Chapter Ninety-Five: Afternoon Games
Chapter 96 of 118
MMADfanSeverus answers Gareth's owl, and he and Poppy continue their game.
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Chapter Ninety-Five: Afternoon Games
Thursday, 1 April 1999
Severus began to read the letter as Poppy snuggled back down under the covers, one hand resting on his bare chest.
1 April 1999
Snape,
You mentioned that we might get together this week. Or maybe I did. One of us came up with this brilliant idea, anyway. The Hogwarts holiday has started, and I sent Hermione off to her parents' this afternoon after lunch, so what do you say we start the holiday tonight with a drink or three?
I have to go to the Ministry later this afternoon, but I'll be back this evening. Meet me at the gates? 7:00? I have a couple things to talk to you about...about the house at Spinner's End and a couple other things. If you don't want to come to my place, I could just come up there and we could have a drink in your rooms.
I have to leave at four-thirty, but if you send Wol with your letter, he should reach me before I go. If I don't hear from you, I'll just show up! If you're busy, I can have a drink with Hagrid or something.
Gareth
"What does he want?"
"For me to go down to the house for drinks this evening."
"That sounds like it could be fun. And safe...not out in a public place. Gareth's house would be a highly unlikely target. Presumably no one other than the three of us knows, either."
"Hmph. I will not be confined to the castle over the holiday, in any case...although I will take reasonable precautions," Severus said.
"There were parchment and quills and such in the small desk in the sitting room," Poppy said helpfully.
"Would you like to join us?" Severus asked as he Summoned parchment and quill.
"No, but thanks. He'd probably like a lads' night out with you...or something...and I was going to get together with Pomona and Sharon this evening. I told them I might, anyway."
Severus looked around, then Summoned a book from the shelves across the room. He set one on his lap and scratched out a quick message.
1-4-99
McGonagall
19.00 at the castle gates. If you're not there, I'll Apparate to your house.
Snape
Severus whistled sharply, and Wol flapped in from the sitting room.
"Here, bring this to Gareth. Don't let anyone else have it. If you can't give it to him, bring it back," Severus said. As the large bird left through the window, Severus turned to Poppy. "You see, a reasonable precaution."
Poppy waved her right hand and closed the window, though she had a bit of trouble turning the long, curved handle to latch it.
"Very good," Severus said. "You will become more adept."
"Closing windows wandlessly has never been hard for me. I've never latched them, though, so that takes a bit more concentration."
"I do think your wandless skills are very impressive in other areas, however," Severus said, unceremoniously pushing the parchment, quill, and book to the floor and sliding down into bed beside Poppy. "I cannot tell you what you do to me with that magic. It is indescribable."
Poppy grinned and snuggled close to him, and he put his arm around her and pulled her even closer.
"I'm glad you enjoyed that. I do, too. Concentrating on my feelings for you, on increasing your arousal, and on channelling my own desire for you through my magic, it's actually quite satisfying. It does work up an appetite, though, I find," Poppy replied.
"There are biscuits still...would you like a biscuit?" Severus asked, pushing up on one elbow.
"Mmm, I don't know. Crumbs in the bed."
"A flick of your wand would take care of those, I'm sure."
"I think I'd actually like a sandwich from some of that leftover chicken...provided that Wol didn't walk all over it."
Severus laughed. "I think we'll leave the leftovers for the owls. We can call a house-elf. I'll put on some clothes and go call one." He began to sit up and swing his legs out of bed.
"No need for that, Sev! I can just call Perlie and have her bring us something." She noted the frozen expression on Severus's face as he sat with one foot on the floor. "Unless you have some objection to a house-elf seeing us together. I am sure they do know we're a couple...ours do, anyway."
"No . . ."
"No, but?" Poppy prodded.
"Your house-elves are female."
Poppy raised an eyebrow. "Well, call Twiskett, then."
"I can't do that."
"Surely he's seen you in the buff before," Poppy said.
"Undoubtedly. But not you."
Poppy laughed. "He's a house-elf! Over the years, I've had male house-elves serve me. Granted, I don't call them whilst I'm having a soak in the bath, but lying in bed like this...it's not as though he'll see anything."
"I shall call him from the sitting room, nonetheless," Severus said, standing. "I do not feel comfortable having Twiskett see us in bed together." He supposed that he might become more used to the notion over time, but at the moment, it was simply too much for him to be comfortable with.
"You needn't dress. I brought you a robe," Poppy said. She raised her hand and Summoned it from where it had lain folded on a bench on the other side of the room.
"It's not hot pink," Severus observed drily, reaching out and catching the robe as it flew toward Poppy.
Poppy laughed. "No, I thought this fabric was a bit more subtle...for everyday wearing," she explained with a grin. "I think shocking pink should be saved for special occasions."
Severus quirked a smile and slipped his arms into the grey silk dressing gown. It had a small chevron pattern of three shades of grey woven through it, and the shawl collar was edged in black piping.
"I know you like that green one that Albus and Minerva gave you several years ago, and this one was similar," Poppy said.
"How did you get it? You haven't been out recently, have you?" Severus asked, puzzled.
"I owled Madam Malkin telling her the sort of thing I wanted. She sent me fabric samples on Tuesday afternoon, and I chose this one. It arrived yesterday. It's just off-the-rack, but I thought it was nice."
"It is nice; I like it. You have been busy," Severus said.
"I wanted this afternoon to be perfect. You put a lot of effort into our date on Sunday, after all. I wanted to show you that I appreciate it."
Severus bent and kissed her. "And I appreciate you." He kissed her lightly once more, then straightened. "Anything other than a sandwich?"
"Just some tea, I think, or cider."
"And you want chicken?"
"Surprise me, Sev."
His cheek twitched as one corner of his mouth turned up briefly. "One Flobberworm sandwich coming right up!"
"Oh, Severus! That's disgusting!" Poppy made a face and threw a pillow at him.
Severus laughed as the pillow bounced off him, and he stepped into the sitting room. Poppy could hear him call for Twiskett and then the almost instantaneous crack of the house-elf's responding Apparition.
Severus returned a moment later. "Our snack will be delivered shortly. I had him take away the rest of the food, everything but the biscuits. I hope that was all right."
"Fine . . . Severus Simon Snape."
"Not Simon...remember Simon Chesterton?" Severus asked, taking off his robe and tossing it over a bent-wood rocking chair.
"Yes, that pale bony boy. A freckly red-haired Hufflepuff, your year," Poppy said.
"He was a perfect twat," Severus said, flipping back the comforter and climbing in next to Poppy.
"He wasn't very pleasant. He works down in London now, at the Quibbler. Adverts or something."
"He's probably still a twat." Severus moved closer to her, hooking one of his legs around hers.
Poppy shrugged. "He probably hasn't changed much."
"I'm glad I'm not a Simon, if only because it's his name," Severus said, "Poppy Perdita Pomfrey."
Poppy laughed loudly. "No, not Perdita! Where on earth did you get that one?"
Severus smiled. "You didn't like the pious names!"
Poppy snorted. "All right . . . Severus . . . mmmm . . ." She snuggled closer to him and rested her head on his chest. "Severus Saturnus Snape."
"Nope, nein, nyet, non, and wrong again!" Severus said. "Wait, I heard the sandwiches. Be right back."
Severus hopped out of bed and padded quickly out to the sitting room. Poppy whistled at his retreating form. He returned a moment later, a black wooden tray of sandwiches and cider floating in front of him.
"Mm, you or the sandwiches. The sandwiches, or you. A very hard choice," Poppy said, looking him up and down.
"You don't need to choose. You can have both." Severus bent and kissed her forehead.
"That's good, or I might have to go hungry," Poppy replied, smiling.
"We couldn't have that, Poppy Pomona Pomfrey."
"No, not Pomona, either." Poppy picked up a sandwich.
"Oh, well, thought it worth a try." Severus slid into bed and picked up a sandwich.
"Oh, this is delicious!" Poppy said.
"Fresh mozzarella, tomato, spinach, and pesto on herbed Italian bread."
"It's perfect. Thanks, Sev."
"Eh! I decided I wasn't in the mood for Flobberworm sandwiches."
"You think you can put me off my food, but you can't, Severus Samuel Snape."
Severus stopped with his sandwich halfway to his mouth, then he took a bite. He chewed, swallowed, shook his head, and said, "No, not Samuel."
"Your turn," Poppy said, drinking off half her cider.
"Um, I don't know . . . Peggy?"
"You guessed Peg already. No, not Peggy. I'll tell you, you haven't guessed any that could be a version of my name, or a nickname for it."
"You shouldn't have given that away," Severus said.
"I don't want this game to go on forever, as much fun as it is," Poppy said.
"If I did guess one that was a variation on your name, would you tell me?" Severus asked, rearranging the filling in his sandwich.
Poppy shook her head. "No. But I thought I'd just mention it now. If you ever do . . . well, at some point, I might mention that you once came close, but I wouldn't give it away immediately."
Severus took a large bite of his sandwich and nodded in agreement. He suppressed his smile as he chewed. He certainly felt better now about being impeccably honest and telling her that "Samuel" was not his name. Just because his father had called him "Sammy" and his primary school teachers all thought his middle name was "Samuel," it didn't make it his legal name. Besides, she'd probably never heard of the name before, or even if she had, it was uncommon enough so she wouldn't think of it. He was going to win. He was going to win. The game and her.
"So, do you have another guess?" Severus asked.
"Severus Sumner Snape."
"That's an interesting name," Severus said, "but it's not mine."
"I have a cousin named Sumner," Poppy said. "I always liked him." She popped the last bite of her sandwich into her mouth.
"All right . . . Petunia?" he asked tentatively. He hoped her name wasn't Petunia. Lily's sister had been an obnoxious brat.
Poppy shook her head as she finished chewing. "Nope. How about . . . Severus Servatius Snape?"
"Wrong again," Severus said. "Hmm, Poppy Paula Pomfrey?" She had to be named after a saint or a flower or something similar, Severus thought. And if she weren't, there were few enough other names he could think of that began with P.
"No, not Paula. Doesn't go very well with Poppy Pomfrey, either, does it?"
"I thought Poppy Piety Pomfrey sounded nice," Severus said.
"I suppose, but it's not a name I'd want to go through life with, either," Poppy said.
"Is your own name really that bad?"
"What? No, it's just . . . I never use it. And it's a bit odd to some people. I've never used it." Poppy was not going to tell him that it was Muggles who found it most unusual.
"Even when you were a little girl?" Severus asked, fishing for hints.
"Nope. And no more clues, Severus Silas Snape."
"I don't know who you're talking to. There's no Severus Silas Snape here!" Severus drank some cider, thinking. "Peculiar?"
Poppy looked at him. "Was that a guess?"
Severus nodded, reaching for another sandwich.
"What kind of parents do you think I had, anyway?"
"Well, you said your middle name was odd, so I thought . . . odd, peculiar." Severus shrugged and wiped some pesto from his chin. "Twiskett was right. The pesto's good."
"I'm not even going to count that as a guess," Poppy said with a shake of her head. "That was just awful." She laughed. "Peculiar?"
"All right, how about . . . Pleasance?"
Poppy shook her head. "No. Let's see . . ." Poppy closed her eyes, trying to remember the list of names she had made.
"Have you run out of guesses?" Severus asked. "I have more!"
"Shh! Severus Spiros Snape," Poppy guessed.
Severus laughed, snorting cider through his nose.
"What was so funny about Spiros?" Poppy asked, picking up a napkin and wiping some cider from her right arm.
"I don't know," Severus said, coughing and blinking. "It just was. That stung." He blinked a few more times, then waved his hand to clean the cider from the covers and the tray. He looked at her arm. "I think your arm needs more than just a swipe of a napkin."
Poppy turned her head to look for her wand when she felt Severus's lips on her shoulder. The tray floated gently to the floor, and Severus's lips continued their meandering path down her arm as he pushed the covers down to her hips. The tip of his tongue licked at the spot where some of the cider had dribbled, and his hand rested warmly on her stomach.
Poppy slid further down into the bed beside him and raised his head to kiss him. She put her arms around him, and his hand moved to her buttocks, pulling her close against him. Legs intertwined, they embraced, body to body, skin to skin. Their kisses continued, soft and sensual, growing more heated and passionate, and their caresses grew more intimate. Severus's hand slipped between them, and he found Poppy's feminine thatch. His fingers searched and quickly found her swollen nub between her wet folds. He pressed and rubbed until Poppy was shuddering and moaning into his mouth. She threw her head back, gasping.
"Oh, Sev, more. I need all of you." She shifted to press against his cock, and Severus needed no more encouragement.
His hand moved from her clit to his cock, and he guided himself easily into her. He pushed her left leg down from its embrace of his hips and wrapped his own right leg around hers. Moving slowly at first, he rocked his hips, his cock only thrusting shallowly, but she felt tight, closed around him as she was, and soon, he increased his pace, rolling her over onto her back, his right leg still hooked around her left one.
Poppy pushed one of the pillows from behind her head as she wrapped her right leg around his hips. Severus raised himself on his hands, looking down into her face.
"You want me, Poppy," he rasped.
"Oh, yes, Sev, I want you, I want you." She drew her right leg up beside her torso, bent at the knee. "Deep, Severus, please. Deep and hard, harder, harder!"
Severus reached out with his left hand and grabbed one of the pillows, then shoved it beneath her buttocks, thrusting his cock deeper into her and pulling her right leg up so her ankle was over his shoulder. He continued to pump, grinding against her with each thrust, his cock burying itself deep in her over and over again, Poppy moaning and gasping in time with his thrusts as her fingernails raked his back.
"I want you, Poppy, I want you forever," Severus gasped. "Gods, so sexy, so hot, so very sexy. Want to fuck you forever. Want to have you, have you forever. Forever. Forever, Poppy, forever." His thrusts grew faster, and he hit her clitoris harder and harder as he pumped, continuing to talk until finally, he could only pant and moan.
Poppy lifted her hips higher, her left leg bent at the knee and her left heel pressing into the mattress, raising her up, as she let out a sudden shout. Her vagina pulsing around his cock, Severus let go with a groan, ejaculating hard and deep as he pumped four more times, the last time, pushing in and straining to push in even deeper, impossibly deeper, his cock already completely surrounded by Poppy's orgasming vagina.
Severus collapsed on top of her, trying to take some of his weight on his arms as Poppy's ankle slipped from his shoulder. He shifted slightly to his right so that she could stretch out her leg again, but trying not to let his softening cock slip out of her.
Poppy embraced him, one hand on his buttocks, and closed her legs, as if she were also reluctant to lose their union too soon.
"Should have used the spell," Severus said hoarsely.
"Mm-mm. This was perfect. Perfect," she replied with a whispered sigh.
"I'm sweating all over you."
"Mm-hmm. Perfect." She squeezed him.
Severus felt Poppy move her right hand, then felt a rush of her magic, and the down comforter settled over him.
"Don't want you to become chilled," Poppy said, running the fingers of her right hand up and down his spine.
Severus felt moved to tell her that he loved her, but he didn't want her to think it was simple a post-coital sentiment, so instead, he said, "You are wonderful, Poppy. No matter what your middle name is. Even if it's . . . Pustule." He smiled as Poppy slapped his bottom.
"Pustule?" she asked, trying to restrain her laughter.
"Well, you said your parents were medical people. Who knows what name might appeal to them!"
Poppy began to laugh, and Severus chuckled, too, even though their laughter caused his penis to slide out.
"You really are dreadful sometimes, Severus! Truly!"
Severus pushed up on his hands and looked down into her face. He gently caressed some of her sweaty hair back from her forehead and cheek. "As long as I'm so dreadful that I can make you smile and laugh, Poppy. I love to hear you laugh."
"And I love to see that smile on your face," Poppy said, tracing his lips with her finger. "You just light up, and your eyes shine . . ." She paused as if about to say something else, but she wound her fingers through the hair at the back of his neck and pulled him down into a kiss.
A half hour later, Severus woke up, not even having realised that he was falling asleep. Poppy was gently rolling away from him.
"I'm sorry, Sev," she said softly. "I didn't mean to wake you."
He reached out and placed his hand on her arm. "Where are you going?"
"I have been lying here for fifteen minutes desperate for a visit to the loo," she said.
"Oh, well, that's all right, then," Severus said, giving her a pat.
"Well, thank you very much for your permission!" Poppy replied with a laugh.
"I think I need one, as well."
"Me first," Poppy said, sprinting naked across the bedroom to the bathroom door.
"Leave the door open," Severus said as she was about to close it.
Poppy stopped and held the door.
"Unless you don't want to," Severus added quickly. "I just thought . . . we could talk. I wouldn't feel abandoned here in bed alone. In sweaty sheets."
Poppy let go of the door, leaving it open and disappearing around the corner to use the toilet.
"I think we both need a shower," she called.
"We do. Will you wash my back?" Severus asked, sitting up and swinging his legs around the side of the bed.
"I will. I wouldn't mind the same."
"It would be my pleasure." Severus smiled. He had never taken a shower with anyone before. He had climbed into the bath with Poppy that time, and that had been wonderful. He doubted that they would be having sex in the shower right now, though...even he felt a bit spent, which he hadn't thought could be a possibility with Poppy...but the idea of showering with her, sharing such an intimate activity, that made him feel happy.
Poppy's head popped around the door. "I'm done. Just need to wash my hands."
Severus stood and stretched, listening as Poppy washed her hands. He closed his eyes for a moment, imagining that he and Poppy were married, long married, and sharing a bedroom all of the time, completely comfortable with each other, completely open, loving each other forever.
"Everything okay, Sev?" Poppy was standing in the bedroom, drying her hands on a fluffy towel.
Severus looked at her, slightly startled. "Yes, yes...I was just thinking . . . how happy I am."
"I am, too." Poppy walked over and stood on tiptoe to kiss his cheek. "Very happy."
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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.)