Lavone was curious about her new job. The Ministry. That was some place she aspired to get a job at and keep that job. However, she was slightly surprised and disappointed that she was told to go somewhere else other than the commonly known one. Was it a joke? She certainly hoped not and was very cautious as she went to the address that she had been given.

All the thoughts that roamed around in her head vanished as she entered the place where she supposedly was to start her job, at the ministry of magic! That was definitely a joke. She was seriously thinking of turning back on her heels and walk out of here right that second. But curiously got the better of her. Also, the letter she had received looked official enough and it had the ministry's seal on it.

So she decided it to stick a bit longer and see what happens. Though she was no way sitting down on one of those chairs that looked ready to fall to pieces if she exhaled their way.

First day back at work and Gavin was cringing at everything. The walls, they were going to cave in and he was sure there were creatures in here that laid claim to this place long before they decided it would have to do for their business. What a price to pay to keep things away from prying muggle eyes. Bad things happened when you challenged anything with fur or feathers, very bad things.

With his clipboard agenda tucked under his arm, his cup of half finished coffee in one arm and a few documents in the next, the Senior Undersecretary made haste in walking through the building. The place was already a miserable failure, he wouldn't let it be further marred by tardiness.

Turning the corner that led to what was meant to be the Lobby, Gavin found a young woman...just standing around. Was she lost or one of his? Either way he wasn't a fan of her standing out in the Lobby idly. "Good Day, can I help you?" The man could understand if she was lost, he was still trying figure this place out himself. Please don't be a muggle. A quick glance at his watch got him to slow down. He wasn't yet late for the meeting, he could spare a few moments in case she did need help with anything.

The more she looked around her, the more she was sure this was a joke. There went her dreams of working for the ministry. She lingered for a little longer making certain to step away from the poorly-looking chairs as to not get caught it splinters and ruin her newly bought coat, she walked back and forth a couple of time then decided to head out and forget about this day.

But then she heard someone approaching. Someone who looked official with a clipboard and documents. Coffee, too. Lavone sized the man up silently and didn't say anything until he spoke. This wasn't really a good day, so far, she wanted to say but didn't.

A minute of silence passed until she decided what to say, "I'm Lavone Calverley, I received a letter to come here to start my job in the ministry as a Personal Assistant," She answered hoping he wasn't going to crack up at the words and tell her this was a haunted building to practice dark magic or something like that.

Was she just going to stand there being silent? He did have a meeting to get to and would have preferred she be silent while walking with him. Productivity would NOT be lost. He did wonder how many of his employees had already arrived and were waiting in that death trap makeshift conference room that they would have to settle with for now. There were some he could have counted on for their punctuality but given the move and the seclusion in which the Department now found itself, it could be excused.

Lavone Calverley. Ooohhhhh. He could almost smack himself in the forehead for not realizing sooner. Of course she had business here and it was no wonder she looked lost. Merlin knew the veterens themselves must have felt lost.

"Ms. Calverley. I'm sorry we have to be meeting under such circumstances. Please, walk with me." He said, gesturing for her to follow before setting off again. As it turned out, she was meant to be a part of the meeting too, the one they would be late for if they didn't get a move on. "Gavin Isaacs. You'll be my Personal Assistant. There's a meeting, I trust you got the owl about it?"

She never ventured a guess of who this person might be, she was too focused on the possibility of this being a joke than anything. But this man seemed to have recognized her name meaning she indeed had gotten the job and wasn't being toyed with after all. That brought huge joy to her but it hardly showed on her straight neutral face.

Gavin Isaacs. The one whose name was at the end of the letter she'd received. Also known as, the Senior undersecretary. The one she was assigned to be his personal assistant. Knowing that she allowed her lips to lift at the corners in a small smile. She was not the grinning type. This was the closer she got to grinning. "Pleasure meeting you, sir." she said. And indeed it looked that the circumstances weren't the greatest.

The second he started walked she did too picking up her pace to keep up with his strides, "Yes, of course, I did receive the owl," she confirmed as she took in the place around her. She was afraid to brush a hand on any wall or piece of furniture. What's this place? She wanted to ask but figured they would eventually come to that in the meeting they were heading to right now.

It was time to do the rounds, and there was no better place to start than the temporary stronghold for the Minister's Office.... er..... minus its decrepit nature. Charming. It really was no wonder there were objections to the place. How the Minister put up with it - let alone Gavin - was beyond her. Even the Underground was cleaner than this.

Emily peered around the lobby she'd entered, taking in every inch of its floors, walls, dust, rubbish... and... was that a giant cockroach? Meh. She sipped from her take away coffee, another cup and bag of pastries in the other hand. As much as she'd come to secure the place, she also came to offer the Senior Undersecretary some sustenance. She'd already checked the perimeter of the building, and ensured the concealment charms and muggle repellent charms were strong and all encompassing... so things on the outer were in order. More than she could say for in here.

Cue staring.

Now.. which way to his office?

João used to think working for the British Ministry was some sort of a prestige. He used to believe being THE personal assistant to the minister was a great honour. He used to hope that things would only get better for him as he climbed the ladder of success easily. But this? This terrible place he had to pass every single day at least two times? He had to WORK?

He was having the secondest thoughts in the whole human history as he returned to his desk from breathing some fresh air outside--fresh air in its literal sense given the circumstances. The king of second thoughts. Terrible terrible terr--

"Hello, ma'am." He bowed slightly, changed his expression from disgusted to polite and offered his hand to her.

"João Neves, assistant of Minister." In case she mistook him as the secretary. "Can I help you with anything?"

It was a little harder than she had assumed. Not her new position, oh no, she loved that. It felt right for her to be in the Ministers' office. It was this BUILDING, if anyone really could call it a building. She tried her best though, maneuvering around anything that she thought would send her spiraling to the floor. Again.

Heather had just come out of her office for a brief moment to check on something and a small smile stretched across her lips as she watched Mr. Neves extended his hand to the one person she had never expected to run into again. Then again, she should have expected to run into plenty of people here. "Emily, It's nice to see you again." She hadn't said much to the MLE Department Head when she moved offices and wasn't sure what to expect.

There was no need to pass time waiting, beyond her survey of the room there didn't seem to be much in the way of her type of security threat, though for the people that worked here, they were certainly not in the safest of positions. So many hazards. Not her problem... nope.

She was aware that someone had entered the room, so the voice didn't startle her in the least. Pivoting slightly where she stood, Emily turned to see a smart straight-up gentleman. How charming. Did he come like this? Or did Albert and Gavin mold him into this form? Smiling, Emily took his hand, wondering if introductions were necessary at all. He knew who she was, right? ... Eeeehhh, she could play nice. "Emily Browne, just here doing a security sweep," she said with a firm shake before retracting her hand.

"Might I pick your brain briefly?" she asked, because employee opinions counted for something, even his.



More footsteps announced the arrival of another busy body, and this time Emily turned to see who it might be. Wondering if she was in luck in spotting the Senior Undersec. Sadly, not yet.

Her polite smile was still in place, though she wondered why the woman had left her Department. And to think she had considered promoting her, so sad. The first name basis thing was mildly irksome, but she wasn't about to get huffy and exercise her authority now. "Heather, it most certainly is... I hope the Minister's Office is treating you well." Cue brow raise.

João frowned for a moment before he relaxed his facial expression. Collect his BRAIN?! What did that even mean?! She certainly didn't mean it in the literal sense, right? UGH. These stupid British phrases. He hate hate hated them!

And what was with the security? Did that mean he ought to leave her alone or..? Would it be weird if he asked? Explain he was a foreigner so he didn't really understand? But that was way too humiliating! No. Instead, he smiled and drew some air to speak, but he had to relieve it as Heather appeared. He was saved! He took half a step backwards to let her join the conversation or whatever this was, and simply listened to the exchange between these two women.

Heather used to work under her? Huh.

Ezra pushed open the door with a creak even louder than he had expected. A few people he recognized from the conference stood in the decrepit lobby, but he couldn't bring himself to remember any of their names. He had made his way over to the Minister's Office (if you could call the shack and office) as soon as he received his boss's memo. He was surprised to see such a small number of employees gathered there considering the urgency of Mr. Isaacs's demands. Ezra squelched the urge to smile smugly in triumph. Surely he would get some recognition for at least showing up. The desire to smile left him instantly when he thought of why he was here before the work period had even started. Something was residing in an office, but what? He shuddered at the thought of entering a room to find some grotesque creature in his wake. Creatures were not Ezra's strong point. At all.
He looked around at his companions, reluctant to show weakness by asking for directions. Maybe of he just stood here for long enough someone would point him to wherever they were expected to gather. Yes, that was a good idea. He stood up straighter. He would not look like a fool this time. Probably.

Heather gave a great big smile. "They are treating me well, thank you for asking." She only had one complaint, but it was probably the same complaint that everyone in the department had. However, she kept silent and pushed through, literally sometimes, hoping that this was exactly what everyone said it was, temporary. "Almost as well as MLE did." And that was a compliment. They had never done her wrong, she had just been ready for a change of scenery.

A few questions popped to the tip of her tongue but she caught them all. Maybe another time. She really didn't want to bother the woman with them at that moment. Plus, it seemed she had some questions for Mr. Neves anyway. She turned and looked at him. "I didn't mean to interrupt, Mr. Neves. She seems to have a few questions for you." She had noticed his silence and wasn't exactly sure if she was at fault for it. Turning back to Emily she gave the woman another smile. "It was nice to see you again. Maybe we can meet up and have lunch some day?" Then she could ask her questions.



She heard the creak of a door and her head snapped in the direction. She wasn't sure what to expect, but was soon calmed by the fact that it was just a person and that nothing was falling from the ceiling. She gave him a small smile, recognizing him from the conference room. She had taken to remembering every face and name she would be working with. "Hello, Ezra."

As he stood there and she gave another smile. "Can I help you with something?" He looked like he wanted something, just standing there.

SPOILER!!: João

Quote:

Originally Posted by StarShine

Text Cut: Ladies

João frowned for a moment before he relaxed his facial expression. Collect his BRAIN?! What did that even mean?! She certainly didn't mean it in the literal sense, right? UGH. These stupid British phrases. He hate hate hated them!

And what was with the security? Did that mean he ought to leave her alone or..? Would it be weird if he asked? Explain he was a foreigner so he didn't really understand? But that was way too humiliating! No. Instead, he smiled and drew some air to speak, but he had to relieve it as Heather appeared. He was saved! He took half a step backwards to let her join the conversation or whatever this was, and simply listened to the exchange between these two women.

Heather used to work under her? Huh.

.....

Polite, he was... but bright? Perhaps not... Emily was beginning to think Mr. Neves was either clueless or non-compliant. Neither of which she was a fan of. How so very disappointing. Was there another lackey she could interrogate speak to?

Heather would likely be useful....

Or... or this person???

SPOILER!!: stranger!hello!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sararara

Ezra pushed open the door with a creak even louder than he had expected. A few people he recognized from the conference stood in the decrepit lobby, but he couldn't bring himself to remember any of their names. He had made his way over to the Minister's Office (if you could call the shack and office) as soon as he received his boss's memo. He was surprised to see such a small number of employees gathered there considering the urgency of Mr. Isaacs's demands. Ezra squelched the urge to smile smugly in triumph. Surely he would get some recognition for at least showing up. The desire to smile left him instantly when he thought of why he was here before the work period had even started. Something was residing in an office, but what? He shuddered at the thought of entering a room to find some grotesque creature in his wake. Creatures were not Ezra's strong point. At all.
He looked around at his companions, reluctant to show weakness by asking for directions. Maybe of he just stood here for long enough someone would point him to wherever they were expected to gather. Yes, that was a good idea. He stood up straighter. He would not look like a fool this time. Probably.

Eeerr... or not. Emily watched as the man just stood there. Did he legitimately work here? Or was he a loony she could escort out?

Turning back to her small group, Emily returned her attention to Heather, clearly the only one she could gets words out of. Chatty bunch this lot were. She'd need to talk to Gavin about them... maybe.

Eyes still on the silent standing stranger.

SPOILER!!: Heather

Quote:

Originally Posted by HOPEendures

SPOILER!!: The Two of You

Heather gave a great big smile. "They are treating me well, thank you for asking." She only had one complaint, but it was probably the same complaint that everyone in the department had. However, she kept silent and pushed through, literally sometimes, hoping that this was exactly what everyone said it was, temporary. "Almost as well as MLE did." And that was a compliment. They had never done her wrong, she had just been ready for a change of scenery.

A few questions popped to the tip of her tongue but she caught them all. Maybe another time. She really didn't want to bother the woman with them at that moment. Plus, it seemed she had some questions for Mr. Neves anyway. She turned and looked at him. "I didn't mean to interrupt, Mr. Neves. She seems to have a few questions for you." She had noticed his silence and wasn't exactly sure if she was at fault for it. Turning back to Emily she gave the woman another smile. "It was nice to see you again. Maybe we can meet up and have lunch some day?" Then she could ask her questions.

SPOILER!!: Ezra

Ezra pushed open the door with a creak even louder than he had expected. A few people he recognized from the conference stood in the decrepit lobby, but he couldn't bring himself to remember any of their names. He had made his way over to the Minister's Office (if you could call the shack and office) as soon as he received his boss's memo. He was surprised to see such a small number of employees gathered there considering the urgency of Mr. Isaacs's demands. Ezra squelched the urge to smile smugly in triumph. Surely he would get some recognition for at least showing up. The desire to smile left him instantly when he thought of why he was here before the work period had even started. Something was residing in an office, but what? He shuddered at the thought of entering a room to find some grotesque creature in his wake. Creatures were not Ezra's strong point. At all.
He looked around at his companions, reluctant to show weakness by asking for directions. Maybe of he just stood here for long enough someone would point him to wherever they were expected to gather. Yes, that was a good idea. He stood up straighter. He would not look like a fool this time. Probably.

She heard the creak of a door and her head snapped in the direction. She wasn't sure what to expect, but was soon calmed by the fact that it was just a person and that nothing was falling from the ceiling. She gave him a small smile, recognizing him from the conference room. She had taken to remembering every face and name she would be working with. "Hello, Ezra."

As he stood there and she gave another smile. "Can I help you with something?" He looked like he wanted something, just standing there.

Oh good good, she was looked after then. "Glad to hear it," she acknowledged with a solemn nod. Of course, that last bit, the MLE bit, well that elicited a genuine smile from her. "And for what it's worth I was truly disappointed to see you go, but alas.." Emily shrugged, she couldn't force the woman to stay. There were usually reasons for people changing or moving. She had no right to dictate what people did with their lives, it was their choice.

And ever so polite, apologising for the interruption. Gavin was lucky to have such well mannered employees. However, in light of that, Emily had a fondness and appreciation for her often brash and passionate MLEers. They had character, that's for sure.

But yes, Mr. Neves. We have questions.

"It really was," Emily agreed, attention back to Heather. "Absolutely, I'm sure we can arrange a time that suits us both, Muriel has my schedule, so feel free to set something up with her." And yes, she scheduled the way in which she used her lunch breaks now. She had certain people to thank for that. Talk about micromanaging time, pssshhhh. Things were rather busy, obviously, but people had to eat... and consider her curious as to why a former employee of hers wanted to meet, for food.



But, with two coffees and a bag of pastries, she didn't want to stand for too long. So, how about those questions now, Neves? Hhhmm? Cue stare.

Ezra smiled at the woman when she addressed him, extending a hand to shake hers in the hope that she would introduce herself for he couldn't bring himself to remember her name. "Oh, er, I was just on my way to the Minister's office. You know, to attend to the emergency..." He cast a weary eye around the decrepit room. There was only one doorway leading into the depths of the building. He resisted the urge to smack himself in the forehead. That was surely the way to the Minister's Office. Ezra smiled at the
blonde woman once more before making his way over to it. "Well, I'd better get going then. Thanks for the help."
Not that he had waited for her help...but she had acknowledged him which had to count for something.

But she hadn't been interrupting.

Did he have to answer, really?

He paused only briefly. What had been the exact question? Pick? Collect?

"I assume you would like to speak about the security." Since she said--

Was she Aspen's boss?

"I'm sorry I haven't been much communicative," he said with a polite smile at last. He had to help her. He didn't know how or why, but he figured it would be suitable for Aspen too.

Now, for her to confirm she was here to speak about security.

And so the man still had a voice. Emily nod her head at his assumption, seeing as it was a correct one. It was something she could easily pick Gavin's head about, but she doubted he'd be entirely open and honest given the circumstances.

"Yes," she started, confirming his assumption in case her nod hadn't done the trick. As for the not being communicative bit, ehh, it could be overlooked.

"Simple question," Emily mused, "with the exception of the... decrepit nature of your location, is there anything which concerns you in regard to security? Noticed anything suspicious?" The man would be more familiar with the place than she was, so therefore his opinion on the matter was valid, and she would still pick Gavin's brain, but for the most part, the place was rather secure. She saw to the muggle repelling and concealment charms, those aside, there wasn't too much to be concerned of. The staff in the Department seemed to have a keen awareness to visitors.

João was glad she would ask him a question. Questions couldn't--shouldn't--puzzle him so much. So, still looking at her in a neutral expression, he listened to it.

Hmm...

"Except the building itself, yes," don't even get him started on that, "I haven't observed any problems." But like, he'd be very grateful if she saved them from this... place.

Uh huhhhh...

The building itself was out of her control, she hadn't chosen it, so as far as that was concerned it was their problem, not hers. It was a shame they didn't set up in the Underground too. It was far less likely to cave on ones self and it would make morning routines far more pleasant. But oh well...

"Nothing? No?" ... how sad, and so very good at the same time. "Well thank you, my colleagues and I will continue to monitor the place, but if you see anything, don't hesitate to say something."

So... that was all, he could be dismissed or whatever now.. though, actually, he could still prove to be more useful. "And last question, would you mind showing me to Mr. Isaacs office please?" she asked, content with moving on to her lunch break now, and enforcing a break on Gavin.

João nodded. "Of course, madam. Will do." Report it via Aspen. Haha. Just how much fun would that be?

He looked only the tiniest bit amused by the thought, and shook his head to show he didn't mind at all. "This way, please." He turned around and headed towards the man's door. He walked with careful steps, because he didn't want to ruin his expensive shoes by stepping on a stupid insect. Once he was at the door, he stopped to the side for her to knock on the door.

"If you need anything else, my desk is there." He pointed to a desk in front of Minister's office, bowed with his head and walked towards it to keep trying to work here.

Whittaker street. It sounded a lot like Wit taker. Taker of people's wits. Was it too late to turn back now? Because she didn't want her wits taken by some random underpaid Londoners.

She was on a mission though ... a mission to ... actually she had NO idea what her mission was. OH NO!!! HER WITS! They've already been possessed and overthrown!!! WHAT WAS HAPPENING?!?

Wandering into the next building she came to, Alex stared around looking dumbfounded. "Excuseeeeeeee meeeee.......!! Has anyone seen my wits? I seem to have misplaced them." Really. This was an emergency. She'd never felt so lost as she did without them.

...

It wasn't easy AT ALL to be working here, y'know, and when people YELLED like that?

João turned his head drastically at the new comer (and OWWW his neck hurrrrt!) and EYED her disapprovingly. Then he got up and walked towards her. He was calm. He had to be calm. He was calm. Really. Whoever this was, would be OUT soon.

"We haven't seen your wits, sorry."

Now get out.

Why was he loooking at her like that?!? She didn't use profanity or forget to wipe her heels at the door, did she?? Oh actually, she did forget to wipe her heels. Glancing behind her, she frowned at the small dots of muck she had left in her footprints. Oopsss... casually and inconspicuously in case there were muggles around she charmed the floor clean behind her and then turned her attention back at the guy who addressed her.

Well he didn't even LOOK.

"Hmm... no wits..." Alex let out a long, thoughtful sigh, as she felt a low grumble in her stomach. "So... is there any decent restaurants around here then?" She glanced around at the building. "Places that .. aren't falling apart..."

At least she was kind enough to clean her own mess.

...did she need medical -

Oh. Haha. Funny.

Not.

João figured looking at her hardly wouldn't make things any better, so he relieved his facial muscles and tried to look at her in a more friendly way.

"Yes, there is one at five minutes' walk distance. If you allow me, I'd like to buy it." Because she had to get out of the building, and he wanted to see she was witful before he let her out to the wild world.