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.
January 4th, 1890 — Headquarters of the London Society for the Practice of Combative Magic
The final duel of the day for students. Andromeda surveyed both ladies. "Congratulations to both of you for advancing to the final round," The Ravenclaw Matron said, a smile on her face. "Mademoiselle Rookwood if you would please begin."
Clementine seemed pleased she had made it this far. Her past attempts at dueling competitions had seen her eliminated in some of the early rounds. Perhaps, buckling down on her school work had been a worthwhile endeavor.
She shot Sweetie a friendly grin. This would be a difficult duel. Sweetie was rather well accomplished, especially since she was able to become an animagus.
After going through the formalities, Clem cast her first spell, "Petrificus Totalus." She hoped to temporarily paralyze her opponent. She figured she would play it safe and start with a spell she knew fairly well.
January 4th, 1890 — Headquarters of the London Society for the Practice of Combative Magic
Andromeda's eyebrows raised a fraction as Mademoiselle Rookwood's spell hit the Slytherin with full force. Her hands snapped to her sides and she keeled over like a sack of potatoes.
The thought briefly crossed Andromeda's mind to conjure a pillow for Mademoiselle Whitledge to fall on to, however, she decided against it. Both girls were nearing the end of their schooling with the Slytherin already of age. They knew what they were getting into when they signed up for this duel.
The matron watched as the girl hit the floor, and she winced. With a breath, she cast the counter-spell. Andromeda gestured to the Hufflepuff. "Mademoiselle Rookwood wins this round - Mademoiselle Whitledge when you've quite collected yourself, s'il te plait begin the next."
January 4th, 1890 — Headquarters of the London Society for the Practice of Combative Magic
The Slytherin's spell hit its target with no problem this time. Really, as Andromeda had heard she'd been the one to successfully become an Animagus, it was about time. There was an atmospheric crackle as Mademoiselle Rookwood turned to stone almost immediately.
The matron nodded at the Slytherin, "This round to you, Mademoiselle Whitledge," she said, casting the counter-charm. "Mademoiselle Rookwood, if you would please begin our tie-breaker."
The sensation of being turned to stone was an incredibly strange one. She wasn't completely sure she wanted to relive it. Clem gave her shoulders a bit of a shake, as if the action would dispel any lingering effects. She needed to focus.
In her final act of this competition, she decided to use her most precious gift and changed into her animagus form in an attempt to evade Miss Rookwood's spell. Thank goodness she was registered.
January 4th, 1890 — Headquarters of the London Society for the Practice of Combative Magic
Mademoiselle Rookwood's spell looked like it was headed directly towards its target. While perfectly cast, its target disappeared and was replaced with a black cat. Unfortunately for an audience member, the Hufflepuff's spell hit them instead. "Well cast, Mademoiselle Rookwood," Andromeda said with a commiserating smile to the Hufflepuff while attempting to speak over the audience member's shrieks of pain. "Unfortunately as your spell failed to hit your target this round goes to Mademoiselle Whitledge."
That audience member should go to the tent and stop screaming in agony. Andromeda turned to the Slytherin, smiling. "Congratulations on your victory, Mademoiselle, very well performed."
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