Welcome to Charming, where swirling petticoats, the language of flowers, and old-fashioned duels are only the beginning of what is lying underneath…
After a magical attempt on her life in 1877, Queen Victoria launched a crusade against magic that, while tidied up by the Ministry of Magic, saw the Wizarding community exiled to Hogsmeade, previously little more than a crossroad near the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. In the years that have passed since, Hogsmeade has suffered plagues, fires, and Victorian hypocrisy but is still standing firm.
Thethe year is now 1895. It’s time to join us and immerse yourself in scandal and drama interlaced with magic both light and dark.
Complete a thread started and set every month for twelve consecutive months. Each thread must have at least ten posts, and at least three must be your own.
Did You Know?
Did you know? Jewelry of jet was the haute jewelry of the Victorian era. — Fallin
It recently occurred to me that it's been so long since we've spoken. I've always thought life has a way of bringing people back together, and such was the case when I went to visit my friend's herb garden this afternoon. How have you been? How has your career been? I imagine becoming a full herbologist might take some time, but you've always been so dedicated to your passions. I have not heard otherwise, so I hope it's safe assume that you and your family were not too harshly impacted by the fog that recently enveloped the village?
It's funny, I just thought of writing to you the other day, but I'm just so flighty I never sat down to actually do it. Things are alright, much better now that the fog is finally gone. That was strictly maddening. I thought I was going to die of cabin fever, even thought I know you can't. Same old, same old here. I suppose technically I'm a journeyman herbologist, instead of an apprentice, but I'm still not completely on my own yet. Another year and a half or so. I have my own greenhouse in the yard now though, nothing huge, but it's all mine and I'm enjoying the projects I have going on.
I'm sure your life is much more fascinating than my own, though sometimes I hesitate to ask, simply because I'm never sure where you've landed! What's keeping you busy these days? I do hope we can get together sooner rather than later. I hope you're well.
"Journeyman herbologist" sounds so exciting, though - almost exotic. If my life brings me down such a path, perhaps I may one day find myself working alongside you! I've landed at the Hebrides in the meantime, living with the MacFusty clan. They're a lovely bunch, no matter what whispers might fill the rumor mill every now and then.
Mr. Malcolm MacFusty has hired me as his research assistant - a job that offers a fair dose of adventure without the fear of sleeping outdoors for the night. I've also befriended his wife, Mrs. Imogen MacFusty, who formerly worked as a mediwitch and now tends to her own herb gardens. They have three small children, the eldest of which has taken a liking to me (and I, in return, have taken to making her sweets!).
I have also found more adventure - if you could believe such a thing! Apart from my stint on the Irvingly expedition (where I found myself trapped in the infirmary for nearly a month after suffering from malaria!), I've been trying to charm one of the Mr. MacFusty's brothers into helping me with my research. He's a bit of an ass, but a handsome one, and not the most disagreeable man I've met.
Oh my! Lots of adventures, and exciting ones! I remember playing quidditch with a MacFusty, though I think it was a cousin to your new friends? I can never quite tell, all I remember is that they're all over a foot taller than I am and therefore easy to see! Dragons though, how exciting! Of course I've been friends with Tilda forever, but she never had too much to do with dragons herself I don't think.
I cannot believe you went on the expedition, it seems like everybody I know went! I do hope you're feeling better, malaria is serious business! I knew that expedition was bad news when Alfie told me he was going.
How do you always manage to find the handsome arses? I think that's a special gift of yours. Mrs. MacFusty is a herbologist? Or does she just do it for a hobby? I've been looking for new people to visit and work with, plus I'd like to see you and the dragons of course, do you think I could come visit?
Tilda and I seem to operate on separate schedule, so I don't get to see her as often as I'd like to. Part of me wishes I'd taken Care of Magical Creatures while at school; if I'd known what my post-graduation life would come to, it sure would have helped! (It's not like Divination did me much good anyways - I couldn't even predict my own fall from grace!) I'm not sure it would have helped on the expedition, but I was far from the only one to suffer ill effects from the fog. Some had malaria, some had broken ankles, and I think one woman was even hit by a water buffalo!
Alfie? As in Alfred Clearwater? Have you figured out your feelings for him yet? He's definitely the handsome sort (not as handsome as Mr. MacFusty's brother, but still.) and I still stand by my advice from before: go for it.
I would make some sly comment about the "handsome arses", but this one doesn't even seem to like me much. He tolerates me, sure, but he doesn't like me. Mrs. MacFusty is an absolute angel, though, and I'm sure you two would get along. You'd be more than welcome to come visit me, but I make no promises about the dragons: I had to survive the expedition to convince Jamie MacFusty that I was tough enough to see a baby dragon.
Next time you do see Tilda, please say hello for me! Creatures really was a lot of fun as a class, though we hardly covered dragons to the point where I would feel comfortable even looking at one sideways. Did you get to meet the baby dragon!?
I cannot believe that expedition was so crazy! I haven't heard any good stories out of it yet. I'm glad it's all over now.
Yes, Alfred Clearwater and I don't even know what there is to sort out, so I suppose no.
I do hope I can come visit, it sounds like it would be both good for me professionally and personally! Let's arrange for that soon please!
I wouldn't say it was a baby dragon; even though Jamie categorized it as a runt, it was as tall as him!
You must come and visit whenever you get the opportunity. I will introduce you to Mrs. MacFusty and I will have the opportunity to hear about your adventures with Mr. Clearwater.
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