Greetings!

I haven't much to say, but I decided that this page was looking really, sadly empty. To be honest, I didn't expect my story to have so many readers! Therefore, few people would have been disappointed by the absence of anything useful or amusing on this page.

So, I finally put something here for others to find. I decided to start by answering some of the questions from reviewers.

- Amari is my first attempt at fan fiction; so, no, I do not have a "stash" of other fics hiding elsewhere on the net.

- "Amari" is Latin. It means "to be loved." For the linguistic enthusiasts among you, yes, I do know that it is a first conjugation passive infinitive. Congratulations to Nicky15 for being the first reviewer to successfully translate the title!

- About Rimescotch - most simply, it is my version of Firewhiskey. "Rime" is a kind of frost, usually the kind that you see forming on grass in late autumn; it is tiny, tiny crystalic condensation, so it can also be seen in a chem lab. I don't drink straight liquor much, but I have always believed that Scotch is best served from a bottle kept in the freezer. Hence, the idea for the name!

- Amari is rated T for teen to cover the occasional swearing and the themes of child abuse and neglect.

- In response to the enquiries about the potions and ingredients I choose: it's a mutt of fact and fiction. I have always been fascinated by the many and varied properties and uses of the plants in our world. I have combined what I have learned from my own research over the years with some of the fictional aspects named in the books. It made sense to me that Harry would have limited 'magical' options as most of his school stuff is locked away. He would however, though also in a limited way, have some access to 'muggle' plants and herbs. As for the properties that I have listed or hinted at that the 'real' plants have, they are true to the best of my knowledge. Neat, huh?

Please, check out the poll at the top of the page. While I have my own ideas, I also want to know what my readers think.

30 August 09 - I have not abandoned the story Amari. Neither have I abandoned FF.net or my dearest fans. Thank you all for your comments, reviews, encouragement, pleading, and patience. I am currently reviewing and revising the story for reposting (when I've done them all), with the intention to add more chapters. I know, finally. Huge thanks and appreciation go to shadowarwen, for her endless support.

The LotR drabble was just my way of helping to get my creative and angst juices flowing.

Thank YOU for reading my work.

with blessings,
Artemis