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
When she'd heard the news in the post this morning over breakfast, Poppy had shrieked and nearly lit the linen tablecloth on fire. She'd been attempting to re-warm a scone she was unsuccessfully nibbling on, and had asked Atticus nonchalantly about news from Irvingly. He must have forgotten her reason for such interest because with little aplomb he'd mentioned the recent discovery causing the witch's outburst. Luckily, nothing had happened to the expensive tablecloth and only Aunt Viola's nerves had been damaged. Shortly thereafter Poppy excused herself to send a note and stole Merlin from his sleepy post. Murmuring sweet nothings to the owl, she offered him a piece of her scone - with glaze - (and the letter) to which the little rotund munchkin fluttered happily and took off out the window.
My darling, dearest Ida!
I am remiss in not sending an owl when I heard Irvingly first went into lock-down to check on you and am near nausea now to think on it!
An acromantula has been spotted and killed in the locale which you reside! (As I am sure you well know by now.)
Please, darling, send me anything - return post, smoke signal, wild transfigurative code - to let me know of your well being! I am frantic for news and risk Atticus' wrath for stealing his paperweight of an owl to hear from you.
You are so sweet to be so worried, but I insist that I am quite alright! The situation was far more frightening before we knew what we were dealing with. On the first day of lockdown an intruder made the mistake of traipsing onto our land, which scared the living daylights out of me. I thought he was a werewolf but it turned out he was just an idiot wizard (much more terrifying), trying to run out of the ministry barrier. He was properly booted, but because of him I tripped and broke my ankle. Please don’t worry! I’ve treated it at the infirmary, but my foot is still a bit tender to walk.
That bloody stupid Daily Prophet censorship— if I had known the nature of the girl’s death perhaps I could have written in right away. It did not sound like a werewolf at all once you read the grisly details, but I am not the only one who thought that's what it was. Unfortunately the Arcomantula is quite known for doing these types of things. Our tradesmen could have helped with the ordeal, of course, these are so common in Southeast Asia that we’ve developed many types of flares and fireworks these creatures hate. But the ministry is incompetent when it comes to such things. Why all the secrecy? I will never understand.
My father and brother have had near fatal heart attacks from the disruption it’s caused to their business. I’ve never seen them so irate. The only bright spot in this all: There was a fair bit of grumbling about money lost, so perhaps they’ll have to dig into my dowry. That could cause them to wait to wed me off until next year, which makes me quite pleased after this whole debacle!
Hoping that it won’t be long until we can meet in person again, I miss you terribly.
Poppy was indeed worried, despite the reassurances from Ida that she was alright. Taking up a quill, she scribbled a somewhat relieved response.
Darling Ida,
How dreadful! What a scare it must have given you, I do so hope he has been dealt with swiftly! My poor dear, you are so very brave! I'm sending along some tea that I hear has numbing properties, in case you desire a little extra help with that ankle of yours.
I too am quite disgruntled with the censorship. It does seem rather odd that the Ministry, and the Prophet by design, field its own agenda against the public. I'm sure many letters will be written in addressing such a topic and I am eager to see the response.
As for your dowry my dear, even if they insist on marrying you off I have made it my personal mission to see you happily settled and in the upper classes, if all goes well. I do so hate how markedly different things seem now, and I wish desperately to have you by my side as always before, even if it means gambling you off selfishly to a suitor! Tell me, what would you prefer in a gentleman if you were poised at wand-point to answer? <3
I miss you terribly too and am so unhappy that you will not be able to attend the garden party in Bath this week! I shall send many notes of shenanigans and save a glass of wine for our next meeting!
Ida laughed at her friend’s insistence at her preferred man. That was a complicated thing to answer. For anyone she could ever consider a lover, simply had to be one of her dearest friends first. To date, there were few - if any - eligible men who fit that category. Though Ida approached a bit evasively, she knew it was only buying herself some time. After all, Poppy was nothing if not determined.
18th of July, 1892
My sweet Poppy,
Thank you for this tea, it has helped me tremendously. I am almost back to my full self again. Today we learned the lockdown lifted on Irvingly, so soon I can properly engage with the outside world again too! In the meantime I’ve been bored out of my mind, so I reappointed our home with a few new furnishings. This was quite fun while it lasted, but if I have to make one more choice between sky-blue or iceberg-blue or baby-blue, I may well truly claw my eyes out.
Is there not a fanciful potion we could think of that could reverse the censoring ink’s effect? I’m sure with our combined genius, we can. I’ve grown quite annoyed with having my brother’s valet recite these articles to me in the morning.
A wealthy suitor does indeed sound to me like a gamble. I know you mean only the best for me my darling Poppy, but please worry about the matchmaking of your cousins or, more importantly, yourself first! I am comfortable with where I am. Besides, I have happily imposed myself at your home in summers past, and that always helped with how much we miss each other! I would be pleased to do that again now that lockdown is over, if you are so inclined.
Speaking of cousins, I’ve received a rather intriguing note from Natsuko Mountbatton. I firmly believe she may have a bit of interest in him. We spoke at your debut, right after she had finished her dance with Atticus, and she was uncharacteristically giddy. I suppose I’d imbibed in a few bubblies by then, and she was graceful and elegant as always of course, but there was this unmistakable twinkle in her eye. What’s your sense? As you know, I absolutely love Suki, and would very well marry her myself if I could.
I await your notes for shenanigans, though I expect you are still making your recovery~ Please indulge me in all the details of your gallivanting so that I can live vicariously through you. This ankle is such a bother, but perhaps by next week I will be in a better condition to visit.
I am glad to hear you have found some amusement in your lockdown! Blue is such an elegant color. I'm sure all of your choices are splendidly represented!
You make a grand suggestion about the ink. I shall take it upon myself in the next few weeks to see if there is anything I can dig up in my many tombs for a potion to reverse the effects. I shall be seeing Basil again in the next few days as well, and could perhaps write to Professor Valenduris too, keeping the true aim perhaps rather obscured lest either of them decide to take up against us.
On another note, do not chide me and tell me to 'mind my own affairs' first darling Ida, it will make me so cross! You know I only desire to assist you out of love, however, if you really do wish me to mind my own business I can be convinced of it for the time being. With GREAT reluctance. I should not wish to make you feel smothered, or uncomfortable. You are always welcome with me, even here in London at the Foxwood house. I am pleased to hear of your account with Ms. Mountbatton too. I'll admit I was not able to circle back and discuss with her or, sadly, him that evening - but I think I shall poke my nose and see if I can get a sense. Atticus has thusly said nothing of the matter to me, but this is not so unusual. He rather resents that I meddled, but I have no qualms on the mater! Especially if, as you say, it will benefit either of them to have made the acquaintance.
I have a few events coming up in the forthcoming weeks, but no shenanigans on the horizon as of yet. I did however manage to beat Anthony, and beat him soundly, at croquet this past Sunday in Bath. How terrible this wretched lockdown prevented you from joining us! It was a splendid evening of vengeance and mishaps. Ms. Twiglett spilled an entire pitcher of black lemonade all over herself and a Mr. Maxime was inclined to rescue her from herself! It was ridiculous, and I might pity the poor woman if she were less of a brute. He seems a charming enough gentleman however; I do so hope she doesn't manage to get her claws into him.
Please do let me know of your availability! There is much to discuss and plan, and I miss you my darling.
As expected, Ida’s attempts to fend off attention on her marriability prospects did not go well. She cracked a smile as she read Poppy’s admonishment for her chiding in exactly her voice in her head. She knew her friend meant well, but it still took her a bit of time to decide how to respond. Ida felt distracted over everything that’d happened. Only Beryl knew about Cliff-dog, and not sharing as much with the other two girls felt dishonest, especially with Poppy.
21st of July, 1892
My beloved Poppy,
Oh I'm sorry my darling, I wasn’t chiding you. But my mind has been elsewhere for some time now, and I must admit that the notion of entertaining suitors this summer sounds about as appealing as swimming in a vat of Bubotuber pus.
Although, I’ve had a very informative discussion with Natsuko over tea on how I might take control of my circumstances. She will help me put on airs to my family, whisper good things about my marriageability prospects to my father and brother if I were to stay in England. This will segue easily into how I may find the right match for intellect, if I were to continue on with my studies at Flint. (Imagine. Going to Flint just to find a man.) I’ll go along with the story but it is with great distaste. In my mind, I have a solid seven years before I must fret about spinsterhood, and I intend to relish every moment of that!
At any rate, you’re always two steps ahead of me Poppy. Even if mentally, I would rather eat my wand, Suki advised that I should supply this ruse with many instances where I am found having pleasant conversation or dances with men of status. Perhaps even find someone to come to my home for tea. So. That’s the extent of it. I feel confident now, that I might be able to sway the men of my family to my side. Natsuko is a wonderful ally, as are you; I count myself so lucky to have such beautiful and compassionate friends.
Perhaps this is my downfall. I know what love feels like, the love I feel for you, for June, for Beryl, for Suki to an extent. I understand the love between man and woman must be different, by necessity and biologically so. But I cannot fathom, not in the faintest, how anything a strange man gives me could compare. Perhaps something is wrong with me. Perhaps I am too analytical to love.
Of course, that’s neither here nor there. After giving it much thought, I have come up with a short list of requirements for these mannequin men to be vaguely tolerable. They are as follows:
➺ Must be brunette
➺ Must be unoffended by curse words, you know I fucking cannot
➺ No Frenchmen
➺ No gentlemen of leisure, which is related to,
➺ Must have a job that requires something beyond elementary magical skill
Lesser required, but helpful to diminish my desire to vomit:
➺ Would his job keep him away from England for extended periods of time? This is ideal
➺ Has he traveled to the Americas? This would give us much to discuss
➺ Perhaps he knows a good joke
I do hate to hear you speak in this way, my dearest, but I am glad you and Suki have found a way to manage the situation. I too offer whatever assistance you may need; I'll even whisper in my cousin's ear about a feigned courtship if you'd like. I know you've mentioned Basil as not of your tastes before, but nobody needs to know what does not become them. He can visit for purely academic reasons, which I know he would indulge readily, and to the outside world it may be enough to keep tongues wagging and your father off your case. If not darling Basil, then I am sure we can find someone else-- perhaps better suited to your list.
I don't believe for a second that you are too anything to love; I love you, immensely my darling friend. Men are just of a different breed than we, rougher around the edges and less refined in their expectations. I have every faith that the right gentleman shall stir something in you that will make it easier. And if not, then I advise only that you marry the most tolerable of these. Kind, and compassionate, and willing to give you your freedom. Like I must do.
In response to your list, I can think of a handful of respectable gentlemen that meet these requirements, at least in major part. My cousin Anthony, to start. (And I am biased to keep you close in the family, so I shall continue to pester you about all my relations, especially Basil. I think the two of you could at least be suited to a convenience; you get along so famously.) But darling Anthony is a blessing. He is witty, clever, and extraordinarily invested in his business ventures on the continent. He always has a quick joke, and an easy temperament.
There is also Mr. Endymion Dempsey. He is remarkably clever and he too manages a successful profession as a cursebreaker. He is everything you could possibly dream, darling Ida. Sweet, handsome, charismatic... I could extoll his virtues for pages. Most importantly however, he meets every one of your requirements. He even told me of his travels to the Americas! I think the two of you might have a great deal to converse about! I sigh to think he might marry anybody dimwitted and dull. He really is such a wonderful young man and--
I shall think upon a few others. In the meantime, do not doubt yourself and write soon! I apologize for my own delay it's just that things here have been remarkably busy. I look forward to our next meeting my dearest, cleverest, most darling Ida!
Oh I know that I can trust and count on you for anything. You mean the whole world to me. But you really needn’t worry! Truth is, I feel quite relieved now that I’ve recognized what I can do about my situation as a reluctant debutante. Of course I’ll take all the help I can get from you and Suki…
But on the topic of your cousins… I don’t want to do that to the Professor – start rumors like that. Part of this is because I wish to conserve my mentorship with him, which would be difficult to manage if the rumors of courtship turn to something more inappropriate – once it’s clear that we aren’t ever moving past that stage. Then there’s the other part of the equation, I’d like him to stay a friend. I can’t imagine he’d go for this sort of scheme on purpose, do you? I would hate to trick him into such a thing.
As for Mister Alderton, Tillie’s older brother?! Merlin I don’t think I could ever have the gumption to pursue anything with him in that way though he is terrifically handsome, he's just too handsome. He’s very sweet. But can you even imagine how much your aunt would frown over my unfinished manners? And wouldn't Tillie feel quite strange about it anyhow? Besides, Anthony seems like the type that would prefer a lady who knows how to throw a good party. A proper socialite. I wouldn’t know where to even begin. No, fussing with firstborns is far too much pressure…
...Do you have any long-lost cousins perhaps? (I promise, I am not trying to be difficult on purpose. There are just many practicalities one must consider before embarking on a scheme like this.)
I suppose that leaves me with Mister Dempsey… But I daresay Poppy, you sound quite enamored with him yourself! Isn’t he your type? Again I stress don’t worry about me… Why not see where the path leads with him first?
I know how you feel about this… marriage being a business decision more than one of the heart. Though from what I’ve seen of the season so far, you have no trouble keeping your dance card full. I hope you’re at least considering any of the gentlemen who happen to make your heart flutter? Even if they don’t look perfect on paper. Or has one caught your eye already?
Never apologize darling. I will see you at the Wisteria ball if not much sooner, I hope! Stories of conquest are much better exchanged in person.
I don't actually think Basil would mind if it was feigned... A real interest I can quite certainly tell you might give him an aneurysm. He's so decidedly keen on you though, I can't possibly imagine why the thought of making you a wife would give him so much anxiety. But then again, you know my cousin better than I it feels. He is an oddball, but I suppose we love him regardless. And I respect your wishes, darling Ida. I shant push anyone upon you!
I must admit I do find tremendous amusement in your commentary upon Anthony! He is rather a harmless thing, but competitive when he wants to be. I don't doubt you could win my Aunt Audrey over in a heartbeat if you so wished though! You are so splendidly wonderful; who could possibly mind anything as silly as unfinished manners which, I dare to contest, you have not! I do see the point as to his perhaps needing a more socialite-aspiring bride though; he would do well with someone who managed to keep up with his jovial wit in the form of balls and events. He's certainly a family man with a strong desire to be close to others, always. I fear you may find such lingering... irritating.
I do have one other, more distant, cousin to offer as a potential prospect. He's actually only related by marriage: Edmund Foxwood. Come to think of it, he might be a wonderful choice! He is quite academically inclined, though a touch quieter than the rest. I haven't spoken to him in some time but I believe the last we heard he was in Ireland studying merfolk. I shall ask Basil or Atticus after him one of these days. I'm sure they may know more.
As for Mr. Dempsey... you make me blush into my parchment, darling. Mr. Dempsey is certainly an agreeable gentleman. We had one of the most splendid dances at my debut, outshined only by one. He is of clever wit and well read, both attributes I find quite promising. He does hold a profession, as a cursebreaker in fact, like Professor Lissington. (Or formerly like Professor Lissing, I suppose.) I haven't quite decided how this notion makes me feel. He would be away a lot and... though I suppose I have rather unique requirements for a marriage, I feel I could learn to love him if given the chance, and his parting would be torturously difficult. Is that so incredibly foolish to admit? He is pleasant, and jovial, and my heart soars when we converse but...
I suppose, too, now would be a good time to admit that he is not the one that has occupied my mind so fully as of late. Only a part. (You see, this may be why I have no hesitance in sharing what could be a wonderful match for either of us!)
I suppose the blonde, blue eyed creature that has been haunting my dreams should really take the limelight. I hesitate to mention him now as I've held all my cards very close to my chest. I have not mentioned him to a soul and I beg you to keep even this small information to yourself. I hope to see what, if anything, develops with the gentleman and then perhaps I can reveal my hand.
I will admit, this whole business of the heart has made finding a husband much more difficult however. I feel as if there are so many proper, agreeable, perfectly suited gentlemen I could learn to love! But of these only few have the additional qualifications I need for safety and security. I can only hope that one of these days I shall match with a suitor that is sensible. Until then, I cease my nonsensical ramblings. I have trouble on occasion unraveling all the threads in my own head, so I beg your indulgence while I try to disentangle some of them through this letter.
I miss you Ida, dear. I shall see you soon at the Wisteria Ball!
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