Chapter Thirty-One: Behind the Scenes with Siofre
Chapter 31 of 32
MMADfanSiofre has set into motion plans that will raise up one man and improve his life—if he takes advantage of his new opportunities—and bring ruin to another, at least temporarily. Drusus Prince is a dangerous wizard, however, and Siofre worries about the success of her scheme and the risks inherent should it go wrong.
Chapter features Siofre Tyree, Rory MacCrain, and Gerald Mackintosh. Drusus Prince, Eileen, and Aloysius Fletcher (Dung’s daddy) lurk off-stage.
Chapter Thirty-One: Behind the Scenes with Siofre
Siofre raised her hand slightly, gaining the attention of Rory MacCrain, the ancient publican of the Bugbear's Bannock. He shuffled over to her, his green slippers scraping over the stone floor, a broad smile on his round face, his blue eyes bright. His white hair stood out from his head like the jagged rays on a child's drawing of a star, his short beard was patchy, and the blue-striped apron he wore over his threadbare yellow robes was stained, but despite MacCrain's dishevelled appearance and the shabbiness of his pub, Siofre had always liked the old wizard.
"I'm ready for that drink now, Rory."
"Aye, I thought you might be, after that guest o' yours was gone. A bite to eat, too?"
"Nay, just a ginger wine." For medicinal purposes, Siofre thought to herself wryly.
"No firewhisky? Or I have a nice single malt, put away for special guests," MacCrain offered.
"Too early in the day for me," Siofre replied.
"Crabbie's, then," MacCrain said with a cheerful nod.
"And you'll join me in a glass."
MacCrain's grin grew impossibly broader. "Thank'ee! I'll do that." He picked up the heavy, blue, crumb-covered plate and the empty stoneware mug from the table with one hand, then pulled a somewhat soiled cloth from his pocket with the other and wiped the rag haphazardly over the surface of the table.
He hurried off and was back a few minutes later with two glasses of green wine and a plate of stovies. Siofre again demurred when Rory offered to get her a plate, too.
"Appetite off after meeting your, um, meetin'?" he asked, using a large spoon to scoop up his meat and potatoes. It smelled strongly of onions and rosemary.
Siofre shrugged slightly and took a sip of her Crabbie's. It went down warm and spicy. She felt herself relaxing. As cool and detached as she had remained during her meeting with Fletcher, the entire business racked her nerves, and there was still much room for things to go wrong. The bottom could fall out of the cauldron, and then she'd be left with a mess to clean up.
She was sure of her plan, and as sure as she could be of Fletcher, but when dealing with a wizard like Drusus Prince, it was best to remain on guard and be prepared for anything. If everything went off without a hitch, however ... Drusus would find himself neatly trapped by his own malice and greed, Butterworth could continue caring for his winged horses unmolested, and Eileen would be free to marry her beau that very weekend without her father's interference. Siofre hadn't told this to either Lydia or Johannes, but one reason she had decided to proceed so aggressively against him was that Drusus had made quite open threats against the young Muggle whom Eileen was marrying. Whether the man planned to kill the boy or merely perform some other Dark magic upon him, Siofre was chilled to the core to hear how ruthlessly Prince spoke, and to realise how ruthlessly he would act upon an innocent, defenceless Muggle. She hoped she was not too late to save the young man and to give Eileen a chance at a happy life with him. Or at least, at a life not dominated by her father. Siofre took another swallow of the ginger wine.
"Was surprised to see that it was you who was the one meetin' Fletcher," Rory continued. He spooned some stovies into his mouth and chewed, looking thoughtful. "Hadn't seen Fletcher in ... mus' be more'n a year now. Thought he might be 'away' again. He said he had business with someone and needed a corner table, or I'd have showed him the door."
Siofre twitched a crooked smile. She doubted Rory would have kicked Aloysius Fletcher out of the pub, at least not now, while the place was quiet and nearly empty, and not if the man didn't make any trouble. The publican didn't really care much where his silver came from as long as he had enough to keep the roof over his head and his stomach full. Recognising MacCrain's curiosity, but not about to satisfy it, she simply took another sip of her drink.
"Fletcher looked happy when he left," Rory said, obliquely referring to the small, heavy bag that Siofre had shoved across the table at the man before he'd Flooed from the pub.
"Aye, he was happy enough, I think," Siofre said. Not unhappy with the Galleons she'd given him, anyway, and satisfied that he, his wife, and his son would shortly be Portkeying to New Brunswick for a visit of undetermined duration. As soon as his job was done and his testimony given, he'd be getting that Portkey...leaving from Little Tiree to avoid any Ministry Portkey regulations or records of where they were going. Siofre had sent a letter to some distant cousins in New Brunswick asking them to keep an eye on Fletcher while he was there...she had no desire to send a criminal to plague their tiny wizarding community, and she had extracted Fletcher's promise that he would behave himself there, but the man did have a knack for finding trouble and a penchant for sneaky schemes. Those qualities, of course, were precisely what had made him valuable to her.
"I hear your nephew's coming home," Rory said, realising that Siofre was not going to share with him what business she'd had with Aloysius Fletcher.
Siofre chuckled. News spread, and the return of the Tyrees from their long sojourn on the other side of the world would certainly reach the small Portree pub quickly.
"Aye, Bertrand and Sally are coming home."
"Just in time for your ceilidh." Rory smiled and nodded. "Good timing, that!"
"Indeed. And Lydia is very happy to have them home for it. One more thing to celebrate."
"Whe' they arrivin'?" he asked around another mouthful of potatoes.
"Today, possibly. Or tomorrow."
"Hadn't you best get home, then? Welcome them proper!"
Siofre laughed. "There are plenty on hand to greet them an they arrive before I return. I have a wee bit more business afore I can return home."
"Good luck with it, then," Rory said cheerfully, draining his glass. "And your business here..."
"'Twas a minor matter," Siofre said. "Not anything anyone would notice."
Rory winked at her. "A very minor matter. I canna even remember who you were meeting."
Siofre lips twitched a brief smile. "Good man, Rory." She stood and drew her own money bag from her robe pocket. She placed a few Galleons on the table to pay for the drinks and Fletcher's meal, adding a tip twice as large as what was owed. "Thanks for the Crabbie's."
"Settles the stomach nice," Rory said with a nod. "And thank you for the drink." He looked at the Galleons on the table and his smile grew. "Tell young Bertrand to stop here soon! I want to hear about all the places he's been to!"
"I will. Good day to you, Rory."
Siofre used the pub's Floo and arrived several dizzying...and rather sooty...moments later in the Leaky Cauldron, which was beginning to fill with patrons seeking an early lunch or a late breakfast, depending on their industry or indolence. Young Tom, who was serving two pretty witches foamy glasses of butterbeer, gave her a nod as she passed by, then he tapped his right cheek. Siofre wiped at her cheek.
"No, 'tother one," Tom said. Siofre rubbed her fingers over her right cheek. They came away grey. He nodded. "Now you got it."
After drawing her wand and casting a quick charm over her robes to remove any other stray ash or soot, Siofre went to the back of the pub and briskly tapped the bricks to enter Diagon Alley. She set off quickly, not pausing to look in shop windows or entertain the idea of an ice cream at Fortescue's, although as she passed, Florean raised a hand in greeting, and she nodded in reply without breaking stride.
The sign for the Daily Prophet looked freshly painted, as always, though it was slightly askew. Siofre restrained her impulse to set it straight with a flick of her finger, reaching out and grasping the heavy door handle instead. The door thunked gently shut behind her. Inside, it was cool, dim, and oddly silent in the reception area. Her heels tapped against the marble floor as she crossed the expansive, empty lobby. The building had a creaky elevator, but she would take the stairs.
A young witch seated unobtrusively in the far corner of the room called out sharply, "May I help you, miss?"
Siofre stopped. Miss? She hadn't been a "miss" in longer than this girl's life by quite a bit. She turned stiffly to face the impertinent person, though she did not approach the desk.
"Oh, sorry, thought you were someone else," the witch said. "Adverts are on three. Obits on two. If you want the Lonely Hearts, that's on two, as well. Madam Brown's desk is right behind Obits."
Siofre merely raised her eyebrow, a gesture that was not lost on the girl despite the distance and the dimness of the lobby. The sunshine that filtered through a few long windows seemed not to illuminate the room at all, except to highlight the dust motes that floated gently through the air and to cast dun-coloured blocks of light against the dark wood panelling.
"Otherwise, you need an appointment. And you have to sign your name in the book." She moved aside her glossy magazine and poked at a large record book with one finger. "Sign your name before going up."
"I have business above," Siofre said. She turned and continued toward the doors that opened to the stairway. When the girl said nothing more, Siofre didn't hesitate, though she did think she heard a gasp of indignation as the stairwell door closed behind her. The stairway was lit by a skylight above and a series of windows, one above the other, on the back wall.
Siofre walked up to the first floor. The door opened as she reached it, and through it trundled a rotund witch, whose pink and orange paisley robes clashed with her bright red hair. The scandal queen of the paper, Mrs Forsythe...she called herself "Madam," but Vivian Forsythe had had no training beyond Hogwarts that Siofre knew of, and in her opinion, "gossip columnist" hardly qualified as a profession. Nosy old bat. Siofre had been in school with her grandmother, Lavinia Prewett, who had been the same way, but Lavinia had at least made a pretence of not being as much of a busybody as she was. Vivian actually earned money with her snooping and gossip. Siofre almost laughed at the irony as she thought that perhaps she'd been even more of a snoop and busybody that day than either of the other witches could ever dream of being. However, she was not a gossip.
"Madam Tyree! How very good to see you! You are looking very well! I'm surprised to see you in town!"
"I do venture into London on occasion, Vivian," Siofre said drily.
"Oh, but I hear Bertrand and Sally are back! I must invite you all for dinner one night soon. Hear all about their adventures abroad...and what lured them away for so long! And what brought them back just at this time!" Her eyes gleamed with the prospect of hearing some potentially juicy tittle-tattle.
Siofre suppressed a grimace. "You may owl them when they return," she replied. "Good day, Vivian."
Before Vivian could say more, Siofre had slipped past her and through the door, closing it behind her. Siofre swiftly crossed the large room, ignoring the wizards and witches working at their desks, and ducking a low-flying owl that swooped in through an open transom. She reached a plain wooden door marked with a brass nameplate, "G. Mackintosh," and knocked.
The door opened to her immediately, and Siofre stepped through as a wizard rose from his desk and pocketed his wand.
"Siofre! So good to see you. Come in," the wizard invited, stepping around his large desk to shake her hand. His hair was very curly, shiny black with a light sprinkling of white through it, and his short beard was thick and well groomed. He wore an immaculate set of navy blue pinstripe robes and polished black wingtips. His sole adornment was a small gold lapel pin with his clan crest and its motto, Touch Not the Cat Bot a Glove. "Tea?"
"No, thank you, Mackie," Siofre said.
"I can call for some if you'd like. Or lunch?"
"Nay, I'm expected home soon, but thank you."
"I met with that young man you mentioned to me...Terwilliger. Bumped into him at his local last week. We had quite the natter, and, as you suggested, I hinted that the newspaper business was booming with possibilities, particularly for bright young wizards. He took the opening and asked whether there were jobs going at the Prophet. I said there was usually something, though I couldn't say with any precision what we had available now, and invited him to owl me if he were interested. I heard from him yesterday. He said he's looking for new opportunities and is interested in learning about any openings here. I have an appointment with him this afternoon."
"You'll find a place for him here, then?" Siofre asked.
"Aye, if he has any qualifications at all and hasn't any obvious disqualifications," Mackie said with a nod. "We'll give him the standard two-month probationary period. Thought we could start him sorting unaddressed post, that sort of thing. Not much of a challenge, but he'll be busy and he'll come to know the reporters and columnists that way. If he has the aptitude and interest, we might move him over to the printing end of things to apprentice there...have to be quick and adept with charms for that, and it's usually something for a slightly younger wizard fresh from school, but we'll see. Otherwise, we'll just see how he gets on and where he might fit in. I can't promise more than that."
"That's all I'd like. And if he's not suitable here ..."
"As long as he's not done anything wrong, I'll try to help him find something else."
"Good. I'd like to see the man get a good fresh start here."
"Did the baby arrive yet?" Mackie asked.
"Aye. A few days ago. A girl."
Mackie smiled. "Good to hear. I'll have to ask him about his family so I don't have to remember to pretend not to know he has a new little one. Speaking of which, Henry and Marianne are expecting another one. A Christmas baby, the midwife says it'll be...your daughter-in-law, in fact, Madam Egidius."
Siofre smiled. "Congratulations! And how many grandchildren is this now? Five?"
"Yes, this will be the fifth."
They spoke a few more minutes about family, then Siofre rose to leave. As she got to the door, she paused. "Are you doing anything this weekend, Gerald?"
Mackie shook his head. "Nothing in particular. I thought I might do some work in the garden, perhaps have Sunday brunch with Henry and Marianne, or possibly pop down to see Annie and John. But no specific plans."
"Come for young Murdoch's birthday party on Saturday, then. It's informal...a big picnic, lots of family and friends. You can stay the night if you like." Siofre was sure Lydia would find a place for Mackie...she'd be happy to see him again. And Mackie had been a widower for a few years now; it would be good if he socialised a bit more than he did. Maybe met a nice widow.
He brightened, his grey eyes crinkling at the corners. "I'd like that. Aye, all right, I'll be there...what time?"
"Oh ... eleven o'clock, noon, whenever you like. It's informal. We'll have the picnic in the afternoon, but come earlier if you like."
Siofre took the stairs back down to the ground floor, ignoring the cold stare of the witch in the lobby, and stepped out into Diagon Alley, blinking in the sunlight and stepping out of the way of a witch pushing a pram. Time to flicker home and see whether Bertrand and Sally had arrived yet, have some lunch with whatever assortment of relatives were there that noon, and see Johannes. She smiled to herself as she found a quiet corner to Disapparate from. It might be nice to spend a little time with him that afternoon while she waited for word from Fletcher. Her smile faded at the thought of Drusus Prince, but she grasped her wand and vanished with a pop.
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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!