Chapter Sixty-Three: A Little White Lie
Chapter 64 of 118
MMADfanSaturday, 20 March 1999. Severus receives an invitation from Hermione; Poppy considers what she will tell Minerva.
ReviewedChapter Sixty-Three: A Little White Lie
Saturday, 20 March 1999
Severus ate his corn flakes with no appetite. He hadn't gone to bed until after three, and he felt ill. He was becoming soft, he thought. Time was when he could at least pretend to feel fine after only a few hours sleep. He drank more coffee, then turned the cup upside down and then right side up again, and it refilled itself. Without any of the usual courtesies...which scarcely mattered that morning, since only a handful of staff were at the table...Severus gestured and Summoned the cream, which he poured in liberally. He drank off half the cup, pushed aside the remains of his now-soggy cereal, and stared moodily out over the Great Hall. Poppy still wasn't at breakfast, and he had hoped to see her, put part of his plan into play. On the other hand, he also still wanted to talk to Hermione before he did anything definitive with Poppy, and he didn't know when he would be able to see her.
The morning Post Owls flew into the Great Hall, making a bit less of a ruckus than usual. A large Tawny deposited a Daily Prophet beside his place, and Gareth's handsome Horned Owl, Wol, landed on the back of his chair.
Severus took the letter first; the newspaper and reports of the attack on Malfoy could wait. He glanced at the handwriting. Not from Gareth; from Hermione. Hmph. He did want to see her, but he also was still stinging from their encounter the previous evening. Vector and Minerva weren't at breakfast yet, so Severus opened the letter.
Hermione wanted to see him later that day. She suggested that they meet for tea at four. Her letter was friendly enough, and she expressed regret that she had already made plans with Tarrant the evening before and hadn't been able to go out with him. It certainly seemed conciliatory.
Tea, of course, was out of the question, since he had the Heads' meeting at four-thirty, but they could meet later. He folded her letter and placed it in an inner pocket.
Severus was just considering another cup of coffee when Minerva came in, sans Albus. Severus smirked. It wasn't only the group from the Three Broomsticks that had overdone it the night before, apparently.
He waved his hand and pulled out her chair for her. "Good morning, Headmistress. Sleep well?"
"Very," she replied. "You?" She looked at him as she pulled her chair closer to the table. "You don't look as though you slept at all."
"A few hours. Enough," Severus replied tersely.
"I checked my early post before I came down. Thank you for scheduling the meeting, Severus."
Severus nodded and decided he did need another cup of coffee. And maybe a banger or two now that his stomach was a bit more awake.
"I sent a confidential owl to the Minister...I thought we should go directly to the top rather than waste time with people who would have to go through channels to tell us anything useful...and I hope to learn more about what happened yesterday," Minerva said. "When I hear anything, I will let you know. There was only a small, undetailed article in the Prophet this morning. Perhaps the later editions will have more information."
"Mm."
"The students will need to be informed about the changes in the wards, but I think I will simply have the Heads of House inform their prefects. Students shouldn't be coming and going, anyway. Could you meet with Hagrid, Rath, and Shunpike and let them know? Hagrid can handle any scheduling that needs to be done, but if any of them have questions..."
"Hagrid is away for the weekend," Severus said.
"Oh, yes, thank you for reminding me. Could you send him an owl so that he knows he'll need to use the password at the gates even if he returns during daylight hours? And inform Ms Benetti, as well. In person or by post, as you prefer," Minerva added with a mischievous smile.
"I am seeing her tomorrow, I believe, to assist her in some flight tests, but . . . if she needs to come up to help a Quidditch team with their practice later today, she might be puzzled if she can't just open the gates as usual. I shall owl her." It would also give her the opportunity to back out of their plans if she had changed her mind.
"Very good. I'll be around all day today, so if you have any questions or anyone has a problem with something, I'm available."
They chatted a bit longer over breakfast, Minerva curious about the staff's evening out and informing Severus in a discreet whisper that Hagrid and Wilhelmina's relationship wasn't as sudden as Pomona and many others believed it to be, since they had had a romantic relationship many years before and had simply rekindled it. Severus appreciated that bit of gossip, though he wouldn't pass it on himself.
Finally, Severus excused himself, saying he had correspondence to catch up on and business to attend to. Just as he was leaving the Great Hall, Poppy was coming down the stairs, looking cheerful and radiant in robes of robin's egg blue with a creamy butter-yellow under-robe, like a perfect spring morning. Severus smiled at the sight of her and inclined his head in greeting.
"Good morning, Madam Pomfrey," he said as the door to the Great Hall closed behind him. "May I take the liberty of saying that you look lovely this morning?" If he were going to decide to woo her, he could begin by making sincere compliments, he thought. And if he decided not to, well, it was not a bad thing to tell a friend she looked nice.
"Thank you." Poppy blushed. "Finished breakfast?"
Severus nodded. "There are few staff present this morning, only those on the schedule, I believe. I left the Headmistress sitting alone. I have no doubt that she would enjoy your company."
"I heard that some of the staff were going to go into Hogsmeade last night," Poppy replied. "They're probably sleeping in."
"Indeed. We went to the Three Broomsticks," Severus said. "There were some who were perhaps imbibing a little too freely."
"You went with them? Good," Poppy said. "That is, did you have a nice time?"
"It was better than remaining in the castle and reading essays. Why did you stay in?" He didn't remember seeing her at dinner, either.
"Well, actually, I didn't. I was out. I had a prior engagement, so I couldn't join you all."
Severus thought Poppy was blushing more than she had when he had complimented her. He didn't want to consider what that might mean. Minerva would have said something if Poppy were already seeing someone else. If she knew. But she had encouraged him to woo Poppy, and he didn't believe she would have done that if she didn't think he had a chance with her. And even if Poppy had been out with someone else, that meant nothing. It would have to be a very new relationship and a recent development. He would simply have to compete for her affections. He disliked that idea, but better than to abandon any hope of a relationship with her simply because he was jealous of a possibly meaningless relationship. And for all he knew, the "previous engagement" could have been family business or dinner with a friend like Madam Gamp or Healer Glyndwr, or even Rolanda Hooch, whom she visited at least once a fortnight.
"I hope you enjoyed yourself," Severus said. "It is good to have time away from the school." Inane, but polite and inoffensive, he thought.
"Yes, I did, thanks." Her blush didn't fade. "Well, I'd best get in to breakfast." She paused at the door and looked back at him. "It is good to see you, Severus."
He nodded. "Likewise, Poppy," he replied softly, pleased to see her smile before she opened the door and entered the Great Hall.
"Did you have a good time yesterday, Poppy?" Minerva asked as Poppy spread jam on her toast. "You're looking quite cheerful."
"I had a wonderful time," Poppy replied, taking a moment to pour some milk in her tea. "Quin was . . . Quin, as usual. We went to Paris for dinner."
"Paris? My, I think I am jealous! Dinner here was the usual Friday night fare. They did do lemon sole for the staff instead of fried cod, though, and they served aubergine parmesan instead of the usual lasagna. Sarah's idea. I had the lemon sole, which was rather good, but it wasn't French food in France!"
"It was a casual supper. We just ate in a café, but the food was terrific, and somehow, the atmosphere in Paris makes everything taste better. But as nice as Paris was, we had an even better time when we got back," Poppy said, lowering her voice. "I invited him up for a nightcap."
"You did? That's nice."
Poppy blushed. "It was more than nice, Minerva. It was very nice. Nothing like an old friend to cheer you up."
"Really, well . . . are you two . . . do you have plans? I mean, to go out again?"
"Nothing specific, though he did mention Istanbul and wizarding Constantinople. I fell asleep thinking about the things you could do on a flying carpet," Poppy said with a smile.
"I see." Minerva didn't seem as pleased as Poppy had thought she would. "So are you two . . . dating, then?"
"Oh, no. It's quite likely that we won't be, um, having another nightcap again any time soon. We might, of course. But this was . . . for old times' sake, you could say."
"Old times' sake? I always thought that you two had never . . . had a nightcap together when you were dating."
Poppy chuckled. "We weren't complete teetotallers, Min, but we never had anything very strong."
"Ah. I see. And last night was Scotch, straight up?" Minerva blushed at her unintended double entendre, but Poppy laughed.
"It was more like Irish, straight up. A very stiff drink in a tall glass," Poppy said with a whisper and a blush.
Minerva pulled the teapot closer and poured herself another cup. She seemed pensive as she sipped her tea.
"So, other than yet another evening of Hogwarts cuisine, did you have a good evening yesterday?" Poppy asked.
Minerva smiled. "Yes. I had work to finish, but then Albus and I found some time to spend together. That was nice."
"I'm glad. You should try not to work on Friday nights, I think."
"It was either finish the work last night or have it waiting for me this morning. I'd rather have more free time over the weekend. Albus wants me to help him in his little garden this morning." Minerva grinned. "If he makes it out of bed before noon, that is."
Poppy laughed. "So you did have a good time last night, then. Wore him out?"
"We just played a few games," Minerva said innocently.
"I'm sure he enjoyed himself."
"I believe so." Minerva took another sip of tea. "Severus went out with some of the other staff last night."
"Yes, I saw him in the front hall just now, and he mentioned that. He's been going out a lot more this spring. That's a good thing."
"Yes," Minerva agreed. "Have you thought more about the two of you?" she asked softly.
Poppy took a bite of toast and chewed, looking thoughtfully out across the Hall. "I have," she said with a nod.
"And?"
"And . . . why don't we meet later today, after you and Albus have finished working in the garden? We can talk then."
"All right. I have a meeting at four-thirty. What about three, three-thirty?"
"Sounds good to me. Come by whenever. If I'm not in, I'll be in the infirmary, probably."
Poppy returned from lunch and decided on a nap after her late night. That morning she had taken care of a couple of Gryffindors who had decided to settle a dispute with some minor hexes, but other than that, it had been quiet. Although there would be another duelling demonstration the following Saturday, there wouldn't be another Quidditch game until after the Easter holiday, and with the arrival of spring, most of the wintertime ailments had left, yet allergy season hadn't yet begun, so Poppy anticipated that the next week would be just as quiet.
She quickly pulled off her clothes and laid them across the bench in front of her vanity, then she drew back the covers of her bed and lay down, wearing just her knickers and a light camisole with a Support Charm. She laughed softly as she remembered Quin's frustration with her bra the night before. For all that he loved the Muggle world and even dressed Muggle himself, in many ways, he was a very traditional wizard.
Poppy knew what she was going to tell Minerva that afternoon when they met. She was going to be sensible, not sensitive, and she was going to move on from Severus with a lesson learned. She was going to tell Minerva just that.
Spending time with Quin the night before had shown her that she could respond just as warmly to another man for whom she cared as she could to Severus. In some ways, the time with Quin was better than the time with Severus, in other ways, her time with Severus . . . was incomparable. But when she was with Quin, it was easier, more relaxed and comfortable.
She didn't want to be hurt, and she didn't want Severus to be confused any more than he already was. She simply would remember that. And that was what she would tell Minerva. She would not mention that she loved the mercurial Potions master. No, Minerva would misconstrue that. But she would tell Minerva that she wanted to be a good friend to him. She certainly didn't want to cut off all but professional contact with him. It was unnecessary. They could be friends. She simply would need to be . . . careful with him. She might want him, but she couldn't have him. It was a fact of life that she would just have to get used to. They could be good friends. And her feelings would gradually fade to the simple warmth of friendship . . . although that might take a while.
Poppy wondered how long it would take her to recover from her intense attraction to Severus. She did hope that that attraction would fade more quickly than her other feelings. It was disconcerting to feel imminent arousal simply because he spoke to her or said something personal to her. That morning when she had greeted Severus in the entry hall, she had already felt a warm glow from the night before with Quin. But then Severus had begun speaking to her, telling her that she looked lovely, and she could feel her pleasure in his appreciative words begin to tingle through her, then when they spoke of the evening before, suddenly, without her wishing it to, the vision flashed through her mind of Quin hovering over her the night before, and both her embarrassment and her arousal grew. It seemed as though almost simultaneously with that vision, she imagined for a split second what it would be like to have Severus in the same position, naked and ready to enter her. Quickly following on that vision was a sense of guilt, completely unreasonable guilt, as though she had cheated on Severus by sleeping with Quin. Her relationship with Quin long predated her relationship with Severus...such as it was...and she and Severus were not even together any longer. Even when they had been together, it had been a very brief, nonexclusive sexual affair, almost over before it began.
Poppy sighed and rolled over. She should just focus on other things. Work, her friendships, her family. Her niece's new baby was adorable. And there was the upcoming trip to the North Sea German wizarding resort with Pomona, Gertrude, Rolanda, former Divination teacher Hafrena NicAirt, and another old friend of Pomona's, Colleen Murphy, who was now the Associate Director for the wizarding division of the Royal Botanic Gardens. The holiday would be fun, and it would be very good for Gertrude, who had needed some persuading before she would agree to join them...which was the primary reason why Poppy had agreed to go, too, as it helped Gertrude to feel more comfortable. And as Pomona had pointed out to Gertrude, the Schiller Zauberstrandhotel was just a hop-skip-and-jump from London and they were quite easily reachable should Rosemary go into labour earlier than anticipated. Someone could send a message or a house-elf could even pop over in person to let her know if she were needed at home.
Early April was not the best time of year to go to Schiller's, but they were able to get their rooms at off-season rates, and although they wouldn't go swimming, they could take walks along the strand. There were also the wonderful meals to look forward to, and the saunas and massages. She would indulge herself, she thought, to a nice therapeutic massage after a sauna.
As her mind went to the relaxing pleasures of massage, Poppy's thoughts drifted to another sort of massage altogether. A wonderfully arousing erotic massage. Quin's talents in that area were considerable, she thought. The night before, the sensation of lips and fingertips massaging her body, treating every inch of skin as erotic, had heightened her arousal before he had even approached her crux. She had been trembling and breathless by the time a single fingertip had found her clitoris and begun a teasing massage, progressing to a firmer stroke, until two knuckles of his fingers began a rolling, rhythmic movement, as all the while his lips and his other hand caressed and titillated her breasts, stomach, thighs.
Poppy squeezed her legs together. Now she was aroused from the memory, how she had exploded with that pleasurable force that was both physical and nonphysical, completely oblivious to anything but the lightning coursing through her body, causing her to shudder and shout. And then as she recovered from her orgasm, Quin had held her and kissed her lips gently and repeatedly as he caressed her breast and side until she yearned for him to enter her with the long, thick cock that pressed against her hip. Oh, and when he had entered her . . . filling her . . . oh, that had been heaven, and seeing Quin's arousal and the pleasure in his face, that had been deeply satisfying, as well. Touching and tweaking his nipples as he slowly stroked in her, then the way he thrust faster as their mutual passion grew . . . and the sensation of that mounting tension, until finally she clutched at him, climaxing, with Quin following quickly, ejaculating as her vagina pulsed around him.
Poppy tossed off the sheet that covered her, sat up, and pulled out the drawer of the bedside table. There it was, still Transfigured from the bath sponge it had been. She took the dildo out and closed her eyes, lying back and remembering when she had Transfigured it and how Severus had altered the Transfiguration until it was the same diameter as his own penis and a few inches longer.
Poppy quickly pulled off her camisole and wriggled out of her knickers, spreading her legs. Instead of thinking of the wizard who had made love to her the night before, the memory of whose touch had excited her, she remembered Severus and his passionate love-making. She licked her lips, then uttered the spell Tremescere, and she remembered Severus.
She remembered Severus. Severus, Severus kissing her, Severus pulling her robe from her, Severus lifting her, and Severus fucking her against the door, his cock hard and his desire inflamed. She gently touched the tip of the vibrating dildo to her clitoris and jumped at the sudden intensity of the sensation. Severus, naked with his dark head between her legs, Severus, his tongue playing with her clitoris. With the fingers of her left hand, Poppy stroked her inner labia and circled her opening, then she gently touched the vibrator to her clitoris again. Severus licking her, Severus sliding into her. Poppy fingered her opening as she rubbed the dildo against herself. Severus's dark eyes gazing into hers as he stroked inside of her, Severus coming and shouting her name. Poppy moved the vibrating dildo rhythmically against her clitoris. Severus beneath her, Severus licking her hard as she sucked him. She pulsed the vibrator harder against her clit and her left hand bunched the sheets. Severus bound to the staff table as she rode his cock, as she rode him and rode him until they both came. Severus crying out, Severus saying he loved her . . .
With a gasp, her hips and thighs rising convulsively off the bed, Poppy climaxed. She collapsed back onto the mattress and dropped the dildo by her side on the bed. Her heartbeat began to return to normal, and she opened her eyes.
Not as satisfying as the night before, nor at any time with Severus, but a good release, and now she could nap and put Severus out of her mind. And later that afternoon, she would drink tea with Minerva and . . . she would tell her friend a little white lie. She would say that she only wanted to be friends with Severus and that she was happy with the way things were now. That she didn't miss him at all. Poppy pulled up her sheet and closed her eyes. Besides, a witch needed something in a relationship besides sex, and no matter how good the sex was in the beginning, it couldn't sustain a relationship...although a good relationship could sustain good sex.
And she didn't miss Severus at all, didn't miss Severus at all, not at all, at all . . .
NEXT
Chapter Sixty-Four: The Goblin's Knee
Saturday, 20 March 1999
Severus meets Hermione at the Goblin's Knee in Diagon Alley. *End of Part Six*
Rated M.
Characters: Severus Snape, Hermione Granger
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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.)