Chapter Seventeen: Poetry and Music
Chapter 17 of 32
MMADfanAn evening of poetry and music stirs the heart.
Reviewed
Chapter Seventeen: Poetry and Music
For the rest of the afternoon and into the evening, Johannes worked in the new large vegetable garden that he had planted below the house on the other side of the ridge past the lodge. The ground was wet from the soaking rains of the previous two days, but it was good to work, and the smell of the rich, damp earth was invigorating. He worked, concentrated on his task, his mind focussed on the seedlings and on the earth, feeling a deep sense of peace and well-being.
Finally at half-past six, Johannes returned his tools to the nearby shed, hanging his work apron on a hook there and washing his hands at the pump, and started the long walk up to the lodge, from where he could Disapparate for the main house. There were only a few open Apparition points on the grounds, and there was none near that garden, nor near the field of barley down above the sea far to the southwest of the house, and he usually had a house-elf Apparate him down to that acreage. The previous day, Siofre had Apparated them both back to the estate so that they could arrive directly in the entry hall of the house and avoid the wet walk up from the drive. Johannes didn't mind this walk, though. The hills surrounding him echoed with the distant sound of the waves on the shore and with the rushing of the waters from the streams, swollen now from the steady rains, crashing their way down to join the sea. It was a restful and yet invigorating sound.
He reached the lodge gardens, taking a cursory look at them, and saw Fiona in one of the upstairs windows. She waved at him, and he waved back, smiling. It did somehow feel that the estate was more alive now that the McGonagalls had moved into the lodge. Fiona was bubbly and sweet, with great enthusiasm, and Morgan was equally sweet, though he was easily the quietest McGonagall whom Johannes had ever met.
It would be interesting to see how the quads grew and developed. It was clear already that David was active and energetic, and slightly better coordinated than his brother Aiden, though they were identical twins. Aiden was good natured and smiley, laughing when his brother lobbed his carrots and sprouts at him. Branwen and Morgana were both more fastidious than their brothers and more coordinated than either brother, too, and more serious. It had amused Johannes to see Morgana carefully picking up one pea at a time and putting it in her mouth to eat it. Branwen did the same, though she often pinched the pea a bit too hard before it reached her mouth, and she would suck it off her fingers. When David and Aiden tried to eat their peas, the few that they were given, they grabbed with their entire hand, closing tight little fists around them and then gazing with fascination at the green pulp that squeezed out between their fingers. Siofre had been right: they were messy little eaters.
For pudding, the babies had had vanilla custard, and Johannes had volunteered to help feed them. Using little silver spoons, Minerva and Siofre had fed the boys, Lydia had fed Branwen, and he had fed Branwen's twin, allowing their parents to eat their dessert at the same time as their children.
Morgana had stared up at him with dark, serious eyes, and he felt he was being examined and his trustworthiness assessed. She already tried to hold the spoon herself, and she obviously wished to be in complete control of her meal. She would place her tiny hand on his as he brought the custard to her mouth, and when she had taken it, she would hold out her hand and push his away until she was ready for the next mouthful.
Johannes could see how it would be very helpful for the McGonagalls to have their house-elves help feed the babies, though even the house-elves did it by hand rather than using magic, in order that the children learn better how to use a spoon. In fact, Johannes could not imagine how two parents could manage four babies on their own and without any assistance. It was fortunate that Morgan worked from his home...which Fiona had done, as well, until the children were born. She hoped to begin working again, but she had set no specific time to return to her editorial duties. Since she was still breastfeeding the babies before each meal...and with four children, that took a good deal of time...Johannes didn't see how she could manage returning to her editing work until the children were weaned, even with house-elf help.
He had been curious about how she managed to breastfeed four infants, though of course he hadn't asked, but he had overheard Minerva and Fiona talking, and had learned that until about a month before, the babies had also had a wet-nurse from the island, and the babies had rotated between their mother and their nurse. There were apparently also lactation spells that had helped, although Johannes did not want to know the details. He thought that Beate had used such spells once or twice when she first began breastfeeding their daughter, but that was witches' magic, and he didn't know anything about how it worked.
After inspecting the flower beds near the lodge's front entrance, Johannes Apparated to the main drive outside the house. He cleaned his muddy boots before stepping into the entry hall, and he could hear Siofre and Lydia in the family dining room. He removed his hat and cloak, Sorrel Apparating to him with a snap and taking the garments to the cloakroom off the kitchen, where Johannes normally kept his outdoor work garments, and as he approached the dining room, the witches' voices became clearer. They were talking about Bertrand and Sally.
Johannes leaned in through the open double-doors of the dining room. "My apologies. I am late. I must change, but I shall be quick. Please, do not wait for me."
Siofre shook her head. "Nay, change after, if you must, but eat now with us."
Johannes glanced down at his worn brown work clothes, shrugged, and joined the two witches at the table. He would not make a habit of sitting down to dinner in his work clothes, but it would not disturb the order of the universe to do so occasionally, he thought. Siofre rang the little silver bell by her place, and the food appeared on the table.
"You did not have to wait for me," Johannes said as Siofre Summoned his plate and began to fill it with shepherd's pie for him, then doing the same for Lydia.
"We would not have waited long," Siofre said with a laugh. "I have too great an appetite tonight. I am glad that Multry fixed something hearty."
"Did it go well at the Terwilligers'?" Johannes asked.
"Aye, quite," Siofre replied, digging into her mashed potatoes.
"Apparently, Cadoc is already beginning to behave better," Lydia informed him as Siofre ate. "Siofre says that he's on edge, though."
Siofre took a swallow of water and nodded. "The potion should help with that. It is very soothing."
"Good. I am happy to hear this," Johannes said. "This means you will not have to follow the husband tomorrow, or?"
Siofre chuckled. "My dear Johannes, you are distressed by that, aren't you? But I shall still follow the man. There must be troubles in his life, things his wife does not know. It might help me to discover what they are."
Johannes nodded. "Mrs Terwilliger is a fortunate witch to have you assisting her."
"Her baby is due very soon . . . I worry that she contacted me too late," Siofre said, "but therefore I must simply work a little harder. I showed her how to apply the potion...perfectly safe for the bairn, both now and when it enters the world, and Gwyneth will show it to the girl who comes in to help clean once a week so that she can continue to apply it even after the bairn is born if she does not wish to do it herself."
The conversation moved on to other topics, and after eating, Johannes excused himself to change, saying that he would join the witches in the sitting room after he was more presentable.
"I believe you're always quite presentable, Johannes," Lydia said, "and I'm sure that Siofre agrees with me, don't you, Siofre?"
"Let the man be comfortable," Siofre said, avoiding the question. "I need to fetch my correspondence, and I will join you in a few minutes, Lydia."
Johannes and Siofre walked up the broad staircase together, Johannes mentioning that he had worked in the lower gardens that afternoon, and she exclaimed at that.
"'Tis no wonder you were delayed for dinner," Siofre said. "That is a long walk."
"I Apparated from the lodge, and it is a beautiful walk, everything glistening from the rain, the sound of the streams, the different scents...I sometimes think I could find my way about the estate by the scents alone, each area is so distinctive."
Siofre smiled at that. "Aye, that is true. But it would be convenient, even safer for you, if you could Apparate freely on the estate." They paused at the top of the stairs on the first floor. "It brings to mind something that occurred to me yesterday when we returned from your flat. I should add you to the family wards."
"It is not necessary," Johannes began.
"Nay, I should have done it many weeks ago," Siofre said, holding up her hand and brooking no dissent. "We can do it on Thursday, if that is agreeable. I would do it sooner, but tomorrow I must follow Terwilliger."
Johannes bowed slightly. "As you wish. Thank you, Siofre."
Siofre waved away his thanks. "I will see you in a few minutes."
After changing clothes, Johannes went back downstairs. He had not thought about what Lydia had said that afternoon over tea and fresh scones, but he had not forgotten it, either. It seemed to him appropriate advice, if that was what Lydia had given him, and he was already fairly certain of what course he would take, though unsure precisely how he would proceed. But as Lydia had also counselled patience, it seemed to Johannes that there was no urgency to make any specific plans, either.
In the sitting room, Lydia was sitting in her armchair, her feet up on an ottoman in front of her, and Siofre was sitting at one end of the sofa. Lydia was reading a book, and Siofre had a letter in her hand and a book next to her. Johannes sat at the other end of the couch and opened his own book on Dendromancy. He was engrossed in the chapter on wand woods when he heard Lydia say his name, and he looked up.
"You know, Johannes, I've been reading some of my favourite German poetry lately, and it's lovely, but it would be even better if read aloud...by someone whose mother tongue was German, especially. Could you possibly read a few of the poems aloud?" Lydia asked, smiling. "I would enjoy it so much. You have a beautiful voice, and it would be wonderful for me if you would."
Johannes felt embarrassed by her description of his voice, but he nodded and set aside his own book. "It would be my pleasure."
Siofre set down her letter on the table beside her, prepared to listen, as well, though she did not speak German.
"Could you begin with this one?" Lydia asked, handing him the open book.
Johannes glanced at it. Goethe. "Ja, sicher," he replied automatically as his eyes grazed the German words. "Rastlose Liebe," he began reading.
"Oh, that was beautiful!" Lydia exclaimed when he had finished.
"Aye," Siofre agreed, "though I understood not a word of it."
"Can you translate it for her, Johannes?" Lydia asked.
"It is difficult to do as I read, but I will attempt it," Johannes said with a nod.
"Restless Love," he read the title, then continued, pausing occasionally as he struggled to find an apt English word or phrase.
Into the snow, into the rain,
Against the wind,
In the vapours of the clefts,
Through misty fogs,
Onward! Onward!
Without rest and without peace.
Rather through troubles
Would I struggle
Than to bear
So many joys of life.
All the inclination
Of one heart to another,
Oh how strangely
This causes pain!
How shall I flee?
Into the woods?
All is for naught!
Crown of life,
Happiness without peace,
Love, that is you!
"I apologise that it is a rough translation," Johannes said. "It is no longer poetry, I fear. I do violence to Goethe."
"Keineswegs," Lydia contradicted him. "It was lovely."
"Rather melodramatic," Siofre said, "though I liked the first part with the foggy vapours."
"Let me choose another," Lydia said, taking the book back. "Here, this one. Try this one by Hebbel, 'Ich und Du,' 'I and Thou,' first in German, then in English for Siofre. It is a short one."
Johannes dutifully read it in German and then read it again, translating it into English as he went.
We dreamed of one another,
And from the dream awakened,
We live to love each other,
And sink back into the night.
You stepped from my dream,
And I stepped out of yours,
We die when one of us
Becomes utterly lost in the other.
On a lily tremble
Two drops, pure and round,
Flowing into one and rolling
Downward to the bottom of the flower's chalice.
Johannes shrugged and handed the book to Lydia.
"Oh, thank you, Johannes! Could you read just another few?" she begged.
Johannes nodded and took the book back. This time, he chose a few short poems about nature and the seasons, and these seemed both easier to translate and more to Siofre's liking.
After he had read "Mondnacht," "Moonlit Night," by Eichendorff, Siofre, knowing that Johannes would continue reading to please them until he grew hoarse, took the book from him and gave it back to Lydia. "That is enough for one night, I believe. We do not disturb the magister's evening by taxing him with this," she said. She turned and smiled at Johannes. "It was, however, lovely to listen to, and German is a more beautiful language than I had thought it would sound. Thank you for reading to us and for translating for me."
"Yes, thank you, Johannes," Lydia said. "I really enjoyed that."
"It was my pleasure. It is never a bad thing to end an evening with some poetry."
"Or music," Siofre said. "Lydia, play us your new piece again, would you?"
Lydia hopped up happily and opened the large doors between the sitting room and the music room. "I had an idea for adding a part for violin, too," she said as she opened the piano. "As I was up in the hall labelling the furniture to be moved to the cottage, it came to me. I think Morgan would enjoy that."
"Aye, indeed he would," Siofre replied, adding to Johannes, "He plays violin...fiddle, as he calls it...and usually plays traditional pieces, folk music, you might say, but he is quite a good musician, and oft he and Lydia would play together on a Sunday afternoon, before the childer arrived. Now that they live here, he might be able to do that again."
"That would please Lydia, no doubt."
Siofre nodded, but didn't reply as Lydia set out her music and sat down at the piano.
After Lydia had played her piece, she took out some other sheet music and continued with some Liszt. Watching her through the open double doors, Johannes smiled. "She is beautiful when she plays," he said softly. "She is absorbed...is that the word?"
Siofre smiled and nodded. "Aye. And 'tis true. She seems to glow . . ."
Lydia played for another half hour, then finally, after she slipped on a few notes, she folded down the keyboard and put the music away.
"I am getting tired," she said, coming into the sitting room. "It has been a long day. I think I'm going up to bed."
"The composition for Bertrand and Sally is really turning out well," Siofre said as Lydia stepped near. "I'm sure they will enjoy it and appreciate it. I think that your happiness with their homecoming shines through the music. I'm pleased you began composing again."
Lydia bent and gave her sister-in-law a kiss on the cheek. "I'm glad you like it. And you're right, I am very happy my boy and Sally will be coming home, but we should also thank Johannes for encouraging me." She turned to Johannes. "It gave me that last bit of a nudge and the confidence to pick up my quill again." She smiled down at him, patting his shoulder. "Thank you, Johannes."
Johannes nodded, and was about to reply when Lydia surprised him by bending and kissing his cheek, too.
"You are as good a wizard as they come," Lydia said. "I am so glad that you have come into our lives." She squeezed his shoulder. "Good night, Johannes. Good night, Siofre."
After Lydia left the room, Johannes picked up his book again. "She is a sweet woman. That was kind of her."
"She is kind," Siofre agreed. "A very warm and gentle person." She picked up her book, too. "And somewhat sentimental. But she is right," she added briskly, "it is good that you came into our lives."
"I am the one who is blessed," Johannes whispered. He tentatively reached out to touch Siofre's hand. "Very blessed to have met you and had this opportunity to come to know you."
Siofre turned her head slightly to look at him. She nodded. "I am glad you feel that way, Honnie."
Johannes wished to say more, but he did not know what. He took in a breath as he stood. "I believe I will retire presently, myself. Good night, Siofre." He bent and lifted her hand to his lips, but rather than merely bowing to her in his usual manner, he kissed her hand gently, then kissed it again, lingering, his eyes closed, his lips slowly cherishing her skin. Then he straightened quickly, released her hand, and nodded. "Good night."
As he went out the door, Siofre said, "Good night, Honnie. Sleep well." She sat there a long time, her book unopened on her lap, the fire slowly dying in the fireplace, until finally she rose, extinguished the lamps, and closed the flue. The clock on the mantle chimed midnight as she left the room, closing the doors behind her.
Author's Note: The translations (which are my own) are intentionally left rough, and I have no doubt that there are many far better translations of the poems available, but these are intended to reflect the fact that Johannes is translating as he reads, so I did not polish them up. The originals are likely available somewhere on the Web, as well as some good translations, if you would care to read them.
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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!