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's been far too long since I've checked in, but between the twins' arrival and the move to London, I'm not even sure the last time I actually slept more than two hours was. I do hope things are going well for you, I miss seeing you. I was so large at the end there I could scarcely move. It feels like a lifetime ago, and they're only a month and a half old, but my goodness, the adjustment to having two infants in addition to two toddlers is wild. Thank Merlin for hired help.
How's Eleanora doing? How are you? Once the house is more put together, I would love for you to come visit, the girls could play in the nursery while we catch up. This Nanny I have is the baby whisperer, I swear, she puts even my own motherly instincts to shame. I blame the distinct lack of sleep. Having to nurse one was bad enough, having two demanding mouths feels insane.
I hope you'll forgive me as well. I ought to have checked in on you sooner after the twins' arrival. How are the girls taking to them? Have you recovered from birthing two? Eleanora came over a year ago and I still cannot fathom experiencing that again any time soon, much as I'd like to grow our family. I only fear the sickness that consumed me for the duration of my pregnancy.
We're all well! Mr. Crouch and I are planning a visit to Egypt in the new year. We'll be bringing Eleanora, of course. She's much too young to be left behind and I doubt Mr. Crouch would be comfortable with that even if I were. She's a little darling, finally walking and beginning to speak. If you would like to visit with us here while your house is set up we can plan a small luncheon. Or we can wait until you're more settled. Moving sounds like an overwhelming task, but I don't think we ever discussed what prompted it? I thought you enjoyed your little cottage.
I am doing about as well as expected. It was not my favorite pregnancy, that is for sure. My nursemaid says if we have another all I will have to do is sneeze and the babe will fall out. Which rings true, I fear. Violet and Poppy are doing alright, Poppy more so than Violet, I fear she gets more rambunctious with each new arrival. Takes after me in that regard.
I'm glad to hear you're doing well! I can't imagine how big she is, it feels like ages since I've see you! A trip to Egypt, how exciting, I admit I am a bit jealous, I hope you have a wonderful time.
The move was prompted by the arrival of two instead of one, we've outgrown the cottage as a full-time residence. Plus we are so far away from everyone out there, every time I am with child, I am housebound and it drives me a little mad. We will keep it for summer visits, but have purchased a home in London that we will be able to grow with us, should we expand the family any further. Plus we can visit easier. I tried for Hogsmeade, but Edric simply wouldn't go for it after all of the disasters in recent years. I can't say I blame him.
I would love for you to visit us once everything is settled. We're hoping early in December to be all moved in, so that we may spend the holidays in the new home. I'll let you know!
I simply cannot imagine having to birth two children at once. You have both my admiration and sympathies for it. You're an inspiration. Is it terribly difficult managing the emotions and needs of four children at once? I sometimes wonder how I could split my attentions fairly.
The cottage seemed like such a dream that I never paid much mind into how lonely it could be. I'm doubly sorry for leaving you without companionship throughout this last pregnancy and am selfishly glad that you've moved closer. I do have to say I don't blame him for refusing Hogsmeade. All these recent incidents and the lockdown have left me hoping to move as well.
Do let me know when you're ready. I'll even see about bringing Nora with me so she could play with your girls. I hope the move goes smoothly!
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