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.
With the same account, complete eight different threads where your character interacts with eight different usergroups. At least one must be a non-human, and one a student.
Did You Know?
Braces, or suspenders, were almost universally worn due to the high cut of men's trousers. Belts did not become common until the 1920s. — MJ
Cassian was going to send her a nice poem he read, something that made his heart skip a beat when he realized the first person that came to mind when he read it was her. That's a sign. Isn't it? When the words of a sonnet translate to the memory of a person. He got so far as to transcribe it when Sabine gave him an incredulous look of horror and snatched the page from him.
‘You're kidding. You’ve literally just met her?’ she balked. ‘All you did was talk over dinner?’ A clear message, then. Cass needed to, er… slow his roll. Somewhat. But patience was never his strong suit. So, he started with something a bit more classic.
21st of July, 1892
Dear Miss Dashwood,
Thank you for coming to dinner. I had been dreading it before, but our conversation made it a brilliant evening. Sabine tells me we have a date set for the opera, though there will be a few balls before then. Perhaps I might entertain a dance with you at one of them?
Sincerely,
Cassian Valenduris
Included is a modest bouquet of baby blue, white, and lilac flowers. Poppy Dashwood
Poppy hadn't been able to think of much since yesterday's dinner aside from Cassian Valenduris. His face, his manner, his tone - every and anything the diminutive brunette knew of him had been on a perpetual loop. Atticus was sick and tired of hearing her account, Aunt Viola less so but likely also growing a touch tired, so Poppy had opted to retire into her correspondence. She wanted to share her account with Juniper, Ida and Beryl! It had been such a long time since she'd spoken to them, after all. On her way up to the small desk in her borrowed bedroom, Poppy collected the small pile of letters the footman had just brought in for her. There were a few she recognized, but none from a Mr. Les-- oh! Poppy almost dropped the pile in her excitement. There was one from Mr. Valenduris!
Mr. Valenduris,
I am glad to hear my company could serve as relief in what might have been an otherwise arduous evening for you. I too had a splendid time!
The opera is lovely; do let me know what you think. Your sister was a pleasure to converse with, I'm sure she has good taste in shows. I had hoped to write to her and set a date actually. Perhaps you have allied me in discovering a like of hers!
My dance-card is always open to you sir. The flowers are incredibly lovely, thank you.
It’s been far too long since he wrote her last, and he didn’t want her thinking he was disinterested. Things at the Ministry were just busy, more than usual, as peculiar and highly public murders were wont to do. But Cassian was nothing if not committed to playing the long game.
2nd of August, 1892
Dear Miss Dashwood,
I suppose now is a good time to admit that I’m sworn by unbreakable vow to only ever compliment my sister’s good taste in everything. She’ll be pleased to know that you both are very much on the same page. Familial obligations not withstanding, I’m very much looking forward to watching the show with you. Have you seen many operas? Our mother being Italian, Sabine and I became well-versed in all the classics from a young age. If not the opera, what sorts of shows do you enjoy most?
I should very much like to have a dance with you. You strike me as someone quick on her feet.
Poppy had been starting to doubt her faith in Mr. Valenduris' interest as her last letter went unanswered for some days. It was with a pang that she sighed, each morning when the post was delivered but nothing in his elegant, scrawled hand arrived for her. At last something had come and Poppy had devoured it, eager in her interest as to his reply. She was not hasty to write back however, knowing full well she ought to give the appearance of a busy lady. (Which, she supposed, she was.)
Mr. Valenduris,
I do admire your bond with your darling sister. Family is quite important to me as well. Though rather large, my own family and extensions are dear to me. My cousins in particular, whom I have no doubt you will slowly become aquatinted with.
I do enjoy the opera, actually! (The theatre and ballet as well, though mother would be quite scandalized.) I'm not sure how familiar you are with muggle works, but I am a fan of Mr. William Shakespeare's titles. His tragedies in particular. They remind one of the shortcomings that can lead to downfall, but also how fleeting joy and happiness can be. It is important to take every day and live every moment to one's utmost happiness, regardless of all else.
Forgive me-- I've rambled.
You mention your mother is Italian, have you been often to Italy? I have heard it is such a beautiful country. You shall have to help me practice my Italian the next time we meet, my governess would be dismayed at how much I've lost.
always,
Ms. Poppy Dashwood
Poppy frowned down at the number of scratches she'd made in her letter and decided to re-copy it after luncheon. Too bad the ever eager house-elf decided to send it off before she had the chance.
After smiling a bit stupidly at himself the better part of the morning over Poppy’s letter, he made a point to respond promptly. As evidenced by posting her the note from work, letter written on his Ministry department cardstock instead.
4th of August, 1892
Dear Miss Dashwood,
And I do admire how close you are with your family. Though the Valenduris’s are a bit more scattered about Europe, so I’m not quite as close to my cousins as you are. Though I should think all my siblings more than make up for it. Especially when it comes to holiday festivities - one of my favorite times of the year. Which holiday do you like the most?
Your secret about the theatre and ballet will be safe with me. I prefer plays a bit more myself (more straightforward, I suppose?). It’s funny you should mention Shakespeare, he’s one of my favorite playwrights of them all. The tragedies are all masterpieces, but the comedies are my guilty pleasure. Do you have a favorite play?
(Now I’m the one that is rambling.)
I go to Italy often, most recently this past summer in Venice and Tuscany. My mother stays in her country home in Milan for most of the year. She would be only delighted to ever receive visitors, should you need a bit more practical motivation to keep up with your Italian.
August, 5 1892 - London, Foxwood Home (before news of Owen's death has reached the Foxwood house)
Poppy ran her finger delicately over the ministry crest at the top of Mr. Valenduris' latest letter. She enjoyed the texture under her index finger, even as she lay curled in bed. She was determined to send this letter out with the morning post. There was a ball that evening and Poppy very much hoped to find Mr. Valenduris in attendance after his special attention and his mention. The invitation to Italy especially, even if just polite, made her heart beat a little faster.
Mr. Valenduris,
Do you have very many siblings? That's wonderful. I have my suspicions they are all as lovely as Sabine. I have sent her a request to join me for tea later this month, schedules permitting. I have hopes we will become good friends!
I must say that I love Christmas, but I quite like All Hallows Eve too. (If one could consider this a holiday?) There is something so mysteriously interesting about it, I'll admit it entices me. Too, I was always a fan of playing tricks on my elder cousins when we had the chance.
I am so pleased to hear you know of Mr. Shakespeare! We shall have to discuss in full; it is so rare to find someone who admires and appreciates his works simply because he is a muggle. He is a genius talent, one I very much enjoy in any capacity. I suppose it might be cliche to admit I admire Romeo and Juliet, so I shant. Hamlet however, is certainly on the top of my shelf, beside Othello. I suppose I have a soft spot for those others set aside, those who are looked over or misunderstood.
I daresay, you do not ramble. I find our discourse very interesting.
I too find it fascinating that you travel so often! I have never had the luxury to visit Italy, but my best friend visited Venice this summer and she claims it was stunning. I should very much like to practice with you, in case the need ever arise.
![[Image: BC4TW0z.jpeg]](https://i.imgur.com/BC4TW0z.jpeg)
