Solomon Sallow - Tumblr Posts
This is so cute
Hello friend’ I’m new, I love your writing! I was wondering if you could do a m!mc curing anne sallow fic, where she starts to fall for them shortly after :) keep up your wonderful work!
Welcome to the community! We have lots of blankets, pillows and just generally good vibes here 🖤 Also, your kind comments really made my day ^_^
Sorry for taking a little longer than usual – I was in a really good flow and I didn't want to post until I was confident I had it 100% right. Definitely had the most fun writing this one so far, thank you for the prompt!
Healing (Anne Sallow x M!MC)
Tags: Fluff, Just overall wholesomeness, Sebastian being an overprotective bro
“Are you certain this’ll work?” Sebastian asked, his voice thick with anxiety. MC had given him at least twenty different variations of the same answer in the past half hour, but he supposed he couldn’t really blame the Sallow boy for being nervous; he would have likely felt the same in his position.
“I’m confident it will,” he assured him. “It’ll be different this time. I know how to use my ability now, after all.”
“I suppose that’s true,” Sebastian answered, before shaking his head. “It’s just so difficult to fathom… all of this. Knowing that there will finally be an end to her suffering. If this works, I owe you my life, MC.”
“Keep it,” MC chuckled. “You’ll have lots of catching up to do once Anne is able to live without pain.”
He was relieved to see a hint of a smile forming on Sebastian’s lips after all. Truthfully, now that they were coming up on Feldcroft, he couldn’t deny he felt the slightest bit nervous, if only for the massive pressure resting on his shoulders. He didn’t necessarily question his control over his ability, having dedicated himself to rigorous training with the help of Professor Fig to avoid Isadora’s missteps. Still, he was nevertheless terrified of disappointing the Sallows now that he had become their last hope.
Focus, he told himself as they approached the small cottage at the edge of the hamlet. Inner balance is the only way to heal her. You know this.
Before they could enter, the door swung open on its own and a bearded man stepped out, his face hardening as he saw them.
“Mr Sallow,” MC said politely, as he inclined his head.
“I want you to know that if it had been up to me, I would have put an end to this fool’s errand right now,” Solomon grunted. “Do you even know what you’re doing?”
MC noticed Sebastian clenching his fists. He gently touched his shoulder to calm him down before turning to the older man. “I am confident I can heal Anne, Mr Sallow,” he said, his voice lacking any suggestion of doubt. “She personally requested it, did she not?”
Solomon briefly clenched his jaw before he let out a deep sigh. “That she has. She’s waiting for you inside. But I’m warning you, if this somehow results in even more harm, I’m holding you responsible.”
“I will accept any and all responsibility,” MC answered. “May we enter now?”
For a moment it looked as if Solomon would keep blocking the doorway, but then he stepped aside to let them through. Any dispiritedness they might have felt from their chilly reception swiftly vanished when they finally saw Anne. Her face lit up at the sight of her brother, and she reached out for him as he ran up to her. “Sebastian!”
“How are you?” Sebastian asked, placing a hand on her shoulder as he kneeled next to her. “Are you comfortable?”
“Much more now that you’re here.” She nodded to MC. “Hello, MC.”
“It’s good to see you, Anne,” MC said with a gentle smile. He meant it; despite the dark lines under her eyes and the overall paleness of her face, she seemed more healthy than he’d ever seen her. He caught himself involuntarily thinking about the remarkable hidden beauty held by her features and quickly shook his head to regain focus.
“So…” Anne said, breaking the silence. “How does this work, exactly? Is there anything you need me to do?”
“I just want you to try to keep still and make yourself as comfortable as possible,” MC told her, before holding a short pause. “I will be honest with you, Anne, I know this will work, though I cannot guarantee it will be entirely painless. I will try my best, but –”
“I doubt it’ll be much worse than what I’ve already had to endure,” Anne said. “You… you can go ahead, I’ll manage.”
MC nodded, then turned to Sebastian, who was still holding onto his sister’s arm. “Sebastian, it’d be best if you took a step back. You know, as a precaution –”
“Yes… yes, of course.” He exchanged one more look with Anne, squeezing her shoulder. “I’ll be right here in the room with you.”
Anne smiled weakly, briefly touching his hand to reassure him. He withdrew, taking a deep breath as his gaze met MC’s. “Do what you must do.”
MC felt himself tensing up as he drew his wand, readying himself to channel his ancient magic. This was it, the moment of truth. If he couldn’t help her…
No, that was simply not possible. He would help her.
He furrowed his brow as he began, concentrating the surge of energy flowing up from his very core. He directed it into his wand, feeling his hand beginning to tremble as it transformed into a conduit. The world around him ceased to be one of images, instead morphing into a collection of colours; he saw Anne, a shade of bright red contained within a rim of blue light. He reached out, pushing into the red, sensing the pain emanating from her being. The sheer violence of it left him reeling for a minute, sharp needles puncturing every inch of his body, but he knew he had to reach further to be able to remove it. And so he clenched his teeth, pushing beyond the limits of his own mortal form; becoming one with her as he sensed her thoughts, her agony, her everything.
He could hear Sebastian shouting somewhere far away, but he wasn’t really listening to what he was saying. He wielded every bit of strength he had left to withdraw from Anne’s frail body, taking the pain with him, forcing it to assume a physical form. After the passage of what felt like hours, the room morphed back into shape. He saw Anne, slightly hunched over, and Sebastian kneeling next to her on the ground.
“Anne?” He shook his sister by her shoulders, possessed by a sudden panic. “Anne, are you all right? Say something!”
It was as if a rock dropped into the bottomless pit of MC’s stomach. Something had gone wrong. He had reached too far, he had taken away all of her emotions like Isadora had and there would be nothing left of her now but a soulless corpse –
Suddenly, Anne gasped and looked up, her eyes shooting across the room before settling on MC. “You…” she breathed, and MC felt his heart skipping a beat as she slowly stood up from the chair. “You… you cured me. I don’t feel any more pain. It’s… it’s gone!”
She turned to her brother and threw herself into his arms, causing him to momentarily stumble backwards before he embraced her, his face breaking open into a smile that could light up a whole village. “Is it… are you… are you really cured?” he asked, trying to convince himself that he wasn’t dreaming.
MC couldn’t help but slightly tear up at the wholesome display. For all the terrible adversity he’d have had to withstand, now he was finally able to witness the good he was able to do, and it left him speechless. He didn’t even notice Solomon until the man was standing right next to him.
“Anne?” He was making a rather strange sound, and MC realised this was the first time he was seeing the bitter mask falling away.
“Uncle!” Anne freed herself from her brother’s grasp and ran up to Solomon, taking the man’s hand into her own. “It’s a miracle, truly. I’ve been relieved of my suffering. The curse is no more!”
For a moment Solomon was utterly speechless; then he took the girl into his arms, his voice heavy with emotion as he whispered: “I can’t believe it… after all those years…”
His teary gaze met MC’s. “Thank you,” he said, and MC simply nodded.
— — —
Anne’s recovery progressed more smoothly than MC would have ever dared to dream. Within a day she was already back on her feet, helping out around the house with an energy that was simply infectious. MC noticed a remarkable transformation in Sebastian and his uncle as well; they were no longer fighting all the time, and on some occasions he even witnessed them exchanging some kind words, as if there was some completely new side to their relationship that he hadn’t seen before.
MC took it all in with joy and, dare he say, a certain sense of pride as well. He remembered well the conflict that had plagued him after his decision to open the repository, the question of whether he was any better than Isadora and the pain she had inflicted through her good intentions. Seeing the Sallow family healing had provided a definitive conclusion to his doubts.
After a couple of days, he decided to take his leave. When he stepped outside that morning, he was surprised by Sebastian, who came trudging up the hill to meet him, broom in his hand.
“You’re up early,” MC remarked with a chuckle.
“Tell me about it,” he answered, grinning despite being out of breath. “She’s been at it ever since Uncle Solomon allowed her to go outside – making up for all the time she’s lost. Now she’s dragged me into training matches so that she’s ready to get right back on the Quidditch team when she returns to Hogwarts.”
“And she asked you to be her opponent?”
“Hey, don’t give me that tone. Got chewed out by Imelda enough times to be at least half decent on a broom.” He shifted the weight on his shoulder for a moment as he gathered his thoughts. “I can’t thank you enough, MC. What you did for my sister… it’s really the best thing that’s ever happened to us in all of our lives. We’ll be forever in your debt.”
“I was glad to be of help,” MC said, slightly embarrassed at all of the praise. “But… I think it’d be for the best that I be on my way again. I don’t want to be a distraction now that you’re finally able to spend time with each other again.”
Sebastian promptly dropped his broom. “But you aren’t a burden at all! And really, you can’t be leaving already. Anne wants to visit Hogsmeade today and she personally requested you accompany us –”
MC felt his heart involuntarily skip a beat. “She did?”
“You wouldn’t let her down now, right?” chuckled Sebastian. “Come on, it’ll be good. I owe you at least a Butterbeer.”
MC thought for a moment, though it didn’t take long for him to make up his mind. “Well… all right, I’ll join you.”
“Excellent. I’ll tell her you’ll be coming along. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m probably going to get an earful if I don’t make it back in time.”
And off he was again, running back towards the field at the bottom of the hill with a speed that left MC chuckling. It didn’t take too long for his thoughts to return to the matter of Anne’s invitation. Was there some special reason for the gesture, or did she simply want to express her gratitude? And even if there was a special reason, what did that mean for him?
He wasn’t the least bit surprised when he caught himself blushing, as he stared down at the figures flying across the field, swallows on a green canvas.
— — —
“Merlin, that was delicious.” Anne was the first of them to step out of the Three Broomsticks, contentedly wiping off her mouth with the back of her hand. “I’d completely forgotten the taste of Butterbeer.”
“Are you sure I’m not going to have to carry you back home?” Sebastian teased. “I’m fairly certain you had at least twelve glasses back there.”
“Oh, stop it. You’re just saying that because you can’t handle more than one glass yourself.”
“I resent that accusation!”
MC chuckled to himself as he listened to the Sallow twins bantering. He hadn’t quite been able to get a word in ever since they arrived in the village, but then again, he didn’t really mind playing third wheel either. It was great to see Anne and Sebastian both so full of life and unsuppressed joy.
As they stood on the street in front of the bar and Anne was suddenly occupied by a quaint little magical flower stall, Sebastian leaned over to whisper in MC’s ear. “Do you think you could keep her company for a few minutes? I’ll just have to pop into Spintwitches to get her a little surprise gift for school.”
“I’d be glad to,” MC nodded.
“Great. Don’t get any funny ideas now, all right? Even when you think I’m not there, I’ll be watching you two like a Hippogriff.”
The comment left him more than a little perplexed as Sebastian disappeared into the crowd of Hogsmeade visitors, just before Anne turned around, cocking an eyebrow at him when she noticed the absence of her brother. “We’ve barely been out here for five minutes and he’s already gone?”
“He had some… matters to attend to,” MC said, quickly recollecting himself. “We could wait here for a little if you –”
“I’ve waited long enough. We’ll just have to find a way to enjoy ourselves without him, wouldn’t you say?”
Before he had any chance to respond or act, she hooked her arm into his, looking up at him with a smile that made his head spin. “Let’s head to the main square.”
They began their walk through the bustling streets, the late afternoon sun casting a warm glow on their surroundings. The village was alive with the chatter of students and the aroma of freshly baked goods drifting from the nearby shops. Anne eyed it all with childlike wonder, suddenly letting out a content sigh.
“Anything the matter?” MC asked.
“I suppose it all just amazes me. It feels like I’m discovering everything all over again.”
“I’m sure it must be daunting, especially after all that time.”
“It is,” she nodded as she continued, her voice slightly wavering. “I was so focused on surviving that everything else ceased to be… real, in a sense. But now… I don’t know. All of a sudden there is a world of possibilities out there, and I’m not quite sure what to do.”
MC turned to face her, their eyes meeting. “Anne, you’ve faced incredible challenges, and you’ve shown immense resilience. Quite frankly, you might just be the strongest person I’ve ever met. I believe you have the potential to do anything you set your mind to.”
A faint blush tinted Anne’s cheeks as she smiled gratefully. “Thank you, MC. Your faith in me means a lot.” Her voice dropped to a softer tone. “You and Sebastian… you were there for me, even when I had long given up hope. I don’t know what would’ve happened to me if it hadn’t been for you."
The words hung in the air, carrying a weight of unspoken emotions. MC’s heart quickened, sensing a shift in the atmosphere between them. Should he say something? Did she want him to say something?
Just then, the sound of music filled the air, drawing their attention to a small crowd gathered on the street. A band had set up, and people were joyfully dancing to the infectious rhythm.
Anne’s eyes sparkled with a mischievous glint as she grabbed MC’s hand. “Come on, MC! Let's join them!”
Caught off guard, MC stumbled for a moment before finding his footing, their heart racing with a sudden surge of all kinds of emotions. As they joined the crowd, Anne’s hand in his, the world around them faded away.
Amidst the swaying and laughter, MC couldn’t help but notice the subtle moments in the way Anne’s eyes lit up whenever their gazes met, and the gentle squeeze of her hand, a touch that lingered just a fraction longer than necessary. Questions began racing through his mind again. Was she just toying with him, knowing it would grind her brother’s gears? No, he had known her to be different than that. But then what did that mean – that there was somehow a deepening connection between them?
But for now, that didn’t matter. He allowed himself to get lost in the dance, riding the wave of her lively spirit, knowing that for now, there was nothing else he needed.
— — —
After dinner that night, Anne asked MC to join her for a walk outside. Sebastian immediately offered himself up to accompany them, but he was sabotaged by Solomon.
“Leave them, boy,” he admonished him, though his tone was not unkind. “I’m sure your sister will manage a few minutes without you.”
MC looked to the man, perhaps expecting a wink or some silent sign of support, but he didn’t see any. Maybe that had been a little too much to ask.
The air outside was refreshing, cool but not uncomfortable, and they walked together side by side for a while before MC decided to break the silence. “Your brother sure seems committed to making up for lost time.”
“I suspect it’s not so much that as the thought of us being alone together getting under his skin,” she said with a chuckle. “Perhaps we should stay out here for a couple of hours, just to see him unravel.”
MC felt a slight tingle in his stomach. Did she just – no, clearly she was just joking.
They stopped on a plateau with a beautiful view of the hamlet, the cosy lights below piercing through the darkness. Anne let out a deep sigh. MC hoped he wasn’t being overly obvious as he admired her profile, the way she seemed to have been reborn with an ethereal sense of beauty.
“So, Sebastian told me you are leaving?” she asked, the hint of disappointment in her voice not escaping his notice.
“It would be for the best,” MC answered. “As hospitable as you all have been, this healing process is something the three of you need to go through together. I would just be distracting you from that. Besides, there are more things I need to do before I go back to Hogwarts after the summer.”
“Not anything dangerous, I should hope?”
“Don’t worry, I do intend to come back in one piece,” he said with a reassuring smile. “But my ability requires further honing… though you are a great testimony to the progress I’ve made so far, I suppose.”
“Glad to be of help, even though it didn’t really feel that way.”
They shared a chuckle between themselves and stood for a few minutes more, simply enjoying each other’s company. Then they spoke up again.
“Anne –”
“MC –”
They looked at each other slightly perplexed, then they laughed. “Ladies first,” MC said, grinning.
“Fair enough,” Anne laughed, before softening her tone. “I suppose I was just going to express my gratitude again, but then again… I think I’ve wasted far too much time to be playing coy with my feelings. So what I really want to tell you is… well, I’ve been thinking a lot. About what I still want to do, the life I want to live. About the place I see in that life – for you and me.”
She looked up at him, their eyes meeting. She had never looked more beautiful, the warm glow on her cheeks visible even in the pale moonlight. She bit down on her bottom lip as she averted her gaze, the simple gesture causing his heart to flutter. “Now look at me, still beating around the bush…”
“Anne…”
He lifted her chin with his finger and kissed her. There were no questions asked, no things said, simply because there was no need. She responded by taking his head into her hands, deepening the kiss as if she had been given a taste of a forbidden fruit, a life she had always dreamt about and which had now finally become real to her, the fulfilment of a wish.
They still didn’t say a word when they broke apart, just enjoying the sweet and vulnerable sensation of the moment. Anne smiled, opening her eyes to him. “I’m glad you feel the same way.”
He took one of her hands into his, squeezing it. “Anne, is this… am I really the one you want?”
“Would I have kissed you if I didn’t?” As if to accentuate her answer, she kissed him again, leaving him breathless as her lips touched his in a way that left him practically a mess.
“I know I want this,” she said after pulling back again, taking both of his hands. “And well… you have some time to think it over, if you need it.”
“I think I’ve already made up my mind,” said MC as he smiled at her. “Though… do you think your brother will take kindly to the idea of us being together?”
Anne burst out in laughter; he wasn’t quite sure what was so funny, but he laughed along nevertheless, finding it hard to resist her giggle.
“Of all the dangers on your path, the perils threatening you, that is the thing you choose to worry about?”
And before he was even able to utter a response, her lips were back on his again, and he simply decided to stop thinking.
A Bouquet of New Beginnings Chapter 19: Forget-Me-Not
Floriography: Clinging to the past. Remembrance. True love.
Summary: A lil' trip to Feldcroft to meet the Sallow family.
[AO3]
Excerpt of the chapter is below the cut, and the full chapter could be viewed through the AO3 link above!
With a small wave, Artemis made her way to the Common Room. Sebastian stood near the waterfall in a pair of dark grey trousers, plaid beige button down and dark brown button-down vest with his school bag. Each piece of garment looked well-loved; it suited him.
“Good morning Sebastian. You look nice.”
Sebastian turned, his eyes widened slightly as he gave a cheeky grin. “Why thank you. Wakefield’s work?”
She nodded. “Mm. I hope I didn’t keep you waiting.”
“No, you’re just in time,” said Sebastian. “Come on; Feldcroft isn’t too far, and you haven’t explored the area much right?”
“Not really, no,” said Artemis as she kept up with Sebastian.
“Well, we could walk there since we’re so early. It’d be a bit pricey but we could take a carriage part way.”
Artemis hummed. “What about flying part way instead?”
“I don’t exactly own a broom,” said Sebastian.
“I do.”
Sebastian whipped his head around. “You do?!”
“Well, technically, I don’t own it yet,” started Artemis as she tapped her legside bag. “Mr. Weekes needed someone to test his upgrades, and I needed a broom. The broom will officially be mine at the end of the school year, upgrades included.”
Sebastian’s mouth fell agape for a few seconds before morphing into a smile.
“First of all, you need to tell me how a broom fit in there. Second, broom sounds fine except for one thing.”
“Oh?”
“There’s only one,” said Sebastian.
Artemis blinked twice.
Sebastian sighed as he lifted his finger.
“One broom, Artie,” repeated Sebastian as he moved the finger between himself and her. “You’re okay with riding with me?”
“Of course. Why wouldn’t I? It’s just a broom,” said Artemis.
Sebastian let out a noise. “Have you ever ridden with another person?”
“Twice,” grimaced Artemis. “Thought if I flew it this time, it could be different. Unless you mind?”
“No, of course not,” answered Sebastian too quickly. He cleared his throat. “Alright. Let’s walk to Keenbridge then fly. I can help steer.”
Sebastian filled the air with excited conversation the entire way to Keenbridge. He spoke of how Anne was excited to see them today, of how they used to run around the hamlet and jump into the ocean during the summers. His warm chocolate eyes sparkled under the October sun. Artemis listened and responded whilst carefully concealing the nerves of going to a new friend’s house.
Keenbridge was a humble but lively hamlet. A potioneer was busy manning her stand, villagers chattered away with their tea and children played in the hamlet centre. A nostalgic smile spread as she watched a girl being playfully chased by a boy. Her gaze lifted to Sebastian, who looked wistfully at the same pair. She averted her gaze as she proceeded to pull out the Moon Trimmer.
Sebastian leaned in as he appraised the broom.
“Moon Trimmer? Reliable, but not speedy. Why didn’t you go for the fastest one?”
“This one has bags,” pointed Artemis before expanding the Cushioning Charm.
As she mounted the broom, she looked toward Sebastian who remained standing where he was.
“Sebastian?”
The freckled boy took another moment before he made his way behind her and mounted the broom.
“Pardon me,” said Sebastian as he leaned forward.
His left hand wrapped around the broom handle right above hers, and his right arm circled her waist, holding her steady against his chest. She could smell the cinnamon from his cologne mixed in the wind.
Sebastian cleared his throat. “The broom’s going to tend downward. Give it a few laps low before we go up.”
His breath tickled her ear, and suddenly she wondered if this was why Imelda asked of the attire choice.
“Right.”
The broom was reliable and steady; it didn’t fail her when she wore armour, and it wouldn’t fail her now. Soon, they lifted into the softly lit sky and leaned forward.
“Libro.”
“What did you just cast?” Sebastian asked.
“Sensory Balancing Charm,” answered Artemis.
“Why?”
Artemis hummed. “I get motion sick. This helps me to… not.”
Sebastian let out a laugh. “Huh, so you do have some weaknesses.”
Artemis chuckled in lieu of a response. As they flew, the foliage painted the lands below in their myriads of colour. The crisp autumn air caressed her cheeks like a long-lost lover.
“Wow, this is … breath-taking,” breathed out Artemis.
Sebastian chuckled low behind her, his hand carefully guiding the broom toward Feldcroft.
“Yeah, it’s nice to just… get away from it all sometimes,” sighed Sebastian.
She hadn’t heard him sound this relaxed before.
“I take it you like flying?”
Sebastian nodded. “Anne and I used to chase each other around with the school brooms. Even got Ominis to join once or twice. Granted, he was the one clinging onto me.”
“Were you on the Quidditch team as well? Imelda mentioned Anne was a Chaser.”
“Mm. Played Beater. We were back-up our second year and starters in our third but after Anne got cursed,” paused Sebastian as he sighed. His warm breath tickled the back of her neck. “Anne was much more into Quidditch; I prefer casual flying.”
“Hopefully she’ll be able to come back soon,” said Artemis.
“She will,” said Sebastian. “I know it.”
She heard the faintest crack where the parasitic frustration snuck beneath the optimism. It was the same frustration that turned her father into a near stranger. She slid her left hand up just enough so her fingertip ghosted his wrist.
“You aren’t alone,” murmured Artemis.
She thought she heard Sebastian’s breath hitch. She began retracting her hand - perhaps she overstepped. Instead, his hand wrapped over hers and gripped tightly.
“Thank you,” whispered Sebastian.
She gave a small hum. Only the sound of wind flitted for a few minutes, and he made no attempt to move his hands away.
Sebastian cleared his throat. “Your hand is freezing.”
“And yours is burning,” countered Artemis.
“I admit, I run hotter than most, but your hands are colder than Ominis’,” chuckled Sebastian. “Ah, we’re almost there.”
Feldcroft appeared below with blankets of grass and scattered little homes. There was a centre circle and farms for each home, but not much else. The air filled with a haze of dust as they dipped lower, and she sneezed quietly into her chest.
“You alright? Not catching a cold are you?” Sebastian asked. His arm tightened around her waist.
She shook her head. “No. But it’s a bit dusty, isn’t it?”
“Thanks to Ranrok’s lot,” muttered Sebastian.
The blood froze in her veins. “What?”
“Yeah,” said Sebastian bitterly. “See that castle to our right?”
Artemis turned her head; in the not too far distance stood a castle. Even from this distance it was clear the castle was past its glory days.
“Ever since last year, Ranrok’s Loyalists took a peculiar interest in it. Rookwood castle. No one has felt safe here since.”
“Wait, did you say Rookwood?” Artemis asked. “As in, criminal leader Victor Rookwood, Rookwood?”
“Could be. As far as I know – or rather from what Ominis gathered – there’s at least three Rookwood’s alive. I don’t know if it’s Victor Rookwood that owns that castle now but, either way, it’s overrun with Loyalists,” gritted Sebastian. “This dust, and all the debris is coming from that plateau to our left. There’s an abandoned estate up there, and the Loyalists have been digging for something… Anne was cursed there by them.”
Artemis tilted her head. “But why would they want to curse a child?”
“Dunno, Anne wasn’t going there for tea,” said Sebastian darkly. “We smelled smoke in the middle of the night, and there was fire shooting from that estate. Before we could stop her, Anne rushed out – racing toward the fire, worried someone’d been hurt.”
The grip around her hand tightened as his arm around her waist shook. She didn’t need to see his face to know he was furious. At the goblins or himself, she didn’t know.
“She came face to face with a horde of goblins frantically trying to stamp out the flames. Suddenly, an icy voice drifted out from somewhere in the smoke; ‘Children should be seen and not heard.’ A blinding blast followed. They didn’t even give her a chance to run. Even worse, my uncle refuses to investigate, even though he was an Auror.”
Rookwood castle. An abandoned estate. A quaint hamlet.
On a hunch, Artemis dipped further until they both hovered above a lookout, and it clicked.
“Sebastian, this view… it’s the one from the pensieve!” Artemis exclaimed.
“What?”
“The memory in the Restricted Section. The hamlet they revived – it was Feldcroft!”
Sebastian gasped. “Damn, that hamlet? Wait, so the girl –”
“– Isidora. The estate must’ve been her home. This – this can’t be a coincidence, Sebastian.”
Sebastian leaned forward as his cheeked touched her ear. Her cheeks warmed at the contact.
“Wait, you mean those goblins could be digging for something to do with ancient magic?” Sebastian asked loudly.
Artemis averted her gaze as she gave a nod. It took a moment before Sebastian slowly leaned back, at least, his cheek was no longer against her ear.
Sebastian cleared his throat. “Do you think Anne’s curse could be ancient magic related? You’d be able to see it then, right?”
“I don’t want to jump to conclusions, but I can definitely check,” agreed Artemis.
Sebastian hummed. “Come on, it’s high time you met Anne. Land us there.”
A Bouquet of New Beginnings Chapter 23: Anemone
Summary: A little finding in the Undercroft, and it's a twin birthday (11/11).
Floriography: Healing & Sickness
Full Chapter: [AO3]//7.1k words
Excerpt Below:
Sebastian sneezed. “We really need to dust down here.”
“You’re a wizard, cast a scourgify,” quipped Ominis.
“Why don’t you do it? You always complain mine’s not as good as yours,” countered Sebastian, his eyes now lifted from his book.
“Because I’m busy, Sebastian.” Ominis lifted his pestle. “And you are interrupting.”
Artemis brought her attention back from the incredibly distracting pool of ancient magic. Ominis had managed to crush the dittany into fine granules after four bowls before the genius epiphany of placing a sticking charm on the mortar came to be. Sebastian had come down at the start of the third bowl, and much to Ominis’ chagrin, decided to stay.
“This looks good, Ominis. Now, stick your fingers in so you can feel the texture.”
Ominis perked up slightly as his porcelain smooth fingers slipped into the dittany.
“Did you stick your fingers into dittany when you learned?”
“Still do sometimes,” hummed Artemis. “Guilty pleasure.”
Sebastian chuckled as he flipped a page, and Ominis even smiled small. They’d poured the varied dittanies into their separate jars; she’d crush the other three thoroughly later. They could prepare for the brewing next session.
Ominis leaned just close enough to whisper. “I’ll be back in an hour.”
“Okay, have fun.”
Ominis huffed a quiet laugh. “As much as one could.”
Artemis watched as Ominis exited and the gate fell with a clang.
Sebastian piped up. “He’s gone to wrap our presents, hasn’t he.”
“Maybe he wanted to chat with the mermaids,” said Artemis.
Ominis was, in fact, going to wrap Sebastian and Anne’s presents. She was on distraction duty, and frankly, it was a blessing in disguise.
“Uh-huh, right,” said Sebastian sarcastically as he closed the book. “But I’ll take it. Now that he’s shown you the Undercroft, we can talk freely without any ears on us. About ancient magic, and where you actually were on Halloween.”
“I was in Hogsmeade.”
“Really. Fig wasn’t pulling my leg?”
“Yes. But… not to study ruins.”
“Go on.”
She bit her inner cheek. She didn’t know how Sebastian would react about Lodgok and that whole debacle, but she had to give him something. He already knew about the ancient magic – it wouldn’t hurt for him to know.
“Ominis wasn’t wrong; I was ill. Just not with a sickness. Being in Hogwarts on Halloween was making me sick.”
“What does that even – wait. Don’t tell me. Let me think…” trailed off Sebastian.
His warm chocolate eyes pierced through her as she could see the gears shift in his mind. His fingers drummed on the book spine. He paced in front of her, back and forth like a pendulum, and sometimes she would catch little flickers of the ancient magic lick his ankles.
Sebastian slowly touched his finger on her hand. “Your hand’s still cold.”
“I suppose.”
“And you hardly reacted when Nearly Headless Nick strolled through your arm yesterday.”
“I…suppose?”
“You didn’t take Garreth’s poisons, did you?” Sebastian asked with an eyebrow raised.
Artemis blinked twice. “No!”
“Hey, just had to get that option out of the way,” said Sebastian with his hands up.
The momentary easy smile slipped as he again paced. His eyes danced with curiosity, but they had limited time that they’d be alone in the Undercroft; she had a long way to go before she could set foot inside without an obvious Calming Draught and Ominis.
“I could offer a different mystery, if you wanted to think on that one for a while?”
“Sure, I’ll get back to you with an answer later,” said Sebastian. “Good mystery?”
“I see ancient magic here.”
Sebastian full on stopped with his eyes widened. “WHAT?!”
Artemis pointed toward the arcane blue puddle. “There, specifically.”
“Since when!”
“Since Ominis showed me last week. But I couldn’t very well do anything… plus, I wanted you here.”
Sebastian stopped his wild gesticulation before he straightened up. The warm chocolate browns now danced with excitement as the firelight from the candelabras reflected along the lens.
“Oh.” He cleared his throat with an easy smile. “Well, here I am. Come on! Let’s find out what it is. It can’t be a statue at least; the ceiling’s too low.”
Artemis chuckled. “Small comfort, that.”
“Can I stand with you? When you do your –” Sebastian gestured. “– thing?”
“Of course.”
The closer she got, the arcane magic welcomed her as it seeped through her ankles and calves.
“Huh, that’s odd.”
“Feel something?”
“Yeah, like taking a dip in the ocean.”
“Hm, not inaccurate. It’s bubbling around our ankles. Just, uh, here, hold on,” said Artemis as she offered her left arm. “When I do this, there’s usually a burst.”
“Aren’t I supposed to be the one offering?” Sebastian offered his right arm with a smirk.
She rolled her eyes with a smile. “Semantics.”
She slipped her hand easily through his arm, resting on the crook of his elbow, and lifted the pool of magic.
The arcane magic sung as it rushed toward a blank wall. Sebastian whipped out his wand as he stepped closer to her, hardly any room between them as both their wands pointed at the shifting wall. The bricks pulled back and apart by the arcane tendrils, and soon revealed a large, brown triptych in the centre of a small alcove.
“Well, that’s new,” offered Artemis.
“You don’t say,” deadpanned Sebastian. “Come on, let’s check it out.”
She didn’t let go, nor he didn’t comment. Their steps fell in stride as they approached the strange alcove, and with a look, she slowly slipped her hand out of his arm and opened the triptych. Most of the canvases were missing; only the left frame’s depicted some sort of hillside mine, and a yellowed envelope with a royal purple anemone wax seal was pressed into the middle frame.
Artemis opened the envelope, and first pulled up a note with a collection of runic symbols drawn with more middle English.
“These look like those buttons down in the Restricted Section, don’t they?” Artemis asked as she passed the note to Sebastian.
Sebastian accepted the parchment as he stood just behind her, his right shoulder just behind her left.
“Huh. It is. Well, we already knew it’s ancient magic related, so this isn’t exactly new information. What else in that envelope?”
“A letter. Hold on,” said Artemis as she pulled out the letter – thankfully, not middle English – and read aloud:
“If this note has been found, that means Liz had done her part of the bargain.
Welcome to my sanctuary. I am Isidora Morganach, and like you, I can see and wield ancient magic.
Sebastian, this is… Isidora made the Undercroft.”
Sebastian whistled low. “Damn. What’s the bet that this Liz is Ominis’ ancestor?”
“I’m not giving you easy money, Sebastian,” tutted Artemis before she continued.
“You have also likely spoken to the Keepers – have been told of how ancient magic works to manipulate the physical world. How it can be used to transfigure the earth, to reinvigorate the land and call forth tempests. Useful of course, but limited.
I am here to tell you that that is not all that it can do. It can do so much more.
This magic can heal people. Heal them in ways no ordinary healing spell...can…”
“Artie… Artie.”
The amount of hope in Sebastian’s voice was shattering. His hands enveloped her shoulders as he shook them in excitement. She couldn’t blame him; her own grip tightened on the parchment.
This could help Henry. If she could figure this out… there was a chance he could walk again. She wasn’t going to let that chance go.
“Wait, there’s more.
This magic is complex, and I did not have the luxury of time nor the resources as desired for this research. I have left a path for you, so that you may learn what I’ve done. I’m loathed to think the Keepers would train you outside of what they deem as ‘proper’. Each location will have a canvas for you to place –”
“– Damn, she’s giving you trials as well? What is it with these people and trials,” grumbled Sebastian as he peered over her shoulder. His hands were still glued onto her. “Are the Keepers teaching you anything?”
She nodded. “Well, it’s a bit slow, and they are focused on honing what I already know. So, Isidora is right in that regard. Let’s see…
Each location will have a canvas piece for you to place, as well as a few of my tomes and journals. I hope that, like me, you will find and develop this new way of using ancient magic for the betterment of people.
Isidora”
A pause befell on them as they digested the information. Sebastian let her go as he paced, though this time his eyes danced with glimmers of hope.
“Artie, this – if Healer Gavin’s consult and everything comes back bad then – then you. You could help Anne,” said Sebastian elatedly.
She could help Henry. Anne as well, of course, but Henry. She took in a deep breath; it wasn’t good to rush to conclusions, not without evidence.
“We’ll need to learn how much she developed this. Then, see how much more work needs to be done to perfect it,” started Artemis carefully before her gaze met his. “But we’ll do it together.”
Sebastian beamed. “Yes, yes we will. I suppose the first place we’d need to look for is where this place is.”
He tapped on the canvas piece.
“I’m not much help there I’m afraid,” sighed Artemis. “I don’t get out of the castle as much as people seem to think.”
“Let me research it – lived in these parts for a long time.”
She bit her inner cheek. This was something a different angle on ancient magic, one that only she and Sebastian knew. She wanted to go with him, but…
“Alright but, please, be careful,” said Artemis.
She needed to trust he’d be okay.
“When am I not – no, don’t answer that,” Sebastian cut himself off as Artemis looked pointedly. “Don’t you worry. I’ll be back in no time to translate more of that pesky Middle English.”
“Appreciated.” She looked up at the triptych. “How are we going to explain this to Ominis?”
“Explain what?”
Artemis gestured. “The fact that a whole wall just transfigured itself and a triptych appeared? In the one hour he stepped out?”
Sebastian looked back at the triptych, then back at her with a confident smile.
“Leave it to me.”
🏀we BALL🏀
Honestly my cheeks, sides and diaphragm have no recovered at how funny this fic is.
Her and the Hoop | Part 1
Solomon x ball ✨🏀
Tags: Solomon x ball, SFW, Solomon is deluded, one single humorous sexual reference, historical inaccuracies, lots of Australian pride, hammed-calves, not a single rule of the game is followed, witches/wizards can now contract tuberculosis
This crack fic was written for a HL discord event. I dedicate it to @morelikeravenbore and @2centniffler who I’ve written in as characters. A/N at bottom
A simple wink in their direction could ignite untold passions raging in their bosoms; as was the case for one such woman, who was fanning herself so forcefully despite the tepid temperatures of the Scottish summer.
The only logical explanation was that being in my presence had brought her to such a heightened state of arousal – an observation proven true by her husband's chagrin, engulfing him in the most violent shade of crimson. Unsurprisingly, the handsome woman collapsed to the ground, her body clearly weakened by such strong forces of lust.
I was later told it was caused by tuberculosis; to this day I do not believe them.
Word count: 918 {Wattpad | AO3}
The real reason Solomon Sallow despises his nephew so much, is because. . .
I remember it like it was yesterday.
Mostly women, married and unmarried from all across Scotland had congregated in my humble farming hamlet of Feldcroft. Desperate to witness the spectacle, they pushed against the barricades of the makeshift arena, corsets tight-laced and petticoats hiked up to expose their ankles to me. Perhaps it was to avoid the manure soiling their finest gowns – but I believe it not to be the latter.
A simple wink in their direction could ignite untold passions raging in their bosoms; as was the case for one such woman, who was fanning herself so forcefully despite the tepid temperatures of the Scottish summer.
The only logical explanation was that being in my presence brought her to such a heightened state of arousal – an observation proven true by her husband's chagrin, engulfing him in the most violent shade of crimson. Unsurprisingly, the handsome woman collapsed to the ground, her body clearly weakened by such strong forces of lust.
I was later told it was caused by tuberculosis; to this day I do not believe them.
For a moment, I entertained the fantasies brought on by the overwhelming amount of female attention, being naturally curious to what their soft flesh might feel like when they threw themselves against me – lauding my muscular frame from years of plowing the field; but I digress.
Nothing, and I repeat: nothing, could be comparable to to the feeling of supple leather, cradling the beauty of which was firm and round, inflated with so much love that seeped into my calloused fingertips. The truth – was only she, my orange and spherical lover could fulfill me, and I desired for nothing more. My obsession for the game overshadowed everything, and all that mattered was her and the hoop. 'Wilsona' is what I affectionately named her.
The sun had shone so brightly that day, it's warm rays bathing me in glinted golds and the promises of glory. It was the game of the century – the final showdown, so to speak. As captain of the Feldcroft Flobberworms, I'd assured our triumph against every opponent we had faced thus far. Today would mark our final and greatest victory in a worldwide basketball tournament, held for only the most talented of witches and wizards in the profession.
The crowd was vivacious, chanting my name before I'd even begun warming up with my trademark three-quarter shots.
Sol-o-mon! Sol-o-mon! Sol-o-mon!
I couldn't blame them; I had quickly risen to become one of Scotland's most revered basketball players – and arguably, one of the greatest in the world. I pencil-rolled down the court, grasping Wilsona tightly above my head before knocking one– two– then three of my own teammates off their feet. When implemented during a match, my then wobbling teammates would knock down our opponents like bowling balls to pins.
With the other team flailing about for purchase, I'd use my immense strength to swing Wilsona over my head and launch her into the air, having full trust she'd be caught by my ever-dependable teammate, Banshee. Holding the perfect amount of muscle and buoyancy in her tender-hammed calves, she'd use their power to float through the air, slam-dunking my Wilsona into the hoop.
I expected to be met with raucous applause after graciously displaying a preview of my three-quarter shot, and yet, my ears were assaulted by a name I'd heard only in myths...
Aura. . .
AURA, AURA, AURA! The crowd cheered.
It was the infamous wild woman, captain of the Australian team the Darwin Dugbogs, who'd just arrived at the scene in a chariot drawn by a dozen Milo-drinking Abraxans, evident by the chunky malted drink dried at their muzzles. Rumors of her story had swept through the hamlets like a haze, with some claiming she'd been taken in as an orphaned child by a court of kangaroos and raised as their own. As a man of considerable intelligence and impeccable breeding, I was incredulous to believe such utter hogwash.
An air of mystery and intrigue surrounded the wild woman, flowing through her lustrous auburn hair she'd adorned with sticks from her homeland. As she approached me, I found no reason to believe such a lovely and diminutive lady was anything to be feared on the court; my reputation was secure.
'How ya goin'?' She said, her native tongue so exotic and beautiful it could only be compared to a siren song.
I was utterly speechless, and even more so as she'd managed to ignore my handsomely rugged features in favor of the view above my head. A confident and all-knowing smile tugged at the edges of her delicate lips, as if she already knew exactly how the view from above would appear.
A ball of nerves settled into the pit of my stomach then, but I stood my ground. Defending my territory, I repeatedly dragged one leg back through the dirt while firmly planted on the other, like a bull preparing to charge.
In my own native tongue, I answered her back.
'Fuck it, we ball.'
AN: The idea for this hastily written crack fic was inspired by the image above, which I scribbled on after noticing it looked as if Solomon was about to slam-dunk a basketball through a hoop. I couldn't have written it without having met some insanely lovely people on a Hogwarts Legacy discord server 🩵✨
