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.
You have by now, I am sure, heard of the fog that has worked itself into the crevices of both Irvingly and Hogsmeade. It has inspire uneasiness among the residents of my neighborhood, and I confess that I myself am hardly thrilled by its presence. I had not realized how fully I rely upon magic until it was no longer an option for me, though potions and a general knowledge of the body ensure that I can aid, in at least a small way, those who have need of it. It is my hope that the volunteer expeditions will prove fruitful, that we may return to normalcy very soon.
But you will have no such uncertainty in your summer months, for which you are lucky—bar, of course, whether or not your brother will join you in the same house this September. No doubt he will be getting his first wand soon, if he has not already. I would have liked to have seen that, just as I would have liked to see it for you It is an exciting time, to be sure, but I have little doubt that you will shepherd Archer with grace when you return to Hogwarts in the autumn.
You very well would have known such details if you hadn't run off as you had.
July 14th, 1888
Papa,
We could have stayed a family, you know. Mother loved you. I loved you. Archer certainly loved you, too.
July 19th, 1888
Papa,
Gryffindor. I'm a Gryffindor. I think Archer is better-suited for Hufflepuff—not that you were around long enough to recognize such a thing. I'm not sure if he wants to associate with me while at school; your sudden departure has changed me from the sweet little girl I once was.
Before I go any further, I feel as though I must allay any concerns: it has been some months since last I was in London, and so my hands are clean of the tragedy that transpired in St James’ Park. I did write to a former colleague of mine after the welfare of the young boy who was maimed, but was not surprised to receive no reply. Even when such terrible affairs are no fault of one’s own, society can be unkind.
I expect that young Archer has his wand by now. I imagine you accompanying him and beaming with pride as he selects it, though I confess I find it difficult to imagine either of you in proper detail. You must both have grown so much so as to be nigh unrecognizable, though I will hold the memory of your pink cheeks and bright eyes within my heart for years to come. I can only imagine the pride that your mother feels when she learns of each of your—assuredly many—accomplishments.
It is with great relief that I report that the fog has left Hogsmeade, though you no doubt are quite aware of this by now. It was so taxing to see to the sick, the injured, without the use of magic. I had not realized how heavily I relied upon it, and I wonder if it might be prudent to acquire some muggle books on non-magical medicine to augment my skills. Even as the decades pile up in one’s life, it is important to be ever-open to learning, particularly when one has the capability to help others.
As always, I welcome your reply.
With love,
Papa
— MJ is pretty nifty @ graphics, if I do say so myself! —
I hope that, by now, you have settled back into the rhythm of your schooling. I remember how jarring those first few days after summer can be—exciting, but tumultuous nonetheless. As a fourth year, for the first—and last—time in your schooling, you are neither among the eldest nor among the most junior in your classes. This, I think you’ll find, brings with it a sort of ease that you will yearn for when you begin your N.E.W.T.-level studies!
Please look out for your brother, and remember how you felt in your first weeks at the castle. When your uncle joined me at Hogwarts, I could not help but feel as though he was taking something that was mine, and it was my house matron who reminded me to think of those I cared for, and not only my own wishes. I have little doubt you will do me proud in this regard.
As always, I welcome your reply.
With love,
Papa
— MJ is pretty nifty @ graphics, if I do say so myself! —
I met a young girl today, perhaps two years your junior, and her spirit reminded me a great deal of you. She, however, did not share your fortune in being able to attend Hogwarts, and so I encourage you to treasure the opportunities that you have been given.
A short letter, I am afraid, for someone is knocking at the door and I wish to get this sent off to you.
With love,
Papa
— MJ is pretty nifty @ graphics, if I do say so myself! —
October 8, 2018 – 9:12 PM
Last modified: October 8, 2018 – 9:12 PM by Cyrus Westerman.
I know that Archer goes to Hogwarts today. I will not say I wish I could be there to bid him farewell, for you will only say that it is I alone who stop me from doing so. You would, I suppose, be right, but it is too late now to undo what has been done. I hope that, in the years since my leaving, you have found peace, and that the prospect of an empty house speaks to you of potential, rather than sorrow. You are, after all, the strongest woman I've ever known.
Yours, always,
E.
— MJ is pretty nifty @ graphics, if I do say so myself! —
October 8, 2018 – 9:17 PM
Last modified: October 8, 2018 – 9:18 PM by Cyrus Westerman.
You will not, I hope, remember me, for to remember me is to remember that I have wronged you. To say that I think of you daily and wonder what sort of man you are becoming will bring you little comfort, but is most ardently true. I do not know if your sister shares my letters with you, but if she does, you will see firsthand how often I ask after you.
I hope this potioneer's case comes in handy for you, particularly in the long nights of practice and study that the coming nights will bring you. I know that you are more than up to the challenges Hogwarts has to offer.
Affectionately,
Papa
— ACTUALLY SENT —
A nondescript wooden case, not unlike a briefcase, containing various empty vials affixed to the top half of the inside, and a mortar, pestle, and flint in the bottom, as well as a pair of thick, leather gloves, one size too large. No note is included, nor is a return address.
I do not know if you read my letters or merely cast them into the fire. I would not entirely blame you, were it the latter, but I hope that if you do read this, you shall heed my words.
Miss Scott and I tended in the early hours to a young witch who could have been no more than a year or two your senior. She had, quite foolishly, sought to brew herself a love potion to ensnare the blacksmith's boy, only to render herself mute in the making of it. While I hope you have inherited my—and your aunt's—talents with potions, it is imperitive that you do not allow hubris and girlish foolishness to override sense. Like all magic, potions can be a tremendous fool—but dangerous if not wielded with care.
As always, know I think fondly of you and of the young woman you have become.
