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
I believe one of the school owls has developed a personal vendetta against me. It refuses to deliver my letters and once stole my toast during breakfast. I expect restitution in the form of a scone.
Sincerely,
Callum Finnegan
(open to anyone but if a professor would deign to respond, I am all for it)
For fun, Gus decides to answer the letter. He enchants the font so it's a little less... well, terrible.
Mr. Finnigan,
Ah, I knew this day would come. I haven't seen an owl vendetta in a very long time. You must have offended it somehow, but it's alright, owls are notoriously judgmental creatures.
As for the toast theft, that's clearly a power move. It’s asserting dominance. The only way to resolve this is to challenge it to a duel. Owl versus student, a battle of wits and snacks. I hope you've been practicing your dueling spells.
Restitution in the form of a scone is, unfortunately, out of the question. Who knows if the owl would steal it from you too - they might take over the kitchen once they get a taste of one.
I'm not sure if a duel against an owl is a very good idea. For one thing, how would it fight back? For another, I don't want to hurt it. I can race the owl though. I'm excellent on a broomstick. Maybe then it will learn to respect me like some of the creatures we've learned about in COMC.
No, I'm not the owlery caretaker, although I do have a fondness for animals. Except hinkypunks. Those are terrible.
Well, I'm sure I could fashion it a wand, although it couldn't use any magic. Or maybe I could make you an owl, temporarily? That probably wouldn't go over well, though. You can't be an animagus at your age. A race wouldn't be a terrible idea. You could invite some of your housemates to watch it. I'm sure they'd enjoy it. Although be prepared for the owl to do some divebombs, sudden wing flaps, maybe even dropping acorns or, worse, owl pellets on you.
Just be sure to keep a scone handy as a peace offering when you inevitably leave it in your dust.
Alright. This letter had to be a joke. Callum squinted at it wondering who in Merlin's name could be teasing him over his (very serious) problem! It wasn't nice and it was with a self-righteous irritation that the little Gryffindor took pen to parchment.
AL--
I do not appreciate being teased!
I thought you had responded back to help me, but seeing as you've nothing productive to say, I will ask the professors for help instead. It's been very difficult to get these messages sent given my owl problem. You've been very rude and I do not appreciate it.
Oh no, no, no! I'm really sorry —I truly didn’t mean to upset you! I was only trying to lighten the mood, but clearly, I’ve gone and made things worse. I promise I take your owl troubles very seriously. I'm an adult, I promise.
You’re absolutely right—if the owl’s behavior is making it difficult for you to get your letters sent, then it’s no laughing matter. First, maybe try offering it a treat—something like a bit of bacon or a small piece of your toast (preferably before it has the chance to steal it). I have a friend who has an owl, and the little bugger expects a treat every time he as much as ruffles his feathers. Delivering and sending letters requires a larger treat when it comes to him. It might help smooth things over and make the owl more cooperative.
A.L.
Inside the envelope is a small piece of Honeyduke's chocolate for Callum, and a small dried piece of fruit for the owl. It pains Gus to give away either, but he really does feel bad.
That was more like it, though Callum was still feeling a little resentful. Maybe he should just tell Professor Brierly. She was bound to be more helpful than whoever this was...
AL--
I've tried bribing him! He (or she) won't cooperate.
Thank you for the chocolate. Your apology has been accepted.
I'm sorry bribery hasn't worked; sounds like you're dealing with quite the character. Have you tried to flatter the owl? I'm convinced owls have egos, and love to be complimented - call it regal, clever, or the finest mail carrier that Hogwarts has ever seen. If that doesn't work, I guess we'll have to try something else.
Gus couldn't help but laugh. Merlin was definitely food motivated, and he wasn't shocked to hear that he was vain. He probably wanted all other owls to bow to him.
Mr. Finnigan,
It's good to hear there was no gnashing beak this morning! You're definitely taking steps in the right direction. Maybe your owl is starting to come around to you, and soon you'll be the only person who will be able to send letters without being bitten. (Or having your toast stolen!)
Keep up the kind words and maybe a little more flattery here and there. If you need anymore help, you know where to find me.
![[Image: UkiVTG8.png]](https://i.imgur.com/UkiVTG8.png)