The office was sparse save for the always present and two most necessary pieces. The perch and bird cage for Jasper's raven and the almost over-sized and multi-drawered desk gifted to him by an infamous Mexican seer. Upon it, a crystal ball clenched inside a bronze eagle talon stand beside a calender and dirty, tattered books. The old seers personal almanacs he'd kept since his teen-aged years and before. The wizard's love of reading and books apparent also upon the desk as it manifested in stacks upon stacks of leather and parchment. He did have a family, but there were no photos anywhere of Heather and their daughter to be found upon the desk.

There was a multitude of seating, however. As if the wizard regularly maintained company or hosted large get togethers. And it was for the most part, mostly dark and mostly silent within the confines of Jazzy Mitty's office, though shoved in the corner, way off to the side was the old hoofer's refuge in the form of a Wizards Wireless set. He liked to listen to the old Celestina Warbeck vintage hour.

The door to Jasper's office opened and on the other side of it was a Simon Bennett. Jasper sat behind his desk and wearing a smile, but without looking up from his paperwork he greeted the younger wizard. "Good to see you, Simon. Please come in and sit down." He said as if he'd been expecting the auror this whole time. He hadn't, actually. And didn't actually know for a fact that it was Simon, having not looked up before speaking. He was gambling on a long-shot that he'd be right. He was not disappointed when he looked up and saw the young man before him.
"How are you? And, what'd you think of the celebration and Sherman Clark being our new minister?"

Quote:

Originally Posted by SlytherinSistah

The door to Jasper's office opened and on the other side of it was a Simon Bennett. Jasper sat behind his desk and wearing a smile, but without looking up from his paperwork he greeted the younger wizard. "Good to see you, Simon. Please come in and sit down." He said as if he'd been expecting the auror this whole time. He hadn't, actually. And didn't actually know for a fact that it was Simon, having not looked up before speaking. He was gambling on a long-shot that he'd be right. He was not disappointed when he looked up and saw the young man before him.
"How are you? And, what'd you think of the celebration and Sherman Clark being our new minister?"

Was he becoming predictable? Did it seem like the man had been expecting him to be the one coming to see him? Simon hadn't sent notice and all he had said to the interface was the request to get to the other man's office. Odd...he hadn't been aware of any vocal reconizition, but he supposed it was possible. Level 9 was the floor where the most unusual and unexpected things came out of. "And you as well," he returned as he obediently came inside the office, the younger man truly glad for at least one constant in the realm of department heads this turn around.

"I'm alright. How about you?" Simon added as he took an offered seat across from Jasper, returning the favor of interest in stride. As for the top of the biggest change in the ministry... "Certainly one of the better choices." Granted not the one he had ended with but also not a bad one. And NOT a certain woman who should remain nameless.

"Couldn't agree with you more." Jasper let out a small laugh as he reached for a stack of parchment. He began lacing his fingers in with the leaflets, marking off where one form began and then another. Jasper was looking for something specific. "I had the pleasure of working with him whilst he was down here in Mysteries. Were you here at the time, Simon?" When did Simon start working for the Ministry? He was a young wizard so it couldn't have been too long.

Jasper pulled out three sheets of the same form. "Congratulations on your new Department Head by the way. What was his name? Rainey?"

Quote:

Originally Posted by SlytherinSistah

"Couldn't agree with you more." Jasper let out a small laugh as he reached for a stack of parchment. He began lacing his fingers in with the leaflets, marking off where one form began and then another. Jasper was looking for something specific. "I had the pleasure of working with him whilst he was down here in Mysteries. Were you here at the time, Simon?" When did Simon start working for the Ministry? He was a young wizard so it couldn't have been too long.

Jasper pulled out three sheets of the same form. "Congratulations on your new Department Head by the way. What was his name? Rainey?"

Minister Clark had been down in Mysteries.

Thinking back, Simon thought he may have read something along those lines. He had, after all, had to look over his file when double checking some of the security aspects of the man's new role. He might be far from a new employee of the ministry but for some reason it had been necessary like what had to be done so the security man had followed through.

But had he been around at the time? "I'm not entirely sure," he admitted, not able to connect the years himself. "Was it within the last...um...nine years?" Had it really been that long since he had started as a YATI? No wonder he felt like an old hat and an even older member of the department, what with all the newbies and recent Hogwarts graduates around.

"Um...thanks," Simon answered, trying and somewhat failing to not reveal any discomfort in the new arrangements. With the man's own orders to spy all around, he didn't exactly want it getting back to his boss that he might not like him. Though the former auror would like to think Mitterbill's office would be beyond prying ears and eyes. "Yeah...Elliot Rainey."

Jasper's brows raised, one and both at the length of tenure of the younger man. Had Simon Bennett really been there that long? That was more than twice as long as he himself had been there. The fact that Simon Bennett appeared neither crazy or bitter spoke highly of either the strength of character the wizard possessed or the fact that working at the Ministry wasn't a bad job. Jasper liked it anyhow. He hoped, with any luck to be here as long as Simon had thus far.

Jasper noted the discomfort of Simon's reaction when on to the discussion of the new department head and decided it would be more uncomfortable still to press that issue. "I think the last time I saw Sherman Clark in the Hall of Prophecy was when...I first began here. 208...2? Yes. 2082."

"But you've been here longer than that. Almost a decade! I trust you're very happy with it for the time being then. Do you have any aspirations? Not only with titles, but I mean, do you have ..." Jasper paused considering how naive this would sound, but he HAD to know. "...An arch-nemesis? Someone who has always managed to avoid capture or arrest?"

2082...

Simon had to think back to think on where exactly he had been during that year. Thankfully one, it wasn't that far back, and two, it was a year that something big had happened to him. In his job anyway. "That would be when I first started working with security alongside my auror duties," he mused, placing it in time. Jasper hadn't been department head then though if Simon remembered correctly since the year later there was another man he worked with...on the ship.

The security man nodded in confirmation of the other man's remarks. "September will be my anniversary." Back when the ministry year started in the fall. Coincidentally the date was nearly the same as the removal of the cult from the leadership which had been the celebration that started the year. "Now I am." It had been trying during the early years of course with his training to make him a bit crazy.

As for aspirations...arch-nemesis's

"I won't mind deTalone and her lawyer dealt with."

*Knock Knock Knock*

Beth knocked on Mr. Mitterball's door. She was told to come here by the end of the day. So here she was. They needed to go over security measures for the archives. She didn't want any unwanted visitors looking or stealing her beauties. So she was here. Beth normally would just barge in. Not going to lie she was really bad with that, but she had heard voices behind the scenes and Beth assumed it would be rather rude to just jump in. Who know what was going on behind there. It could be some super secret meeting!

Text Cut: Simon

Quote:

Originally Posted by Holmesian Feline

2082...

Simon had to think back to think on where exactly he had been during that year. Thankfully one, it wasn't that far back, and two, it was a year that something big had happened to him. In his job anyway. "That would be when I first started working with security alongside my auror duties," he mused, placing it in time. Jasper hadn't been department head then though if Simon remembered correctly since the year later there was another man he worked with...on the ship.

The security man nodded in confirmation of the other man's remarks. "September will be my anniversary." Back when the ministry year started in the fall. Coincidentally the date was nearly the same as the removal of the cult from the leadership which had been the celebration that started the year. "Now I am." It had been trying during the early years of course with his training to make him a bit crazy.

As for aspirations...arch-nemesis's

"I won't mind deTalone and her lawyer dealt with."

"You'll have to let me buy you a drink. You're probably the longest standing employee the Ministry has known in recent times." Department Heads having the tendency to change out more frequently.

Those were the perfect words. To Jasper, who had only been conned out of his money by a criminal in his younger years, he couldn't imagine what the terror of the young children who had encountered deTalone must have been. Although, he knew someone who could. He saw it as a terrible injustice that she'd managed to get away and was out there, willing and able to cause harm to others. He didn't tell Heather why he was subscribed to the American and Farsi newspapers, but part of it was to keep an eye out. He had a feeling she knew why. "I'd love to see you catch her and put her behind bars where she belongs."

In Jasper's mind, he lightly mulled over ways that he might be able to help his auror friend. He had tried once before, but hadn't been made aware of whether or not it was helpful. "Was it of any use? The prophecy we believed to have been about her?"

Text Cut: Beth, in possibly a different timeline?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buggy-Boo

*Knock Knock Knock*

Beth knocked on Mr. Mitterball's door. She was told to come here by the end of the day. So here she was. They needed to go over security measures for the archives. She didn't want any unwanted visitors looking or stealing her beauties. So she was here. Beth normally would just barge in. Not going to lie she was really bad with that, but she had heard voices behind the scenes and Beth assumed it would be rather rude to just jump in. Who know what was going on behind there. It could be some super secret meeting!

Approaching his office door behind Miss Greene was the department head. His hand reached for his wand and giving it a wave opened up the door for Miss Greene. "After you, Beth." He said, having gotten the door for him.
Inside there was plenty of seating, as if he regularly entertained large amounts of people. And softly in the background the wireless device on which Jasper liked to listen to the wizarding wireless network programs was broadcasting what seemed to be a talk show. Jasper lifted his wand toward the Wireless device and turned down the volume and paused, waiting for Miss Greene to be seated before taking his own.

He'd never been to any sort of finishing school or anything like that. But enough of having to act like a gentleman at what seemed an infinite number of debutant-like dances and balls made certain habits for him. That included ballroom dance protocol.

"Oh Mr. Mitterbill, hope I'm not interrupting!" Beth cried out once she saw her Department head. "Sorry it took so long for me to get here, I know you said you wanted to see me right away, but well....you know with the whole level 2 thing, and well........" Beth sort of trailed off. She was more than a little embarrassed about the whole situation. She had landed her self arrested for some silly thing or another, just because she wanted sweets. Beth was still rather bitter about the whole situation, and as for that Alexa, or whatever in the world her name was came across her again, she would rue the day!

"So anyway, you wanted to talk about security measures for the archives?" Beth shuddered to think what the state of her inbox was after all whole fiasco on level 2. "You'll forgive me Sir, if I really do not want to request the help of Magical Law Enforcement on this one." Beth would not ask that department for help if it was the last thing to do. No way would she ever trust that department again.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SlytherinSistah

"You'll have to let me buy you a drink. You're probably the longest standing employee the Ministry has known in recent times." Department Heads having the tendency to change out more frequently.

Those were the perfect words. To Jasper, who had only been conned out of his money by a criminal in his younger years, he couldn't imagine what the terror of the young children who had encountered deTalone must have been. Although, he knew someone who could. He saw it as a terrible injustice that she'd managed to get away and was out there, willing and able to cause harm to others. He didn't tell Heather why he was subscribed to the American and Farsi newspapers, but part of it was to keep an eye out. He had a feeling she knew why. "I'd love to see you catch her and put her behind bars where she belongs."

In Jasper's mind, he lightly mulled over ways that he might be able to help his auror friend. He had tried once before, but hadn't been made aware of whether or not it was helpful. "Was it of any use? The prophecy we believed to have been about her?"

Buy him a drink? That was a new one, at least from one who wasn't necessarily a direct co-worker of his. Those, like Josh and Dacs and Sabel he had casually had drinks with a number of times. Jasper was a superior in more ways than one, despite Simon's own length of employment. "Maybe sometime," he said, giving in to the offer albeit vaguely. There really wouldn't be much harm and perhaps it was proof of the acquaintance the two men had.

That was another vote for deTalone's capture. And the approval of him being the one to get her struck a cord. Simon after all had been the one who hadn't managed to catch the lawyer as the slick man got away. The former Gryffindor did his best to focus on the positive direction Jasper's words were likely meant as. So much so, he almost missed the reference to the next part of the conversation.

The prophecy?

Simon thought back, trying to remember which one he was refering to. Jasper had shared one with him? When it had dawned on him just what trace remained of the prophecy in question, he had to shrug in response at first. Divination had never been one of his strong suits. "I'm not entirely sure," the security man admitted. "No person has stuck out as the one to help arrest her."

Text Cut: Simon

Quote:

Originally Posted by Holmesian Feline

Buy him a drink? That was a new one, at least from one who wasn't necessarily a direct co-worker of his. Those, like Josh and Dacs and Sabel he had casually had drinks with a number of times. Jasper was a superior in more ways than one, despite Simon's own length of employment. "Maybe sometime," he said, giving in to the offer albeit vaguely. There really wouldn't be much harm and perhaps it was proof of the acquaintance the two men had.

That was another vote for deTalone's capture. And the approval of him being the one to get her struck a cord. Simon after all had been the one who hadn't managed to catch the lawyer as the slick man got away. The former Gryffindor did his best to focus on the positive direction Jasper's words were likely meant as. So much so, he almost missed the reference to the next part of the conversation.

The prophecy?

Simon thought back, trying to remember which one he was refering to. Jasper had shared one with him? When it had dawned on him just what trace remained of the prophecy in question, he had to shrug in response at first. Divination had never been one of his strong suits. "I'm not entirely sure," the security man admitted. "No person has stuck out as the one to help arrest her."

Was that a yes? Jasper was taking it as a yes, even if not the most enthusiastic one. Drinking was a sensitive subject for him with his less than favourable experiences from his youth. It was with help, though that Jasper was able to get and maintain control and was thus able to join in the social practice of going out for drinks. Still, he never got over-indulgent as such outings (probably a good thing) and so he felt that he understood more casual responses to the mentioning of alcohol.

"I've been thinking that the Tran prophecy was referring to a thing, rather than an actual person." And that must've sounded confusing without the prophecy right in front of them. "The 'one who is one with the enemy of time seeks her out' I thought could've been an object, perhaps one of semi-sentience that wishes to bond with her. Like a wand or maybe another object of wizard making that we might consider immortal." Diamonds were forever 'n all. "The record stated also that the seer, upon hearing the prophecy, concluded that in finding the thing in question it would ultimately lead to deTalone. But we often have over-confidence in our own abilities." And not just seers specifically, but people in general sometimes. People like deTalone who might be inclined to have a weakness. "Although, maybe there's something in that. Maybe we could find objects which might be tempting to deTalone and plant them somewhere where we know she'd come looking for them and she could be caught and put away."

Text Cut: Beth

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buggy-Boo

"Oh Mr. Mitterbill, hope I'm not interrupting!" Beth cried out once she saw her Department head. "Sorry it took so long for me to get here, I know you said you wanted to see me right away, but well....you know with the whole level 2 thing, and well........" Beth sort of trailed off. She was more than a little embarrassed about the whole situation. She had landed her self arrested for some silly thing or another, just because she wanted sweets. Beth was still rather bitter about the whole situation, and as for that Alexa, or whatever in the world her name was came across her again, she would rue the day!

"So anyway, you wanted to talk about security measures for the archives?" Beth shuddered to think what the state of her inbox was after all whole fiasco on level 2. "You'll forgive me Sir, if I really do not want to request the help of Magical Law Enforcement on this one." Beth would not ask that department for help if it was the last thing to do. No way would she ever trust that department again.

"No, not at all, Miss Greene. Please go in and have a seat." And it would only be when she did that he'd also have a seat.

"Yes, security measures." He said coming around to the area behind his desk. "The things you experienced down in Level 2 were entirely my fault. I should have better equipped you for the rigourous sort of security measures taken with our department. I could have, for example, issued you a false but entirely professional Ministry identification to show when prompted." Jasper lifted the lid off of an antique Chinese teapot and peered inside.

"The whole incident has brought to my attention the special sort of..." Don't say protection, Jasper. Whatever you do. Do NOT use the word protection. "Security needed for you and your line of work. I'd like to hammer out, with your input of course, what you think would be most helpful." He aimed his wand at the teapot and filled it with water then hit it with a heating charm.

Simon sat back in his chair and listened as Jasper went on to express his feelings of the prophecy in question. The older man no doubt having far more use and experience in the realm of divination given his position and previous line of work. He had to admit it had some merit he supposed, but still they had no object that could fall into that grouping to attract her or be drawn to her. At least of his memory of the case was up to date. The likes of Jax and Dacs and Dorian were lead officers on it.


'Well we searched her shop...and the secret lab beneath it," he remarked, thinking back to what he had participated in. The security man remembering Dorian finding the latter purely by accident, and wrecking his back because of it. "Nothing really stood out in the search. It was mostly books." Not that that didn't mean one of the books could hold the key to the prophecy's meaning.

They did have that power.

"Makes me wonder if Rainey would be interested in following up." Instead of seemingly wanting to focus on the ministry itself. It would be a far better use of their resources, even if Simon himself might be limited with his newer job perimeters.

Books. Another passion of Mitterbills. The office was clean, much to the gladness of Jasper, when Simon had come to visit. But there were times where his spined and bound friends were all about the space of his office in stacks and face down forming little, low gables. "Did you collect them? The books I mean." Jasper thought that the MLE team might have, but perhaps they would not have seen the books as anything like extraordinary and not have considered them evidence.

"It wouldn't hurt to ask. A little show of initiative from one in your department is never a bad thing." Jasper himself appreciated it, although inclined to private communication he more often asked particular Unspeakbles to join him in his office versus them seeking him out for permission from anything. H'mm. Was that a good sign or a bad one? Jasper's neurosis threatened to rear its head as he considered whether he was to firm or flimsy about his running of the department.

Simon tried to think back to the exact details of what had happened with the shop. Why did it seem like so long ago that all this had been happening? And still there hadn't been a final outcome suitable for that conieving time thief. "I believe so," the former auror finally answered the other man. Surely they would have been interested in anything and everything that had even the tiniest chance of providing an answer or two in the understanding of deTalone and her crimes.

He almost snorted as Jasper instructed him on how to handle the situation. "Believe me...initiative is not something I've lacked showing," he remarked before added to soften the way it might have sounded. "Not to sound like I am bragging." Because he wasn't...he really wasn't the type. But he wouldn't have been in security if he hadn't taken that initiative to change. Simon just wasn't sure Rainey was the type who would want to go in that direction, the man seemingly more interested keeping an eye out in-house then on actual outstanding cases that might actual benefit the attention.

Jasper felt himself immediately pull back the temptation he felt at outright ask if he could have a go at reading some of the books found at deTalone's. All of them, actually. He wanted to read all of them. Which he surprised even himself with when he considered what little mind he had towards the variant levels of darkness he might encounter within their pages.

Whoops. He hadn't meant to make the younger man think that he didn't think he showed initiative. Jasper knew that wasn't true, anyway for the number of times he'd seen Simon diligently patrolling Mysteries. Even talking to the wizard would reveal that about his character. A less involved wizard would not know even half as much as Bennett he thought. There came a small, agreeable chuckle. "Maybe you should brag. Maybe you should and then he'd double-dog-dare you to prove it. And then you would. And then he'd give you reign of cases faster than Bob'syeruncle." He was kidding. He felt, by the answer given, that Simon knew how to get what he needed but might prefer more stable methods. Harder to do with turnover.

"What was her lawyer's involvement all about?" He asked, more wondering outloud. He recalled reading about how he'd helped her get away, not that that was excusable, but he wondered if it went any deeper than that.

Beth smiled at her Department head, she liked that he was so protective of her, wait no, she didn't mean that, of the archives. She was looking at him and blushed because she had said 'her' in her head. Nope, get it together Elizabeth, it wasn't about you.

"After those events, I would have to agree that security needs to be tighten, but I don't think we can trust level 2 at the moment." Beth added thinking about to all that went on. And what a 'creepy' crawling feeling she got when those people were around her. "I think our best bet, would maybe to do a little more training with our employees, and maybe hire a few 'security' people that actually work for our department down here." Beth though about all the for a moment.

"But then again, we really only hire once a year, and I don't know if level 2 would get offended. The last thing we need is for those people to start trying to be more involved in things." Beth added, hoping again that she wasn't offending her boss, as well as realizing at the same time that she was talking ALOT......sshhhhh...now Elizabeth, she told herself. "What do you think Jasper?" Ooooopppppsss.........Beth blushed again, did she just call him by his first name??? She wasn't sure if that was appropriate or not...

No offense was taken as Jasper's light chuckle revealed though Simon did raise a slight curious eyebrow at the suggestion of bragging. It seemed the head of mysteries had the same mindset of a certain quidditch head in believe he well deserved any acknowledgement or right to brag that might come forth during his hard work. "Perhaps I'll consider it as an option, depending on how the scene comes into play." He'd be thinking on his feet based on the man's reactions.

The mention of her lawyer made Simon fight the urge to look repentant. It was him after all that had let the man literally slip through his fingers at both lawyer and client vanished from the supposedly secure courtroom. "He aided her in her escape," he answered at first, debating words to reveal what had happened. "The man managed to smuggle in two portkeys for the both of them to get past the wards when the time was right." deTalone had went first alerting all that watched that something was up but there hadn't been much time to react before Simon's charge had followed suit.

His nature was more inclusive than exclusive. But he did not blame Miss Greene a bit for her reaction after all she'd been through on Level 2. Dealing with a new member of the Law Enforcement Team and all. Miss Cambridge herself was probably very eager to prove that she was up to scratch and could do the job unrelentingly. Certainly she did. At least where Jasper was concerned.

He let Beth continue her thoughts as he opened a fragrant drawer and adding little dried leaves to the antique Chinese teapot before shutting away the drawer. It was just a pleasant thing to have one who spoke their mind so freely as the archivist. He found that he did not exactly agree perfectly with everything she said, but some of that was of course due to tenure and knowledge of how things tended to go at the Ministry. He would, though, make every effort to not make her feel wrong. This wasn't, afterall, a situation in which there was a clear avenue of what to do and what not to do. No black 'n white thinking here.

"What do I think? Well...I think it's a very good idea to tighten up our briefing period to take some extra time to address security and security matters. I would, if I could seek the aid of our own security men and women, but we do not have them. The Department of Magical Law Enforcement handles all Ministry security matters including clearance." The Department Head removed two teacups with saucers from another one of the drawers and turned them right side up prepping them to hold the tea that was still brewing. "And that might be for good reason. Adding a security team to other departments that are separate from MLE might cause conflict and aside from that mass confusion due to the need for constant and clear communication. It might create more problems than it could solve in short, but most of all, your experience aside, you'll find that other Enforcement Officers to be upstanding people."

"A hard sell. I know. After all that. The young lady whom you had the encounter with. Cambridge. She is new to the department. Perhaps she was trying to prove her dutifulness to her job." Also, did Beth catch the age of the enforcement agent? Youth often showed less mercy. "We do have officers who regularly patrol the area. One in particular I'd like for you to meet. His name is Bennett. Simon Bennett. He'd been doing it for years. Very professional. I think you'd like him. And he would be a good example of why I think it is important to work together with Law Enforcement in keeping the area safe and secure." Almost as if in sync, the teapot sang a little nightingale song indicating that the tea was brewed and the wireless device switched on of its own accord pouring jazz music through the space of the office. Jasper searched for a moment almost frantically for his wand before hitting the wireless device with it shutting it off and killing the sound. "I apologize. I have it charmed to go off at this time every day. Would you care for a cup of tea?"





He said no more on the subject, but in his mind Jasper figured it was only a matter of time, luck and opportunity before Simon found himself promoted to jobs that required more discipline and responsibility.

Somehow Jasper had not heard or read of that last part in the story of the DeTalone case. Or perhaps he'd blocked it out. How could they even get passed security? It couldn't have been a disillusionment charm, they would've checked for that. There again, DeTalone was nothing if not talented at alternative forms of magic. And I mean, when you'd been around for as long as she had she'd probably accumulated a great arsenal of archaic and antique spells that would seem foreign to modern eyes now. Some of which she could have easily shown to her lawyer. If that wizard was in fact a lawyer at all. Jasper had his doubts.

"Do you feel familiar in the Department, Simon? I mean, do you know your way around? There is something I'd like to show you." The department was designed to lose people afterall.