"At the moment you have no proof of doing any work. Since you spend no time in your own department and have not done the assignment I have set," Theo said, "I will not be allowing any form of transfer until I see that you are capable of work. Because I do not wish to let down my own department by giving another one a lazy employee."

"Well, I say we let him come to the department and see what happens," Samantha said. "Perhaps he will be happier in a different environment. As I said, my department is very involved in a very extensive project at the moment and I would not mind the extra help right now. That will be the true test, I would say. Since J.J. has been so anxious to come to my department, I say we do this. J.J. has brought a lot of things to my attention, including the students who were turning into animals at Hogwarts last term and also the recent murders that have been happening with various students' families. Perhaps there is something he can offer to my department, and might make him better suited to come there, after all. One never knows where one's true interest lies, and everyone deserves a second chance. I am willing to give that chance."

Theo took out his key to the Conference Room, and slowly unlocked it. He took his place at the head of the table, waiting for his three heads.

Alina made her way to the conference room, a small file and a parchment and quill in hand in case she needed to make notes. She was still a bit nervy about being head of Patents, and although her boss was also her husband, she wanted to put across a good impression.

Her heels clicked on the floor as she stepped through the door, and she nodded to Theo with a small smile. She slipped into a seat, and laid her things out neatly on the table.

Ian half-waddled into the conference room. He was still bitter about not receiving cake...and that was ages ago. He checked his sour attitude at the door, though, and walked in, greeting everyone cheerfully.

Things seemed like they had calmed down a bit, thank goodness.

Theo smiled, "Welcome you two. Especially to Alina. Welcome to the team. I want to wait for Dan before we begin." He banged he parchment on the table to even it out.

Dan strode calmly into the conference room, a slightly bemused look on his face. A conference, awesome. This was sure to keep their heads occupied for quite some time. As he realized he must be the last to arrive, Dan sped up as he walked through the door. He gave Theo a grin and a nod before silently taking a seat.

"Ah welcome Dan. This is Alina, she is taking over the role of Head of Patents, because Alexander had a few problems at home," Theo started. "Right down to business. Our Ministry is holding an International Convention, and our department is expected to converse on a few things. Including the next Quidditch World Cup and Gobstones Tournament. I have a list." He handed around the memo from the Minister's Office.

Alina smiled as the other Division Heads entered the room. It felt weird being in such a situation, being more used to taking notes for Theo quietly than actually a part of the discussion. It was good feeling at the same time though, especially as she needed to move on with the twins heading to Hogwarts soon enough.

Theo lessened Alina's nervousness when he introduced her properly. Although she knew both Dan and Ian anyway, it verified for Alina in her head that all the problems that she and Theo had gone through were finished and they were finally happy again. She twiddled a curl round her finger, and took the memo that was passed to her. She scanned through, noting inparticular the bit about Indian patents.

She frowned, "Patenting Muggle objects that already exist?" she asked almost rhetorically. "Interesting..."

"Welcome, Alina," Ian said in his professional voice. Secretly, however, his heart dropped a bit because he knew she would be more involved with her job now...and there would be less time for baking. Oh, how he would miss those sweets. Perhaps he should try to convince Darla to start baking....

And back to the issue at hand, a list? A list for what?

Ian picked up the memo and began reading. Oh....that kind of list. Well, with the few employees who had stuck things out, they should be able to get this all done.

"As you can see, we have alot to do and very little time to do it in. If we brainstorm here, or you can brainstorm with your divisions, your choice," Theo said.

Alina looked up from the memo and nodded. It certainly was a lot to do, and from her division's point of view, not exactly the easiest. Trying to research what was happening in India was going to be a problem, but she knew here employees would want something decent for a change. Well, something other than assessing whether a new type of teapot should be patented or not.

She shrugged at Theo. "I don't mind either way, I mean, it'd be good to set some of my employees some proper work and brainstorm there, but equally I'd welcome all your ideas. I'm not really totally sure on this division head and meeting thing yet..." She gave a small laugh, and continued to wind a curl round her finger.

"I'd like to take this to the division," Ian said. Despite the fact that these people had their positions for a reason, Ian felt it would be better to brainstorm quidditch stuff with his own division, seeing as they would probably know more about stuff that should be improved. Plus, they needed work to do, now that the Kenmare-Appleby game was over.

Ian leaned back in his chair and folded his hands behind his head. He was in the zone and the cogs in his mind were already turning.

"Ok then. We can do that. Divisions it is. I want all feedbacks in a week. That means it must be done, so I can send it on," Theo said. "Meeting adjourned." He said, letting everyone leave. He needed to lock up after all.

Alina nodded. "A week." She gathered her parchment and copy of the memo. She stood and smiled widely. Her first meeting had gone pretty well considering the events before it.

She straightened her robes, and headed over to Patents.

Nathan, leaving a trail of Hobnob crumbs behind him in the corridor (maintenance would be pleased), slipped into the conference room. Again, he was pleased that there was nobody around. For some reason he felt really shifty doing these security checks, though he didn't know why.

There wasn't a lot to check in here but you could never be careful. He had a thorough look around before leaving to check the Gobstones office and the corridor.