Ava felt like she was watching a tennis match as her eyes moved back and forth between her coworkers. Was this on the level? The fact that a teacher had been killed was the extent of her knowledge as to the going on at Hogwarts. She needed to know more, was it safe for her family there? She had to respond, however, she'd have to choose her words carefully. She didn't want either party to think she disagreed with them, seeing the logic in both of their arguments.

Ava bit her lip hard, trying to muster up the courage to speak. "I-I think the compettition idea is great Mr Rider and i know we'll be able to come up with more when...when we're not distracted by the thought that our families could be in danger". Had she really just questioned her boss on her first day? "Please Mr Rider, we need to know whats going on" she nearly begged as she sat back and winced slightly, waiting for the imminent backlash.

Danile nodded. They needed to get out of this awkward stage. It felt like soap Opera. " So what else were you going to tell us" she asked somewhat beaming.

Maddie felt as if she needed to take some ground in the conversation that her boss was trying so hard to start. "Er, Mr. Rider, sir? About getting the students involved? I think it's a great idea to post advertisement at the school, but how about Hogsmeade? I have a sister at Hogwarts, and she says that there's this Weasley joke shop that is crowded with students everyday." She grinned. She found this a very goood idea.

" That is a fantastic idea, I also have a little sister at Hogwarts and she is always telling me about it, I haven't got a chance to go there but I've heard its very popular amongst the hogwarts sudents". she said to Mr. Rider and beamed at Maddie. " It makes a lot of sense, and my family knows the weasleys good, I'm sure we don't even have to talk the owner George into it" she said smiling at Maddie. This was a very good idea Maddie had, she was glad she can contribute to it.

Maddie grinned at the thought of the charming owner. George was always so comedic...no wonder he ended up as a joke shop owner. "I remember this delightful poster a couple years back. What was it? Oh, 'Worried about You-Know-Who? You should be worried about You-No-Poo! The constipation sensation thats sweeping the nation!'It attracted all of the students like moths to a lamp!" She could picture the sign now. Flashing lights, twinkling sparks... She was broken out of her gaze my almost spilling her glass of water onto her light blue work robes.

Danielle laughed seeing Maddie's expression. She had a feeling Maddie was thinking of the Joke shop, or at least the hilarious owner himself. She knew that was the face she got when she thought about the jokes that they used to do. "I felt so bad for the owner, George, having your brother die ,thats just not right and a twin at that too" she said feeling bad. George does a good job of running the joke shop without him, the joke shop is awesome but not the same with out Fred and every customer of them knows it" she said looking around to see nods as replies.

Gretta had kept quiet the entire time ever since her boss had made it apparent that he'd wanted to stay focus on the topics presented and would address the serious issues later. Twisting her head from left to right, she studied the dismal banter happening within the conference room. Wait, she thought to herself having urges to jump in the conversation to correct unauthorized statements.

Did she really, she questioned in her mind staring at Ms.Waters with her jaw slowly dropping. Jake had just been appointed this new position and already an employee was threatening to have him sacked. On a regular day, she would find it hilarious to see Jake distraught or disheveled but not in this current moment. Gretta had no intentions of becoming the new Department Head of Education. Being a Division Head consisted of plenty work already and adding his work would just be murdering.

This was it. She needed to saw something.

"Umm," she managed to ramble loudly pressing her finger softly to her face and wondering what to say next. "Ms.Waters, for now," she paused giving a caring expression to compliment words. "Let's stay focused on what Mr.Rider wants us to talk about. Eventually he'll have to address the major issues because that will be our main priority. But for now," she was looking at the entire Department with pleading eyes. "Please only address the issues which have been brought forward by our department head." Naturally she wanted to plot towards Jake's downfall but she needed to support his cause. Despite how badly she too wanted to know what was about to happen at Hogwarts, she wanted to get the happier issues done and spend plenty of time on the drastic problems. Though Gretta had not answered the question that Ms.Waters had proposed. She too had a relative whom was currently attending Hogwarts and wanted assurance that his education and safety was not put at risk.

"Mr.Rider, about the Quidditch World Cup, I think it would be nice to allow each employee to spend a few days gathering some ideas as to what would be good publicity to the students. I'm personally thinking a small competition consisting of hard questions, little scavenger hunts, and etc that would be educational and fun. But I'm going to need time to develop my idea. Does anyone else have any spur of the moment contributions," she glanced about the room looking at the wondering faces. "If you do have one after the meeting, my office should be open and feel free to drop by and express your opinions. I'll definitely discuss them with Mr.Rider. I'm sure he'll be out of the office a lot dealing with...." she drifted off the topic of bringing up the Hogwarts dilemma.

Finishing with a caring smile she glanced back towards Jake to have the floor.

"Oh I'm sorry" ssaid Danielle blushing violet. " Err....we should focus on the quittitch cup" she said. " I hope we can figure out a way to adverstise, with all of us together I believe we can find a good way to handle it". She said contributing to the conversation.

Ava dropped her eyes as Greta spoke. She didn't understand her sudden shift in views on the situation, but she was right nonetheless. She should have kept her mouth shut or actually offered her thoughts and ideas on the world cup situation as she was supposed to do.

Her desperation to be informed of the level of safety at Hogwarts didn't dwindle but she did her best to put it to the back of her mind. "I'm sorry Mr Rider, i had no right" she said, looking at him appologetically before returning her gaze to her hands on her lap. There was little chance of her finding the nerve to speak again during the meeting.

No way. That's so cool. My sister's going to be so excited! Warrick smiled. He loved quidditch, but no where near as much as his sister, Gabby, did. Well, will we have to help with the preparations in anyway? he wondered.

Quote:

Originally Posted by lunalovegood21

" Oh, I was just saying how much we will miss J.J" she said turning around talking to Jake wiping the corners of her eyes. " She sighed,feeling so sad. Maybe this was a bad sign. Having your first friend go away, this couldn't be good. She felt like crying but held it back, she knew she was tough and she didn't want anyone to say otherwise. Her smile sooned turned into to a worried look whenever she thought about J.J leaving so she tried to distract herself it was too much to take.

Jake blinked at his employee, unsure if he had heard correctly. She looked sad - REALLY sad - so they HAD been talking about J.J. Deciding to simply not react to that statement, Jake nodded to her and turned towards Ava Rosier who had begun speaking.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magenta

Ava felt like she was watching a tennis match as her eyes moved back and forth between her coworkers. Was this on the level? The fact that a teacher had been killed was the extent of her knowledge as to the going on at Hogwarts. She needed to know more, was it safe for her family there? She had to respond, however, she'd have to choose her words carefully. She didn't want either party to think she disagreed with them, seeing the logic in both of their arguments.

Ava bit her lip hard, trying to muster up the courage to speak. "I-I think the compettition idea is great Mr Rider and i know we'll be able to come up with more when...when we're not distracted by the thought that our families could be in danger". Had she really just questioned her boss on her first day? "Please Mr Rider, we need to know whats going on" she nearly begged as she sat back and winced slightly, waiting for the imminent backlash.

He sighed. True, it had been a little obvious that all they wanted to talk about was Hogwarts but it was his job to direct their line of thought elsewhere. He simply could not tell them what they wanted to know - and what he was allowed to say would simply make them more persistent. "I can say this - the Minister has come to an agreement with Headmaster Bontecou and believe me when I say that none of your relatives - including my niece - are in danger," he said slowly, making sure he had the attention of everyone in the room. He wasn't going to repeat himself and the tone of finality in his voice made it clear that he wasn't going to elaborate either.

Plus, now that they knew that he also had relatives in the school then maybe they'd stop pestering him. People usually blamed those who don't know how they feel - and he DID know. Boy, did he know.

Quote:

Originally Posted by lunalovegood21

Danile nodded. They needed to get out of this awkward stage. It felt like soap Opera. " So what else were you going to tell us" she asked somewhat beaming.

"Nothing, if I can help it. We are moving on to the subject of the Quidditch World Cup," he nodded towards Waters and then sat back down. It was their floor now.


... And by floor he didn't mean that they could chat! Jake was just about to say something when - surprise, surprise - Amerie beat him to it. Oh well...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aris

Gretta had kept quiet the entire time ever since her boss had made it apparent that he'd wanted to stay focus on the topics presented and would address the serious issues later. Twisting her head from left to right, she studied the dismal banter happening within the conference room. Wait, she thought to herself having urges to jump in the conversation to correct unauthorized statements.

Did she really, she questioned in her mind staring at Ms.Waters with her jaw slowly dropping. Jake had just been appointed this new position and already an employee was threatening to have him sacked. On a regular day, she would find it hilarious to see Jake distraught or disheveled but not in this current moment. Gretta had no intentions of becoming the new Department Head of Education. Being a Division Head consisted of plenty work already and adding his work would just be murdering.

This was it. She needed to saw something.

"Umm," she managed to ramble loudly pressing her finger softly to her face and wondering what to say next. "Ms.Waters, for now," she paused giving a caring expression to compliment words. "Let's stay focused on what Mr.Rider wants us to talk about. Eventually he'll have to address the major issues because that will be our main priority. But for now," she was looking at the entire Department with pleading eyes. "Please only address the issues which have been brought forward by our department head." Naturally she wanted to plot towards Jake's downfall but she needed to support his cause. Despite how badly she too wanted to know what was about to happen at Hogwarts, she wanted to get the happier issues done and spend plenty of time on the drastic problems. Though Gretta had not answered the question that Ms.Waters had proposed. She too had a relative whom was currently attending Hogwarts and wanted assurance that his education and safety was not put at risk.

"Mr.Rider, about the Quidditch World Cup, I think it would be nice to allow each employee to spend a few days gathering some ideas as to what would be good publicity to the students. I'm personally thinking a small competition consisting of hard questions, little scavenger hunts, and etc that would be educational and fun. But I'm going to need time to develop my idea. Does anyone else have any spur of the moment contributions," she glanced about the room looking at the wondering faces. "If you do have one after the meeting, my office should be open and feel free to drop by and express your opinions. I'll definitely discuss them with Mr.Rider. I'm sure he'll be out of the office a lot dealing with...." she drifted off the topic of bringing up the Hogwarts dilemma.

Finishing with a caring smile she glanced back towards Jake to have the floor.

Was she... AGREEING with him? Now, that's a first. Jake kept quiet as his Division Head talked, all the while trying to see what she would be able to gain from this little display of relative affection.

Surely she didn't think that he was going to suddenly LIKE her or something? No, Gretta Amerie was many things but as far as Jake could tell, she wasn't delusional.

"While I agree with Ms. Amerie, I still think we need to discuss the matter here and not by ourselves. I need to compile a list of ideas now at the very least, if not make decisions today. Although, if it's possible I still WOULD like to decide some things today," he said, picking up from where she had left off but on a completely different subject.

They didn't need to know anything concerning his absence.

Quote:

Originally Posted by lunalovegood21

"Oh I'm sorry" ssaid Danielle blushing violet. " Err....we should focus on the quittitch cup" she said. " I hope we can figure out a way to adverstise, with all of us together I believe we can find a good way to handle it". She said contributing to the conversation.

"Regarding the actual ideas... Advertisment is a must but what of other things? I mentioned competitions, and Ms. Amerie followed with a scavenger hunt. I was thinking - maybe an essay contest. We could pick a theme - obviously something to do with the Quidditch Cup - and the winners would get prizes or free tickets. Any more ideas? Comments on ideas already presented?" Jake finished up and wrote down all the suggestions people had said. These notes will be very important later on.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magenta

Ava dropped her eyes as Greta spoke. She didn't understand her sudden shift in views on the situation, but she was right nonetheless. She should have kept her mouth shut or actually offered her thoughts and ideas on the world cup situation as she was supposed to do.

Her desperation to be informed of the level of safety at Hogwarts didn't dwindle but she did her best to put it to the back of her mind. "I'm sorry Mr Rider, i had no right" she said, looking at him appologetically before returning her gaze to her hands on her lap. There was little chance of her finding the nerve to speak again during the meeting.

Jake's expression softened as Rosier apologized. "True - but I understand why you feel that you had to ask," he nodded to her with a kind, encouraging smile and when back to his notes.

Quote:

Originally Posted by potterexpert

No way. That's so cool. My sister's going to be so excited! Warrick smiled. He loved quidditch, but no where near as much as his sister, Gabby, did. Well, will we have to help with the preparations in anyway? he wondered.

At least someone was openly excited! "Yes, we are helping by coming up with ideas to get the students involved. Do you have anything in mind?" Jake asked with a grin, Warrick's excitement infecting him.

No, but I'll think about it and get back to you! Warrick smiled. Hey, I could even ask my sister for you. She loves quidditch, it's kind of unhealthy, so maybe she can come up with some decent ideas! he said.

Embarrased by her stupid ideas, she tried to think up another, but she was stumped.

Philip so far had said nothing. He had been a little nervous, and the atmosphere had become quite tense. "I agree," he said. "I have a few small ideas, but I need time to really think them through. And the thing about advertising, in the Weasley Wizard Wheezes joke shop, excellent idea! I have a couple of cousins at Hogwarts and they love that joke shop. Perhaps we could produce a little booklet about the World Cup, you know with things like facts and quizzes and little activities." He hoped his idea would be a good one!

" I think a competition would be good, you know to show there talent and detrimination." Danielle said. " Not like the Twiwizard Tournament, it shouldn't involve life or death , but one where they reallly have to think of a way to get out, one that can show how much they payed attention" she said smiling. " But we should....umm well make it age appropriate so its not to hard" she added eager for a response.

Maddie's face lit up from Warrick's comment. "Thank you Warrick! Oh, and Dannielle? I like the competition idea, but how about a Hogwarts Quidditch competition? It may get the students more motivated about Quidditch, and alot more first years will be able to play," Maddie was on a roll, "And the winners get free tickets!" She looked around, hoping for support in her ideas.

"What about the muggle-borns, you know the first years, they probably don't know much about quidditch so that wouldn't be fair" she said. " I mean don't we want everyone to have an equal chance, but maybe it could work if they learn about quidditch first" Danielle added . She didn't want Maddie to feel bad, it was a great idea but we needed it to be fair. And if it wasn't, what kind dof reaction would that have on the students.

Maddie couldn't help but scowl at her co-worker. "I'm sorry, but I was led to believe that the first years took instructional classes on flying, and it would be foolish to not teach them the rules of the popular sport." nMaddie was going to have a good idea, Danielle or not.

Listening to the debate, she pressed her finger softly on her lips and waited for her chance to speak. "Unfortunately this competition won't be easy for everyone. A lot of students are muggle born and won't know as much as everyone else. So the caliber of our demands shouldn't be sacrificed to accompany everyone. Ideally we would like to, but we cannot make a fair playing field for all," she spoke kindly looking between the two ladies. Jotting down the ideas mentioned, she glanced back up from her notes and opened her mouth to speak again. "About my scavenger hunt idea, I'm thinking we post a few question in random spots of the castle and once the students have answered all of the, let's say ten questions, the first five to answer will become finalist for the bigger competition..." she finished not sure what was going to happen next after the scavenger hunt for questions.

Maddie frowned. "Excuse me ma'am, but wouldn't the students be able to summon said objects?"

" That is an excellent question and well thought out, but there are such spells which can repel an item from being summoned and I believe one of us could make it" she said looking around to nods. " Also I think we can still resort to Maddie's idea, if we have the students tak e a test and see waht level they are on we can put the levels together, but the tricky part is detriming a way for students not to cheat so they can beat student' who are less educated about quidditch then they are" she added with a frown.

"In regards to some students knowing little about quidditch" Ava began nervously. "Perhaps we could do something a little like chocolate frogs? Have a quidditch star featured on each card and in some, there could be a winning ticket to the quiditch final?". She'd certainly been watching a few too many muggle movies lately but it was an idea and most importantly a relevant one.

'Happy now,' she thought gawking towards Jake from the corner of her eye. He'd wanted a meeting of brainstorming purely towards the Quidditch World Cup advertising and now he'd had it. At this exact moment, her mind was racing between world cup ideas, the Hogwarts dilemma, and her sister who wanted to report the every detail of this conference immediately. If Gretta had not been a professional woman, surely she would have allowed the uproar about the Hogwarts incident to continue but clearly it wasn't the appropriate moment or time. Though she did want answers concerning Hogwarts. She too had a relative attending the school and preferred to know that matters were being handled but catiously eased the conversation in another direction. Next topic.

"I've written down all of your input and thank you for your contributions," she added hoping to end this discussion and move on towards the next. Staring at Jake to push the meeting along, she portrayed a concerned face and spoke "Mr.Rider?"

Jake wrote down everything that was being said, trying to keep as quiet as possible so that his employees could shoot out ideas with no interruptions. It seemed to be going really well until Ms. Amerie stepped in and the whole thing just stopped dead.

Ugh.

Sighing, Jake looked up from his note-taking and smiled at all the people sitting around the table. "Thank you everyone - please, if you do have any more ideas don't hesitate to drop them off either at Ms. Amerie's or my office but since we have a deadline - the sooner the better, people," Jake nodded with a slight smile as he looked around the room.

"Well, that is all for today. Please help yourselves to a few refreshments before getting back to work and remember about those ideas," he said quickly, trying not to look anyone in the eye as he ended their meeting. He knew they were expecting more - but he didn't have anything else. He just couldn't tell them about the developments at Hogwarts; at least not more than he had already revealed.

OOC: I'm going to leave this thread open for a bit so you guys can chat but not for long. I need working employees, too.

Maddie got up, proud of herself for engaging in the conversation. She helped herself to some pumpkin juice, twirling her wand idily with her left hand.