I spent a few more hours than I intended to here with my computer reading this lovely fic, and I think I've stepped on a cloud!  i grew up in a big multigeneration family and I felt at home here with this fic.  I definitely need more.  

I love Soifre!  She reminds me of my own gran, and other women I grew up amongst so it was a treat to read.  Not having been so in depth with her character before made this fleshier story interesting, especially since I got to imagine the other side of her conversation with Severus - Snape that is.  I could easily relate to her and Johannes then, and their "closeness" to Severus in the way that extended family is, at any rate.    I definitely also think that Soifre might eventually feel some responsibility to Severus if she really did interfere with Drusus. though it will be minor because she is essentially opening the doors for Eileen to have the possibility of a good life.  Not sure either way, but the possibility of even a minute trace is too great for me to dismiss.  I am glad for the pronunciation of Siofre.  I did look it up when I first read her name and was of the impression that it was pronounced Shoaf-frah as opposed to Sheff-rah, but I do revert to my original pronunciation.  At least I was not as far off as Seeohfrah.

I definitely do adore Johannes, though.  I've met him a few times but didn't really know him so it was a definite pleasure to see him, especially knowing how the garden I pictured came into being.  He is a sweet man.

Reading about Malcolm and Gertrude was fun again, and hearing about how people got their names!  Names are very interesting to me, especially when I am home.  Hardly anyone calls me by by name.  I'm so and so's grandaughter, young Kenny even though I'm a girl, and assorted nicknames that are so person specific I shudder  upon seeing people just knowing they'd call out that horrid name!  And even though I just complained aout it, I love that you made me feel as if I were home.  

 The bar fight had me rolling with laughter!  It was so unexpected.  The comments from that "Azkie" I think was the term you used told me something was going to happen, but then Hagrid thre the table and all bets were off.  I had to chuckle at Malcolm's insistence that Siofre not find out, and she did anyway!

It may be because I have been introduced to the catty Philomena Yaxley, but it was a bit difficult to see her as nice.  Then, I realised my thoughts were just a tad unfair because catty people can be nice too. 

Lydia is just awesome!  I had to chuckle about her comment about being sent to a corner like that old house elf.  I love her spontanaiety and talent!  I also envy her so greatly that she has the time and ability to do what she wants and when.  Sigh.  

I also like the little house elves.  It's a real treat to see them.  I also like that they speak English well but with the house elf idiosyncrasies that we have been given.    I also like that she gave Johannes a heads up so there wouldn't be another misunderstanding to resolve. 

I can't wait to see Johannes meet Bridie.  She's interesting too, and Johannes is such a charmer with Lachina and Phoebe.  

Thanks for another lovely fic!  I just looked at the time and realized I have to go!  

PB