Chapter Twenty-Six: An Eccentricity Shared
Chapter 26 of 32
MMADfanJohannes receives a letter from Siofre. Malcolm fixes them breakfast and gives Johannes a gift, sharing an “eccentricity” with him and welcoming him to the clan.
Features Johannes Birnbaum and Malcolm McGonagall.
Chapter Twenty-Six: An Eccentricity Shared
Johannes stirred, stretching and passing one arm over his eyes, trying to wake up. There was a tremendous fluttering in the room, and a harsh caw jarred him further awake. Levering himself up with one arm, he looked around. He was in a spare bedroom at Malcolm's house. The windows had been shuttered the night before, the curtains drawn closed, and Johannes was fairly certain he had shut the door before he'd collapsed into bed. The door was open now, though, and a large black bird was perched on the footboard. Kiera. Johannes had never seen Kiera before, though he'd heard Siofre speak of her, and if Siofre hadn't sent Kiera, he could think of no other reason for a raven to be in his bedroom.
"She found you, I see," Malcolm said from the hallway. "Kiera had a letter for each of us...yours is likely the same as mine, but Grandmother was hardly to know you'd be staying the night."
Johannes sat up and looked at Malcolm, who was fully dressed already, wearing a dark green shirt and a tartan kilt, and who was now flicking his wand to draw the curtains and open the shutters.
"You should go to hospital," Johannes said. "You are frightful." Malcolm's lips were still slightly swollen, and his cheeks were bruised a fading green-yellow. Johannes imagined that the bruising was worse still beneath his beard.
"After breakfast," Malcolm agreed with a nod. "Feels fine, and the teeth are solid." He opened his mouth and pulled at his front teeth in demonstration. "Old Aggie did a good job last night."
Kiera flitted over to Johannes, who took the offered parchment from her. The bird flew up to the top of the large mirror, shifting and seeming to survey the two men.
"It is not bad news, is it?" Johannes asked.
"Nay. Good. But I'll let you read it. Breakfast in fifteen minutes in the kitchen...coffee's brewed already, so come down when you're dressed. I left you some clean clothes in the bathroom."
Johannes pushed his hair back with one hand, then carefully broke the dark blue seal on the parchment. At the top of the page was a circular seal with the words Saorsainn gu Suthainn above a raven, its wings spread and holding a sprig of wild thyme in one raised foot.
Dear Johannes,
I think it will please you to learn that Mrs Terwilliger's daughter, Candace Eudora, was born very early this morning. Her note was brief, but she said that her husband seemed ecstatic and thrilled to be a father. Perhaps between us, Malcolm and I have helped to bring a happy family into the world.
I hope that you had a pleasant evening. It was quiet with both you and Malcolm gone, but Lydia and I wandered through your gardens for a while, then stopped at the lodge and spent some time with Fiona and Morgan. I wished to get an early start this morning, so I did not stay long, but Lydia said that she stayed quite late...and it gave her an excuse to sleep in this morning, so I breakfasted alone. I have been quite accustomed to that, but I discovered that I have become more accustomed to your company.
I will be in London on Monday, and although I hope that I will not need to spend the entire day at the Ministry, I also have some other tasks to attend to, so if I am not at home when you arrive back, do not be concerned.
Lydia is feeling more tension with the imminent arrival of Bertrand and Sally and the approaching ceilidh, so I know that she...and I...would appreciate any help you can give her on your return, even just to spend some time with her and distract her from her worries. Set the house-elves to any work in the gardens that you are able.
Phoebe and Lachina will also be arriving Monday. I believe Phoebe will only be arriving before dinner, but Lachina will be here sometime during the afternoon. Once Lydia gets her settled in her room and she has freshened up, perhaps you could show Lachina the gardens. I know that she would enjoy seeing them.
Enjoy the remainder of the weekend. Perhaps you and Malcolm could get out this evening for a drink or a meal.
Sincerely yours,
Siofre
26 April 1959
Johannes chuckled. He did not think he would be going out with Malcolm that evening, and he did not think that he would be sharing the details of the previous evening's outing with Siofre. He was glad to have heard from Siofre, glad that she wanted to share the news of the baby's birth, and glad that she seemed to miss him, though she didn't say it in so many words.
He carefully rerolled the parchment and used a Sticking Charm to reseal it, then he reluctantly swung his legs from the bed and stood. His shoulder and right arm still seemed stiff from the night before, and he had a faint headache. Despite normally being an early riser, he felt he could easily go back to bed for another hour. The aroma of sizzling bacon and fresh coffee rising from the kitchen motivated him to remain upright, however, and he picked up his watch. Past nine-thirty already.
Kiera flew down to him with a startling caw, settling back on the footboard and looking at him first with one eye then the other.
"No, no reply. I may write her later." He looked down at the dirty clothes lying in a heap on a chair. "After I am dressed and have eaten."
The raven flew to one of the windows, and Johannes waved his wand to open it for her. She gave a few more harsh-sounding calls, then flew off. Johannes shivered as the cold air hit his body, and he closed the window again.
He sorted through his clothes to find his still-damp underpants and socks, which were the only articles of clothing, other than his boots, that he thought could be dried out and then worn after just a freshness charm or two. The rest of his clothing was not only still damp, but smelled after having been doused in ale, whisky, and then the water from the Hog's Head ceiling. They would need a thorough cleaning.
A few minutes later, Johannes was padding down the stairs, partially dressed, carrying his boots in one hand and an article of clothing in the other. He stepped into the kitchen.
"Ah, ready for breakfast?" Malcolm asked, turning toward him from the stove. "You're not dressed."
"I cannot wear this." Johannes held up the folded tartan garment.
"Of course you can. Not with those socks, though, you're right. Should have thought of that. Shirt fit all right? A bit tight through the shoulders...loosen the lacing a bit."
"It is a kilt."
Malcolm nodded. "Don't think any of my trousers would fit you, mate, but the kilt should."
"Transfiguration..."
"I'll Summon you a pair of socks and flashes. Knitted the socks myself," Malcolm said, putting down a plate and drawing his wand. "Well, with a bit of help. More than a bit, actually. But I did some of the stiches."
"I cannot wear a kilt."
"Of course you can." A pair of oaten-coloured socks and dark garters flew through the door and over Johannes's shoulder. "Here, wear these."
"We can Transfigure a pair of your trousers to fit, I think," Johannes said. "Or I should clean my own."
Malcolm shrugged. "If you want to wear the ones from yesterday, fine. But you can wear the kilt."
"I am not Scottish..."
"You're a man. Any man can wear a kilt if he likes. Besides, you're a Tyree now. Don't need to be Scottish if you're a Tyree," Malcolm said with a quick grin.
Johannes held the kilt up in front of himself and looked at it. It was the same tartan that he had often seen Siofre wearing. "It is a Tyree tartan?"
Malcolm shrugged again. "If you like. It's one of the designs they've been weaving for more than a few hundred years, anyway. Grandmother Siofre's favourite, and mine, too."
"I do not know . . ."
"You just need to have something to keep you decent on your way home, Honnie," Malcolm said. "It's not as though you're making a commitment to wearing it all of the time or something."
"I do not know if I would feel 'decent' in it," Johannes said, but he put down his boots and unfolded the long kilt. "How does it wear?"
"First, you can't put it on yet."
"Why? There is some ritual to it?" Johannes asked, puzzled.
"No, but you're wearing pants. Can't wear pants under a kilt. Wouldn't be right."
Johannes looked at him, wondering if he were joking. "You are serious?"
"Course I am. See?" Malcolm raised his own kilt and lifted his shirttail.
"Ja, ja, I see." Johannes shook his head as Malcolm dropped the kilt apron and laughed. "But I am not comfortable so."
"Do you wear pants under your robes?" Malcolm asked curiously.
"No, not when I wear only robes. But they are long."
"The kilt's long enough," Malcolm said, "and I'll loan you a sporran. You'll have to get your own, though, if you take a liking to wearing a kilt. But the kilt's yours to keep. A 'welcome to the clan' present."
Johannes looked at the kilt again. Malcolm might be having some fun with him, but Johannes also did not want to refuse the gift, and he did want to feel more a part of the Clan Tyree...even if he never wore the kilt again. He nodded. "All right. But I remove the pants after I put on the kilt. How is this worn?"
With his new kilt donned and the warm cable-knit socks on, Johannes only felt slightly self-conscious sitting down for breakfast, being careful to keep his knees together even under the table. He had wanted to pin the layers of kilt together in front, but Malcolm wouldn't hear of it, saying that it would ruin the fabric and destroy the proper drape of the kilt, and showing him instead how the pin served as a weight for the outer layer of the apron.
Malcolm set a full plate down in front of Johannes, then sat across from him and reached for a large round loaf of dark bread.
"Danke sehr," Johannes said, pouring himself a cup of coffee.
"Don't thank me. This is all from your basket. Multry must love you. Eggs, bacon, cheese, a couple loaves of good bread, butter, milk, cream...seems she thought you might starve in a day. There's even a crock of soup in there."
"Siofre is good to me. She tells Multry I must have provision when I leave each weekend, and Multry takes this very seriously. I think if I did not take the basket, Multry would chase after me with it."
"It was all in tip-top condition, too. Not an egg cracked or a drop of milk spilled. Good charms," Malcolm said, pausing to chew for a moment. "Good thing, too. I was famished this morning. Glad I got my teeth tended to last night."
"I have headache still, and my shoulder, it is a little stiff," Johannes said, "but only a little. Do you have pain anywhere?"
Malcolm shook his head, but said, "Not really. Little bit of headache, little soreness, but not bad. I took some potion this morning. You should have said something earlier...you want some Headache Potion?"
"Coffee may help," Johannes said, taking a sip of the strong brew.
Malcolm picked up his wand and flicked it. "You should take some potion. I am sorry about last night, Honn. Didn't think that it would get quite that fun. I'll have to stop by the Hog's Head this afternoon and see about the damage. I don't think Aberforth was happy with us."
"It was not your fault. It was that man, Cam. And Hagrid threw the table first," Johannes pointed out. "Of course, I could not blame him. It was bad, what Cam said, and not just about you. Hagrid does respect the Headmaster very greatly. And I do not forget my gratitude toward Dumbledore, either. I would not wish to sit by and hear such calumny spoken."
"The best fight is the one avoided," Malcolm said, catching the Headache Potion and handing it to Johannes, then pouring himself another cup of coffee. "The second best is the fight won. I'm not sure whether we won this one or not, but I don't think those lads will be talking out of turn in the Hog's Head again for a while."
"They do not seem to care what people think of them," Johannes said, carefully measuring out a spoonful of the potion. "And I think Cam likes fighting. And he did not like you."
Malcolm shrugged. "You're probably right. Aberforth knows me well enough, though. He knows I'd not start a fight, so he probably realises that Cam deliberately picked one with us. But I think we'll be welcomed back to the Hog's Head before Cam and his brothers will be."
"If you see them again, what will you do?" Johannes asked curiously.
"Ignore them. But I won't be so quick to try to avoid a fight with them next time, if there is a next time, and I'll end it much quicker."
"You did well, the Stunner and all the other spells. I could not keep up."
"You did well, yourself, Honnie! That nice shackling charm you did there! Very nice. You might teach it to me."
"It is not to be taught. It was simply . . . done."
"Ah, not a specific spell, then."
"No. Or many spells, but just, how to put it . . . condensed with my intent. I know wood and how to use it."
Malcolm nodded. "Very inventive. I liked it."
"I was pleased, as well, until I was hit by the petrifying spell immediately after. I do think I agree that the best fight is the one avoided; I shall avoid bar fights in the future."
Malcolm laughed. "Sometimes, they come to you. Or they do to me, anyway. Hope you don't avoid my company after this."
Johannes shook his head. "And you are a kinsman now. If you are in a bar fight and I find myself there, I will do what I can to help, even if it is not very much."
"You were fine, Honnie. I just regret having dragged you along with me...though not very much," he added with a grin.
"It was interesting," Johannes said, smiling.
"Make a good story someday," Malcolm said.
"I do not wish Siofre to hear of this, though," Johannes said. "At least not too soon."
"Probably a good idea...avoid a scolding or a lecture that way, certainly." He nodded toward Johannes's shoulder. "Coming to the hospital with me? Have your shoulder looked at?"
Johannes rolled his shoulder experimentally. "It will be fine, I think, although I could accompany you. I think I will finish no work today."
"Aye, a bit of company would be welcome," Malcolm said. "And I can take you out to my favourite pub in Dublin...and we won't get into any fights, I promise," he added quickly. "It's a good place. Nice couple run it and they do an excellent lunch."
"All right," Johannes agreed. "If it is a friendly place."
"Very friendly," Malcolm assured him. "Good news to hear about the new Terwilliger baby," he said, changing the subject.
"It was. I had worried about Siofre with that job, but now I will not need to."
Malcolm laughed. "No need to worry about Grandmother Siofre. She can take care of herself quite well if she must."
"This seal she uses on her letter, I don't remember the words, but do you know their meaning?"
"Mmm." Malcolm nodded, chewing and swallowing some bacon. "You mean 'saorsainn gu suthainn'? Freedom forever. Most Tyrees use that motto. I do sometimes, myself, when I use a motto at all."
"I see," Johannes said. "It is something I may use?"
"No one would stop you, but now that you're a Tyree, you may certainly use it...ask Grandmother Siofre if you wish. You can design your own seal around it...do you have one you use already? No? Well, we generally design our own, or base them on those of other family members. Minerva uses one she's altered a wee bit to suit herself, but it's from our mother's side of the family...which is fine. I don't think that Minerva has much of a sense of identification with the Tyrees, though. She does love Grandmother Siofre, I know, so I don't understand why she doesn't."
"She told me once . . . something about . . ." Johannes furrowed his brow, squinting slightly as he tried to recall the conversation. "She said that the Tyree witches have a reputation, and they rely on the reputation but do not earn it, or something of the sort."
Malcolm barked a laugh. "She should have spent more time with the Tyree cousins, if she thinks that."
"Or with your grandmother."
Malcolm shook his head and chuckled, setting down his coffee cup. "Grandmother Siofre brought Minerva to Tiree Beag a few times when she was a girl, but she didn't like it. She cried when she was a wee little lass...didn't like being left with the aunties there, apparently...so Grandmother didn't bring her back until she was a bit older, but then she claimed the island bored her."
"It surprises me. Minerva loves her home, I know, and she likes the island of Dumbledore's. Is it so much different?"
"Alike and unlike. There are almost no trees on Tiree Beag, only those that were deliberately planted in orchards or gardens. It's a bit rustic, too. But it's hilly, and it's an easy walk to the sea from anywhere on the island, and the people are kindly. She'd probably like it better now as an adult...if she could bring her books with her!"
Johannes chuckled. "I would need to bring books, too, I think, for a longer visit."
"You must have Grandmother Siofre bring you one time, then. Or I could, sometime this summer, maybe."
"Has Gertrude been?"
Malcolm shook his head, waving his wand to clear away their breakfast dishes. "I will bring her, though. Just haven't happened to yet. She'd like it, I think."
"She probably would."
"We should get to St. Bridget's now, if we're to go at all," Malcolm said, touching his face gingerly. "I think the potion's wearing off."
"Indeed. But I think it will be dinner we will eat in Dublin, and not lunch."
"True...good thing we had a hearty breakfast, then!"
"I need to return to Bog End first, find some fresh trousers and a clean cloak," Johannes said, pushing away from the table and standing.
"Nay, no need. I have a cloak you can borrow...and a waistcoat, too, that should fit."
Johannes looked down at his kilt. "We will look odd there."
"Not odd, Honnie. Perhaps a wee bit eccentric, but not odd. Great thing about the kilt: you can wear it anywhere, Muggle or wizarding, and always be appropriate," Malcolm said with a grin. "Let's be on our way!"
Note: If you'd like to see a picture of a real knuckerhole like the one that the Knucker from the last chapter lived in, visit my WordPress blog for 24 March 2011, tagged "Knuckers" and posted in the "Myth & Legend" category.
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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!