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Office of Department Head Rafael Belmonte Towards the back of the work room, beside the greenhouses is the department head's office. The first thing you notice is a large enchanted window on the opposite wall, the scenery depicting images of numerous locations Rafael has visited in his many years as an Environmentalist. In the corner between the enchanted window and Rafael's desk, swaying on its own accord, sits a nascent flitterbloom. A couple portraits of his families' vineyard decorate the walls, along with several large maps, a bulletin board, and his diplomas and certificates. The maps contain detailed locations of all the reservations and environmental areas that the ministry is charged with securing. Numerous markings cover the charmed maps, each serving a different purpose that would take Rafael too long to explain. Notices and little reminders fill the bulletin board, the diplomas and certificates he's received are proudly displayed off to the side of the board. A large bookshelf sits on the side wall, filled with books and tomes both old and new, all pertaining to the job of an environmentalist that Rafael has picked up on his travels. Photos from his previous occupation also sit on the shelves. Beside the bookshelf is a filling cabinet that contains papers and important documents the head may need close by, and on top sits a young potted bouncing bulb. Squeezed in the far corner of the spacious room sits a large, sheesham desk matching the bookcase. A multitude of papers and items are in the desk's drawers, all necessary for the head to have. A comfortable high-backed chair sits behind it; Rafael's chair of which he rarely occupies. Two smaller but equally comfortable chairs sit opposite of the desk for those who wish to visit the Department Head. The desk is oddly tidy for a man who is so busy, and the only thing that could prove disastrous to have on said desk is a gifted juvenile Mimbulus Mimbletonia. You may try to touch it, but the protective charms surrounding the potted plant will prevent you from doing so. Three high rectangular work table sits off to the side, covered with more maps and papers along with potted and jarred plants and a few other objects. This were most of his work is done when he can't escape his office. More often than not you'll find the office door locked as Rafael is a busy man who rarely occupies the room, but when he is here, he is more than happy to see you. Just knock first, and wait to be welcomed in before entering. OOC:: Anyone who wishes to meet with the Department Head is welcome to post knocking first here, and entering when addressed by Rafael. This thread isn't necessarily public, so please don't clog it up with chatter unless it happens to be with the Department Head. If you wish to arrange an RP for any reason at all feel free to PM me! |
Joey knock on the door and wait patiently. She wasn't very far along in her pregnancy and need to talk about what would be Harmful to her unborn baby. |
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That was an easy question, and sadly not much of an distraction as he was hoping. "You are to report to your division's head." He sifted through his memories to recall her position. "Rain lead's your division. He will be assigning you to tasks to complete along with myself." And he was now saying go to the hippie. |
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Wasn't she terribly young to be expecting a second child? He shook his head... free of memories and other thoughts. "No harm will come to your unborn child so long as you are a proficient worker." In other words. Do the job right, and the child will be fine. |
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Rafael also nodded his head, only slightly though. "Be careful not to forget again." His tone was kind. It could be her life if she forgot ANY information pertaining to her job. "If there's nothing else, then I'm afraid I have some work that needs tending to." |
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As requested the woman made her way to his office, which he had moments ago unlocked. In the distance she could hear him drone on about that stupid idea of dressing up the offices. GAH! She was so tired of hearing about it. Haven’t they ever heard of not mixing business with pleasure?! That means offices and work aren’t supposed to be fun, pretty, comfy or cozy. Grr. Stepping into his office it was much as she would accept. Potted things with greenery and dirt spread around. The woman’s attention was immediately drawn to the enchanted window. Now, that was interesting. It kept scrolling different scenic views. Simply lovely. Loosing track of herself she watched it flick picture after picture. |
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The woman did not hear him enter the room, shut the door, or make his way behind his desk. So when he spoke she jumped a bit. Slightly embarrassed she turned and opened the file folder. If she hadn’t been so embarrassed she would have taken note of his straight to business, no none sense style. Her kind of person for sure. ”Yes sir, well basically the position would a directly link from your department to the Minister’s office. And vice a versa.” The woman approached and sat in a chair across from him. The woman pulled out a sheet from the file and held it out for him to take, ”As you can see the suggest requirements are listed.” Yea, 6 OWLs, try and find someone that meets that requirement. Not likely. Not very many people were that smart. Oh and not only that but a boring smart. History of Magic, Muggle Studies and Herbology!? Ick. Remembering what Mr. Greingoth said she added one more bit of information. ”To be clear you won’t lose an employee. The person will hold both positions at the same time.” Even though the Liaison position is way more important. Holding parchment and a quill ready she asked, "Is there anyone who you have in mind for the poistion?" |
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Rafael intertwined his fingers, tapping both fore fingers against his lips patiently as he waited for her to get situated. When she finally did sit, he took the parchment and glanced over it musingly before placing it on his desk and glancing back up at her. "That's good to know, I'd hate to lose an employee." Maybe the slackers, but not his best employees who he'd probably give this position to. "I have a few in mind... I'd have to go over there files to make sure they meet the requirements before I give you any names though." He mused, dark eyes flicking back to the OWLs. Not only did they need to fit the requirements on the parchment, but they had to fit his personal requirements as well. |
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The woman nodded, ”Of course.” Well that was really it wasn’t it? Yup. ”I will need to have the name within two weeks time. Will that be a problem?” She wasn’t actually given a timeline, but that didn’t matter. She was giving one to him. Medea moved her hair to behind her ear, ”If you don’t have any questions then I’ll be on my way.” |
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"I will give you a name as soon as I make my final decision." He decided with a slight nod. Whether that would be in two weeks or not, he couldn't promise. But he could promise that he'd have a name. Rising in his chair, he offered her a hand. "Thank you for stopping by Miss Ward. If you could close the door behind you when you leave." So he could go over the files in private. |
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"...as soon as I make my final decision." Medea didn't like the sound of this, he'd better have it in two weeks or else. Two weeks was plenty of time; frankly it was more than enough time. Unless of course he was a slacker, then it might very well take him the better part of a year. Grr. The woman reached out and shook his hand, which felt gritty. It was either dirty with soil or .... or...? Lets hope for soil. It was the lesser of the two evils. The known is always better than the unknown. "Of course Mr. Belmonte." Medea smiled politely, sort of, and exited, closing the door as she left. |
A sudden flash of pale-violet appears in the office, and upon looking up, one can see that an interdepartmental memo in the form of a folded paper airplane has made its way in. Once caught and unfolded, the memo inside will read: Minister Berty Borr has called a mandatory meeting with the Senior Undersecretary and all Ministry Department Heads. The meeting will commence immediately in Courtroom 10 on the tenth level of the Ministry of Magic. Please be on time and bring with you all ideas and responses to the recent memo regarding the rejuvenating of our spirits and the oxygenating of our halls. |
The only things Raf had been expecting to see floating when entering his office were two boards covered with ideas. Not a memo. He walked over and plucked it from the air, unfolding it and reading it carefully. Hm. He refolded the memo, re-read the two lists, and then headed out of his office. Closing and locking the door behind him as he made his way to the courtrooms. |
The memo shaped like a bird with a large beak soared into the office. As it found its appropriate recipient it began to squawk loudly at him. It would continue to do so until he took the note, read it and responded. Quote:
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He must have missed the memo and it's obnoxious squawking the last time he was here. Swiping the thing out of the air, he left the door open behind himself for the man following as he made his way around his desk. Taking a seat he carefully unfolded the memo. "Now, which parts of the tree planting project would you like to discus?" He skimmed the note, and frowned when it wouldn't silence on it's own. A quick flick of his wand fixed the problem and he finally looked up at the man, motioning for him to take a seat. |
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"I will cut to the chase, Sir. I was tasked to confide with you about which tree do you think should be planted along the roads of Diagon Alley." he paused and then said, "And to kindly request that the department will be asked to order the said trees." he said in a straight forward but kind way. He smiled and waited silently. |
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He caught the book when it reached him, and placed it on his desk, wasting no time flipping to the proper page. "Flowering Shimeren, it's not very common, but I believe I can get my hands on a few for this." |
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"We might consider getting a couple of dozen of these plants." he said and then thought, "If they are not common as you say, and if we put in along Diagon Alley, we can be looking at protecting them properly as well." he said. It was like hitting two birds with one stone. Getting the place beautiful and protecting some rare tree/plant things. He nodded as he is very happy with the result of this. "Excuse me." he said. He then grabbed a parchment from his robe and a pen and scribbled a little bit and then tapped it with his wand. The paper folded itself and changed into an eagle like creature and flew towards the reception area. |
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He gave the man time he needed to send the note, pulling out a parchment as well and scribing down the details for the order. After that was done, he spoke again. "Is there anything else I can help you with?" |
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"Thank you very much for your time, Mr. Belmonte" he said and extended his hand to shake the Department Head's hand. |
Rising to his feet, he gave the outstretched hand a firm shake, his head nodding slightly. "I'll have those trees in no time." He'd probably have his new liaison deliver them, just to get the man some fresh air so to speak. "Have a good day, Mr. McMillian." |
Marina's mind was racing all the way to their department. The things Mr. Bole and his employees had told her, the way that tornado man acted to them and the looks they got from everyone passing - everything made her believe that this upside down symbol on the posters was not a proud thing to wave around. If this cult was true and it did nothing to stop muggleborns oppression then Rafael ...she had no idea how to start this conversation, though. The young woman stood at his door and knocked. Marina was alone. Damon had to do some work and she asked to face the head of department on her own, that way he wouldn't feel 'ambushed' or something. Damon could get in afterward. |
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"Do you want to go in one at a time or together?" Damon asked. After all the last time he had spoken to Marina he kind of made it sound like he wasn't going to talk to the department head, but after a bit of thinking, he changed his mind. |
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"There's a reason your not getting an answer." Rafael strolled up behind them with a white ball of fur tucked under one arm. With his free hand he waved it at his door, and it unlocked with a small click. He motioned for them to enter first. "What can I help you two with?" And would it take long? He had to get this slumbering creature off to it's proper owner. |
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She didn't sit down, instead she had grabbed her magical pouch to the front, had been set to her side all the way, and snatched a wrinkled, dirty poster from inside then put it on Rafael's desk. "Those.." She tried flattening it a bit with her hands, "..are our posters after trying to hang them in the Magical Law Enforcement department. In fact we didn't get to the part where we try to hang them there, we merely walked in and took them out." She straightened up, looking him in the eyes, "What is that symbol on the posters, Rafael?" If he said it was the Ministry's symbol, she was going to spit it all out. He better understand it quickly. |
"Careful, Marina." He cautioned with a warning look, noting that she seemed somewhat agitated. While he was casual with his employees, he did not take to being confronted with even the slights bit of hostility or aggravation, and wouldn't allow it from his employees. Not fussed with their standing, he moved around his desk and settled into his chair, placing the sleeping albino pup in his lap gently. He didn't even spare the posters a glance, but did tap it with his wand so that the wrinkles were removed along with the dirt. "And in simply taking them out you managed to get them wrinkled?" Obviously more happened down there then she was voicing. "Did you speak with Bole?" He'd address the symbol in a moment. |
The woman took a deep breath and restrained her mood, she wasn't angry at all just emotional and a bit... disappointed? Offended that they were kept in the dark? Yeah, something like that. She watched him fix the poster and shook her head at his question, "We were this close from being tossed in the air into the tornado posters one of their employees had made." She motioned with her forefinger and thumb. Did they speak with Bole? Nodding her head fomrally she elaborated, "He told us... things. About a cult that allowed beating and unfair acts against the muggleborns." Gulp. "He claimed that this symbol, the upside down version of the original Ministry one, is the cult's symbol. And that it was... not welcome in Magical Law Enforcement department." Hopefully those words wouldn't offer her one ticket to Azkaban. If the minister was involved, this was not a very far off penalty. She ran her hand through her wavy hair nervously and clearly confused, "Can you please explain things to us?" Because she didn't believe Bole entirely, partly because she refused to admit that their ministry was foul and partly because over this year working with Rafael, Marina had respected and trusted the man very much. It'd be really irritating to change that view now... so suddenly. |
She still wasn't explaining what exactly happened, but Rafa got the gist of it. "So you were harassed while visiting the law enforcement department?" A faint frown crossed his features, but he said nothing. And really wasn't surprised. That department wasn't the most inviting, but he had hoped they would at least show some courtesy to his employees who'd been blissfully ignorant to the on goings within the ministry. "You shouldn't believe everything... that department informs you of." His frown became more prominent as he leaned forward, mindful of the little girl in his lap. He tapped the symbol lightly. "This is a symbol of the Walpurgis, a group with many beliefs. Most of which are for the betterment of wizardkind and the environment. These unfair acts against muggleborns aren't something they stand for, though it's possible some may be prejudice against muggleborns. But that's not something that's uncommon to find amongst any group of wizards or witches, history tells that muggleborns aren't the most favored of wizardkind, having always been mistreated." He paused when the puppy shifted in his lap. "The only reason they're on our posters is for the betterment for the environment, not for blood status, which is not an issue on this level I assure you. MLE employees are very dedicated to their jobs, which isn't a bad thing, but when interacting with the type of people they deal with on a daily basis... it wouldn't be surprising if they happened upon a member of the group, or someone claiming to be apart of the Walpurgis, who didn't favor muggleborns and just made their own assumptions. It's nothing to worry yourself over." Rafael knew the young woman to be muggleborn, and she really didn't have anything to worry about so long as she went back to working her position and not involving herself in the antics of the other departments. |
Ahh...sorry for not responding to this convo until now XD Damon had been standing slightly behind Marina, listening intently to the questions that she asked and the answers that their department head gave them in return. He figured that Marina had more of a calmness to her and would be able to ask the questions in a less blunt and more respectful way than he could. Damon wasn't always the best when it came to controlling his emotions, especially when they had just been as riled up as they had by the other department. "So, just to make sure I am understanding you correctly," Damon started when he found that it was an appropriate moment to speak, "Walpurgis group is actually a group that is looking to promote the well being of the environment and the wellness of the wizarding environment, but there are people within the group that are advocates of harming muggleborns and those that are seen as being of "lesser" blood status?" Damon was managing to keep the skepticism out of his voice, but the doubts were there. Obviously any group that was trying to promote the well being of the wizarding world and the environment would realize that people who could support the hurting and abusing of muggleborns were obviously not the kind of people that were going to make the wizarding world a better place. Clearly this fault was not something that he alone was recognizing? |
"It's possible there are members who are prejudice of muggleborns, I never said it was a definite." He looked over to Damon who'd been rather quiet through the whole thing. "There is always someone out harming muggleborns, always has been and always will be, you can't let that cloud your judgement of the group who wants for the betterment of wizardkind and the environment." And they most certainly could not let it distract them for their jobs. Obviously the most important thing on Rafa's mind. |
Were they harassed? Marina nodded, "Yes. There was this.. crazy man who stepped in and made the tornado of our posters before throwing my ministry ID and wand to the floor," She said it neutrally, "Bole came out of his office then and put him at bay. When we told them why we came there for, we'd already attracted a crowd." Taking a step backward, Marina sat on the couch before Rafael's desk and waited till he explained. And then Damon spoke something at last. The young woman winced when Rafe talked about muggleborn being unappreciated most of the time – it was true but saying it so normally still stung. With a sigh she looked down at the floor and spoke, more quietly, "He said something about Gina, too. Said that if we wanted to find out more we could go and talk to her." Lifting her head to look at her boss, Marina asked, "Is it really true that the minister is in the cult, too? And they're not really punishing or caring about those who behave savagely with muggleborns?"Out of all the things Bole told them, which wasn't enough, the muggleborn issue worried her the most. Even if she was safe and sound in this department, that didn't mean she should stand such a cult. "And what exactly does that mean? 'betterment of wizardkind'?" That sounded… cheesy. A bit. |
Seeing that Marina was taking a seat on the couch, Damon sat down next to her. There was after all room enough for two people to sit on comfortably without being too in each other's space. He nodded as Marina explained how they had been treated at the Law Enforcement Department. "I believe they got so upset because of the symbol on the posters," Damon said once Marina had finished explaining the matter. "I guess they're a little bit more...emotional when they're trying to get their point or displeasure across than we are," Damon said, giving Marina a little smile. The two of them after all had gotten closer and were prepared to defend one another if they had to. "Excuse me, and I don't mean to sound rude by saying this, but isn't it wrong to just turn a blind eye to the fact that this group has members that are hurting muggleborns just because of the fact that the group wants to support the maintenance of the environment? Don't get me wrong, I want to protect the environment as much as I can, and any help we get is always appreciated, but at the same time I'm afraid I am going to have a hard time accepting things from an organization that is aware of what some of the members are doing, and isn't doing anything to change it. Or are they doing something about these members?" |
Caitlyn nervously walked up to the door and knocked tentatively. She rung her hands together rubbing her wrists. How could she have been so stupid! Now everyone has to work that much harder to make up for it. She sighed quietly waiting for Mr. Belmonte to usher her in. |
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"I'm not turning a bind eye, Damon, but encase you forgot, this is Environment Protection. Not Law Enforcement. It's best to leave the muggleborn hating criminals to them and for us to stay focused on our jobs." He shook his head at them and how easily worked up they were. Almost as bad as level two themselves. "We receive nothing from them, our funds come from the ministry. As for what they're doing about those members, I can't say. I don't spend my free time advocating fair treatment to wizards of any blood status." His eyes moved back to Marina when she mentioned another department head. "Gina is upset about Lord Borr, something a lot of the ministries' employees share." He dismissed it all with a wave of his hand. Tiring of the conversation. "You're worrying yourselves over things you shouldn't, things that could bring you trouble if your not careful." His tone remained the same as he spoke, not in warning but simply stating a fact. What Gina was doing wasn't wise at all and would lead to dangerous things if she didn't stop them. OOC: There's more for you two below. :) Quote:
"If that's all I have others to tend to." It was a dismissal. He'd done more than enough cult talk for one day. |
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... This one wasn't his, he was sure. "Come in." |
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'Oh shoot a pickle!' She thought mentally slapping herself. She shook her head before smiling apologetically at the Enviromental Head. "Gosh! I'm so sorry! I seem to have gotten the wrong room. I hope I didn't interrupt you . . . Oh what am I saying of course I did!!! I am really sorry!"Caitlyn's eyes widened realizing that she was rambling. She was about to apologize for that but she seemed to gather the strength to hold her tongue. |
"It's fine." Extremely fine considering how he wanted that conversation over and done with. He smiled politely at the young woman. Rafael stepped into his office briefly, picking up the puppy and returning with her in his arms. "I was heading out anyway. Creatures, yes?" He closed and locked his door behind him. "I was just heading that way." Rafa gestured for her to walk ahead of him and then followed close behind with the albino pup in arms. |
Bradley was slow to make his way up to the door of the office, unsure if it was in fact the right one. Hm, he cast a quick look around himself to see if anyone was watching him. He didn't know why but he felt very much out of place and that frightened him a bit. Seeing no one looking he breathed and looked back at the door that loomed over him, he straightened his back. Squaring with the thing before he lifted him hand and knocked three times clearly on it before stepping back to wait. |
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There were a few books and parchments spread across his desk in a neat fashion as well, his attention torn between them and the map. "Come in," He didn't spare the door a glance, but did ease back in his seat. |
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"Good afternoon, I've come down from Accident and Catastrophes to ask for your help in assisting me with my current project" Hm, that seemed smart enough right? |
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"I've been expecting someone soon." He gestured to the seat across his desk and drew his wand in one swift motion. "Tell me what project your working on and how we can assist?" |
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Before long he jumped into why he'd arrived. "I've been tasked with finding a charm to protect plants from frosts" He started before finishing, "And I have been asked to come down here to ask if you have any ideas of how to proceed with this task?" |
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Once all that movement was done, he reholstered his wand. "A charm to protect plants from frost," He mused. "I have some ideas, but I'd love to hear some of yours if you've got any?" Had he been working on the project any, or was it just recently assigned to him? Either way, Rafael had a few ideas of what he'd need a charm like this to do exactly. |
He was in trouble. He was in trouble, he just knew it. Sure, he may not have been paying full attention to what the Patronus Rafael had sent him was saying exactly, he was kind of busy poking some plants while in the Greenhouse, but really. What other reason would there be for the boss to summon him to his office? Was he distracting too many people from their work with his constant spinning? If he got fired, was he allowed to take the spinning chair with him? How awesome did he look in his work robes!? Those were just a few of the questions running through Gilbert Shepard's head as he made his way to his Department Head's office, and once he reached the door, he raised his hand to knock.. but stopped himself. Was he supposed to just walk in? He was summoned after all. Ehh.. Knocking, just to let him know he was there, he slowly opened the door and peeked his head in. Who was that other guy? His replacement!? "You wanted to see me?" Sir.. Bossman..? |
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Turning to see who it was Brad saw another man walk into the room, nervous, and mumbled to his boss about wanting to see him. Hm, he wondered briefly at who it might be and what about before turning back to the front once more. It was nothing to do with him, he told himself. |
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So he had nothing, really. That was fine, he supposed. Rafael nodded his head at the gentleman, and then glanced over at his door when one of his botanist walked in. He motioned to the other free chair across his desk. "Yes, I think I could use your brain for a little assignment." Why did he look so nervous? "We're discussing experimenting with a charm to protect plants from frost." He supplied. Plants outdoors, of course. "This gentleman from level three has been tasked with the job and has asked for our assistance." Or guidance, Rafa wasn't sure but he wasn't passing judgement just yet. He also didn't know the other man's name, and gave him a brief look as if this was the time to supply them both with it. "I was thinking a combination of certain charms that could be adjusted to our needs." He eased back in his seat, eyes flickering between the pair. "A shield of sorts that would seal in warmth, maybe even provide it, while still allowing physical contact to be made with the plant. Obviously something transparent. Lasting. Not harmful to the environment." Were either of them getting any ideas? He paused to see if they would contribute. |
I am soooooo, so, so sorry!!! D: Ohhh, he was needed for an assignment. Grinning rather sheepishly, all that worry was for nothing!, Gilbert moved further into the Bossman's office and took up residence in the empty seat across from him. He did give the other guy in the room, his not replacement, a nod of his head while making himself comfortable. Chairs were comfy, but missing something. However, it wasn't really time to think about that, and once the Bossman began speaking, Gilbert gave him his full attention. Well, as much as he possibly could. He was already trying to think of a few things that they could do. Protecting plants from frost with a charm. Just think of all the time people could save! Money, too. "Well." he leaned back in his comfy chair and scratched at his chin thoughtfully. "Muggles usually use some kind of tarp or even newspaper to cover the plants before the frost is supposed to hit. And during the frost, spraying the plants with water will insulate them when the water freezes." And.. he knew that wasn't exactly an idea, but he was hoping that, by giving that information, it would fuel some. So far, though, he had nothing. Maybe the other guy did? |
SPOILER!!: You both Once the other man had taken his seat Bradley leant forward and held his hand out to Rafael, "Bradley Wills" He introduced himself waiting for the hand shake so he could move on to shake the hand of the other man. At least now they all knew each other they could really get down to business. Brad was glad that the other man had offered up an idea as he still felt in the dark a bit. Biting his lip a little he straightened his back and spoke, "Is there a way of using your idea in a simple way? We don't want to make this solution difficult and a chore to cast" He said as he was thinking idea through his head and the end spell and the way it would look to anyone using it. "Although I've never had the problem with frost and plants but my mother always said that continuous water of the plants soil before nightfall helps because the soil will release moisture into the air and make it warmer therefore protecting the plant in someway" He hoped it helped hem in someway. |
sooo late again! >.< Rafael listened to both men, smirking slightly at Bradely's question. "I believe that is for you to figure out Mr. Wills. We've supplied you with our advice and opinions on the matter, and you're more than welcome to pick Gilbert's brain at a later time, but I'm afraid I cannot assist you more on this matter." He rose from his seat slowly, offering his hand to the other man. "Thank you for stopping by though, and I look forward to hearing your progress on the matter." Then he turned his attention to Gilbert, half expecting to see him spinning. "I'm assigning you to help this man however possible, Gilbert. And keep me informed should you the two of you run into any troubles or need more assistance." If so Rafael was sure he'd be able to find more time to assist them both. He'd try to at least. |
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"If you both don't mind I'll take my leave to get back to my work" He said still smiling, Brad turned towards the closed door and took the few steps to the door and stopped again, turning towards them both once more, "Thank you both again" He added before taking his leave. |
A purple paper airplane, complete with the emblem of the Ministry of Magic stamped along its sides, makes its ways through the lifts and corridors of the Ministry of Magic. Reaching its destination, the interdepartmental memo comes to rest in front of its intended recipient. When unfolded, it reads: Quote:
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Once again not waiting for Elinor, Wes found the office exactly where the bloody MAP had said it would be. He was tempted to kick open the door, just to be He settled with opening the door via the doorknob, and standing in the doorway so just his profile was visible. "Belmonte. I need a word." Now. More like...YESTERDAY. But now would have to suffice. |
Rafael only locked his door when he wasn't in the office to protect his small projects and work files, and kept it unlocked when he was occupying the space as he didn't mind his employees coming and going, so long as it was for work. But now he was starting to reconsider this as the very tall and ill-tempered MLE head spoke from the doorway. "Please, do enter, Ferguson. I'm not busy with my work or the like." He turned from the work table off to the side of his office where he actually WAS busy working on things, and glanced at the man, then he gestured over at the chair in front of his desk. He could sit. Rafa supposed. "What's this about?" |
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Ahem. Focus. Lingering just behind him, she waited to be introduced, or prompted to do so. She wasn't sure. She hadn't spent much time with her boss, and wasn't sure which he would find more annoying; Introducing herself and potentially interrupting him, or waiting for him to do it for her. So much pressure. |
Not busy with his work or the like... yeahhhhh right. Wes just wasn't going to say anything about that, since the other department head was using words like 'please' and 'enter.' He needed to simmer down and he knew it but he had too much steam behind him to stop now. Wes walked in quietly, noting the presence of Elinor behind him, and led the way over to the chairs although he did not sit. He paced around a chair for a bit and then paused once his thoughts were gathered. He gestured toward his laboratory SUPERVISOR who was most certainly not an assistant. "Elinor here is from my department and she works in the lab," he figured he'd best keep it simple for these non-MLE people, "most recently with samples from the cafeteria and the infected Ministry employees." Wes took a breath. "My wife is one of these employees, Mr. Belmonte. It has come to the attention of my department that the outbreak appears to be linked to the Scottish Silver Ferns used to decorate the Ministry food court." He gave the plant man a cold, hard stare, as though he were to blame for all the trouble these ferns could have caused. "Would you happen to know anything about that?" |
Rafael had spoken polite words, but his slow actions of pausing on what he was working on and removal of his protection gear showed that he wasn't all to thrilled to have the irate man and his employee in his office unannounced. "Elinor." He inclined his head her way in greeting, but didn't linger, turning all his attention to Wes. His brow rose at the mention of his plants. "I personally inspected all of those plants, Ferguson, and I can assure you that none of them are the root of our problem." He returned the man's glare with a hard look of his own, not appreciating what he was insinuating. "What I do know," He rounded his desk and leaned against his large-backed chair. "Is that this is a plant related issue, which is why I have my people working on finding a cure. But we don't know the cause and therefore can't put together a proper cure. Now, if you have any information that could help us I'd be glad to hear it and pass it along to my employees so that your wife and the others can be cured." |
Really, he had inspected them all personally, had he. You don't say. Wes found himself mentally mocking everything Belmonte said in his head, a bad habit he hadn't used much since Hogwarts, yet he didn't stop just yet. No, because this guy was such a plants expert that he knew the root of the problem - pun intended? - was a plant, yet of course it wasn't the plants he had inspected personally. "With all due respect, Mister Belmonte," Wes managed through gritted teeth, "it's possible that you missed something. Elinor has solid evidence that this is more than just a plant related issue. I brought her here in the hopes that our departments could collaborate on a cure. Elinor?" Wes looked to his lab supervisor and finally realized he had a chair he should be sitting in, so he sat. "Tell Mister Belmonte about the deficiencies you found in our infected employees' DNA samples." Look at him, being all good and sitting and not shouting. For now. He was only insinuating and quietly simmering. This was progress. Wes just wished Izzy were here to see it. |
Elinor listened carefully as the two department heads spoke, standing where she had stopped when she had first entered. She couldn't tell if it was Wes' less-than-outstanding attitude, or if the two men had a history, either way, it was almost uncomfortable in the room. Almost. Knowing that she and her boss were on the same team was somehow a comfort. And then Mr. Ferguson called her up to bat. The woman nodded and adjusted the folder in her arms. "Well, Mr. Belmonte, after another employee of MLE suggested the idea that the Scottish Ferns had something to do with the infection, I did a check on essential nutrients and elements found in plant life. I thought that, maybe, there was a specific reason the more advanced victims craved only wood. As it turns out, I was right..." The lab worker was hesitant about handing over the documentation to the other man, but she knew her words were not evidence. So she opened the folder and withdrew a sheet of paper, at the bottom of which was printed two graphs. Elinor slid the paper onto the desk and pointed to each part as she spoke. "This first graph is a sample of unaffected DNA. These levels fall within the average margin for each nutrient listed. However, this second graph, as you can see, has many differences. This DNA was taken from a subject who is in the more severe stage of infection. The two most noticeable differences are the alarmingly low levels of zinc and potassium. Both of which are high on the list of essential elements found in all plant life." She had hoped her point was clear. Unless she was very wrong, this infection was plant-oriented. |
Rafael leaned forward on his chair, narrowed his eyes at Ferguson, and spoke slowly and clearly so there would be so confusion with the man. "I don't make those kinds of mistakes." Pause. "Ever." Was he clear? Did he need to repeat himself to the department head with the thick skull? It was possible that his employees, namely the younger ones, could have missed something though, or made some mistake after Rafael's initial check, but he was too offended by the insinuations to bother voicing it at this moment. Instead he focused his attention to the woman in the room, seating himself so that he could better see the documents she was showing him. He studied the charts for a long looooooong moment, letting heavy silence fall between the trio before blinking up at Elinor. Sigh. "I agree that this is a plant related issue, but I'm still not wholly convinced this is an issue that stemmed from my ferns, considering how similar it is to other ferns on a fundamental level." He tapped his chin with his forefinger in thought. "But I'll need more evidence... if I'm to help with a cure." His eyes flickered over to Ferguson at that. He would of course help with curing others, even if he did disagree that he or his employees made some sort of mistake. |
Obviously Wes still wasn't going to just BELIEVE Belmonte. The man was human; to err is human; and he had clearly err'd something up here, whether he was willing to admit it or not. To his credit, though, he didn't reply in the same vein as Belmonte's 'threatening' tone or whatever the hell it was. He merely narrowed his eyes back at the man and waited for his verdict on Elinor's evidence. .... OH GOOD MERLIN. "All right, we're done here," Wes "Believe what you want, Belmonte, but I believe you're being uncooperative, and I know that I have all the evidence I need to accuse you," he pointed a finger in the man's face, "of obstructing justice. I'm taking my employee back to more cooperative levels now where I'm sure she will find a cure, with or without your so-called help." He strode for the door then. "Come on, Elinor. He'll get what's coming to him when WE find a solution to the infection AND when we release the cause to the papers." Yeah, 'cause the cause was CLEARLY one OVERLY PROUD and plant-obsessed MAN. |
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