Charming is a Victorian Era Harry Potter roleplay set primarily in the village of Hogsmeade, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and the non-canon village of Irvingly. Characters of all classes, both magical and muggle — and even non-human! — are welcome.
With a member driven story line, monthly games and events, and a friendly and drama-free community focused on quality over quantity, the only thing you can be sure of is fun!
"Are you always this forward?" He asked teasingly since it would be a very short thread if he just ignored her entirely. — Tobin Cartwright in Take A Peek
Did you know? Churchgoers and worshippers had to endure a foul stench during prayers due to the amount of bodies often stored within the vaults of churches and chapels.
take this pink ribbon off my eyes. im exposed and its no big surprise. don't you think i know exactly where i stand? this world is forcing me to hold your hand. cause im just a girl, little ol' me. dont let me out of your sight. im just a girl all pretty and petite. so dont let me have any rights. oh ive had it up to here. the moment that i step outside, so many reasons for me to run and hide. i cant to the little things i hold so dear. cause its all those little things that i fear.←
Aoife Ward felt more than a little bit silly for her excitement to see the child Slytherin that she talked to. Lysandra was û in age û a child, but that didn't stop Aoife from befriending her in her fifth year of school. Ever since then, the two were relatively close and even after Aoife left Hogwarts the two kept in touch. She felt like Lysandra was the little sister she never had û and never really wanted, to be honest, but that part wasn't at all how she felt about Lysandra. Lysandra was a nice breath of air from the usual adult business even if the girl was rather serious for her age. She quite liked the conversations they had and the feeling of being an older sister and mentor to the younger girl.
That is why she found herself sitting in The Three Broomsticks waiting for Lysandra and watching Lady Bernadette outside the shop windows. She was tied to a post outside and sleeping on the ground. Aoife couldn't wait to introduce her to Lysandra, though most so far weren't too fond of the ever growing puppy that was getting more and more slobbery by the day. Regan definitely didn't like her, but Regan was a fool and surely Lysandra would se the charm of the soon to be bear of a dog.
Sighing as she drank her first glass of warmed butterbeer she looked out the window waiting until she'd see the familiar mop of pale hair bobbing around. She was an impatient one, Aoife, and even though she'd only been there about five minutes, it felt like an eternity. She was eager to give Lysandra her early birthday present and see the look on her face when she got it. Aoife liked getting reactions of various sorts out of people and she was sure Lysandra's expression would be priceless. They usually were anyways an Aoife had no reason to believe today would be any different.
After what felt like an eternity, Lysandra entered The Three Broomsticks, looking around. When Aoife caught her eye she waved her arm high in greeting and gave a smile. It seemed the girl was growing more every time she saw her, but she figured that was normal around this age. She remembered the growth spurt she'd hit at fourteen, but it was always odd witnessing it on another person. Standing up she walked over to Lysandra and gave her a small hug in greeting. "Come sit." She said, ushering the younger girl to the table she had been sitting at.
tag: lysandra words: 426 outfit: --- notes: short and shitty x]
ee-fa. former gryffindor. irish accent
AMAZING SET BY LADYBUG <3
Outfit: Green dress with white lacy frill and matching colored witch's pointed hat (Lysandra figured out how to transfigure items via color long ago), wand sheath and satchel, white gloves, and other fancy assortments.
_________________________________________________________
Hogwarts was sure getting stuffy inside. With all the winter air now about, and the inclement weather increasing, inside time was more frequent, thus the days becoming more weary as the days grew darker and colder. Lysandra loved to test the limits of the cold, as she felt it complimented not only her humour, but was wonderfully punishing, especially to her frail frame. A masochist for cold weather, Lysandra enjoyed wandering, walking, flying in the cold, and most of all, sneaking out of Hogwarts. Not to mention the cold weekends when Hogsmeade was available to the student body--Lysandra craved those days most of the time, because it allowed the obvious freedom to leave the humdrum halls of Hogwarts. A chilly, fun filled day was ahead with Winifred Darcy as her chaperone. The second embark to Hogsmeade had begun.
Lysandra's mission however was not to endure cold, but to enjoy heat. The warm comfort of a butterbeer and a warm friend. What surprises awaited Lysandra at the Three Broomsticks!
Lysandra had been corresponding with her dear friend Aoife over the past month, as their writing had become more frequent since Lysandra's secret was made public. Aoife had been Lysandra's cheerleader and companion for part of her recent struggles, and Lysandra greatly looked forward to finally spending some physical time with her most gracious ally. Several letters later, Lysandra and Aoife had planned to meet at the establishment for a hearty lunch and good conversation. Aoife was between three to four years older than Lysandra, but despite the discrepancies between age, etiquette, and attitude, the two got along together beautifully. This time would surely live up to those expectations.
Once inside the Three Broomsticks, Lysandra and Winifred searched the place for Aoife from the entrance. Lysandra primped herself with some fragrance she drew from her hand bag when Winifred spotted the girl at the one of the tables looking assertively in their direction. When Lysandra finally realized Aoife's presence, she tucked away the bottle of perfume and approached, upon arriving gave a proper curtsy and two greeting kisses upon the cheek. My did Aoife look more beautiful than ever.
"Why thank you, Aoife. Such a pleasant surprise to see you once again in person!" As Lysandra wheedled her way into her chair with Winifred's help, her face lit up merrily like a Christmas tree. She clasped her hands ecstatically in her lap, trying to conceive, nay, remember all the wonderful things she wanted to say to her companion. She couldn't contain her compliments any longer, so she blurted what came to her mind first! The best way to start a conversation was to open with a compliment anyway.
Winifred politely excused herself to leave the two alone.
"You look absolutely gorgeous, Aoife! More than healthy and fashionable!" Lysandra probably didn't realize that her grin was ridiculous. She was truly excited though to see the positive person in front of her that it made her blush under her makeup.
take this pink ribbon off my eyes. im exposed and its no big surprise. don't you think i know exactly where i stand? this world is forcing me to hold your hand. cause im just a girl, little ol' me. dont let me out of your sight. im just a girl all pretty and petite. so dont let me have any rights. oh ive had it up to here. the moment that i step outside, so many reasons for me to run and hide. i cant to the little things i hold so dear. cause its all those little things that i fear.←
Aoife gave a chuckle when the girl complimented her. "Thank you Lysandra. You look quite lovely yourself! You sure have grown since I last saw you." She said with a smile. If nothing else, Lysandra would certainly cause Aoife's ego to inflate. Something she was sure Regan would have a field day with if he found out. He did like any reason to tease her, and he'd certainly find something about her situation to tease her about.
"Oh, before I forget, I have a present for you." She smiled as she reached into her bag that was enchanted to hold more than you would think possible from looking at it. "It's nothing extravagant, I'm sure, but I thought you'd appreciate it." She pulled a poster out of her bag that was from the last game she refereed. It was for the Holyhead Harpies, and on the back was autographed by the whole team. She had it framed and everything as she slid it across the table to give to Lysandra.
"I don't know if you follow the Harpies, but they're quite amazing and given the situation at Hogwarts I thought a little female pride was in order." She smiled as she gauged the girls reaction. It wasn't an extravagant gift really, it took no effort on her part to get the autographs and poster, but it was personalized to Lysandra and she hoped she would appreciate it. At her age, Aoife would have loved to have an autographed poster for the Holyhead Harpies and she could only hope that Lysandra was anything like herself.
Giving the slightest sigh, Aoife thought to herself about how she really wasn't a good gift giver. She gave things she knew she would enjoy because she never quite knew what someone else would enjoy. Oftentimes she ended up just getting things she wished she could have and hoping for the best. If not that, then she'd simply ask what they wanted, which usually didn't go over very well at all.
Clearing her throat to move on from the gift giving she looked to Lysandra and gave a smile. "So other than the drama, how has life been treating you, Lysandra?" She asked it with a genuine smile. Lysandra was one of the few girls that Aoife spoke to, and she saw her as the little sister she had never had the chance to have. It was refreshing to talk to Lysandra, even if her problems were still considered childish to the world. Lysandra was quite mature for her age, and as such, she and Aoife got along rather well.
Aoife always thought that if she had a sister, she'd be something like Lysandra. Maybe not as collected, but the Quidditch loving part was definitely there. Aoife was fond indeed of Lysandra and found that she liked being in her company quite a bit. She hoped all was well with Lys and ordered a drink for the two as she awaited a response from the young Slytherin. It wasn't without a fair bit of amusement that Aoife realized that they were from opposing houses. It had always been a source of amusement to her and today was no different.
She supposed that friendships could overcome such trivial matters as house rivalries like the one between Gryffindor and Slytherin. She liked Lys and she wasn't going to let the fact that she was a Slytherin stand in the way of that. Sure she thought the girl could loosen up, but she was rather fond of her even if she was a bit uptight. Too proper, would be the better words. Aoife shrugged to herself and took a sip of their newly arrived butterbeers as she looked to Lys with an expectant look on her face.
tag: lysandra words: 628 outfit: --- notes: :D
ee-fa. former gryffindor. irish accent
AMAZING SET BY LADYBUG <3
Lysandra continued to blush through Aoife's next comment about her height. Lysandra knew that she was still very petite at her age, with no new, significant signs of change up ahead. However, it had been years since Aoife has seen her, so the compliment about Lysandra's growth was very much taken as a compliment. Lysandra hated looking and acting like a child, so any compliment about maturity was most certainly noted and cherished.
Lysandra devoutly wished to be older, and Aoife's comment only further evoked the desire. Merely being around Aoife frothed this notion, this emotion, to the surface, for Lysandra longed to be Aoife's age, and longed to live a life like Aoife's, where she could be a free, independent woman. It was sadly a silly fantasy, especially for Lysandra, especially since her family had already destined her fate from birth. But being there with Aoife at least gave her the opportunity to taste some of that life, even if it had to be indirectly vicarious.
"Oh, before I forget, I have a present for you."
Lysandra tried very hard not to exert her emotions too much, for deep down she was shaking with excitement. As she was already blushing, any more excitement would cause Lysandra to potentially make a scene, therefore demonstrating a lack of proper poise. Lysandra knew she was among good company, but she also did not want to give any reason for embarrassment.
Lysandra did not expect a present. Her birthday was still days away, and Lysandra certainly did not expect Aoife to have had remembered her birthday, especially since it was so long ago that the two had even brought up the topic of birthdays or swapped presents.
A poster of the Holyhead Harpies. Fully autographed. Just for Lysandra.
The poster made Lysandra burst into tears of joy. Embarrassment was no longer something to avoid, as it did not exist in this moment.
"Oh my, this gift...this gift is beyond beautiful! You have rendered me speechless!" Lysandra was so overcome with emotion that continued to cry for a handful of seconds while she attempted to calm herself. The gift was extraordinary--its beautiful portraits of the beautiful ladies playing the greatest sport in the world, topping it off with their personal signatures, had Lysandra glowing a grand aura of gratitude.
But the moment of fleeting bliss was soon over, for Lysandra felt the ripple of an oncoming tsunami of guilt, dishonor, and embarrassment ready to lay waste all of her happiness. The thought of Quidditch brought Lysandra's focus on the Quidditch ban, and Lysandra's decision to quit Quidditch. Even though Lysandra knew that Aoife did not look down upon Lysandra's choice to leave Quidditch, Lysandra still felt the stabbing guilt of owning something that she felt she didn't deserve.
Aoife's presence made Lysandra vulnerable. Lysandra was used to sharing thoughts and feelings with Aoife like none other, and this event was no different. Therefore, Lysandra's buffers were much weaker than normal. As Aoife kept speaking, Lysandra gazed at her present, trying to soak all of it in.
Her tears turned to tears of sadness. "I do not deserve this truly wonderful gift." She looked at the sheer awesomeness of the poster, burning each and every one of those women's faces into her mind, idolizing them and their accomplishments, before telling herself to return the poster to Aoife. Lysandra was almost wholeheartedly convinced that she would never live up to the amazing achievements of these women, nor did she display the courage to do so, nor did she when she decided to leave the Slytherin Quidditch team because the shame of her blood. She felt particularly weak holding the poster in her hands, as if she were much too unholy to handle such a sublime gift. She rolled the poster back up and set it on the table. "I cannot accept such a gift this amazing. You most certainly deserve to keep this, not I."
Instead of answering Aoife's questions with something a normal, stable human being would answer, as Lysandra hoped she could be, Lysandra answered with something as offensive as returning a gift she felt she should not possess.
take this pink ribbon off my eyes. im exposed and its no big surprise. don't you think i know exactly where i stand? this world is forcing me to hold your hand. cause im just a girl, little ol' me. dont let me out of your sight. im just a girl all pretty and petite. so dont let me have any rights. oh ive had it up to here. the moment that i step outside, so many reasons for me to run and hide. i cant to the little things i hold so dear. cause its all those little things that i fear.←
Aoife smiled at the girls reaction. Tears weren't exactly what she had expected, but she was bright enough to see that they were not tears of sadness. She was glad that she chose properly on her gift, having feared that perhaps it was far too silly a gift to give. Lysandra was, she could only assume, a young woman of refined tastes. She wasn't so sure she'd take kindly to what was effectively just a signed piece of paper, but she hoped for the best when she had gotten it signed. She knew Lysandra loved Quidditch, even despite her quitting the team, and as such she figured that the all ladies team that was the Holyhead Harpies would probably be a team that Lysandra supported.
When the girl spoke, however, Aoife's smile faded. What did she mean she didn't deserve such a gift? It was ridiculous to think that the girl would say such a thing, but knowing Lysandra like she did, she should have anticipated such a response. The girl didn't seem to think herself worthy of much of anything as far as Aoife could tell, and such a reaction to the gift that seemed simple to Aoife only proved that. After all it wasn't every day someone got a poster signed by a world renowned Quidditch team. But Aoife didn't understand. Was she rejecting her gift? That would be most unfortunate and Aoife tried not to let her temper rise at the thought of it. Why would you reject a gift? That was just rude.
With Lysandra's next words she got her answer and tried once more to stifle the anger that was flaring up. It was ridiculous to think that the girl was trying to hand back her personalized poster, citing that Aoife deserved it and not herself. Taking in a deep breath to keep from sounding mean, she said "Lysandra don't be silly. The team captain signed it to you[/i]. It is yours. I know you like it, so take it. I want you to have it." She let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding and looked at the girl. Reaching across the table she took the girls hand and squeezed it in a friendly sort of way. "Just accept a gift from a friend." Her tone was much more pleasant this time around, her anger fading into something akin to pity.
What had happened to this girl to make her feel so unworthy of even the simplest gift? Aoife didn't know much about Lysandra's past but she could only guess that it wasn't all roses and sweets to have borne the young woman before her. Letting her anger at the attempt to give back her gift, she looked at the girl with sad eyes for a moment as if to tell her that she was indeed worthy of the gift, and took her hand back before people could stare.
Aoife knew that while she disagreed with most of the societal norms, she had to abide by them in public at the very least. She was no fool and she knew how to play the game of a high class lady well. She knew that though it was a friendly gesture, it was not considered acceptable to act as such in public. Not even between two women, perhaps even especially so. Aoife thought most of the rules of society to be absolutely ridiculous, but she would abide by them.
"Look Lysandra, I don't know why you feel so unworthy, but let me assure you: you do deserve this gift. It will be your birthday soon and I wanted to give you something nice. Please accept it." She smiled comfortingly to the girl and hoped her insistence would work. She'd really hate for Lysandra to talk herself out of having something so simple.
tag: lysandra words: 639 outfit: --- notes: :D
ee-fa. former gryffindor. irish accent
AMAZING SET BY LADYBUG <3
Aoife's sweet hand had touched hers. In that moment, Lysandra knew she was being ridiculous. Lysandra's rudeness began to appall even herself, and the thought that Lysandra had embarrassed her company made her stricken with guilt. Despite the distempered sentiments evoked from the gift, Lysandra came to her senses. The sentiments were not all bad.
"This gift is truly lovely." Lysandra lightly squeezed Aoife's hand back. "I apologize for any offense I have given to you. Please forgive me. I shall most certainly accept this gift, and cherish it truly, forever. Please understand my moment of weakness--such an amazing gift had excited me beyond my control. I am calmed now. Again, please forgive me. Please pretend that these tears never happened!" She wiped the moisture from her eyes, and then pressed her white-gloved hands to her bosom endearingly, smiling back at Aoife. "I love the gift, honestly. I could not have asked for anything more wonderful, from anyone, ever. You truly understand me, Aoife."
"So! Lady Bernadette! I have been dying to meet her!" Lysandra hadn't even attempted her butterbeer yet.
take this pink ribbon off my eyes. im exposed and its no big surprise. don't you think i know exactly where i stand? this world is forcing me to hold your hand. cause im just a girl, little ol' me. dont let me out of your sight. im just a girl all pretty and petite. so dont let me have any rights. oh ive had it up to here. the moment that i step outside, so many reasons for me to run and hide. i cant to the little things i hold so dear. cause its all those little things that i fear.←
Aoife waved her hand as if to wave away any of the impatience she was feeling. The girl had accepted the gift and that was all that mattered. "It's quite all right, Lysandra. All is forgotten." She smiled to let her know that she wasn't in fact angry with her. At least, not anymore. She would be lying if she said she hadn't felt offended when Lysandra initially rejected her gift, and Aoife saw no point in lying. It did in fact make her a bit angry that the girl would try to reject a gift, something she was always taught was so rude. Aoife rolled her eyes to think that any of her mother's teaching sunk in. She'd have a field day with that if she knew.
When the girl said that Aoife truly understood her, it brought a smile to her face. It was nice to know that Lysandra thought so of her, it meant she was a treasured friend, and Aoife was happy to be such to the younger girl. She seemed like she needed friends, and Aoife was nothing but happy to be one of them. She quite liked Lysandra, even if she did seem a bit stiff at times. She was a nice young lady, one that loved Quidditch and that could never be a bad thing in Aoife's eyes.
Aoife did so love Quidditch, and anyone that showed even the slightest interest in the sport was instantly her friend. The girl before her who had played on her school Quidditch team was even better, having been another strong woman that stood against the men telling her not to play. Because no one liked it when a woman decided to play Quidditch, even before it was banned at Hogwarts no one really wanted a woman to pick up her broom and play. It was considered unladylike. Aoife scoffed at that thought. Just because some women could play with more virility then men didn't mean they had to go getting their knickers in a twist.
She smiled broadly when Lysandra brought up Lady Bernadette. "Oh she's right outside! You can see her through the window." She pointed to her faithful puppy that was busy chasing her tail. It was cute and Aoife couldn't help the giggle. "After we have our drinks we can go out and perhaps take her for a walk. How does that sound?" She said it with a smile, looking at the girl to gauge her reaction. She didn't after all know if she really had an interest in dogs or if she was just trying to be nice. She hoped it was the former and awaited a response.
tag: lysandra words: 446 outfit: --- notes: :D
ee-fa. former gryffindor. irish accent
AMAZING SET BY LADYBUG <3
Happily, all was forgotten. Thank God Lysandra's previous offense was magically washed away--she may have forever hated herself for offending someone as wonderful as Aoife. It would have driven her mad if she had become disliked by her last and only friend. She could surmise that Aoife was offended by the gesture when she came to her senses. The only thing left to do now was enjoy the rest of the company while it lasted.
The fleeting movements would move the girls to the outside, where Lady Bernadette was waiting. Beforehand, the ladies had finished their butterbeer. Surprisingly, Lysandra had enough room in her stomach to finish the whole mug. The high expectation of Three Broomsticks deliciousness was easily upheld and enjoyed. With such sweet company as Aoife, the drink was even better. Lysandra reveled in her new gift, and with the help of the butterbeer, her heart was warmed by the lingering sentiment that someone still cared for her and loved her.
It was hard to concentrate on anything else besides the taste and the talk, but in Lysandra's mind, she was reviewing her material of what she intended to show Aoife in regard to canine training. Lysandra had always innately accomplished some recreational research over the year concerning animal language and psychology. Her magical affinity for animals was great, (not surprising for how talented she is as a Transfigurist) and Lysandra had spend much of the summer with her family pack of dogs. Humphrey had employed a dog trainer every so often when a new puppy came into the family--his occupation inspired the young Lysandra at an early age, as he allowed her to help him teach the puppies new disciplines and tricks. It was also helpful that Lysandra learned to understand their language, as subliminal as it was, before she even showed signs of her magical blood. She always wondered how she knew what the animal was thinking and feeling. Her family was most certainly impressed with her ability to charm animals--they even jokingly proposed the idea that she could be a trainer one day if her future husband would allow it. Hillary loved to emulate the puppy tricks too, and her and Lysandra designed a dog trick show to entertain guests. The novelty wore off of course with age, but Lysandra still continued to maintain a strong relationship with her animals.
Lady Bernadette was such a beautiful dog, vibrant with great energy. This particular dog would certainly give Aoife a run for her money, literally.
The two walked outside to greet Lady. The dog attempted to leap onto Lysandra past its leash, but Lysandra commanded the dog to be still, not with words however, but with her movement. She brought her knee up, forcing the dog to cease its pounce, and causing the dog to be more submissive. Of course her dress did a lot of the work, for the mere size of Lysandra's protruding pleats commanded space. The dog however was still writhing with energy, so it was imperative that the walk begin. Lysandra needed to attune herself with the dog first, and allow it to lose some energy before attempting any discipline or tricks. Lysandra took the leash in hand and unhooked it from the building.
Now with Winifred Darcy and Lady in tow, the four began walking down the cobble stone road towards Wellingtonshire.
"Allow the dog to release some energy. Exercise, as you well know, is crucial to the health and well-being of any creature, and dogs need this especially when you are training them. Frequent walks will be required, for the dog learns best when tired. They are submissive to your boundaries when they are in the proper state of mind, and exercise accomplishes that."
Lysandra then described how to walk the dog. Of course Lysandra emphasized the importance of walking the dog, not letting the dog walk you. Keeping the dog close was crucial for the dog to learn to take your lead and follow you. Once this was done for a long time, then the boundaries can be expanded for the dog--letting it off the leash, riding a broomstick beside it, allowing the dog to take the lead, etc.
Lysandra smiled at Aoife, gesturing to her to take the leash. "Here, would you like to try? Make sure to keep him close, and it helps to hold the leash short, like this."
OOC: Basically, Lysandra is relaying info likethis.
take this pink ribbon off my eyes. im exposed and its no big surprise. don't you think i know exactly where i stand? this world is forcing me to hold your hand. cause im just a girl, little ol' me. dont let me out of your sight. im just a girl all pretty and petite. so dont let me have any rights. oh ive had it up to here. the moment that i step outside, so many reasons for me to run and hide. i cant to the little things i hold so dear. cause its all those little things that i fear.←
They finished their drinks in relative silence and in seemingly no time, they were outside with Lysandra teaching her how to properly walk her dog. It was amusing, she had to admit, watching the small girl dominate the dog and make her do as she was told. It was definitely something Aoife herself had yet to really be able to do, too doting was she when it came to her dear Lady Bernadette. She took the leash when Lysandra offered it and smiled to the girl, happy to see that Lady was minding herself where she was usually rambunctious with Aoife.
"You have quite a way with animals, Lysandra." She noted with a happy grin on her features. It wasn't something she knew about the girl, and she said as much. "I didn't know you had such a talent for dog whispering." She said it with a chuckle as they walked down high street, their respective chaperone's trailing behind them. It would forever irk Aoife that she had to have some old lady follow her around, but Louise was usually respectful of Aoife's personal space and rather lenient.
She at least didn't feel as though Louise was eavesdropping on her every word like some chaperone's she knew did. They were catty old things, chaperones, and she honestly couldn't stand having them about. The only reason Louise was any bit reasonable is because she knew Aoife well enough to know that she would always be herself but maintain propriety in public. She was after all there to help raise Aoife through her childhood, and she knew the girls temperament perhaps better than the girl herself did.
"I've never seen Lady Bernadette so docile. She's usually full of energy." She nodded appreciatively to Lysandra. "So do tell me, where did you learn to handle animals so well? I would be most interested in learning myself since I know Lady will soon become quite large." The thought of such a large dog with the energy that Lady had was scary, and it could easily hurt her. She wanted to know the tricks of the trade so to speak, and looked at Lysandra with an interested quirk of her brow, awaiting response.
tag: lysandra words: 368 outfit: --- notes: short and shitty x]
ee-fa. former gryffindor. irish accent
AMAZING SET BY LADYBUG <3
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