Minister for Magic's Office

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Welcome to the office of Albert Kettleburn, current Minister for Magic and appointed leader of the Wizarding government in the United Kingdom. The office is located at the far end of Level One, and it is only accessible through the Senior and Junior Undersecretaries' Office. The Minister prefers his guests check in with his Undersecretaries before barging into his office in an undignified manner.

If you make it into the inner sanctum, you will find Kettleburn's office to be much the same as Greingoth's - the man hasn't had time to redecorate yet. The office contains a large wooden desk and a matching bookcase. A collection of house plants in bright pots lines the top shelf on one book shelf as well as both windowsills, and the rest of the shelves are littered with texts, manuals, rolls of parchment, and dozens of framed family photos.

Roxanne's next stop? Yep, the Minister's office. She wasn't quite sure what the correct protocol was here, so she knocked on the door. "Minister Kettleburn?" She wished her first time meeting the new Minister was under better circumstances, but here she was anyway.

Albert Kettleburn felt as if he'd been on his feet all day, even if it was early in the day, and he'd only just settled behind his desk when he received his first visitor. He glanced up, expecting to see his newly hired Senior Undersecretary, or the Junior one... who he needed to fully vet before they got much further. Instead, there was a woman standing there.

One of his secretaries, perhaps? He'd need to speak to Warfield about who had access to his office, clearly. "Come in, come in. You've caught me before anything else has, so you get my undivided attention."

Okay, that phrasing was oddly formal. Roxanne took a moment to analyze it. Was it meant to wrong foot her? Obviously he hadn't heard much about her, if he thought that was all it would take. Nope, she just switched the wording that she was going to use be more formal. Sans groveling, not she had been planning on doing that anyway. "Sir, I'm Roxanne Carter, the Head of the Department of Environmental Regulation and Protection," she said in a deadpan voice. Hopefully, he wasn't about to make her say it again, because it was a mouthful. "The Head of Accidents and Catastrophes has had a, well, a catastrophe in his very own department and asked me to come up here and tell you about it." Again, deadpaned. The phrasing was not quite as formal as she had meant, but that was cool. Though, now that she thought about it, why hadn't she just sent a patronus? Hell, why hadn't Aron just sent a patronus? Anyway, she was here now, so.....

"Ah, Ms Carter," Albert turned his attention to the parchments on his desk, although he made a sweeping gesture at the chair in front of his desk. Just needed to finish reading this one... last... sentence... and now she had his full attention. Albert re-rolled the parchment and set it to one side before folding his hands and setting them on the desk. His motions were controlled and precise.

"Let me understand, then. Mr. Ashburry-Hawthorne has you running around the building to notify me of his 'catastrophe'? Are you his lackey? Do you think playing messenger is a dignified duty for someone in your position?" He wasn't immediately concerned with the topic of... catastrophe. What did she suppose he could do that Ashburry-Hawthorne's employees could not? "But please, relay your message. What sort of catastrophe?"

And there you go, Aron. Not your lackey. She'd have to remember to remind him of that, next time. If there was a next time. Which there wouldn't be on her watch. But the way he kept reading, just for moment. One would think that when one department head tells the Minister that a fellow department head had just had an accident, said Minister would be more alarmed. Oh well, wasn't her problem. She did use the opportunity to take the indicated seat, though. "Okay, you caught me, Minister. Mr. Ashbury-Hawthorne and I used to work together, and I was doing him a friendly favor. You know how it goes," she replied just as drily as she had spoken previously, flashing her most charming smile.

"The lab exploded. Ar-," ahem "Mr. Ashbury-Hawthorne thinks that someone broke into the Ministry and caused this." If you looked at Roxanne's face, though, you could tell she didn't believe that for one moment. Honestly, it was probably just someone being careless in the lab. And she already had her suspicions of who the careless party was. But she wasn't going to reveal that unless Kettleburn asked.

"I'm all for camaraderie," Albert agreed as he unclasped his hands and straightened the framed photos on his desk. "In fact, I've been considering some sort of Department Head retreat. We need to trust each other, and we need to communicate. Nothing like a little enforced bonding on the clock to get the spring of solidarity flowing." Or something like that. He figured they all could use a good reminder of what it felt like to be ON a team instead of leading it.

"But camaraderie aside, don't let him push you around. It can be said that in business, friendships are nearly always one sided. Don't let it be all on his side, hmm?" Albert wasn't really pleased that there was an explosion in the building on his first day. It sort of flew in the face of his platform on safety in the workplace, especially at the Ministry where they could be remarkably lax.

"If he feels someone has broken in, he needs to contact security and Mr. Ferguson. But lab safety is a priority for me. Do you feel the situation warrants investigation into lab practices in the building?"

A department head retreat? Now that caused Roxanne's brow to raise. She didn't think they needed to learn to communicate. Well okay, maybe that Gidyun fellow. And she really didn't feel like spending a whole week with Schultz. Okay, maybe they did need to learn to communicate better.

The next thing out of the Minister's mouth confused her. Don't let him push her around, but don't let the friendship be all on his side. Eh? What did that even mean? She knew what the two phrases meant separately, but throwing them together like that threw her for a loop. Which might have been his plan all along. So, she just decided to focus on the former for now.

And Wes had already been informed, but she wasn't going to tell the Minister that. And an investigation into lab practices would include the MLE. She knew Elinor and Dorian ran a tight ship between the two of them. But. The person she suspected......well let's just say there was a connection there. She had to think this one over a bit. And the conclusion she came to..... "Yes, I do. Because, just between you and me, I personally know of people that have been able to sneak into the MLE lab as well." Of course, that person had been her and she had been trying to help, but anyway.

Ms. Carter took a lot of time to process things, which gave Albert far too much time to let his attention drift back to the rolls and rolls of parchments on his desk. It was just that he had a LOT to do and not much time to do it. And she needed to keep him engaged, or he'd get distracted.

She responded in the affirmative, which was as Albert feared. They'd have to come up with some changes to lab security. Immediately. "I appreciate your honest, Ms. Carter. Now then... shall we head to the scene of the catastrophe and see if we can lend a hand?"

Yeah, she saw that his gaze was wondering back to the scrolls on his desk (and why, in 2081, were they still using that relic from the past, parchment?). She had been a prosecutor, after all. Observing people's body language had been a part of her job. And excuse her for needing a moment to think things through. Not that she was stupid or anything far from it, it's just that some moves needed to be thought out. Like now, for instance. Did she really want to go back down there to help someone who had barked at her for trying to help in the first place? Well okay, that one actually didn't thinking out. Raising out of the seat, Roxanne replied, slightly coolly, "No, I rather think my own department needs me, now." With that being said, she walked to the door and let herself out.

Well. Fascinating. And entirely inappropriate behavior. Albert rose from his seat and strolled to the door to his office, propping it open so he could speak to his Senior Undersecretary before returning to his desk.

The secretary adjusted her shirt, smoothed down her hair, straightened then knocked twice on the Minister's door. Because first impressions mattered. She had learned this long time ago and made sure to keep her first impressions pleasant. The blond angled her head so her ear was against the wooden door. She needed to hear the minister telling her to enter. She reached for the doorknob and grabbed it contemplating whether to enter or not.

She turned the knob and kept the door open just a slit. Enough for her to hear.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Albert Kettleburn

Well. Fascinating. And entirely inappropriate behavior. Albert rose from his seat and strolled to the door to his office, propping it open so he could speak to his Senior Undersecretary before returning to his desk.

Warfield took notice of the door opening up into his office, but no Minister entering it. So he stood up and wandered over to the door himself. "You wanted to speak with me. Mr.Kettleborn." Warfield figured now was a good a time as any with The Minister of Magic propping open the door, even if it was just to let the air flow through their offices. Warfield took a few more steps in "Oh, and how has your day been treating you? Good I hope, I'm having a delightful one."

"Enter, please," Albert called out at the small knock at his door. Polite, waited for his call... he appreciated manners.

Meanwhile, there was a Warfield. Albert gestured for the man to take a seat in the chair opposite his desk. "Good man. I did want to speak to you, and I'm pleased you've made yourself available. We may want to meet with one of the receptionists in here to take notes normally, but I'm sure you'll be able to remember our conversations without assistance."

It wasn't like Albert had a million things to say all at once. Just half a million. Not a big deal. "It's a good day, yes, although it's a little... stuffy in here. Maybe we can send down to Magical Maintenance and check on the air flow?" Just for a start. Warfield was having a delightful day.

How nice for him. "Let's get to work."

That was her cue to enter. Victoria pushed open the door and stepped inside the office. A quick look around the familiar office. Still the same. She just was curious. Female interest in redecorating department, nothing more. Though her eyes only took one tour before she quickly turned her gaze to the man seated behind the the desk.

"Good day, sir," She said to the minister.

"Victoria Smith, Front Desk secretary," In case he was wondering who on Earth was she. The blond stood waiting to be told what was requested of her.

It wouldn't really hurt to take another look around while she stood. And like, memorize the new minister's features. Looks spoke a lot you know. Sheer curiosity possessed her. Kind of happened whenever there was a dramatic change. Pretty justified.

Ah, the front desk was here. Perfect. Albert gestured toward another chair, this one just to the side of his desk. It was always ideal to have a receptionist available... Albert really found them to be invaluable.

"Pleased to meet you, Ms. Smith. Please join us. I'm about to speak with Warfield here, but I wanted to have a word with you as well. But first... how are things in the outer office? Any issues you want to raise to our attention?" Because Albert found receptionists so invaluable, he made sure to take care of his staff. All of them.

Victoria walked over to the chair the minister had motioned to. Sliding in, she nodded towards the senior undersecretary. She hadn't noticed him earlier. Though she's just went through his office here.

"Likewise, sir," She replied. As in, she was pleased as well. Might even more.

She paused considering the question she's been asked. It was really appreciated, asking about what concerned the front desks' employees. They did work hard. "Everything is quite good," And she was honest, not sugar-coating any facts or reality. If anything had been going on the way it wasn't supposed to be, the minister was to know as well as the undersecretaries.

"And I haven't heard any of my colleagues complaining about anything," Since the front desk team plus the cubicles had been working together for quite a good amount of time the have become friends and they do share opinions and complains.

"Tell Warfield when you need anything. Tell your co-workers the same. He'll pass it on to me. We must keep our work environment safe and inviting, or we won't be able to keep our employees happy." And happy employees quit and took their skills elsewhere. It wasn't something Albert wanted to deal with.

"I have some tasks I need completed, and I really would prefer to entrust them to you rather than Warfield. He has bigger issues to worry over at this time." He nodded at his Senior Undersecretary. Albert fully expected to run the man ragged, so it would be nice if the secretaries could step in and assist.

"First... this office is decorated according to the tastes of the last Minister. I would very much like to redecorate more in accordance with my tastes. Can you see about getting some samples to look over?"

Since Zach first met the Minister that day at Warfield's office, he has been meaning to meet the man. He just hope it is the right time for that.

He knocked on the door, and seeing that the Senior Undersecretary wasn't in his office he just went straight to the Minister's office.

He waited for an answer looking at his robe and sorting the kinks out.

"I sure will," She nodded towards the minister making a mental note to pass on the message to the other fellow employees. Currently they had no complains, though that might change any time and it was good to know where to go and voice what was on their minds.

And now to the main task, she listened intently to what was said processing the task she was being given. At first she thought it might be some handing files to delivering a message to one of the levels. An ordinary kind of task. Though, this was interesting and strayed from her usual and repeated duties.

"I can certainly work on that," She answered with such confidence as her eyes took a sweeping look around the office noting the furniture around and switching to a female fascinated and interested in decorating. "I will collect samples that'd fit and replace the old pieces of furniture then l shall bring them for you to pick, Sir," did he approve of this plan or had different arrangement.

Warfield smiled and nodded as Kettleborn asked him to take a seat, he even gave Ms. Smith a curt nod as the Minister spoke with her about redecorating his office to his standard. Not half a bad idea, he wondered if he could get her to do the same for him, maybe even his Living room back home. Merlin, that place need a new look for a while.

"Stuffy? Hmmm." Warfield sat in silence to see if he felt a taf stuffy himself in the room, but didn't quite feel it. Different feel it he supposed. "I'll see if I can send someone down about it. Was there anything else you wished to discuss. I was under the impression we'd discuss a dress code of sorts."

Another knock? It was practically raining employees. Excellent.

"Enter," Albert called to whoever was waiting at the door.

She already had ideas. He could tell. Albert gave the woman a serious nod before taking in the office himself. "If you don't mind... I prefer comfort and utility over style. Nothing flashy, please. We certainly need a new desk and chair, new chairs for guests with matching upholstery, curtains, a curio cabinet or credenza, and several bookshelves." At least several. Albert had a lot of books.

Hmm, what else? "I'd also like to arrange for someone to watch my grandchildren should I bring them to work with me on occasion. I'd prefer to keep them here in the office, and I'd pay whoever overtime out of my pocket rather than on the clock. Let me know if anyone is suitable for that task."

Albert waited as Warfield worked things out before continuing. "Yes... we do need to work on the dress code. Can you imagine... I was walking through the corridor earlier and someone in denim. And a t-shirt." He almost visibly shivered as his hands adjusted his bow tie. "And street shoes. Inappropriate skirt lengths. Tube tops. It's all a distraction and unprofessional. We must formalize our policy immediately. And we must enforce it."

And Zach heard the magic word, Enter.

He opened the door and smiled at the new Minister for Magic. It was his first formal visit to the big guy. He was a little bit nervous because he wasn't particularly sure about the character of the new fella. He cleared his throat and said,

"Good day, Minister. I am Zacharias McMillan and I am your Junior Undersecretary." he said with joy in his tone.

It wasn't really the first time meeting the man, but the last time he met him was a brief non-formal introduction. This time, it is a bit formal.

She nodded to the minister's office, absorbing his notes. She didn't need to write down or anything, she'd remember those. Victoria's eyes went to the desk, curtains and bookshelves when they were mentioned. Yes, indeed, new look wouldn't hurt. Merlin knew how long they have been here. She couldn't remember if Greingoth had kept Borr's. Probably not. "I'll take all that in consideration, sir." She said already making plans of where to look and what to look for. She probably would add some plants. Ask Level-Four about it perhaps? "Do you mind adding a specific kind of plants," Nothing huge or dangerous...or poisonous. No need to point that out, right?!

Oh, another task. She was about to mention the ministry daycare, she was glad she didn't. surely he'd be bringing them to see them and not have them sent to the daycare. She gazed off the distance thinking of potential baby sitters. "What's the children's ages? " Just so she knows what qualifications would be required. It can be a level-one employee, she thought. Or not. Maybe from the specialty area

Ah, good. The junior undersecretary was making an appearance. Albert gave the man a nod and gestured toward one of the chairs, indicating Zacharias should take a seat. It was only a matter of time before they were introduced, and it was impressive the man had the initiative to do it himself.

"I'm pleased to meet you, Mr. McMillan. I'm sure we'll have an excellent working relationship."

The wheels were turning in Victoria's head, and Albert approved of whatever direction her thoughts were taking her. As long as she heeded his tastes and it was different, Albert was interested in see what she found. "Plants are fine, although I'll need assistance remembering to water them," he responded to her question. Hopefully nothing man-eating, if she could help it.

Moving on to his second request... Albert was keen to keep the children out of the daycare center. Not only because Celandine was letting them visit the Ministry specifically to see Albert, not the inside of another room, but because they would be visiting so infrequently.

"If they're here while I'm here, I'm sure I'll be keeping an eye on them. I'm just thinking about in case of emergency meetings, I'll want someone in the office who can step in. They're 1, 4, and 6, by the by, although I imagine the 6-year-old is the one most likely to visit." Charlotte was much more gregarious than Callum.