An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Rating: Teen & Up Audiences
Chapters: 1/2
Relationship: Han Seojun/Kang Sujin, background Im Jugyeong/Lee Suho
“Well, I have evening rehearsals every Saturday, Tuesday, and Thursday,” Seojun says. “If you want… we could… head home together on those days?”
“Oh,” she responds. She’s surprised that he would want to spend any time with her because for all she knew– he hated her. “Sure,” Sujin says, trying to sound nonchalant – like it’s not a big deal.
Welcome to Part 2 of Chapter 5 analysis where we will cover all things plants!
The format will look a bit different because there is a lot to go over!
If you're looking for tea analysis and other details → Part 1.
Please note, as of the date of this posting, I have only read up to Chapter 31. This analysis may not be the most accurate or relevant.
DISCLAIMER:
This is all meant for fun, these thoughts are purely based on personal observations and a bit of research.
It is not intended as criticism or critique in any shape or form.
I have no idea if these are inadaze22‘s intentions and any confirmation(s) from her will be noted.
If you have corrections or inputs, do send them my way. All I ask is that we are kind to one another.
Spoilers ahead! You have been warned!
The Plants:
The fruits mentioned in this chapter likely serve no significance, but here is some over-analyzing and over-reaching.
Dwarf Mango
Has direct connection to the Hindu goddess, Saraswati who is known as the Goddess of knowledge, speech, wisdom, learning, etc. (traits are of similar resemblance to Hermione)
The Vasant Panchami festival celebrates Saraswati, and involves the offering of mango leaves.
Families often mark the day of the festival by helping their young children learn how to write the letters of the alphabet and create music (foreshadowing to Hermione helping Scorpius to communicate?)
Fig
This is a massive stretch and something I stumbled upon: The Qur'an has a "chapter" that begins with "By the fig and the olive", perhaps this will allude to another plant in later chapters. (Source: Wikipedia, don't come for me)
In Greco-Roman culture, it's associated with fertility *wink wink nudge nudge* (I'm sorry this fact was too good to pass off)
Lemon
This is the fourth time it has been mentioned, so it's nearly been mentioned in every single chapter and Hermione clearly has a fondness for it (perhaps other characters also share this same appreciate for it....)
It is often associated with friendship, love, and purification, which are central themes of this fic. If going with the order of things, it directly alludes to the story arc and sets the trajectory for Hermione's relationships.
In terms of tea, lemon cuts the bitterness of black teas to bring a brighter tone. Similarly, both Hermione and Draco are likely to enter into each other's lives and bring something new into their respective lives.
Orange
It's not specified what type of orange Hermione has planted, but it's safe to assume that its meant for consumption and her tea blends.
Hermione mentions that it's for the kids, maybe Scorpius will like them too? (This is for the Tangerine Twins and The Child Protection Agency)
Pear
No thoughts just another quote I pulled off the pear Wikipedia page about the first mention of pears in literature: "Therein grow trees, tall and luxuriant, pears and pomegranates and apple trees with their bright fruit, and sweet figs, and luxuriant olives." (Please note the presence of figs and olives, thank you!)
Abyssinian Shrivelfig
Used in Shrinking Solution (foreshadowing?)
Used in Elixir to Induce Euphoria, which also uses peppermint to counteract side effects (reference to Draco Malfoy creating the potion in 3rd Year; unclear as to how this relates to future chapters)
Akra (Calotropis gigantea)
Produces biochemicals that can help with germination and growth of many agricultural plants (Hermione likely uses this to speed up plant growth aside from magic)
Specific strains can be used as poison (I highly doubt this fact will be seen in the fic, but it's a fun fact to run with)
Used in traditional medicine to treat neurological disorders, although this has limited scientific finding (perhaps this plant will be used in one of Narcissa's potions)
Asphodel
Part of the lily family
Associated with death and gloom, and Persephone the Greek goddess (foreshadowing to potential character death, and issues that Hermione and others must face in the Ministry?)
Used in Draught of Living Death, which places an individual into a deep slumber (foreshadowing?)
Used in Vitamix Potion, which briefly provides a boost in energy and sharpens reflexes (foreshadowing?)
Dittany
Used in healing potions (foreshadowing)
Used in Wiggenweld Potion, which is an antidote to the Sleeping Draught and Draught of Living Death, and also requires the use of mint (foreshadowing?)
Kava
Used for her teas (refer to Chapter 3 → tea analysis)
May also be used in Narcissa's potions because of the sedative properties
Ipecacuanha
Archaic scientific term
A Muggle drug that uses this plant to cause induced vomiting was discontinued in 2010 (unclear as to how this relates to future chapters)
Leaping Toadstools
Used for Baruffio's Brain Elixir, which supposedly increases brain size but can cause detrimental brain damage if brewed incorrectly (unclear as to how this relates to future chapters)
Neem
Potentially toxic, and a weed in some regions
Used for Fergus Fungal Budge, which is used to treat ringworm infections (unclear as to how this relates to future chapters)
Wormwood
Used as flavouring in spirits and wines
Used in Draught of Living Death (foreshadowing?)
Used in Elixir to Induce Euphoria (unclear as to how this relates to future chapters)
Used in Shrinking Solution (foreshadowing?)
Used in Vitamix Potion (foreshadowing?)
Used in the Healing Potion in the 2010s by the Statue of Secrecy Task Force (parallel to Terrorist Task Force?)
Bits and Pieces:
This section is going to a collection of small details and such that I found to be interesting in their wording and meaning. There’s many ways to interpret them, but for this one I’m just going to leave them here. Maybe I’ll come back and do a full analysis later on.
"Halia" (*cue the tears)
"self-partnering" (refer to Emma Watson's interview for Beauty and the Beast)
"except for a twitch in his jaw and a glimmer of what looked like an odd mix of curiosity and suspicion"
🌱 This marks the end of the plant analysis, and bits and pieces section. 🌱
Thank you for coming along for the ride! Hope you enjoyed and see you on the next one! :)
-C
In case you missed the previous posts:
Chapter 1 → review
Chapter 2 → review
Chapter 3, Part 1 → review
Chapter 3, Part 2 → tea + plant analysis
Chapter 4, Part 1 → review
Chapter 4, Part 2 → tea analysis + other details + bits and pieces
Here’s some more symbolism and a few interesting details thrown in the mix! Spoilers ahead, you have been warned!
(again, I have no idea if any of this is @inadaze22′s intention)
The Teas:
Lemon in Earl Grey
A British classic and according to the internet, the best way to take the tea. Earl Grey is a blended tea known for its citrus notes from the use of bergamot orange. The addition of lemon is supposed to enhance and brighten the flavour.
This is the second time Hermione drinks a tea with lemon (refer to Chapter 3 for the first). It’s important to note that in both of these incidents, she is drinking tea with someone else, first with Narcissa and now with Molly.
There’s many comparisons/contrasts that can be drawn between Narcissa and Molly, but I’m going to focus on the conversation as a whole. In both conversations, singleness is brought up. Although both of these women have drastically different perspectives on other topics, they agree that their children (biological or not) must have a partner to be fulfilled in life.
Their perspective is largely influenced by pureblood traditions, but it’s also coming from a place of love. Both of their children are struggling and as mothers it is difficult to watch from the sidelines. They may not understand their difficulties but they want to relieve the pain, so they offer the only remedy they know – a partner to share the burden with.
Please correct me if I’m wrong, but this may be the first time direct parallels are drawn between Draco and Hermione.
Circling back to the significance of lemons, it serves as a glimpse of what is to come and it ties everything together. At the moment, it’s unclear if there is a direct meaning (other than smut), but I have strong feeling that we will see more lemons (take it as you will) as the story progresses.
For those who have read the recent chapter, take note that Molly is the only one that made Hermione a perfect cup of tea up until that point. As an additional tidbit, Earl Grey teas traditionally uses black tea such as keemun, but sometimes oolong is used instead. (how interesting…) Also, most black teas need a little lemon too. *wink wink nudge nudge*
Black tea with a splash of milk
It’s not explicitly mentioned what type of black tea she was drinking, but it’s interesting that the tea is mentioned between her call with Charles Smith and Narcissa’s Primary Healer, Kendrick.
I’m drawing a little empty on this one. However, the placement seems significant as Hermione’s tea choice is rarely mentioned unless she is with a prominent character or the tea serves as an important detail. Perhaps Charles Smith and Kendrick are of some importance later on in the story.
The only connection I can draw is that both of the explicitly mentioned teas in this chapter are of the black variety. Anyone have any ideas? Or maybe there is no significance to this tea.
Other Details:
Stars
This may be a reach, but in Chapter 3 Hermione describes her lounge area. She tells the reader that there is “a comfortable chaise large enough for two people” (take what you will with this information) and that she often falls asleep on said chaise “while gazing at the stars”. (Note: this is the first time stars are mentioned)
In Chapter 4, it begins with her gazing at the stars, particularly at the Draco constellation. It seems as though the mention of “stars” in the previous chapter is foreshadowing this part. If we continue with the pattern, than the constellation could very much be foreshadowing something in later chapters. *wink wink nudge nudge*
As for parallels, both times after “stars” are mentioned Hermione has company.
Can we take a minute to appreciate Ina’s attention to detail?
The brightest star in the Draco constellation is named Gamma Draconis, but Ina took the time to consider the story time period. She used its former name Eltanin – Arabic for “the great serpent” as the name change did occur until 2016. She also made sure that Hermione traced the constellation tip to tail as the star is found in the head of the dragon.
As a fun fact that really has nothing to do with the story, the Draco constellation has a deep sky object, Cat’s Eye Nebula; and the Scorpius constellation has a pair of stars that are often referred to as Cat’s Eye.
Gold band
It’s a small detail but every time that Hermione has met Narcissa, her first observation is Narcissa touching a “gold band on a necklace”.
To Hermione this detail is crucial as it supports her idea that Narcissa is very much still living in the past. She knows what the ring is for and what it symbolizes, yet she doesn’t explicitly state it. Knowing how fixated Hermione is on details, it wouldn’t come as a surprise that focusing on this detail meant she missed other (important) details. This ring may come into play later on, but it’s hard to say with the limited information we are given.
Bits and Pieces:
I’m starting this new section in my analyses. It’s going to be small details and such that I found to be interesting in their wording and meaning. There’s many ways to interpret them, but for this one I’m just going to leave them here. Maybe I’ll come back and do a full analysis later on.
"A healthy vegetable patch."
“It felt like family.”
“Maybe it was nothing, but it felt like something.”
Thank you for coming along for the ride! I hope you enjoyed it! :)
-C
P.S.- If there are things that I missed/misinterpreted, please give me a shout
Let’s talk symbolism! (I honestly have no idea if this was @inadaze22‘s intention, but hopefully it is?)
The Teas:
Peppermint with no sugar or honey
Peppermint tea generally has soothing and refreshing properties, which would be fitting as Hermione drinks this tea during a tense conversation with Tiberius McLaggen. But the most important detail, is that she drinks it without sugar or honey. Peppermint tea is rarely taken without some additive because the peppermint taste/smell can be quite overwhelming and slightly numbing to the senses.
Perhaps she chose the tea not only to soothe herself, but also to reign in her emotions and possibly her words. Or perhaps needed something to grip onto as she is forced to relive her time in the Ministry once again.
It’s mentioned in the first chapter that she frequently drinks peppermint tea, but with rosemary. In the same chapter it mentions that she prefers her teas to be blends with some additive. So her tea choice with McLaggen is out of routine and preference. [EDIT: inadaze reminded me that “his appearance in her office is out of routine and preference”]
There is a few parallels in the first and third chapter. In Chapter 1, she drinks the peppermint blend with Theo, in that same scene it’s the first time Hermione’s Ministry experience and Narcissa is mentioned. It is also briefly mentioned that the Ministry is interested in hiring her again. In Chapter 3, she drinks the tea while her Ministry experience is discussed in more detail and as McLaggen attempts to hire her. Later in the chapter, Hermione meets Narcissa in person.
Lemon balm, kava, and valerian root (This one contains spoilers for later chapters!)
Lemon balm is a herb and mint like. Interestingly, lemon balm is often added to peppermint tea to compliment the flavour (taken from good ol’ wikipedia). I honestly have no idea what to do with this information, anyone got any ideas?
*spoiler*
This is also the first time “lemon” is brought up and it holds a lot of significance in the later chapters, specifically pertaining to our favourite Malfoy family in Chapter 13 and onwards. The mint like quality also alludes to some key details in Chapter 8 and 10. [EDIT: In the wise words of a fellow reader “lemons are also important and of significance because the fic has an explict rating”]
Kava is an integral part of many Polynesian cultures. In Tongan culture, it symbolizes “coming together” and serves to connect individuals of different statuses and ranks (here’s a link if you want to read more on it). When Hermione offers Narcissa or any of her other patients the tea, it is like offering an olive branch. Considering their history, Narcissa’s rejection of the tea reinforces their strong differences and sets the stage of their future interactions. Kava is also both bitter and sweet in different stages, a simple reflection of life and these characters.
Valerian is a flowering plant that is often considered to be a weed. This reflects the characters of Narcissa and Hermione. Just as a weed is able to grow and survive in the harshest of places, so do both of these women. They have survived a war and are stilling living through the repercussions of it. They’ve had endless expectations and responsibilities thrust upon them by society. Even when they break and fall they are expected to hold their head high. Despite all of this, they somehow manage to thrive in their own ways.
Weeds are sometimes out of place or found in the strangest of places. Both of these women are very much in a position where society never intended for them to be. Yet, they push through and demonstrate a great amount of resilience and strength. When their upbringing is taken out of the equation, these two characters are a similar version of each other, but in different stages of life.
Green with a twist of fresh lemon
Lemons have a contradicting yet complimentary meaning. It symbolizes purification and longevity but also bitterness and disappointment. So in essence, “life is full of lemons”.
Lemons also hold another meaning, fidelity. In the scene, Hermione drinks this tea during a moment of silence with Narcissa. This may be a stretch, but it could symbolize Hermione’s faithfulness to Narcissa, despite rejecting the case. It may also allude to their relationship as the story progresses.
There is still a lot to be said about lemon symbolism, but more on that next time!
The Flower:
Gladiolus
Gladiolus symbolizes strength, faithfulness, and integrity which mirrors Hermione’s description of Astoria. There is no mention of the specific colour of the flowers, but my guess is that it was pink or purple, or maybe both.
Pink symbolizes gentleness, love, compassion, and motherly love; and purple symbolizes royalty, beauty, and grace. All of these qualities seem to align with what we know about Astoria so far.
Not only does the flowers speak to Astoria’s character and her impact on others, it also speaks to Hermione’s character. She took the time to select flowers for someone she knew very little about. It also shows how deeply committed she is to her friends.
As a side note, I really appreciate how Astoria is characterized. She is more than Draco Malfoy’s wife or a character to compare Hermione to. She really stands her own ground and has clearly left an everlasting mark on those around her.
Thanks for staying along for this VERY long ride! I hope you enjoyed it! :)
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Rating: Teen & Up Audiences
Chapters: 2/2 (complete)
Relationship: Han Seojun/Kang Sujin, background Im Jugyeong/Lee Suho
“Well, I have evening rehearsals every Saturday, Tuesday, and Thursday,” Seojun says. “If you want… we could… head home together on those days?”
“Oh,” she responds. She’s surprised that he would want to spend any time with her because for all she knew– he hated her. “Sure,” Sujin says, trying to sound nonchalant – like it’s not a big deal.
Happy New Year! Not sure why this review took me so long to write because this chapter was amazing! There was honestly a lot to unpack so I’ve split it into two parts. (this review is gonna have a few spoilers, you have been warned :))
We get a better glimpse into Hermione’s life prior to leaving the Ministry. I may have missed some details here or there, but her decision to leave the Ministry was a culmination of various events and stressors with the final straw being a mental breakdown.
On a personal note, as much as I hate seeing characters crash and burn, this event seemed oddly natural? Canonically, Hermione has always been an overachiever and always placed others before herself. Alongside being a war hero, it was only natural that she would eventually reach her limit.
As mentioned in Hermione’s heated exchange with the Chief Warlock, the Ministry dealt with this incident poorly. I’m not sure if this was @inadaze22‘s intention, but it reflects many work/school environments especially during the pandemic.
I love that Hermione continues to stand her ground against going back to Ministry despite the offers that come her way. One could say that she is standing her ground out of fear, but I think for once in her life she chose herself over others. She is finally in a place where she feels (moderately) happy and satisfied with her life and career.
Narcissa Malfoy, a force to be reckoned with. Her demeanour is what you would expect from someone raised under a strict Pureblood household, but there is something else to her. I can’t quite pinpoint the exact word to describe (any suggestions?).
Anyhow, I love her conversation with Hermione. Even though it is expected that the conversation would entail some tension with a dash of hostility, you can’t deny that both women internally respect each other. I’m pretty excited to review their other conversations as the story progresses.
Can we talk about Pansy Parkinson? Pansy has quickly become one of my favourite characters in this story. She is a fireball and a brilliant witch! I love that her and Hermione find companionship with each other later in life. They are both such strong characters with drastically different stories, but it just works. (Their relationship does remind me a bit of @inadaze22‘s Broken. It’s a great read!)
Favourite Quote: “What the—you've got me defending Potter, for fuck's sake! You owe me a drink when I stop being mad at you. Shite, that didn't even feel right.”
This chapter is a bit of a filler, nonetheless the writing is high calibre. There’s quite a few details sprinkled throughout that are interesting in both their placement and wording. But more on that in Part 2!
Once again, we get to see Hermione’s relationships in more depth and breadth. I enjoy Hermione and Ron’s scene as frustrating as it is because it shows how unreliable Hermione is as a narrator. We only see their relationship from her perspective so it’s easy to dislike Ron or place the blame on him. There is much more to their relationship then what Hermione is letting on, and perhaps Ron isn’t the villain in their story.
Since this is a Dramione story, I have no doubt that Hermione will compare these two relationships. It will be interesting to see how her narration of it shifts as the story and her character development progresses.
It doesn’t come as a surprise that she confides in Harry and Molly about Narcissa. However, their responses are unexpected. Up until this point, Hermione is the ideal character. She stands her own ground and she’s picked herself up time after time. She has a good support system and she’s fairly content with life. But Harry and Molly not only question her reasonings but arguably her character in each of their conversations.
It shows that Hermione is flawed as she holds onto preconceived notions about Narcissa and purebloods. By no means am I trying to devalue her traumatic experience in Malfoy Manor and the war or the blatant racism she received from these same individuals, or even justify some of Narcissa’s opinions; however it cannot be ignored that Hermione’s time in the wizarding world is limited and so is her understanding of it.
Hermione’s perspective is that of an outsider, both literally and figuratively. From this position, she is able to freely interrogate the pureblood traditions that are so deeply entrenched in the wizarding world. She is able to see the issues that others may not be able to see, hence why she is considered to be an asset. However, this perspective can easily lead to oversimplification because she is not subjected to the traditions.
Hermione is blinded by her preconceptions and she fails to see who Narcissa is and why she had made the choices she has. Perhaps if she took a small step back, she would see the similarities between the two of them. That being said, it’s easier said than done.
*spoiler*
Hermione does take Narcissa on as a patient, but she still has strong opinions and preconceptions of her. It’ll be interesting to see how it will affect their relationship and whether Hermione will let them go or not.
I love the part with Hermione and her father. It’s a tender moment that reflects many father-daughter dynamics, where love is shown through small seemingly mundane actions. I love that he asks her what she needs, rather than what she wants. It’s a simple question, but there is so much weight to it.
Even if it’s not her father’s intention, it takes all her feelings and struggles into consideration. It’s asking “What do you need to right now to get through the day?” “What do you need to feel genuinely happy?” Whereas, “want” is more directional and goal oriented, at least in the context of these last few chapters.
In many ways, she has what she wants out of life, but does she have what she needs? Does she even know what these needs are? And will being with Draco fulfill these needs?
Favourite Quote: “Who better to have on her side than you?”
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Rating: Mature
Chapters: 1/1
Relationship: Im Jugyeong/Lee Suho (Suho-centric POV)
Warning: includes an anxiety attack
“I’m sorry,” Suho manages to say, his voice soft. “Are you okay?”
She’s kind of blubbering, tears streaming out of her eyes and down her cheeks that he’s holding. She sinks down to the ground, her back against the couch legs. “You’re asking if I’m okay?” Jugyeong asks in disbelief, using her sleeves to wipe away at her face. “When it should be me asking if you are okay?”
(Lee Suho has never had anyone stay by him through the hard times. Except her. She’s there. She’s always there. And she chooses him, over and over. And he can’t believe it.)
I’ve been wanting to write a Suho-centric fic forever, hope you read :)
