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.
All got seperate letters, written on equisite paper made of pressed lotus leaves, and sealed with a shimmering gold seal with the Mountbatton crest.
Dear Miss Dashwood,
I had the intention of inviting you to tea this week alongside Miss Chang, but the news of the acormantula may mean that we must put off the venture until she is free to join us. I have written to her to see what is happening in Irvingly, I know the fluu network and apparation are down, but they may be able to leave by muggle means.
I'll let you know as soon as she is able to join us as I would be delighted to host you ladies, with chaperones for a traditional Japanese tea in my home as soon as circumstances permit.
I was intending to invite you and Miss Dashwood to my house for tea but I believe that Irvingly is in total lockdown! how alarming. WHen this danger has passsed and you are at liberty again, I should love to host you, Miss Dashwood and Miss Valenduris for tea in my home, along with appropraite chaperones of course.
I should say, if you and your family can leave Irvingly by some muggle means you are more than welcome to stay at my home until this danger has passed! I'm not sure if this is an option, but please know the offer is indeed in place for you, your father and brothers.
Poppy was pleased to see someone else was equally as aware and anxious of Ida's wellbeing as she. Oh how the brunette did adore Ms. Mountbatton! Picking up her quill she penned an elegant reply.
My dear Ms. Mountbatton,
I am pleased to hear you are also keeping abreast of the ongoings in Irvingly; I worry for dear Ida's sake and too have sent a note. Please do let me know expediently if you hear from her!
I would be delighted to come for tea when circumstances permit. I shall bring along my endlessly brilliant cousin as chaperone, hoping you have not yet grown bored of him.
Ida responded the next day, having had an eventful excursion yesterday that left her with a broken ankle but soaring sense of accomplishment. She hadn’t meant to let her friends worry, guilt nipping at her as she found Miss Mountbatton’s letter.
July 1892
Dear Miss Mountbatton,
How I wish I could write to you under better circumstances! I truly cannot put into words how appreciative I am of your most generous offer to join you in London. Unfortunately, with the situation rapidly evolving as it has, it does not appear a single wizard or muggle soul is allowed to leave or enter Irvingly. As you may imagine, this has caused a tremendous tumult within the town. I hoped the situation would improve now that the beast has been discovered to be an Acromantula, but that does not appear to be the case.
Rest assured, our family is tucked away and safe in our home for now. These creatures are native to the Orient, as it is. So we are fortunate to have many of the flares and fireworks typically used to ward one off in the event someone runs afoul such a monster.
I am so sorry that we cannot meet sooner, there is much I would love to discuss. It was a pleasure seeing you at Poppy’s debut. I hope you do not consider this presumptuous to ask (and certainly, you may decline an answer if this feels a touch personal), but did you meet anyone of particular interest that evening? For example, I noticed Mister Foxwood appeared quite enchanted by your company and he would be quite foolish to not be. Having been acquainted with Mister Foxwood a few times over the summers I’ve spent at Poppy’s home, I cannot say that I have observed him smile so easily before.
Interesting - how to broach the topic of Mister Foxwood, when Miss Dashwoods reference had been rather clear. She would rather enjoy seeing him again, but then that was not the purpose of the invitation.
Dear Poppy,
I told Ida that if she could get out of Irvingly, her family were welcome to stay with me, But I'm not sure if it is at all possible for anyone to get out of the village at all! It must be desperately frightening. Mahoutokoro had a single, rather stunted acromantula, that it used for magical creatures class and I should not like to see a full sized one - at night - and unprepared. The thought makes me rather shudder.
As soon as Miss Chang is able to join us we will arrange a tea to discuss all of her adventures as soon as she is able - and I am sure whichever chaperone you bring will be entirely agreeable to the company. I was thinking of putting together a little 'gift' for Ida when she joins us - something befitting her status as a monster hunter. I've a few amusing books on the subject, a fan and hair pin that look rather formiddable, if you have other suggestions please do share them. We can make a joint gift of it.
Another mention of the illustrious Mister Foxwood. Had she been very obvious?
My Dear Ida,
How brave you are being! If you have need of anything at this trying time please do let me know! I rather enterprising selection of owls could be procured to get it to you. As I wrote to Poppy, Mahoutokoro had a single, rather stunted acromantula, that it used for magical creatures class, it gave me nightmares for weeks after seeing it in my 2nd year, although we did not truly learn about it until the 3rd. I do not envy your position, and wish you all safety and security at this time.
How kind of you to say. Mister Foxwood is as we would expect anyone related to charming Poppy to be. Indeed he was very gracious and welcoming - and most indulgent of the management of his dance card.
Please let me know as soon as you inclined to make calls again. I cannot wait to host you.
Ida's lips twitched into a smile to read Suki's delicate response. She could read between the lines, and the thought of someone making her dear friend happy gave hope to the jaded young Ravenclaw yet! Except for the fact that this was Atticus they were talking about. He better be listening to Poppy, and not mess this up.
19th of July, 1892
Dear Miss Mountbatton,
Oh my goodness - you saw one only 2nd year? I suppose it cannot be helped due to their prevalence in the area, better to know the danger under supervision than discover it on your own, but how frightening that must have been for you all!
You may have heard, but the lockdown was finally lifted yesterday, the threat seemingly eviscerated (thank goodness). It sounds as though Poppy has several engagements to tend to for the time being (to no surprise to us, she has had to sort through quite a few callers following her debut), and I would love very much for us all to meet for tea once her schedule has cleared somewhat!
Though perhaps in the meantime, we could meet to exchange notes about the Season so far? It would be such a pleasure to see you. If it is convenient, I happily invite you to my home for tea. I promise we only serve proper tea here, none of this bitter British kind.
Dear Ida,
If tomorrow suits I shall be over in the afternoon. I have some callers in the morning that I must entertain, otherwise I will see you after lunch.
I cannot wait to see you.
Natsuko
Gin made something stunning
August 14, 2022 – 3:34 PM
Last modified: August 14, 2022 – 3:35 PM by Poppy Dashwood.
I should very much like that! Shall we aim for August, after this nasty business is completely sorted?
As for Ida's gift, I've it on good account of my cousin Basil that she has been in search of the following tomb. He has gone through his obscure research grapevine to acquire it, but as we've a much prettier little excuse to share it, I have asked him to please relinquish the book to my possession. I will also included some jollypops, her favorite, and a shawl from the latest collection in Paris! My mother has brought two to chose from and the purple is such a delicate shade, I feel it would go so well against Ida's visage!
How are you? I have been thinking of you often since our lovely evening at the Wisteria Ball. I hope this letter finds you well.
I lament to share that I've been poor with my correspondence as mentally, I've not been feeling so well. My baby brother is gone at Hogwarts, my eldest rarely comes to visit, my father is abroad on business, all leaving me extraordinarily out of sorts. I keep having the most horrendous dreams. That grisly event has marked me more than I realized. Lately it has been difficult to find a comfortable moment in my own skin. It does not help that this house feels cold and vast without little Tao, and Long has taken back his dogs.
Oh but I hate to burden you with so much negativity. That was not the intent I had when I started this letter. I am hopeful that once I keep my mind busy with work at the Flint Institute, my condition might improve. I am due to start this week, and may find myself in Wellingtonshire very regularly. Perhaps we may meet?
I live so close by the Flint institute, we shall see each other so very often. Indeed if your father was amenable you should feel free to stay with me! My aunt is in residence and there are ladies maids here that can provide act as chaperone for any of your classes or events that you need to attend.
Your father, couldn't possibly have any objection to you spending September in Wellingtonshire with all the appropriate care and attendants. As you know I am due to leave England at the beginning of October, so I can offer companionship until at least if it would help you - and I know that I would very much enjoy your companionship for my last month here.
I will gladly impose if this gives me the chance to spend some time with your departure! This sounds like a wonderful idea. I truly cannot wait. If it suits you, perhaps I come the day after tomorrow? I will bring a fine bottle of baijiu, I insist that we indulge.
Ida,
Oh my dear Ida, I am so pleased to have company. If you let me know which day suits you best and I will send my carriage to your home to collect you and your things and convey you to your new lodgings! I have just the room for you, I am sure you shall love it!
If there are any foods you do - or indeed do not like, let me know and I can let the house keeper know.
Oh Ida I am so excited to have you stay with me, we shall have such fun.
Love,
Natsuko
Gin made something stunning
November 11, 2022 – 5:10 AM
Last modified: November 11, 2022 – 5:11 AM by Ida Chang.
I apologize, but I simply could not wait for your post! I heard the news that you and Mister Foxwood are now engaged and my heart is absolutely full to bursting with happiness for you!
Hilariously convenient as the timing of my arrival was, I heard along with… well, everyone really. And I’ve never seen Mister Foxwood look so pleased. Mrs. Foxwood is on cloud nine herself, while Poppy is utterly elated for the both of you.
And I know how you were feeling about everything before too, the doubts you had… This should well and truly dispel all that nonsense now, shouldn’t it? How are you feeling?
And, well – how did it happen? When did this happen, I thought you were en route to Kyoto? Being the gentleman that he is, Mister Foxwood spared any of the good details. Inquiring minds want to know! I do hope we can meet soon to celebrate properly.
All the love,
Ida
Included with the letter is a bouquet of cheerful flowers.
My dear Ida,
I cannot express how happy I am. I could burst with the thought of it! I am to be married! I will be Mrs Foxwood. To think of it makes me dizzy and delerious in the same moment. Oh Ida. I cannot express it. For once in my life I feel that I do not have the words to adequately express all that I am feeling - Like I could stand in the centre of Hogsmeade square and scream in excitement and a shower of sparks and colours would sign post exactly what I feel. I find myself bursting into tears- happy tears but I am over flowing with emotion as to what I could have done to deserve such a man as Mister Foxwood.
It should not be a surprise to you that my trip to Japan has now been canceled! You're of course welcome to come back here, but as I am now apparently to be intimately acquainted with your new hosts as my new in-laws, I doubt it shall make a lot of difference!
I should love to have tea with you and Poppy as soon as you are able?
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