Chapter Seventy-Three: Renovation
Chapter 74 of 118
MMADfanGareth and Severus meet at Spinner's End.
ReviewedAuthor's Note: If Chapter 71, "Descent into Hades," cut off in a strange place when you read it, the chapter has been reposted. It should now be complete. Thank you to Norine for bringing this to my attention! (The chapter started off whole and somehow the last part of it was lost at some point after many people had already read it and a few had reviewed it.)
Chapter Seventy-Three: Renovation
Saturday, 27 March 1999
Gareth looked up from his Daily Prophet. "'Morning, Hermione. Gluffy did kippers this morning."
Hermione made a face and went over to the cool cupboard.
"I bought that muesli you like," Gareth said.
"Thanks," Hermione replied. She spooned some yoghurt into a tall beer glass, added strawberries, orange juice, half a banana, a dollop of dark honey, and some yellow "mystery powder," as Gareth called it. She felt in her bathrobe pocket for her wand.
"Don't forget to cover it this time," Gareth said, going back to his newspaper and ignoring Hermione's eye-roll.
Hermione sat down at the table, reached for the muesli, poured a small amount in her cereal bowl, then added some milk. "You forgot the milk," she said.
"What's that in your hand?" Gareth said, indicating the pitcher.
"That's whole milk. I meant skimmed."
"Get some today when you're out," Gareth replied. "And don't forget that I need the cross-nine charts done before my meeting on Monday, and with sufficient time to make use of them."
"I won't forget. I don't forget that kind of thing," Hermione said.
"Mm, but you've been distracted lately, and you didn't give me the natal charts I needed until the last minute on Wednesday. You will need to set aside enough time for the cross-nines, too, and not stay up all night doing them."
"There aren't many. It won't take me long..." Hermione began.
"Don't use Platterkroyt's method this time. The last time you dove into the middle of the cross-nines using his method, I spent two hours redoing half of it."
"Platterkroyt's methods are well-respected," Hermione countered, "and his own results are known for their uncanny accuracy."
"'Uncanny' is right," Gareth said. "Who's the master and who's the apprentice here, Hermione? I'll be able to tell if you use Platterkroyt's shortcuts. So don't."
A crack of Apparition came from the hallway, and Gareth's eyebrows rose. Hermione ignored it.
"I don't know why you introduced me to Platterkroyt if you don't want me using his methods," Hermione grumbled.
Gertrude came into the kitchen. "Did I hear 'Platterkroyt'?" she asked. "Don't tell me you're having her use Platterkroyt, Gareth."
"I'm not," Gareth replied. "It's her idea. I didn't know that you were out already. I thought you were still sleeping."
"Up and out for a ramble before breakfast," Gertrude said, accepting a cup of tea from her son. "Thank you. I plan to return to the estate later today. Give me the data you wanted me to work on, and I can owl it to you when I'm done...or send Gluffy with it."
"Owl is fine," Gareth said, fixing his mother a plate of kippers and toast. "Nothing too sensitive at this point. I haven't even accepted the commission yet, so they aren't giving me much to work with."
"We're doing an awful lot of work on a commission you're not sure you're accepting," Hermione observed.
"When dealing with the Ministry, it's probably wise," Gertrude said. "If they have some foregone conclusions they're hoping we will reach, or if they are trying to skew the results in any way, best to know it before your integrity as an Arithmancer becomes compromised."
"You weren't this careful with the Chudley Cannons commission," Hermione pointed out, "and it was clear what result they wanted even before we sat down and did the work."
"Mmhm. And the results we gave them were not precisely what they were looking for, either," Gareth said. "Not to mention that the strategies of a minor Quidditch team are hardly on the same order of importance as what the Ministry is examining. Such strategies might make a difference in the wider scheme of things, affect ticket sales and so forth, but it's not the same. Particularly when they're just as likely to go ahead and do what they wanted to do from the beginning, despite our recommendations."
"And the Ministry isn't?" Hermione asked. Gertrude smiled slightly at the question.
"They might," Gareth acknowledged. "They might not. They might do some third thing. But we can at least know that we did our best work for them, presented them with honest results."
"And hope that we don't have to say, 'I told you so,' at the end," Gertrude added.
A rattle at the window interrupted their discussion, and Hermione rose and opened the window for a tiny owl carrying a shrunken letter. Gertrude watched as Gareth took the letter and unshrunk it.
"Should I let the owl leave, or do you want to send a reply?" Hermione asked, still standing at the window.
"Give her some kipper first," Gareth said, reading over the short note. "Then let her go home."
"Business?" Gertrude asked, setting down her fork.
Gareth tilted his head. "Sort of."
"From Professor Snape, then," Gertrude said.
Gareth nodded.
"You're still meeting him this morning."
Gareth nodded again.
"I see . . ." Gertrude looked at her son as if she would say more, and his eyes met hers.
"I'm meeting him at the gates." He set down the note. "That's what the note is. Arrangements." He glanced up at the wall clock. "I should be leaving shortly, in fact."
Gertrude continued to look at him.
"We've had this discussion, Mum," Gareth said quietly, glancing briefly at Hermione.
"And Melina and Brennan?"
"You know I spoke with them already."
"Melina must not have been happy..."
"It's not as though you two are best chums right now, Mum. Sorry, shouldn't have said that," Gareth said quickly.
"I'll just go get dressed," Hermione said, picking up her smoothie. "See you later, Gareth. Safe Apparition, Madam Gamp." She ducked out of the kitchen, and they could hear her trotting up the stairs to her room.
"Melina has gone out of her way to make you feel at home. She redecorated the room for you, put in an additional telephone line for your computer."
"And I have appreciated it, but it isn't as convenient."
"How? You Apparate there; you would Apparate to Professor Snape's place."
Gareth sighed. "Mum . . ."
"I know that you are perfectly capable of arranging your own affairs, Gareth, and I am aware that you do enjoy using your Muggle apparatus, but you don't need to share a house with him. If you want your own Muggle place, why not share with Tarrant? You and he have been friends for years, and you get along. Or buy something of your own. Quin would help you, I'm sure. You could get a flat in London, perhaps. It would be convenient for you, too, if you wished to spend the night in town after going out in Diagon Alley."
"I already talked to Severus, Mum. He is not a man generally inclined to share his things, let alone his house, and I think it would hurt his feelings if I were to tell him now that the whole thing's off. Besides, I want to."
"Gareth . . . you aren't . . . you know I never interfere with your relationships..."
"You haven't been around to interfere with my relationships," Gareth pointed out, "so I don't know what you might decide to do in the future."
"I am simply concerned about you."
"I know. But there's nothing to be concerned about. You're the one who was always telling me I had to let go of my anger toward him."
"That was before you'd even met the man. And it hadn't to do with him; it was for your sake."
"And all that about allowing him a fresh start? Letting him go forward?" Gareth asked.
"It is still true. But a fresh start for him doesn't have to include your living with him."
"I'm not living with him, Mum! He's never there. That's what makes it ideal for us both."
"Then it wouldn't make any difference to either of you if you got a place of your own."
Gareth sighed. "I have to leave. He's expecting me at the gates in a few minutes, and I have to go upstairs and grab those samples I picked up."
Gertrude nodded. "I hope it works out for you, then."
"Thanks, Mum." He stood and bent to kiss her cheek.
"And have fun picking colours or whatever you're doing today," she added.
"Thanks. And if you see Melina, try to keep from sounding like a stiff old pureblood," Gareth said.
"What!?"
"It was beginning to sound like that the last argument I heard between the two of you," Gareth said. "Family tradition, Gamp estate, generations of Gamps, blah blah blah."
"I have tried to see things from her point-of-view, Gareth, but she was not as sympathetic to mine. I needed to be . . . clearer about my reasons for certain things. Besides, it may all become moot soon. And if it doesn't . . . well, I suppose that my presiding over the destruction of the estate would be preferable to having the family torn apart by some dispute over a few wards. Even if they are centuries old."
Gareth chuckled. "Give Quin and Alroy my best, and give Rosemary a kiss for me."
"I don't think Quin will be there this weekend, but I'll give Alroy and Rosemary your greetings."
"'Bye, Mum. I'll leave the data on top of everything on my desk. Send me an owl tonight, let me know how things are."
"I will."
"And work things out with Melina! You know you won't be happy until you do!" Gareth said as he hurried out of the kitchen.
Five minutes later, he landed outside the Hogwarts gates with a sharp snap. He grinned. Not late: Severus was just walking down the drive to the gates.
"Hey, Snape!" Gareth said when the wizard reached the gate and opened it. "Did you have something you wanted to do before we get to Spinner's End?"
Severus shook his head. "Later." He shut the gate, rattling it slightly to check it, then he reached out and took hold of Gareth's elbow. "I will Apparate us."
A moment later, Gareth was catching himself after the sudden Apparition. "I'd appreciate a bit more warning next time, mate."
"Best not to dawdle about, don't you agree?" Severus said as he walked up the cracked walk to the front door. When he reached it, he stopped and looked around. Not even a bird in sight. He nodded and unlocked the door, muttering a password as he did so.
"I hope you're not in a mood, too," Gareth said, tossing his satchel on the sofa.
"No more than usual, McGonagall. If that disturbs you, we can do this some time more convenient for us both."
"You are in a bad mood. What gives? Trouble with the lovely Hogwarts matron?"
Severus snorted. "Not everything has to do with that, you know. And I'm not in a bad mood. I am simply . . . irked by the circumstances."
Gareth frowned. After having defended his decision to rent Spinner's End, he didn't like Severus's tone. "If you didn't want to do it, if you've changed your mind about renting me the place, you should have just told me. An owl would have been sufficient. Saved us both some trouble."
"No, it is not that." Severus shook his head and removed his cloak, draping it over a chair. "It is nothing to do with you. I . . . I apologise if I gave that impression."
"It's all right. So what's up? It's not your romantic life, it's not me . . ." Gareth shrugged.
"It's the attacks on former Death Eaters and Voldemort sympathisers," Severus said. "I find I must take precautions."
"Have you been threatened, Severus?" Gareth asked, suddenly going cold.
"Not directly. Not yet. But it is possible. The Headmistress warned me of it earlier this week after she received a communication from Moody. It had already occurred to me that I might become a target if the vigilantes ran out of better ones." He sighed and sat down on the couch. "Better me than one of the Death Eaters' children."
Gareth took in Severus's blank expression and empty eyes, and he knew that the other wizard was thinking that this was his just dessert, and was perhaps even feeling some resignation at the thought. "Better that it be none of you," he said softly. "They'll catch whoever is doing this."
"If they are motivated sufficiently," Severus said cynically.
"There's no benefit to having some group of vigilantes running around taking the law into their own hands," Gareth began.
"Wasn't that what the Order of the Phoenix was doing?" Severus asked.
"Not really...it may have been what my dad wanted them to do, but they didn't. They did operate outside of the Ministry and likely broke a number of laws, but they didn't just hunt people down and attack them. Well, Dad did hunt some of them down. But he placed them under arrest. It might have actually shortened the war if they had done that, though," Gareth said. "But there's no call for this now. The war is over, the British wizarding world is recovering, and the people who have been attacked, as far as has been reported in the papers, have either been innocents falsely targeted or been people who have been given sentences that this group doesn't agree with."
"Lucius Malfoy was the most recent one."
"I thought he might have been when I saw that the victim lived in Leeds in a Muggle neighbourhood," Gareth said. "So is that why we met at the gates and not here?"
Severus nodded. "I doubt that there's any danger to me, or at least, I doubt that my Apparating from Hogwarts to Spinner's End and back would open me to any danger, but Poppy was worried about me, so I told her that I would Apparate with you rather than on my own."
"Should have said something in your note, Snape," Gareth said. "I would have been more prepared."
"I'll give you more warning the next time we Disapparate."
"No, I meant that I could have my wand drawn. Wouldn't do any good to you if someone jumped out at us and I was unprepared for it."
Severus snorted.
"I mean it, Snape. Seriously. Aunt Minerva isn't an alarmist. If there are some maniacs out there hunting down Death Eaters and Aunt Minerva thinks you might be next, you do need to be careful. I think that when we return, I should go first. Get to the gates and wait for you, ready if anyone is there..."
"Fine, McGonagall. If you wish. Let's just get to the business we're here for."
Gareth nodded and sat down next to Severus, pulling his satchel over and opening it. Severus paid somewhat distracted attention to the various colour palettes and ideas for new upholstery for the sofa and chairs until Gareth pulled out a swatch of fabric.
"That's pink. No pink. Or pastel."
"It's not pink, and it's not pastel. It's called . . . 'Dusky Starlight,'" Gareth replied, consulting the label. "Don't think of it as pink. Think of it as a kind of . . . greyish rosy colour."
"No pink."
Gareth laughed. "Okay, Snape. What about the rest?" He was surprised that Severus wasn't more interested in the decorating, but he supposed that worry about the attacks would be distracting.
"Fine. As I said before, anything you do will likely be an improvement. As long as it's not pink. We can always do a permanent colour-change charm and make everything white or black if your choices turn out to abominable. I need to show you the rest of the house. I have in mind which room you may use for your computer."
"The box room wouldn't..."
"I wouldn't put you in the box room," Severus said. "That's for rats and relics of the past. Come. You can see what you've bitten off, McGonagall, whilst you still have time to change your mind."
"That reminds me, Snape. We should have some kind of lease. Or contract."
"Don't trust me? Think I'll have you fix the place up and then kick you to the kerb?"
Gareth laughed loudly at that. "No, no, but you and I . . . our friendship has had its bumps. I don't want my having some use of your house to create any problems between us."
"You are correct. That had crossed my mind earlier in the week, but I haven't thought much about it since."
"I could draw something up . . ."
"If you wish," Severus said with a nod. "In the meantime, a handshake would suffice for me. I suggest that between now and the end of the school year, with the exception of my bedroom, you have free use of the entirety of the house, you pay the utilities from the first of April forward, and you keep track of your expenses in refurbishing the place. We will consider that rent, with credit toward the future. If I decide not to return to Hogwarts in the autumn, then I will reimburse you any credit you may still have."
"For a man who hasn't given it much thought, you seem to be fairly clear. How much rent are we talking?"
Severus shrugged. "I never use the place . . . I derive benefit from your presence when I am not here. Shall we say . . . four Galleons a month?"
"Four . . . ? But that's nothing!"
Severus shrugged again. "You will also be expending labour on the renovation, including house-elf labour. That will not be recompensed. If I do not return to Hogwarts in September and wish to have the house to myself, however, I am prepared to owe you for your expenses."
"But . . ."
"I think that we can discuss arrangements for the summer when we are closer to that point," Severus said, standing. "We will see if we can come to an agreement for those months. You did say that you could move your computer back to the O'Donalds' for the summer."
Gareth nodded. "Yes, I can do that. Thanks, Snape."
Severus shrugged. "Mutual benefit. And as you say, we are friends." Severus swallowed, and Gareth could see there was something else that he wished to say, but wasn't comfortable mentioning.
"Yes, we are, and I'm glad of it." Gareth grinned. "You add some zest to life, Snape, whatever else I might say about you. Thanks."
Severus nodded, still seeming on the verge of saying something.
"Did you want to show me the rest of the house now?"
Severus nodded. "Thanks, Gareth," he mumbled as he led him toward the kitchen.
"What for? You're the one doing me the favour, as I see it."
Severus's shoulders twitched. "I have had few people in my life whom I could call friends," he said softly. "I am trying to appreciate that. Even if I am still a moody bastard."
Gareth laughed and clapped Severus on the shoulder. "Not just moody, Snape, zesty. You add zest!"
NEXT
Chapter Seventy-Four: Glimpse the Snape Family Past
Saturday, 27 March 1999
Gareth sees the house, and more.
Rated T.
Characters: Gareth McGonagall, Severus Snape
Author's Note: As I've rearranged material and moved things around, I have changed the chapter names and numbers going forward. The chapter after 74 is "A Wizard Not to be Crossed," and 76 is "Present Danger." I hope you're enjoying Part Seven of A Long Vernal Season and continue to enjoy seeing where Severus's journey leads him. Thank you for your reviews!
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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.)