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
Notably unfriendly, the Witch Weekly editors had written of her. How rich! Questioning all her sisters’ futures in one fell swoop ought to be enough to cancel her subscription for good... but Estelle was determined she might dazzle in some future issue by showing them just what a success she could be. So, she had scoured the Lonely Hearts instead for something of interest. There were few advertisements that appealed – if anything, she was too good for the rest – but this one seemed acceptable. A female relative’s good graces were always worth twice the bachelor’s, she was sure. And who wouldn’t like her? She was a delight, whatever Witch Weekly said.
14th February, 1892
“Excellence Required”,
I think it both admirable and most necessary to seek out only perfection in a match, and to maintain one’s high standards in so lacklustre a society (as it often seems, to me, to be). I am from an old family, of impeccable name and lineage, and after Hogwarts – I was in Slytherin – I was properly finished at Pendergast’s School For Young Roses. At twenty-two, I am at an appropriate age to marry soon; not too fresh in society as to be at all foolish, and not so mature as to make a questionable wife and mother.
Indeed, I am sure I shall prove myself a suitable candidate – should you have any other specific requirements for this match, or like to request any personal references of my character before meeting me, I should be delighted to supply them.
The third response she'd received to her inquiry on Atticus' behalf made Poppy hum in thought. Slytherin, twenty-two, E.M. She mulled over the details provided and wondered if she might be able to guess who 'Miss E.M.' could be. Coming up empty, she next considered the prospect of such a formal proposition. It seemed well-bred enough to offer a character reference, and she was of suitable age to marry someone on the cusp of being ancient as her dear cousin was. (For a bachelor at least.) Poppy couldn't imagine his marrying one of her classmates, or really anyone, in their first year debut. As Miss E.M. stated: they would be much too young and foolish. No, no. Miss E.M. seemed quite a healthy choice and Poppy nodded to herself, convinced, as she put quill to paper.
Dear Miss E.M.,
I thank you for your response and gratefully entertain the idea that you, of all candidates, understand exactly what is meant by excellence. Your pedigree seems promising and your abilities to uphold an esteemed name do you credit.
I should like to meet for tea to discuss the prospect of a match and better acquaint you with the gentleman’s situation. Would you be amenable to meeting in Hogsmeade in the coming weeks, schedule allowing?
I thank you in turn for seeing the merit in my proposal, and accept yours gladly. I should very much like to become better acquainted with the gentleman’s situation – this seems a most sensible arrangement, for I am sure you, as his relative, can determine more objectively what – and whom – would best suit him. I find men (I have an elder brother) so rarely know what is best for them.
It is most unfortunate that this month’s Hogsmeade weekend has been cancelled, for it would have been a perfect occasion. But I shall instead await your letter to arrange a meeting at a later date. Perhaps over Easter?
Quite right! You are, by far, the most discerning candidate and I do so hope you find the gentleman as amenable as I have already decided you to be. I sense a splendid match in the making.
Yes, let us settle upon a date in March. How does the 25th sound?
I have always thought myself remarkably discerning, so I am grateful to hear that you agree. I do hope I shall disappoint neither of your expectations.
The 25th is perfectly acceptable. Would the Painted Lady suit for tea, perhaps at two o’clock?
Yours sincerely,
Miss E. M.
April 12, 2022 – 2:07 PM
Last modified: April 12, 2022 – 2:07 PM by Poppy Dashwood.
