stripped bare; by the curse of plenty

[x-achillesashes-x]

miragoshawk​:

   Perhaps it was foolish to head to the ministry when things were no doubt in upheaval, but Miranda had always sought to keep her commitments, and she had reluctantly agreed to drop off some paperwork to the education secretary, a very brief explanation documenting her intentions with her school book. She’d promised to do it right after the New Year, and so there she was, heading into the Ministry despite the chaos. Her senses were heightened, eyes scanning the entryway for any sign of trouble. There were too many people here for it being such an intense time, but Mira intended to be in and out as quickly as possible.

    That was until Achilles snapped at her. Her eyes narrowed, frown deepening. It was different to see him this way, after New Years had been so very different. “You want to try again?” Miranda pressed, lips pressed together in a frown though she moved to the left anyway, understanding he was no doubt under an intense amount of stress. “Achilles,” She added, softer, “It’s good to see you,” She admitted, thankful to know he was alright in all this mess, even if he was clearly in a mood. “Are you alright?” She added, hoping to give him the opportunity to vent if he needed it. 

Very few people could ever put him in his place. Or, at least make him see that perhaps a path he was heading down was perhaps a bit too much Louisiana male and not civilised Government worker. Achilles would never admit that Mira had that power to make him reconsider his actions so quickly. No one, with exception of his mother, had even come close in nearly fifteen years. Not since Audrey, who’d been her own brand of fire cracker and strong enough to even make Achilles heel when needed.

But still, now, with his blood still rushing and the itch to get out there and start crushing skulls and spitting blood faded the moment she spoke and he bit on his tongue to stop him arguing back straight away. Through his distraction, he’d stopped seeing faces and just blurs and he cleared his throat, eyes narrowed still slightly but he took a breath. “I’m sorry, ma’m. Tensions are high, but it’s good to see you.” he replied, tone less gravelly than before. On instinct, his hand reached out and grabbed her elbow -nicely- to move them out of direct sight in the corridor and into one of the smaller alcoves.

He couldn’t show weakness or distraction, not when eyes were everywhere. But at least here he could will his temper down and stare into the eyes of Mira and simply breathe.

“I’m fine, okay, just give me a minute.” he murmured, hand remaining on her elbow as his other settled on her waist as he used her to ground himself further. He wasn’t, no one was fine, but it would be enough for now. At least until the rage had moved past him and he could give her a proper answer.

[x-achillesashes-x]

location: ministry of magic with: open!

His night had been great, the morning even better- especially when he woke up tangled in the sheets with a certain woman who had driven him up the wall with in frustration in every sense. To get to enjoy the full night off had been a luxury and a blessing, and like most blessings- came with the eventual cold awakening of tragedy. The warm, relaxed feeling he had felt was long gone, even though it had been hours ago and instead he found himself suited and booted in his uniform once more and listening to the crisis talks from the Ministry. 

It was a shock to the community, word was spreading fast and all aurors, hit wizards and international transfers had been called in. Orders were given left, right and centre and he’d left clutching his missions with a look of intense ferocity. Achilles felt like he had been transported back, his adrenaline shot in the high numbers and blood boiling at the idea of intentional murder. He’d battled one war, was this finally the beginning of another? As he marched through the Ministry building, his path was blocked by another figure and he huffed angrily, trying to side step.

“It’s very simple, move left or right-” his tone showed he was not in the mood to be messed with. 

[winchvster]

Stay with me.

[x-achillesashes-x]

miragoshawk​:

   He was angry, of course she could see that plainly on his face, and in the tone of voice. On one hand, she understood his anger well. She’d cost him whatever lead he’d managed to find and no doubt it had taken time to find the lead and pursue it, but it wasn’t her fault. She’d been minding her own business, he was too close for comfort and one simply couldn’t be too cautious these days. He should have been more stealthy. Her lips twisted into a scowl as he growled at her, accusing her of losing the asset. “Oh I’m so very sorry that I’ve become paranoid!” She snapped, cheeks flushing bright pink as the truth tumbled from her lips. “I have good reason to be overly cautious these days, you may not have meant me any harm but others do.” She insisted, thoughts wandering to the letters once more, and to Alastor Moody, and the not-so-subtle encouragement from the Ministry to parrot approved words. She didn’t mean to give so much away, but it was said now, and couldn’t be recalled. Others did mean her harm, she was well aware of the fact. 

     Of course she’d put the pieces together that he worked for the Ministry when he mentioned losing the asset, but her stomach sunk further at the sight of his badge flashing before her. He was on loan from MACUSA. His business was classified. Of course there were a few careers that could fit such a bill and send him into the field, auror being one of them, possibly an unspeakable, or any of the sciences really. Studies often took people out of the office and into the world, after all. Her heart rabbited as he kept hold of her wand. She wouldn’t calm until it was returned to her. Her anger remained as he spoke, frustration coiling in her veins. “I don’t attack people unprovoked,” She pressed, her hand still extended for her wand. 

    “I told you, I have good reason to be paranoid, as you say. I hadn’t meant to complicate your business, I was only keeping myself safe. I won’t apologize further for doing so, even in calmer times, women must always respond to those unwelcome feelings in our guts. I was being followed, whether you meant to follow me, or he meant to follow me. It’s not unreasonable to respond accordingly.” Subconsciously her free hand moved to cross over her stomach, protectively as her eyes lifted to his. Even now she was unsteady, breaths too uneven. She just needed her wand back, then she’d be able to calm down fully. 

I don’t attack people unprovoked. It was a statement which made him raise an eyebrow. Isn’t that what she just attempted to do not a mere few minutes ago? If he hadn’t reacted as fast as he did, she could’ve indeed cursed him or hexed him. Who’d of known but he found it oddly amusing. If not cute. She could handle herself, he respected that. 

“And you can have your wand back, as soon as you answer me one question. Which is, why did you think I was following you? Or why anyone would be following you?” he had to ask, it would be remiss if he didn’t in his position. People only got paranoid for attack when they had done something, witnessed something or pissed someone off and he was innately curious in the inventor of spells just who had gotten her to the state. 

“You’re lucky I’m also in a slight forgiving mood and not arresting you for hindering a Ministry investigation. And if you’re expecting me to apologise for defending myself, then I’m afraid we’re going to be here for a very long time.” 

[x-achillesashes-x]

miragoshawk​:

    Wandless magic. There was little Miranda could do as the auror raised his voice, commanding her wand to his hand. She watched as it flew from her hand, right into his waiting grasp. Her stomach tightened, heart thumping wildly in her chest. She knew him, from their brief conversation over food and drink, but she didn’t truly know him. Not only that, but had he meant to hurt her, she would’ve succumbed to it so easily. She’d been more distracted than she realized, to let her wand go so easily. Then, he was extremely talented if he was performing such spells without use of a wand, wasn’t he? 

    She watched as he looked past her. She turned, seeing nothing amiss up ahead save for patrons navigating the alley. Mira turned back, frown deepening as she held out her hand expectantly. “My wand, sir.” She insisted, voice firm. She wasn’t going to continue a conversation without the security of her wand back in her hand, though little good that had done her moments before. She didn’t want to dwell too long on the hypothetical. He hadn’t hurt her, even he’d taken control of her wand. 

    Mira inhaled through her nose to calm her breathing, before continuing her own questioning. “Why were you following me? If you didn’t want a wand in your face you shouldn’t have snuck up on me like that. It’s dangerous these days, or are you not familiar with our current state of affairs?” She huffed, scowl marring her beautiful features. She didn’t think she was very pretty when she was pissed off. “You’re not just a food critic from America, are you, Mr. Tolliver?” She pressed, suspicion growing.

His first mistake, revealing that in a place such as this. But it had been on instinct, too many battles, the terror and adrenaline from war, he was programmed by the years spent fighting to react as such. But he remembered it wasn’t common over here. If anything, it could be regarded suspicious. And his target was gone, there was no hope to catch up with him, especially if he had witnessed Miranda stopping him. It would take days, if not a couple of weeks to get a new routine followed. And it showed in how his eyebrows were furrowed and the deep intensity of his breathing, stifling down the anger wanting to escape. 

Despite her asking, he kept it in his hand as his eyes surveyed her quickly. He would give it back, after he deemed her safe enough and not tempted to curse him. And he couldn’t help but shoot her a chilly look as she assumed his reason for being near her. “Excuse me?” he countered, letting out a snort of derision. “I happen to know exactly the state of affairs on this bleak little island. However, you were not the person I was tailing. I didn’t even know it was you from behind. And now thanks to your paranoia, I’ve lost a valuable asset to the Ministry.” he growled, digging his hand into his robes to remove a black and gold leather card carrier. 

“No, I never said I was either. All you need to know is I’m here on a secondment from Macusa. My business is classified.”  he was quick to flash the badge, nestled alongside his ministry ID. “I’m no threat to you, so if I give your wand back I’ll remind you it is a criminal offence to attack a Ministry official, ma’m.”

[x-achillesashes-x]

twcntythrcc​:

“You sure, mate?” Pod asked, hoping the man would reconsider. “Nobody seems all that interested in the hats in this part of town, guess the boss was right,” Pod admitted with a shrug, gesturing with head and hand for the walk-in to follow them to a free chair. “Anyways, I’m Podric, but you can call me Bat, why don’t you come on back? Don’t suppose you’re interested in additional, temporary colour wax?” The question came with a chuckle, twenty three pushing the limits as always, but doing it with a good natured smile, and meaning no harm. “I do have excellent shaving balm, though, I make it myself, and it’s been a best seller since my arrival on the premises. We don’t even use the old house stuff anymore – and I know that sounds braggy, I hate it, but I’m also just really proud of that. I do also have the Potter one, though, if you’d prefer a more known name.”

He wasn’t anti-Christmas. How could he be with children? But the idea of wearing the hat, for a time when he wasn’t giving in to the innocent lie told to children about Father Christmas didn’t seem right to him. Wearing a santa hat just felt too close to home so he simply smiled politely. “It’s not really my colour, let’s say that. But thank you, uh, Bat.” odd nickname, but he supposed was fitting for their world. The idea of temporarily colouring his hair briefly crossed his mind. But the strong sense of propriety and work ethic had him shaking his head. “Maybe another time, even if it would be amusing I suppose.” he must sound boring, was he boring? “But I do like the idea of the balm, I’m not overly knowledgable of products over here but I can take your word for it, and I’m always for enterpise, so consider me sold young man.” 

[x-achillesashes-x]

miragoshawk​:

    Miranda relaxed only a little at the sight of Achilles. He was far from the worst choice to spot her practicing her spell. They’d gotten along very well the past few times they’d interacted, even when he’d taken her wand from her hand in such a skilled manner. He was alluring, and damn her sense of self-preservation, she’d fallen for it hook, line, and sinker. He was calming in an odd way, for someone so stoic and talented. He exuded confidence, but not arrogance, and Miranda knew that spoke to her very soul. She loved a capable man, what could she say? 

    Still, she hadn’t intended for anyone to see her spell. It was private in a sense. Beyond that, her mind had moved already into the thoughts of others. Would they look at her spell and think it childish? Or would they wonder how it could be used to bring nightmares to life? It saddened her that she even considered what she did, but it felt necessary these days. She wanted to quiet those thoughts instead, softening at his offer to accompany her. He didn’t seem worried or concerned about her spell making, thank Merlin. 

     “I’d like that very much,” She confessed, shoulders easing some as she relaxed. “It’s good to see you Achilles,” She added, hoping to steer the conversation away from what he’d just witnessed in favor of anything else. “I hope you don’t mind me immediately hoping to pick your brain as we walk?” She added, questions rushing to mind. “I can’t pass up the opportunity to ask you about your holiday traditions,” She explained, cheeks flushing, and not from the cold. “If you’ll indulge me, pretty please?” She added as she slid her hand over his arm, settling into place at his side. 

He was glad she took his offer the first time, it meant he didn’t have to push harder to get her to agree. And he would’ve, it certainly wasn’t safe for anyone to be alone nowadays. Even if he was still unsure about her. As she took his arm,he smiled. “It’s always good to see you also, Miranda.” and he meant it. For a woman he had intentionally sought out to question and investigate, it was strange that he loved her company more than he intended. “And pick away, I’m happy to tell you anything.” okay, perhaps not everything, but holiday traditions were a safe topic. 

As they began to walk towards the village path he kept his eyes ahead and gaze focused on their peripheal for anything untoward. However he couldn’t stop thinking about what he witnessed. “And I have a condition for asking- that I get to ask you about what I just saw. Do you always practice spells in secret or in dangerous places?” he didn’t even give her a chance to agree or disagree, perhaps that was rude but he also knew she was interested in him and where he came from. So forgive him for using it for his advantage. 

[museinspo]

“Sometimes I touch the things you used to touch, looking for echoes of your fingers.”

— Iain Thomas, I Wrote This For You (via wordsnquotes)

[darkhawk1126]

[twcntythrcc]

OPEN || Beard Trimming (the barbershop in Knockturn)

“Hey, thanks for coming in today, did you have an appointment?” Bat wasn’t partaking in the festivities, not just yet – Bat still had a few hours left on the clock today, but come afternoon, the flighty twenty third Podworthy was going to be ready to roam. For now, he was ready to get on with it. “Looking for a shave today? We’re giving away Santa hats with every beard trim, it’s a heck of a deal, I wouldn’t pass on it!”

[x-achillesashes-x]

His beard was getting unruly, the hours he had been putting in were beginning to take his toll. He’d already had to sacrifice his dreads the first month he was here, not trusting a single place over on the island to get it right. And now his beard was outgrowing it’s unique intentional design. So what best way to spend his morning taking the time for some decent grooming. Especially if it meant the chance of meeting some interesting new female faces. And to be faced with a very exuberant young man was not something he had bargained for. Never the less, someone had to be overly cheerful between them and he let out a ‘hmpff’ of amusement. “Perhaps you can keep the hat, but the trim I will take. I’ll even throw in some extra if you have some decent shave balm.” 

[miragoshawk]

Hogsmeade Village, just on the edge | open starter 

   Perhaps it was foolish, or risky, or maybe even brave in some small fashion, but Miranda couldn’t help herself regardless. Putting action to the thoughts swirling in her brain was damn near addictive, and the impulse to act on them never lessened, no matter how she squashed it down. She lifted her wand, wetting her lips before murmuring the incantation, her wand swishing elegantly through the air. She watched in delight as the products of her imagination came dancing across the light dusting of snow. The charm worked similarly to a patronus, though instead of protecting the caster, this charm served to delight and entertain even in times of calm and security. 

     She watched as the blueish figures performed for her, a tiny ballerina and the clunky movements of a nutcracker soldier, poised for battle the both of them. Her grin broadened at the success, her attention entirely focused on the figures. It required the caster to stay focused, to think of the story they wished to see come to life. The sound of footsteps, too heavy for her enchanted dancers, had her eyes lifting, the figures stumbling and disappearing as her focus faltered. She swallowed, fingers tightening on her wand for a moment before slipping it back away. “I was just heading into the village. Lovely night, isn’t it?” She greeted, uncertain what had been witnessed. 

[x-achillesashes-x]

He’d finally managed to make it to Hogsmeade. And it wasn’t for a lack of trying, his work kept him confined to wizarding London and there was something so quaint and peaceful in the small school village. And for once, he was officially off the clock. At least in the being paid sense. But that didn’t stop him from being actively present in watching for any potential danger or threat. It was his walk on the outside perimeter which brought him to Mira. No matter where he was or what he was doing, somehow he always found himself near her in some capacity. But he couldn’t help but stop in his tracks and watch with interest as she worked. 

The spell inventor truly was magical, in every sense of the pun and despite his misgivings he still felt for the witch who had inadvertently helped Grindelwald, he had to respect her talent. It was beautiful, for the few seconds it lasted and he almost felt guilty for disturbing her. He was still looking in the place where the small figures had been performing before her words dragged his attention up and he cleared his throat. 

“Uh, very lovely.” he replied, feeling a slight awkwardness between them. Was he not supposed to see this? In his mind, it only made it fair between them now he had seen her skill and she had seen his a week back in Knockturn. “Can I accompany you?” he asked, not entirely okay with the idea of her walking alone. 

[miragoshawk]

    Mira had noted far too often lately that she’d developed a habit of looking over her shoulder. It wasn’t her fault, she’d had visits from aurors, after all, and she was beginning to anticipate visits from other powerful individuals as well. It didn’t help that she was currently traversing through Knockturn Alley. She’d tried to avoid the area as of late, not wishing to give anyone any reason to be suspicious of her. It was exhausting to second guess her every move, but it was the reality she currently occupied. All she needed was a few pesticides, flesh-eating slug repellent for one. People too often forgot that she loved herbology almost as much as she loved charms. Lately she couldn’t seem to bring herself to write much in focus of the latter, but the former? Perhaps she could focus on that and her quill would cooperate. 

      She knew all too well that it was wishful thinking, but she was going stir crazy from the lack of writing. She hadn’t had such a drought since she was fourteen. She needed to write for her own sake. She kept her head down, navigating the narrow alley as innocently as she could manage. Her irritation grew as she kept walking, the voice in the back of her mind chastising her for giving in to rumor and whisper. She knew where she stood, what did it matter what others thought? But she couldn’t shake the feeling that someone was watching her, and not with passing interest either. 

      The witch frowned, glancing once more over her shoulder. People milled about, some speaking to each other over sales in hushed voices, but there was nothing awry, nothing to give credence to the gooseflesh on her arms. She watched a moment longer before starting forward again, nearing her destination. She felt it again, and stopped, whirring around faster this time, her wand drawn. “What do you want?” She snapped, certain there was someone following her now, even if they’d yet to make themselves known. Merlin help her, people were going to think she’d truly lost it. 

[x-achillesashes-x]

Navy robes swished across the grimy cobbles, hood up and covering his face the man marched down the alley. He brushed past patrons without a care, after all it seemed manners mattered so little down in the darker, gloomier street as he kept his tail on the man ahead. The Ministry had tasked him in bringing him in, for questions on illicit Peruvian Darkness Powder being distributed, but instead of the usual effect of instant darkness, users were suffering from blindness and hallucinations. It had taken him only a couple of days to figure out the pattern of the man and he seemed to be a regular customer at Borgin and Burkes. 

So intent on his mission, he barely registered Miranda up ahead, looking back over her shoulder. Maybe it was error on his part, as he was certain his demeanor certainly meant trouble with the way he stalked down the street. But the man he wanted was quickening his pace and Achilles hastened his, he couldn’t let him out of his sight. But then someone blocked his path, and without question at the wand directed at him his hand raised- “Expelliarmus!” 

His voice echoed throughout the alley as the wand flipped into his hand from the wandless spell and he lifted up his hood to see the woman he had been so studiously investigating privately. “What?” he questioned before the momentary surprise lifted, he looked over her shoulder to see the man was gone and he growled in frustration. 

“Shit.” 

[x-achillesashes-x]

miragoshawk​:

   Miranda laughed, nodding, “or at least to the server,” She gestured, lifting her chin in the direction of the server who seemed personally offended by Achilles pushing his plate aside, uneaten and unappreciated. She didn’t blame him at all, given that she’d never enjoyed the taste herself. “You should, the crumpet itself is very nice, but I agree with marmite being rather difficult to digest. I’m told it’s an acquired taste, but I’ve lived here all my life and have yet to acquire it.” She teased, finding it easier to chat with him now that he was through making faces at the food. That, and she welcomed an opportunity to discuss culture. She’d always been fascinated by places, people, and the things that made them unique. 

    “That sounds delicious,” She confessed, stomach grumbling unbidden at the description. It made her mouth water to think about it. She could imagine the mix of flavor and spice, warm and filling in the best way. It sounded like the type of food you went home stuffed with, but wished you could steal just one more bite of anyway. “What are calas?” She asked, eager to learn more. It wasn’t a word she was familiar with. For a moment, her worthless quill and blank notebook were forgotten. It was a welcome shift. “The breakfast is fine, the cinnamon apples here are delicious if you actually eat them when they’re warm,” She confessed, “I’ve just not had much of an appetite. I’m trying to get some work done, and I find my mind an unwilling participant in my plans,” She laughed, putting it mildly. “I don’t think we’ve had the pleasure of meeting,” She added, hoping to move on from her lack of eating and frustrations of “work”. She held offered her hand to shake, smiling, “Miranda Goshawk.” She introduced. 

He grinned in agreement, casting a look to the server which was half amusement and half apologetic before turning his attention back to the woman. It seemed almost too easy, the way she had engaged in his conversation but Achilles would not look a gifthorse in the mouth. If anything, it just made it easier for him to conduct himself. Perhaps she wasn’t used to people paying her attention? He would easily play it to his advantage. 

He turned his body fully in her direction, leaning his side onto the chair as he relaxed his stance. Body language being open meant being comfortable and his second step was engaging the target to be equally comfortable. “Calas?” he questioned back, letting out a dark chuckle. “Calas are simple yet heavenly. Small balls of fried rice, eggs, sugar, and batter. Fry them up with some powdered sugar on top or even a chili chocolate dipping sauce and it’s one of the best starts to the day.” he loved the food back home. Everything here was almost simple in comparison. Barely any spices or colours, he’d almost pay someone to bring cuisine over here. It would at least make his stay more hospitable. 

As she held out her hand, Achilles leant over to take it within his own and shook it warmly, yet firmly. He casually looked her up and down with a interested expression. “Lovely name-” he complimented. “-Achilles Tolliver. And no, I do not have a weakness in my heel.” he added with a smirk. He withdrew his hand and indicated to her plate once more. “Consider me intrigued with the apples. Are you willing to help a man expand his pallet? Perhaps we could share and in return I could help you with your work issue?” Step Three: Friendly invitation. 

[x-achillesashes-x]

miragoshawk​:

    “I don’t, personally.” Miranda clarified, watching the American’s very obvious distaste for the crumpet and marmite. Miranda was a fan of crumpets, but far preferred them with jam to marmite. Still, she thought he was being very dramatic. If he didn’t have an interest in the food, why bother with it? Nobody was holding him at wand point, forcing him to sample the treat. Normally she wouldn’t mind the dramatics, but today she just didn’t feel up to it. She wanted to eat in peace, but then, she should have known better than to bring her notebook with her if that had been her honest goal. 

       She reached to lift her teacup to her lips, savoring the tea despite it being a bit too cool now for her liking. A quietly murmured warming spell fixed that with little issue, as she ignored her own breakfast. It was simple, just toast with butter, some warm cinnamon apples, and breakfast sausage. She glanced back at him, voice friendly enough despite her rather sour mood. She’d been trying to write all morning but her quill sat in it’s place, untouched, as did the ink pot she’d chosen. “I’d recommend the crumpet with jam, if the marmite’s not to your taste. That’s how I prefer mine.” She added, admittedly curious about what he typically ate instead. Were it not for his accent, she’d have never guessed he was foreign, but well, it was a dead give away, and Merlin was it appealing.  “What would you have instead, given the choice?” She couldn’t pass up the opportunity to nudge, at least a little. 

He had gone with the servers recommendation and although this seemed to be a norm for British people, he considered it too much of a taste bud risk and decieded it was not for him. He pushed it to the side, giving it one last look of reproach as he turned his attentions to the woman sat on the next table. His first step in the plan had gone off without a hitch. Step 1: Initiate conversation. Successful with his comments of breakfast, it had opened up the line of communication and given him a easy set up to continue it as if it were just a stranger to stranger conversation. 

“Perhaps it is best left to the natives, hmm?” he queried, with a small, amused smile. His fingers played with the rim of his coffee cup as he looked at her breakfast with pretend curiosity. “With jam you say? Well, I certainly will try that the next time.” he added, taking his own sip of bitter coffee. He savored the taste, tongue darting out to lick his lip at the stray droplet remaining. “If I had the choice, I most certainly would go for Andouille Couche-Couche. Sausage, peppers, onions, spice and corn- breakfast for champions. Maybe some calas for after. All very hearty food, ma’m I can assure you.” he mentioned with apparent genuine pride of his heritage cuisine. “What about you? You’ve hardly touched yours, is it also not to your liking?” 

[toastbutteregg]

[x-achillesashes-x]

Achilles had experienced many things in the field. Trauma, death, mystery, the in-explainable, danger, birth, new life- the list was endless, his knowledge of things would rival even the most esteemed academic. But this? This was something he had never encountered. Never even considered could be a thing. An evil that even Achilles didn’t think he could vanquish. 

And it stared up at him, like some tormenting ghoul, covered in slime and oozing a smell he wasn’t sure would ever be palatable. His eyes narrowed at such a thing, hand armed with his sword, ready for the kill. 

“What are you?” he whispered, bringing his sword down to press against the abomination. It oozed further as it was cut and he recoiled a little. And it’s name. Where did it get such a name? It sounded like a relative of the crumple-horned snorkack. If it existed in the first place.

This crumpet would be the death of him, he was sure. And the brown, salty monstrosity on top of it would be written on his death certificate. 

“You eat this....for fun?” he asked, unamused. 

[678i0u]