#noreen blainey

[holdmymallowsweet]

Hufflepuffs 🦡

all named and confirmed Hufflepuffs in Hogwarts Legacy 🍃

Arthur Plummly - Lenora Everleigh - Adelaide Oakes

Poppy Sweeting - Professor Bai Howin

Professor Mirabel Garlick

Evangeline Bardsley - Nurse Noreen Blainey

Charlotte Morrison - Sacharissa Tugwood - Helga Hufflepuffs cookbook

Hengist of Woodcroft (founder of Hogsmeade) - Fat Friar

Former Minister of Magic, Eldritch Diggory - Hedge maze, representing Eunon Blackwood - Former Professor Percival Rackham

All Hufflepuffs in Hogwarts Legacy, to the best of my knowledge and ability (but let me know if I missed anyone). I tried to take flattering pics of everyone (although Sacharissa was testing my patience there). If you want to see more of someone you like up there, let me know 💛

[marge-blainey]

You thought I was gone? Think again.

[ask-nurse-blainey]

Remember to drink water kids!

[polarisgreenley]

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.”

[weirdraccoon]

You know that old superstition where it was believed that if you were menstruating you couldn't touch plants otherwise you'd kill them? 🥀🔴

An idea for a short fic came to mind.

Mirabel garlick is about to start a herbology lesson in the greenhouse but notices a muggle-born girl who doesn't want to come in for a lesson out of fear of rotting the plants because she has her first period, and Mirabel kindly takes her aside he explains to her that it's not true.

Bonuses. Did you also know that it was once not recommended to wash yourself, even doctors said so because for some reason it was believed to stop the flow? If you want you can add that he also explains to her how important it is to wash for the obvious reason of the proliferation of bacteria 😷🦠 .Ps. Anyway, I wanted to tell you that I really liked the latest posts on Fig 💙.

Ohhh! I didn't know any of this! It's so interesting and awful at the same time!

Here's to a muggle-born witch attending Hogwarts:

"All right class, pay attention!" Professor Garlick exclaimed over the excited voices. "Feeding a Venomus Tentacula can be a walk in the park but it can also become an utter nightmare with even accidental deaths."

The once energetic room was suddenly as quiet as the Library. She grinned.

"But don't worry! These babies are still growing. They won't be able to eat you all," she explained, "maybe just chew you and spit you. Their teeth aren't sharp enough yet to hurt humans. That's why we'll be feeding them this!" She showed the bags full of plant food on the main desk. "Pair up for now, so you can pull your partner out of the way if the Tentacula seems a little too friendly with them."

She observed her students with a grin on her face. She did love how excited they got when doing something new. The Gryffindors, mainly, loved doing daring tasks, so she made a mental note to keep an eye on them. She wouldn't want them hurting her precious plants only because one tried to chew on Prewett again.

To her surprise, she noticed Poppy Sweeting arriving late. Odd. She was always punctual in her classes. Thinking something was wrong she made her way to the short girl.

"Good morning, Miss Sweeting," she greeted warmly, "it's so out of character for you to be late. Is there something I can help you with?"

"I apologize, Professor," Poppy said with a grimace. "It's not me who has the problem. I woke up this morning and Teagan wasn't in the room. I went looking for her after breakfast but she wouldn't come out of the bathroom and she even claimed she'd killed the plants if she came to class!"

Professor Garlick blinked several times. That sounded... ominous.

"Did she explain why she'd kill my plants?"

"No, Professor, she didn't want to say anything more," Poppy sighed frustratedly.

"Ok, don't worry," she smiled at the girl, "I'll check on her as soon as class is over."

"Thank you, ma'am," Poppy smiled back before going to the last Tentacula which was trying to bite Everett.

Professor Garlick frowned in thought. There was something serious going on. She just hoped nothing bad happened to her student before she could find her.

As it was, Professor Garlick found her waiting for her next class in the Potions Hallway.

"Miss McQuoid," she called. "Why weren't you in Herbology?"

Teagan flinched and bowed her head. Her hair covered most of her face, including the ugly scar she carried from whatever happened in the muggle world.

"I'm sorry Professor Garlick," she said hurriedly. "I didn't want to kill your plants."

"What on earth are you talking about?"

"I- I'm-" the poor girl stuttered. "It's just- I'm bleeding," she whispered with so much fear Garlick was taken back. "And when a woman bleeds, she's not supposed to touch plants or she might kill them just as she's not supposed to wash herself."

Garlick blinked several times again.

"Come with me," she ordered.

"But- Professor Sharp-"

"I'll talk to Professor Sharp later, right now we're going to Nurse Blainey," Garlick ordered.

Teagan followed in silence not once raising her head. Garlick sighed. Was that what muggles were teaching their young women? No wonder they didn't live past 30.

"Noreen! I need your assistance with a young witch," Garlick called once they entered the empty Infirmary. "Periods, Noreen, please?"

Noreen raised her eyebrows in surprise and looked at the fifteen-year-old witch. She was too old for this to be her first period, but she had to remember she had been living with muggles for her first one. She didn't know much about muggles, but the girl looked horrified.

"There's nothing to worry about, darling, it's normal," she comforted. "I'd be more worried if you weren't on your period, to be honest. Here," she offered a towel and pointed to the bathroom. "Go clean up, we'll be there in a second with some books that might help. And don't be embarrassed," she winked. "Every witch goes through it."

Teagan was tense, that was obvious, but she obliged and followed Nurse Blainey's orders. Mirabel and Noreen glanced at each other and nodded in agreement. They rushed to the Nurse's quarters to grab some books and chocolate and then proceeded to the baths where Teagan was already in the water looking as if she just killed someone.

"Can you tell us what the muggles taught you," Noreen asked softly.

Teagan spoke in a whisper, as if talking about it would send her straight to hell. She spoke with guilt and fear and both older witches wanted to make the muggles who took care of the girl suffer for their ignorance.

However, they also understood it wasn't their fault. Not really. They were just teaching what they were taught themselves.

At least Teagan was no longer part of that world, and they'd make sure to take care of her and show her how to take care of herself.

"Those are all lies," Noreen claimed, offering a book and a bar of chocolate, "eat that and check out his book. It's all about the nature of witches. You can bathe yourself, in fact, you must. That way you avoid infections and illnesses."

"And you can come to the Greenhouses," Mirabel added. "I promise nothing can kill those plants. I'll come with you later and we can test it together if you'd like?"

Teagan nodded hesitantly. She still wasn't sure. She grew up listening to older women talk about it like it was punishment and a sin. How could she change her mind so quickly?

That afternoon she took the first step, though. After her bath, she was surprised to realize it didn't cut it off or anything. She felt fresher actually and her cramping lessened. Nurse Blainey taught her a spell to keep her clothes clean and reminded her to take a bath or a shower in the morning, or even before bed if she so preferred.

And then the plants.

Her favorite class, and her favorite magical discovery.

She was so happy when she realized the plants didn't act differently. She fed the Tentaculas and Cabbagges with happy tears in her eyes, and she planted new Ditanny and Knotgrass seeds under Professor Garlick's supervision.

She spent around 20 minutes in the Greenhouse, and not one plant died because of her touching it.

If muggles were wrong about this, could they be wrong about other things too?

[cranberryletters]

Noreen Blainey

[marge-blainey]

Hehe me except I'm bisexual

reblog if you’re NOT tumblr famous, but you ARE tired and kinda gay

[marge-blainey]

I hope you all are enjoying your summer holidays at home...

It's awfully quiet in the castle, not even peeves and I can fill this silence 🥺

[ask-nurse-blainey]

As the summer holiday approaches, I beseech you to stay hydrated! Avoid long-term exposure to the sun and remember to take breaks in these sweltering months.

Friendly reminder that a dementors kiss, while quite chilling, is not a healthy way to beat the heat.

Marge dearest, I am looking at you.

[polarisgreenley]

A Bouquet of New Beginnings Chapter 14: "Purple Hyacinth"

Floriography - Please Forgive Me

Summary: Artemis is encouraged to take a certification, Sebastian & Artemis delve into that book from the Restricted Section, and an overdue conversation is had with a certain blond.

[AO3]

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

“The Draught’s…working,” attempted Artemis.

Ominis’ sighed small as he shook his head. “What are you doing out here at this hour?”

“I was,” started Artemis as she swallowed. He didn’t need to know the cause. “I was waiting for Sebastian. Going to spell practise. Followed Nocturne. Distracted with the painting. Then… well.”

Silence fell as she caught something flash across Ominis’ face. Artemis, now completely under the effect of the Calming Draught, slowly stood; Ominis followed her movement. Nocturne kept his claws dug into her shirt as if to dare her to put him down. She gave him a soft kiss on his forehead.

“Sorry for troubling you. I’d… appreciate it, if you didn’t tell anyone,” whispered Artemis. “You should be gentle, with the grip.”

“What?”

“The grip. On the arrangement, so the stem doesn’t snap. You’re meeting up with someone, right? You should, go to them. I’m fine.”

Nocturne faintly protested in her arms. The blond sighed as his head tilted away and slightly shifted his feet.

“It’s for you,” mumbled Ominis after a few moments.

“…huh?”

“It’s for you,” repeated Ominis clearer.

He held out the arrangement toward her, and now she could see the single, purple hyacinth in the wrapping. The floral scent was powerful and the petals dewy fresh. He cleared his throat.

“I was hoping to find you. To give this to you to… apologise. Clearly right now isn’t the best time –”

“It’s fine, Ominis.”

Ominis’ eyes briefly widened at her words before he let out a breath.

“I’d been an absolute prat,” started Ominis slowly.

Artemis blinked twice at the unusually informal word but remained silent.

“I shouldn’t have lashed out at you like I did, nor ignore you when you’ve just been trying to help. I’m… I’m sorry.”

The hyacinth shook minutely in his grip.

She placed Nocturne on the rail platform only for him to drape over her shoulder before she conjured a flower of her own. Artemis gently accepted the hyacinth, and instead placed a single white tulip into his hand. Ominis moved his wand to gently touch the petals before he brought the flower to his nose.

“A tulip?” Ominis asked as he smelled it.

“A white tulip. Um, it’s the colour of fresh snow,” described Artemis. Her mind cobbled together something to describe white to someone who couldn’t see. “Sweet as sugar, soft as pillows… I accept your apology, Ominis. Thank you… for earlier, and the hyacinth. It’s beautiful.”

Ominis’ eyes widened briefly before he bodily relaxed, the white tulip held delicately in his hand. She wondered if this was why he wasn’t at dinner.

“I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone describe colours like that before,” said Ominis softly. “It’s… nice.”

“Happy to do so,” answered Artemis, equally as soft.

[ask-nurse-blainey]

I am not a labor and delivery nurse, please don't take a menstruation vacation.

doodle bc i just got my period and i need to make clora suffer too😭

[awkwardauthorwrites]

Violets and Verbena

Word Count: 3k

Themes: fluff

Summary: Two years have passed since the events in Hogwarts Legacy, in which Y/N has drifted away from Sebastian. What happens when she has to spend some time in the hospital wing and he comes to visit?

Warnings: Potential spoilers for HL

Noreen Blainey, hospital matron at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, stood in front of the two witches, holding the curtain partition open slightly and blocking the view of the hospital cot and its owner.

“Someone’s here to see me?” Y/N shared a confused look with Poppy, who sat next to her bedside. “Do you know who it might be?”

“Natty and Garreth both have Charms right now,” she shook her head in confusion. “Maybe it's Amit or Adelaide?”

“I’ll see them,” Y/N agreed, still sounding uncertain. Nurse Blainey nodded once and left, the curtain fluttering closed behind her once more. “I wonder who it could be.”

“Maybe it’s Imelda, come to apologise for knocking you off your broom,” Poppy suggested. Y/N let out a quiet laugh and shook her head. 

“You know it was an accident, and she’s already apologised more than enough.”

“Chocolates make for a good apology.”

“I don’t come bearing sweets, but I could come back with some, if you want?” a deep, masculine voice came from the other end of the partition, before Sebastian stepped into view. He fiddled with his robes nervously and gave them both a small smile. “Hi, Y/N…Poppy.”

“Sebastian?” Y/N’s eyebrows shot up slightly in surprise. After everything that had happened in their fifth year Y/N and Sebastian had drifted and stopped talking to one another, with the exception of the occasional hello as they passed each other in the halls. She still spoke to Ominis at times, but they didn’t spend as much time together as they used to. She knew he missed the man that stood in front of her, but wasn’t sure how to approach him after the death of Solomon Sallow. “You know you needn’t bring anything,” she shook her head with a small smile and gestured to the seat next to Poppy. “Come and sit.”

“So there was no need for me to stop and steal these from the gardens?” He produced a small bouquet of wildflowers from behind his back, and Y/N picked out some violets and different colours of verbena clusters among the bunch that would definitely get him into trouble with Mr Moon. Poppy jumped up to get a vase for them, shooting a look at Y/N behind Sebastian’s back as she went.

“These are beautiful, Sebastian. Thank you,” Y/N reached over to squeeze his hand in gratitude as Poppy returned and set them by her bedside. “Are these forget-me-nots? A happy coincidence, or…?” Y/N trailed off slowly and picked out the different flowers she could see. 

“You told me they were your favourite once, I hoped they would help cheer you up.”

“How thoughtful of you Sebastian,” Poppy commented lightly. She turned the vase slowly as she took note of the flowers scattered within the bouquet. “Did you know one of the meanings for verbena is protection and healing?” Poppy touched the petals, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she looked over at Sebastian. “Amongst other things.” A faint pink dusted his cheeks and he rubbed the back of his neck.

“Yes, well. The quicker Y/N gets back on her feet, the quicker she can get to doing better than me in almost every class,” he played it off with a nervous chuckle and avoided Y/N’s gaze. “It's getting a little boring being on top.”

“It’s been three lessons,” Y/N laughed quietly and turned to look back at him. “I didn’t think you would miss me so much, Sallow.” Sebastian didn’t have a response to this, and went silent. Y/N couldn’t read the look on his face; another testament to how long it had been since they really spoke. Ominis once joked she was a Legilimens, because she could practically read Sebastian’s mind and predict what he was going to say before he actually said it.

“Is that the time?” Poppy jumped up from her seat and grabbed her bag. “I’m going to be late for Potions, Professor Sharp is not going to care that I was on the opposite end of the castle.” She dug into her bag and pulled out a herbology book before handing it to Y/N. “Here’s the book I said I would lend you, you’ll find what you need in chapter seven.” With a quick wave at a confused Y/N and a still-quiet Sebastian, Poppy turned and left.

Y/N took a moment to study Sebastian, who didn’t seem to be in a rush to get to class. He had always been attractive, that much Y/N would admit to herself only, but he had really grown up in the past two years. The last of the baby fat had disappeared from his cheeks, and his jawline had become far more pronounced. His muscles had filled out as well. He had once mentioned to her, shortly after the death of his uncle and Anne had left Feldcroft, that he had taken to fixing up the house and garden there, and she couldn’t help but appreciate how he looked.

“You’re staring,” he murmured, breaking Y/N out of her train of thought. She felt her cheeks heat up and looked away from him as if he could read her thoughts plainly on her face. 

“Don’t you have class to get to?”

“Not one I care to attend,” he moved to the chair closer to her, the one Poppy had been occupying and leant back to stretch. “Not without you, anyway.” He shot her a cheeky grin and crossed his arms across his chest. 

“I didn’t realise you would miss me so much,” Y/N let out a quiet chuckle to mask the strange feeling in her chest. This was the Sebastian she remembered, the one who made her constantly question if he was flirting or not. “It’s not even been a day.”

“It’s been longer than that, Y/N,” he said seriously. “Far too long.”

“Sebastian, I’m so - ”

“You better not be about to apologise to me,” he shook his head with a dry laugh. “Not after everything I put you through.”

“You didn’t - ”

“I crucio’d you,” he interrupted once more, near hissing the word out as he leant forward. Y/N sucked in a breath at the sudden reminder of the excruciating pain. “Not to mention the path I started to lead you down. My uncle…” he trailed off, his eyes going glassy. “I didn’t - and still don’t - deserve your kindness. Anyone else would have reported me and let them send me to Azkaban.”

“Sebastian…” Y/N reached forward hesitantly and took his hands in hers. “I forgive you. I forgave you before you even raised your wand. I told you to cast the spell on me.”

“You have to mean it to cast an unforgivable, Y/N. It wouldn’t have worked - I wouldn’t have been able to hurt you if I didn’t mean it.”

“If you hadn’t we would have been dead a long time ago. You, me and Ominis. You did what you had to in order to get us out.”

“How can you still defend me after everything that I’ve done?” his grip tightened before he let go and leant back in his seat once more. “I came here to make sure you were alright and here you are, making sure I’m alright.” He let out another humourless chuckle and looked at the cards and chocolates by the bedside. “Looks like our whole house has stopped by to see you.”

“Sebastian…” Y/N trailed off, unsure what to say to him. His sudden change in topic signalled he didn’t wish to continue the previous conversation, but she couldn’t let him keep blaming himself for everything that happened.  

“Has Imelda stopped by?” He continued as if she hadn’t spoken and plucked one of the cards from the table. 

“Between you and Poppy you would think Imelda tried to actively kill me,” Y/N rolled her eyes and settled back against her pillows. “It was an accident, and she did stop by. The hamper is from her.” She gestured to the largest present on the table, a giant basket from Honeydukes. 

“Maybe I should let Reyes knock me off my broom, if that’s how she says sorry,” Sebastian let out a low whistle and picked up another card. “Is this from Ominis?” his eyebrows shot up in surprise. “I didn’t realise you two still spoke.”

“Not as often as I’d like, but we chat occasionally when paired together in class.” She watched as he read the message on the card and cocked her head to the side slightly. “Have…have you spoken to him recently?”

“No. Not in a way that matters, anyway.” He sighed and placed the card back down. “I wouldn’t know what to say to him.”

“I find hello is always a good place to start,” Y/N offered. Sebastian laughed, a real laugh and leant forward once more so his elbows rested on his knees. “He misses you, you know.”

“I know. I miss him too. I miss you both. But like I said, I didn’t know how to approach you both.”

“All it took was me falling fifty feet to get us here,” she remarked dryly. “I missed you too. More than I realised.”

“More than you realised, eh?” he raised a single eyebrow and there was a coy smile playing on his lips. “Old feelings resurfacing?” he teased. Y/N’s jaw fell open and her face flamed.

“What? No,” she spluttered. “I never - I don’t - did Ominis say something?”

“No…but you did. Just now,” he grinned widely and took in her red face. “Did you used to have feelings for me, Y/L/N?”

“Shut up, Sallow,” she muttered, feeling utterly embarrassed. “You can go now.”

“No, don’t,” he laughed quietly and reached out to squeeze her hand gently. “Believe it or not, I used to have feelings for you too.”

“No you didn’t,” Y/N scoffed and pulled her hand out of his. Her heart leapt at the confession, even though she refused to believe he wasn’t just saying that to make her feel better.

“Yes I did. I thought I was so obvious about it. Ominis used to joke about how he was glad he couldn’t see because he didn’t have to watch me pine after you.”

“You’re not serious.”

“Y/N,” he sighed, but there was still a small smile on his face. “You’re hopeless. Give me that book Poppy passed you.”

“What?”

“The herbology book. I recognised it immediately. Turn to chapter seven like she said.” He set the book between them and let her flip through until she reached the right page. The chapter was titled Flowers and their meanings. “Do you recognise any of them?” he nodded towards the bouquet he had given her earlier as she pulled the book closer. 

“Some. The Forget-Me-Nots, verbena, dwarf sunflowers…” Y/N trailed off as she made her way down the page in front of her, reading the meanings behind the flowers he had picked for her.

“Now, I will admit, the forget-me-nots were because they are your favourite, but that doesn’t mean I respect you any less,” he leant forward, face tinged pink as he read respect and true love next to a picture of the small blue flowers. 

“I didn’t think…I thought you had just given me whatever you could grab from the gardens.”

“You didn't think I would put effort into something I gave you?” He gave her a teasing smile and watched as she found verbena on the list. Admiration and respect next to an image of the red clusters that sat in the vase next to them. 

“I’m sensing a recurring theme here.” That strange feeling had returned to Y/N’s chest in full force, the one she thought had disappeared with time and distance. Dwarf sunflowers, adoration & admiration. “Sebastian…” She looked up at him, catching sight of a flicker of emotions across his face. “Are these…do you still…?” Y/N wasn’t sure how to finish the question. 

“Do I still…?” he repeated quietly. His fingers brushed against the back of her hand gently and Y/N felt her heart stutter in her chest. “Have feelings for you? Yes.” He admitted, finally catching her gaze. “Unless you don’t think you could feel the same after everything that happened. Then no.” He added quickly. Y/N let out a breathless laugh, one that seemed to relax him. “I thought they went away some time last year, but when I heard you fell today…” he stopped and grimaced. “I felt like my own heart had stopped inside my chest. I couldn’t breathe until I heard from Poppy that you were okay.”

“Poppy?”

“It seems everyone knows how I felt - feel - about you. Except for you of course,” he paused to laugh and shake his head. “I thought you were meant to be smart.”

“When did you…how long?” To say Y/N was surprised was an understatement. She never would have thought Sebastian saw her as more than just a friend. To find out he returned her feelings from before - that he still felt the same - had left her speechless.

“I’m assuming you’re oh-so-eloquently asking when I first started to have feelings for you?” his eyes sparkled with more life than Y/N had seen in a long time, and she felt her heart swell for him. “I’ll only answer if you do as well and if you go first. I can’t keep putting my heart on the line without knowing anything in return.” His fingers brushed her hand again, a little more firmly as he gained confidence. 

“That night in the library. When you took the fall for me.” Y/N watched as he gave her a surprised look. 

“That soon?”

“You didn’t know me,” she defended her decision. “You had no need to get yourself into trouble and lie for me like that. I didn’t realise it until later, but that was the catalyst.” He mulled over her words for a few moments before standing and sitting on the bed, turning so he could face her.

“If I’m being fully honest, from the moment you walked in late to your own sorting I was intrigued. I needed to get to know you.”

“Is that why you were so snappy the first night in the common room when I introduced myself?”

“Not my finest moment, I’m sure we can agree,” he looked abashed. “I feel it's safe to assume I made up for it, though?” He watched as she nodded in agreement, a breathtaking smile coming over his face. “Looking back I started to fall for you when you beat me in our first duel in class. I didn't realise until later though, like you.”

“What do you think would have happened if we told each other back then?”

“Honestly, I don’t think it would have ended well. I think I needed to do some growing to become worthy of you.”

“You were always worthy,” Y/N took his hand in hers again and laced their fingers together. Her heart jumped as he squeezed her hand affectionately. “We both needed to do some growing, I think.”

“You still haven’t answered the most important question.”

“What’s that?”

“Are old feelings resurfacing? Can you get past everything I’ve done?”

“Sebastian,” Y/N used her free hand to gently cup his face, her thumb running over his cheekbone. “I already told you, I forgave you a long time ago.”

“That doesn’t answer my question, Y/L/N. If it's alright with you, I would love nothing more than to kiss you right now, but I won’t unless I know you feel the same.” He turned his head to kiss the palm of her hand and leant towards her slightly. “And if you consent, of course.” His eyes darted to her lips briefly before locking back with hers. Y/N felt her heart stutter in her chest as her hand slipped from his face to rest on the back of his neck. It wasn’t even a question she needed to think about. She thought her feelings for the man in front of her had disappeared, but if her thundering pulse was any indication, they had just lay dormant until now. 

“It's okay with me,” she said quietly. He muttered a quick thank Merlin under his breath and let go of her hand to reach up and cup her face in his hand. He closed the gap between them slowly, giving her more than enough time to pull away if she wanted to, and paused right before his lips met hers. She looked into his eyes and saw he was already staring at her, a small smile playing on his features. “What?” 

“Nothing,” he shook his head gently, his nose bumping hers. “I just…I adore you,” he said quietly, before leaning in and pressing his lips to hers gently. Y/N felt her heart leap out of her chest and wound her hand into the hair at the back of his head as he kissed her sweetly. He was right earlier, she realised, when he said they wouldn’t have lasted had they started seeing each other in their fifth year. They both had to go through some much needed growing. It hadn’t been their time back then, and as he pulled away from their kiss, Y/N could only hope that now was. 

[virgil-anon]

a touch of fate by virgil_anon on ao3

Summary: When Harry and Cedric touch the Triwizard Tournament Cup inside the maze, instead of taking them to the graveyard as the portkey intended, the magics of the ancient Goblet fought back.

Flung into the past, the two must work together to ever hope of finding their way home.

Relationship(s): Harry Potter/Tom Riddle, Harry Potter & Cedric Diggory, Alphard Black/Cedric Diggory

Snippet under the break!

The twenty-fourth of June, 1942, was supposed to be a quiet night. In the history books, it was widely regarded as forgotten and unremarkable. Now, a large boom and flash of bright blue light could be heard from miles away, lighting up every window in the castle facing the quidditch pitch, and half of the Forbidden Forest. The sound woke nearly everyone in the castle, except for Peeves and a handful of particularly tired house elves.

Madam Noreen Blainey rushed out of the infirmary, which was thankfully devoid of any patients this close to the end of term, throwing on her red mediwitch robe before quickly making her way down to the pitch. Along the way, Professors Dumbledore, Slughorn, Diggory, and Vassy, all the Heads of their respective Houses, met her on the lawn, carrying their wands ignited with lumos to light their way.

Once there, in the middle of the field, she found two unconscious students—one in red and one in yellow—clutching the Goblet of Fire between them like a lifeline.

Slughorn gasped. “That's the Goblet of Fire, that is.”

“Yes, we all have eyes, Horace!” Vassy snapped.

Noreen rushed to their sides, and thankfully Dumbledore cast two shining balls of light to follow her, each one hovering over a particular boy's head. Casting two quick diagnostic charms, both seemed to be in relatively good condition. The only current injury both boys had was a burn scarring into their palms, which she could tell was from the Goblet. There was nothing to explain why they were unconscious, although cuts, bruises, and dehydration showed they had been involved in rigorous activities prior to now.

However, the boy in red showed a concerning amount of malnutrition, something that had her frowning. He also had a scar on his forehead that never properly healed, Dark magic pulsing off of it like it was still alive.

Noreen pulled out her bag, where two stretchers were shrunken down. She pulled them out and resized them before gently levitating each boy onto the gurney. Glancing at the professors at her disposal, she ordered, “Diggory, Dumbledore, come with me for assistance. Slughorn, I'd like you to prepare your lab, I need you to brew a few things for me. And Vassy, please alert Dippet, I will need his involvement for what's to come.”

Vassy frowned. “What's going on? Who are these boys?”

Noreen shrugged. “I don't know, but I think they'll be able to tell us themselves when they wake up.”

Thankfully, the professors listened and followed all of her instructions. Slughorn levitated the boy in yellow, and Dumbledore handled the boy in red, both of their respective orbs keeping vigil over their heads. She grabbed the Goblet, although she didn't touch it, merely levitating it in front of her.

“Which potions do you need, Noreen?” Slughorn asked.

“A nutrition potion, the strongest pain relievers you can brew, and some of that magical burn salve,” she replied. ‘I fear my current stock won't do much to help their hands.”

Slughorn nodded. “Of course, I'll get right on that.” Without another word, he split off towards the dungeons. Vassy headed towards the Headmaster’s office, while the rest of them made it to the infirmary.

Noreen gestured to two beds closest to her own rooms, and each boy was gently laid down. She administered pain relievers and her current stock of burn salves with Diggory’s help, but it only did so much.

The fireplace lit up green, and Dippet stepped out with Vassy following close behind.

“My word,” he exclaimed. “What happened here?”

“We're not sure,” Noreen replied.

“I believe I have a clue,” Dumbledore murmured.

Dippet turned towards him. “What is it, Albus?”

The Transfiguration Professor levitated the Goblet of Fire. “We found the boys clutching this. Look at the date.”

Everyone stepped closer, gasps ringing out when Noreen made out the letters in the lamplight: 1994.

By Merlin and Morgana both, she needed a drink.

[marge-blainey]

How I sleep knowing I've destroyed the local economy:

[ask-nurse-blainey]

*A small white duck in a doctor outfit waddles into the Hospital Wing, scrambles to jump onto one of the beds and settles down.*

Quack.

You should know that Marge is terrified of ducks; she was bit by one as a child and she's never recovered emotionally.

[polarisgreenley]

A Bouquet of New Beginnings: Chapter 4 "Dandelion"

[AO3]

Artemis and Professor Fig are in for a ride of their lives (literally).

Excerpt below (the rest can be read through the AO3 link above!):

“Professor,” started Artemis. “I wanted to thank you for this summer. I’m… I’m very glad that it was you that brought the letter to me last month.”

“That’s quite alright Miss Loreley, there’s no need to be so formal.”

“Artemis is fine, Professor,” said Artemis with a soft smile.

Professor Fig’s eyes widened briefly before his eyes crinkled, a smile on his lips.

“Artemis, then. I feel I should be the one thanking you. It had been a long while since that flat had seen such life. Not to mention a significant improvement in my diet.”

“Apologies, but your pantry was in a sordid state,” remarked Artemis as Professor Fig chuckled.

With a crack through the air, a slightly rotund English gentlemen with round glasses and moustache appeared. The two men exchanged greetings; it was clear this man was George Osric. She politely stood near the door, absentmindedly feeling the wand in her pocket and her legside bag through the skirt fabric.

“Of course. Why don’t we speak en route to Hogwarts? We have a start-of-term feast and a Sorting Ceremony to get to,” suggested Professor Fig.

“Wonderful idea. As long as your young charge here doesn’t mind me tagging along.”

The address of a ‘young charge’ brought Artemis back to the present. The chipper man wiggled his fingers to mimic legs.

“Not at all, sir,” responded Artemis as she gestured toward the door with a polite smile.

The interior of the carriage was plush and comfortable in the same red and gold décor. The air quality was a vast improvement, though she wondered if they could open the window when they reached the countryside. She undid her blouse’s top button.

“Sir, isn’t this road a dead end?” Artemis asked as Professor Fig sat to her right, and Mr. Osric sat across. Professor Fig lifted an eyebrow amused.

“Artemis, the road isn’t limited to the ground now, is it.”

The cart jolted, then the sensation of wheels on cobblestone lessened until it was no more.

They were flying. In a cart with winged thestrals. Her fingers gripped the windowsill until her knuckles were white.

Artemis decided to not think about the possible plummet as the latest décor of London streets and stared out the window. She casted the Sensory Balancing Charm for sanity and to keep her lunch; the men spoke to each other and opted to leave her to gather herself together.