Chapter Ninety-Six: An Unexpected Encounter
Chapter 97 of 118
MMADfanSeverus goes into Hogsmeade to meet Gareth and has an unexpected encounter.
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Chapter Ninety-Six: An Unexpected Encounter
Thursday, 1 April 1999
Severus strode down the drive to the gates. As he walked, he fastened two more of the hooks on his heavy black cloak. The evening was chilly, and the breeze off the lake made it feel even cooler, and his legs felt the draft.
With the very few staff and students remaining in the castle, dinner in the Great Hall had been served at one large oblong table. By the time that he and Poppy had finished taking their shower and having another cuddle in bed, it was almost time for dinner, so he hadn't changed clothes. Naturally, some members of staff felt compelled to comment on his atypical attire. Never mind that half the wizards on staff regularly wore only robes and not trousers, nor that they all knew that he disliked comments on his appearance, they all still felt some peculiar compulsion to remark on his robes. At least Minerva had only said that she liked the drape of his over-robe, rather than express surprise at his choice of attire. Actually, the comments he had received were all positive, but they were foolish, nonetheless. Vector had told him that robes became him and he should wear them more frequently, Pomona had practically swooned over the contrasting braid and piping and had insisted on fingering it before he could manage to back out of the way, and Sharon had said that those layers were much more attractive than the ones he usually wore. Fortunately, although Sarah Duffy had looked at him with large round eyes when he stepped into the Great Hall, unable to tear her gaze from him, she had been wise enough not to say anything.
One saving grace of the meal was that he had been able to sit beside Poppy, since they had come in together and there were several free seats when they arrived, and Filius was on his other side. They had had quite an agreeable meal with pleasant conversation. He hoped that he would be that lucky for the next two weeks. The worst of the holiday meals were those when whether by happenstance or coercion, he had to sit between two students, especially ones not in Slytherin...Albus had occasionally insisted on seating charts when he was Headmaster, and would find it amusing to seat him between a Hufflepuff and a Gryffindor. Severus didn't know whether Albus intended to torture him or the students, but none of them were ever comfortable, and the students would invariably gobble down their meals in great haste and leave before pudding. He was just as glad not to have to attempt conversation with them, but there was also something about those occasions that had always left him with a peculiar empty feeling...which he would quickly overcome by taking points from someone or, when that wasn't convenient, going outdoors and blasting some plants or rocks. This holiday might prove to be a bit less unpleasant than others...especially if he were able to sit beside Poppy at most meals.
There were only a little over a dozen students staying over the Easter holiday that year, fewer than usual, and most of them were staying to take advantage of the time to revise for their NEWTs. Other than Draco, only four members of Slytherin House were staying at the castle, three other seventh-years and one sixth-year. Although there was still the possibility that any of them might get up to something they shouldn't, Severus felt comfortable leaving for the evening without asking Ouellette to check on them. Of course, if they did step out of line at all, they would all rue it.
Before he left the Great Hall, Severus had stopped and told Minerva that he would be out of the castle that evening and was unsure of when he would return. When she gave him a questioning look, he told her that he was meeting her nephew. She had nodded, and Severus could see that she was restraining herself from admonishing him to take care, which he appreciated...both the sentiment and the restraint. He supposed that she couldn't help but worry. He had already promised Poppy that he would not return to the castle alone, on the very off chance that someone might be lurking by the gates waiting for him, and that if it got too late and he couldn't Apparate, he would stay the night and return in the morning. Given that he didn't want to embarrass himself by Splinching, that was an easy assurance to give her. He doubted, though, that it would be necessary to wait until morning...unless, of course, Gareth had too much to drink to be able to accompany him to the gates. In that case, he might be able to borrow a broom and bypass the gates that way, but he had promised Poppy he wouldn't return alone, and he would keep that promise.
Rath waved to him from across the grounds, and Severus acknowledged him with a nod. He was displeased to see Rath walk toward the drive to meet him on the way down to the gates. It was fine that Hagrid's assistant took his responsibilities seriously, but he disliked checking out with anyone but the Headmistress. Even that was galling, if he thought about it too long.
"Good evening, Professor Snape."
"Rath."
"Out for the evening?"
Severus nodded. "I have informed the Headmistress."
"Okay. Just, after Monday, if I see someone, I ask. Professor McGonagall wasn't happy with me."
"So I gathered."
They reached the gates. Gareth wasn't there. Severus resisted the urge to check his watch.
"Meetin' someone?"
"I Apparate at seven," Severus replied. "Have you seen anyone waiting at the gates?"
"No. I keep an eye out. Just in case. Haven't seen anyone. But I've only been out about fifteen minutes."
Severus nodded. He reached inside his cloak, looking for the watch pocket inside his over-robe. Waistcoats were much more convenient for watches, he thought as he found the watch and drew it out. He frowned, trying to make out the watch face in the dying sunlight and the light from the lanterns outside the gates. Minerva had had new lanterns installed on either side of the gates, and there were now Charmed light globes edging the drive, but they weren't meant for reading by. Rath pulled out his wand and cast a Lumos, providing enough light for Severus to see that it was two minutes to seven. He snapped the watch shut.
"You are remaining at the castle for the entire holiday?" Severus asked, trying to pass the time.
"Hagrid's visiting his lady-friend on the weekend, so I'll be here then, but I'll be taking a few days to visit a cousin in Cork next week."
Severus nodded.
"What about you, Professor?"
"I anticipate a quiet holiday here," Severus said.
"We can hope it will be a quiet one," Rath said. "Those vigilantes, they better know to stay away from Hogwarts."
"Indeed." Severus placed his hand on the gate. It appeared that Gareth expected him to Apparate to the house. "I may be back this evening, but I might return in the morning."
Rath nodded. "Good night."
Severus breathed the password and the gate opened to him. He noted that Rath still stood watchfully, his wand out. Severus gave a curt nod as he shut the gate. He drew his own wand and Disapparated with a snap.
He arrived a few feet from the McGonagall house front gate. Taking a quick step back, he looked around. No one within view. There were lights on in the house, and the lamp beside the door was lit already. Severus slid his wand into his pocket, opened the short gate, and walked up to the front door. Before he could knock, however, the door opened. He froze, hand still raised.
"Professor Snape. My son said you would be arriving at seven. You are prompt." She opened the door further and stepped back.
"Professor Gamp." Severus swallowed and nodded, but he didn't take a step forward.
"My son has been unavoidably delayed, but he should not be very much longer."
Severus tried to draw some saliva into his dry mouth. "I can wait here. Or go to the Broomsticks," he said, taking a step back. "He can meet me there. Or I can return. Or I should go back to Hogwarts..."
"His dinner is waiting for him in the kitchen," Gertrude said. "He is expecting you here."
Severus shook his head slightly.
"These are not safe times for you to be wandering about Hogsmeade in the dark, Professor," Gertrude said.
She let go of the door and took another step back, then nodded at him and turned around, casually, deliberately, and walked away down the hall. Severus stepped across the threshold, and as he did, he noted that Professor Gamp paused for a moment, just a slight hesitation, then she continued into the sitting room. Severus closed the door behind him, uncertain what to do next.
He'd stood there a minute or two when Gertrude reemerged from the sitting room. "You may hang your cloak on the hall tree there, if you wish, Professor."
Severus's fingers felt stiff and cold as he fumbled with the cloak's hooks and with the silver clasp at the throat. He went to put the cloak over one of the curved wooden arms of the tree, but it slipped off and fell in a heap on the floor. He bent and picked it up, this time successfully hooking the back of his cloak over the hooked arm. He looked over his shoulder, but Professor Gamp had disappeared again.
No more comfortable than he had been standing there with his cloak on, Severus sat gingerly on the broad walnut bench beside the hall tree. He almost jumped out of his skin when Gertrude spoke again.
"Join me in the sitting room, Professor."
Severus just caught a glimpse of the grey-haired witch as she vanished back into the sitting room. His feet were leaden as he walked down the hall, which felt interminably long until he reached the open doorway, when it seemed far too short.
Gertrude was sitting in a high-backed armchair next to a lit floor lamp with a stained-glass lampshade, a book and a short glass on a small table to her left, her wand resting beside them. Severus took a tentative step into the room.
"Sit." The single word was issued softly, more an invitation than a command.
Taking a full breath...perhaps the first full breath since he had walked up the path to the house...Severus stepped over to the sofa and sat down on the end farthest from Professor Gamp.
"You have eaten, Professor?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"Would you care for a drink? Scotch? Brandy? Whiskey? Irn-Bru? Pumpkin juice?"
"No, thank you." His voice cracked like a boy's. He swallowed.
Gertrude picked up her own glass and took the last swallow of her drink, then she set down the glass, twitched a finger, and a green bottle sailed across the room. It settled on the table, and she flicked her finger again to uncork the bottle. She picked it up and poured a half glass of whiskey, then recorked the bottle manually.
"Gareth apologised for his tardiness," Gertrude said. "His appointment at the Ministry was late, and they were . . . there were more details to discuss than he had anticipated."
Severus straightened more. "He is not in any trouble, is he?"
Gertrude quirked a small grin. "No. Not any that will last." When Severus continued to look at her, she added, "He had a commission from them. He refused it in a rather colourful and decisive manner. His refusal and his attitude gave them concern. It was a somewhat sensitive project...in their view."
"I see." Severus didn't see, but at least it didn't seem that Gareth was being detained in any connection with the vigilante attacks.
"You're sure you won't have a drink, Professor?" Gertrude asked.
Severus shook his head slightly.
"Twenty-year-old Irish whiskey," Gertrude said in reply to his ambiguous response, Summoning a glass for him. She poured a few ounces into the glass, then sent it drifting smoothly over to him. It hovered a moment before he reached out and took it.
"Thank you."
Gertrude nodded. "You and my son have become close friends."
As smooth as the whiskey was, Severus had trouble swallowing it, but he succeeded in suppressing his cough. He nodded. "He is a good man."
"Indeed. Yet . . . this . . . friendship surprises me."
Severus nodded again. "It surprised me."
"I remember a time when I was persuading him that your second chance was not another injury to our family," Gertrude said.
Severus averted his eyes. "I am sure it felt so," he said softly.
"Even as I persuaded my son, I was persuading myself of it."
Severus swallowed and tried to return Gertrude's unblinking gaze, but failed, lowering his eyes to look at his glass, which he turned in his hands.
"There are few acts of that time in my life that I . . . that I . . . that pain me more than that one," Severus said, his voice low.
"Indeed?"
Severus lifted the glass to his lips, but didn't drink. He slowly lowered it again and raised his head. "I do not deserve your forgiveness, Professor," he said softly, gathering courage, "and I do not seek it, but . . ." He swallowed and blinked. "But if I could give my arm, both arms, all my limbs, to restore to you all . . . all that I took from you and your family when I . . . when I entered your home that day and raised my wand against you . . . if I could do that, I would." Severus looked at her, not daring to blink, or even to move his head, lest the tears threatening to rise in his eyes overflowed, and he knew it was her right to weep, not his, and that his tears could be misread or be coercive, if not be humiliating to him...though at that moment, he believed that any humiliation he felt could only be cleansing, though not redemptive, and would certainly be no recompense to the witch who sat across from him.
"I would not demand even a finger of you," Gertrude said, "no matter what amount of restoration such a thing might achieve."
"I would undo it, if I could."
Gertrude shook her head and took a swallow of whiskey. "No, if you could do that now, I would not permit it. Oh, twenty years ago, I would have been happy enough to have my body whole, to remain here in Hogsmeade, to have my boy to raise in this home, to have at least a part of the life I had hoped for. But I see now," she said with a shake of her head, "that it is too late, too late now, and too much has changed, and I would not alter the present."
"I . . . I am sorry." He lowered his head, closing his eyes.
"You have done great good," Gertrude said.
"There are no scales weighing good and evil," Severus said. "Whatever good I may have done, the other, it still remains. You know that. You live with it."
"You say you don't seek my forgiveness," Gertrude began.
Severus shook his head. "I don't. I wouldn't dare to," he whispered.
"Dare it or not, you do have it. Come, Severus, look at me now." She waited as he raised his head, his face pale but for his flushed cheeks and his black eyes. "Severus, do you hear me? You have it. Not just your fresh start, but forgiveness. Mine, whatever measure of forgiveness is mine to give you, you have it."
Severus stared at her, uncomprehending.
"You have had my forgiveness for longer . . . for longer than you may imagine," Gertrude said, draining her glass and setting it on the table beside her.
Severus closed his eyes and shook his head.
"Comfort with you, that is another question entirely," Gertrude continued drily, "but my forgiveness, you have, and I know that in any matter involving Hogwarts or its Headmistress, you may be trusted. You have done well, Slytherin magus. My son..." Her words were interrupted by a crack of Apparition in the hallway. "Ah, well, there he is now." She stood and pocketed her wand. "Perhaps we may continue our conversation at another time."
Severus looked up at her. "Professor . . ."
"I will not stay. Have a good evening, Professor."
"Thank you." Severus blinked and stood. "Thank you."
Gareth stepped into the sitting room. "Hi! Sorry I was so late, Mum." He kissed her cheek. "Got a few knickers in a twist, I'm afraid. Didn't really want to calm them down at all, but I remembered what you said, and so I smoothed over a few ruffled feathers...but I didn't back down or compromise my own position."
"Good lad," Gertrude said with a gentle smile. "I need to gather a few things from my study, but then Gluffy and I will be off for the estate again...unless you would like me to stay."
"No, that's fine. Say 'hi' to Rosemary and Alroy...and Quin, too, if he's there. I'll try to stop by tomorrow afternoon."
"Your supper's in the kitchen," Gertrude said as she stepped into the hall.
"Great! I'm starving!" Gareth turned to Severus. "I am sorry I wasn't at the gates, Severus, and I'm glad you came anyway. I hope . . . I hope everything was all right."
Severus nodded. "Fine." He picked up his glass of whiskey and drank it off.
"If I'd any idea I'd be this late, I'd not have said seven," Gareth said, leading Severus across to the kitchen. "I thought I would have already been home and had my supper long before this."
"It was . . . unfortunate. I wish you had contacted me directly. I would have stayed at Hogwarts and waited...or we could have put this off to another day."
"No way to do that, mate," Gareth said, opening the oven and Levitating a casserole dish out and onto the counter.
"You managed with your mother well enough...and I know you're not on the Floo-Network," Severus said irritably.
"We have another way to communicate." Gareth pulled a bottle of white wine from a low cupboard.
"You could have sent me a Patronus," Severus complained.
"That would hardly be discreet in the middle of the Ministry, now, would it? Especially with all those suspicious Department of Mysteries folk around. It was an unpleasant meeting, Snape, and I have apologised for being late...I'm trying to shake off the mood it put me in. I'd appreciate it if you would be kind enough to give me a pass on this one. I don't make a habit of standing you up, after all...and I do remember waiting for you in a very cold rain outside of your house one night, myself."
"Yes, yes, of course." Severus nodded. What kind of man was he, he wondered, to receive forgiveness for a grave injury, for terror, pain, and irreparable harm, and moments later, be churlish in the face of an apology for a minor...and inadvertent...quotidian slight. "I am sorry your visit to the Ministry was so unpleasant."
"I expected it to be that, just not for it to go on so long," Gareth said, pouring two glasses of wine. "You at all hungry? You want some? It's a kind of vegetarian moussaka stuff that Gluffy makes Mum. It's really good, and there's plenty."
Severus sat down at the table. "You're mother's vegetarian?"
"Not really...she does eat fish. Comes from living on the island for so many years, I guess. Gluffy would go to the estate to fetch supplies, but not very frequently, and I guess he didn't usually get meat, or if he did, he'd just get what could stay fresh between visits. Eventually, he stopped bringing meat back to the island at all. Mum did keep a few goats for their milk, some that Aberforth gave her, but she could never bear to eat them, not even after they stopped giving milk."
"What about the kids?" Severus asked.
"Aberforth took some of them sometimes, I guess. They used charms, though, so the nannies would always give milk without having to have kids every spring, so they didn't have many of them anyway."
"Hmm."
"So, want some?" Gareth sat down and dished out some of the casserole.
"No, thank you, though it does look good. I have probably had more to eat than I needed today," Severus said.
Gertrude stepped into the kitchen. "I'm off. Enjoy your evening."
"Good night, Mum. Sorry I wasn't here for supper with you."
"We'll have time next week after I'm back," Gertrude said. "Good night, Professor Snape. Come safely home tonight."
Severus stood and nodded. "Thank you. Please give my regards to Alroy, and to his wife."
Gertrude nodded. She put her hand into her pocket, grasping her wand, and then she was gone with a crack. A moment later, a second crack came from the hallway as her house-elf followed her.
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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.)