the fall [ana]

[IVY BURKE]

12 May 2026

Ivy was a clever witch. Not only was she clever, but she was innately curious, and equally ambitious and driven to her goals. Therefore, for as long as the Purifier base had been in use, Ivy had wondered where exactly in the world the dungeon had been located. She spent long hours in the Hogwarts library, researching various magically enhanced dungeons throughout Britain - she suspected they were still in Britain. Months and years of research, piecing together snippets of information and whispers of legends, and well placed questioning led Ivy to come to a tentative conclusion. This base... was in the Chamber of Secrets.

Now, Ivy had known Elaine for many years. She had been her professor in school, had grown quite close to the young witch. Ivy had mentored her, encouraging her. She would say perhaps they were close, or as close as someone could be to someone like Elaine. Over time, Ivy had noticed certain changes in Elaine - still clinical and cunning and thoughtful about each and every action, Elaine planned everything down to the very last detail. But her actions were becoming more and more detrimental to the magical world. When the Purifiers attacked the Quidditch final, Ivy knew that things were starting to unravel.

Of course, Ivy said nothing. In fact, she was rather pleased to find that Elaine was keeping a low profile, and therefore didn't have to interact much with her. Then, Elaine wouldn't be able to tease out that she was having doubts about the cause. Yes, of course Ivy wanted a world order where the acceptance of wizards was all that mattered. But perhaps killing valuable witches and wizards was not the way to go about it. If Elaine ever caught wind of Ivy's train of thought, she knew it would be the end. Ivy was a master at keeping her face emotionless, though she knew she would be no match for Elaine's skill as a legilimens.

Ivy had been avoiding the various bases, with her huge workload an adequate excuse for her limited involvement in the cause. It was the truth anyways - Ivy had been incredibly busy preparing her students for exams and NEWTs. Though she did wonder... was there a point to it? After all, with the base in the Chamber of Secrets, Elaine and the Purifiers were well poised to launch an attack on Hogwarts. For that, Ivy could not stand. It was ultimately this information that pushed Ivy to seek out an old friend and a sympathetic ear - Anastasia Karkaroff.

Sceptical at first, Ivy had been reluctant to engage with Ana when she had joined the cause months ago. The Karkaroffs had so often stayed decidedly neutral since their cowardly uncle had been murdered by the Dark Lord. However, Ana was clever and Ivy and the Burkes had known her and her brothers for many years. Hazel and Ana were closer in age, but Ivy and Ana were much more similar. Both clever, both singularly focused on problem solving. It was a reason they had easily become, if not friends, at least companions. For that reason, Ivy had vouched for Ana's incorporation into the Purifiers.

Ivy paced around her office, torn for only a moment before she made a decision.The talented witch worked within the Ministry, so kept mostly the same hours as Ivy (so basically never stopping working). It was well past dinner time when Ivy took a pinch of floo powder, chucked it in the fireplace, and departed for the Ministry. She knew she would find Ana there. As the young professor submitted her wand for inspection to the security guard, Ivy’s eyes darted around the atrium. Her palms were clammy - she knew she could trust Ana’s discretion, but what if they were overheard? Elaine had eyes and ears everywhere. Ana had to know of a place in which they could speak. Feeling comforted by this thought, Ivy set off for where she knew Ana’s office to be. She knocked on the door, and peeked her head in. ”Ana… hi. Sorry to spring up on you. But I was wondering if you had a moment to talk? In private?” asked Ivy.

anastasia marie karkaroff

[anastasia marie karkaroff]

I can't resolve this empty story

I can't repair the damage done

May 12, 2026
IVY BURKE

Ana stood over her desk, papers laid out in a specific order while her computer screen flashed different images. It was some kind of ‘rest’ mode, or so the IT Wizard had called it. If she left the device unattended for long enough, it would display this screen. It was inconvenient when she looked through scrolls and then typed her password again into the machine. Frustrating, but apparently necessary. Today she was examining letters that were part of evidence collected from a young man’s flat, most were nonsense, but one couldn’t throw out the possibility of some secret code between the criminals. Much as she had with Bianca regarding her other work.

The codenames she had chosen for them were ridiculous, but Ana had been slowly making progress these past few months. First, she’d started with people to speak to from the suggestions of her brother. But, even he had avoided interfering with her work—which she was thankful for. Then she’d tried and eventually found her way into the illegal dueling circuit, receiving an invite to the lower levels of a club full of criminals and other Purebloods. But, it was one of those things where most were hooded or wore some type of mask—not unlike the old Death Eater masks from before. And, of course, Ana held her own.

But, the surprisingly easier path had been to look amongst the social circle of her youth. Other connected families such as the Burkes. Though Asher Burke was almost the last person Ana wanted to interact on purpose with. Hazel was a neighbor, though she was closer in age to Ivy—the youngest. So, Ana reached out, and it wasn’t out of place or out of the blue—they’d known each other as kids. And much faster than she’d anticipated, Ana had found her way into the Purifiers. Albeit she was hardly outside the fringes, one would assume someone like Elaine had a close inner circle. Ana knew it was what she would do and how she ran her own life. Very few were allowed entry that close, Astrid being one of the few though she thought of the owner of a pair of very vivid green eyes…well, he was certainly close.

Ana never kept her notes regarding her mission in plain sight or even on parchment when she was in the office. She had yet to get confirmation that there were operatives in the Ministry, but now that Ivy had vouched for her—she felt it was safe to assume that her older brother was likely part of the cause as well. Standing up straight, she crossed her arms and tried to connect the dots in front of her, but then she heard a knock. Ivy. There was something about the way she approached, the way she asked that question—something was going on. She paused a moment before answering. ”Yes, please come in. You can close the door.” Bianca explained to Ana how Muggles managed such secretive operations, but it didn’t quite work the same in the Magical world. Ana waved her wand, and letters neatly stacked themselves into the case folder along with parchment rolling back up, leaving the table free.

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[IVY BURKE]

Ivy was nearly at a complete loss. She'd been mulling over her thoughts for a few days now - but even her mind was an unsafe place. If she came face to face with Elaine, her former student would pick through her thoughts easily and learn about her misgivings. Ivy couldn't allow that - thankfully, Elaine was laying low at the Chamber, and the pair had not come into contact in months. Even now, Ivy knew she had to share her thoughts with someone, and after some measure of thought, she landed on Ana. A skilled occlumens in her own right, Ana would be able at least to protect herself from their leaders wrath. And Elaine would certainly be wrathful - anyone she found who was not useful to her would be killed in the blink of an eye. Nothing had stopped her before.

Ana beckoned her in, and to shut the door behind her. Ivy approached, a cautious set to her shoulders as the door clicked shut behind her. Ana glanced at her, and immediately noted the shifty way Ivy's eyes darted around the office. Taking note of each crevice and corner, of any secret place that something could be hidden. Ivy didn't think that Ana would betray her - there was a stoic, almost calming way about the youngest Karkaroff. And Ivy did trust her - they had known each other for years, and Ivy had supported Ana's request to join the cause.

Ivy's shifty gaze finally landed on Ana. The woman, though younger than her, had an aura of power about her. "We will not be overhead?" asked Ivy in a hushed voice, stepping closer to Ana. "Muffliato," said Ivy, waving her wand in a circle to keep unwary ears from hearing the conversation. "Ana... I'm worried. That more death and destruction are on the way. Elaine is... Elaine is alive. And she's hiding..." Ivy stopped, her eyes wide and glassy.

"She's hiding in the chamber of secrets."

anastasia marie karkaroff

[anastasia marie karkaroff]

I can't resolve this empty story

I can't repair the damage done

May 12, 2026
IVY BURKE

Something was clearly on the older woman’s mind. But Ana didn’t ask immediately, opting to bide her time. This assignment was not a surprising one for her considering her background, personal and professional. And had just enough patience to not blow her cover. The urge to jump to aggressive persuasion was always there, but that wouldn’t bode well when infiltrating such an organization. It had also brought her into a criminal underworld as well, but she knew she was just scratching the surface of that. Plus, it was not her primary assignment.

Ana’s eyes followed Ivy’s, where she looked. No doubt with the same suspicion that many did entering a Ministry office. ”No. I check my offices often.” It was a habit. Since the Order had found out that The Purifiers had undoubtedly infiltrated the Ministry of Magic, she was more careful than ever. But, ever since her last risky assignment the previous year, she knew that one could get away with quite a bit unnoticed in the Ministry. Ivy cast a spell that gave them even more privacy than the closed door of the office. But, while Ana prepared herself—those following words were not something she could have prepared herself for.

Elaine was alive and at Hogwarts.

”Wh-what?” Ana uncharacteristically stuttered in response. This was it. The golden piece of information she needed and it only showed that her efforts had not been for nothing. She was taken aback but tried her best to regain her composure. Ana crossed her arms, but one hand went up to rest under her chin as she thought. ”Elaine is at Hogwarts? Right now?” She wanted to confirm. But she paused. As much as she wanted to interrogate the woman in front of her, Ana needed to pull back. ”Ivy—why are you telling me this? Is that where she wants us next?” Surely such information hardly ever was meant to reach the ears of a mere initiate. What was the motive here? She felt she needed to play the part of willing associate, at least for now.

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[IVY BURKE]

Though Ana intoned that she checked her office often, Ivy couldn't be too certain. She was a learned witch, after all, and had studied all forms of magic extensively. Her interest in magical theory only scratched the surface of her love of magic, and her desire to learn all that she can. Because at her foundation, she wanted to learn and embrace magic. With Elaine hiding and plotting in the Chamber, Ivy worried for her students. She had taught many, and grown to love passing her knowledge onto the next generation. Though Elaine was unpredictable, and should it please her she wouldn't hesitate to rain destruction upon the castle. Ivy had been loyal, but this was too much. She wasn't going to risk this blood and destruction.

Ivy's eyes widened slightly, her breath picking up the anxiety that flooded through her. When she was quite sure they wouldn't be overheard, Ivy spoke in a hushed, rushed whisper. Elaine was alive. And she was hiding at Hogwarts. Ana's reaction was not altogether unexpected - though Ivy had never seen her stumble over her words. Ivy chewed on the inside of her cheek, and nodded. "Yes. I worry she is going to do something rash. Or hurt the students," said Ivy, her tone almost pleading. "I care about Elaine. But I won't put her over the safety of hundreds of pupils," said Ivy in a whisper. Ana managed to collect herself and ask why Ivy was sharing this with her. Ivy wrung her hands.

"I wasn't supposed to. But you're in the ministry, and you... you've got power. I just want to stop her from causing more destruction. And you're such a talented duellist and occlumens... it just seemed... right. Like you could help me. If words don't help..." Ivy sputtered, stumbling over her words. "She doesn't want anyone to know. I don't even know what she's really planning. But it can't be a coincidence that she's hiding at Hogwarts. I just have... a bad feeling. I don't know. Ana, I just don't know, please help me," said Ivy, growing almost hysterical. She clutched at Ana's robes. "I don't want more people to die - I wanted mudbloods and muggles to hurt for the way they treated me during my transition. But never... never innocent young witches and wizards. And Elaine doesn't care who gets in the way."

anastasia marie karkaroff

[anastasia marie karkaroff]

I can't resolve this empty story

I can't repair the damage done

May 12, 2026
IVY BURKE

Ana listened to Ivy. She wanted to be careful about her approach. Already she’d had to suppress the urge to cast a Patronus and let Harry know what she’d learned or anyone in the Order, for that matter. Her second instinct was the contact the rest of Hogwart’s staff to check the Chamber, but rushing into the school would only give away any element of surprise they would have. It would have to be a careful approach, much like the past few months. Ana’s life had become this mission. She’d avoided her normal social circles and all Order activity in the meantime to play this role. And as was a Karkaroff trait, she’d become obsessive about it.

”Do you think she’s planning a repeat of…” Even for Ana, the idea of such an event as the Quidditch Final occurring at Hogwarts made her heart sink into her stomach, and she felt a little ill. If there was ever an innocent bystander, it was an eleven-year-old student. It was comforting to know, at least, that Ivy was concerned for the students. Whatever humanity was left in this particular purifier had not been entirely taken by Elaine and her motives. Ivy grabbed the front of her robes, and Ana uncrossed her arms in shock. ”Ivy—who else knows?” Such a secret would hardly have been known by many, Ana figured. Much like dispersing information at the Ministry or even in the Order. Few knew of Ana’s work, mainly for her safety.

Ana’s heart beat furiously in her chest. She knew exactly how many steps to Bianca’s office from her own. Ivy mentioned Ana’s position in the Ministry. She was indeed in an excellent position to assist her with her connections with the Ministry of Magic itself and Interpol. ”You want me to help you…betray Elaine?” Ana asked, her eyes never leaving the woman’s. Would Ivy have come to Ana had she not volunteered herself for the same cause? But also, Ana had a thought—what if this was some kind of trap. An intentional leak. If Aurors and agents were mobilized to the Chamber of Secrets and there was nothing there, then Ana would have just blown her cover.

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[IVY BURKE]

Growing more and more desperate by the second, Ivy's words came out like a tidal wave. She shared with Ana her fears that Elaine would make an attack, perhaps as more of a statement than anything. That her students lives were being put at risk for really no reason at all. Elaine didn't care about the innocent bystanders who's precious lives she would cut short. Her breath came in short gasps, her eyes widened in a wild look. Ana asked if Elaine was planning something similar to... something. She wasn't sure what, but surely she would mention the carriage explosion from the Triwizard Tournament or King's Cross or the Quidditch Final... even though Elaine was miles cleverer than anyone Ivy had ever met, she was growing predictable.

"Yes. I think there will be an explosion or something that will take out much of the Hogwarts population. Just to send a message to the Ministry or whoever is against her that she can do as she pleases and she is unstoppable and it would be better to heed to her wishes than rain more destruction upon the magical community," said Ivy hurriedly. Ana asked who else knew - and even Ivy couldn't confidently answer that. "I don't really know. She's very secretive, never puts all her eggs in one basket. I bet the inner circle knows... but very limited. I don't think even I was supposed to know, but I was summoned to give my opinions on certain aspects of wizarding genealogy and managed to recognise the place," said Ivy.

Flinching at Ana's perception that she was betraying Ivy, she paused before replying. "Betraying... I don't know," said Ivy with a frown, finally releasing the front of Ana's robes. "I just want to protect the students at all costs. They are as much a part of the magical world as you or I. They've not done anything wrong, please, Ana," said Ivy. "If I didn't think this was a legitimate concern, I wouldn't voice it. And I'm scared. What if Elaine finds out? Can you teach me occlumency? But... but I'd rather die than let those students suffer," said Ivy, her voice growing stronger as she realised she would in fact gladly lay her life on the line if it meant the continued magical education and teaching of acceptance for all young witches and wizards. They had been the one who had never questioned Ivy's identity. It did not matter to the wizarding community if you were black or white, male or female, born in the correct gender or not or somewhere in between. All that mattered was one's capacity to do magic. "Please, Ana. What can we do to save them?"

anastasia marie karkaroff

[anastasia marie karkaroff]

I can't resolve this empty story

I can't repair the damage done

May 12, 2026
IVY BURKE

It was the nature of the job. Working for the Ministry of Magic and Interpol, the lines between right and wrong were clearly drawn and written out even if real-life hardly supported the same conclusion at times. Her work was unsanctioned, but it would hopefully lead to justice where the ‘good guys’ won. Still, the past few months had been a constant series of forks in the road. Ana walked a careful path, patiently finding her way through that minefield, and from where she stood now, it seemed she was successful.

The fact that Ivy, a Purifier, was concerned about Elaine’s actions told Ana that the organization was not as strong as she might have thought. Or perhaps Ivy was not as close to her as previously assumed. The obvious answer was ‘yes’. Ana would drop everything and sprint to Bianca’s office and send a message to Harry with the news, but in the back of her mind, she could almost hear her brother’s voice—that familiar tone of suspicion and cynicism that guided their path. If this was a trap and Ana played along too well—that would undoubtedly blow her cover. Why would a new recruit be so eager to take down Elaine and help what was essentially a coup?

So there was an inner circle, then who else was in it? ”Inner circle?” She asked as though thinking out loud, but perhaps Ivy knew the answer. She swallowed hard, maintaining her expression though inside, she shared the same fears. ”Even the mudbloods?” Despite her blood status, Ana detested the word ‘mudblood’. It was crude and a connection to a past she wanted nothing to do with. She felt as though she was walking a tightrope. One step could throw off the balance and either leads to Ivy disappearing or taking matters into her own hands—risking the students' lives or even Ana’s own demise. Ana turned and faced away, considering her options.

After a few moments, she turned back around, the same focus in her eyes. ”You know I have to ask, Ivy. How do you know you aren’t lying to me?.”

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[IVY BURKE]

Ana was suspicious - and rightfully so. Ivy had cemented her loyalty to Elaine years ago as her professor, and had been instrumental in recruitment. She had known Elaine since she was a teen, had watched her grow and shape her ideas before they became twisted and misled. But this... this was a step too far. But why should Ivy betray Elaine? And why to a prominent ministry official? Well, Ivy had recruited Ana to the cause months ago - she hadn't yet been twisted by the murderous ways of the organisation. Did Ivy believe in the Purifiers ultimate goal - to instate wizarding rule over the near feral muggles? Yes. But it didn't mean killing everyone who got in the way. Especially not students.

Ivy's dark eyes sparkled with tears as she tried to hurriedly explain the situation to Ana, who kept her face a mask. "Yes... yes even mudbloods. They can't choose their parentage - they're still magic," she gasped. "Please, Ana. You're the only one I can trust. We've known each other for so long - you know what I've been through. How I've always been looked down upon. I don't want them to die, they're all going to die," she moaned, her head tilting back as the tears flowed freely now.

Abruptly, Ivy took a step back, a wild look about her. "I have to go. I have to get back, I have to warn McGonagall. I have to save them, I have to save them," said Ivy, sounding almost insane. She felt her mind unravelling with each moment that passed. "Ana please," she pleaded once more. "I need to stop Elaine from destroying hundreds of innocent lives." She turned, reaching wildly for the door handle, desperate to do what she could, losing all the control she had so carefully crafted from a young age.

anastasia marie karkaroff

[anastasia marie karkaroff]

I can't resolve this empty story

I can't repair the damage done

May 12, 2026
IVY BURKE

The emotion in Ivy’s eyes was evident. Ana knew how to read people, and she believed that she’d grown rather good at it. A life being trained for Pureblood social situations, reading intentions, and learning to doubt everyone in her life ingrained in her by her mother and brother. Occlumency training had been that last bit of control she’d needed to master, though it did nothing for what Cas called her ‘tendency to act on impulse’. Ana didn’t see it. She was patient compared to most, even if not next to him.

But then Ivy brought up a good point, a very valid point. Ivy’s life had not been easy, though for different reasons than Ana’s. And despite their different views on society and where they stood on that moral scale Ana could sympathize with living a life where everybody was trying to shove you into some mold or definition. This is what you are and what are you supposed to be because it just is this way. The idea truly was one way to hit a nerve with Ana. Even now, she pushed back against such ideas, and any actions she took were for a purpose she had chosen, even if it was for her family at times.

It made Ana more confident in Ivy’s presence here, though the doubt had not completely left her. And Ana didn’t want students to die any more than Ivy did or any person she knew for that matter, regardless of blood status. In these battles, they fought with their wits, words, and wands. The innocent were off-limits. ”Wait.” Ana took rapid steps forward and placed her hand on Ivy’s arm to stop her. Her face was still stoic, but she couldn’t help the anxiety she was now feeling. ”If what you are saying is true, you don’t want to start a panic.” Chaos would undoubtedly make the situation worse. Ana paused. ”We’ve known each other a long time, Ivy. If you trust me, allow me a day or two to properly look into this. You know Elaine better than I do, but she’s not one to hesitate.” She gave Ivy a serious look. One wrong move at this point, and Ivy’s desperate plea for help will have been for nothing.

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[IVY BURKE]

Try as she might, the facade of calm and collection Ivy always wore crumbled around her at the prospect of the destruction of the place she had called home for years. Hogwarts, though frozen and isolated, had become a place of refuge for her, where she could be accepted for being Ivy, and not the memory of... the other person she had never truly been. Not only that, but Hogwarts was a place of learning. Not one of destruction. And Elaine was determined that she should be able to control it all.

Despite Ivy's pureblood upbringings and subsequent world view, she did not want to kill innocent magical students. How could she get Ana to see that? A strong, capable young woman who she'd known since childhood. Despite growing up on opposite sides of the globe, Ivy and Ana had gotten along better than most pureblood children, especially with their studious manner.

Ivy felt her countenance slip further. She was wasting time - if Ana would help her, she would have agreed by now. And why should she? She was a new member of the Purifiers, and surely a betrayal of their leader surely was not the best way to get deeper into the organisation. Ivy made to leave the room, to start with preparations to organise the children to save as many as she could. Tears streamed down her cheeks, but Ana called her back. She turned back, her shining eyes landing on her old friend. She nodded once. "She also is one to think through her plans. But this doesn't seem to be well thought through." With that, Ivy lowered her head slightly, and showed herself out of the office.

[end Ivy]

[anastasia marie karkaroff]

I can't resolve this empty story

I can't repair the damage done

May 12, 2026
IVY BURKE

Time. That was all Ana needed. If Ivy jumped too early, this golden opportunity that Ana had been waiting for would have been worth nothing. Even worse, it could cost many lives. Ivy agreed, but Ana still needed to think. All this time she’d known the Burke family, she’d never gotten confirmation that any of them were Purifiers aside from Ivy recently. And since Ana prided herself on reading people so well, Ana knew she couldn’t just run to Bianca’s office just yet. Was there something she was missing?

The lack of faith from such a faithful follower gave Ana more confidence in what she was being told. Through Ouroboros and the Order, they knew of all Elaine’s past deeds. However insane the plans have been, and yet she’d had an utterly loyal following always. Minions at her disposal to do her bidding without question. Ivy left her office, and Ana waited a moment, locking the door to her office and beginning to pace as she tried to think through different angles. What was she missing?

It felt like hours might have passed, though she didn’t want to think about time or the lack thereof. Finally, she gathered the strewn papers on the table where she’d been working earlier. All her notes, all her observations, and points from conversations the past few months. Everything. Ana felt confident that there was something to look into here, but she was too close to the problem. A second set of eyes would be needed. Placing the paperwork neatly in a folder, she charmed it so it would not open if she dropped it on accident, not that the situation was likely, and made her way quickly to Bianca’s office. Surely she was still there at this late hour.

[ end ]

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