Chapter Twenty-Two: Not Onerous or Dreary
Chapter 23 of 118
MMADfanSunday, 1 November 1998. Severus’s life seems to be edging away from onerous and dreary, but is it becoming more enjoyable? He has lunch with Hermione and Gareth—maybe that’s a start!
Reviewed
Chapter Twenty-Two: Not Onerous or Dreary
Sunday, 1 November 1998
Severus had owled Hermione and Gareth and asked them to join him for lunch at the Three Broomsticks, and Hermione had responded promptly, accepting the invitation for both of them. He would have to be back to the castle by dinner, since he was on the schedule for that evening, but his day was free. Relatively speaking. He did have an appointment later with Flitwick, and as long as he was at Hogwarts, someone could find him and ask something of him.
There was a chill in the air that day, the crispness that heralded the rapidly approaching winter, the nights growing longer and daylight, shorter. The sun was bright, though, and the early November sky was a brilliant blue that seemed to go on forever. He walked briskly down to the Hogwarts gates, then Apparated to the edge of the village. It was a very short hop, but it would give him more time to stop in Scrivenshaft's, which had opening hours between one and five on Sunday afternoons. He wanted to purchase some new quills. He was sick of the ones he had been using for the last couple decades. If Albus could trim his hair and beard and toss out half of his robes...the gaudier half, thank Merlin...he could use something other than the black quills he had used for so long. They were only goose quills that had been charmed black, anyway.
In the end, he decided on one dark but iridescent quill, one dark pine green quill, and two plain grey and white goose quills. He looked at the others, but he just couldn't imagine using scarlet, purple, royal blue, or even emerald green. They would distract him when he was writing, he was sure of it. He glanced at the parchment, and found some note-sized parchment that the shop would personalise. He usually simply cut his parchment to size, and he was perfectly capable of writing his name and other particulars on the parchment, or even charming a ream of parchment, if he so desired. Nonetheless, the designs that they had on display were attractive.
"Good afternoon, Professor Snape. Is there anything I can help you with this afternoon?" the shop clerk asked.
"I have what I need," Severus said, handing the man the quills he had selected.
"Of course, sir. I noticed you were looking at our personalised note parchment. There is a design that we don't display, but which might be of interest to you."
"I don't need note parchment," Severus said.
"Allow me just to show you this design, Professor. We could personalise it further if it is to your taste." The short wizard smiled up at him. "And provide a courtesy discount for you."
Severus shrugged and followed the man to a desk in the back of the shop, where the wizard pulled open a drawer and flipped through several parchments until he found the one he was seeking. He handed it to Severus. The profile of two snakes, intertwined in a circle, one gold, one silver, each with a single emerald eye. Inside the circle were two snake-like S's.
"Several of Snape's Slytherins have ordered this design for their note parchment. I understand from Mr Zabini that your own ring is different." The shop clerk looked at Severus's hands, which were bare.
Severus held the parchment with the example design and looked at it. It was appealing, but he couldn't imagine using such a thing for his personal correspondence, and certainly not for Hogwarts business.
"Thank you for showing me the parchment, but I think not."
"What is your ring, sir? I could..."
"No, thank you...I will remember that you have it available, however," Severus said, "if ever I am unable to charm my own parchment." The man's face fell. "These are fine designs, and I am certain that they will continue to be popular amongst your clientele."
The wizard brightened. "I hope so, sir. It is an honour to serve Snape's Slytherins."
He raised one eyebrow. "I hope you find yourself as honoured to serve others who are Slytherin."
"Of course! It was my wife's House." He smiled. "I was in Hufflepuff."
"Hufflepuff?" He nodded. Hufflepuff and Slytherin, what a combination, he thought. He couldn't imagine what had drawn the two to each other, unless his wife enjoyed his devotion and knew she wouldn't have to work too hard for it. "Yes, also a fine House. As are they all."
That was his most recent mantra. As Deputy, and particularly as Minerva's Deputy, he knew that he was expected to display respect for all Houses, and it was Minerva's desire that Hogwarts become more unified with less prejudice between the Houses. Since that could only help in the rehabilitation of Slytherin House's reputation, he had no reservations whatsoever about giving her his full support. Not that he wouldn't have supported her, anyway, but at least this was an easy duty to observe.
Severus paid for his purchases, then he glanced over at a display of Arithmancy parchment, which was on a special mark-down sale. Twenty percent off the regular price. Living in Hogsmeade, Gareth and Hermione likely were aware of the sale, but he would mention it to them in case they needed more of the specialised parchment.
He left the shop and crossed the street and headed for the Three Broomsticks. He had suggested one-thirty for lunch, hoping that the Sunday lunch crowd would have thinned some by then. He'd had a surfeit of teeming humanity the night before at the party. Not that it had been as tedious as he'd dreaded it would be, but it was too much mingling, socialising, pleasantries...and dancing with witches he had no desire to dance with...and he hoped for a quiet corner where he could have a congenial lunch with two people whose company was welcome. He would never admit such a thing very loudly, of course, but it was an odd and gratifying experience to have two such acquaintances, ones who weren't colleagues. He'd never had such acquaintances before. A friend and a . . . whatever it was that Gareth McGonagall was. A friend, he supposed. Although he could be annoying and sometimes his intensity was wearing. But Hermione's company would be a tempering influence during lunch, he thought. McGonagall seemed to behave himself somewhat better in the company of witches, and he didn't tend to tease him as much, reserving that for the witches. It was apparently one of his ways of flirting with them. Irritating wizard . . .
Severus entered the Broomsticks and looked around.
"Table, Professor?" Rosmerta called to him.
He nodded.
"For how many?"
"Three."
"O'Fallon, get Professor Snape a table for three."
A stringy young man, whom Severus didn't recognise, nodded at him and led him to a small table.
"I would prefer one not in the centre of the room," Severus said.
The boy nodded and looked around. "Jest a sec." He stepped toward a table in a corner that was still covered with the plates, glasses, and remains of a meal. He made an odd gesture with his hand and the detritus disappeared. Another small gesture with a twist of his wrist, and O'Fallon appeared to have conjured clean glasses and silverware.
"I prefer not to eat and drink using conjured utensils," Severus said icily. He could just see a conjured glass losing its materiality just as one lifted it, and then being drenched with water.
"Ain't conjury," the boy said. "All real, an' solid enough for ya." The wizard's eyes narrowed. "Use yer wand an' check'em if ya don't believe me." He turned away, muttering. "Bleedin' eejits all want their stuff flyin' t'rough the air."
Severus took a seat, annoyed by the strange boy.
"Sorry about O'Fallon, Professor," Rosmerta said. "He's a bit . . . uncouth, but he's basically a good lad. His father died a few months ago, and he's come to Hogsmeade to live with his uncle. Lots of talent, but no schooling. I said I'd give him a job. I don't think he's happy here. I doubt he'll be staying in Hogsmeade long." She shrugged.
"How old is he?"
"Sixteen. I think that when he has his next birthday, I'll have seen the last of him," Rosmerta replied.
"He's practising under-age magic," Severus said, frowning.
"He's got a waiver. His father was teaching him at home before he came to live with his uncle, so his uncle got him a waiver to use his wand at home with him, and as long as he sticks to wandless magic, he can use magic at work, too. From what I've seen, he can do as much or more without his wand as most of your sixth-years can with theirs."
"Hmph."
"What can I get you, Professor?"
"I'll have water...no, bitter lemon, if you have it," he said, remembering the drink he'd tried in the matron's rooms the night before. "And new glasses and silverware, please. Ones from the kitchen, not the ether," he added with a sneer.
"These really are from the kitchen," Rosmerta said. "Some trick O'Fallon has. Like reverse banishing. Dead useful in the hospitality trade...if he had a more winning personality, he might go far, he's bright enough. But the boy has no schooling and very few social skills. Add to that an adolescent chip on his shoulder the size of Ben Nevis, and I don't know what will become of him. A real waste."
"Indeed." There was an idea tickling the back of his mind, but he couldn't quite latch onto it. He shrugged and waited for his drink.
Another witch brought him a pitcher of water and his bitter lemon...he should have specified no ice, he thought...and asked him if he would like to order. He told her he was early and waiting for his lunch companions. When she left, he drew his wand and flicked the ice cubes from his drink then Vanished them. He removed the straw and sipped the bitter lemon, wondering why he had never tried it earlier.
Each time the door opened, Severus glanced up. The fourth time, it was Hermione and McGonagall. They saw him immediately. As they approached the table, Severus rose from his chair slightly, then sat back down.
"Hi, Severus!" Hermione said cheerily.
"Hermione," he responded, nodding to her. "McGonagall."
"Have you ordered yet, Snape?"
"No. I waited for you."
"Did you have a good Halloween?" Gareth asked.
"Passable," Severus replied.
"I went to a party at Grimmauld Place," Hermione said. "It got a little wild...the twins had some new products they were trying out on everyone, willing or not...so I left a little after midnight."
"Did you attend a party, McGonagall?"
He shrugged one shoulder. "You could say that. I went up to Grandmother Siofre's. She was doing a more traditional celebration. She felt it would be good for Eoghan. Good for everyone, with all the deaths recently."
"Eoghan," Severus said questioningly.
"Mm, Eoghan Tyree. Her late brother Murdoch's . . . great-great-grandson," he replied, thinking about it. "His parents died a few years ago in one of the early McTavish Street attacks after Riddle's return, his Grandma Lydia was taking care of him, but she died the next year...natural causes, she was Murdoch's widow, and not a young witch...so Grandmother Siofre and Johannes adopted him. Anyway, Grandmother Siofre thought that Eoghan is old enough now to appreciate a traditional Samhain and to celebrate the lives of his parents and Lydia. It was fun, though. We had a huge bonfire, and there was plenty of food and drink. Uncle Morgan and his family were there, and he brought his fiddle, so we danced, too. Great fun, that. Branwen and Renwick brought their kids, so Eoghan had a grand time with them." He grinned. "The kid's probably still asleep!"
"Yeah, you should talk!" Hermione said. She jabbed at Gareth teasingly. "Sorry we were a little late, Severus, but this one didn't get out of bed until after noon."
"And I'm ravenous," Gareth said, jabbing her back, "because this one didn't let me have anything to eat!"
Severus stilled his jealousy at their playfulness. He wished he could be . . . freer, at least with Hermione.
The same wait-witch came to take their lunch orders, and Severus ordered the Sunday special, since Hermione had ordered it, though he didn't know what it was, and Gareth asked for steak, mushrooms, fried eggs, and chips. "Oh, and some veg on the side," he added. "Don't care what."
As the wait-witch walked away, Severus said, "Since this was my invitation and we are celebrating, in a manner of speaking, the lunch is on me."
Hermione smiled. "Thank you, Severus!"
"What're we celebrating, mate?" Gareth asked, pouring himself a glass of water.
"Slytherin House has occasion to celebrate," Severus said. "We have a new House ghost."
"Really? What's it like?" Hermione asked. "Is it . . . like the Baron?"
"He is a Slytherin, himself," Severus said. "He was killed by the Dark Lord...Riddle...in nineteen seventy-eight because he had been trying to persuade his wife to withdraw her support from him, and the two were on the verge of removing all their assets from Gringotts and fleeing the country. He was killed as a lesson to his wife, which was supposed to ensure her continued loyalty and the gift of her assets...all of them, not just the fiduciary ones...for Riddle's own use and enjoyment. Unfortunately, she went to Dumbledore for help, and that got her killed..."
"Professor Dumbledore refused her?" Hermione asked, stunned.
"Of course not," Severus replied impatiently. "She was foolish enough to attend her husband's funeral afterward. She was kidnapped, Riddle discovered that she had gone to Dumbledore for help...she apparently wasn't much of an Occlumens...then her Gringott's accounts were plundered and she was tortured to death. The ghost didn't know what had happened to his wife. Minerva told me about it this morning at breakfast. I gathered she hadn't liked the wife much, but had wanted Albus to help her. Seems to feel sorry for the ghost, too."
"What's the bloke's name?" Gareth asked.
"Francis Flint. His wife's name was Valerianna."
"Seems to ring a bell . . ." Gareth shook his head. "That was the year after Riddle killed Dad. Didn't like him interfering in his plans, capturing his Death Eaters and getting them sent to Azkaban, that sort of thing. It was a hard year for us. I think that Valerianna was a cousin of some sort, but Flint . . ." He shrugged. "I'll have to ask Mum. She'll know."
Hermione, aware of Severus's unease with the direction the conversation was going, changed the subject. "What about the Hogwarts Halloween Fancy Dress Party, Severus? Was it a success?"
"I believe it was judged so, yes," he replied.
"Gareth wouldn't tell me what your fancy dress was. He said you'd prefer to tell me," Hermione said.
Severus looked at Gareth. "Thanks. Awfully."
Gareth laughed. "Did you bowl them over, Snape?"
"Hmph. I do not know. But it was acceptable. You should have told me I required a Glamour, however, McGonagall."
"A Glamour?" Hermione asked.
"Mmhm."
Their meal arrived, and Severus looked pleased as he picked up his knife and fork. Sauerbraten with spaetzle, mashed swede, and shredded red cabbage cooked with apple and caraway. Ordering the same thing that Hermione had, he'd feared getting rabbit food.
They ate a few bites of their meal, then Hermione said, "You still haven't told me what Muggle you went as or why you needed a Glamour."
"Lawrence of Arabia," Severus said, feeling satisfied with his meal. Lovely whole peppercorns in the sauerbraten, which was delightfully tangy. "And Madam Pomfrey finished the effect for me, cast a Glamour to make me tanned and blue-eyed." He raised his hand and beckoned to the waitress. "A glass of red wine, please. I don't know what kind...something dry. Would you like some, either of you?"
Hermione shook her head. "I'm still recovering from last night."
"I'll have one, thanks, Snape."
"Two glasses."
"Blue eyes and a tan?" Hermione asked, smiling. "You must have made quite an impression."
He shrugged a shoulder. "Dumbledore came as the Scarlet Pimpernel. Personally, I thought he had the best costume amongst the staff."
"Did they give a prize for best fancy dress?" Hermione asked.
"Yes. Your friend Ginny received the award for best-dressed Gryffindor witch. They awarded them on a House-by-House basis," Severus explained. "She was a pirate."
Hermione laughed. "Good for her!"
Gareth took a sip of his wine, which the wait-witch had just brought over. "Did they give any for the staff? And did Aunt Minerva end up coming as Mata Hari?"
"She decided on Amelia Earhart," Severus said, scooping up a forkful of noodles in the sauerbraten gravy. "She looked quite fine. Very . . . sporty."
"So, did the staff get voted on?" Gareth persisted.
"Yes. Professor Carter, the Muggle Studies teacher, came as Annie Oakley, an American Wild West Muggle. She won."
"They didn't give one to the best dressed wizard?" Gareth asked, not quelling his smile. "I bet I can guess who won that!"
"It was almost a tie," Severus said. "But you are correct."
"You won?!" Hermione asked, her eyes shining. "That's great for you, Severus! I mean, after everything that's happened. Well, they must have been able to appreciate your costume."
"As opposed to hating the wizard who was wearing it?" Severus asked, smirking. "But it was very close. I think that Dumbledore's costume was better. It was more elaborate than mine."
"You won, that's what counts," Hermione said.
"Perhaps." Yes, it was what counted, he thought. He had won. Even if it had been for something silly, it was still a rather satisfying sensation.
The three ate the rest of their meal, Gareth regaling them with funny stories, some of them about his father, whom he seemed to idolise. Finally, Severus rolled his eyes and held up his hand.
"Stop, McGonagall. You can't honestly expect us to believe that he charmed Nifflers from Venice using a penny whistle, can you?"
Gareth grinned. "Believe it or not, as you like. Dad did like to embroider a bit when he told a tale, but at the core, there was usually some truth. In this case, a lot of truth. He got a medal from the mayor of wizarding Venice, and a letter of commendation, as well. I'll show them to you sometime. The Nifflers were beginning to invade the Muggle areas of Venice, wrecking havoc in St. Mark's, so it was a good job Dad came along when he did! The Venetian wizarding government was having a terrible time, chasing after the Nifflers, recovering stuff the creatures had stolen, and running around doing memory charms on the Muggles. Had to borrow some Memory Charmers from Rome and wizarding Constantinople to keep up," Gareth said, pushing away his plate, which had very recently contained a large slab of apple pie, but which he had devoured in no time flat.
"Hmph." Severus pulled out his pocket watch and examined it. "I have a potion base steeping, so I need to return to the castle before it is unusable and I have to begin again. I also have an appointment with Flitwick. He wishes to do a series of duelling demonstrations for the students, and I agreed to assist him in the planning. I must leave shortly. It has been pleasant, however."
"Thanks for inviting us," Hermione said. "And congratulations on the House ghost! I'd like to meet him sometime...if he's sociable."
"He seems more interactive than the Baron was," Severus said. "And although he seems somewhat of a Milquetoast, and melancholy, as well, he does not seem shy. Perhaps you could come up to the castle one day soon and meet him." He hesitated. "We could have tea."
Hermione smiled happily. "I'd really like that!"
Severus nodded. "I shall owl you, then."
After he paid at the bar and left, he walked back up to Hogwarts. It was a fine day, still bright and sunny. Perhaps there might be some aspects to his life that were not entirely onerous or dreary. One corner of his mouth quirked up, and he picked up his pace. Time to add the desiccated Flobberworm larvae to his potion base, then meet with Flitwick about the duelling demonstrations. Classic old-school duelling, Flitwick had said. That might not be onerous or dreary, either . . .
NEXT
Chapter Twenty-Three: Collegiality
Sunday, 1 November 1998
Severus has an ordinary afternoon when an unexpected visitor drops by.
Characters: Severus Snape, Filius Flitwick, Alastor Moody, Verity Septima Vector
Story Actions
To follow, favorite, like, and more either log in or create an account.
Leave a Review
Log in to leave a review.
Latest 25 Reviews for A Long Vernal Season
1058 Reviews | 7.24/10 Average
OMG! How did I miss these last two chapters? Totally wonderful! I'm so in love with Severus and Poppy, I hope it works out for them, I'm worried about Gertrude's attack getting in the way of their happiness, Severys should really talk to Poppy about it and clear the air, I'm sure Gertrude wouldn't mind talking to her as well and explaining she's forgiven him. I'm also so curious about Poppy's middle name! I' suspicious of Gwen bein the vigilante although Severus doesn't think her capable of it, I'm dying to know whow it is and why she's doing it. Are Gertrude and Quin together now? I thought I saw a gleam of something there. Please, tell us soon! I read you haven't forgotten about this fic or any of your other WIPs so I'm hoping for an update in the near future, if live allows. Thanks!
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
Hi! How lovely to see your name again! :) I'm glad you enjoyed those last two chapters -- though they won't be the last ones, I do hope! I am planning to pick up my WIPs very soon. I've written a couple short fics recently (for Minerva Fest and for the HoggyWarty Christmas exchange), so that kind of helped grease the fanfic cogs a bit. So many (astute!) questions -- but you'll have to wait for the answers!Thank you so much for sticking with the stories! It's very encouraging to know there are still a few folks looking forward to more chapters. :-)
Response from doralupin87 (Reviewer)
Hi! I'm glad to see you are back in fanfiction again and I do hope the cogs are all greased up and ready to go! I've been waiting (patiently!) for an update to this story and to Charming The Scottish Garden, I do love me some Johannes and Siofre! Oh! So, my questions are good? That means I might be onto something, although you did give me a little preview that Gertrude would have a new man in her life, you didn't say who it was, so I think Quin might be a good choice just because they seem connected, although I don't remember quite well if they are related or not. I don't know how much I'll like Trudie with someone other than Malcolm but since you'll be writing it I'm sure I love it, you have this way of making me fall for the craziest couples like Severus and Poppy, never in a million years would I have liked them together if it weren't for your story. Anyway, I look forward to any updates you post. Thanks for coming back, I hope life is good to you :)
OMG. I love these two. Poppy and Serverus are sooooo cute. Please update soon. I want to know what happened to Severus'sbparents and how will Serverus react when Gertrude comes to Hogwarts to teach???
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
Hi,
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
! I'm sorry it's taken so long to respond to your comment. I really appreciate your review. I am coming back to fanfic after a longish hiatus, and I hope to update all of my WIPs very soon. (Some of what went on with Severus's parents can be glimpsed in "Charming the Scottish Garden," which is set in the late 50s and focusses on Siofre and Johannes. You don't have to read that story to enjoy LVS, though.) Thanks very much for your review! I do hope to post a new chapter of Long Vernal Season within the next couple of weeks.
Im glad i chose to read this chapter last before going to bed. It's raining outside my window now which makes it even easier to imagine the scene you've set before us. I love that Severus and Poppy are moving forward with their relationshp and growing more comfortable with each other. And who wouldn't wanna be snuggled up with the one they love when it's raining outside? Sigh. LOVED IT!!
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
Thanks! It's good to write a relationship that's progressing.I'm glad you liked the rainy seaside snuggling! :-)
It's a lovely story. I look forward to new installments.
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
Thank you very much, Dorit!The next chapter is underway, though slowly. I'm glad to know you're looking forward to it! 
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
Thank you very much, Dorit!The next chapter is underway, though slowly. I'm glad to know you're looking forward to it!
Yay, an update!!I loved the interaction with Siofre, Poppy, and Severus in this chapter. I think Siofre is trying, in her own way, to make Severus feel welcomed on the estate and I think it was great that she gave them each a charm so they could Apparate. And the surprise with the flowers and the note at the cottage was perfect. I loved it and I think my heart melted with Poppy's. lol
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
Siofre is trying to make Severus feel welcome, as you say, and to let him know that he is both safe and trusted there. It's a bit of an unusual circumstance for him.Poppy's heart sure did melt -- I think Severus should be very happy about that! :-)Thanks for the review! (I'm hoping for another soonish, but I'm working on CSG at the moment -- it's kinda fun writing Siofre at these two different points in time.)
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
Siofre is trying to make Severus feel welcome, as you say, and to let him know that he is both safe and trusted there. It's a bit of an unusual circumstance for him.Poppy's heart sure did melt -- I think Severus should be very happy about that! :-)Thanks for the review! (I'm hoping for another soonish, but I'm working on CSG at the moment -- it's kinda fun writing Siofre at these two different points in time.)
I was so thrilled to see you posted another chapter! Glad to hear that the writing bug has bitten you again and hope you are well.
Regarding this chapter I found your ideas about arithmantic charms fascinating; what a creative mind you have! Severus bringing up procreation was funny and interesting. I had assumed Poppy was past her childbearing years. As always, looking forward to more.
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
Thanks,
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
! Glad you liked the Arithmantic charms -- it was fun to be able to work them in here and show Gareth practicing his specialization. I figure that with much longer lifespans than Muggles, witches have correspondingly longer procreative years, although it would be a rare thing for a witch past a certain age to actually have a child, both due to a decline in fertility w/o recourse to potions and to personal choice. You may remember that in Death's Dominion, Severus didn't automatically realise that Gareth was Gertrude's son because, as he remarked later to Hermione, she was pretty old when she had him, unusually so (67 yrs old). So Poppy continues to take contraceptive potion on the off-chance that she might become pregnant even without any fertility potions. It's good to be back with my characters and stories again -- I've missed them! I've also just missed having the mental and emotional space to write; it's good to have RL calming down a bit! I'm glad to see you're still around, too! It's been a while!
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
Thanks,
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
! Glad you liked the Arithmantic charms -- it was fun to be able to work them in here and show Gareth practicing his specialization. I figure that with much longer lifespans than Muggles, witches have correspondingly longer procreative years, although it would be a rare thing for a witch past a certain age to actually have a child, both due to a decline in fertility w/o recourse to potions and to personal choice. You may remember that in Death's Dominion, Severus didn't automatically realise that Gareth was Gertrude's son because, as he remarked later to Hermione, she was pretty old when she had him, unusually so (67 yrs old). So Poppy continues to take contraceptive potion on the off-chance that she might become pregnant even without any fertility potions. It's good to be back with my characters and stories again -- I've missed them! I've also just missed having the mental and emotional space to write; it's good to have RL calming down a bit! I'm glad to see you're still around, too! It's been a while!
Loved it! I thought Severus was about to propose! You're killing me. 
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
Hiya,
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
! I'm glad it didn't kill you, since then you'd miss the rest of the story! haha! 
I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter! It was really fun to get back to the story.Thanks very much! 
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
Hiya,
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
! I'm glad it didn't kill you, since then you'd miss the rest of the story! haha! I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter! It was really fun to get back to the story.Thanks very much!
This is the first time she said it, isn't it?Oh, that's wonderful :) glad you're back again!
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
Indeed it is!It's good to see you -- I'm glad I'm back again, too!
Response from herby (Reviewer)
Oh, I forgot: Congrats on 2nd place! :)
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
Thank you!
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
Indeed it is!It's good to see you -- I'm glad I'm back again, too!
Response from herby (Reviewer)
Oh, I forgot: Congrats on 2nd place! :)
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
Thank you!
When will your next updaate be?
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
Hi,
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
! I'm not sure. October was a really hard month, so I wasn't able to write for the last few weeks, and November is looking a bit better, but I'm trying to get myself back on track with things before I can write. I'm glad you're still following the story! :-) Thanks for staying in touch with it even if it's been a bit skimpy in updates recently.
Response from BitBit (Reviewer)
Sorry you've been having a hard time! Don't worry, I LOVE this story. Can't wait!
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
Hi,
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
! I'm not sure. October was a really hard month, so I wasn't able to write for the last few weeks, and November is looking a bit better, but I'm trying to get myself back on track with things before I can write. I'm glad you're still following the story! :-) Thanks for staying in touch with it even if it's been a bit skimpy in updates recently.
Response from BitBit (Reviewer)
Sorry you've been having a hard time! Don't worry, I LOVE this story. Can't wait!
I can't wait to hear what happens next! Hope to see the next chapter soon!
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
Hi,
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
! It's in the works -- it's been a really tough month, so little energy for writing, but I'm trying to plug away. Thanks for dropping me a note! I always enjoy hearing from readers who are enjoying the story. It's very encouraging.
Response from Applebee545 (Reviewer)
So happy to hear that!! Your welcome and can't wait to see it! :)
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
Hi,
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
! It's in the works -- it's been a really tough month, so little energy for writing, but I'm trying to plug away. Thanks for dropping me a note! I always enjoy hearing from readers who are enjoying the story. It's very encouraging.
Response from Applebee545 (Reviewer)
So happy to hear that!! Your welcome and can't wait to see it! :)
First off let me just say I love this story, very creative, but come on! You're driving me insane! Please just marry them already it would be adorable! And Severus talking about children- I almost fainted! Can Poppy still have children? Anywyas, I can't wait for your next update! 
Response from BitBit (Reviewer)
Oh and when will you tell us Poppy's middle name, that whole thing is hilarious!
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
I'm glad you love the story! There's more to go -- mysteries to solve & all that -- and I hope you enjoy that, as well. :-)Witches can continue to have children a few decades longer than Muggle women, though in the last decade or two, they may need a bit of help from potions. Gertrude had Gareth when she was 67 with a bit of help from potions -- and because Malcolm really wanted a child with her. There are actually hints to the reader as to what Poppy's middle name might be -- in the title of the story (though that also expresses what Severus is experiencing throughout the story), in Firenze's prediction back in Part 2, and in Aine's prediction a little while back.Thanks for the review! I might try to write a bit on LVS today.
Response from BitBit (Reviewer)
Oh and when will you tell us Poppy's middle name, that whole thing is hilarious!
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
I'm glad you love the story! There's more to go -- mysteries to solve & all that -- and I hope you enjoy that, as well. :-)Witches can continue to have children a few decades longer than Muggle women, though in the last decade or two, they may need a bit of help from potions. Gertrude had Gareth when she was 67 with a bit of help from potions -- and because Malcolm really wanted a child with her. There are actually hints to the reader as to what Poppy's middle name might be -- in the title of the story (though that also expresses what Severus is experiencing throughout the story), in Firenze's prediction back in Part 2, and in Aine's prediction a little while back.Thanks for the review! I might try to write a bit on LVS today.
Another awesome chapter to the story, woo hoo.Loved the "procreation" bit of the chapter. I can't believe Severus went there, teehee. And poor Poppy ... that must have caught her off guard. Cracks me up. And I'm dying to know more about the letters!!!Update soon.
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
Yep, that certainly did catch Poppy off-guard! Glad it gave you a giggle!We'll get to the letters, never fear! Thanks! Glad you liked it. 
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
Yep, that certainly did catch Poppy off-guard! Glad it gave you a giggle!We'll get to the letters, never fear! Thanks! Glad you liked it.
Woah! That's a teaser! I am DIEING to know what the letters say! Awesome way to set the chappie up. I loved the nudges - and I won't say more on that. I am most interested in all the explanations of Arithmancy - a lot of your ideas about magic give me ideas on how to work around my ideas of magic, if that makes any sense. You and Squibby both have great scientific ideas in relationships with magic - and I just love to read how they weave together. As I grow older, I am learning - everything in this world - living, dead or otherwise, even history, is interwoven into nearly everything else. Almost every act and every creature has a direct affect on the rest of the world if you travel along the path long enough. I find this interweaving so facinating.Bla bla bla, enough of my rambling - an excellent suspense chapter - has me chomping at the bit to find out WHAT is going on with Severus' parents!And, was I misreading, but is Poppy a tad uncertain about Sevy here? She doesn't seem as relaxed and confident as usual.
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
You'll find out a bit more about what the letters say in the next chapter, but not everything until Severus reads them. It ties in with a lot of bits and pieces we've been gleaning about Severus's parents since Part One, as well as tying into what we learn about Eileen & her father in Charming the Scottish Garden -- there will be a bit of a recap of that in LVS for Severus's sake (and for readers who aren't reading the late 50s, early 60s CSG fic).Poppy isn't uncertain, though she does show hesitation in a couple spots. Naturally, she was a bit taken aback with the sudden mention of procreation! lol! But her other hesitancy has a reason for it, which will come out in the next chapter. No big deal, though.
Response from Fishy (Reviewer)
I was thining she might be a tad threatened by Gareth, since Severus has told her of a more friendly relationship that they had - thought she might have some doubts. I certainly have to get back into CSG, that's for sure - I've forgotten a great deal.
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
No, she's not. Gareth just dominates the conversation here a bit. As he is quite capable of doing! lol!
Response from Fishy (Reviewer)
HAHA! Some of us are like that, especially when you get us on a subject we love. Gareth has good company - is all I'm gonna say! *grins* 
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
You'll find out a bit more about what the letters say in the next chapter, but not everything until Severus reads them. It ties in with a lot of bits and pieces we've been gleaning about Severus's parents since Part One, as well as tying into what we learn about Eileen & her father in Charming the Scottish Garden -- there will be a bit of a recap of that in LVS for Severus's sake (and for readers who aren't reading the late 50s, early 60s CSG fic).Poppy isn't uncertain, though she does show hesitation in a couple spots. Naturally, she was a bit taken aback with the sudden mention of procreation! lol! But her other hesitancy has a reason for it, which will come out in the next chapter. No big deal, though.
Response from Fishy (Reviewer)
I was thining she might be a tad threatened by Gareth, since Severus has told her of a more friendly relationship that they had - thought she might have some doubts. I certainly have to get back into CSG, that's for sure - I've forgotten a great deal.
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
No, she's not. Gareth just dominates the conversation here a bit. As he is quite capable of doing! lol!
Response from Fishy (Reviewer)
HAHA! Some of us are like that, especially when you get us on a subject we love. Gareth has good company - is all I'm gonna say! *grins*
I enjoyed the exploration of Arithmancy and its many applications in the wizarding world. It must be a lot of fun to take canonical concepts and expand on them in such an interesting way.Poor Severus had a bit of a slip there! Procreation?
He's certainly blunt about his intentions toward Poppy in that bit. He can't have had much of a love life in the past, though, so enjoyable sex must be something new to him, as well as someone who reciprocates his love for her. It's lovely to see him have a second chance at love as well as life. I always love to see Gareth and his relationship with Snape, particularly their banter. They've come a long way from their first hostile meeting in DD, that's for sure!It was a lot of fun to see Angus Og make a little cameo at the end of the chapter, especially now that I know he's the Celtic god of love. A suitable entity for Severus to call on, certainly.
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
It is fun to play with magic in the stories. I enjoy trying to systemetize it while still keeping it magical and a bit mysterious. (Heck, a lot mysterious in most cases, since it's magic! ) I see basic Arithmancy as a bit like symbolic logic combined with physics, and advanced Arithmancy like theoretical physics plus its practical application in creating effects in the world, not just describing it, so rather well differentiated from "Muggle" numerology, in which everything is reduced to numbers. In my version of magical Arithmancy, other symbols are used to, and they can mean different things and have different "powers" depending upon their juxtaposition with other symbols, whether numeric or otherwise. Yep, I have spent far too much time contemplating a wholly imaginary magical system! lol!Severus did have a little slip that showed Poppy the general direction of his intentions, didn't he?Yes, good ol' Angus Og. Minerva has been using terms from Celtic myths & legends this year for her passwords, and she's particularly fond of that one because of the story her brother Malcolm told her about Angus Og.Glad you enjoyed the chapter!
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
It is fun to play with magic in the stories. I enjoy trying to systemetize it while still keeping it magical and a bit mysterious. (Heck, a lot mysterious in most cases, since it's magic! ) I see basic Arithmancy as a bit like symbolic logic combined with physics, and advanced Arithmancy like theoretical physics plus its practical application in creating effects in the world, not just describing it, so rather well differentiated from "Muggle" numerology, in which everything is reduced to numbers. In my version of magical Arithmancy, other symbols are used to, and they can mean different things and have different "powers" depending upon their juxtaposition with other symbols, whether numeric or otherwise. Yep, I have spent far too much time contemplating a wholly imaginary magical system! lol!Severus did have a little slip that showed Poppy the general direction of his intentions, didn't he?Yes, good ol' Angus Og. Minerva has been using terms from Celtic myths & legends this year for her passwords, and she's particularly fond of that one because of the story her brother Malcolm told her about Angus Og.Glad you enjoyed the chapter!
Welcome, Welcome back! I have so enjoyed your stories. I am currently rereading this one to again familiarize myself with the 'danglimg plot clues.' I must admit to a secret desire... Would truly love to see you get the Potions Master into a kilt. Full Scottish.regalia would be even better! Thank You again for taking the time to dream and compose a follow-on tale for the Professor.
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
Hello, Sehkmet! (Love your name!) Yes, there are a very many dangling clues in this story, and they are going to begin to gradually come together. I'm very glad that you're enjoying the story. :-)Severus in a kilt? Hmmm, must think about how to achieve that one . . . maybe in a side-story. Could make for some fun. Naturally, it couldn't be of his own accord. Bad bet with Gareth, perhaps? The possibilities abound!Thank you very much for your kind words! It's especially encouraging coming back from a longish hiatus.Have fun with the reread! 
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
Hello, Sehkmet! (Love your name!) Yes, there are a very many dangling clues in this story, and they are going to begin to gradually come together. I'm very glad that you're enjoying the story. :-)Severus in a kilt? Hmmm, must think about how to achieve that one . . . maybe in a side-story. Could make for some fun. Naturally, it couldn't be of his own accord. Bad bet with Gareth, perhaps? The possibilities abound!Thank you very much for your kind words! It's especially encouraging coming back from a longish hiatus.Have fun with the reread!
It was interesting to see Alastor again here. He seems to be on slightly better terms with Snape, although their relationship is certainly a tense one. They're both intense figures who can hold grudges. Burns certainly sounds like a suspect! I'm interested to see where questioning her leads. She doesn't seem to understand that not all Slytherins are as bad as Polyphemus and the toe-rag (in the immortal words of Minerva McGonagall) were.I hope the vigilante is caught soon, especially now that someone has died as a result of her actions. The use of the Conruptus spell is a truly disturbed touch, especially combined with the "diseased flesh" rhetoric. I'd certainly be wary if I was a crook and had Mad-Eye Moody on my tail!
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
Moody is trying to be conciliatory to Snape, but Moody doesn't do conciliatory very well, and Snape isn't the most forgiving soul. Considering their personalities and their histories, they're actually getting along pretty well now! lol!Yep, the vigilante's choice of hexes is particularly nasty. "Disturbed" is a good word for it.I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter.
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
Moody is trying to be conciliatory to Snape, but Moody doesn't do conciliatory very well, and Snape isn't the most forgiving soul. Considering their personalities and their histories, they're actually getting along pretty well now! lol!Yep, the vigilante's choice of hexes is particularly nasty. "Disturbed" is a good word for it.I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter.
I will put a £ on Burns, can't wait so learn if I am right.
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
I'll make a note of that!
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
I'll make a note of that!
Seems like forever since we've had an update so I'm very happy to see one now. I'm very pleased Poppy rushed home to be with Severus after the attack. I think these two are just adorable (don't tell Snape I said that) and for her to endure the wrath of her friends upon coming home early ... I think Severus better really appreciate her gesture. And the bit about Minerva and Gertie before they became friends ... awesome. I love how all your stories tie in together. Can't stand Moody, though that's probably b/c you've written him so well. haha.Hope you'll update again soon!!CFP,the GLM
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
Yeah, Moody can be pretty abrasive, and since Snape still doesn't like him, that comes through here.I'm sure that Severus both appreciates the gesture and regrets it -- since it raised questions in her friends' minds about why she would leave -- but on the whole, he is very glad she's back, and he's glad that she is willing to leave her friends when she believes he needs her, and that she is willing to be put in an awkward position to do it.I'm working on "Stray" at the moment. It's a bit weird to switch back and forth between "Stray" and LVS, but sometimes I write on one, sometimes the other. It's easier when I'm writing two RaMverse fics because, as you say, the stories all tie together, but "Stray" is not set in the RaMverse and it has a canon-compliant (pretty much) Snape, not the more reformed Snape of the RaMverse.
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
Yeah, Moody can be pretty abrasive, and since Snape still doesn't like him, that comes through here.I'm sure that Severus both appreciates the gesture and regrets it -- since it raised questions in her friends' minds about why she would leave -- but on the whole, he is very glad she's back, and he's glad that she is willing to leave her friends when she believes he needs her, and that she is willing to be put in an awkward position to do it.I'm working on "Stray" at the moment. It's a bit weird to switch back and forth between "Stray" and LVS, but sometimes I write on one, sometimes the other. It's easier when I'm writing two RaMverse fics because, as you say, the stories all tie together, but "Stray" is not set in the RaMverse and it has a canon-compliant (pretty much) Snape, not the more reformed Snape of the RaMverse.
*snip*“He’s dead. Died an hour or so after reaching St. Mungo’s. Poor sod didn’t have a chance. It was another Conruptus, but this one hit his abdomen, practically dead centre. The damage was extensive. Even if he’d been found right away, the Healers say his chances of surviving such a bad hit were close to nil. Looks like his wife has a good chance of pulling through. She was hit second, and she’d turned to shield her children. The youngest was in her arms.” Moody’s cheek twitched, and his natural eye blinked. He swallowed and shifted in his chair, his claw-foot scraping against the stone floor. *snip*Awwwwwwwwwwwwww - is that Alastor nearly getting choked up???? AWWWWWWWWWWWWWW! I wuvs my Alastor! 
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
Yeah, just a bit! I know you love your Alastor!
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
Yeah, just a bit! I know you love your Alastor!
Two witches, managing their men... both very skillfully.
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
Sometimes necessary!
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
Sometimes necessary!
Poor Poppy. It's a miserable feeling to constantly watch out for someone else at a party, making sure they're enjoying themselves or at least not unhappy.
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
If Poppy had any clue that Severus is particularly uncomfortable with Gertrude, then she'd be even more worried about that, but she is certainly drawn from her enjoyment of the party during her initial worries that Severus is unhappy. Fortunately, that improves, because, as you say, it can be miserable to constantly be watching to see if someone is enjoying themselves! You can't enjoy the party yourself.
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
If Poppy had any clue that Severus is particularly uncomfortable with Gertrude, then she'd be even more worried about that, but she is certainly drawn from her enjoyment of the party during her initial worries that Severus is unhappy. Fortunately, that improves, because, as you say, it can be miserable to constantly be watching to see if someone is enjoying themselves! You can't enjoy the party yourself.
Ha! Panacea - I knew it. The contrast between how the three of them approached the door-riddle was perfect. Flitwick loving the challenge, Poppy game for it but seemingly unconcerned about failing, and Severus annoyed at the inconvienience and protective of his dignity.And the contrast between the way Severus and Poppy viewed her younger self was sweet, too. She's still a bit worried and insecure about their age difference, and he's so in love with her that he considers any Pre-Sev version as simply Poppy-in-development.
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
Panacea is definitely a good one to add to the list!Glad you enjoyed the different perspectives!
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
Panacea is definitely a good one to add to the list!Glad you enjoyed the different perspectives!
I'm so glad he got that off his chest! And that Poppy took it well. It's a good thing she's both mature and has a real generosity of spirit, otherwise his habit of blurting things out could get him into deep trouble. And this time they were only cuddling, not even post-coital. LOL.
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
That was a big blurt, too! Fortunately, Poppy also has learned to try to digest something that surprises her before blurting something herself. lol!Severus is trying to behave differently with Poppy and be as open with her as possible (though he's still hiding some big secrets from her), and he's unfortunately going to an extreme in his honesty. Still, his instincts are basically right; he's just not very good at timing or wording yet, to say the least!
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
That was a big blurt, too! Fortunately, Poppy also has learned to try to digest something that surprises her before blurting something herself. lol!Severus is trying to behave differently with Poppy and be as open with her as possible (though he's still hiding some big secrets from her), and he's unfortunately going to an extreme in his honesty. Still, his instincts are basically right; he's just not very good at timing or wording yet, to say the least!
Anonymous
Sorry if this is a short one - I just wanted to let you know how happy I was about the update, and how much I liked it.
Poor Severus, to have to meet that Gwen person - but it's only natural, of course, that this will happen to him now and then. And I nearly had forgotten about the attacks. I'm getting more and more curious about their origin!
Author's Response: Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it. It has been so long since I've updated on a regular basis, it's not surprising you had forgotten about the attacks. I hope to update at least twice a month from now on -- barring major disruptions in RL.
Thanks again!
What a lovely fun chapter! I'm so happy and excited to be reading a new chapter of this story. I so adore your Severus and how he's come to interact with the others in such a friendly way. Reading about dueling parctice was fun - I think I've said it before but I vastly enjoy your creative use and explanations of magic. Charms, Transfiguration, Jinxes, spells, intention, all of it actually seems to make sense in a way that I could actually use it (if I were a witch and if magic actually existed.) You make it so real, so effortless, such a part of the way of things -- it's like watching Fred Astaire dance... effortless - we all think we could actually do that. Seeing how Madam Fuller reacted to the situation makes me appreciate Poppy all the more. I loved Melina oblivating her - what a surprising and fun moment. I can just imagine the look on Severus' face and the conspiriatorial comradery he'll now feel with Melina. Hope there will be more to this story soon. Thank you for your creativity and hard work.
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
Thank you very much for the review,
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
! I am very glad you enjoyed it.If you ever wake up to discover yourself a witch in the middle of the HP universe, you can put your knowledge of magic to work! lol! (And not go trying untested zero-g charms on people!) I'm glad you like the magic. It is fun to construct. I had a particularly good time with Flitwick's hyperbaric treatment, although the details of it weren't sketched out here.Glad you enjoyed Melina's little surprise at the end of the chapter!Thanks again for your review and for returning to the story after such a long hiatus. Hopefully, the next chapter won't be so long in coming! (I'm working on a novella-length Hooch fic at the moment, and I'm trying to get that finished sometime this week. We'll see! Keep an eye out for that one. It's not RaMverse, though -- Snape's in it, and he's our canon Potions master.)