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.
Your advertisement caught my eye. While I confess, I have never been the most ambitious in the bunch, I feel I may be able to impress you with my kindness and loyalty. My family is notable, and my dowry secure, though I confess I am no heiress.
I am, however, passionate and...mostly organized, though I would blame the latter on my cats. I speak two languages fluently in addition to my native English, and delight in learning new things, even on subjects I already consider myself well-learned with. I can be stubborn, but I like to ensure those around me are content.
Witch Weekly is pleased to inform you that your recent submission to our Lonely Hearts article has generated a response. Witch Weekly is devoted to providing help to all of our readers, no matter what their social disadvantages, and we are delighted to provide this service to the lovelorn in our magical community. We hope that you will be able to create a happy ending with our help, instead of being doomed to a tragically lonely life.
Please see the enclosed letter and advise us whether you will need your advertisement repeated in further issues of our magazine.
Department of International Magical Cooperation Translator & Freelance Translator
35 year old Halfblood
5 ft. 6 in.
❤ Unattached
Played by MJ
71 Posts
19 Likes
12th September, 1893
Two Season Failure,
Thank you for your letter. I think you are too hard on yourself. Two seasons is not long, in the scheme of things – my heart was broken more than a decade ago. You still have time. And I am pleased to hear of your dowry could wish for nothing more than kindness and loyalty, so you do not sound at all like a failure. Stubbornness, I understand, for I am much the same. But I would like to think myself loyal, too.
You must forgive me for not knowing what to say in these letters – it is the first time I have ventured into the Lonely Hearts (though my heart cannot get much lonelier!). But it has already yielded a promising result. I would be glad to hear from you again. What have you learned recently? How else do you enjoy to spend your time? What would you look for in a potential suitor?
Perhaps I am taking a dim view of my prospects. My mother would say I am my own worst enemy. I tend to play matchmaker for others, though I never studied Divination. It hurts my heart to see others suffer loneliness, and to hear that you have spent a decade in pain... But take me seriously. This is not pity I feel for you. It is concern of the deepest variety. I am of the opinion that everyone can find happiness, from the loneliest spinster to the freshest debutante.
I fully understand not knowing what to say, though. These letters, with their anonymity...I worry constantly that you may take offense to my words, though I sincerely hope you do not.
My most recent studies have been in Earth Magic; the subject fascinated me as a student, so much so that it was one of my best classes at Hogwarts, and I enjoy reading the most recent developments in the field. Most recently, I learned {insert insightful knowledge about crystals or something; I don't feel comfortable making something up hahaha}. But when I am not studying or attending events, I can most frequently be found either with my cats or taking a relaxing ride on horseback.
As for what I would look for in a suitor, I would be lying if I didn't say an interest in animals is a must; my eldest cat is nearing nine years of age, and I insist they would all join me in a new household. Personality is a greater matter to me than wealth or looks, though my mother would hate me for admitting it.
What of you? Have you any faithful companions of the furry or scaled varieties?
Department of International Magical Cooperation Translator & Freelance Translator
35 year old Halfblood
5 ft. 6 in.
❤ Unattached
Played by MJ
71 Posts
19 Likes
16th September, 1893
L.B.,
Before I go on – I hope you were not caught in the disaster in London two days ago. I work at the Ministry, but my job did not call upon me to venture into the streets, and I live safe in Hogsmeade. I will go on, as if you have also remained fortunately unscathed and unburdened by these dire circumstances – but if there are condolences to offer, pray take this as them.
You see, you are correct to say there are difficulties with anonymous letters.
My only pet these days is my owl, Hypatia – she is a capricious little creature, but she works harder than most, so I never mind doting on her. I think I could like a cat, though; how many pets do you have in your home menagerie?
Perhaps – forgive me if this is unwelcome suggestion – we might converse in person someday?