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 1894. It’s time to join us and immerse yourself in scandal and drama interlaced with magic both light and dark.
A Hospital man versus one of the school matrons next. They may not be in the competitive branch of the tournament, but Theodore suspected they had both had enough experience under their belts to make mincemeat of this duel. Accordingly, he ran through the rules, and then bid Mr North cast first.
As former healer and current hospital director, Victor was certainly glad that the rules did consist of non-violence. If it was, he would certainly be against dueling at all. But as it were, they were to show skill, not force. He was also glad that he had an opponent that wasn't some twenty year old, not that he thought ill of the person overseeing their match. He felt that it would be best to start with a more predictable spell. Wait to do something creative until he saw some spell work from his opponent. "Expelliarmus" That was certainly something a beginner would likely do, so he hoped that it would be slightly confusing for a hospital director to start off with.
Dear god, how had a boy she had once seen puzzling over his homework in the library become someone that was qualified to do this? She tried to catch the eye of the older man to share the sort of look that suggested they were being indulgent of the boy but she received nothing in return: eyebrow raised Connie didn't hesitate in sending a stinging jinx.
The almost tentative disarming spell was no match for the stinging spell that interrupted it. Theo's eyes edged a little wider. This matron was not even the former professional duellist up at the castle, but it seemed, as a rule, that house matrons were not to be trifled with.
"Miss Sykes takes the first round," Theo said, "and is to cast next."
The hospital man had clearly underestimated her capabilities and Connie couldn’t help the smug satisfaction that brought. Feeling confident she attempted a full body bind.
This time the matron's spell merely grazed Mr. North's arm, whilst she was duly transfigured into a goose.
Geese could be rather snappish themselves, Theodore knew, so best not to prolong the undoing of that spell. "Mr. North evens the score, and can begin the tie-breaking round."
Victor tried, unsuccessfully, to hold in a playful laugh at the sight of the goose before him. Now he really was glad that he had waited to use any creative spells. It had given him an advantage, however brief. Though he was sure that he had run out of luck when it came to hiding his talents. He would have to go off of skill alone, and he knew that his opponent surely was talented. He admired that. If he lost, he was glad it would be to such a skilled opponent. "Ebublio!" He cast his next spell. Imagining his opponent stuck inside of a bubble was slightly hilarious.
Well, that had certainly been far more embarrassing than she had prepared herself for. It was a blessing none of the current students were here really, though she had a sinking feeling it might get back to them somehow. Narrowing her eyes Connie concentrated and sent a stunning spell as soon as she was able.
It could have gone either way, after the last two rounds, and both spells hit their mark here - however, Theo determined the Stunning Spell the better attack.
"Miss Sykes takes the duel," he announced promptly.
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