Chapter Eighty-Nine: A Cryptic Missive
Chapter 90 of 118
MMADfanSeverus receives a letter that annoys and perplexes him. ***Beginning of Part Nine***
Reviewed
PART NINE
Chapter Eighty-Nine: A Cryptic Missive
Tuesday, 30 March 1999
Severus picked up his coffee cup with his left hand as he used his quill in his right to make a large red X in the margin of a student's essay. He made a few comments in what he believed was a restrained fashion, then he set down his quill and picked up the second half of his turkey, bacon, and tomato sandwich. He was trying to catch up on the work he had planned to do the previous evening. He wanted to return these essays to the students before the Easter holiday, with some very small hope that perhaps if they read his comments on these essays, their holiday assignments would be less replete with error.
He had saved Jamie Brett's essay for last. It might leaven his bad mood if he read a competently written essay before stepping into the classroom again. He turned to Jamie's essay, picked up his sandwich with both hands, and was chewing and reading when there was a knock on the door. Still chewing, enjoying the contrasting flavours and textures of his sandwich, Severus waved his hand and opened the door.
"Professor Snape, can we talk for a minute?"
Severus nodded. "I have twenty minutes before class, Mr Newman, as do you."
Draco nodded and took a seat.
"I see that Auror Lupin returned you safely to the grounds," Severus said. Tonks had shown up during breakfast, spoken to him and the Headmistress, then taken Draco away with her.
"Yeah," Draco nodded and looked down, his long blond fringe falling to cover his face. "I don't know when I'll see them again, either of them. I don't even know where they're going."
"Your parents are being moved?"
"Somewhere they'll both be safe. Mother said that if they're still away when I leave Hogwarts, I can join them, but she said that I'd be better off starting my life without them."
"She is correct."
"I may never see them again."
"I am sorry." Severus did not know what more to say. "I am certain that you will find many avenues open to you upon leaving school. Have you considered an apprenticeship?"
Draco shook his head. "I don't know. I had a few ideas, but I didn't come here to talk about that. My father gave me this for you." He pulled an envelope from his school robe pocket and handed it to Severus.
"He said that he wished he could speak with you, but they're leaving today. Wherever it is they're going . . ."
"You will no longer need to worry about them now," Severus said.
"I suppose . . . Did you know that they questioned my mother about the attacks? For hours. They thought she might be a collaborator, and they even thought she might have attacked my father."
"But they let her go."
Draco nodded. "They didn't like her alibis. They weren't 'solid,' Mother said. But they still decided to let her go. Once there's another attack and she's in hiding, they'll know how wrong they were to suspect her. I don't know why they thought she could do it in the first place."
Severus shrugged. He couldn't repeat the details he knew about the attacks and the attacker. Without good alibis for the times of the attacks, he supposed that Narcissa might be a plausible suspect, though he doubted that she had committed them.
Draco stood. "I have to get my books for class."
"I will see you in class. Good afternoon, Mr Newman."
Draco stopped at the door. "By the way, Professor, Mother wanted me to remind you about that Muggle and his reward."
"We have not forgotten. When the moment is propitious, we will take care of it."
"Right. Just passing on the message."
When Draco had left, Severus sighed and looked down at the envelope from Malfoy. He didn't have time to read it just then...or at least, not to read it and digest it...so he put it in his pocket and picked up Brett's essay and read that until the chimes sounded announcing that the first afternoon class would begin in two minutes.
Finally, after a long afternoon, the last of the students left the Potions classroom, and Severus prepared to close up. As he stepped out the door, he heard light footsteps pattering down the stairs near the classroom. Suzie Sefton leapt into the corridor.
"Professor! Professor Snape!" She waved as she ran toward him.
"Miss Sefton. Do not run."
Suzie slowed to a trot and stopped in front of him, catching her breath.
"What requires such haste, Miss Sefton?"
Still panting, Suzie said, "You're having some sixth-years brewing tonight?"
Severus nodded, envisioning the sixth-years all brewing in a giant cauldron, bobbing about in a bubbling potion. He suppressed his smirk.
"Can I come, too?"
"You wish to join detention, Miss Sefton? What are your misdeeds?"
"Oh, is it a detention? I just want to try to brew the Forgetfulness Potion again. I don't know what I'm doing wrong."
"Miss Sefton, you have already brewed it twice."
"Four times," Suzie corrected. "I tried it twice on my own...Lettie was with me in case it blew up or something. But she didn't know what I'd done wrong, either."
"Four times was sufficient."
"But it wasn't right. You always say that with Potions, there's no 'almost right,'" Suzie said.
Severus shook his head. "Not tonight. I must supervise the sixth-year class. I will not have time for you." He suppressed a sigh. "Tomorrow. Immediately after dinner. I will be here at six-thirty. If you are not here then, I will leave."
"Thanks, Professor!" Suzie said brightly. "It's really frustrating..."
"Express your frustrations to some other person, Miss Sefton. I haven't the time for them. If you have a specific question about the potion, I will be in my office until dinner."
"Thanks, Professor!" Suzie called after him, undeterred in her enthusiasm.
"Good evening, Miss Sefton," Severus said as he walked down the corridor to his office.
Once in his office, Severus took Malfoy's letter from his pocket and quickly slit it open.
29 March 1999
Dear Severus,
Thank you for your assistance finding the Muggle who helped me escape the house. Narcissa and I both appreciate it.
Draco has probably told you that we will be going away for a while. I hope that we will be able to return soon, even if I also return to the Ministry's confinement, but if we cannot, I trust that you will continue to watch over Draco in our absence.
I have something that is weighing on my conscience, not something I did, but something I know, something someone else did. After the Dark Lord's first disappearance, I thought of it and dismissed its importance. Perhaps it is partially a result of our conversation last summer, but I have found that my conscience is becoming more sensitive, and now I think that I was wrong not to tell you this years ago. Now I find that I must leave and I may never have the opportunity to tell you what I know. If I should die, my son's solicitor has a letter that she will see delivered to you. If my absence from the wizarding world continues for more than two years, she will also deliver it to you. I hope, though, that I will be able to tell you in person. If I cannot, I hope that you will understand why I did not tell you back then. Times were different. We were different men.
I tell you this now to prepare you, and so that if you hear of my death, or if I never return, and you do not receive a letter, you will know to go to Madam Candace Terwilliger-Jones to retrieve your letter.
Live well, Severus.
Lucius A. Malfoy
Severus's brow furrowed as he read, and his frown of perplexity turned to a scowl by the time he reached the end of the letter. He cursed lightly under his breath. He did not appreciate Malfoy's cryptic letter. If the man had something to tell him, he should have just spit it out. If he preferred to tell him in person, he should simply have waited, and then left a letter with the solicitor if he felt he had to, but not written this annoyingly cryptic letter to him.
Whatever it was that Malfoy knew or thought he knew, it couldn't possibly have any bearing on his life, Severus was certain. He had gone through his life without knowing whatever it was; it certainly couldn't change anything, not something some unknown person had done more than seventeen years before.
Severus almost crumpled and banished the letter, but instead, he folded it and put it back in the envelope. He would show it to Poppy and get her impression of it. He hoped that he could see her later that evening, though they had made no specific plans. The sixth-year detention wouldn't go beyond half past eight if the students weren't even more incompetent than he anticipated. There should be time afterward to drop by the Hospital Wing and see Poppy.
Severus smiled. Their date may not have been what he'd planned, but it had turned out better than he had expected. The time that they had spent together after Poppy had returned was wonderful. He felt even closer to her after that evening, despite Minerva's interruption.
As they waited for the potion to cool, Severus had Transfigured the bench into a love seat again, and he had held her close as they talked. It had given him a warm, comfortable feeling when Poppy had even dozed off for a while, resting against his chest. He could certainly become used to spending his evenings with Poppy like that.
He was particularly glad now that he'd asked Johannes to send the red tulips on Thursday morning, when he and Poppy would have their private date. They seemed an appropriate way to start the day. He hoped that Poppy liked the flowers and their implication. If she didn't say anything about them, he would know that the sentiment was too much too soon. He hoped that it wouldn't scare her off, though.
He still had to speak to Flitwick about the guest suite, but he would do that after the sixth-years' detention. He had already distributed the memo setting the staff meeting to ten o'clock rather than eleven. When Minerva had asked about it, he had just said that it seemed to make sense to have it as soon as he, Hagrid, and Rath had returned from escorting the students to the train. Laura and David Manning had agreed to take the train with the students, and there would be eight Aurors and Hit-Wizards on the train and another four waiting in London, checking the platform before the students arrived. He didn't think he had to worry about any plans for Thursday, either personal or professional. Poppy had insisted on seeing to lunch, since he had hosted dinner on Sunday.
Severus didn't allow himself to feel too sanguine about their plans. He knew too well the vicissitudes of fate. The best, most carefully laid plans could fall apart or go sour with the introduction of one random element. Nonetheless, he allowed himself to look forward to Thursday. He and Poppy would meet at the guest room after the staff meeting, they would talk, have lunch, and then have the afternoon together. He smiled . . . a nice, long, undisturbed afternoon with Poppy, and it seemed that she agreed that avoiding the physical side of their relationship wasn't necessary and that she understood that that wasn't all he wanted from her.
The Great Hall seemed even noisier than usual that evening, the cavernous room echoing with the students' excitement about the impending holiday. Severus was certain that over the next two days, he'd have even less of their attention than usual. He hoped that they didn't blow up the classroom in their inattention.
Poppy entered the Hall after he had already taken his seat, and rather than going directly to her own chair, she continued up to see him.
"Good evening, Professor Snape," she said with a bright smile.
"Good evening, Madam Pomfrey."
"I wanted to tell you that I just finished examining each of the students who suffered the Mackled Malaclaw bites, and it does appear that your new potion was even more efficacious than the standard, so I administered a half dose to the other student who had been bitten multiple times and was more severely affected, and a quarter dose to the others. They seem fine now. In fact, I would almost dare say that the students with the more minor injuries have been completely cured."
"Thank you for informing me, Madam Pomfrey. I have begun a memo to Murdoch McGonagall describing the potion and its effects. I would appreciate it if you could give me more specific details of the students' conditions before and after administering the potion so that I may include them in my report."
Poppy nodded. "I can bring them down to you this evening...you're giving a detention after dinner?" At Severus's nod, she said, "I'll bring them down to you in your classroom, then, perhaps toward the end of their detention...eight?"
"I anticipate there will be at least a few students there until almost half past," Severus replied.
"Okay, I will come down a bit before that, then."
"I look forward to speaking with you about it. I also have something I wish your opinion on, if you have time to read it."
Poppy smiled. "Of course."
After Poppy had gone down to her own place at the table, Albus leaned over and said, "It was nice that Poppy could help you with the potion yesterday."
"She provided competent assistance," Severus replied neutrally, adding more butter to his mashed potatoes.
Albus grinned. "Did she? That is good to hear...perhaps her competence has improved over the years?"
Severus grunted, but then, wishing to give Poppy her due, he added, "My evaluation of her competence has improved."
"I hope that you told her that, my boy. I believe she was somewhat put out when she first learned your opinion of her skills."
Severus scowled and didn't reply.
"Did you have a good time, then?" Albus asked, a smile on his face.
"Brewing potions for nitwits who've got themselves bitten by Mackled Malaclaws is not my definition of a good time, Dumbledore. However," he added, "it was not as onerous as it might have been."
"Pomona told me that she received an owl from Johannes this morning with instructions on the proper care of the new hybrids," Minerva said, breaking in. "Did you give her the plants?"
Severus nodded, his mouth full. After he swallowed, he said, "Just before lunch. She mentioned she got the letter."
"You and Johannes seemed to be getting along quite well last night," Albus said. "And Minerva, you should have seen Eoghan with him! I think that the boy has developed quite a liking for Severus. A bit of hero worship, I'd say."
Severus rolled his eyes, but didn't say anything.
"That's nice," Minerva replied. "I'd actually like to see the two of you together, myself, Severus, since I've often thought Eoghan resembles you more than one might expect, given the degree of your relationship. It would be interesting to see how much he takes after you."
"Poor boy," Severus said. "He does seem to have acceptable manners, however, and he does not appear to be a dunderhead. Your grandmother and Johannes have done well with him."
"It's good you think so, Severus," Albus said teasingly, "since he will be starting at Hogwarts in the autumn."
"He'll be corrupted, then," Severus grumped. "He'll be unrecognisable by Christmas."
"Albus, do quit teasing Severus. Severus, don't be so prickly. You are like two little children yourselves sometimes, and I haven't the humour for it this evening," Minerva said softly. In a more normal tone, she said, "I would like to meet with you at your earliest convenience, Severus, to go over the agenda for the Thursday staff meeting. I have an item to add."
"What is it?" Severus asked.
"The matter that we discussed last week. I plan to present my proposal to the Board of Governors meeting next week, and I wish to discuss it with the entire staff first."
"You mean..." Severus looked around and lowered his voice. "You mean the proposal with the additional dormitory?"
Minerva nodded. "I want to go over it with you in detail before the staff meeting. When would you be available?"
"Ah . . . tomorrow evening I am tutoring a student who requires additional brewing time, but perhaps after that."
"Tutoring or detention?" Minerva asked with a smirk. "Or is 'tutoring' your new euphemism for detention?"
Severus snorted. "More the other way around. No, Sefton has been unable to brew the Forgetfulness Potion satisfactorily, and she requested another opportunity to do so before the holiday. I told her I would meet her at half six, though, and I do not anticipate requiring more than an hour for that, and likely somewhat less."
"Shall we say eight o'clock, then?" Minerva suggested.
Severus nodded. "It might actually be a good idea to include the other Heads of House in the meeting. Better than to have this come out of the blue at them," Severus said. "It is somewhat radical, after all."
Vector on his other side looked over at Minerva. "Do I understand that this week's staff meeting will be less routine than usual?"
"Perhaps," Minerva replied, "but do not mention it to anyone else beforehand."
Vector nodded before she stood and pushed in her chair. "I have my own detention to supervise now...there is apparently a new novel out recently by Maximilian Powers, and I had to confiscate it from one of my fifth-years who was reading it during class." She frowned. "I actually think that fifth-years are too young to be reading books like that."
"It's one of the Nero Newcastle novels," Albus chimed in. "They're not as . . . adult as the Trajan Tyne novels."
"Hmph. I haven't read them," Vector said, "only the first Trajan Tyne novel years ago, so I'll trust your judgment on that, Albus."
"He's read them all," Minerva said, rolling her eyes. "Though he claims to have no interest in them, of course."
Severus smirked and Vector laughed.
"Perhaps I can borrow some of them, then," Vector said. "They might be good reading over the holiday."
Albus nodded. "I'll put together the first few in each series for you. I think you'll enjoy them."
"All signed by the author, I expect?" Vector asked.
"Naturally!" Albus said. "Knowing both the author and the publisher does have a few perks that go with it!"
So that was how McGonagall had got him an advance copy of the Nero Newcastle novel that had been released before Christmas, Severus thought...Gareth probably knew the publisher through his uncle. After two years with no new Maximilian Powers books out, it seemed the author was making up for lost time, since there was another due out in May. Severus supposed that perhaps Powers had still been writing them, but just hadn't published them until now. He would have to stop at a bookshop and pick up a copy of the new one when it came out. Or order it, since he doubted he'd be in a bookshop for a while.
Detention with the sixth-years actually went fairly smoothly, to Severus's surprise, with most of the students brewing acceptable potions. Severus supposed that it really was more like a tutoring session than a detention, but since it was mandatory and he was certain that the students would all prefer to be elsewhere...and it was their own fault that they were there, since they didn't seem to read directions...calling it a detention was more apt. Perhaps in the future, they would be better prepared and more careful in class.
He was just overseeing the students cleaning the classroom after the brewing when Poppy arrived.
"Madam Pomfrey," Severus said with a nod. "I shall be free in a few minutes."
Poppy nodded and walked up to stand beside him. "I wrote up a separate set of notes for you, Professor, taking out all the students' names, but adding details I thought would be of interest to a Potions master."
"Very good. We can review them shortly."
A minute later, Severus was shooing the students out of the classroom. He closed the door and warded it behind them, then he turned and smiled at Poppy.
Author's Note: I've started posting a new little story, Draco's Heart, to the Petulant Poetess. It's a short fic with short chapters, and it's a companion fic to A Long Vernal Season. It opens in spring 1999, not many weeks after this one here.
Story Actions
To follow, favorite, like, and more either log in or create an account.
Leave a Review
Log in to leave a review.
Latest 25 Reviews for A Long Vernal Season
1058 Reviews | 7.24/10 Average
OMG! How did I miss these last two chapters? Totally wonderful! I'm so in love with Severus and Poppy, I hope it works out for them, I'm worried about Gertrude's attack getting in the way of their happiness, Severys should really talk to Poppy about it and clear the air, I'm sure Gertrude wouldn't mind talking to her as well and explaining she's forgiven him. I'm also so curious about Poppy's middle name! I' suspicious of Gwen bein the vigilante although Severus doesn't think her capable of it, I'm dying to know whow it is and why she's doing it. Are Gertrude and Quin together now? I thought I saw a gleam of something there. Please, tell us soon! I read you haven't forgotten about this fic or any of your other WIPs so I'm hoping for an update in the near future, if live allows. Thanks!
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
Hi! How lovely to see your name again! :) I'm glad you enjoyed those last two chapters -- though they won't be the last ones, I do hope! I am planning to pick up my WIPs very soon. I've written a couple short fics recently (for Minerva Fest and for the HoggyWarty Christmas exchange), so that kind of helped grease the fanfic cogs a bit. So many (astute!) questions -- but you'll have to wait for the answers!Thank you so much for sticking with the stories! It's very encouraging to know there are still a few folks looking forward to more chapters. :-)
Response from doralupin87 (Reviewer)
Hi! I'm glad to see you are back in fanfiction again and I do hope the cogs are all greased up and ready to go! I've been waiting (patiently!) for an update to this story and to Charming The Scottish Garden, I do love me some Johannes and Siofre! Oh! So, my questions are good? That means I might be onto something, although you did give me a little preview that Gertrude would have a new man in her life, you didn't say who it was, so I think Quin might be a good choice just because they seem connected, although I don't remember quite well if they are related or not. I don't know how much I'll like Trudie with someone other than Malcolm but since you'll be writing it I'm sure I love it, you have this way of making me fall for the craziest couples like Severus and Poppy, never in a million years would I have liked them together if it weren't for your story. Anyway, I look forward to any updates you post. Thanks for coming back, I hope life is good to you :)
OMG. I love these two. Poppy and Serverus are sooooo cute. Please update soon. I want to know what happened to Severus'sbparents and how will Serverus react when Gertrude comes to Hogwarts to teach???
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
Hi,
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
! I'm sorry it's taken so long to respond to your comment. I really appreciate your review. I am coming back to fanfic after a longish hiatus, and I hope to update all of my WIPs very soon. (Some of what went on with Severus's parents can be glimpsed in "Charming the Scottish Garden," which is set in the late 50s and focusses on Siofre and Johannes. You don't have to read that story to enjoy LVS, though.) Thanks very much for your review! I do hope to post a new chapter of Long Vernal Season within the next couple of weeks.
Im glad i chose to read this chapter last before going to bed. It's raining outside my window now which makes it even easier to imagine the scene you've set before us. I love that Severus and Poppy are moving forward with their relationshp and growing more comfortable with each other. And who wouldn't wanna be snuggled up with the one they love when it's raining outside? Sigh. LOVED IT!!
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
Thanks! It's good to write a relationship that's progressing.I'm glad you liked the rainy seaside snuggling! :-)
It's a lovely story. I look forward to new installments.
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
Thank you very much, Dorit!The next chapter is underway, though slowly. I'm glad to know you're looking forward to it! 
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
Thank you very much, Dorit!The next chapter is underway, though slowly. I'm glad to know you're looking forward to it!
Yay, an update!!I loved the interaction with Siofre, Poppy, and Severus in this chapter. I think Siofre is trying, in her own way, to make Severus feel welcomed on the estate and I think it was great that she gave them each a charm so they could Apparate. And the surprise with the flowers and the note at the cottage was perfect. I loved it and I think my heart melted with Poppy's. lol
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
Siofre is trying to make Severus feel welcome, as you say, and to let him know that he is both safe and trusted there. It's a bit of an unusual circumstance for him.Poppy's heart sure did melt -- I think Severus should be very happy about that! :-)Thanks for the review! (I'm hoping for another soonish, but I'm working on CSG at the moment -- it's kinda fun writing Siofre at these two different points in time.)
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
Siofre is trying to make Severus feel welcome, as you say, and to let him know that he is both safe and trusted there. It's a bit of an unusual circumstance for him.Poppy's heart sure did melt -- I think Severus should be very happy about that! :-)Thanks for the review! (I'm hoping for another soonish, but I'm working on CSG at the moment -- it's kinda fun writing Siofre at these two different points in time.)
I was so thrilled to see you posted another chapter! Glad to hear that the writing bug has bitten you again and hope you are well.
Regarding this chapter I found your ideas about arithmantic charms fascinating; what a creative mind you have! Severus bringing up procreation was funny and interesting. I had assumed Poppy was past her childbearing years. As always, looking forward to more.
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
Thanks,
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
! Glad you liked the Arithmantic charms -- it was fun to be able to work them in here and show Gareth practicing his specialization. I figure that with much longer lifespans than Muggles, witches have correspondingly longer procreative years, although it would be a rare thing for a witch past a certain age to actually have a child, both due to a decline in fertility w/o recourse to potions and to personal choice. You may remember that in Death's Dominion, Severus didn't automatically realise that Gareth was Gertrude's son because, as he remarked later to Hermione, she was pretty old when she had him, unusually so (67 yrs old). So Poppy continues to take contraceptive potion on the off-chance that she might become pregnant even without any fertility potions. It's good to be back with my characters and stories again -- I've missed them! I've also just missed having the mental and emotional space to write; it's good to have RL calming down a bit! I'm glad to see you're still around, too! It's been a while!
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
Thanks,
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
! Glad you liked the Arithmantic charms -- it was fun to be able to work them in here and show Gareth practicing his specialization. I figure that with much longer lifespans than Muggles, witches have correspondingly longer procreative years, although it would be a rare thing for a witch past a certain age to actually have a child, both due to a decline in fertility w/o recourse to potions and to personal choice. You may remember that in Death's Dominion, Severus didn't automatically realise that Gareth was Gertrude's son because, as he remarked later to Hermione, she was pretty old when she had him, unusually so (67 yrs old). So Poppy continues to take contraceptive potion on the off-chance that she might become pregnant even without any fertility potions. It's good to be back with my characters and stories again -- I've missed them! I've also just missed having the mental and emotional space to write; it's good to have RL calming down a bit! I'm glad to see you're still around, too! It's been a while!
Loved it! I thought Severus was about to propose! You're killing me. 
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
Hiya,
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
! I'm glad it didn't kill you, since then you'd miss the rest of the story! haha! 
I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter! It was really fun to get back to the story.Thanks very much! 
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
Hiya,
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
! I'm glad it didn't kill you, since then you'd miss the rest of the story! haha! I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter! It was really fun to get back to the story.Thanks very much!
This is the first time she said it, isn't it?Oh, that's wonderful :) glad you're back again!
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
Indeed it is!It's good to see you -- I'm glad I'm back again, too!
Response from herby (Reviewer)
Oh, I forgot: Congrats on 2nd place! :)
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
Thank you!
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
Indeed it is!It's good to see you -- I'm glad I'm back again, too!
Response from herby (Reviewer)
Oh, I forgot: Congrats on 2nd place! :)
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
Thank you!
When will your next updaate be?
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
Hi,
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
! I'm not sure. October was a really hard month, so I wasn't able to write for the last few weeks, and November is looking a bit better, but I'm trying to get myself back on track with things before I can write. I'm glad you're still following the story! :-) Thanks for staying in touch with it even if it's been a bit skimpy in updates recently.
Response from BitBit (Reviewer)
Sorry you've been having a hard time! Don't worry, I LOVE this story. Can't wait!
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
Hi,
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
! I'm not sure. October was a really hard month, so I wasn't able to write for the last few weeks, and November is looking a bit better, but I'm trying to get myself back on track with things before I can write. I'm glad you're still following the story! :-) Thanks for staying in touch with it even if it's been a bit skimpy in updates recently.
Response from BitBit (Reviewer)
Sorry you've been having a hard time! Don't worry, I LOVE this story. Can't wait!
I can't wait to hear what happens next! Hope to see the next chapter soon!
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
Hi,
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
! It's in the works -- it's been a really tough month, so little energy for writing, but I'm trying to plug away. Thanks for dropping me a note! I always enjoy hearing from readers who are enjoying the story. It's very encouraging.
Response from Applebee545 (Reviewer)
So happy to hear that!! Your welcome and can't wait to see it! :)
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
Hi,
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
! It's in the works -- it's been a really tough month, so little energy for writing, but I'm trying to plug away. Thanks for dropping me a note! I always enjoy hearing from readers who are enjoying the story. It's very encouraging.
Response from Applebee545 (Reviewer)
So happy to hear that!! Your welcome and can't wait to see it! :)
First off let me just say I love this story, very creative, but come on! You're driving me insane! Please just marry them already it would be adorable! And Severus talking about children- I almost fainted! Can Poppy still have children? Anywyas, I can't wait for your next update! 
Response from BitBit (Reviewer)
Oh and when will you tell us Poppy's middle name, that whole thing is hilarious!
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
I'm glad you love the story! There's more to go -- mysteries to solve & all that -- and I hope you enjoy that, as well. :-)Witches can continue to have children a few decades longer than Muggle women, though in the last decade or two, they may need a bit of help from potions. Gertrude had Gareth when she was 67 with a bit of help from potions -- and because Malcolm really wanted a child with her. There are actually hints to the reader as to what Poppy's middle name might be -- in the title of the story (though that also expresses what Severus is experiencing throughout the story), in Firenze's prediction back in Part 2, and in Aine's prediction a little while back.Thanks for the review! I might try to write a bit on LVS today.
Response from BitBit (Reviewer)
Oh and when will you tell us Poppy's middle name, that whole thing is hilarious!
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
I'm glad you love the story! There's more to go -- mysteries to solve & all that -- and I hope you enjoy that, as well. :-)Witches can continue to have children a few decades longer than Muggle women, though in the last decade or two, they may need a bit of help from potions. Gertrude had Gareth when she was 67 with a bit of help from potions -- and because Malcolm really wanted a child with her. There are actually hints to the reader as to what Poppy's middle name might be -- in the title of the story (though that also expresses what Severus is experiencing throughout the story), in Firenze's prediction back in Part 2, and in Aine's prediction a little while back.Thanks for the review! I might try to write a bit on LVS today.
Another awesome chapter to the story, woo hoo.Loved the "procreation" bit of the chapter. I can't believe Severus went there, teehee. And poor Poppy ... that must have caught her off guard. Cracks me up. And I'm dying to know more about the letters!!!Update soon.
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
Yep, that certainly did catch Poppy off-guard! Glad it gave you a giggle!We'll get to the letters, never fear! Thanks! Glad you liked it. 
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
Yep, that certainly did catch Poppy off-guard! Glad it gave you a giggle!We'll get to the letters, never fear! Thanks! Glad you liked it.
Woah! That's a teaser! I am DIEING to know what the letters say! Awesome way to set the chappie up. I loved the nudges - and I won't say more on that. I am most interested in all the explanations of Arithmancy - a lot of your ideas about magic give me ideas on how to work around my ideas of magic, if that makes any sense. You and Squibby both have great scientific ideas in relationships with magic - and I just love to read how they weave together. As I grow older, I am learning - everything in this world - living, dead or otherwise, even history, is interwoven into nearly everything else. Almost every act and every creature has a direct affect on the rest of the world if you travel along the path long enough. I find this interweaving so facinating.Bla bla bla, enough of my rambling - an excellent suspense chapter - has me chomping at the bit to find out WHAT is going on with Severus' parents!And, was I misreading, but is Poppy a tad uncertain about Sevy here? She doesn't seem as relaxed and confident as usual.
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
You'll find out a bit more about what the letters say in the next chapter, but not everything until Severus reads them. It ties in with a lot of bits and pieces we've been gleaning about Severus's parents since Part One, as well as tying into what we learn about Eileen & her father in Charming the Scottish Garden -- there will be a bit of a recap of that in LVS for Severus's sake (and for readers who aren't reading the late 50s, early 60s CSG fic).Poppy isn't uncertain, though she does show hesitation in a couple spots. Naturally, she was a bit taken aback with the sudden mention of procreation! lol! But her other hesitancy has a reason for it, which will come out in the next chapter. No big deal, though.
Response from Fishy (Reviewer)
I was thining she might be a tad threatened by Gareth, since Severus has told her of a more friendly relationship that they had - thought she might have some doubts. I certainly have to get back into CSG, that's for sure - I've forgotten a great deal.
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
No, she's not. Gareth just dominates the conversation here a bit. As he is quite capable of doing! lol!
Response from Fishy (Reviewer)
HAHA! Some of us are like that, especially when you get us on a subject we love. Gareth has good company - is all I'm gonna say! *grins* 
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
You'll find out a bit more about what the letters say in the next chapter, but not everything until Severus reads them. It ties in with a lot of bits and pieces we've been gleaning about Severus's parents since Part One, as well as tying into what we learn about Eileen & her father in Charming the Scottish Garden -- there will be a bit of a recap of that in LVS for Severus's sake (and for readers who aren't reading the late 50s, early 60s CSG fic).Poppy isn't uncertain, though she does show hesitation in a couple spots. Naturally, she was a bit taken aback with the sudden mention of procreation! lol! But her other hesitancy has a reason for it, which will come out in the next chapter. No big deal, though.
Response from Fishy (Reviewer)
I was thining she might be a tad threatened by Gareth, since Severus has told her of a more friendly relationship that they had - thought she might have some doubts. I certainly have to get back into CSG, that's for sure - I've forgotten a great deal.
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
No, she's not. Gareth just dominates the conversation here a bit. As he is quite capable of doing! lol!
Response from Fishy (Reviewer)
HAHA! Some of us are like that, especially when you get us on a subject we love. Gareth has good company - is all I'm gonna say! *grins*
I enjoyed the exploration of Arithmancy and its many applications in the wizarding world. It must be a lot of fun to take canonical concepts and expand on them in such an interesting way.Poor Severus had a bit of a slip there! Procreation?
He's certainly blunt about his intentions toward Poppy in that bit. He can't have had much of a love life in the past, though, so enjoyable sex must be something new to him, as well as someone who reciprocates his love for her. It's lovely to see him have a second chance at love as well as life. I always love to see Gareth and his relationship with Snape, particularly their banter. They've come a long way from their first hostile meeting in DD, that's for sure!It was a lot of fun to see Angus Og make a little cameo at the end of the chapter, especially now that I know he's the Celtic god of love. A suitable entity for Severus to call on, certainly.
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
It is fun to play with magic in the stories. I enjoy trying to systemetize it while still keeping it magical and a bit mysterious. (Heck, a lot mysterious in most cases, since it's magic! ) I see basic Arithmancy as a bit like symbolic logic combined with physics, and advanced Arithmancy like theoretical physics plus its practical application in creating effects in the world, not just describing it, so rather well differentiated from "Muggle" numerology, in which everything is reduced to numbers. In my version of magical Arithmancy, other symbols are used to, and they can mean different things and have different "powers" depending upon their juxtaposition with other symbols, whether numeric or otherwise. Yep, I have spent far too much time contemplating a wholly imaginary magical system! lol!Severus did have a little slip that showed Poppy the general direction of his intentions, didn't he?Yes, good ol' Angus Og. Minerva has been using terms from Celtic myths & legends this year for her passwords, and she's particularly fond of that one because of the story her brother Malcolm told her about Angus Og.Glad you enjoyed the chapter!
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
It is fun to play with magic in the stories. I enjoy trying to systemetize it while still keeping it magical and a bit mysterious. (Heck, a lot mysterious in most cases, since it's magic! ) I see basic Arithmancy as a bit like symbolic logic combined with physics, and advanced Arithmancy like theoretical physics plus its practical application in creating effects in the world, not just describing it, so rather well differentiated from "Muggle" numerology, in which everything is reduced to numbers. In my version of magical Arithmancy, other symbols are used to, and they can mean different things and have different "powers" depending upon their juxtaposition with other symbols, whether numeric or otherwise. Yep, I have spent far too much time contemplating a wholly imaginary magical system! lol!Severus did have a little slip that showed Poppy the general direction of his intentions, didn't he?Yes, good ol' Angus Og. Minerva has been using terms from Celtic myths & legends this year for her passwords, and she's particularly fond of that one because of the story her brother Malcolm told her about Angus Og.Glad you enjoyed the chapter!
Welcome, Welcome back! I have so enjoyed your stories. I am currently rereading this one to again familiarize myself with the 'danglimg plot clues.' I must admit to a secret desire... Would truly love to see you get the Potions Master into a kilt. Full Scottish.regalia would be even better! Thank You again for taking the time to dream and compose a follow-on tale for the Professor.
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
Hello, Sehkmet! (Love your name!) Yes, there are a very many dangling clues in this story, and they are going to begin to gradually come together. I'm very glad that you're enjoying the story. :-)Severus in a kilt? Hmmm, must think about how to achieve that one . . . maybe in a side-story. Could make for some fun. Naturally, it couldn't be of his own accord. Bad bet with Gareth, perhaps? The possibilities abound!Thank you very much for your kind words! It's especially encouraging coming back from a longish hiatus.Have fun with the reread! 
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
Hello, Sehkmet! (Love your name!) Yes, there are a very many dangling clues in this story, and they are going to begin to gradually come together. I'm very glad that you're enjoying the story. :-)Severus in a kilt? Hmmm, must think about how to achieve that one . . . maybe in a side-story. Could make for some fun. Naturally, it couldn't be of his own accord. Bad bet with Gareth, perhaps? The possibilities abound!Thank you very much for your kind words! It's especially encouraging coming back from a longish hiatus.Have fun with the reread!
It was interesting to see Alastor again here. He seems to be on slightly better terms with Snape, although their relationship is certainly a tense one. They're both intense figures who can hold grudges. Burns certainly sounds like a suspect! I'm interested to see where questioning her leads. She doesn't seem to understand that not all Slytherins are as bad as Polyphemus and the toe-rag (in the immortal words of Minerva McGonagall) were.I hope the vigilante is caught soon, especially now that someone has died as a result of her actions. The use of the Conruptus spell is a truly disturbed touch, especially combined with the "diseased flesh" rhetoric. I'd certainly be wary if I was a crook and had Mad-Eye Moody on my tail!
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
Moody is trying to be conciliatory to Snape, but Moody doesn't do conciliatory very well, and Snape isn't the most forgiving soul. Considering their personalities and their histories, they're actually getting along pretty well now! lol!Yep, the vigilante's choice of hexes is particularly nasty. "Disturbed" is a good word for it.I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter.
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
Moody is trying to be conciliatory to Snape, but Moody doesn't do conciliatory very well, and Snape isn't the most forgiving soul. Considering their personalities and their histories, they're actually getting along pretty well now! lol!Yep, the vigilante's choice of hexes is particularly nasty. "Disturbed" is a good word for it.I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter.
I will put a £ on Burns, can't wait so learn if I am right.
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
I'll make a note of that!
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
I'll make a note of that!
Seems like forever since we've had an update so I'm very happy to see one now. I'm very pleased Poppy rushed home to be with Severus after the attack. I think these two are just adorable (don't tell Snape I said that) and for her to endure the wrath of her friends upon coming home early ... I think Severus better really appreciate her gesture. And the bit about Minerva and Gertie before they became friends ... awesome. I love how all your stories tie in together. Can't stand Moody, though that's probably b/c you've written him so well. haha.Hope you'll update again soon!!CFP,the GLM
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
Yeah, Moody can be pretty abrasive, and since Snape still doesn't like him, that comes through here.I'm sure that Severus both appreciates the gesture and regrets it -- since it raised questions in her friends' minds about why she would leave -- but on the whole, he is very glad she's back, and he's glad that she is willing to leave her friends when she believes he needs her, and that she is willing to be put in an awkward position to do it.I'm working on "Stray" at the moment. It's a bit weird to switch back and forth between "Stray" and LVS, but sometimes I write on one, sometimes the other. It's easier when I'm writing two RaMverse fics because, as you say, the stories all tie together, but "Stray" is not set in the RaMverse and it has a canon-compliant (pretty much) Snape, not the more reformed Snape of the RaMverse.
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
Yeah, Moody can be pretty abrasive, and since Snape still doesn't like him, that comes through here.I'm sure that Severus both appreciates the gesture and regrets it -- since it raised questions in her friends' minds about why she would leave -- but on the whole, he is very glad she's back, and he's glad that she is willing to leave her friends when she believes he needs her, and that she is willing to be put in an awkward position to do it.I'm working on "Stray" at the moment. It's a bit weird to switch back and forth between "Stray" and LVS, but sometimes I write on one, sometimes the other. It's easier when I'm writing two RaMverse fics because, as you say, the stories all tie together, but "Stray" is not set in the RaMverse and it has a canon-compliant (pretty much) Snape, not the more reformed Snape of the RaMverse.
*snip*“He’s dead. Died an hour or so after reaching St. Mungo’s. Poor sod didn’t have a chance. It was another Conruptus, but this one hit his abdomen, practically dead centre. The damage was extensive. Even if he’d been found right away, the Healers say his chances of surviving such a bad hit were close to nil. Looks like his wife has a good chance of pulling through. She was hit second, and she’d turned to shield her children. The youngest was in her arms.” Moody’s cheek twitched, and his natural eye blinked. He swallowed and shifted in his chair, his claw-foot scraping against the stone floor. *snip*Awwwwwwwwwwwwww - is that Alastor nearly getting choked up???? AWWWWWWWWWWWWWW! I wuvs my Alastor! 
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
Yeah, just a bit! I know you love your Alastor!
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
Yeah, just a bit! I know you love your Alastor!
Two witches, managing their men... both very skillfully.
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
Sometimes necessary!
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
Sometimes necessary!
Poor Poppy. It's a miserable feeling to constantly watch out for someone else at a party, making sure they're enjoying themselves or at least not unhappy.
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
If Poppy had any clue that Severus is particularly uncomfortable with Gertrude, then she'd be even more worried about that, but she is certainly drawn from her enjoyment of the party during her initial worries that Severus is unhappy. Fortunately, that improves, because, as you say, it can be miserable to constantly be watching to see if someone is enjoying themselves! You can't enjoy the party yourself.
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
If Poppy had any clue that Severus is particularly uncomfortable with Gertrude, then she'd be even more worried about that, but she is certainly drawn from her enjoyment of the party during her initial worries that Severus is unhappy. Fortunately, that improves, because, as you say, it can be miserable to constantly be watching to see if someone is enjoying themselves! You can't enjoy the party yourself.
Ha! Panacea - I knew it. The contrast between how the three of them approached the door-riddle was perfect. Flitwick loving the challenge, Poppy game for it but seemingly unconcerned about failing, and Severus annoyed at the inconvienience and protective of his dignity.And the contrast between the way Severus and Poppy viewed her younger self was sweet, too. She's still a bit worried and insecure about their age difference, and he's so in love with her that he considers any Pre-Sev version as simply Poppy-in-development.
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
Panacea is definitely a good one to add to the list!Glad you enjoyed the different perspectives!
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
Panacea is definitely a good one to add to the list!Glad you enjoyed the different perspectives!
I'm so glad he got that off his chest! And that Poppy took it well. It's a good thing she's both mature and has a real generosity of spirit, otherwise his habit of blurting things out could get him into deep trouble. And this time they were only cuddling, not even post-coital. LOL.
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
That was a big blurt, too! Fortunately, Poppy also has learned to try to digest something that surprises her before blurting something herself. lol!Severus is trying to behave differently with Poppy and be as open with her as possible (though he's still hiding some big secrets from her), and he's unfortunately going to an extreme in his honesty. Still, his instincts are basically right; he's just not very good at timing or wording yet, to say the least!
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
That was a big blurt, too! Fortunately, Poppy also has learned to try to digest something that surprises her before blurting something herself. lol!Severus is trying to behave differently with Poppy and be as open with her as possible (though he's still hiding some big secrets from her), and he's unfortunately going to an extreme in his honesty. Still, his instincts are basically right; he's just not very good at timing or wording yet, to say the least!
Anonymous
Sorry if this is a short one - I just wanted to let you know how happy I was about the update, and how much I liked it.
Poor Severus, to have to meet that Gwen person - but it's only natural, of course, that this will happen to him now and then. And I nearly had forgotten about the attacks. I'm getting more and more curious about their origin!
Author's Response: Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it. It has been so long since I've updated on a regular basis, it's not surprising you had forgotten about the attacks. I hope to update at least twice a month from now on -- barring major disruptions in RL.
Thanks again!
What a lovely fun chapter! I'm so happy and excited to be reading a new chapter of this story. I so adore your Severus and how he's come to interact with the others in such a friendly way. Reading about dueling parctice was fun - I think I've said it before but I vastly enjoy your creative use and explanations of magic. Charms, Transfiguration, Jinxes, spells, intention, all of it actually seems to make sense in a way that I could actually use it (if I were a witch and if magic actually existed.) You make it so real, so effortless, such a part of the way of things -- it's like watching Fred Astaire dance... effortless - we all think we could actually do that. Seeing how Madam Fuller reacted to the situation makes me appreciate Poppy all the more. I loved Melina oblivating her - what a surprising and fun moment. I can just imagine the look on Severus' face and the conspiriatorial comradery he'll now feel with Melina. Hope there will be more to this story soon. Thank you for your creativity and hard work.
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
Thank you very much for the review,
Response from MMADfan (Author of A Long Vernal Season)
! I am very glad you enjoyed it.If you ever wake up to discover yourself a witch in the middle of the HP universe, you can put your knowledge of magic to work! lol! (And not go trying untested zero-g charms on people!) I'm glad you like the magic. It is fun to construct. I had a particularly good time with Flitwick's hyperbaric treatment, although the details of it weren't sketched out here.Glad you enjoyed Melina's little surprise at the end of the chapter!Thanks again for your review and for returning to the story after such a long hiatus. Hopefully, the next chapter won't be so long in coming! (I'm working on a novella-length Hooch fic at the moment, and I'm trying to get that finished sometime this week. We'll see! Keep an eye out for that one. It's not RaMverse, though -- Snape's in it, and he's our canon Potions master.)