The Start of something terrifying [Open]

[Deleted]

December 22, 2024
Open!

The last time Ambrosia had been in the UK the Purifiers did not have a 'base', at least not to this caliber. There had been an estate, where Alastor and Elaine had kept the kidnapped students after attacking Hogwarts but Alastor had failed to properly enchant the place ahead of time, letting the Ministry infiltrate without any problems. Not only that, there was always a risk in taking hostages. Things were always just so complicated when unwilling participants were involved. But, it had given Ambrosia an intriguing opportunity to investigate part of Bethany's past. After the events, Ambrosia had returned to China for a time, and Bethany joined her.

Now, they were back. Ambrosia much preferred this new base over the previous. It was, in many ways, impregnable. It also helped that the location was actually kept secret, and you could only travel to the base through magical mirrors. You couldn't exactly infiltrate someplace that you couldn't locate. 

Today Ambrosia had commandeered one of the empty chambers. She stood in the doorway, arms crossed as she eyed the bare space. First order of business, she needed a lab. Of course she'd have one at her new estate, but she needed someplace to work on the truly dangerous and.... alternative experiments. In case the Ministry ever came knocking. Some projects just shouldn't be done at your home. 

[ares edward lestrange]

and who are you?

In the time that Ares was a member of the Purifiers, he was never aware of any of the bases considering the Purifiers simply didn’t have one. Most of the members were scattered around the UK and most of Ares’ time was spent in Hogs Head for his part time job. In recent events, Ares had been lying low around his family’s death and hoped Elaine would accept his reasons. Though as the months passed, Ares discovered the new base, secret to the members only and only accessible through magical mirrors and the Lestrange hoped to find Elaine there.

The Lestrange wanted to apologise, for his stupidity around his parent’s death and lack of appearance, hoping the leader would understand. Passing through the last mirror that allowed him inside the new base, pale eyes glanced around taking in the surroundings of it. The main space was warm, filled with a small fire place and even chairs and sofa’s galore. It would come in handy for those meetings Elaine conducted. Though Ares walked, hoping to find Elaine somewhere near the unfinished chambers.

Noticing a figure standing in the space, a dark brow raised slowly. He hadn’t seen the person’s face just yet, so his first guess was Elaine Dupree. His head cocked to the side as a grin grew across his lips. ”My Lady?” He called out, knowing she preferred to be called that — hoping it was actually Elaine herself.

@ambrosia, here to steal your open post

NEVERLAND at ADOXOGRAPHY 2.0!

[Deleted]

December 22, 2024
ares edward lestrange

Ambrosia’s red stained lips pursed together when she heard someone call out ‘My lady?’. While Ambrosia would respond to such a title, she knew in the Purifiers only one went by the title. Elaine herself. Perhaps Elaine was in the corridor and Ambrosia hadn’t heard her approach? The woman looked first in the opposite direction of the voice, to verify Elaine’s presence but was met with only an empty chamber. So, she next turned her head towards the voice. Only her head turned, tilting back enough to see the young man, chin held high. She didn’t recognize him, but that was no surprise. Ambrosia wasn’t a ‘front line’ fighter, to put it simply. She preferred the shadows, pulling the strings from a safe distance.

”No.” Was her curt reply, effiiently denying the mistaken identity. ”I can pass on a message for her, should you need?” Ambrosia offered, though stopped as she spotted something behind this newcomer. ”Ah yes, this room please.” She spoke to whatever it was behind the young man, which turned out to be a large and menacing security troll. Heavily armored and carrying a several large boxes. ”Sir, if you could let him through.” That comment was to the newcomer.

[ares edward lestrange]

and who are you?

With the woman before him swiftly turning, Ares felt his dark brows raise in question. He suddenly felt bad for using such a privileged title to someone he barely knew. A stranger if you may. Though while the Lestrange didn’t notice her, her attire and her overall appearance strikes his interest. The bold red lips signified how the woman must of loved control or perhaps maybe even a little danger.

But with his pale eyes narrowing and his mind slowly realising he was potentially analysing her a bit too much, he let out a brief cough, his hand covering his mouth as he did so. It was only natural of him to do so with strangers, though the Lestrange was sure he had met at least most of the Purifier members, or more so the ones who were seen as Elaine’s front line fighters.

”No…I believe it can wait.” He responded, smirk tugging against the corners of his lips, as he cocked his head to the side. He was sure he was falling into a trance filled with thought because Ares barely heard the request leaving the woman’s lips until she seemed to be staring him in the eye. ”Ah—“ He began, cutting himself off as he stood to the side, his back pressed against the wall of the hallway, watching as a large security troll made their way past him, into the chambers with boxes in his grasp. ”Expecting a shipment were we?” Ares joked, until the troll was in the Chamber completely.

Pushing himself away from the wall, Ares swiftly strolled closer to the woman, the seriousness that crossed her face only intriguing Ares just a little more. ”I…Don’t believe we’ve met.” He began, standing next to her watching the troll place the boxes down. With a sharp turn, the Lestrange grinned up at the woman. I’m Ares. Ares Lestrange.” He introduced, a hand extended before him. ”And you are?”

@ambrosia

NEVERLAND at ADOXOGRAPHY 2.0!

[Deleted]

December 22, 2024
ares edward lestrange

Ambrosia eyed the stranger, her dark gaze unwavering. Had to be in his twenties, seemed like the sort always up for a challenge, but other than that.... He was a mystery. Being a trained Legilimens she might be able to glean more off of him, but she didn't use the magical ability without reason.

"I see. Well, if I see her I will let her know you were looking for her," she offered, though it sounded more like a statement than an offer. Her security troll, after only a few moment's hesitation on the young man's part, soon moved past him and entered the room she'd indicated. With a delicacy that seemed almost unnatural, he gingerly set the boxes on the ground and the softest tinking of glass was heard. She nodded, satisfied, and the troll stepped off to the side. "You could say that," was her answer to his joke. "Some of us have quite a bit of work to do. The Purifiers have been severely lacking in the subtle art of science." She reached into her robes and pulled out her wand. Her dark gaze was on the room once more, meticulously analyzing everything before casting any spells, but stopping when he spoke once more. Wand still in hand she glanced back at him, an eyebrow raising as he introduced himself. Though it wasn't his first name that intrigued her. It was his last.

"No, we haven't. I'm no stranger to your family though." Ambrosia paused momentarily, as if considering if she should introduce herself. "Hong. Ambrosia Hong." Whether he'd recognize her surname or not... She wasn't sure. The Hongs were a well know, well respected, and very powerful pureblood family in Asia. Their lineage was about as pure as it could get. A Lestrange should know the family, if anything due to pureblood ties and business, but Ares seemed a little too young to be much into Pureblood politics. She could be wrong though.

Ambrosia looked back at the room, and the security troll. "Go get the next boxes," she ordered, and the troll obeyed, moving out of the room and back down the corridor. Now that the room was clear she waved her wand. The boxes unraveled themselves. Most of the contents seemed to be shelves, and tables of both room and metal. They quickly assembled themselves and settled around the room to her exact specifications. The only box that wasn't surfaces was filled with vials of differing sizes and they nearly arranged themselves on one of the shelves. While it was still very bare bones it was clear that she was assembling a laboratory.

[ares edward lestrange]

and who are you?

The look he received in return from her dark gaze only led to the corners of Ares’ lips rising, pulling into a wider grin. He wasn’t afraid to admit his admiration for pretty strangers, male, female, it didn’t matter. ”Thank you.” He replied, accepting the offer. Or statement. Whatever it was. ”Though, I’m sure with the amount of things you seem to be doing, you probably won’t notice.” He couldn’t help but joke, even if she wasn’t exactly filled with humour, Ares could fill in that area. The Purifiers as a whole was an interesting group for Ares. Some came together for the forces of gaining strength and power, others to show off talents and introduce new ones for those who lacked. In this case, Ares was the former and the woman before him seemed to be the latter. ”How so?” He found himself questioning, watching as she drew her wand — turning her attention away from him. The new base itself was still fairly empty but from the stories he had learned from other members and even techniques, surely everyone was best in one area. ”What exactly were we lacking before?”

A brow rose as she recognised him, more so of his last over his first. Which didn’t matter, she would eventually buddy up with Ares like the next person. If he had his way that is. ”Hong…” He murmured. The name was familiar, but the familiarity rolled on the tip of his tongue. Where exactly had he heard it before? And as if like a light bulb lit above his mind like those Muggle cartoons some of his old Hogwarts classmates had enjoyed, he recognised it easily. ”Junjie Hong. I remember that name.” He told her. ”Part of the purest family in Asia…And was close to my parents and grandparents…I guess you’re related?” He was unsure of it all, but he didn’t want to invade or offend. The Lestrange looked away from the woman and onto the security troll who was then commanded out. As he walked closer in Ares’ direction, he stood to the side, giving space for the troll.

”Require any help at all?” He offered, arms folding as he watched boxes unfold themselves and items leave from them, assembling what seemed to be a laboratory. From his brilliance in wandless and non-verbal magic, the Lestrange’s fingers waved carefully and then his hand extended as one of the vials in the perfect assembly line rested in his hands. ”This looks rather…Interesting. Potion of your own?” He questioned, giving the bottle a little shake, the sound of the liquid within giving a little sound.

@ambrosia

NEVERLAND at ADOXOGRAPHY 2.0!

[Deleted]

December 22, 2024
ares edward lestrange

Ambrosia eyed the young man up and down, much like a tiger sizing up its prey. She didn't laugh at his joke. In fact, her expression didn't change in any capacity. When he questioned her comment on science she initially didn't answer, instead having been occupied with her scrutinizing of the room. But eventually she did address him, though her gaze didn't return. "Just wait and see." It was a vague answer, but she wasn't interested in explaining what her work was. Show, don't tell.

At last a smile flashed as Ambrosia heard the name of her father. She was a little impressed that he could recall such a specific detail. "My late father." was her answer, though she continued after only a short pause. "I am head of the family now." She stopped for a moment and looked at him once more. "I hear condolences are also in order for your parents." The Lestrange deaths had been pretty big news in the Pureblood world, after all.

Now that the room had been partially unpacked, Ambrosia folded her arms and waited for her security troll to return. While she was waiting though, the Lestrange boy had magical one of the filled vials into his hand and was examining it. "Whether I need help or not is irrelevant unless you have beneficial skills. What do you have to offer?" She initially asked. Though when he asked about the vial he was examining, she smiled. "That is aconite leaf extract. It's very poisonous." She paused for a few moments before adding, "It can be used alone, or as an ingredient."

[ares edward lestrange]

and who are you?

WITH HER FACIAL EXPRESSION REFUSING to change, the smile that Ares held on his lips thinned. Tough crowd. His brows furrowed at her vague response but the Lestrange didn’t question it any further. If she did even laugh at his poor attempt of a joke, there was no way she would reveal her master plans. It now only meant Ares had a reason to snoop around whenever she was gone. At her next response, Ares’ eyes widened before softening in sympathy. ”My condolences.” He murmured to her. Condolences for his own parents weren’t necessary when all of the Lestrange children hated their parents. The two had died shortly before the new year of 2024, but Ares still didn’t mourn for them. Not after what they had done to Ariadne.

”Thank you.” He mumbled anyway. Not many people knew of Ares’ hatred for the fallen parents, but he hoped they burned in hell. He had carried on the Lestrange line regardless, except his child was half-blood. He still loved Sebastian regardless of blood purity. ”I have many skills to offer you Ms Hong.” He began, placing a hand over his chest like a drama-queen in full offence. The smile that cracked upon his lips ruined his dramatic act though, once he looked down at the vial. ”Intriguing. Any strange smells or tastes to it? Or is it completely avoidable?” Maybe he could poison his enemies with a sandwich, not that he had any enemies as of now.

@ambrosia

NEVERLAND at ADOXOGRAPHY 2.0!

[Deleted]

December 22, 2024
ares edward lestrange

Ambrosia didn’t react to his offer of condolences. Her father had been deceased for sometime now so she had long since finished her grieving period. The Hong family also had a very different view on death than most, so Ambrosia was not nearly as heartbroken about her father’s death as you might expect. She did notice his reaction to her offering condolences for his parents though, and gave him a long glance with a raised eyebrow. Eventually she chose not to respond, though that was due to heavy footsteps echoing down the corridor, approaching them. Her security troll was approaching with more boxes.

”My work is not for the faint of heart.” Ambrosia was smirking as she spoke. In fact, Ambrosia’s experiments and work could be sadistic, cruel, and inhuman. ”Are you sure you want to offer your ‘skills’?” Though the question still remained on if he would even be useful. Ambrosia wouldn’t permit any deadweight in her projects.

The security troll entered the room, and set down another large stack of boxes, then left once more. ”Aconite doesn’t have a smell, but it is quite bitter. Not that the taste matters, it’s a very fast acting poison, and symptoms can be instant. You’ll be dead in only a few hours.” Ambrosia magiced the unpacking of the new boxes as she spoke. ”Are you just curious, or do you have someone you want dead?”

[ares edward lestrange]

and who are you?

FROM A SIDE LOOK, ARES noticed the glare she shot in his direction but allowed it to somewhat go unnoticed. He wasn’t trying to make some kind of scene around the elder Purifier, something that would put her on edge, but it wasn’t exactly helpful that the passing of his parents was briefly his fault. (As well as Andy’s of course). He felt his lips twitch in a response to her statement, especially now since she was smirking. ”It’s good Merlin blessed me with an iron stomach” The idiom itself was one Ares enjoyed quoting, especially since he put his stomach through hell at the best of times. Beer and spirits in Muggle bars, mixed with the finest of drinks wizards had to offer. (Firewhiskey ten times out of ten.)

”I could be a valuable asset. Why not jump at the opportunity before others have a chance?” He questioned, turning her own question around. The security troll returned, much to the Lestrange’s amusement and dark eyes watched as he unpacked and headed out, potentially for more boxes. The vial in his grasp was interesting, enough to hold Ares’ short attention even at Ambrosia’s comment. ”Interesting!” He chirped up, waving his hand back so the vial would return to the spot it came from. ”Simply curious. Muggles annoy me more than any wizard could, but I don’t have any reason as to why they should all die…Just yet anyway.”

@ambrosia

NEVERLAND at ADOXOGRAPHY 2.0!

[Deleted]

The boxes that Ambrosia magicked to unpack had included a variety of medical style instruments, microscopes, and stacks of clean slides, all ready to use. ”So what skills exactly do you possess?” She asked casually. Since he was so keen to participate, she better know how she might use him. Judging from his appearance though, she had a feeling he was more inclined to field work instead of lab work. If that was true, it would be especially useful to her since she preferred her labs.

Ares was still quite focused on the Aconite extract and admitted that he didn’t have any murderous plots yet. The keyword being yet. ”Personally I would use Belladonna. While Aconite is fast acting, it can be almost too fast acting at times. It reduces the list of potential suspects. Belladonna’s symptoms will last several days before finally killing an individuals. It’s far easier to mask Belladonna poisoning.”

ares edward lestrange

[ares edward lestrange]

and who are you?

WHAT SKILLS DID ARES ACTUALLY possess? It was an interesting question once Ambrosia asked and the Lestrange swallowed a dry lump, trying to figure out the best way to explain his talents. ”I have very skilful hands and a wondrous mind. And an incredible understanding of the true power of magic I suppose.” He was waffling now. Back in his time at Hogwarts, he was certainly one of the best at both wandless and non-verbal magic, now shown from his skills in Hogs Head, bartending away for the Patrons. ”I'm what many call...A scoundrel. A thief if you may, and I believe to be the best. Even if I am…Part time.”

He let the wand rest in his hands before magic that was non-verbally casted floated the object back to its rightful owner. Ambrosia then advised on a better option. ”Noted.” He smiled, eyes searching the room for the vial of the ingredient she had suggested before he found it. His fingers flicked forward, leading to the vial floating down to his palm, allowing him to inspect its contents. ”Rather small isn’t it? Does a little go a long way?”

@ambrosia

NEVERLAND at ADOXOGRAPHY 2.0!

[Deleted]

Ares’ initial response wasn’t really an answer. It was a play on words, a response that didn’t provide any concrete information. Ambrosia appreciated it, if only because she could be cryptic herself at times. Ambrosia had many secrets and skills that she kept private. A vast majority of her work was done in secrecy, so ensuring others didn’t fully understand her capabilities was something she herself practiced. Ares seemed to possess that same skill. Ambrosia cracked a smile at the thought. That perhaps there was someone in the Purifiers that held some similarities to herself. Though only time would tell. He finally elaborated and Ambrosia nodded. A thief. While the work was different, it solidified Ambrosia’s previous thought of there being similarities. A thief worked in the shadows, doing everything they could to avoid drawing attention to themselves. Just like Ambrosia. ”A thief you say. Any particular speciality?” She knew from her own line of work that some thieves could be particular in their work. Some were jewel thieves, preferring to only go after precious gemstones. Some specialized in home invasions, others in businesses, and more. There were also those that would do whatever thieving was most lucrative at the time.

Ares magicked the vial to float over to her. Ambrosia held out a hand, letting the vial drop lightly into her palm. Soon he was looking at the vial of Belladonna. His questions made her continually smile. Few understood the art of poisons, it was a nice relief to have someone curious. ”That particular vial is quite concentrated. Perfectly proportioned, that vial contains enough poison to kill a dozen adults.” she paused momentarily, before continuing. ”Belladonna has other uses as well though. Most poisons do. Our ancestors used these poisons in diverse and unique concoctions.” Ambrosia had studied ancient medicine quite extensively, and she used them to this day. Specifically because modern medicine seemed to have forgotten many of these old concoctions and the modern medical practitioners were almost always unprepared to handle them. Why create something new when you could reuse something that already worked?

”Have you had much experience with poisons?” Ambrosia asked curiously. Not just because she was only curious, but because someone well versed in the thieving arts already had infiltration skills. Thieves could leave things just as easily as they could take.

ares edward lestrange

[ares edward lestrange]

and who are you?

WITH THE TUG OF HIS lips pulling upwards, Ares’ arms folded before him, shaking his head. ”I like to…Dabble. As the artists would say.” Thievery itself was an art. The preparation right up to the execution, the Lestrange enjoyed every single moment of it. ”Mainly gems, potions and small ingredients that sell for big-bucks have been up my alley though.” In all fairness, it was whatever the merchant or client required that day. And of course, how much they were paying. ”House break ins are my favourite though. Muggles are easy to fool, us wizarding lot…Not so much.” There were times he had found himself stuck in the web of a wizard’s smart mind, wandereding into the trap they had set for thieves like Ares. It was a good thing along with his slippery hand he was a slippery man himself.

Ambrosia went on to speak of the vial in her hands, the fancy name of Belladonna rolling off her tongue. It sounded posh, as if the vial had lived a secret past life of a middle-class woman. Ares loved it. And the destruction just a small vial could cause. ”Interesting.” He murmured, watching at how the woman held the vial in her grasp. At her next question, Ares felt his head shake no. Sure, he had experience thieving them from others, finding them in homes or secret locations to bring to the merchants or private clients but he didn’t have…Much experience experimenting with the things. ”Death should be brutal and violent anyway. A poison usually gives the undeserving person the chance to live for just a little longer.” At least that was his own observational thoughts.

@ambrosia

NEVERLAND at ADOXOGRAPHY 2.0!

[Deleted]

Ambrosia walked across the room, where a clear medicine cabinet had been constructed. It was currently empty, but as she opened the glass door and set the vial of poison inside it’s purpose became clear. This was where she planned on storing all the vials. Leaving the door open, she pulled out her wand and waved it towards the rest of the vials. One by one they gracefully lifted into the air, floated across the room, and delicately landed on the shelves, Slowly the cabinet filled, though there was still plenty of room for more. Either she was intentionally leaving extra room in the cabinet, or not all the vials were here yet.

”I see. Do you solely work for yourself, or do you ever take commissions?” It wasn’t that Ambrosia had a job in mind, but if he was ever willing to take a job it could prove very useful. Sometimes her work called for very particular and rare components that were hard to come by.

Ares seemed unconvinced by the usefulness of poisons, stating that death should be brutal and violent. Ambrosia raised an eyebrow. She reached into the vial cabinet and pulled out a vial with dark liquid. She held it up to the light, gaze intent on the liquid. ”You don’t think poisons can be brutal and violent? I suppose I can’t blame you. Poisons are a subtle art that’s often misunderstood.” She returned the dark liquid vial to the shelf and closed the cabinet door. ”Poisons aren’t just for killing. While many of them can lead to death, only the unimaginative believe they have no other use.”

ares edward lestrange