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 just wanted to say sorry about the other night, at the wedding. I didn’t mean to accost you like that and didn’t mean to ruin your evening or anything. I must’ve had a bit much to drink* – and I think I probably overreacted to things, too.
Still, thanks for being there and being as patient as you were. If it’s not too much to ask: I’d appreciate if you didn’t mention that conversation to anyone else.
Ruining my evening, because before you showed up I was clearly having the time of my life? Anyway, you don't need to apologize. And obviously I'm not going to say anything to anyone. I'm a bit offended you even felt the need to say that, to be honest. I know how these things are.
Anyway, really, don't mention it. I'm sorry you didn't have anyone better than me to talk to about it.
Alright, that’s fair. I can’t have made things any easier for you either, though, so. (I wish I could say something like ‘I’m usually more fun at parties’, but frankly that’s not even true.)
And I’m sorry,I didn’t think you would And I didn’t mean any offence, but I guess I don’t know how these things go? I’m not that used to talking that way.
But you were right, anyway, it did help a bit. So – if you won’t hear sorry – at least let me say thanks again. I probably do owe you a drink for that. Or five.
This is probably presumptuous of me, and feel free to completely ignore this letter if it's off-base, but I wanted to write because — well, frankly because the holidays can be terrible sometimes for people like us, and I hope you're holding out. Being surrounded by family can feel pretty lonely, and then looking back at the year you've had — We're almost through them, at any rate. Eight days to 1893, and a clean start.
Thanks, actually. I do hate the holidays, a bit. Anyway, Merry Christmas to you too.
My family’s alright, though. There aren’t too many of us, at least, and the younger ones will find the holidays fun no matter what – I think some people have it a lot worse. Still, getting an owl was a nice excuse to have half a minute to myself in the house, which never hurts. How are yours going – are you surviving?
Eight days to a clean start. Sounds easy, when you put it like that.
Surviving, yeah. I hate the holidays, too. I didn't used to, but
I know it sounds easier on paper than in real life, but — it's still just eight days, however it feels.
1892 was a better year for me than 1891 was, so here's hoping 1893 continues the trend. Same for you — every year just a little better than the last one.
