have noticed, or perhaps he held no shame in laying his heart on the line for you then. His eyes were full and earnest, unwavering as they held your gaze. In response to your shocked silence he asked, “Did you think I just wanted to sleep with you?” 

“Maybe,” you muttered. Despite every rational thought imploring you not to, your eyes dropped to his lips, and his own quirked into a smile at his victory. When he kissed you, he finally let go of the shelf to tilt your chin to meet him. The hand in his pocket came to encircle your waist, swivelling you around to face him. The book you'd held as a shield that signified the final barrier between your coupling fell to the floor with a thud as you gave into him completely. 

Your heart pounded so fiercely you didn't hear Madam Scriber shouting or the students whistling—there was only Garreth and his gentle touch and soft lips, tongues swirling in an endless caress. The battle had been long-fought but your surrender had made winners of you both. The whimper you'd forced down threatened to escape the tighter he held you, the longer his tongue teased your lower lip. 

Perhaps it had been a blessing when the librarian broke her own rule and blasted a hex at the pair of you, rendering you speechless and unable to move. Saving you from further embarrassment had been a steep price to pay and had made Madam Scribner enemy number one.

-

A month later, you found yourself in that very same spot again, except this time it was under the cover of darkness. Tonight you would exact your revenge on Madam Scribner by defiling her precious library. The room was still and blissfully quiet except for the rustle of fabric and lustful moans that spilled from your own mouth. Garreth's lips were just as sweet as that fateful day one month prior, his hand braced again on the shelf next to you—but this time his slick fingers teased your clit with precision as you pressed against his chest. 

Your head fell back on his shoulder, back arching into his touch as the circles grew faster and tighter. You whimpered unbidden, met by a breathy chuckle in your ear before Garreth's mouth returned to your neck. You guessed there would be purple bruises there tomorrow, by the way your skin now tingled and stung so deliciously.

“Fuck, Garreth…” Stars perforated your vision as every drop of blood rushed south, preparing for a mind-shattering orgasm only minutes after your arrival. Everything was so intense, so passionate with Garreth; years of tension finally culminating in the moments you joined bodies.

“That's it, let it go,” he whispered in your ear, silky smooth and commanding. “Come for me.”

You gripped his hair as those final slippery strokes sent you over the edge, coming hard with a loud moan that echoed along the rows of books. If they could talk, they'd have quite the tale to tell. Your thighs clenched around his hand, hips grinding against his fingers. His cock was already nudging against your behind whilst you writhed in the throes of pleasure.

“I can’t wait to be inside you. Fuck, you’re so wet.” Another nudge from his stiff length, his arm abandoning the shelf to hold you tight against him. You’d barely caught your breath before Garreth was tilting you forward, angling your hips just right as he slid between your folds. “This is exactly what I wanted to do to you that day, you know.” His voice had become gravelly, laced with want. His cock twitched eagerly at your entrance.

“I wanted it, too,” you sighed, gripping the shelf in front of you hard as books shifted and dust invaded your nostrils, yet nothing could overpower the heady aroma of musk that had you salivating at the thought of Garreth’s dripping cock. “Please…”

Garreth entered you in one swift motion, stretching you until you were blissfully full. He groaned and nipped at your ear, sending shivers down your spine before retreating and plunging back inside. Harder, faster, deeper; he fucked you until the books fell all around you and coherent sentences were a thing of the past. 

All you knew was him, and his name sighed to the heavens as he pulled your hair and bared your throat. The sting of your skin felt like promises, made to linger. He was everything, and he was yours.

Garreth’s long fingers trailed your collarbone under the open fabric of your shirt before wrapping around your throat. Calloused fingertips grazed your pulse and the corner of your jaw. You were close again; tension coiled so tight it almost hurt. He must have felt your body twitch, your muscles contract—he responded with a shuddering groan, his hips grinding relentlessly against your behind as he met his own release. 

Your climax followed soon after, every pulsing wave around his cock filling you further and further until you were dripping, happy and satiated.

The dim light of the cavernous room made for quite the relaxing atmosphere, and your eyes blinked slowly at the ceiling as you came down from your high. You could have curled up there and slept, warm and safe in Garreth’s arms. 

He was busy nuzzling against the crook of your neck when he finally sighed contentedly. “Happy anniversary, sweetheart.”

AaaaaAAAAAAAA Yoshi truly thank you SO SO much for bringing Artemis to life I can't 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

You already heard me garble scream about it all but like. Love. Truly. I'm so happy this scene came to life by your hand I don't have enough vernacular to convey the love.

Adding the snippet audio of what this scene depicts for fun, and just. Thank you 💕💕💕

Ominis Gaunt x Artemis Loreley (commission)

I've beaten this bloody background yeaaah ! This is a commission I did for my lovely friend Polaris Greenley💕

What I would feed HL characters and why

Because cooking food is the best love language

Sebastian Sallow - Beef bourguignon (French beef stew) with scalloped potatoes

(because that boy probably eats like a hobbit and I’m all for it.) (And an Onion soup for starters and a warm caramel apple pie with vanilla ice for dessert. He’s my favourite he gets the full course.)

Ominis Gaunt - Fraisier (French strawberry cake)

(because don’t tell me that boy doesn’t love sweets and especially fancy desserts. He’d try to hide his love for cute desserts tho.)

Garreth Weasley - Fancy Grilled cheese with cheddar and onion jam

(he is the kind of guy to always enthusiastically compliment the food but never remember what it was. Just that it was good.)

Leander Prewett - Bento cake with words of affirmation

(because he needs some reassurance. Like « you’re doing great », or « good boy » to fit in the small space ?)

Amit Thakkar - Dakgalbi (Spicy stir-fried chicken)

(I’m sure that poor boy suffers from being forced to eat British food everyday but I don’t want to insult his palate with my poor knowledge of Indian cooking. So Korean spicy chicken it will be, I bet he’d be eager to discover a new cuisine.)

Poppy Sweetings - Onion tart and a muffin

(all vegan because that girl would be vegan, and she needs food easy to eat while out while she cares for beasts.)

Natsai Onai - Cinnamon rolls with a hot chocolate topped with whipped cream

(because I’m sure her mother doesn’t let her eat too much sugar but she loves it.)

Imelda Reyes - Cacio e Pepe pasta

(because she needs her carbs as a quidditch player and she must like simple things. And she’d tell me I did it wrong, like Italians when you cook Italian food. Same attitude.)

Anne Sallow - Juk (Korean rice porridge) and brownies

(rice porridges in many Asian cultures are popular when sick, to give strength. And a yummy comforting dessert for that strong girl.)

Photo credit : Ali on Pinterest

Structuring Your Fight Scene

adapted from <Writer's Craft> by Rayne Hall

Suspense

Show your characters gearing up, readying themselves.

The pace is slow, the suspense is high (use suspense techniques)

Provide information about terrain, numbers, equipment, weapons, weather.

May have dialogue as the opponents taunt each other, hurl accusations, or make one final effort to avoid the slaughter.

Don't start too early - we don't need to see the hero getting out of bed, taking a shower and having tea.

2. Start

Fighters get into fight stance: knees slightly bent, one leg forward, abdominal muscles tensing, body turned diagonally, weapons at the ready.

Each side will usually try to be the first to strike, as this will give them advantage.

The movements in this section need to be specific and technically correct.

3. Action

This section may be quick or prolonged. If prolonged, no blow-by-blow descriptions are needed.

Focus on the overall direction of the fight

Make use of the location to make characters jump, leap, duck, hide, fall, etc.

Mention sounds of weapons

4. Surprise

Something unexpected happens: building catches fire, a downpour, relief force arrives, staircase collapses, bullet smashes into the only lightbulb and everything goes dark, hero losses his weapon, etc.

Add excitement, raise the stakes.

5. Climax

Both sides are tired and wounded

The hero is close to giving up, but is revived with passion

Move to the terrain's most dangerous spot: narrow swining rope-bridge, a roof-edge, sinking ship, etc.

Don't rush the climax! Hold the tension

6. Aftermath

The fight is over: bes buddies lying dead, bandaging, reverberating pain, etc.

Use sense of sight and smell

The hero may experience nausea, shaking, tearfulness or get sexually horny

Fight scene length

Historical/adventure/fantasy: 700-1000w

Romance: 400-700w