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 five threads of five posts or more where your character experiences bad luck, such as stepping in a chamberpot, losing the rings for a wedding, etc...
Did You Know?
One of the cheapest homeless shelters in Victorian London charged four pennies to sleep in a coffin. Which was... still better than sleeping upright against a rope? — Jordan / Lynn
If he was being completely honest, the situation didn't look good, but Sylvano was not in the habit of being completely honest about anything. No reason to start now.
— Sylvano Capobiancoinyou & me & the war of the endtimes
Whatever spell Seojin-a had used alleviated the worst of his pain, providing enough relief for him to process everything that had just happened. The third kappa had come out of nowhere. The squelch of their fall echoed in his brain. Disgusting. Even more disgusting was the realization that the remnants of the squelch were all over him. His leg was definitely broken, and Seojin-a was right; they needed to get to the infirmary. He hated having his bones set, but it happened often enough that he at least knew what to expect. "Go-ma-wo." he said softly with a small, grateful smile.
He shouldn't have been impressed at how quickly Seojin-a had dispatched of the others—the vampire was one of the smartest people he knew—but he found himself admiring him anyway. "Cheoljaende," he murmured. Since the pain had been shoved into a dark corner of his brain, he was able to notice just how close they were to each other. That his blood was all over Seojin-a's sleeve from fussing over him; that the handsome face stretched into an expression of deep concern. He shouldn't have been smug that there was irrefutable proof that Seojin-a did still care for him... but he was.
Ahn-Bo nodded at the suggestion that he stand. He didn't have much choice, unless he wanted to wait here alone in the dark for Seojin-a to fetch help. Considering how far they were from the school and who knew how long it would take for him to find a professor at this hour, there was a good chance it would take at least an hour, if not more. And if the kappa's decided to come back—wait... why were both of Seojin-a's sleeves bloody? "Your arm!" Reaching for the other's left arm, he shoved the fabric aside to inspect it. He had no idea if kappa bites were poisonous or festered or... anything else equally horrible.
Go-ma-wo: (casual) "thanks" • Cheoljaende: (casual) clever, "you're a genius"
There was that word again… Gomawo, said informally this time, and softer— the way Jin was used to hearing it. His stomach fluttered like a set of doxy wings had just brushed against the inside and he tried not to let it show on his face as he muttered a soft “anieyo,” to dismiss it. Fight or no fight, he couldn’t stand the thought of Moon-ssi in actual, physical pain. Not like this. He flushed slightly at the murmur of praise that followed and turned his head to the side to hide the worst of it. This was not the time to be blushing!
The fingers of his right hand had curled themselves into the fabric of Moon-ssi’s robe at his side as Jin attended to the cut on his friend’s face. He didn’t realize how desperately he was clinging to those robes, like he couldn’t bear to have Moon-ssi yanked away from him again, until the other made a play for his injured arm. Jin released the robes quickly. He didn’t flinch as Moon-ssi inspected the bite, taking the opportunity to look at it himself. It didn’t really hurt yet, the adrenaline still pumping through his veins had washed aside any of his own concerns of harm, but the bite was deep. It would probably leave a scar if it wasn’t treated properly.
Jin tugged his arm back gently. “I’m fine,” he assured Moon-ssi. “You’re the one we need to get looked at.” Making to stand, it was much harder than Jin imagined to peel himself away from his friend. Anxiety was still etched across his features as he offered Moon-ssi a hand. “Lean on me, if you can,” he said softly. “It might hurt less.”
* Jin takes potions and enchantments at times to give his voice a persuasive quality.
His performances, or even a simple conversation, can sometimes suggest thoughts
and ideas to his audiences.
Aish, the bite was much deeper than expected. Before Ahn-Bo could fuss over it (not that he knew any useful healing spells), Seojin-a had carefully pulled his arm away. They were both headed to the infirmary by the sounds of it; it wasn't like Ahn-Bo could get there by himself. He'd make sure that the bite was seen to while they were there.
"Ne," his voice was resigned. Standing was going to hurt like hell. Bracing himself with a deep breath, he grasped the offered hand and (with Seojin-a's assistance) managed to stand. With the entirety of his weight on his good leg, he wrapped his arm around his friend's shoulders for balance. With their bodies pressed together and Ahn-Bo holding tight, a little tingle zipped through his belly. He took a moment to adjust to the new position, trying to ignore the throbbing pain in his leg. Hopefully he wouldn't be too heavy. They'd seen earlier that day how well the smaller boy faired against his weight (not well.) He tried to flash a reassuring grin, voice artificially light as he said, "Ready?"
Bearing even partial weight off Moon-ssi’s leg took a minute of adjusting for Jin to manage. Despite being almost the same height, the quidditch player was understandably a bit larger than Jin, and heavier. It was from all that eating he did, the half-vampire thought sarcastically to himself, but he wouldn’t wish any differently. Moon-ssi deserved to eat and play quidditch and enjoy his life. It had to be a much more fulfilling existence than the darkness Jin always returned to at the Jeong compound.
Brushing those thoughts aside, he wobbled for a moment as Moon-ssi adjusted. He looked up at the other as Moon-ssi flashed him a grin and Jin gave a small nod. They were very close now; closer than they’d been, except for maybe earlier that day when Moon-ssi had tackled him. Jin cleared his throat and turned away. “Ne,” he agreed softly. And so began the arduous trek towards the infirmary.
Getting out of the basin with both their wands and selves (mostly) intact was a struggle. But once they set off in the direction of the jade palace, Jin felt himself relax a bit. Not enough, if his heart thundering in his chest was any indication, but a little. He wasn’t sure if he was nervous about being so close to his friend, touching him, or the kappas still, or what was going to happen after this in regards to their fight. All of it, maybe, as the chaos of emotion swirled around in his head. Deciding small-talk might help distract him, Jin tried for conversation. “I can’t believe you squashed the kappa,” he said, not judgmentally, more… in awe, of his friend’s strength. He’d only thought to do a leg-locker spell. Crushing one had never been within Jin’s capability.
* Jin takes potions and enchantments at times to give his voice a persuasive quality.
His performances, or even a simple conversation, can sometimes suggest thoughts
and ideas to his audiences.
If their size disparity hadn't already been a struggle, Ahn-Bo might have taken advantage of the opportunity to lean into his friend even more. From this close to Seojin-a's throat, he could see how quick his pulse had become. It very well could have been all in his head—or even remnants of their harrowing experience—but he chose to believe it was because of his proximity. For once, he was quiet as they moved along. Between being able to feel his heartbeat in his leg, concentrating on somehow not crushing Seojin-a whilst still using him as support, and distracting thoughts about whether or not his friend had his realization of what was between them yet, it was all he could do to keep moving.
When Seojin-a's voice broke the silence, he (obviously and too) eagerly turned his attention to his friend. If he'd been capable in that moment, Ahn-Bo would have puffed out his chest and preened like those flamboyant peacocks at Gyeongbokgung Palace. On another day, he might have responded with a playful tease, as if he really was that impressive. It felt like a moment he should be truthful.
"I wish I hadn't," he admitted, nose wrinkling in disgust. "It was lucky that I did." There were worse things than being bruised and bloodied up with a broken leg. "You don't think Seonsaengnim knew they were out there, do you?" He could admit that they'd deserved detention for what they'd done—but placing them there to be attacked by kappa seemed a touch too far, even for the strict professor.
It didn’t escape Jin’s notice how quickly Moon-ssi responded to him. Maybe he was being awkward by staying so quiet; it was good that they’d broken the tense silence now.
At his friend’s response, Jin nodded sagely. He could only imagine how gross it must have been, and what effort it required. But he didn’t think for a second Seonsaengnim had sent them out here to get attacked. Or at least— not Moon-ssi, for sure. Out of all their professors, he was the only one from Joseon so he knew who Moon-ssi’s family was. Sending him out here to be hurt didn’t seem like a very… smart idea. “Ani,” Jin responded thoughtfully. “Kappa’s aren’t usually… feral,” he hummed. It was likely Seonsaengnim knew they’d be out here, but what business they had attacking students he didn’t know. “It seems strange to me that they were so aggressive.” But then again, Jin wasn’t sure he’d trust any creature that drank blood— himself included.
Shivering slightly at the thought of being lumped in with those things, he changed the subject slightly. “At least now you’ll get to eat something.” Jin smiled privately to himself. There was no way the ganhosa was going to let them starve; food was a part of medicine. It promoted healthy healing.
* Jin takes potions and enchantments at times to give his voice a persuasive quality.
His performances, or even a simple conversation, can sometimes suggest thoughts
and ideas to his audiences.
Kappas weren't supposed to be aggressive? That was news to Ahn-Bo, all things considered. Maybe the ones they'd encountered had been an anomaly... either way, they'd have to make sure to let Seonsaengnim know about it. Other students (especially the younger ones) may not be as fortunate. He scoffed, "What are their razor-sharp teeth for, then? Smiling?" They were creepy enough as it was—they had no business doing anything of the sort.
He hummed, pleased at the suggestion that he wouldn't miss out on supper after all. Ahn-Bo had never been in the infirmary this late in the evening before. Quidditch practices were immediately after classes ended for the day, which meant that any necessary trips to see the ganhosa were wrapped up before the evening meal. "I hope it isn't fish."
ganhosa: nurse
⚘
Ahn-Bo speaks in Korean to his family unless otherwise stated in posts.
He has a noticeable accent when speaking in English.
A surprised laugh bubbled up and out as Jin shot Moon-ssi an amused look. Kappas were creepy enough without the added bonus of going around smiling with all those pointed teeth. Still, the idea was mildly entertaining. “They drink human blood,” he stated, matter-of-factly in response. (If he looked away to keep from seeing his friend’s face change at such a fact, it was intentional.)
They continued hobbling their slow way towards the infirmary with Jin commenting how Moon-ssi always wanted to eat meat. (“It’s like you were born in a palace yourself or something,” he teased mildly.) But the arduous walk eventually came to an end as they rounded the corner and slipped back into the jade palace. Jin didn’t dare bow as they came upon the infirmary threshold for fear of dropping Moon-ssi on his face. Instead, he mildly called out to the ganhosa and explained what had happened.
“Those kappas are out of control,” she muttered back in Japanese. “Only today Kenji-san came in with a bite on his side!” She clicked her tongue and gestured towards the nearest available bedroll. Jin flashed Moon-ssi a knowing look. That explained why the kappas were so angry; he didn’t doubt Kenji had been harassing them and gotten himself well and truly told off. Jin smirked privately to himself at the well deserved punishment.
He gestured lightly towards the ground and then helped Moon-ssi onto the bedroll. The ganhosa was quick to come to their aid and Jin stepped back, lingering awkwardly as he watched her. He knew a little about medical practices from home himself, but things were different — slightly more advanced — here. When the ganhosa finally finished, Jin shuffled back towards Moon-ssi and debated sitting but he wasn't sure how welcome his continued presence would be. “Gibuni eottae?” he asked quietly instead.
* Jin takes potions and enchantments at times to give his voice a persuasive quality.
His performances, or even a simple conversation, can sometimes suggest thoughts
and ideas to his audiences.
Kappas drank human blood but weren’t usually aggressive… so did they just ask politely then? Did they use blood banks like vampires? Ahn-Bo had many questions, though the longer they walked, the more he felt his energy waning. The questions would have to wait for another time. Right now, it took all of his concentration not to topple over and bring Seojin-a down with him. (Which could have been a fun experiment-he might have to try that another time. Clearly, he had some skill when it came to steering his falls.)
By the time he’d finally been able to lie back on the infirmary bedroll, his face was pale. He hadn’t missed the pointed look Seojin-a sent his way. Of course it was Kenji’s fault. It was always Kenji’s fault. The ganhosa had tutted around him, healing his cuts and bruises just as efficiently as always. She tidied him up as she went, although she only seemed to care about the injuries and nowhere else. The bone setting and subsequent healing had been excruciating. He’d done his best to keep a brave face. By the time she had finished, he was exhausted, tender, had soft tear trails on his cheeks from where they’d leaked out against his will, and was still covered in remnants of kappa and his own blood. It was a good thing there weren’t any mirrors in here. He would have been devastated.
Through it all, Seojin-a had stood nearby and waited. Maybe this meant that they could turn things around? He didn’t exactly know what that might look like, but as long as it didn’t end in cutting each other out of their lives, he could learn to live with it. “Ssi-“ he began, but then quickly caught himself, “Tired. Sore. Hungry.” Ahn-Bo would have turned the question back around if it hadn’t been a waste of breath. Seojin-a’s arm could have been falling off and he would still have insisted he was fine. So instead, he lifted his hand to reach for his friend and then called loudly in Japanese, “Ma’am, could you take a look at Jeong-sis’s arm when you have a moment? He has a bite he’s hiding.” Rather pleased with himself, he flashed his friend a tired grin.
Jin did his best to school his features as Moon-ssi’s bones were set back in place; he knew it was for the best but it was still agonizing to see his friend in so much pain. His face was pallid and colorless, an unusual look for the usually so handsome quidditch player. Jin ached to tidy him up but he didn’t dare until the ganhosa was finished. Only then did he step forward and inquire as to how his friend was feeling.
The response was to be expected. (Especially the hungry part.) Breaking one’s leg and nearly cracking a skull was never a pleasant experience. He must have lost a lot of blood to still be so alarmingly pale. Jin relented and was about to sit when Moon-ssi caught him by the sleeve and called out to the ganhosa again. Jin frowned at him. “I’m fine,” he insisted, but it was too late. She hurried over and scolded him for not telling her before tending to the injury. Jin stuck his tongue out at Moon-ssi behind her back. When he was tidily bandaged and had removed his bloody robes to sit in just the under-layers of his hanbok (they felt gross and would need to be mended anyway), Jin scrubbed a tired hand over his face. The ganhosa shuffled off saying something about bringing them a nourishing meal and Jin collapsed into a seat beside Moon-ssi’s bedroll. He guessed he wasn’t going anywhere now.
They were brought two small tea tables with a bowl of miso soup (supplement bone broth) and jujube tea each. Jin reached for the tea easily; it was a paltry comfort, but one nonetheless. Eun-ho sometimes made it for him at home when he had a particularly bad day and she spiked it with a lot of honey, just the way he liked it. A soft smile melted onto Jin’s face at the familiar taste. “I guess there’s no meat tonight at all,” he hummed teasingly as he looked down into the soup. This was better anyway. It would help Moon-ssi heal faster.
* Jin takes potions and enchantments at times to give his voice a persuasive quality.
His performances, or even a simple conversation, can sometimes suggest thoughts
and ideas to his audiences.
Ahn-Bo couldn’t have timed it any better. He could have even said “I’m fine” at the exact same time as Seojin-a - that was how predictable he was… (or maybe that was just how well they knew each other.) To Ahn-Bo’s amusement, aside from treating his arm, the ganhosa had given the vampire a well-deserved scolding. Didn’t need Ann-Bo anymore? Sure, Seojin-a, keep telling yourself that and enjoy your infected arm.
Meanwhile, she’d levitated a bowl of water, a bar of soap, and a rag to the bedside and told him she would just throw his outer robe into the fire. Apparently it would be cruel to ask anyone to launder it. He set about cleaning himself up as best he could while he waited, casting smug smirks his friend’s way when their eyes met over the ganhosa’s shoulder.
As soon as the tea table was set before him and he’d politely thanked her, he nearly inhaled his soup. Forgoing the utensils entirely, he scooped the bowl between his hands and drank as if it were a cup. (Not like there was any meat that needed to be chewed, as Seojin-a had teasingly pointed out..) He barely paused what he was doing, tipping the bowl back just enough so it wouldn’t spill, so he could retort, “Of course not, the day would be imbalanced then.”
He could almost hear the questioning look he knew awaited him on the other side of the bowl. Grinning to himself, he slurped the remaining soup and set his bowl down. “The good and the bad - if too many good things happen in one day, then something really bad will happen to keep it balanced. And if bad things happen, then there’s at least one good thing coming.” It was only then that he reached for the tea. He paused just before it reached his lips, intentionally hiding half his face with the cup before adding, “You being here is my good thing.” A soft pink covered his cheeks as he took his first drink.
Jin laughed as Moon-ssi devoured his meal. He was content enough to sit with his small teacup in both hands, watching and smirking, as his friend settled what was likely a raging stomach. He was glad for it, again; there was some semblance of satisfaction in knowing Moon-ssi was well taken care of that settled the knot in Jin’s own stomach. With that seen to, he turned back to his own soup and took it down nearly as quickly. It had been forever since they’d eaten together like this and his own appetite was not to be waylaid anymore at the convenience of it. Jin, however, used a spoon.
He paused mid-meal exactly as Moon-ssi’s puzzling response prompted and waited, expectantly, for the explanation that he knew was coming. When it did, Jin tilted his head slightly as recognition dawned. Imbalanced, indeed. He tracked the movement of Moon-ssi lifting his tea to his lips and the soft mutter that accompanied his motion— confused still, slightly. Then, at the blush that warmed his friends cheeks, Jin realized.
“Geurae?!” The question (agreement? he wasn’t sure how, exactly, he’d meant that) was out before Jin could catch it. He was surprised though to hear Moon-ssi admit to wanting him around. After their fight and all, it seemed like it would take a total spiritual intervention for him to ever say anything like that again; or for Jin to accept it, either. He flushed a little belatedly and dropped his nose towards his soup. The instinct to scoff and push Moon-ssi away, to protect himself from getting hurt again, warred mightily against everything Jin wanted. He ought to apologize for being such a jerk earlier; he hadn’t meant to hurt Moon-ssi, his temper had just gotten the best of him. But somehow, Jin wasn’t sure that bringing that up again - and Dae Min-jee by default - was going to get them anywhere. He stirred his soup around in the bowl quietly, unwilling to say much of anything.
“You not dying, I guess, is my good thing,” he finally acquiesced.
Ahn-Bo Jeong & muse song
* "Geurae" has several meanings, including "yeah," "okay," and "right" in casual conversation, but can also mean "really?" or "is that so?" when used as a question.
* Jin takes potions and enchantments at times to give his voice a persuasive quality.
His performances, or even a simple conversation, can sometimes suggest thoughts
and ideas to his audiences.
Ahn-Bo was just as confused as Seojin-a had been in his ambiguous response. Since there wasn’t any elaboration, it could have meant many things… or none at all. In the silence that followed, he racked his brain trying to sort out the true meaning behind it. How had his friend’s face looked when he’d said it? Was he asking for confirmation? Or did he agree that he was glad he was here too? Unsure of what else to say or do, he focused on finishing off his tea.
The next time Seojin-a spoke (begrudgingly), he huffed a laugh. Always so stubborn. And as ridiculous as it was, the fact that he cared whether Ahn-Bo lived or died sent a delightful thrill through his heart. The smirk that accompanied what came next was a unique mix of smugness, hope, and a tiny sprinkle of affection. “How upset would you be if I had?”
⚘
Ahn-Bo speaks in Korean to his family unless otherwise stated in posts.
He has a noticeable accent when speaking in English.
Jin had shoved the rest of his soup down his gullet to avoid having to elaborate on his question/agreement before continuing on to admit that he was glad Moon-ssi hadn’t died. It was innocuous enough; normal people were usually happy when others didn’t die, even people they might not like so much. So why did admitting it feel like so much more than that?
Jin’s cheeks were warm as Moon-ssi teased him, smug. He had every right to be after what Jin had (so rudely) said and done. But the little vampire still stuck his tongue out. He was about to fire back that he regretted saying anything in the first place but— “A lot, actually,” came out instead. He stayed red. The actual thought of what life would be like if Moon-ssi perished— like didn’t exist at all, even to dislike, was impossible. Jin didn’t even want to think about it.
* Jin takes potions and enchantments at times to give his voice a persuasive quality.
His performances, or even a simple conversation, can sometimes suggest thoughts
and ideas to his audiences.
Seojin-a sticking his tongue out (twice now) was far more attractive and endearing than be had any right to be. And then he’d… given him a direct response? Ahn-Bo had thought it would merely be a tease that Seojin-a would bat away with a grumpy retort. The tingling turned into a full on swoop low in his belly. He bit his lower lip to keep from smiling too widely. Maybe this was just the right combination of events that fate had used to throw them together so they could make things right. Best not to overthink it.
“Jinjja? It’s because you didn’t get the chance to kill me yourself isn’t it,” another playful smirk. If he had to pull what he wanted from Seojin-a inch by inch, then so be it. Something told him it was either now or never.
Frowning at his friend trying so obviously not to grin at him like some demented minhwa, Jin jut his lower lip out into a pout. He wasn’t trying to be cute; it was a real one. He knew he deserved all the teasing in the world, and maybe another shout or two, if they were on the road to… wherever they were going (because daring to hope they were going back to ‘normal’ was out of the question.) But knowing he deserved it and remaining a bit stubborn were two entirely separate things.
Moon-ssi’s response made Jin’s pout deepen, but he didn’t try to brush it aside. Instead, he sucked in a small breath and figured they probably should address the elephant in the room, not that it was obscured at all with the playful ease Moon-ssi brought it to light. If nothing else, Jin was endlessly grateful that he was being so understanding about things. Coming as close as they had to seeing Moon-ssi seriously hurt had certainly put Jin’s earlier actions and threats into perspective. He felt like he - maybe - owed his friend an apology. Maybe.
Scoffing a little instead, Jin took another sip of his tea which had magically refilled from the pot in front of him. “Ani,” he responded haughtily. But he didn’t have anything clever to add. Instead, Jin dropped his tea to his lap. “Mianheyo, Moon-ssi,” he forced himself to say to the teacup. “Mianheyo jinjja. I shouldn’t have attacked you the way I did earlier. It wasn’t— I was just frustrated.” He frowned, hard, gaze still boring down towards the ground as his voice lowered into a mutter. “Seonsaegnim scolded me about Sigilcraft again and I guess I took it out on you.” There. That’s the most of what he was willing to admit. And if he’d purposefully omitted Dae Min-Jee, or any mention of her, from his explanation and apology— it was entirely conscious. Jin wasn’t ready to touch that infected wound just yet.
* Jin takes potions and enchantments at times to give his voice a persuasive quality.
His performances, or even a simple conversation, can sometimes suggest thoughts
and ideas to his audiences.
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