Chapter Thirty-Two: A Clear View
Chapter 32 of 32
MMADfanSiofre meets Johannes, and she brings him to see another part of the estate. They speak together of Albus and Minerva, and of Siofre's plan for Drusus Prince. Johannes resolves to be persistent.
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Chapter Thirty-Two: A Clear View
Siofre Apparated to the front of the house as she often did when the weather was fine. The gardens around the drive leading up to the house were more beautiful than she remembered them ever being, particularly at the end of April. Her mother would have loved them. There were a few odd spots that seemed to be missing something, but Johannes had told her that he had plans for the front gardens that had to wait a little longer. He had wanted them to look good in time for the party, however, and had created this temporarily. If this was temporary, Siofre could hardly imagine what his planned gardens would look like...unusually, he didn't share the plans with her, but Siofre had confidence that whatever Johannes chose to do would be suitable. Not simply suitable, but beautiful.
The wizard himself opened the door. He was wearing a set of pleated green and taupe robes rather than the trousers that he usually wore when working in the gardens. He had his broad-brimmed dark green hat in his hand, and he waved it at her as he smiled. Siofre found herself smiling back and her heart beating faster at the sight of him. Could she really give him up to another witch? No ... but she would let him be free to choose another if he wished. She wanted him to come to her freely, but even more than that, she wanted him to be happy, she wanted to see him happy, even if with another.
"Good day, Magister," she said as he came down the walk toward her and she left the drive for the flagstone walk. "You are leaving?"
"Nay, Siofre, I was about to take a stroll before lunch. The ladies are above in the North Tower, and Multry shooed me from the kitchen. I was somewhat de trop." He smiled.
"May I join you?"
"Aber natürlich," Johannes replied with a genial nod. "I always welcome your companionship."
Siofre placed her hand on his elbow. "Shall we stroll somewhere ... a bit away?" she suggested.
"Aye, as you wish."
"I have the place for it ..." Siofre nodded and put her other hand on his arm. "I will take you there." She saw agreement in the tilt of his head, and she tightened her grip and Disapparated with him.
Johannes blinked and looked about himself. They were on a high mountain, as high as Ben Tyree, at least; its peak was rocky and bare except of snow and ice. As on Ben Tyree, an ancient but intact hill fort stood on its highest rise. To the north were more mountains much like this one, and no dwelling to be seen. Off to the west, white-crested waves jousted with the rocky coast, where the remains of several small cottages stared bleakly toward the tumult. Below him, the mountain fell away to a valley, deep, rounded, and gentle. Johannes's Herbologist's eyes could see the verdancy that lay waiting for spring to reach its sheltered bowl. The mountain itself had sheer drops and many falsely rolling slopes that were suddenly broken by looming granite crags, yet the harsh mountain found its feet ending gently in the bowl below, patched white with ice and snow. Winter lay long on this corner of Tyree land.
As if hearing his thoughts, Siofre said as she released his arm, "Spring reaches late here, and on this peak, the snow remains all the year long. My grandfather remembered a summer when the snow almost left Beinn Saorsa, but a patch remained in the shade of the tower."
"Saorsa, that is like saorsainn, or? It is freedom."
Siofre smiled, surprised but pleased. "Aye, Magister. It is Freedom Mountain, meant to guard the freedom of the Tyree lands. It was not always so, but was called many things before that. Knife Mountain, Beinn Sgian, in my great-great-great grandfather's day, as the jagged rocks reminded them of the sgian dubh. Now, though, we name it Freedom. It is the highest peak on the land, higher than Ben Tyree, and rightly should Tyree stand beneath Freedom."
"We are walking here?" Johannes asked, looking about him. He had some experience with mountains, ones even larger than this, but he had anticipated a quiet stroll, not a hike, and this without a staff or proper shoes, though Transfiguration and charms could remedy those deficits.
"Just here, on the crest of the hill, the tower, and then ... we may Apparate to another point I would show you, if you believe we have time before lunch."
"Not very long. A half hour, I think."
Siofre nodded and held her hand out to him. He smiled as he took it.
"Come around this side. This is why I brought you here," Siofre said, leading him down a rocky trace that could scarcely be called a path; down a little, back up, around, and Johannes found himself facing southward, overlooking what seemed to be all of the Tyree estate, the tower at his back.
"I see the house. It seemed a castle to me when we left it, and now it looks like a modest cottage. Yet I see all of the detail," he marvelled. "And there, the gatehouse, too, the lodge ... all of the outbuildings. Sharp and clear!"
"Aye. There is a magic about this place, about this mountain tower. When we of Tyree look out on our land, we see with sharper vision. Look there"...Siofre pointed..."you can see Fiona and Morgan and their bairns walking up to the main house. See them?"
"Indeed! I see even their expressions...unglaublich! Unbelievable," Johannes said, gazing over the grounds in astonishment.
"It is an acuity only granted those who are of the clan, who are of Tyree. You are of Tyree, indeed, Honnie. Remember this an you may doubt it, or if any other try to bring doubt to your mind. Remember this view and be assured." She squeezed his hand and looked up at him; then, suddenly, she dropped his hand and turned toward the tower.
She must leave the way open for him, Siofre reminded herself. Leave open the way, not lead him to her. Yet it was difficult to be with him and not reach for him, whether with her hand or with her magic.
"Come, Magister. We will mount the tower and you will see beyond the lands of our family, and you will also see, perhaps, some of our history writ in the landscape."
"Mount the tower?" Johannes asked, mystified as he turned toward the round stone edifice. He had seen no door as they had walked around it, though there was a large opening in the wall above them, perhaps man-high, but several feet above their heads, and the wall was sheer, with no steps leading to the window...or was it a doorway?
"'Tis easy on broomstick, to be sure," Siofre said, "but not impossible otherwise." She drew her wand. "I'll raise you up."
Johannes gazed up at the door, and he felt his feet leave the hard stone. Siofre Levitated him as smoothly and as comfortably as if by a lift...he even had the sensation that there was something solid beneath his feet...and when he reached the doorway and paused in his ascent, he stepped into the tower as easily as he would have stepped from a platform raised for his convenience.
He turned to look for Siofre, unsure whether he could duplicate her smooth Levitation, though he could certainly Levitate her up to him, but before he could even draw his wand, she had Apparated behind him with the slightest snap.
"Apparition is the simplest way to mount the tower, though Levitation has its charms," she said with a smile, amused at his expression as he spun around to see her. "Naturally, only one admitted to the wards may Apparate, making this quite a secure entrance when defended, if the mountain were not defence enough."
Johannes smiled. "I thought you would have me Levitate you."
"Nay, laddie. If I were to Levitate, 'twould be on my own, or by what you would call, I think, a Volatus charm."
"Volatus? Fliegen? That is, fly?"
Siofre twitched a shoulder and gestured to him to follow her up the steps that wound along the interior wall of the tower. "'Tis a skill some do practise. My grandmother was talented in that way, and she taught me when I was a young lass. 'Tisn't approved by the British Ministry...said, fantastically enough, to be impossible, as I learned when I was at Hogwarts...but we of Tyree are happy to keep the Ministry's secret in this case!" She cackled. "Dumbledore can do it, though he learned his flying somewhere off in his travels when he was a wild young one, and I believe it's a wee bit different skill that he has."
"Dumbledore flies? Without a broom? And you too?"
"Aye. Dumbledore was out on the cliffs seeking my husband, Collum, and flew up to him as easy as if he were falling. But his movement was different from my grammie's. I asked him about it...he'd not known I was observing him, and was not pleased, I think...but he said he lived a while in the East and learned it there. I, naturally, did not share with him the lessons Grammie gave me. They are for Tyrees. Though," she added, with a slight sigh, "p'raps I ought to have shared them with Coll."
"I never know when you speak of Dumbledore whether you like or dislike him," Johannes said, a slight frown flickering across his features.
"Dumbledore is a fine man and a powerful wizard," Siofre said, "and for what it's worth, I do like him. We have known each other since we were together at Hogwarts as students, although he was a few years ahead of us...of Collum and me, that is. We don't always ... we don't always see the world the same way, but that is true of any of us." She shrugged slightly. "I also don't always approve of some things he does, but he would doubtless say the same of me. They are unimportant things, in the end. We are more alike than unlike. And I know that he is a man of conscience."
"Are you displeased that he and Minerva are together?"
Siofre was silent for a moment as she stepped out onto the windy roof and waited for Johannes to join her.
"I am neither pleased nor displeased," she said, waving her wand and conjuring a wooden bench for them. "I am pleased that Minerva is happy with him, and I am also pleased that Albus has found some happiness himself after so many years. Anything else ... what have I to criticise or advise? I have no special foresight, and I ken little o' their private lives...and that is how they prefer it. I would have no basis."
"Yet you sound as though you would criticise," Johannes said as he sat beside her on the bench.
Perhaps she should have made the bench longer, she thought, feeling the warmth of his body against hers.
Very aware of his closeness, Siofre shook her head. "No. Not criticise. But express concern, perhaps, if it were my place, or if Minerva spoke to me in a way to invite my comments."
"Because he is ... older?"
Siofre barked a laugh. "Older, indeed. Their age difference is greater than what most people would consider large. But no, not that precisely. It is more that Dumbledore has had a very long, very complicated life already. I think that canna fail to have some impact on their relationship, though what, I canna say. I hope they continue to be happy together and that Minerva is brought no unhappiness through their relationship...nor he, either, of course."
"You do not think that age, an age difference, should be an impediment to a relationship, then? To a marriage?" Johannes asked.
Siofre glanced up at him. "Do you?"
Johannes thought a moment. "I do not believe that alone, it should be, but sometimes it is."
"And sometimes, perhaps, laddie, it should be enough to keep two apart who are unsuited," Siofre said softly, "though I dinna find that Minerva and Dumbledore are unsuited. More that it might be perilous for her in some way."
"But if not speaking of Albus and Minerva?" Johannes asked.
"Laddie, you ask too many questions today." Siofre sighed. "I dinna like absolutes. There can be no rule of how many years separating a witch and wizard are too many. There can only be judgment case by case, and that is not a judgment, thankfully, that I must make for any."
"For any but yourself," Johannes suggested hesitantly.
Siofre was silent. Finally, she said, "Not today. Today I have other concerns."
"You had a meeting this morning," Johannes said.
"Aye. Two. Both fruitful in different ways. At least, I hope they will prove so."
"Did you see Drusus again?"
Siofre shook her head. "I had a meeting concerning him. I hae set it in motion now, Honnie, and must follow through."
"To send him to Azkaban," Johannes said.
"Aye." Siofre sighed and closed her eyes. "I believe it is the right thing to do, and yet ..."
"It is a grave decision you have made. Are you thinking you should not have?"
"'Twould be easier for me if I dinna carry through. But I think what might happen to that young Muggle, what Drusus might do, and that steadies my resolve."
Johannes touched her arm lightly. "You may speak to me of any troubles you have, you know. Even if I cannot help, I can listen."
"Honnie ..." Siofre swallowed. She wanted to lean against him, to lean into his warmth and solidity. She wanted to tell him that, if he had been speaking of the two of them earlier, then age did not matter. She wanted to say that she would stay at the estate with him, that she would leave others to their fates and stay with him there, that he would belong to her and she to him ... But she couldn't.
She shifted slightly, straightening her back, pulling away from his warmth, though not out of it completely. "Bertrand and Sally may return this afternoon. I must ask Lydia to show me the North Tower before I return to work. I haven't seen what she has done at all."
"Ah! I am neglectful! I should have told you already that there was an owl from Sally this morning. Their Portkey brings them to Hogsmeade this evening. Lydia and Phoebe are going to meet them, and Lydia sent a message to Connor and Elisabeth, and they will arrive here later this afternoon with Liam. I believe that Merwyn and Egeria will also be here for dinner and will stay, but I do not know that."
"Then we must go back to the house now," Siofre said, standing. "I will show you the other place at another time."
"Where were we going to go?"
"Where the sheep once grazed in summer," Siofre replied. "I thought p'raps we might keep sheep again."
Johannes frowned as he stood. "I know nothing of animal husbandry. Dogs and cats, yes, but not sheep or similar."
"We can keep it mind for the future, though," Siofre said.
"Aye, it is something to consider."
"Off home, then, Magister. I will meet you there." Siofre stepped back, then she Disapparated, leaving Johannes blinking at her sudden departure.
Johannes laughed then, and shook his head. He looked toward the castle, where he could see Siofre on the steps. She turned and waved in his direction. He doubted she could see him, but he waved back, then reached into his cloak pocket for his wand and, with a crack, joined her on the steps.
"Accompany me to lunch, Magister?" Siofre asked, looking up at him.
"Aye, naturally." He offered his arm. "And after lunch, we will visit the North Tower together, and then I will join you as you work...if, of course, you permit. It will rain this afternoon, and it is a good time to work on the greenhouse plans and the instructions for their construction."
Siofre hesitated. "I meant to work in my study..."
"You need company, Madam Siofre. You await word on your plan and its unfolding. I wait with you. We will work together in the library, you and I."
Siofre smiled at that and nodded. "Aye, it will be good not to wait alone. Very well. I will fetch my work and join you in the library."
Johannes smiled as they stepped into the house. He would be patient and constant. He would wait. And for now, there was lunch.
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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!