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.
I hope this letter reaches you in the comfort of your own home and not in some godforsaken broom closet dungeon at the Ministry. You have my deepest condolences. I cannot fathom how disturbing it must have been for you. Your husband, no matter his faults, was undeserving of such a fate.
Just as you are undeserving of the fate that I hear has befallen you. It is an absolute scandal and outrage that you should be treated so appallingly! I curse Phineas for having ambitions no greater than Hogwarts, if he had any sway within the Ministry I would have made sure you were released before the Prophet could get word of it. It would be bad enough if you weren't also grieving! Merlin, I cannot overstate my anger on your behalf. It is the height of injustice!
I'm sure you are bearing it all with the patience and composure of a saint, as you do in everything, but it is beyond the pale that you should be treated with such unwarranted suspicion. I shall do what I can to assure that the parties responsible for this injustice regret it. This cannot be allowed to stand.
Please let me know how you are and when I can see you.
You are kind to write, though I would expect no less. You are not the only one to do so, but I expect the only person with whom I do not share blood whose quill was not dipped in insincerity before it was placed to parchment. I was denied post whilst being held by the Ministry of Magic, and so do indeed reply to you from home—though it seems woefully different now, more isolated and empty than I could have thought imaginable.
You must not trouble yourself with Phineas; indeed, you ought to be grateful that he still remains to support your family. With or without ambition, I would give a great deal to have Ernest returned to us. Besides, if my own connections did not garner a quicker reprieve, I do not imagine that Phineas would have had much more sway even if he were more prominent. Nevertheless, your rage on my behalf is appreciated and is, I assure you shared, though much of what I feel right now is exhaustion.
It is my intention to keep to the house and abjure company (even your own) until the funeral; my mother, of course, has ignored this directive altogether, but as she stayed with the children during my abduction, I can hardly fault her. (Besides, do not tell her as much, but her presence is a comfort to me). After the funeral, at which I trust I shall see you, I shall welcome your company with open arms.
Although I expected no less than for you to be home now I am all the same relieved to hear it. My poor woman you are strength itself for enduring such treatment. That is the end of it I assume? They are not so mad that they would think to importune you any further?
I do wish you would let me see you sooner but I suppose I shall be patient and wait. I shall certainly be attending the funeral, make no mistake of that.
In the meantime if there is anything you need do not hesitate to ask.
Until then,
With all my love,
Ursula
November 27, 2022 – 1:05 PM
Last modified: December 28, 2022 – 3:11 PM by Rufina Mulciber.