Chapter Six: The Garden in the Afternoon
Chapter 6 of 32
MMADfanJohannes and Siofre spend some time in the gardens together.
Chapter features Johannes and Siofre.
Chapter Six: The Garden in the Afternoon
"I will meet you in the garden at three, then," Siofre said briskly.
"Very good. I will be in the gardens on the east side of the house near the pond," Johannes replied. He turned to Lydia. "Enjoy your afternoon, Madam Lydia."
Lydia heaved a great sigh. "Hardly. Siofre's making me work on the books this afternoon." She made a face. "I hate that."
"I'll do the calculations for you, hen, but I need you to make sure the records are complete. You're the only one who can tell. You have a mind like a goblin-made trap...you don't miss a detail. You just occasionally forget to note things down."
"I hate maths. Maths makes me sleepy and I itch all over. I think I'm allergic," Lydia said.
Siofre barked a laugh. "And that is why I will do the calculations, as always. You'd think we didn't do this every month."
"I do my very best to forget," Lydia said pitifully.
Johannes left the two witches to their minor squabbling in the family dining room and went through to the music room, then to the conservatory, and out through the south-facing French doors. He took the path into the gardens to the east of the house, feeling the perfect new silvery pea stones crunch satisfyingly underfoot.
A month's work had already transformed the grounds around the house, and Johannes was pleased with the progress they had made. Siofre often joined him for an hour or so in the morning now before she began her own work, and sometimes later in the day, he would come around a corner and find her with Fandenz, working some spot that he hadn't got to yet. She said it was a good break for her, being outdoors in the fresh air. It cleared her head.
Johannes took pleasure in the progress and in Siofre's occasional companionship, but as he worked, he felt that the time was coming closer for his departure from the Tyree home, and that saddened him. There was still enough work left to keep him there through most of the summer, and even after that, he would have to return frequently right through the autumn and beyond. But he could not stay on indefinitely.
He rarely saw Siofre in the afternoons. She would be in her study or in the library, or off meeting clients, though she never called them such. Johannes was unsure what she did, it seemed to vary so much from client to client, but it seemed that all sought her advice or her skills with Charms. Occasionally, she would even go off with Malcolm for a day, returning home late, drained and exhausted, but glowing and happy. A few times, Malcolm returned with her and stayed the night, and he and Johannes lounged by the fire in his sitting room, talking until late.
Johannes worried about Siofre going on jobs with Malcolm, but he knew that Malcolm adored his grandmother and wouldn't expose her to any true danger. Not if he could help it. But Malcolm, as powerful and intelligent as he was, was a Gryffindor, and Johannes had come not to completely trust a Gryffindor to do the sensible thing. Malcolm could make a mistake that he would come to regret for the rest of his life. Malcolm had reassured Johannes that he never brought his grandmother into any real danger; they were just jobs that he couldn't do on his own, where he needed help and knew that his grandmother was the perfect person to lend him a hand. Besides, she clearly enjoyed it, and Malcolm said that he sometimes even learned something new from her. Johannes had to presume that Siofre could take care of herself...indeed, he did presume that, but it somehow didn't keep him from worrying.
So between Siofre's activities and his own work outdoors, Johannes often didn't see Siofre between breakfast and dinner, except occasionally at lunch. That day, however, Siofre would be home and had declared it a day for dealing only with the Tyree estate, and not with anyone else's. She had made plans to take Johannes out to a part of the grounds he hadn't seen yet. The property extended several miles to the north and the east, and was bounded to the west and the south by the sea. The turrets had an excellent view of the sea, and in the afternoon, the water would seem to flash and glitter in the distance. He had not yet walked down to the sea, however, and although he had seen the water from the northwest turret, the shore was not visible, hidden by the rising and falling and rising again of the land between house and sea.
He also had only ventured a mile or so into the woody hills that rose even higher in the north, and had walked only to the perimeter of the lands cultivated and subdued to the east. Beyond that were woods, fields, streams, left to nature for all the generations of Tyrees who had lived and loved that land, a home away from home, one foothold of the Tyree clan in the Highlands. There was another one even further to the north, more Tyree cousins, and southwest of the island of Tiree Beag, another branch of the family had settled in County Meath. But this was the largest Tyree home outside of Tiree Beag; more correctly, it was the largest property owned by Tyrees outside of Tiree Beag. Until about two hundred years before, it had also been home to the most Tyrees not living on the island. But gradual assimilation with the rest of wizarding Britain and a decreased birthrate had conspired to make this large estate home now only to two Tyree witches, and one of them a Tyree by marriage.
Morgan and Fiona would be moving into the old lodge in a few days, and they and their quadruplets...two sets of identical twins, Branwen and Morgana, and David and Aiden...would raise the population, but they weren't Tyrees. Johannes had begun to understand Siofre's disappointment that Connor Tyree had moved to Cumberland so that he and Elisabeth could be near her family. It was less that he had moved to England...though that irked her...than that he was not carrying on the family there on the Tyree land. It had pleased Siofre that her grandson Morgan and his family would be moving to the estate, but although they were family and Siofre loved them dearly...especially the babies, the boys with their baby blond hair and the girls with their soot black hair...it wasn't quite the same.
Johannes didn't know what part of the grounds Siofre was going to show him. Most of the grounds were to be left to nature, as they had been for decades, and the ones that weren't, he had already seen, surveyed, and incorporated most of it into his plans. He knew that Siofre wanted him to do something different around the lodge now that Morgan and his family were moving in, and to begin work on that in the next couple days. However, he had already created new plans for the lodge gardens and Siofre and Fiona had both liked them, so he doubted that Siofre was going to bring him there...besides, she had clearly said that it was going to be a new area, one he hadn't visited yet.
Johannes was preparing the pond for a new distribution of water plants when he heard Siofre's step approaching on the winding path, and he turned just as she came around some bushy junipers.
He lowered his wand and bowed slightly. "Madam Tyree."
Her lips turned a smile. "Professor."
He gestured toward the pond. "It will soon be ready for the water lilies and lobelia."
"As when I was a lass," Siofre said, smiling.
"I am keeping much rushes, though, here and along the edge opposite," Johannes said, pointing. "They are good for the animals, for the fowl and fishes, to have them here."
Siofre nodded. "That is a very good idea. And they are beautiful in their own way, as well."
"I think that when the children arrive, there should be a . . . a perimeter ward. An alarm or a . . . a barrier. They do not walk yet, but when they do, the pond could be an attraction to them. Until they are older, they should not come here alone, do you agree?" Johannes asked.
"Aye, most certainly," Siofre agreed. "It is good of you to think of these things."
"It is my work for you to consider all aspects of your gardens," Johannes said. "However, I think perhaps someone else might be better suited to creating such a ward. I could do it, and will if you wish, but it is not my forté."
"It is something I can cast," Siofre said. "I have a lot of practice with such charms. I can make the pond dull for them, charm it uninteresting, and then still cast an age-sensitive alarm ward at one perimeter and another barrier ward a bit closer to the pond. Before they could reach the water's edge, a house-elf or one of us would be there to keep them from straying into the water."
"It sounds ideal," Johannes said. He touched the front of his heavy canvas apron. "You are showing me some other part of the grounds now?"
"Aye." She reached out and Summoned his over-robe from where it lay draped across the back of a bench, holding it for him as he pulled off the work apron.
"Thank you." Johannes took the over-robe with its leafy green woven pattern and slipped it on, fastening the hook at the waist.
"Before I bring you where we are heading, show me your garden."
"It is not much to see yet," Johannes said, "but of course I will show you."
They walked back toward the house, skirting the formal gardens, where they could hear Fandenz and Mynok at work. As they passed the house, they could hear Lydia in the music room playing a Chopin etude. Siofre indicated with a slight gesture that she wanted to walk through the kitchen gardens, so they walked around the conservatory to the gardens at the back of the house.
Siofre smiled. "The kailyaird looks beautiful," she said as they walked. "And my mouth already waters at the thought of the vegetables we will have all this summer."
"I expanded the variety, as you know. You must let me know which ones you prefer, or if there are any you do not like, and we can adjust next year. Or Mynok and Fandenz can, of course."
"Is it dull for you to do such mundane gardening after your work at Hogwarts?"
"Not at all," Johannes replied. "I oversaw the vegetable gardens at Hogwarts, too, although there really was little for me to do, other than cast the occasional charm or recommend a particular potion if there were a pest to deter, since the Hogwarts elves and Hagrid did a good job of it. And I have always enjoyed ornamental planting, whether the plants were magical or mundane. I expanded the Hogwarts flower gardens when I was there. I believe that Professor Sprout plans to keep them. And there are many mundane plants with uses in potions, as you know."
"I do a little brewing, myself," Siofre said. "Just a few of the standard household potions, but I enjoy it, and it is particularly satisfying when some of the ingredients are ones I have picked myself from my own gardens."
They exited the kitchen gardens through an opening in the wall bordering it on one side, and Johannes led Siofre down to his garden. It was only a half acre, enclosed by a hedge of Flutterby bushes and Flitterbloom, but he had planted cleverly and made the best use of space that he could. There were already many full-grown plants, since he had purchased or bartered for seedlings from a friend with a commercial greenhouse, and Siofre was impressed.
"Fanged Geranium," she remarked as she stepped out of the way of one particularly lively flower. "Not one of my favourite flowers, I must say."
Johannes chuckled. "They are useful, however, and pretty at a distance."
"At least they don't try to follow a body," Siofre said. "Mother had a problem with leaping toadstools some years ago. I tried to tame them for her, corral them, but they followed me all the way up to the house, and there we were, all of us besieged by the annoying wee things. Couldn't go anywhere on the grounds without some of them following. Malcolm finally paid us a visit, came back from some southern lands, and took care of them. It took him two days. I hope you don't have any leaping toadstools in your garden!"
"In fact, I do, but they are in a well-charmed area," Johannes said, pointing to an area shaded by an awning and a couple arbors. "They are happiest in shade, so I have also provided them with protection from the direct sun. They will not be escaping, I promise. And if any do, by some peculiar chance, I am adept at lulling them and relocating them."
They walked through a portion of the garden that contained both mundane and magical herbs, and Siofre inhaled deeply. "Lovely mixture of fragrances."
"It is."
"You know, I still have the Memory Plant you gave me," Siofre said. "It is doing well, although I keep it in my bedroom. I repotted it last summer, and it grew more, but then in the winter, it seemed less robust than it had. It seems to have recovered this spring. Do you think it should be relocated to the conservatory?"
"I do not know. If your bedroom has sufficient light during the day and it does not become either too cold or too warm, then the plant should do fine there."
"I keep it on my bedside table until the days are very short, then I move it to the window. Was that an error?"
"It was good to give it better light, but it may be cooler near the window. That is easily remedied, however. So this winter, you may wish either to move the Memory Plant to the conservatory or cast a charm on the window and another on the surrounding area."
"I will remember that," Siofre said. She looked up at the tall wizard. "It was a very kind and thoughtful gesture, giving me the Memory Plant after Herbert died. I appreciated it very much."
"I thought it might ease your days some, and if you wished, you could have Murdoch brew you a potion from some of its leaves, as well."
Siofre nodded. "I have not yet had him brew me any potion from it, although I did allow him to harvest some of the leaves last year when he could not find a supply elsewhere. And it did ease my days, but its soothing fragrance also helped me to sleep better than I believe I would have. That was a blessing."
"I am very glad," Johannes said. The two stepped out of the Herbologist's garden, and he said, "You wished to show me something new today?"
Siofre smiled. "Something old, actually, and also bring you to another part of the grounds to show them to you, if that is amenable to you...if you have the time this afternoon."
"My time is yours today, Madam Tyree," Johannes said with a slight bow.
Siofre smiled. "Good, then we will spend the rest of the afternoon together and return for dinner." She turned toward the house and raised her wand, sounding a light but reverberating chime. "Multry!" Looking back up at Johannes, she said, "Multry is occupied with Kilbeena and Duster at the moment, but I have a task for her that they may wish to help her with."
A few moments later, Multry appeared with a sharp crack. "Madam Siofre wishes something?"
"Aye." Siofre placed a hand on Multry's shoulder and walked a few feet away. The two held a brief low conversation, then Multry Disapparated.
Siofre stepped back toward Johannes. "Come, lad, and we will pay our first visit. I will value your opinion. This way." She gestured and began walking down the path toward a heavily wooded area to the southwest. Johannes followed.
Author's Note: Thank you to everyone who has been reviewing this little fic! I appreciate it very much. I'm happy that Johannes, Siofre, Gertrude, Malcolm, and Lydia have some friends out there!
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Latest 25 Reviews for Charming the Scottish Garden
126 Reviews | 8.24/10 Average
Dear MMADfan, I love this story! Do you plan to write more chapters in the future? I would love to see it finished.
I really hope you update soon, you write such wonderful fanfiction and I find myself rereading some of the old ones hopefully your next update will be near in the future for this as well as LVS
Response from MMADfan (Author of Charming the Scottish Garden)
Thank you! I do hope to update both stories soon!
I really hope you update soon, you write such wonderful fanfiction and I find myself rereading some of the old ones hopefully your next update will be near in the future for this as well as LVS
Response from MMADfan (Author of Charming the Scottish Garden)
Thank you very much,
Response from MMADfan (Author of Charming the Scottish Garden)
!I will definitely try to get a few chapters of Charming the Scottish Garden and LVS posted this autumn. I'm sorry for the wait. It's very good to know that people are still reading them and will be here to read the new chapters when I (finally!) get them written. (Life's not been conducive to writing in the last couple years, sadly.)I really appreciate the note! I will do my best to get a new chapter up very soon. 
Response from uma (Reviewer)
Yes I have been keeping up with your stories. I especially liked RAM itself , although I should let you know or perhaps you do know. But I read on ff.net and I usually keep with the newest MMAD fiction, I recently came across one that had taken a parts of your story and added it to theirs, I commented saying I read it before to which the author promptly deleted my comment. Just thought you should know as even though I am no writer I felt bad about something like that. However I shall eagerly await your next update :)
Response from MMADfan (Author of Charming the Scottish Garden)
Would you mind emailing me or messaging me through ffnet to let me know which story it is, if you remember the title? I would appreciate it. I'm very glad that you like RAM!
Response from uma (Reviewer)
i do not have an account on FF.net :/ sorry, i usually just go as a guest i already signed up on alot of new pages. And i could read the stories just as easily, But the Name of the Story is Even in Death by Albus P.W.BDumbledore1891. You take a good look at chapter 5
Response from MMADfan (Author of Charming the Scottish Garden)
Thanks very much! :-) I appreciate the tip!
First a new chapter of LVS and then CSG- I am in heaven! As much as I want to see Siofre and Johannes admit their feelings for each other, I enjoyed the "push-pull" of this chapter. The way the talk of age differences turned to them, Siofre wanting to take his hand but not, sitting close on the bench- all of it a wonderful buildup. 5 stars!
Response from MMADfan (Author of Charming the Scottish Garden)
I'm glad it made you happy and you're liking the "push-pull"!I'm hoping to update at least two chapters a month -- more if I can -- alternating amongst the WIPs I have going. I am resisting the sudden onslaught of plot bunnies that are begging me to write more RaMverse fics set during the immediate post-RaM time period, like CSG is.Thanks for the review! It's encouraging! 
Response from MMADfan (Author of Charming the Scottish Garden)
I'm glad it made you happy and you're liking the "push-pull"!I'm hoping to update at least two chapters a month -- more if I can -- alternating amongst the WIPs I have going. I am resisting the sudden onslaught of plot bunnies that are begging me to write more RaMverse fics set during the immediate post-RaM time period, like CSG is.Thanks for the review! It's encouraging!
Best birthday present, ever!!! An update for this and it's a very shippy Siofre/Johannes chapter. woooo hoooI think this line was absolutely brilliant:Siofre found herself smiling back, and her heart beating faster at the sight of him. Could she really give him up to another witch?NOPE, she can't give him up to another because her heart already belongs to him and he holds hers as well. I wasn't too fond of the ADMM discussion. Siofre unnerves me when she speaks of Minerva and Albus's relationship, especially in this context. I know Malcolm is her favorite but it almost felt like she wasn't thrilled with Albus marrying Minerva, even though it's what makes her happiest and clearly they adore one another. sigh. Oh well ... I'm still happy for Siofre and Joannes, awwww.
Response from MMADfan (Author of Charming the Scottish Garden)
Hi! Glad to give you a good birthday prezzie! :-)What Siofre is not thrilled with is Albus not marrying Minerva. It's not that she has objections to their not being married, but she's afraid that Minerva wants marriage & Albus ain't askin' -- and she's right, at this point. But Minerva is being Stoic and sensible, and since she won't talk to Siofre about it, Siofre's not about to give her advice. She's also just plain worried that Minerva will end up having a broken heart or have some other sadness in her life because of the relationship. She loves Minerva and doesn't want to see her hurt -- she cares about Albus, but Minerva's her granddaughter, so she's Siofre's priority in her heart, not Albus, even if she doesn't feel it's her place to bring up her worries with Minerva.As you know from LVS, Siofre and Johannes will eventually be happy together -- Johannes's policy of being steadfast and patient pay off, and Siofre will never have any worries that he did not come to her freely, or that he might have been better off with someone else. But there's a bit of story between now & then, so I'd better say no more -- I'm afraid I'll leak spoilers! LOL!Thanks for the review!
Response from MMADfan (Author of Charming the Scottish Garden)
Hi! Glad to give you a good birthday prezzie! :-)What Siofre is not thrilled with is Albus not marrying Minerva. It's not that she has objections to their not being married, but she's afraid that Minerva wants marriage & Albus ain't askin' -- and she's right, at this point. But Minerva is being Stoic and sensible, and since she won't talk to Siofre about it, Siofre's not about to give her advice. She's also just plain worried that Minerva will end up having a broken heart or have some other sadness in her life because of the relationship. She loves Minerva and doesn't want to see her hurt -- she cares about Albus, but Minerva's her granddaughter, so she's Siofre's priority in her heart, not Albus, even if she doesn't feel it's her place to bring up her worries with Minerva.As you know from LVS, Siofre and Johannes will eventually be happy together -- Johannes's policy of being steadfast and patient pay off, and Siofre will never have any worries that he did not come to her freely, or that he might have been better off with someone else. But there's a bit of story between now & then, so I'd better say no more -- I'm afraid I'll leak spoilers! LOL!Thanks for the review!
I didn't realize until just now how much I have truly missed this story. But I will be patient and constant. Also, yaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!
CFP
Response from MMADfan (Author of Charming the Scottish Garden)
Thank you! I'm glad you liked it. I've actually missed it, too.Thanks for ... um, I mean, CFR! 
Response from MMADfan (Author of Charming the Scottish Garden)
Thank you! I'm glad you liked it. I've actually missed it, too.Thanks for ... um, I mean, CFR!
YAY!!! I couldn't believe it when I got the message for the update, it's really here! A new chapter! :) Thank you! I loved it, the long wait was more than worth it because this chapter is just perfect. I always love when these two have their little moments, it's so cute. I loved getting to know a little more about Siofre's thoughts and feelings, I love that she's just as anxious and ready as Johannes is, I can't wait to see how they finally come together. I loved that he was firm about wanting to spend the afternoon with her and didn't let her get away with working alone. I can't wait for the next chapter, I hope it won't be too long a wait :)
Response from MMADfan (Author of Charming the Scottish Garden)
Hi! I'm so glad you enjoyed it!Yes, Johannes is becoming gradually more assertive, but without being pushy or aggressive about it, and always with Siofre's good in his mind. I, too, hope it will not be too long a wait for another chapter of CSG! Thanks for letting me know you enjoyed the chapter!
Response from MMADfan (Author of Charming the Scottish Garden)
Hi! I'm so glad you enjoyed it!Yes, Johannes is becoming gradually more assertive, but without being pushy or aggressive about it, and always with Siofre's good in his mind. I, too, hope it will not be too long a wait for another chapter of CSG! Thanks for letting me know you enjoyed the chapter!
I'm not quite sure if Lydia has three children or only one - Bertrand - are her others Conner and someone else? I got a bit confused when Soifre was explaining her children - seemed to me she miscarried a lot and that Bertrand was the only child - but then you said he was the youngest, so I got confused.
Response from MMADfan (Author of Charming the Scottish Garden)
I need to reread the chapter & make sure that I haven't mis-typed something. If I have, I'll go in and make a correction! Thanks!Lydia has one child, Bertrand, and he has two children, Phoebe and Conner. Conner's married to Elisabeth and they have one boy, Liam (who grows up to be Eoghan's father).
Response from MMADfan (Author of Charming the Scottish Garden)
I think the plethora of children, grandchildren, and other relatives may simply have overwhelmed the synapses. hee! In the previous chapter, Siofre does say that Bertrand was Lydia & Malcolm Tyree's only child, and then in this chapter, she speaks of Bertrand being married to Sally (Longbottom) and the two of them having Connor & Phoebe. Charles Prince is Bertrand's cousin (Charles's father was Bertrand Prince, Lydia's brother, for whom she named her son), and Charles is married to Sally's sister Louisa. (And this is why Severus is related to Eogan in two ways -- through the Princes & the Longbottoms. Bertrand's cousin and Sally's sister are Eileen Prince's grandparents, thus Severus's great-grandparents, and Bertrand and Sally themselves are Eoghan's great-grandparents.) Yeah, can get confusing! 
Response from Fishy (Reviewer)
I'll just take your word for it and go forward - it was confusing - whew! Thanks for explaining in simple terms - you know sometimes I need a map. *smirks*
*snip*“I may need to take additional measures,” Siofre said. “And the spells I cast will only be effective as long as they are in the house. From what I understand, he drinks, then comes home mean. On good nights, he passes out before he does more than shout and make a scene. The nosy neighbour turns a blind eye to the husband’s behaviour, though he surely must know of it. Any road, I did what I could to make sure that if he does come home drunk, he passes out straightaway upon crossing the threshold. If he tries to take a drink at home, he’ll become ill. Gwyneth claims that when he’s not drinking, he’s moody, but otherwise fine. Most of the spells I cast were aimed at his drinking—making the consequences miserable for him. I cast a few protective spells around Gwyneth, and I gave her an emergency Portkey, as well. If Cadoc becomes violent or frightens her in any way, she can Portkey to her brother and sister-in-law’s home.”“Why would she stay with such a brute?” Johannes asked.“She does love him, or the man she remembers marrying,” Siofre replied, “but she is expecting a baby. It was partly for her baby’s sake that I tried to persuade her to leave the man, but she . . . she has her reasons, I suppose.”“He hits her or hexes her and she is pregnant?” Johannes asked, even more appalled than he had been. “The man should be . . . he should be . . . I do not know a suitable punishment, but he does not deserve the family if he cannot treat them with the love and respect that he should. He should be their protector!”Siofre twitched a slight smile. “Perhaps a lecture in gentlemanly behaviour might do him some good . . . in a few weeks, after the man has ceased drinking. If we can manage that.” I hate to say it, but nothing fixes an abuser unless the abuser WANTS to be fixed - only THEY can truly heal themselves - all the abusee can do is leave - and the woman, in my opinion, is being foolish and selfish - and abusive to her unborn child. I can not STAND lazy, selfish women like this that would rather live in hell than do something better for their kids.
Response from Fishy (Reviewer)
Okay, since we know that Lydia is Slytherin, and Johannes is Ravenclaw - I simply MUST know what our Siofre is, my guess, Ravenclaw or Gryffindor - or perhaps Slytherin.... but I'm putting my coin on Ravenclaw.
Response from MMADfan (Author of Charming the Scottish Garden)
Yes, she's a Ravenclaw. :-)You're right about abusers. Siofre's trying to address some of the underlying causes of his drinking, hoping that that will help, as well as doing something about the drinking itself. We shall see what happens with that.Let's see . . . here's the passage from RaM ("A Spree") where Siofre and Johannes meet:Johannes laughed as the three witches all agreed that every wizard still had a little boy in him. Siofre looked up at the tall, sandy-haired wizard.“Don’t know you. You’re foreign, aren’t you?” The words were blunt, but her tone friendly.“I am from Germany, ma’am,” Johannes said in his friendly manner. “Johannes Birnbaum, at your service.”“Ah, the Herbology wizard. Ravenclaw Head of House, aren’t you? Heard good things about you. Siofre Tyree, Ravenclaw myself,” she said, holding out her hand, which Johannes took and bent over in a formal bow.As Johannes straightened, Minerva apologised. “I am sorry, Grandmother. I hadn’t realised that you two hadn’t met.”
Response from Fishy (Reviewer)
Ah, I should have remembered this - well then, my coin was well placed - Ravenclaw indeed.
Response from MMADfan (Author of Charming the Scottish Garden)
Indeed! You're a good 'claw spotter! ;-)
Response from Fishy (Reviewer)
Am I? Seems I've been spoiled with a few good ones in my life. *winks*
*snip*A few moments later, the two stepped out into the sunshine, and Johannes saw that they had arrived at a gabled cottage of three stories. Unlike the main house with its towers and turrets, this house was not all stone. It was a combination of half-timbering and uncut natural stone of different colours—quite unusual for Scotland, in Johannes’s experience—but very lovely on this woody hill. It seemed half-grown from the land and the surrounding woods.Ok that right there is freaking AWESOME!
Response from Fishy (Reviewer)
*snip*“Hmph. Still, it is not hers, and it is desolate.” She looked around her. “This is . . . isolated and private, but not set apart the way that island is. And that other, that is Dumbledore’s island. Do you know its name? Eilean Tèarmunn. It means ‘Refuge Island.’ A sanctuary from the wizarding world. Not even a Post Owl can get through to it. That is fine as far as it goes, but for Minerva, I would like her to have a place she could come that is hers if she needs it, and not just that island of Dumbledore’s. She can use the cottage or not, as she likes—and bring Dumbledore with her if she wishes.”Ahhhhh, NOW I am starting to understand the Tyree witches... forward thinking, ahead of their time, true Gaelic women of power - equal power - no woman should rely on a man - yes, now I am seeing the true Soifre. Besides all that, I'm glad she is looking out for Minerva - though I know Dumbledore wouldn't dream of hurting his love, but still, Minerva should have her own place.... and if Soifre has the space, and buildings, why not? Makes perfect sense. I wish I could live here! I'm insainly jealous! 
Response from Fishy (Reviewer)
*snip*“You think Minerva might not want it? Even if she uses it seldom, it will be here for her. It can be a holiday cottage for now, if she likes, but she will want a family one day and a home to raise her children."*winces*
Response from Fishy (Reviewer)
The shell house is amazing, really amazing!
Response from MMADfan (Author of Charming the Scottish Garden)
Hi,
Response from MMADfan (Author of Charming the Scottish Garden)
! I'm glad you liked the cottage and the shell house. :-)Yes, typical of Tyree witches is that sense of independence, and Siofre has it in spades. She wants to help give Minerva opportunities and that home just of her own. As you say, she has the space, so why not?Yes, Siofre has no crystal ball to see into the future, and she does envision one with Minerva having children of her own. It's a wistful sort of moment for those of us who know what the future does hold for Minerva.
*snip*I hate maths. Maths makes me sleepy and I itch all over. I think I’m allergic,” Lydia said.Siofre barked a laugh. “And that is why I will do the calculations, as always. You’d think we didn’t do this every month.”“I do my very best to forget,” Lydia said pitifully.I can so relate to Lydia here... hate math... haaaaaaaate it.
Response from Fishy (Reviewer)
*snip*“I am keeping much rushes, though, here and along the edge opposite,” Johannes said, pointing. “They are good for the animals, for the fowl and fishes, to have them here.”He is absolutely correct - far too many people cut all the natural vegetation out of a pond and kill it, even putting up cement walls around it - turns the water into piss pea soup and basically kills it - thank you for keeping him realistic and knowledgable - a real herbologist! A naturalist!
Response from MMADfan (Author of Charming the Scottish Garden)
LOL! Yes, I'm allergic to math, too -- but sadly have had to work for many years in jobs that required me to sit there and "itch" while using it. Unfortunately, although I hate it, I'm still not abysmal at it. Although I suppose that's good . . . to a point!Glad you like Johannes and his care for the natural balance and all the living things, plant and animal. One of the things he enjoys is knowing how plants fit into an ecosystem, and what plants can do for various critters. He loves to encourage life, so he certainly wouldn't deaden a pond by cutting out all the vegetation and putting in concrete! I'm glad you appreciate this aspect of the story. :-)
Response from Fishy (Reviewer)
I've seen far too many gardeners that remind me of some Wal-Mart version of a garden - potted plants that attract NO insects and some concrete and plastic fountain sitting on asphalt - and these 'gardens' are so alien to the natural surroundings and support no life and take up so .... here I am ranting - sorry - anyway, glad to see Johannes is a REAL naturalist/gardener.I also love the explanation of the alarm charms or wards that they are going to put around the pond to keep the babies from drowning - very cool!
Okay - so - lets see, I loved seeing Gertie again, and had to roll my eyes too at Malcolm's silliness - she's a good sport, putting up with him I think - and as usual, I always get embarassed when folks at the table have kissed others at the table but aren't with those at the table - as you know, so I had even more respect for Gertie for sitting through all that as Mal and Katherine talked about his kissing - eh... what else ... Katherine was interesting and I'd like to have learned more about her role in Grindelwald's defeat - as well as her work with Dumbledore but I know that's a minor thing here.I liked how Johannes stumbles around with his English and makes silly errors - chip off the old brick and such - and I like how you've made his speach a bit odd, which it should be, since English isn't his first language.I admit, I'd like to know more about why Grindelwald was after him - recruiting him, but perhaps we'll learn more about that as the story progresses.But most importantly, I'd really curious about WHY Siofre has captured his attention - its a bit of a puzzle to me - I guess I just don't see much of her personality yet or something - besides that she's a very commanding witch - got that alpha personality - perhaps that's it? At any rate, I'm sure I'll learn more as the story progresses.And as always, enjoying your writing, but then again I'd never have started reading Scottish Garden if I wasn't already completely taken with your writing - so no surprises there!
Response from MMADfan (Author of Charming the Scottish Garden)
Yes, you'll eventually learn more about what happened to Johannes's family & why.It's partly the commanding personality, and partly just "chemistry" -- or maybe it's "magic," or magical resonance. Malcolm can be a trial, but usually in a funny way, so Gertrude actually enjoys it when he's "exasperating." haha!Glad you're enjoying it!
Oh dear, Malcolm is meddling already... 
Response from MMADfan (Author of Charming the Scottish Garden)
haha! His heart's in the right place!
Response from Fishy (Reviewer)
Seems most of your characters, OC or Canon, are meddlesome! HAHA! I love EEET! For once it isn't Dumbledore meddling - thankfully - though I suppose right now he's too busy with Minerva to think about much else. *grins*
Response from MMADfan (Author of Charming the Scottish Garden)
Yes, Dumbledore is busy between Minerva, Hogwarts, Minerva, the Ministry, Minerva . . . well, you get the idea!
Response from Fishy (Reviewer)
Mmmmhmmmm - might have to go back and read RaM just to see how busy he is! 
Response from MMADfan (Author of Charming the Scottish Garden)
This is a bit post-RaM, but you're right: if you reread the end of RaM, you'll get an idea of what may be still be keeping him busy these days! 
Response from Fishy (Reviewer)
All good stuff if I remember correctly.
Response from MMADfan (Author of Charming the Scottish Garden)
Oh, very good, indeed! 
Morgan and Fiona had quads? What on earth? Magical fertility treatment or something? You simply MUST explain that!I am liking this, loving the timid flirtation from Johannes and the direct flirtation or demands of his time, from Siofre - pretty cute. I love romance in the RamVerse - I don't have to worry about rejection!
Response from MMADfan (Author of Charming the Scottish Garden)
Yes, indeed! And everyone suspects they used potions or a spell or something, but they claim not. Minerva calls them "the litter." (Gareth mentioned that tidbit about Minerva's humor to Severus back in LVS somewhere. Severus liked it. hee!)I'm glad you're enjoying the romance. Johannes is rather smitten, and Siofre isn't indifferent, either! Thanks!
A very nice introduction and very cute to see Johannes having an eye on Siofre - looking forward to more Dumbledore and McGonagall!
Response from MMADfan (Author of Charming the Scottish Garden)
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it. Albus & Minerva will eventually make "personal appearances" in the fic, but not for a while yet -- although Minerva shows up by reference fairly frequently. And there's one of your favorite HP characters coming up soonish, too! :-)
Response from Fishy (Reviewer)
Ooooh - Gertie???
Response from MMADfan (Author of Charming the Scottish Garden)
Ah, she's a RaMverse character, but yes, she does, indeed, show up! And relatively soon, actually -- sooner than the canon HP character I was thinking of. In fact, there are two canon characters appearing together in that chapter who I'm pretty sure are among your faves. :-)
Response from Fishy (Reviewer)
Ooooh! I'm so excited!!!!!
I was very happy to see an update to this story! And what a fun chapter it was. Apparently Minerva isn't the only one who doubts Malcolm's stories. Poor Malcolm. I think Malcolm was holding back in the fight or he would have taken all of the other wizards out easily:). BTW-go Johannes! Loved the spell with the wood. I think he should have left Cam up on the wall. I imagine these lads are in trouble if Gertrude and/ Siofre hear about it. Thanks for a fun read.
Response from MMADfan (Author of Charming the Scottish Garden)
Hi! Glad you enjoyed it! Yes, Malcolm could have easily taken them, but it wasn't until it got "serious" that he went ahead and took 'em out. Yes, Johannes might not be much with the traditional defensive spells, hexes, jinxes, and the like, but he's got some imagination and skill with wood, so he didn't do too badly!Thanks!
Well, that certainly wasn't how I was expecting the evening to end. Action packed for sure!!I loved the details you put in about the African dragons. It amazes me how you always come up with new and interesting ideas to add to the RaM universe.I can't believe how quickly the little bar conversation turned ugly. Cam certainly was a nasty bugger and I'm glad Johannes was the one to pin him to the wall. Poor Aberforth, though. I pity him having to clean up all that mess. hahaWonder what Siofre would think if she heard about all that drama??? lol
Response from MMADfan (Author of Charming the Scottish Garden)
I do wonder what Siofre would think, too! Johannes and Malcolm don't want to find out, that's for sure! Somehow, I can imagine that that story might make its way to her ears, whether the "lads" want it to or not! Yes, Cam was just ready for a confrontation there, wasn't he? And pretty nasty in his comments and innuendos, too. Glad you liked Johannes's trick with the wood. He might not be much at fighting, but he is a clever wizard, nonetheless -- and experienced with wood, as well. Glad you liked the African dragons. I've been looking for an opportunity to stick those into a chapter with Malcolm since I wrote his "application letter" to Dumbledore back in RaM, so it was really fun to finally give them a bit of space and hear a small portion of the story of Malcolm's first dragon ride. Thanks very much for the review!
OMG!! an update!! I was so happy when I saw the email in my inbox! Thanks!I loved this chapter, Malcolm is always so much fun, poor Johannes I don't think he likes the kind of fun Malcolm brings lol. This was a very nice chapter, so funny! I can't wait to read more Siofre and Johannes, they are getting closer by the chapter! LOL.thank you for updatingSam
Response from MMADfan (Author of Charming the Scottish Garden)
Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter! You're right: Johannes doesn't have the same idea of "fun" that Malcolm does!Thanks for the review! (I was glad to finally be able to write & update! )
I had been holding off reading this chapter and "saving it" since you had mentioned your muse had left you, but tonight I caved in and I'm so glad I did. Johannes' vision of Siofre and his confession to Lydia was breath-taking. How apropos that the jerk that used and left Lydia was a Lockhart. She did much better with her Murdoch. It was a little jarring to read the name Severus back in this time period. I hope you find your muse again. I really miss the updates. Take care.
Response from MMADfan (Author of Charming the Scottish Garden)
I am currently struggling with writing a gift exchange fic that's finally beginning to sort of come together. I hope that once I have that written, maybe my muse will come back for the other stories. I miss them, too.I am glad that you enjoyed the chapter! Your review brought the characters back into my mind, and Lydia's story, so maybe that will help grease the wheels of the fanfic section of my brain! I figured that a Lockhart would be very good at cutting and running when the going got tough even back then. I thought it might be an interesting reminder of Severus' pureblooded side of the family, too, to have mention of the Prince relative he was named after, as well as the Princes' earlier tangles with the Tyree clan. We will also hear more about Eileen and her father in an upcoming chapter -- hmm, do I hear my muse tiptoeing about? LOL!Anyway, thank you very much for your review. I'm glad you enjoyed it -- and sorry that you haven't got another one to look forward to immediately, but I haven't vanished, and I do hope to continue with both this and LVS very soon. :-)
I'm really enjoying your story. Thank you for sharing your talent :)
Response from MMADfan (Author of Charming the Scottish Garden)
Hi,
Response from MMADfan (Author of Charming the Scottish Garden)
! Thank you for your note! I appreciate it, and I'm really glad you're enjoying the story.
Ooo lovely chapter. I like the way you are building the sexual tension and bonds between them. Fascinating ritual; I'm curious about the artifact. I'm assuming/hoping it has greater meaning than is usual.
I see Malcolm is in the next chapter - thank you!
Response from MMADfan (Author of Charming the Scottish Garden)
Thanks,
Response from MMADfan (Author of Charming the Scottish Garden)
!The next chapter has a bit more about the artifact -- and Siofre's curious about it, as well.I'm glad you're looking forward to seeing Malcolm again. I hope you enjoy it. He'll be popping in and staying for a couple chapters. :-)Thanks for the review! 
LOL God Malcolm is amazing! lol, that tale and the show lol, he's great! I'm so glad he's back and I love it that Siofre calls Gertrude his witch! that's so sweet.
Now the most important part, OMG!! that was sooooo romantic, Johannes is very very romantic, his words to Siofre, the kiss, the pledge! oooohhhh I'm soooo happy right now!!! and Siofre! her reaction was amazing, I'm so pleased! lol. I loved it that she went from Magister to Honnie in less than a minute, she's giving in!
I really think his own private pledge to her has alot to do with the shape, color and markings of the artifact, I can't wait to find out! I'm so excited! Can't wait for the next chapter. GREAT, WONDERFUL writing!
Sam
Response from MMADfan (Author of Charming the Scottish Garden)
Thank you! I enjoy writing Malcolm -- he seems to write himself -- and it's really fun to be able to step back into that period.I'm glad you enjoyed the romantic bits, as well. They are growing ever closer.Thank you very much for reviewing!
Fun chapter, indeedy!!!The conversation with Siofre and Bridie and then the one with her and Johannes warmed my heart fully. His declarations to her about his pledges, both verbal and in his heart, were very sweet. I'm sure she must know by now that he is truly enamoured with her. However, I can still see her giving him the time and space to come to her fully.LOVE, LOVE, LOVE MALCOLM!! He has me grinning from ear to ear with his tales to the wizard and his retelling of his meeting with him. He's such a hoot. And I'd have to agree with Siofre that his witch caught him well. haha.
Response from MMADfan (Author of Charming the Scottish Garden)
I'm glad you enjoyed both the romance and the humor in this chapter. I think that Siofre is very aware now of his increasingly strong feelings for her. We'll see where that knowledge might lead.I'm glad that you found Malcolm and his tales a hoot. He's fun -- he practically writes himself.Thanks for the review!
Such an awesome chapter! I looooove it!!! The ceremony performed by Siofre was very special and I'm glad they didn't need any witnesses. I think some of the "magic" of the moment would have been lost if others had been around. And the artifact sounds very intriguing. I do hope we'll learn more about that as the story progresses. We are one step closer to having Siofre and Johannes together. SWEEEEET!!!!!Thanks for the update!
Response from MMADfan (Author of Charming the Scottish Garden)
You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter! They are, indeed, closer now!
thank you, thank you, thank you!! I loved loved this chapter, it's very sweet and so interesting to learn all of this about Siofre and Tyree Clan. It was very funny that he was unsure about her wanting to adopt him lol, and I can't wait to find out what does the artifact mean, I'm sure it has to do something with their bond, I hope so at least!. I'm sooo glad Malcolm is going to be in the next chapter, I miss him! lol. Can't wait to read more, thanks!Sam
Response from MMADfan (Author of Charming the Scottish Garden)
Yeah, he sure didn't want her thinking of him as her son! LOL! And she was glad that he was happy that he'd be closer to her than to any others in the clan. (Yay -- my javascript emoticons are working again! LOL!)It's been fun writing Malcolm in this coming chapter, so I hope you'll enjoy it.Thanks for the review!