Chapter 6
Summer School (For The Romantically Challenged)
Chapter 6 of 6
ProulxesIn which there is a hat, a cane, an explosion... and a happily ever after....
ReviewedChapter 6
Ravenclaw Tower
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Friday 15th August 2008
Heyyy, Sweet Stuff,
Fancy a second time to see if our chakra's really can align?
Boom Boom!
Jerry
Headmistress Office
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Friday 15th August
Severus,
Hermione has asked me if you intend to accompany the rest of the staff to the Celebrity Quidditch Match tomorrow?
Minerva
The Dungeons
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Friday 15th August
Dear Minerva,
Delightful as the prospect is of accompanying Doctor Granger and her American paramour to watch a game that recently had me committed to hospital and nursing two broken bones and a concussion, I will not be attending the Quidditch match this afternoon. The potion is at a critical stage in creation. I will be working alone in the Dungeons all afternoon.
SS
Friday 15th August
Harry,
Wotcher, mate!
See you Saturday.
Ron
Transcript of Radio Commentary: Ministry of Magic: Tenth Anniversary Quidditch Spectacular in Aid of the War Orphans' Appeal Fund. 16th August 2008. Commentator: Lee Jordan.
"Welcome, Ladies and Gentlemen, to the Ministry of Magic's Quidditch Spectacular in aid of the War Widows and Orphans Fund, held at Hogwarts on 16th August 2008.
And what a fabulous game of Quidditch we have for you here! Two teams of stars coming together to help to raise Galleons for a worthy cause... and of course to answer the question: Can the Syracuse Sirens, a young team based in the newly emerging Quidditch nation of the United States, triumph against a scratch team of some of the most famous individual Quidditch players in the world? It's a thrilling prospect, ladies and gentlemen.
More than five thousand Quidditch fans have made the journey here to windy Scotland for the match, and there is quite an atmosphere here as we wait for the players to launch themselves into the arena...
And here they come, ladies and gentlemen... The Syracuse Sirens!
That's Shawna Hawyes, the Sirens' Seeker! Shawna graduated All-American from the Salem Academy before flying for Puddlemere United in the British League. Shawna returned to her home country to fly for the Sirens last year, and she's had a ball! With twenty-two successful catches this year, Shawna's performance has outstripped all other Chasers in the American League this season. Let's hear it for Shawna, everyone!
Next, we welcome the Siren's Beaters, John Blackhorse and Harrison Lapahie. Blackhorse and Lapahie have been partners for four years at the heart of the Siren's Defence! See how they are demonstrating their signature manoevre, The Crossfire! Watch out for those Bludgers, ladies and gentlemen they look feisty today!
Sherrilyn Rodgers and Tiago Montoya are next up... The Sirens' Chasers have had a wonderful season, scoring more than three hundred goals between them in the League this season. Rodgers lists her hobbies as fire breathing and tiddlywinks while Montoya is new to the team this year and favours quieter pursuits: Muggle crosswords and Mexican cooking. Rodgers and Montoya, everyone!
Aaaand finally! The Sirens' veteran keeper, Shabray Jones, ladies and gentlemen! Shabray has had a long and distinguished career around the world. She started her career in North America, playing the American game Quodpot for the Sweetwater All-Stars in Texas before switching to Quidditch and establishing an international reputation as a Keeper in the game. Shabray has played for a number of teams in Europe and America and is a regular member of the North American Quidditch Squad ladies and gentlemen, give it up for Shabray Jones!!!
The Syracuse Sirens!
And now... please welcome... flying together for the first time as a team... live, from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry... the Rest of the World!
Yes! Ladies and gentlemen, this team is made up from some of our biggest stars of the game. Please put your hands together for....
Petrova Porskoff! Porskoff plays Chaser for the Vratsa Vultures and the Russian Federation. World famous for the move that carries her name, Porskoff is renowned for her skill and agility on the broom. Watch her go, everybody! And beside her comes her partner this afternoon, Marcus Flint. Flint has left behind his bad boy reputation over the past ten years, establishing himself as the go-to Chaser for the Caerphilly Catapults, and has won the Dangerous Dai Commemorative Medal an astonishing six times during his time at the club. I wonder if we'll see the Porskoff Ploy today, ladies and gentlemen?!
Say hello, everyone, to the Rest of the World's goalkeeper, and one of our most beloved Quidditch stars, Rrrrrrrrronald Weasley!! Weasley plays for the Chudley Cannons, and for many people, he is the player responsible for the club's renaissance since the end of the war. Weasley has described himself on many occasions as a one-club player, and he has resisted all offers from other clubs to move from the Cannons. Ronald Weasley, everybody!
We have three more players to meet.... First up is Keiko Takahashi playing Beater. Keiko has an enviable reputation as Beater, following in the broomstick brushes of Gwenog Jones at the Holyhead Harpies and a regular fixture in the Japanese National Quidditch Team.
Playing Seeker, an international of more than twelve years' experience... This wizard has won everything Best Player, Most Valuable Player, the Queerditch Trophy, the Bulgarian National Championship and of course he is part of the Bulgarian team that has won the Quidditch World Cup three times, breaking the Irish domination of the competition! Currently Seeker for the Vratsa Vultures in his native Bulgaria... Viktor Krum, ladies and gentlemen!
That means... joining Keiko Takahashi as Beater and playing out of position in this charity match... the man who needs no introduction... world famous for his heroic actions off the Quidditch pitch, but a hugely successful Seeker for the Tutshill Tornadoes and the British International Team... Mister... HARRY POTTER!
***
Now the players are taking up their position and the referee, Rolanda Hooch, has the match-balls under control.... She blows her whistle and releases the Snitch and Bludgers, hurls the Quaffle high in the air, and ... we're OFF!
And Porskoff has the Quaffle, streaking away across the pitch with Flint in support; meanwhile, Potter and Takahashi have taken up positions flanking their chasers as they all head towards Shabray Jones in the Sirens' goal....
Ouch! A neat move by Blackhorse sends a Bludger whistling past Posrskoff's shoulder, but she has passed the Quaffle to Flint and the attack goes on. Meanwhile, Krum seems to have spotted something off to his right, and he's streaking away, pursued by Hawyes, who is lying flat on her broom in that trademark position of hers, the Hawyes Hoover! Krum swerves in midair and comes to a halt, sending Hawyes overshooting past him, but the Snitch has gone!
GOAL for Marcus Flint. Taking advantage of Krum's drive, the Rest of the World's Chaser bamboozled Jones and scored an excellent goal. Ten points to the Rest of the World!
Hooch restarts the game, and immediately, the Quaffle is passed from Rodgers to Montoya and back again as the Bludgers continue to whistle past the play on the field. Potter and Takahashi are teaming up well Oh no! I spoke too soon! Takahashi sent a Bludger at Potter for him to deflect into the path of Montoya, but Potter missed the hit and the Bludger is outside his control. The Quaffle passes back to Rodgers and the Sirens close in on goal.
Excellent save from Weasley, holding onto his broom single-handed as he captures the Quaffle. He really is something, ladies and gentlemen, isn't he? Weasley flicks the ball in the air and smashes it up the field towards his waiting Chasers. And now Flint has the Quaffle and is pressing forward hard.
There is some shouting from the crowds as one of the Bludgers heads straight for the left stands, but Blackhorse comes across and anticipates the Bludger's direction. Blackhorse flicks the Bludger onwards towards Flint, and Flint is forced to take evasive action, and he's lost the Quaffle!
Rodgers has swept it up nice move, Sherri! For any children watching this, that's how to take a flying interception! She tucks the Quaffle under one arm and fends off a Bludger sent her way by Potter, who is clearly relishing this new defensive role.
What of the Snitch? Can you see it, anybody? Krum and Hawyes are circling the play about fifty feet above, and it's clear that that pesky little golden ball is being very elusive this afternoon. Hawyes has said that she is so excited to be playing on the same pitch as the legendary Bulgarian... Keep an eye on the action up above, everyone, as I return to the action down below....
Score!! Jones was caught napping again that time as Porskoff flies in for a middle hoop goal, and the Sirens are twenty-nil down already!
Quick-Quotes Quills:
The Quicker Way to Quote!
Right. Getting on with the Anti-Mutatio Potion.
[*unrecordable noise*]
Saturday 16th August 2008
The base potion has been proven in stasis over the past forty-eight hours, and I am now ready to begin the hormonal stimulus.
[*door opens*]
- What in all that's holy are you doing, Snape?
- I thought that that was pretty obvious, Lucius. I'm brewing. I have identified the key hormonal shift mechanism, and I'm attempting to replicate the impact of the lunar effect on the potion. The process requires me to maintain utter focus, so if you would kindly return to your Quidditch Spectacular...? I'm sure that your wife will be missing your sparkling wit.
- I don't mean what are you doing here! I mean, what are you doing here and not in the stands of that match outside with that bloody Muggle-born witch of yours?
Transcript of Radio Commentary: Ministry of Magic: Tenth Anniversary Quidditch Spectacular in Aid of the War Widows and Orphans Fund. 16th August 2008. Commentator: Lee Jordan.
... And captures it with a rolling turn. Extraordinary skills here from the young Chaser! Montoya really is an emerging talent! He passes the Quaffle on to Rodgers, and the Sirens reform again for an attack. It looks like Blackhorse and Lapahie are squaring up for yes! That's it, ladies and gentlemen! The Crossfire! What a spectacular move. The opposing Chasers are scattered, and Montoya is bearing down on goal...! Yes!! Weasley can't save that one and he's furious with his Beaters!
Hooch Summons the Quaffle, and the teams reform again for the restart aaah! The Sirens Captain Jones has called for a time-out. While we wait for the game to restart, I can draw our listeners' attention to some of our distinguished guests in the Main Stand here beside the commentary box.
A round of applause please for the British Minister for Magic, Kingsley Shacklebolt, and his North American Counterpart, the Secretary for Magical Affairs, Madam Leslie Diviner.
Also accompanying the Ministers are some of our heroes from the Wizarding War against the wizard-formally-known-as-Voldemort. Let's get the spotlights on some of our famous guests! Seamus Finnegan and Dean Thomas, ladies and gentlemen! And next to them, reporting on the match for The Quibbler, Miss Luna Lovegood! My, my, what an interesting hat she's wearing! And beyond her, is that... the final third of the Golden Trio herself Hermione Granger? And arm in arm with no other than Professor Jerry Bloomberg as well! What do we say, everybody? "Boom Boom!"
[*Boom Boom!*]
This is such a good cause, ladies and gentlemen. We are so grateful that you have come here today to support our fundraising activities for the War Orphans Appeal Fund. Perhaps we can ask some of our distinguished guests for comments while we wait for the action to restart?
Quick-Quotes Quills:
The Quicker Way to Quote!
- Lucius....
- Severus. Cissy showed me your letter.
[*unrecordable noise* ??Expletive??]
- Don't be like that, old man. She shows me everything.
- She said that she'd keep my confidences...
- She said: "I swear to keep this secret as well as I have kept your others," and she has.
- ... Slytherin.
- wife, Severus....
[*unrecordable noise*]
- You need to resolve this matter. Following Granger around like a love-starved Crup and threatening her boyfriend will get you no further than you got with Lily.
- Get out, Lucius.
- Oh, put that away you're not going to hex me, you silly idiot. You have never been a coward, before. Why don't you tell me what happened six years ago? I might be able to help you, you know.
Transcript of Radio Commentary: Ministry of Magic: Tenth Anniversary Quidditch Spectacular in Aid of the War Widows and Orphans Fund. 16th August 2008. Commentator: Lee Jordan.
And the teams are both in the air again! Blackhorse and Lapahie are flying more closely together this time, and Rodgers and Montoya are also in formation. Clearly, the Sirens have changed their tactics here....
Has Hawyes seen something? The clouds are still quite low, but can we see the glint of something in the sky? She's off, and Krum is chasing her down. Look at her go! That's the kind of agility on the broom that has got her noticed by the international Quidditch media!
Meanwhile, Blackhorse is protecting Rodgers as she swerves around and passes the Quaffle to Montoya in a one-two, which results in... a... score!
Twenty twenty!
And the Snitch has disappeared again! This game is really shaping up!
Quick-Quotes Quills:
The Quicker Way to Quote!
- ...
- I'm not moving, Severus.
- Well. Then. Ahem. You can help me by passing that bundle of Whickwheat. Take your coat off. Put those gloves on.
- There you are. What are you doing?
- I told you. Brewing. I'm trying to develop a better preventative for lycanthropy.
- Really? That's spectacularly warmhearted of you.
- Lucius....
- Alright... alright. Coat off. Gloves on. I'm at your service.
[*unrecordable noise*]
- Now, about your little distraction.
- She is not a distraction... or mine, for that matter. Hold that.
- Why are you adding the asphodel?
- To counteract the effect of the wormwood. Shut up for a minute I have to keep a count of the stirs....
- Severus.
- Thirteen, fourteen, fifteen... what?
- Granger, Severus.
Transcript of Radio Commentary: Ministry of Magic: Tenth Anniversary Quidditch Spectacular in Aid of the War Widows and Orphans Fund. 16th August 2008. Commentator: Lee Jordan.
And that's another score for the Sirens! We're now at fortytwenty to the Sirens, and the American team is growing in confidence.
Potter and Takahashi are combining really well, but they are still finding it difficult to shape up against the well-practiced drills of the Siren's Chasers and Beaters.
Harry Potter has called a timeout, and the players sink slowly to the grass to take some well-deserved refreshment.
*
Madam Secretary Diviner, welcome to Britain! How are you finding the weather here?
- [*chuckle*] Weeeeell, I'm from Michigan originally, Lee, so I'm kinda used to all the rain and clouds!
- Even in summer, Madam Secretary?
- Uh, well, possibly not! But the players don't seem to mind, eh?
- Ha ha, no, indeed! Are you a big fan of Quidditch?
- Sure! I follow the international games as well as my hometown team, the Detroit Doomsparks.
- Aaahhh, so you're familiar with John Blackhorse, then? Didn't he play for the Doomsparks a few seasons back? A wonderful talent, wouldn't you say?
- Yes, indeed. I wish all the players the best of luck in this game, which is, of course, for a very worthy cause!
- And Headmistress McGonagall.... You must be very proud to host this prestige event here at your school...?
- Oh, yes, Lee! Yes, indeed! We are very pleased to be able to welcome everyone here today!
- And I believe that you have been welcoming others here this summer as well at Hogwarts?
- Yes, Lee, thank you for mentioning it! Ahem. We have been delighted to welcome more than fifty adult learners here to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for our first ever Summer Extension Programme... And some distinguished old boys and girls have also joined our team of experienced teachers to deliver a range of courses....
Quick-Quotes Quills:
The Quicker Way to Quote!
- Just hold it steady there, Lucius, while I get the powdered Bicorn ready for adding to the mixture....
- Like this?
- Yes.
- What time is it?
- What?
- I make it nearly three o'clock?
- I suppose so. My watch is over there.
- Severus...?
[*unrecordable noise*]
- You're avoiding the question. I know that you were getting on very well with your apprentice, almost revealingly so... until that Halloween Dinner in 2002. Then, all of a sudden, you retreated back into that rigid, bleak carapace of yours and turned back into... well... you.... Something clearly happened, old man.
- [*whispered*] I cannot speak of it.
- Yes, you can. After all. Think of all that I have done. If redemption has been possible for me, why not you also?
Transcript of Radio Commentary: Ministry of Magic: Tenth Anniversary Quidditch Spectacular in Aid of the War Widows and Orphans Fund. 16th August 2008. Commentator: Lee Jordan.
- And here is our own Luna Lovegood! Luna, I must ask... What is that hat made from? It's magnificent!
- Thank you, Lee. It's mostly made from Splindipperer feathers.
- Splindipperers?
- Yes, it's a magical wading bird from Central Belize. Beautiful plumage, isn't it? It reminds me of racing greyhounds and plimpkins.
- Erm, yes.... So, you are here to cheer on your friends Ronald Weasley and Harry Potter, then?
- Actually, Lee, I'm not here for that at all really.
-... Really? Erm...
- No, I'm actually here because I need to offer some advice to another friend, now. I've been trying to find her all afternoon, but she doesn't seem to be around. May I borrow your microphone? I do remember how it works I took over from you commentating here after you left school. Hello, everybody! Harry, would you mind not carrying on with your game until I've finished saying what I have to say? Thank you very much! I love your robes, by the way I have always liked blue on you....
- Erm, Miss Lovegood? There are about thirty thousand people listening in to our live broadcast right now as well as the people in the stands....
- Yes, I know that, Lee. Excuse me for the interruption, everyone, but is Hermione Granger here?
Quick-Quotes Quills:
The Quicker Way to Quote!
- May I turn the radio on?
- What?
- Well, if you're not going to share whatever desperate secret you possess concerning the Granger menace, there's something on the radio that I would like to listen to. At three o'clock. The tip of my cane makes a surprisingly good receiver.
- Holy Merlin's tits, Lucius. What in all the bloody rings of Samhain are you on about now? This is a very delicate potion! It's exploded on me three times already! I must have total concentration if I'm not to blow up half the castle and both of us as well in the bargain! No, you may not have the bloody...
[*click*]
[*radio-tuning noise*]
"...is Hermione Granger here?"
...radio on. Hold on. What's that?
Transcript of Radio Commentary: Ministry of Magic: Tenth Anniversary Quidditch Spectacular in Aid of the War Widows and Orphans Fund. 16th August 2008. Commentator: Lee Jordan.
- Oh, hello, Hermione! I can see you waving from the other side of the stands! You look very well. Is that Professor Bloomberg with you there? Hello, Jerry! Remember me? Narcissa Malfoy wrote to me about you a few days ago because she remembered reading something about you in my newspaper. Hello, Mrs Malfoy I thought I saw you on the other side of Professor Bloomberg! Oh, please don't go, Professor!
You see, everyone... Professor Bloomberg is the main subject of the South American edition of The Quibbler newspaper this month!
[*scattered applause, whooping ??Boom Boom??*]
Yes, yes! "Boom Boom"!
I think everyone should hear about why you are called "Boom Boom", Professor, don't you?
[*unrecordable noise* ??Scuffle??]
You see, Hermione, it occurred to me that everyone knew his nickname, but nobody ever asked why he had it. Then I started to do some research on compulsion charms I needed to find ways to get closer to the Heliopaths I was pursuing in the Atacama Desert and I discovered that some charms can be activated by key words. It's a bit like Muggle hypnotists. Every time you hear or see the words "Boom Boom", connected to thoughts about Professor Bloomberg, a localised psychic field is formed, and the people directly around you are strongly influenced to do whatever you want. Quite clever, really, isn't it!
[*unrecordable noise*]
[*??bastard??]
[*Hermione? OW!*]
[*booing*]
So, you see, Hermione, when Professor Snape told Mrs Malfoy about your new friendship with Professor Bloomberg, Mrs Malfoy thought that I should come over here to warn you about what I had found out about him.
Oh, I see that you are already taking steps to....
Well. That's all sorted out, then. Lovely! Everyone can get on with the game now, I suppose. Ooh, look! Isn't that the Golden Snitch over there by Viktor? Isn't it pretty?
Quick-Quotes Quills:
The Quicker Way to Quote!
"...Ooh, look! Isn't that the Golden Snitch over there by Viktor? Isn't it pretty?"
- So. So, she didn't mean... she couldn't help....
- Well, well! So, your instincts about that ridiculous American were correct, old boy. She was clearly under some sort of compulsion charm; otherwise, she wouldn't have been immune to your obvious personal magnetism and delightful character. By the way, should the potion be glowing like that?
- Glowing? Merlin, Lucius! GET DOWN! EV...
[*unrecordable noise*]
The Daily Prophet
Bizarre End to MOM Charity Quidditch Match!
"Boom Boom" Bloomberg Exposed as Serial Charmer!
The Malfoys Rehabilitated!
The Headmistress' Office
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Sunday 17th August 2008
My Dear Severus,
I am delighted that you are feeling better and that there is no lasting damage from that terrible explosion. Lucius Malfoy has already left for Wiltshire. He sends his best wishes, but there are a number of social engagements that he and his wife are now apparently obliged to attend, and his presence is required at his home.
Now that you are recovering the use of your faculties, thanks to Poppy's excellent care overnight, I am going to pop over to the Hospital Wing in order to knock some sense into that thick skull of yours! That potion is far too dangerous to be experimenting on even without the distraction of Lucius Malfoy AND a wizarding radio in the same room!
Professor Bloomberg was arrested shortly after Viktor caught the Snitch and your potion exploded. Two Aurors from the Misuse of Magical Spells Division came to take him in for questioning. I gather that there are a string of women across the world who had been affected by his reprehensible behaviour. It's a good job that we were all clear headed here at Hogwarts over the last few weeks, isn't it?
By the way, I have enclosed a further copy of your invitation to the Summer Extension Programme's Celebratory Ball this evening. Your response to the original must have gone astray somehow.... I am sure I do not need to remind you that attendance at such functions is compulsory for the full-time staff at Hogwarts. Hermione has her own invitation of course, but she seemed particularly keen, when I spoke with her last night, to be sure that you had yours so that you may reply. Did you know that she stayed up all night by your bedside? Poppy said that she was quite insistent on the matter.
I will see you later, laddie.
Take care of yourself,
Minerva
Dear Professor Snape
The Governors and Headmistress of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry request the pleasure of your company at
The Celebration Ball for the Inaugural Summer Extension Programme
in The Great Hall
on Sunday 17th August 2008 at 8.00pm
Dinner to follow Dress: Uniform or Dress Robes
Carriages at 2am
R.S.V.P. The Headmistress,
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Gryffindor Tower
Sunday morning
Severus
YOU INSUFFERABLE MAN! Of all the unbelievably dangerous, stupid, intractable, idiotic, unreasonable, impossible, obtuse, empty-headed, simple-minded, obdurate, and foolhardy things to do! Using a magical device in a Potions lab with volatile ingredients? YOU ALWAYS expounded on the dangers of magic of ANY KIND in or around a cauldron when brewing. WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?
Dunderhead.
Hermione
The Dungeons
Sunday 17th August 2008
Oh, give it a rest, woman. I've recovered completely and have plenty of time to analyse the problem with the potion, which led to the explosion and no, it was not because I had the radio on. I fully blame Lucius.
Yes, I think I have found the solution and should have a viable potion to test on Miss Brown within the week.
I'll expect you at seven.
SS
Gryffindor Tower
Severus
Only you would use your time recovering from multiple broken bones, a concussion and second-degree potion burns analysing the interaction of potion ingredients.
I'll see you at seven, but you have a lot of explaining to do, mister.
H
The Dungeons
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Sunday 17th August 2008
Dear Minerva,
Thank you for your kind invitation and your good wishes.
Expect two from the Dungeons this evening.
Yours sincerely,
S Snape
Daily Prophet
Monday 18th August 2008
Snape and Granger Announce Engagement at Hogwarts' Ball!
By Hettie Henwood
The wizarding world was surprised last night by the news that the war heroes Severus Snape and Hermione Granger have become betrothed.
The ball, held to celebrate the end of the Ministry of Magic's inaugural Summer Extension Programme, was in full swing when the guests were treated to a sudden spray of indoor fireworks, courtesy of Weasleys' Wizarding Wheezes, and the orchestra was stilled.
In the expectant silence, Professor Severus Snape, Order of Merlin (First Class), was seen to go down on one knee in front of Professor Hermione Granger, Order of Merlin (First Class), and to take her hands in his own before asking her to become his bride.
A flushed, but ecstatic, Professor Granger stammered an affirmative and was promptly swept into her paramour's arms in a breathtaking display of public affection that this correspondent had never thought to see from the usually taciturn and reclusive potioneer.
There was an immediate clamour of applause and shouted congratulations before this reporter surged forwards through the crowd to interview the happy couple.
Speaking to a hushed audience of guests and staff at the ball, Potions master Snape admitted that theirs had not been a conventional romance.
"I disliked her for years," he admitted candidly, "until I realised that I could not live without her."
His betrothed laughed gaily at her fiancé's words, saying, "He is clearly still suffering from concussion... and I love you too, darling," before dragging him away from this reporter and onto the dance floor, where they were swallowed up by a crowd of well wishers and friends.
finite incantatem
A/N: The Potterverse is owned by JK Rowling and not me - I make no profit whatsoever for noodling within it....
Beaweasley2, Clairvoyant and nagandsev are fabulous, and they more than make up for my loss. Thanks also go to the mods at the SSHG Exchange on Livejournal (where this story was first published), and to Wildmagelet - the author of the prompt which inspired this silly tale in the first place....
Update December 2013: the talented larkinh has translated this story into Czech! You can find it at: http://hp.kizi.sk/Advent&idskup=31
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Latest 25 Reviews for Summer School (For The Romantically Challenged)
85 Reviews | 6.81/10 Average
Loved this one! So glad I found it again to re-read! :)
Response from Proulxes (Author of Summer School (For The Romantically Challenged))
Oh - hey! Thank you. I'm sorry I have only just found this review on my profile. Thank you for takign the time to review the story - I'm really glad you liked it. Pxx
I just reread All Hallows Reckoning, and came back to reread Summer School (For The Romantically Challenged), only to realize that I had not read or reviewed this last chapter! *hangs head in shame* I have no excuse for my abysmal behavior, but I will plead for forgiveness so that I can once again hold my head high as a member in good standing of the Proulxes Fan Club Extraudinaire.That fund raiser of a Quidditch match will surely be spoken about on many lips when the words make it plain to one and all that the lovebirds of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry are now in residence and brewing all kinds of lemony magic as they Keep Calm and Carry On –With LOVE!I don't believe there is a single thing you've written that I haven't fallen head over heels in love with... and this one is no exception!Thank you for sharing your marvelous talent. It is so very much appreciated. Beth
Response from Proulxes (Author of Summer School (For The Romantically Challenged))
Oh crikey! *Blushes furiously* I'm sorry I didn't catch this review when you left it. I confess that I really enjoyed writing this story. It was for an exchange... and the prompt just set firecrackers off in my imagination. THANK YOU for taking the time to review Summer School! Pxxx
This story is beyond the point of charming and entertaining. It has no equal. I loved it and plan to read it over and over again for years. Thank you for a great tale.
Response from Proulxes (Author of Summer School (For The Romantically Challenged))
Thank you so much! Summer School was great fun to write and I am so pleased that you enjoyed it! Best wishes, Pxx
Response from Proulxes (Author of Summer School (For The Romantically Challenged))
Thank you so much! Summer School was great fun to write and I am so pleased that you enjoyed it! Best wishes, Pxx
Haha, love it so far. Wasn't Dracula worn this easy as well, with letters between the characters? Anyways, love that he got a quill anyways lol.
Response from Proulxes (Author of Summer School (For The Romantically Challenged))
Thanks again! Pxx
Ha, I thought that Jerry guy seemed to much like a fake lovechild of Trelawny and Lockhart from the moment I heard him sputtering about arithmancy. Glad his fraud was revealed. And I LIVE that poor Snape blew up something like thirty cauldrons lol. I guess even Masters aren't perfect.
Response from Proulxes (Author of Summer School (For The Romantically Challenged))
Yes - this story was great fun to write. I like my comedy!Snape to be in character and yet faintly hopeless at the relationships thing. Can't abide LoveGod!Snape at all! So pleased to have entertained you!! Pxx
Haha, love it so far. Wasn't Dracula worn this easy as well, with letters between the characters? Anyways, love that he got a quill anyways lol.
Response from Proulxes (Author of Summer School (For The Romantically Challenged))
Thank you! I'm so pleased you are enjoying it! Best wishes, Pxx
I do like a happy ending, made all the more so by the fact that Jerry was dragged away and charged all thanks to Luna and Cissy.I enjoyed this so much, I really would have liked it to be longer, and should you ever write a sequel to it, I'll very happily enjoy every word. :)
Response from Proulxes (Author of Summer School (For The Romantically Challenged))
Thank you so much for taking the time and trouble to write to me! I am so pleased you enjoyed it... It means a huge amount to get feedback from readers. Sequel? Mmmmm... Only if I can think of another suitably awful thing to do to Lucius... :) Pxx
Response from Proulxes (Author of Summer School (For The Romantically Challenged))
Thank you so much for taking the time and trouble to write to me! I am so pleased you enjoyed it... It means a huge amount to get feedback from readers. Sequel? Mmmmm... Only if I can think of another suitably awful thing to do to Lucius... :) Pxx
Between Cissy and Ginny, hopefully one of them will grow up and try and sort out whatever happened in the past. As for 'Boom, Boom,' he is seriously irritating (as he was meant to be).Just what Pomona saw down at the Greenhouses would have been most interesting if Severus had kept his powder dry and not exploded.
Response from Proulxes (Author of Summer School (For The Romantically Challenged))
Yup... Love Narcissa... She has the measure of Boom Boom alright! Pxx
Response from Proulxes (Author of Summer School (For The Romantically Challenged))
Yup... Love Narcissa... She has the measure of Boom Boom alright! Pxx
~dies laughing~ Lucius completely depilated of all his body hair. He'll be a pale frothing Slytherin at that I would think, and his card to Severus confirms as much.Poor Severus, trying oh so hard to impress and unfortunately ending up being scraped off the architecture. ;)I think Minerva would do well to reinforce the Room of Requirement, stick Hermione and Severus in there, and let them either due out their issues or shag like rabbits. Al's flourescent vomit is so icky, but I think it's probably the first time I've ever seen a magical child have magically revolting vomitus in a story. :p
Response from Proulxes (Author of Summer School (For The Romantically Challenged))
So pleased you liked this chapter! I thought... What's the worst thing I could do to Lucius...?!! Pxx
Response from Proulxes (Author of Summer School (For The Romantically Challenged))
So pleased you liked this chapter! I thought... What's the worst thing I could do to Lucius...?!! Pxx
Oh dear, poor Severus, he's got it bad. But I do love his suggestions for Jerry to enthrall Hermione, as well as Pomona fishing for information. Sending Lucius to spy is like making Neville the sole person able to work in the potions lab with Severus, and yes, in the end, Lucius appears to have buggered it up probably quite spectacularly. :)
Response from Proulxes (Author of Summer School (For The Romantically Challenged))
Glad you liked it! Lucius is a tough character to write -- one day I'll engage with him properly, but for now I see him in this story as a waspish survivor... With a VERY clever wife...! Pxx
Response from Proulxes (Author of Summer School (For The Romantically Challenged))
Glad you liked it! Lucius is a tough character to write -- one day I'll engage with him properly, but for now I see him in this story as a waspish survivor... With a VERY clever wife...! Pxx
Definitely something happened when Hermione was his apprentice, but I love the idea of Severus getting a quill in a plain package. After all, he'd never hear the end of it otherwise.Bloomberg seems like a Lockhart type figure, and I laughed out loud at Severus' annotations to the serious research he was doing, as well as the insight into Pomona and Sybil's own chemical reactions. ;)Hermione's threat to Harry was short and to the point, but it's a wonder Harry and Severus can stand being in the same lab. I'm still waiting for the explosion. :p
Response from Proulxes (Author of Summer School (For The Romantically Challenged))
Aaaaaah! I'm trying to confound some expectations here... Perhaps both Harry and Severus can learn to live with each other now that they are both free of TDL... As for Pomona... She is my favourite character after Severus and Hermione. She will feature more....! Pxx
Response from Proulxes (Author of Summer School (For The Romantically Challenged))
Aaaaaah! I'm trying to confound some expectations here... Perhaps both Harry and Severus can learn to live with each other now that they are both free of TDL... As for Pomona... She is my favourite character after Severus and Hermione. She will feature more....! Pxx
I love the back and forth of the correspondence. It says so much in so few words, with Severus' pain and rancour at the absurdity of the idea only too apparent. The idea that he and Hermione have a past will be interesting to unravel, or maybe they'll just hex each other until the dungeons go 'boom!' ;)
Response from Proulxes (Author of Summer School (For The Romantically Challenged))
Hi Oz! Lovely to hear from you -- and a marathon review-fest too! Yes... I was setting up a mystery here and trying to say far more than is actually said (if that makes any sense!) in this chapter in particular.... Pxx
Response from Proulxes (Author of Summer School (For The Romantically Challenged))
Hi Oz! Lovely to hear from you -- and a marathon review-fest too! Yes... I was setting up a mystery here and trying to say far more than is actually said (if that makes any sense!) in this chapter in particular.... Pxx
You are hilarious!
Response from Proulxes (Author of Summer School (For The Romantically Challenged))
*Bows very low* Thank you!! Pxx
Response from Proulxes (Author of Summer School (For The Romantically Challenged))
*Bows very low* Thank you!! Pxx
I knew Narcissa had a plan,and Luna was the perfect person to put it into action. Thank you best laugh I've had in a long time.
Response from Proulxes (Author of Summer School (For The Romantically Challenged))
So pleased you liked it, mick! Delighted to have brought you laughter *disapparates to the theme tune of Morecombe and Wise".... Pxx
Response from Proulxes (Author of Summer School (For The Romantically Challenged))
So pleased you liked it, mick! Delighted to have brought you laughter *disapparates to the theme tune of Morecombe and Wise".... Pxx
I laughed till I cried at the staff meeting.
Awww don't worry Severus, I'm sure Cissa has something up her sleeve, to make Boom Boom go bye bye.
Response from Proulxes (Author of Summer School (For The Romantically Challenged))
Yes. Fear not, fair reader... Narcissa was not sorted into the House of Slytherin without good reason! Glad you liked hte staff meeting. I have actually sat through one like that. Although without the explosions. Or the references to flaming quintupeds.... Pxx
Response from Proulxes (Author of Summer School (For The Romantically Challenged))
Yes. Fear not, fair reader... Narcissa was not sorted into the House of Slytherin without good reason! Glad you liked hte staff meeting. I have actually sat through one like that. Although without the explosions. Or the references to flaming quintupeds.... Pxx
NOT THE HAIR! Hermione how could you He does deserve it for breaking the the first rule of Slytherin Thou shalt not get caught.
Response from Proulxes (Author of Summer School (For The Romantically Challenged))
Ahhh - c'mon! It HAD to be the hair!!!! But Lucius did utterly deserve it. Snigger. Pxx
Response from Proulxes (Author of Summer School (For The Romantically Challenged))
Ahhh - c'mon! It HAD to be the hair!!!! But Lucius did utterly deserve it. Snigger. Pxx
Severus you bastard, wait till Hermione finds out about your "dating advice" . Boom Boom is soooo out of his depth { poor baby} And why has Severus signed up for Quidditch ?
Response from Proulxes (Author of Summer School (For The Romantically Challenged))
Yes. Completely out of his depth. Completely. But I think Severus is not waving but drowning also..... Pxx
Response from Proulxes (Author of Summer School (For The Romantically Challenged))
Yes. Completely out of his depth. Completely. But I think Severus is not waving but drowning also..... Pxx
Lucius stole the show in that chapter, but only just, Severus' "dictation" runs a close second.
Response from Proulxes (Author of Summer School (For The Romantically Challenged))
Hi
Response from Proulxes (Author of Summer School (For The Romantically Challenged))
- apologies for the late reply (I've been away from the computer!). Glad you're enjoying the story so far! Pxx
Response from Proulxes (Author of Summer School (For The Romantically Challenged))
Hi
Response from Proulxes (Author of Summer School (For The Romantically Challenged))
- apologies for the late reply (I've been away from the computer!). Glad you're enjoying the story so far! Pxx
"throbbing", Boom-Boom....? Really?
Response from Proulxes (Author of Summer School (For The Romantically Challenged))
Uh... Yeah... Uh... *shuffles feet in embarrassment *..... ;) Pxx
Response from Proulxes (Author of Summer School (For The Romantically Challenged))
Uh... Yeah... Uh... *shuffles feet in embarrassment *..... ;) Pxx
Loved it - well done on another pleasing story.
Response from Proulxes (Author of Summer School (For The Romantically Challenged))
Thank you! *Bows low* Pxx
Response from Proulxes (Author of Summer School (For The Romantically Challenged))
Thank you! *Bows low* Pxx
This was just a delight from start to finish. The voices were so vivid and I loved all the deft devices you used to open up the narrative and keep the epistolary format from becoming too rote -- the Quick Quotes Quill, the staff-meeting minutes, the Quidditch match transcript. Great job!
Response from Proulxes (Author of Summer School (For The Romantically Challenged))
Hi
Response from Proulxes (Author of Summer School (For The Romantically Challenged))
- thank you for your review! I'm so happy you enjoyed the format and enjoyed the characters in the story. Delighted! Pxx
Response from Proulxes (Author of Summer School (For The Romantically Challenged))
Hi
Response from Proulxes (Author of Summer School (For The Romantically Challenged))
- thank you for your review! I'm so happy you enjoyed the format and enjoyed the characters in the story. Delighted! Pxx
Awwww... perfectly charming, P!I'm more than a little in awe of your Quidditch play by play reporting skills (not that I'd know the difference if you bungled it). I felt like I was watching Monday night football. ;)Any more stories in the works? I think I'm irreparably hooked...Until next time--hm88
Response from Proulxes (Author of Summer School (For The Romantically Challenged))
Thanks, hm88!! So pleased you enjoyed it. The Quidditch game was fun to write (I took inspiration from listening to a football game on the radio!).... The next story is a one-shot which is a sequel to another story on TPP (I know - another different type of story, but we'll see if it works!) and that will be up in a short while as it's currently with my beta for ripping into shape! then it's full steam ahead to the planning and writing of my next multi-chapter called Time's Arrow (which is much more in the style of Anima Mea again..... thank you so much for reviewing! Best wishes, Pxx
Response from Proulxes (Author of Summer School (For The Romantically Challenged))
Thanks, hm88!! So pleased you enjoyed it. The Quidditch game was fun to write (I took inspiration from listening to a football game on the radio!).... The next story is a one-shot which is a sequel to another story on TPP (I know - another different type of story, but we'll see if it works!) and that will be up in a short while as it's currently with my beta for ripping into shape! then it's full steam ahead to the planning and writing of my next multi-chapter called Time's Arrow (which is much more in the style of Anima Mea again..... thank you so much for reviewing! Best wishes, Pxx
Forgive the delay in this review as I had to recover from the Quidditch game. I think I hallucinated that I was a bludger! I confess to disappointment that 'Boom Boom,' an obvious player of intimate games, was not punched in the face or other lower parts of his anatomy. He is a true solipsistic S...! I have devised a cocktail of elf wine, 6 drops of butterbeer and a half bottle of firewhiskey, which I raise in your honor. I may not get back to you for a time, but know that your humor makes me widdle in my knickers. My grin isn't fading. JK
Response from Proulxes (Author of Summer School (For The Romantically Challenged))
Hi there
Response from Proulxes (Author of Summer School (For The Romantically Challenged))
. I am glad to read that you have recovered from the Quidditch game. I have sampled the coctail that you have recommended this evening (or as closely as I could recreate it) and pronounced it superb (*hic*). I believe that Hermione did her best to gain physical resititution from the 'serial charmer' Mr BB and imagine a very satisfying punch to the chops (a la Draco) in the Quidditch stands.... Causing someone to widdle in their knickers is truly one of the greatest compliments I have received in this fabulous world! Best wishes and happy travelling, Pxx
Response from Proulxes (Author of Summer School (For The Romantically Challenged))
Hi there
Response from Proulxes (Author of Summer School (For The Romantically Challenged))
. I am glad to read that you have recovered from the Quidditch game. I have sampled the coctail that you have recommended this evening (or as closely as I could recreate it) and pronounced it superb (*hic*). I believe that Hermione did her best to gain physical resititution from the 'serial charmer' Mr BB and imagine a very satisfying punch to the chops (a la Draco) in the Quidditch stands.... Causing someone to widdle in their knickers is truly one of the greatest compliments I have received in this fabulous world! Best wishes and happy travelling, Pxx
What happended 6 years ago? Will your devoted readers be told in the epilogue?(hint hint)Lovely story, thank you.
Response from Proulxes (Author of Summer School (For The Romantically Challenged))
Aaaaahhhh.... What did happen, indeed? I deliberately left this to the reader's imagination,
Response from Proulxes (Author of Summer School (For The Romantically Challenged))
. Clearly they became close... Then it went bad. Take another look at my story All Hallows Reckoning and perhaps go from there.... Thanks for all your reviews! Pxx
Response from Proulxes (Author of Summer School (For The Romantically Challenged))
Aaaaahhhh.... What did happen, indeed? I deliberately left this to the reader's imagination,
Response from Proulxes (Author of Summer School (For The Romantically Challenged))
. Clearly they became close... Then it went bad. Take another look at my story All Hallows Reckoning and perhaps go from there.... Thanks for all your reviews! Pxx
Considering the pair's ineptitude, they (and we) have to thank Mr Boom Boom for this scheme. Yes, I assume Hermione was not any better than Severus. All clear-headed, Minerva? Didn't you ever look at Pomona or Hermione? Loved the background of the quidditch players, too. Good story, and esp excellent handling of this rather challenging narrative style. I admit, though, that this last (??) chapter leaves a bit too much open for me.
Response from Proulxes (Author of Summer School (For The Romantically Challenged))
Hi
Response from Proulxes (Author of Summer School (For The Romantically Challenged))
! Thank you so much for your review. I really appreciate the feedback. I deliberately left the previous incident open, to the readers imagination -- although I must tell you that an early draft of the story contained a desperate letter from H to Luna, in which she explained what had happened and what went wrong... But the tone of that letter was just too serious for such a lighthearted and frothy tale, so it actually morphed a little and became the story All Hallows Reckoning, which is also archived here. Once again, I really appreciate the constructive feedback and I'm glad that despite the open ended nature of the end, you still enjoyed the story. Best wishes, Pxx
Response from Proulxes (Author of Summer School (For The Romantically Challenged))
Hi
Response from Proulxes (Author of Summer School (For The Romantically Challenged))
! Thank you so much for your review. I really appreciate the feedback. I deliberately left the previous incident open, to the readers imagination -- although I must tell you that an early draft of the story contained a desperate letter from H to Luna, in which she explained what had happened and what went wrong... But the tone of that letter was just too serious for such a lighthearted and frothy tale, so it actually morphed a little and became the story All Hallows Reckoning, which is also archived here. Once again, I really appreciate the constructive feedback and I'm glad that despite the open ended nature of the end, you still enjoyed the story. Best wishes, Pxx