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
August 29, 1889 — Museum of Magical Miscellany
@"Acacia Ruskin"
Ignatius thought it odd to think that he was not among those students scurrying around and getting ready for Hogwarts. Instead, he was going about his business and readying things in one of the new exhibitions for future tours. Exiting the room and closing it behind him, he was reading down a checklist of his tasks for the day when a flash of red caught his eye. He smiled at the sight of a familiar figure. "Miss Ruskin - shouldn't you be off getting ready for your return to Hogwarts?" Ignatius asked as he approached.
The school days were getting closer and closer. Her last year was fast approaching and the current Ravenclaw student couldn't wait. She also couldn't wait to get out in the world. To try to work towards the job she was passionate about. Healing. She was approaching this opportunity and it was making her nervous.
Supplies bought, more than enough studying done through the summer and more, and her new pet Maxie accompanying her wherever she went so she could create a bond. Yes, the Ravenclaw redhead was ready for the year. She looked to her dear friend and smiled. "Mr. Quirrell, it is so good to see you. I'm certain my father would only send me right back out the door if I tried to get ready any more than I already have."
The frog, Maxie, is in her right hand at this moment, just chilling.
Ignatius chuckled in response to the redheads words. "And who is this fellow?" Ignatius asked, indicating the black frog chilling in the young womans hand. It's expression rather reminded him of a disapproving professor or matron. "Have you made a final choice on what you'll be doing upon graduating?"
It was nice to hear him chuckle. Nice to see him again. She looked at Maxie when he asked about the frog. "This is Maxie. She will be joining me at Hogwarts this year. Father got her for me."
Looking back up at him, her smile remained. Though there was some sadness in her eyes as she thought of the owl that she had for the rest of her Hogwarts days. "I will be a healer, a spell damage healer to be exact."
"Hello, Maxie," Ignatius said in greeting to the frog. He supposed something had happened to her owl given the sadness in her eyes and the new pet. "A fine choice," Ignatius complimented though he definitely saw her as more of an artist. Even so, he knew she was the sort to want to help others and what better way to do than than to heal them?
Acacia wasn't really in the mood to talk about her poor owl. The sweet old thing. So she had decided to give Maxie almost her full attention when her mind wasn't busy with other matters. The frog continued to look uninterested, but adorable in doing so.
While art was a passion of hers, it was highly unlikely to be of any help to her family. Still, she could always submit artwork to galleries in her spare time. "Thank you. I believe that is a rather good choice. Helping others and saving lives."
"It suits you to be doing so," Ignatius said fondly. He really did think the world of her and felt that she could do anything she chose. As far as he was concerned, she had dealt with being banned from Hogwarts with strength and dignity, as he was sure she would deal with other aspects of her life. "I'm glad to be on the start of working my way up here." Experience was a grand thing and he intended to make every bit of it count for his future goals.
There was a certain level of learning and growing that happened during that ban. Understanding herself more, and those around her. Knowing who really wanted to be her friends and who chose to do so out of obligation. Who may turn their backs on her given the chance. These were all things she had learned during that awful time. But at least she knew. "I am happy for you. I believe you will go far, Mr. Quirrell."
Ignatius smiled as she said that she was happy for him. "That means a lot to me, Miss Ruskin. Coming from you," he said, wishing that he dared to take her hand in his own. But they were in public and he was very conscious of her societal place above him.
"Now shall I do my job and be your tour guide?" Ignatius asked teasingly, tamping down yet another urge to take her hand. After all, she was not the only one that would be in his tour guide group. And holding her hand would definitely cause a few eyebrows to raise.
// figure we can fade out/wrap here and do something newer?
