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.
First-String Chaser and Captain of the Hogsmeade Howlers
35 year old Halfblood
5 ft. 9 in.
❤ Married
Played by Beanie
739 Posts
347 Likes
15 January 1891
Ben,
Did she tell you how old he is? Or his name? Or anything?
It's not impossible - it's not impossible for me either. And if it was before you met the Princess, does she really have a reason to be mad? It's not like you were in love with this person or anything.
But maybe it's not real. I don't know. I just think blackmailers usually want something.
No, she didn't tell me anything, but she said if I wanted to know more about him she would. I doubt she'll tell me his name since she's signing her letters with just one letter. And she said her "circumstances" meant she never needed to tell me at the time which I think means she must be married, or ... I don't know, maybe living in a big family who doesn't care what she does and they took care of her. I think what she was getting at was that she didn't need me to support her — but if she's married I can understand why she wouldn't want me to know her name, or his.
I think it is real. I thought it was real when I first read it, even though I wrote and told her it couldn't be. But that doesn't necessarily mean she's not going to blackmail me.
And — come on. You know Melody would be livid. She doesn't think about things the same way you and I do. It doesn't matter if I was in love with her or not.
I figured it out. I suppose it says something about my character that it took me so long — that there wasn't just one obvious answer, like there was for you. But I've pieced it together now. We spoke, didn't we? You told me you didn't celebrate Christmas.
I won't tell anyone — obviously that would be bad for me, too, though not as much as for you. Does anyone else know? About his connection to me, I mean.
I understand why you would have been hesitant to write. I gave no indication through my behavior that I would have done anything at all responsible with the knowledge. Still, I'm sorry not to have known all this sooner.
It says something about your character that you figured it out at all. But yes, that was me, and that was my son with me. Your son. His name is Elliot if you don't remember, and he is very much well taken care of. My husband married me knowing I was already with another man's child. I've found there are perks to having childhood friends with deeply empathetic elder brothers.
I admit that I do not know what I expected of you when I wrote. I do not need money or family. Perhaps it is my nature to believe a man ought to know that he has a child just as much as a man deserves to know that a child is not his. In any case, I do not expect you to do anything with the knowledge, but please: do not allow anyone else to know, lest they go digging and reveal their findings publicly. I have dealt with hardship, but I would not wish the shame upon a babe whose parentage is none his fault.
Your husband sounds like a good man. I hope he's a good father, too. I'm not sure I'm either, so it seems that things worked out for the best for everyone.
Of course I won't tell anyone anything. I might not know him but I only wish the best for him — I'm sure you understand.
I'm glad you told me. I hope — if it's not too much to ask — I'd like to know more about him. Whether that means more letters, or — well. Whatever you're comfortable with. I won't ask for anything you don't think is a good idea.
Ben
PS — most people call me Ben Crouch. You can, too, if you want.
As hard as life's trials do often seem, I've found that they have a way of working themselves out for the best. I will not deprive you of an opportunity to know about your son—or know him, if you so desire. I only ask that you remain discreet.
I'm sorry it took me so long to write. Things at home to tend to.
The prospect of being able to meet Elliott is very —
I mean to say, I think I would like that very much. But discretion is key, as you pointed out. If there were any rumors — well, I have a reputation that I'm working hard to put behind me and I couldn't do that to my wife. I'm sure you understand.
So I'm not sure about logistics, of actually making it happen. Give me some time to think it over, please. Or if you have suggestions for how we might manage it, feel free to let me know.
I appreciate what you're doing, and I know telling me at all was a risk you didn't have to take, but I'm glad I know.
I don't blame you for your hesitance. I'm no stranger to rumors, either; my hasty marriage was not one my husband nor I could easily explain, and was questioned even more when Elliott arrived. I have no desire to cause you or your wife any undue suffering.
Whenever you are ready, let me know. It would not be difficult to manage a meeting on my end, as both my husband and I work and our shifts rarely align. I spent many evenings and mornings by myself. If you think visiting my home would be unwise, rest assured that our staff is discreet and loyal to our family. If for other reasons you're uncomfortable coming here, let me know of anyplace better.
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