Chapter Nineteen: Clearing the Path
Chapter 19 of 32
MMADfanSiofre begins clearing a path for Johannes.
Reviewed
Chapter Nineteen: Clearing the Path
Siofre climbed the stairs to the first floor, then took a dark hallway to the North Tower. She flicked her wand to open the door to the large room that encompassed the whole of the tower on that level. Sunlight filtered weakly through several narrow windows. After using her wand to draw back the heavy curtains that covered the tower room's one large leaded-glass window, Siofre looked around her.
It had been more than a year since she had been in the treasure room, as she had called it as a child. The room contained various artifacts from Tyrees past, everything from Charmed armour...some of which was pitted or dented from use...to finely wrought metal chalices, to plain black cauldrons of various sizes. Much of it was on display, either on the room's many shelves or hanging from the walls and the high ceiling. Siofre stepped over to a glass case, flicking her wand to remove the light coating of dust that covered it. Generations of wands lay arrayed in the case, each with a small card, Charmed to expand on command and reveal the details of its particular wand...who had made it, who had wielded it, what its composition was, and any idiosyncrasies of the wand or other facts of interest about it and the witch or wizard who had used it during their lifetime. She had laid Herbert McKenna's Ollivander-made elm wand there with the others, though he was not related to the Tyrees, except through marriage. She had never even performed the clan ritual with him that she was now setting about performing with Johannes. But he had fathered a Tyree witch, and he had been a good and faithful husband to her, and when he died, she had mourned him.
Stepping past a rack containing several long staffs, Siofre went to a cupboard, muttered a word, and caught a hidden drawer that popped from it. There was little in the drawer, and nothing that appeared valuable, but Siofre pulled out a long, narrow knife and drew it from its plain leather sheath. Its blade was copper, and its handle, horn. Intricate designs were carved upon the handle; the unusual blade, showing no signs of oxidation, seemed to glitter from within. One curved edge was sharp from tip to shaft, and, peculiarly, the other edge was straight and sharp from the tip to about a third a way up the blade.
Siofre slipped the knife back in its sheath and put it in her deep pocket. She would explain everything to Johannes, of course...she had planned to without Lydia's prompting. And she would give him a choice, as well. Despite what she'd said to Lydia, admitting Johannes to the modified family wards would be sufficient to enable him to pop around the estate, carrying out his duties or even just enjoying the grounds, but she wished to offer him the opportunity to be bound to the clan. It wasn't just his choice that Siofre was interested in, but in his reactions.
Despite their relatively short acquaintance, Siofre trusted the wizard, trusted him deeply, or she would never have considered the clan rites. Indeed, she had never considered bringing anyone into the Tyree clan before then. In the last few decades, she had performed the ritual several times at the request of others, usually upon an engagement or marriage, and once for an adoption, but never for someone whom she herself had chosen to bring into the clan.
When she had married Collum McGonagall all those many decades before, Bridie's mother, Moira Tyree, had brought him into the clan, but Siofre had not thought of it when she had married Herbert, and there had never been any necessity for it, either. If he had ever known of the clan rites, Herbert had never himself expressed interest in them.
Despite her trust in him, Siofre was still interested in Johannes's reaction to the suggestion...and was curious whether he would recognise the unusual nature of her offer. She did not know anything of German wizarding traditions and whether they had any concepts akin to the Tyree sense of clan. It could be a meaningless gesture to offer the young wizard. Siofre hoped it was not.
Although she was of an age and stature within the Tyree clan to admit anyone to the clan on her own authority and without seeking approval from anyone else, she had wanted to discuss it with Bridie. In addition to gaining her blessing, Siofre had also wanted Bridie's perspective on her relationship with Johannes and her feelings for him. Bridie had offered what opinion she could, but as she stated herself, she had never met the German wizard, and so could only remark upon Siofre's own feelings.
"A German, too, Siofre!" Bridie had said with a twinkle before she'd left. "I never thought I'd see you with a foreigner."
Siofre had chuckled good-naturedly. "He is foreign, aye, but somehow he is not, not to me. He is . . . at home with me. Or so I would like to believe."
"I look forward to meeting the man, then, if he is such a one as can command Siofre Tyree's heart."
"He commands his own heart," Siofre corrected her, "or so I hope."
Bridie shook her head. "A young wizard, a foreign wizard, and a stranger to you until recently . . . I do believe that he must be a remarkable man."
"Aye, that he is indeed."
"Then invite him to be joined to the clan, child, and if he does accept . . . he will be that much closer if you decide to let him further into your life and your heart."
"And you do not see it as . . . too much?"
"An it were, you would never have thought it," Bridie said.
"I mean also for him," Siofre clarified. "P'rhaps . . . perhaps I draw him in too closely. I want him to have his freedom."
"Aye. You want him to come to you freely," Bridie replied. "I know that well. And there must be choices for him in order for you to see that he comes freely. But you may clear a path for him without driving him down it...or even enticing him to follow it. Clear the path even an you allow him his choices."
Siofre nodded. "Lydia thinks it's appalling that I would think to introduce him to other witches whom he may find . . . appropriate and attractive."
"As long as you see them as choices he might happen upon, not as temptations you are placing in his path. And do not push him toward anyone else, either," Bridie cautioned.
"Aye. I have no desire to push him toward any other."
"Then don't forget the most important thing you must do," Bridie said.
"What is that?"
"Love him."
Siofre's eyebrows rose.
"Love him...I see that you do love him already, though you haven't used that word...and show him it in your actions, quietly, slowly, without any excesses. Be your ain self, Siofre hen. You dinna wish to push yourself at him or to pull him towards you, I see that, but you can still draw the man with your love. It is honest to do that, even with reserve, even whilst allowing him other choices."
"Aye. And I had already thought . . . if I give him the time and he still seems . . . inclined toward me, I would allow him to pursue me."
Bridie laughed. "An' you would then ensnare him as only a Tyree witch can, I am sure!"
"Ach, Bridie, to you, I may still seem young, but I'm not. I'm well beyond all that. I haven't got the Tyree allure I once may have had."
Bridie shook her head, her eyes sparkling. "Try convincing yourself of that afore you try convincing another, Siofre!" she said, laughing. "If the man is 'inclined' toward you already, as you put it, then you do still have it...at least as far as he is concerned, and that's all that matters! And if you fell in love with him, you've already exercised some of that 'allure,' I'm sure. Now, I'm sure that Maire, Hamish, young Bridie, and Corrigan are waiting supper for me. You go on home to yours!"
Siofre smirked, thinking back on it. She supposed she did still have it, at least with Johannes, and as Bridie had said, that was all that mattered.
She had walked from Bridie's small cottage along the narrow lane that led to the inlet where her cousins Loran Tyree and Telor Mackenzie were standing beside their spread fishing nets, renewing the charms on them. Loran, still a young man of less than fifty, enjoyed casting the charms with great flourish and deliberately enhancing their glowing colours as they settled on the strong rope nets. Tell, by contrast, merely jabbed lightly and flicked slightly, using great economy of motion and magic, and yet Siofre could feel that the older wizard's spells took as strongly as Loran's, if not more so. But both men were smiling and exchanging a few words as they performed the routine task.
"Oidche mhath!" Tell greeted her as she approached.
"Aye, aye, Siofre!" Loran slipped his wand into its sheath beside his sporran and bounded toward her. "Give a hug here, cousin!"
"You smell of fish, Loran lad," Siofre said, shaking her head, but she placed both hands on the young man's upper arms and tolerated his brief embrace and his whiskery kiss on her cheek.
Tell took off his cap and resettled it on his grey head, his round cheeks glowing healthy pink as he grinned at her. "Come to help with the mending and weaving, sister?"
"Aye, an' next I'll be needing to teach Bridie t' suck eggs," Siofre said with a twinkle in her eye. "Ye lads are having it well in hand!"
"It's that time, though," Loran said, "or getting near it! I'm sair drouthy after the hard day workin' with this man and his long stories. Take a wee drink with us, Siofre, do!"
"Aye, Siofre! The lad is right. 'Tis time for a wee nip. Settle yourself here and join us."
"I'm off for home and my supper," Siofre said.
"Ach, sister, those house-elves, they're havin' you spoiled, they are! An' at their beck and call you are, an' not even knowin' it!" Tell exclaimed.
"So stop and have a bit of refreshment with us," Loran said as Tell drew a round loaf of bread and a long, green bottle of whisky from his tough leather bag.
"Nay, I canna, lads."
"How not, sister?" Tell asked, pulling the cork from the bottle with a hollow pop. "Sure the wee elves will be keepin' your supper for you, an' 'tisn't yet darkenin'."
"Aye, but I'm App'rating, an' well you know it!" Siofre said, gesturing toward the bottle.
"Pish! An' you, our Siofre, could drink the bottle dry an' flicker off for home with nary a problem," Tell said with a dismissive wave of his weathered hand.
Siofre hesitated, and Loran sensed it and leapt. "Good on you, Cousin Siofre, to keep two hard-working wizards company for a wee!" He flourished his wand and one of the great rocks became a bench and another, a table. "A seat for you," he said with a bow.
"An' me?" Tell asked in mock aggravation, hands on his hips.
"Ach, pull up yer ain rock and make it a stool for ya," Loran said, removing his plaid despite the chill in the air, and placing it on the bench he'd created for Siofre.
"Aye, a wee one, then," Siofre said, taking the seat Loran had made for her. "Just a wee dram."
In the treasure room, Siofre smiled, remembering the two wizards and their rivalling stories, and how they had protested when, at after seven, she'd finally risen and told them to find their proper suppers, for she was off for hers.
"It's no meal this one's after," Loran said with a nod. "I can see it in her eye!"
"Aye, yer right there, lad," Tell agreed. "Else wise, she'd prefer our company an' our bottle."
"'Tisn't Lydia she's after seeing, either," Loran opined, "wonderful witch though she be...for English."
"'Tis a man. Another wizard, it is, or I'm not Telor Duncan Mackenzie!"
"And what wizard could be better company than we two here on Tiree, with our whisky, our bread, and our tales of bravery on the wild witchy seas?"
"Must be a remarkable man, t' draw our Siofre away from our board," Tell said, "for we're the finest of the finest Tiree has, and Tiree wizards are the finest t' be found!"
Siofre just shook her head and smiled, not addressing their remarks, though she did think of the remarkable man who was no doubt already sitting down to supper with Lydia. "I have my own home, lads, an' off for it I am, and for my supper! Just as ye should be off for yers an' yer witches."
"Aye, as you say, Siofre," Loran said with a warm smile. "Visit again soon!"
"Ye be both coming to the Beltane fire and the grandson's birthday, aren't ye?"
"Aye, sister," Tell said. "Indeed we will, an' we'll be roarin'! Lydia will have good beds for us, I hope."
Siofre barked a laugh. "Aye, she will! We've no desire to repair a wizard Splinched from drink too much taken!"
"But you could, Siofre, you could, even in yer sleep," Tell said, "an' yer wand in yer pocket! We'd put oursel' in yer care with not a bit o' swither 'bout it!"
Laughing, Siofre bade them goodbye, and with their answering well wishes still in her ears, she Disapparated from Tiree Beag for the Tyree estate.
Lydia would never have approved of Siofre having a drink before Apparating home...across water, at that...so Siofre had honestly mentioned only the pasty she'd eaten earlier and not the whisky and barley bread she'd shared with her cousins. Lydia had an unnatural, though common, phobia about Apparating over water, after all. No point in worrying her without cause.
Siofre hesitated before closing the hidden drawer, then she swept her fingers through it, until in the back, she found what she was looking for.
She laid the two rings on her palm. They tingled against her skin. She stared at them a moment, then made a move to replace them in the drawer, but then she put them in her pocket instead, where they nestled together. Not for Johannes yet, but if he continued in his concern for her . . . then perhaps. Perhaps then. The rings hadn't been used in many decades, near a century, at least, but Siofre could feel that their communicating and drawing charms were still strong as they ever were. Such Charmed trinkets might ease Honnie's worry for her when she was away. But not yet. Not yet, even for a remarkable man. Especially for a remarkable man.
Siofre closed the drawer, flicked her wand and drew the draperies closed, and left the tower room to find Johannes and invite him to join the Tyree clan, clearing a path before him.
Author's Note: I posted this one a bit early, hoping to recompense for the long wait for the previous chapter! The next chapter is "Of the Clan Tyree," with Siofre and Johannes.
Story Actions
To follow, favorite, like, and more either log in or create an account.
Leave a Review
Log in to leave a review.
Latest 25 Reviews for 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!