Heading downstairs, holding onto the banister carefully because of the rockyness of the boat Ashby led Edward, and Simon down to the work area. He was hoping it would hopefully be a little less rocky down here. He really needed to get that charm in place.

"The area is sectioned out into the 6 chambers." He explained to Edward, as they came into the middle area of the hold. "Your section is just over there." He pointed over to the bottom left hand side of the hold. "If you have any questions. Don't hesitate to approach me."

And now to Simon. "Is there a specific area you want to start in?"

Edward followed Mr. Summers down the stairs into the hold. Because he didn't have the frame of reference of the horizon any longer, there was an initial bit of disorientation. He could feel the movement of the boat as it rode the rhythm of the river. He held onto the rail, as Ashby did and Edward looked around him as he they descended.

When they hit the bottom of the stairs, Ashby explained where Edward would be working and Edward looked forward, seeing the area indicated. Thank you, Mr. Summers. I appreciate your assistance and look forward to doing good things. With that, Edward headed to his 'new' work area and walked in.

If the memories brought up by the gangplank and the movement on the deck wasn't enough, the increased feelings as he followed the department head and his employee down the stairs to get below just added to it. The metal and rivets threating to morph into wood and nails before Simon's eyes as he did his best to fight the images. He was looking around once he was down completely not quite catching what Summers was saying to the other man as he remained slightly distracted.

"Hmm..." the auror mused as the attention was drawn back to him, taking a second to register the change and looking back at the older man. "Not particularly. Perhaps just make my way from the forward areas closer to the bow and work my way aft towards the stern of the ship." It was a worthy idea since it gave some direction to a otherwise direction-less plan. The nautical terms came back to him almost naturally and he inwardly sighed.

Edward walked into the ever locked room. He hadn't even given thought to how he was able to enter. Most likely, he'd been given the access as part of employment. He walked in and began to survey the section of hold they'd been given. It had some bookshelves and a couple of high top tables with stools around and over in the corner, it appeared there were some muggle looking computer screens. He wasn't sure how well they would work. He'd used them during his travels. He found them cumbersome and quite limited in usefulness for wizarding purposes, but he'd learned to enjoy some of the stories about 'supernatural' things.

Since he'd received the job offer, he'd considered what type of research he'd like to conduct. He had a workable plan. He began to peruse the book titles. Most of them seemed to be wizarding type books with potions and other type things. Some were rather old, others seemed quite recent. He grabbed one off the shelf and took it to a high table and opened it. The book was titled Effects of love on the young wizard, a study of love at Hogwarts The author's name had to be a pseudonym as it was written by Young Luvr He scanned the forward to see what he could glean from the author's intent. It seemed the writer focused mainly on survey responses from students at Hogwarts School for Wizardry and Witchcraft. He flipped through and read the different chapters.

Chapter 3: Professor's gone wild
Chapter 6: Students with Spring Fever
Chapter 12: What happens after the feelings have faded
Chapter 18: Who let the Dogs out?

Edward shut the book. This was garbage meant only to stimulate active imaginations and worry Hogwarts parents, but mostly just to gather a few knuts. He took out some parchment he saw on the desk and began writing a proper research proposal. If he was going to work here, he might as well do it properly.

Was the young man okay? Ashby frowned a little as he watched the young man. Hmmm. That was interesting. "Are you okay there?" Because well he didn't look very good at all. Did he not like coming into the hold. Well Ashby could understand that. Not everyone would like ships. That was why he was hoping that they would get into the ministry soon. Then they could get off this awful boat.

"Your plan sounds good." He continued after a few moments. As long as the security was all good everyone would be fine. "I'll be in my office if you need me." Because well. He needed ot get stuff do.

Had his discomfort become too visible? So it may seem as the department head asked him whether he was alright or not. "Yes...I'm fine," Simon answered without hesitation, the auror acting quickly to avoid suspecions. He had long before dealt with the strongest of his demons, only the minor echoes remained to be bothers at times like this. "Just getting my sea legs again." That would make sense to the man...right? It was the most general of explanations.

And then there was agreement to his so-called plan. "Very well..." Simon said with a simple move of his head to show his own understanding. "At the very least I'll make you or your staff aware of when I leave," he informed in hopes to ease further relations. The less they were concerned he was going to wander off and cause trouble in their department was best.With that being said, he turned in the direction he suspected the bow was from his time outside and headed in that direction to begin his watch.

Ashby nodded at Simon. He was glad that some of the employees in this ministry were capable of actually doing their job without supervision. Maybe he would need to tell Emily this. He was sure she would be glad to know that some members of her department were doing a good job. "I'll be in my office if you need me.... but feel free to just tell one of the employees that you're leaving." If that would easier. Smiling at the man, he left the hold, and headed towards the bridge.

Too small. No space. Highly uncomfortable.

The young woman may as well have cringed every time she entered the work area, but, what was she to do? Complaining would just make people irritated, and while that would be all fun and games when she was in school...well, actually, it'd still be fun. Where was Demetrius? Or Mitterbill?

Oh wait.....she found someone BETTER! "To what, do we owe, the pleasure of your company, Simon?" she smiled, slightly passing by the auror.

Again he nodded in understand with the department head, Simon briefly watching the man disappear in the direction his office was before resuming his own duties. His movements were cautious as minor obstacles were present from the ship's former life and unlike on deck, he had slipped out his wand to run spells and tests around the area as he walked and observed his surroundings. He had just rounded one front corner of the hold when a familiar voice broke into his focus and the auror looked up to spot the one friend who worked in the department surrounding him.

"Oh same old, same old," he said with a smile, the first truly genuine one since stepping aboard. "Just working and making sure all is well." And inwardly thankful the metal ship didn't sway as much as the pirate ship had. "Enjoying the new surroundings?"

Same old, same old. She'd take that as good news then. At least her new department area was in good hands. "How nice." she commented, glancing around the not as large as she would've liked it room. Not as steady either. Wasn't the boss going to fix that?

"No." Blunt. So very blunt. "Though I do hope it won't give you too much trouble."

No.

Well that was the simple direct answer. Not that Evelyn was known for beating around a bush in any way. At least she approved of his presence there given by the tone of the two words regarding it. "Yeah, I'm not a fan our place as well. Which makes the desire to be out doing patrols stronger." It was the other divisions who stayed behind whon were out of luck.

"Me too," he agreed glancing around before looking back at her. Thankfully the memory snapshots were holding off for now so he could do his job right. "I should have double-checked the locations before volunteering." Even if his reasoning for doing so had been sound.

Oh yes, she remembered the law enforcement's unfortunate location quite well. Although, she'd admit very quickly, she'd have preferred the abandoned stations to this cramped ship despite unsanitary conditions. "Double-checked?" she repeated, eyebrows raised in amusement. "You mean you didn't volunteer for this location just to talk to me?"

Chuckling softly, she crossed her arms. "How is that fiance of mine doing, by the way? Staying out of trouble?"

Simon simply nodded as the woman echoed his choice of words, obviously questioning his remark. "It might have been one of the reasons," he returned, catching her tease. Her presence was an added bonus for sure, support for a purpose or two. "Just not too much of a fan of ships," the auror admitted, not sure if Evelyn remembered the incidents of his final year. At least not the way Josh was aware given the assistance his bestie had given while he recovered his memories.

Speaking of said bestie, Simon remembering his feeling at missing out on his fiance's location. "For the most part," he answered truthfully. "Hanging out with A&C himself which makes me wonder if thats a good thing or dangerous. " You know, they might just be better able to handle the whirlwind that was Josh. Especially under Aron who was somewhat aware of him.

Now that didn't take too long. It helped that the Departments had to send in blueprints so the Minister would have some idea of the places of operations for the rest of the Ministry. This is why it paid to be Senior Underscretary, the intel proved useful, were he a self conscious man he would have sworn it was the only reason Emily spoke to him--but of course he knew better, MUCH better.

Gavin entered the hold, stepping far enough into the room to allow the men entry as well.

"Interesting..." He muttered. It certainly fell a far way from the standards he'd been used to when he worked back on Level 9 but it was to be expected and he wasn't one to talk given the condemned building he had his own working in. He supposed it was decent enough.

Silently, he made his way forward, almost at a leisurely pace, just so his company could have a good look around as they walked. By the looks of it the large area had been sectioned off...how very interesting indeed. All the way at the end he could make out cauldrons. That was it? Not even a locked room? That defeated the purpose of it's name and was rather disappointing but they would get there eventually, for now it looked like they were at the... "Death Chamber section." He said, sounding as if he'd been mentally checking it off his list of 'research'.

He wouldn't even ASK how safe that was with the limited charms and facilities they had back on Level 9. Nope. Just enjoy the tour.

Edward wasn't too concerned that the gentleman didn't answer him. What did bother him was that the person just basically ignored him. Edward didn't particularly like being ignored and he certainly didn't feel like it was appropriate to just brush by a man. It also felt a little odd that the brushing seemed to happen after he had been passed. And the hold did hold some echo based upon the metallic nature of a ship's hold. It sounded like there was more than 1 set of footfalls going down the stairs.

Edward whirled about and headed back down the stairs and saw the man stop for a moment and heard something, but couldn't quite make it out. OY! You there. I apologize for interrupting, but you could have at least acknowledged my presence before you walked by me!

The echoing nature of the hold and the ship in general alerted Simon to more presences added to the work area while he spoke with Evelyn. More employees the auror had figured at first since they had managed to get past the deck turned reception area. However hearing another man speak more loudly and if he was correct, it was the man he himself had met upstairs, he turned around to investigate. Only to spot not one but two seemingly familiar faces and the second surprise one was not who didn't work here.

"Excuse me..." he said turning back to his friend before taking his leave of her and making his way closer to the two new presences. Isaacs distance away from Edward and the auror getting a weird vibe of things. He himself had gotten both a department head and the mysteries man watching him closely when he had first arrived. And had he heard correctly...the minister's man hadn't even acknowledged a worker stepping forward to question?

"Anything the problem?" he asked both men. The presence of the senior undersecretary in a department wasn't an everyday occurance and if there was an issue, Simon wasn't about to shirk any responsibility and not assist. His task was to make sure Mysteries was all set and secure after all.

Ooops.

William knew Gavin should have acknowledged that STUPID, NOSY WORKER they had brushed by on their way in here. He gulped and pressed himself flat against the wall behind the undersecretary, doing his best NOT to bump his head on the low ceiling down here.

Merlin's beard though, how many people could honestly say they had stolen into THE Department of Mysteries?! It was almost something to brag about, except that they were supposed to be sneaky and all. Heh.

He hoped he wasn't sweating too much as somebody else approached them now.... uh... wasn't that lad from security? Back to security he needed to go. He. Needed. To. Go. BYE. THERE WAS A VIP TOUR HAPPENING HERE IN SECRET. GO AWAY AND LET IT KEEP HAPPENING IN SECRET, THANKS.

Hmm. There was sure a lot of noise going on down in the hold. Ashby was pretty sure that his employees shouldn't be making that much noise. So he was going to go and investigate. The department head shook his head, before heading out of his office, and down to the hold.

Ahh. Interesting. He frowned, seeing the Gavin. He didn't remember the man saying he would be coming down to his department. Whilst he didn't mind visitors, he did mind people coming unannounced and not even telling him that they were here. That did not go down well with him.

"Good Afternoon Gavin" Because well he had to greet the man right? The department head moved over to where the little group of people were. He then moved, purposely, so that Gavin couldn't walk any further down into the hold. "Why are we blessed with your presence?" Because Ashby was pretty sure that he had no need to know about the workings of mysteries. He didn't work here any more. Did he not remember that?

Ahh. Simon. Ashby smiled at the young auror. "I've got this Simon." Because it was his department see? He could handle stuff.

...

.....

Of course he followed him. Why wouldn't he? -_-

Gavin turned slowly to see the employee from earlier making his way over to him. Did no one know how to be ignored and do a good job of it? One did not go after the person who ignored you. It showed a lack of ability to take a hint. Gavin scowled, bothered by the thought he would have to play nice yet again. Wasn't the receptionist enough? His lips parted to give a response but that was broken by the sound of yet another voice.

Oh? It was a regular old party now. "No. None that I can see, unless not knowing where the loo is has suddenly become a federal crime? Has it?" He asked, his gaze shifting between the two men before landing once again on Bennett. "You think I'd have known about it, with all those laws I sign off on."

He didn't expect either men to still be standing there. Common sense dictated they moved as quietly as possible through the work area, seeing all they could while he apparently played the distraction.

And look! Mr. Ashby. This was just about everyone he needed to worry about now and they were all kind enough to be standing the same place giving him their undivided attention. Touching. "Blessed? I'm flattered you think so highly of my presence." He would take it as an ego booster, if only to convince himself the man wasn't taking another tone with him. "Doing rounds of my own. With the Departments so scattered the Minister would like to know efficiency's being maintained if only a little. I'm but a shadow, taking stock, seeing if I'll need to owl Cresswell about anything." He gave a casual glance around, wondering if Mr. Neves and Mr. Williamson were half way down the boat by now, they'd be smart if they were. "Already stopped in with Law Enforcement, don't remember Emily and her team giving me such a large welcome....or much of a problem either." He said, directing a pointed look at Ashby. No need to be difficult about this.

Edward was about to respond to the person who'd addressed him with that fellow from Magical Law Enforcement also joined in the conversation and then Mr. Ashby came out to see what was on as well. Edward gathered by the direction the discussion took that perhaps he might have bitten off a bit more than he could chew, of course it didn't really bother him too much. This chap wore his knickers the same as everyone else (or Edward assumed he did). Edward saw that since the MLEr and Ashby were addressing this person that he didn't need to be a part of this any longer. He nodded to both Mr. Ashby and Mr. Bennett and decided to not even acknowledge the last person and see what he thought of it.

Edward turned to depart and stepped with a good bit of his weight on an unseen toe. He looked around for someone to apologize to, but didn't see anyone. That was odd (but of course it was the department of mysteries).

Ahhh. So Gavin was doing the rounds. Okay. That made sense. That was needed when everything was so scattered around and such. Ashby still didn't like him coming by unannounced. "It would have been nice to have at least had an message announcing your arrival." Ashby would never have had a mooch around the other departments without letting the department head know. It was just a little bit of common courtesy. Maybe he would mention this to the Minister of Magic, because it was something he wasn't very happy about.

Was that a pointed look? Ashby just shook his head. "You probably let Emily know that you were coming." Yes. He knew about the relationship. So obviously there would have been no problem there. "And I should also remind you that Law enforcement are not as classified as mysteries is" So you couldn't really compare the two departments.

"But continue on with your rounds. I will be joining you throughout the look through mysteries though. As I would like to know what needs improving or looking at" So basically Gavin couldn't keep being suspicious.

She genuinely smiled with a nod of her head. Understandable; not liking ships. Though she didn't know his reasoning. Could've been anything. Could've just hated ships for no particular reason. Who knows. What she really wanted to know on the other hand, let her release the breath she may or may not have been holding. It wasn't quite the good news she was waiting for, but she'd take it. "The A&C......."

The young woman trailed off, glancing behind to the voices. Or the new arrival more like it. Oh? Someone from the minister's office? That'd be good news then-

Efficiency!? Evelyn rolled her eyes......in her mind. Efficiency. Pffft.

Oh, so the shoes echoed. As soon as they entered the room, João briefly halted and applied a nonverbal cushioning charm on his shoes to stop them from hitting the floor strong enough to echo. And since he couldn't know where WWW was at the moment, he carefully moved forward, without being held up by the small group crowding around Mr. Isaacs and quickly crossed the room where the crowd was not. It was a luck for him and WWW that people showed so much interest in Gavin that they were pretty distracted and he could move without drawing attention. He was still walking carefully though, of course, and halted by the shelves of prophecies.

......he knew he came here to investigate if they created new creatures, but...... thanks to the grand history of Harry Potter, he knew what they were. Would his orb be here? Who knew. He stole one last glance before looking at the cauldrons. He walked there then, and standing a bit away from them (who knew what kind of gases they emitted), he tried to distinguish the potions.

How well could Lafay teach this lad?

Oh great, MORE bloody investigators. William held back a derisive snort and moved on past Gavin, walking silently and slowly down the length of the ship. He was already past the apparent door to Ashby's office when that man appeared to bother Gavin too.

Well, best of luck to the Senior Undersecretary. He was going to try the door to the ever-locked room, just to see if it was really always locked. That's what it was called, right? Which door, which door...