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
She’d been a spectator before. She’d been a participant before. She should be used to dueling by now, but it had taken Edelweiss Prewett a while to get used to dueling throughout her years. She’d even come to enjoy it however lately, as her abilities developed, so did her experience in the dueling ring. Having to figure out how to navigate the extra sensory load that witnessing a duel caused her was a steep learning curve and well, there was no time like the present to practice, she figured.
“Miss Ilkin, you’ll be on the offense whilst Miss Spaans is on the defense.” She announced after having read the rules. Ada then stepped back and prepared herself, hoping that given their level, she wouldn’t have to be witness to too many explosions.
You have 72 hrs from now! That's Monday, February 3, 2025.
Ellen already regretted this. They hadn't even started yet-- just stepped up into place-- and nerves had wrapped her stomach tight and bound her tongue. She clutched her wand in a white-knuckled fist, praying she remembered how to do... this. There were so many rules to dueling, and what was she thinking signing up in the first place? Every new charm had been a struggle... She didn't stand a chance.
Ellen held her breath and dipped a shaky curtsy to Kaatjie. Frantic, she searched the back of her mind for anything actually useful. In the end she landed on the tickling charm-- about as dangerous as she was willing to get.
Kaatjie wasn't sure that she actually knew very many defensive spells, and never mind offensive. Dueling seemed very difficult as a first and second year, because they just didn't know much yet! But she didn't want to lose right away, especially with Miss Ilkin looking so nervous. She curtsied to Miss Ilkin and cast a smokescreen spell.
Regardless if the smoke had a taste or smell to everyone else, the scent of magic invaded Ada's nostrils, pungent and stinging. Her eyes watered but she was nonetheless able to see Miss Spaan's attempt was effective in impeding Miss Ilkin's spell.
After coughing, Ada waved her wand to make the smoke dissipate. “This round goes to Miss Spaans.” She announced. “And it’ll be her on the offense this time.” She nodded to the Gryffindor. “Whenever you’re ready.” She said kindly.
Wow! The spell was smokier than she'd thought it would be, but Kaatjie was still very pleased with herself, and could not make any attempt at hiding it. But she hadn't won yet, so carefully, she attempted a knockback jinx.
Ellen bounced backwards, as though distance would make the difference. There was no sheltering in the corner when it came to magic. No time to think. In a squeaking voice, she cast the next spell to cross her mind. A slowing charm-- maybe a chance to think properly.
When Miss Ilkin went flying backwards, Ada quickly cast a cushioning charm for the first year Slytherin to land upon. She turned to give Miss Spaans a broad smile. “This round goes to you, Miss Spaans. Congratulations and good luck on your next duel!”
