Latest Site Notices

Zoe · #1 (**permalink**) 02-08-2024, 11:15 PM

DEPARTMENT HEAD'S OFFICE
Accessible from the reception area and also located near the direct floos and employee work area is the office of Franklin Paton. As the silver placard on the door suggests, this is where the Department Head of Magical Law Enforcement can be found if he is not already somewhere within the department or elsewhere in the Ministry. Should you have a meeting scheduled with him or wish to drop by for a casual conversation, a simple knock on the door is all that is needed. If he does not answer, you may wait in one of the leather chairs placed outside or come back later in the day when he is available.

Once you have been invited inside the office, you will observe the minimalist design featured throughout the department has not evaded the walls of this space; however, wooden accents are present here. The office is graced by large glazed windows that allow abundant 'natural' light to stream in and illuminate the room with an enchanted view of the Hogsmeade valley. A leather sofa and armchairs accompanied by a coffee table provide a comfortable seating area for informal meetings or casual conversations. Several Dark Detectors are scattered about as a precautionary measure.

The focal point of the office is where a stained desk stands with a pair of chairs placed in front of it. Behind the desk tall shelving units, hosting a large collection of books about defensive magic and magical law and policies, bookend a fireplace. On the desk itself are framed photographs of family and close friends, though those will appear empty to those the department head is not well-acquainted with. Completing the relatively sparse desk is a notepad featuring a list of scribbles, a tray containing a growing pile of paperwork, a two-way mirror, and an intriguing reflective but transparent glass orb.

ArianaBlack · 04-14-2024, 09:49 PM

Tomasz wasn't the type to get nervous. For if he were to feel nerves, he was never one to show it. So it wasn't nervousness he felt as he made his way to Mr. Paton's office for their scheduled appointment, but an adjacent feeling - as close to nervousness as one could get without the clammy hands and dry throat.

This conversation was one he had rehearsed several times over. Both with his wife and on his own, in front of their bedroom mirror. He had put it off for far too long. In fact, he had been wanting to have this conversation since he first joined the ranks of the ministry. He had studied for it since the day he stepped through the magnificent atrium and took his oath as a security officer. He just- Well, he hadn't ever felt worthy of his aspirations. He didn't feel it now either, to be clear, but the guilt and unrest had finally pushed him over the edge.

And so, despite his better judgement, he stepped forward to knock firmly against the door.

Zoe · 04-18-2024, 03:54 PM

As much as he preferred to not be inside of his office, today was one of those days Frankie absolutely needed to stay within the room and tackle that pile of paperwork that was only growing with each day that passed. It was a part of the job he always dreaded, even when he was an Auror. However, duty called, and he couldn't ignore the less exciting responsibilities that came with his role. Slowly but surely, file after file was examined, signed, and/or forwarded onto the appropriate person.

He was about halfway through the stack when the orb on his desk suddenly flashed. Having caught his attention, blue eyes diverted from the current file to the projection of Tomasz Łaska. It was then he remembered that they had a meeting scheduled, the note reminding him of such a thing now buried somewhere in the sea of paperwork that surrounded him. Thank Merlin for that ever-handy glass tool of his; always reliable and not easy to misplace, it was.

Glad to take a break from the paperwork momentary, the department head set the file in his hand aside and rose from his seat. By the time he had made it around his desk and started making his way across the office, the knock echoed from the other side of the door. Seconds later, the door was swung open and the two men were now face-to-face.

"Hello, Tomasz," Frankie greeted the man with a warm smile before adding, "Come in and make yourself at home." The blond stepped aside, gesturing for the younger man to enter and choose a seat.

ArianaBlack · 04-20-2024, 04:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoe

As much as he preferred to not be inside of his office, today was one of those days Frankie absolutely needed to stay within the room and tackle that pile of paperwork that was only growing with each day that passed. It was a part of the job he always dreaded, even when he was an Auror. However, duty called, and he couldn't ignore the less exciting responsibilities that came with his role. Slowly but surely, file after file was examined, signed, and/or forwarded onto the appropriate person.

He was about halfway through the stack when the orb on his desk suddenly flashed. Having caught his attention, blue eyes diverted from the current file to the projection of Tomasz Łaska. It was then he remembered that they had a meeting scheduled, the note reminding him of such a thing now buried somewhere in the sea of paperwork that surrounded him. Thank Merlin for that ever-handy glass tool of his; always reliable and not easy to misplace, it was.

Glad to take a break from the paperwork momentary, the department head set the file in his hand aside and rose from his seat. By the time he had made it around his desk and started making his way across the office, the knock echoed from the other side of the door. Seconds later, the door was swung open and the two men were now face-to-face.

"Hello, Tomasz," Frankie greeted the man with a warm smile before adding, "Come in and make yourself at home." The blond stepped aside, gesturing for the younger man to enter and choose a seat.

Tomasz held punctuality in high regard. It was something instilled at him at a young age. Punctuality showed respect of one's time. It was for this reason he always showed up when he said he would. He also appreciated when others did the same. So when Mr. Paton promptly opened the door to welcome him inside, Tomasz bowed his head politely and offered his Department Head a kind smile. "Hello, Mr. Paton," he replied, taking a step inside.

He looked around for a second, before deciding to sit on one of the armchairs. "Thank you for meeting with me. I- Yy, I am sure you are very busy," he leaned back in the seat, before deciding against it and scooting forward so that he was sitting on the very edge of it instead, his knees jutting out and his hands wresting on either side of his thighs.

"I am grateful for your time," and he was. Tomasz was so grateful. He knew he was lucky to have this job. He was lucky to work with good people. He was lucky to have a boss who took the time to speak to his employees. And he felt guilty for still wanting more.

Zoe · 05-01-2024, 11:46 PM

The polite bow of the head, the offering of a smile, and the slight hesitation paired with deciding where to sit did not go unnoticed. It was an instinct that happened naturally for the department head at this point in his career, and not noticing such little things was a skill that was rather difficult to turn off. He did not let his thoughts linger on analyzing every movement Thomasz made as he made his way toward the armchairs. Frankie knew he was a good egg.

"It's not a problem at all," the blond assured as he closed the door, his genuine smile remaining. "And don't worry about you interrupting anything. I can always make time for my team. And, to be quite honest, I welcome any opportunity to step away from paperwork." A chuckle escaped him as he moved to join the younger man in the seating area. The files on his desk could wait.

Taking a seat across from Tomasz, Frankie couldn't help but notice the other's posture. One edge, yet composed. Such a thing was something that the department head did not bring up. Instead of addressing it directly, he opted to lean forward slightly to convey his attention.

"Is there something on your mind, Tomasz? Anything I can help with?" Frankie's voice was gentle, inviting, allowing Tomasz the space to share at his own pace.

ArianaBlack · 05-06-2024, 02:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoe

The polite bow of the head, the offering of a smile, and the slight hesitation paired with deciding where to sit did not go unnoticed. It was an instinct that happened naturally for the department head at this point in his career, and not noticing such little things was a skill that was rather difficult to turn off. He did not let his thoughts linger on analyzing every movement Thomasz made as he made his way toward the armchairs. Frankie knew he was a good egg.

"It's not a problem at all," the blond assured as he closed the door, his genuine smile remaining. "And don't worry about you interrupting anything. I can always make time for my team. And, to be quite honest, I welcome any opportunity to step away from paperwork." A chuckle escaped him as he moved to join the younger man in the seating area. The files on his desk could wait.

Taking a seat across from Tomasz, Frankie couldn't help but notice the other's posture. One edge, yet composed. Such a thing was something that the department head did not bring up. Instead of addressing it directly, he opted to lean forward slightly to convey his attention.

"Is there something on your mind, Tomasz? Anything I can help with?" Frankie's voice was gentle, inviting, allowing Tomasz the space to share at his own pace.

Tomasz usually picked up on these things too. But today, he seemed to be so in his head that he wasn't paying as close attention as he normally would. Instead, the bulk of his focus went to reading lips, even though he wore his earcuff today. He rubbed a palm against his thigh before clasping his hands together. Perhaps they would keep from moving this way. He always found movement to be distracting and he tried to keep his to a minimum as a result.

"Hheh." When Mr. Paton chuckled, Tomasz joined him. Thankful for the context clue.

But was there something on his mind? "Yy, yes, Mr. Paton," he started, nodding his head. Tomasz wasn't one to beat around the bush. Perhaps this was to a fault, but he kept his words to a minimum. The ones that he shared were ones that he meant. Anything else, well, that was not so necessary.

"I have-," he started slowly, but cut himself short to begin again. "I am grateful, Mr. Paton. I like my job. I like the ministry." In case there was any doubt. Tomasz knew the chance that the Ministry had taken on him. He was not so sure he would have had many opportunities elsewhere. "But," he swallowed thickly, always thinking through his words before speaking them out loud. "I am feeling stuck in security. I-" They had practiced this. He and Demi. "I would like to know if there is a chance for me to do YATI, to become an Auror." Security was what he needed when he first left Hogwarts. It gave him a chance. It helped him to become more confident. To improve his english. He loved it. He did. He loved it for a time. Now it had been so much time. Too much. He wasn't feeling fulfilled. He was holding Demi back. He was holding them back from the opportunity to expand their family. He-

"I have studied," he didn't have the examination scores from Hogwarts to show for it, but the past five years, he had spent rigorously learning. Tiring himself out after work. Piling on the exhaustion, hoping that he could have a chance. "I would be a dedicated trainee." He would be the oldest in the program, he knew, but he was willing to go through with all of it. He was.

But he stopped himself there. He wouldn't beg. And if the answer was no, then maybe it would be his time to step away. He had finally come to peace with that.

Zoe · 05-08-2024, 02:19 AM

Frankie listened attentively as Tomasz spoke, noting the sincerity in his words and the underlying tension in his demeanor. There was a weight to Tomasz's request, one that he respected. He could sense the conflict within the younger man, the gratitude for his current role mingled with a desire for growth and change.

"I appreciate your honesty, Tomasz," Frankie began, his tone sympathetic yet measured. Leaning back slightly in his seat, Frankie waved one of his hands, his gaze steady on Tomasz as a cabinet by his desk opened and a file labeled 'Łaska, Tomasz' floated over. "It takes courage to express these feelings. And wanting to grow and evolve in your career is natural."

The blond then went silent to take a moment to glance through the contents of the file and considered his next words carefully. He understood the significance of Tomasz's request and the implications it held. "Your NEWT scores don't quite meet the requirements to become an Auror. It is a rigorous path, as I'm sure you are aware," he said aloud. Another pause occurred as he flipped through another page before closing the file and allowing it to return to its original place.

"But your experience in security would certainly be an asset in an Auror role, and your determination and willingness to learn are qualities that will go a long way," the department head continued. "The transition will require hard work, perseverance, and a willingness to step out of your comfort zone. If this is truly what you want, then I'm here to support you every step of the way."

ArianaBlack · 05-08-2024, 03:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoe

Frankie listened attentively as Tomasz spoke, noting the sincerity in his words and the underlying tension in his demeanor. There was a weight to Tomasz's request, one that he respected. He could sense the conflict within the younger man, the gratitude for his current role mingled with a desire for growth and change.

"I appreciate your honesty, Tomasz," Frankie began, his tone sympathetic yet measured. Leaning back slightly in his seat, Frankie waved one of his hands, his gaze steady on Tomasz as a cabinet by his desk opened and a file labeled 'Łaska, Tomasz' floated over. "It takes courage to express these feelings. And wanting to grow and evolve in your career is natural."

The blond then went silent to take a moment to glance through the contents of the file and considered his next words carefully. He understood the significance of Tomasz's request and the implications it held. "Your NEWT scores don't quite meet the requirements to become an Auror. It is a rigorous path, as I'm sure you are aware," he said aloud. Another pause occurred as he flipped through another page before closing the file and allowing it to return to its original place.

"But your experience in security would certainly be an asset in an Auror role, and your determination and willingness to learn are qualities that will go a long way," the department head continued. "The transition will require hard work, perseverance, and a willingness to step out of your comfort zone. If this is truly what you want, then I'm here to support you every step of the way."

He held his breath. Concentrating every ounce of his being on his department head and the words he said. For the courage, he had Demetria to thank. She was the one who helped to encourage him. After years of wanting something so badly, only she was able to convince himself to take the step he needed to move forward.

Doing well to remember what they had spoken about at home, Tomasz kept his nerves at bay even when Mr. Paton summoned his chart. The one he knew did not contain enough contents in favor of his request. So when Mr. Paton started again, Tomasz tried not to let his disappointment show. He would find something else. He would start fresh. He would be fine. He did not need to do this to feel fulfilled. There was another path for him, he--

He was not being rejected outright?

Blinks, as if in disbelief, so much so that he leans forward as he replies. "It is what I want," he nodded to confirm. It was what he had wanted for a very long time. "I will work hard, whatever is needed, I will do everything it takes, sir."

Zoe · 05-10-2024, 03:52 AM

Frankie at this moment couldn't have taken notice to any disappointment if it had shown on Tomasz's face. He head was very much focused on the contents of the file before it was sent back. Now the department head offered Tomasz an encouraging smile, reassured by the younger man's determination and resolve. "I have no doubt about that, Tomasz," he said, his voice warm and supportive. "Your dedication speaks volumes, and I believe in your abilities."

Leaning back in his chair, Frankie folded his hands on, meeting Tomasz's gaze with a sense of camaraderie. "To make this transition go smoothly, I think it would be fair to suggest that you continue with your security duties until the end next week," the blond carried on. "That would give enough time for files to be taken care of and give Simon enough to wrap up anything security-related with you. Plus I'll need to brief Carter on a new trainee being added to his roster so he can prepare accordingly."

There was a moment of pause. "That is, if you wish to transition to being an Auror trainee at the present time. I don't foresee any problems with that, especially with some of the training overlapping with security and the patrol squad. But we could wait until the new year if you prefer to take that path." As it stood, the gavel was in Tomasz's court... or whatever that Muggle saying was.

ArianaBlack · 05-14-2024, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoe

Frankie at this moment couldn't have taken notice to any disappointment if it had shown on Tomasz's face. He head was very much focused on the contents of the file before it was sent back. Now the department head offered Tomasz an encouraging smile, reassured by the younger man's determination and resolve. "I have no doubt about that, Tomasz," he said, his voice warm and supportive. "Your dedication speaks volumes, and I believe in your abilities."

Leaning back in his chair, Frankie folded his hands on, meeting Tomasz's gaze with a sense of camaraderie. "To make this transition go smoothly, I think it would be fair to suggest that you continue with your security duties until the end next week," the blond carried on. "That would give enough time for files to be taken care of and give Simon enough to wrap up anything security-related with you. Plus I'll need to brief Carter on a new trainee being added to his roster so he can prepare accordingly."

There was a moment of pause. "That is, if you wish to transition to being an Auror trainee at the present time. I don't foresee any problems with that, especially with some of the training overlapping with security and the patrol squad. But we could wait until the new year if you prefer to take that path." As it stood, the gavel was in Tomasz's court... or whatever that Muggle saying was.

Tomasz couldn't have imagined the conversation to go any better. He had thought the conversation would be a difficult one. He had assumed he would have to fight tooth and nail for this. Why had it taken him so long to muster this courage?

"Thank you, sir," he bowed his head gratefully. These compliments were not ones that he took lightly. Every single one pierced the depths of his heart.

"Yes, I am-- that sounds good," he had assumed he would stay with security for a little while longer. What he hadn't considered, however, was being able to transition to YATI so soon. Perking up even more, Tomasz's eyes flashed with some sort of passion he hadn't felt for work in a long while. "Yy, yes, present time would be great. I am happy to transition as fast as you see fit." And again, in case he hadn't mentioned it yet. "Thank you, sir."

Zoe · 05-20-2024, 12:50 AM

The department head could sense the immense relief and newfound determination radiating from Tomasz. It was clear that this opportunity meant the world to him, and Frankie was glad to be a part of facilitating this important step in his career.

"You're very welcome, Tomasz," Frankie replied with a sincere smile, feeling gratified by the positive impact this decision had on his colleague. "Excellent. I'm glad to hear that you're ready to make the transition. Let's proceed with that plan, then. I'll inform Simon about the transition, make sure Carter is prepared for your arrival, and get everything in order so you can start your Auror training as soon as possible."

Frankie then leaned back slightly, his demeanor still warm and encouraging. "If you have any questions or need any support during this process, my door is always open." But, just in case there was something that needed addressing at the present moment, he added, "Is there anything else you'd like to discuss while we're still here?"

sweetpinkpixie · 02-17-2025, 03:25 AM

Gabrielleâ€™s steps were steady and almost obsessively deliberate as she made her way down the hallway, each click of her heels a reminder that she was not someone who could be ignored. She had been stewing all morning, the tension growing as she went over the letter from her parents for what felt like the millionth time because she apparently enjoyed wallowing in self-deprecation.

Her parents had no time for pleasantries, just results, and their latest accomplishments laid out in the letter just oozed with ridicule and disappointment towards their daughter. The raids in southern France in which they had wiped out a rogue Dark faction and neutralized an illicit magical weapons operation that had been running undetected for years. Her father had personally taken down the fugitive leader, a high-ranking Dark wizard, and her mother had led a tactical operation that dismantled the network's entire infrastructure.

You should have been an Auror years ago, Gabrielle. Had you stayed here in France, you would have been a full-fledged Auror by now. Your position is laughable.

The words stung. It wasn't the first time her parents had subtly implied that their connections were enough to catapult her to success - but this time it cut deeper. It wasnâ€™t just about the praise they showered on her fatherâ€™s latest triumphs. It wasnâ€™t just the pointed insinuation that they could have easily gotten her into a prestigious position if sheâ€™d stayed in France, with no questions asked. They were right, in a way. The thought of walking into her own promotion, of becoming an Auror under their name and influence, had always been a tempting idea. But Gabrielle wasnâ€™t some charity case, wasnâ€™t someone whoâ€™d settle just because they could pave the way for her. The idea of taking a position out of pure nepotism disgusted her. In fact, she was nearly convinced that Auror was no longer a position she wished to attain - a decision that had only been encouraged by Matilda Ackerly and their numerous discussions since Gabrielle's arrival in England.

And now here she was. In London. Stuck in a position where her skills were all but wasted - her talent for dueling, her extensive training in defensive magic, her natural ability to handle pressure (mostly) - all of it simmering beneath the surface, untouched and unchallenged.

Her gaze narrowed as she reached the door to Patonâ€™s office. She couldnâ€™t ignore the bitter irony of it all and resentment gnawed at her, but she quickly buried it. It wouldnâ€™t do to show weakness or come in too hot for what demands she intended to make this morning.

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK.

Three distinct raps, a declaration of intent, and her hands were on her hips waiting not-so-patiently.

Zoe · 02-22-2025, 07:01 PM

Frankie had been mid-sentence, quill scratching across parchment, when the sharp, deliberate knock echoed through the office. His brow arched as he glanced up from his desk, the rhythmic intensity of the sound pulling him from his thoughts. That was not a hesitant knock. Not an 'oh, sorry to bother you' knock. That was the kind of knock that demanded a response, the kind that carried weight. A glance at the enchanted glass orb on the corner of his desk confirmed his suspicions. Of course it was her.

He exhaled slowly through his nose, rolling his shoulders back, letting the moment settle before setting his quill down beside the half-written report. "Come in," he called, voice even, but edged with curiosity. With a practiced ease, he flicked his wand, causing the door to his office to swing open.

And there she was—Gabrielle Lemaître, standing like she was daring the world to push back against her. The tension radiating from her was palpable, her presence sharp-edged and unrelenting. The department head gave her a once-over, noting the way her hands had settled on her hips, the way her posture was sharp and meant business. How very French of her.

"Bonjour, Gabrielle," Frankie greeted smoothly as he motioned toward one of the seats before him. He then laced his fingers together, resting his elbows on the polished surface of his desk, watching the patrol officer carefully. "Tell me," he continued, his head tilting just slightly, "to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?" Had something managed to get her wand in a knot again? Or was she here to inform him that she had hexed someone?

sweetpinkpixie · 02-24-2025, 05:36 AM

Gabrielle stepped forward as if she were stalking across a dueling platform rather than entering her superiorâ€™s office. She did not sit either, but rather remained standing just before the chair he had so graciously offered. Her chin lifted ever so slightly, a silent rejection of the gesture as she spoke. "Monsieur Paton," she greeted, clipped but polite, her tone carrying just the right amount of deference to be considered respectful but just enough to make her feel like she was not begging nor groveling.

And she did not waste time.

"I am haire," she said, voice cool and precise. "...beecause mon current posishe-on eez beeneath mon skeehl set and frankly, a waste of departmont resurces." She let that settle for a beat before continuing. "I 'ave spÃ©nt far too long patrulleng cairridairs et plaieng watchdog fair ze mineestryâ€™s precious artifacts and bureaucratic 'alls when mon traineng, mon abilitees, should be applied to maire significent wairk." Vexed would be an understatement, particularly if one noted the tension in her shoulders, and it was with herculean restraint that her tone remained even.

While her bark was just as bad as her bite, the department would be in complete disarray and Monsieur Paton would be up to his elbows in reports needing to be sent of to and reviewed from St. Mungoâ€™s were she to hex people every time she was displeased. She wasnâ€™t reckless. She wasnâ€™t undisciplined. Every spell she cast had purpose whether that was duels, pursuits, or real threats. Unlike some, she didnâ€™t need to wave her wand around to make a point. And if people had a habit of touching things they shouldn't - particularly after being explicitly warned - then whatever misfortune followed was their own doing. Some lessons werenâ€™t meant to be taught with words.

Her gaze flicked toward the parchment he had been writing on before she had interrupted. Paperwork. It was always paperwork. Her jaw tightened as she returned her attention to him. "I did not come haire to complain exclusive-lee, nair to beg," she said, her voice miraculously still even. "I came to infairm you zat I am ready fair maire. I desairve maire" The letter haunted her thoughts once again, every word of their carefully veiled disappointment scorching her frontal lobe. The suggestion that she would have already been an Auror had she remained in France. The implication that she had been passed over here for reasons beyond merit. She would not voice it outright, of course. But she let the weight of it sit in the silence between them. "I trust you weehl tak zat into considairashee-on."

Her French accent had softened over the years, sanded down by constant exposure to clipped British tones and the need to be effortlessly understood. But when she was heated - when frustration burned hot in her chest and her patience wore thin - it came back with a vengeance, each word sharper, each syllable laced with the unmistakable weight of her mother tongue - and that surely wouldn't complicate this exchange at all

Zoe · 03-12-2025, 12:16 AM

The department head listened, his expression composed, almost unreadable, as Gabrielle laid out her case with all the fire and intensity he had come to expect from her. He didn't interrupt, didn't interject, just let her words hang in the space between them, absorbing not just what she said but the way she said it. The clipped syllables, the precise enunciation, the way her accent thickened like a storm gathering on the horizon—she was holding back, but barely.

His fingers drummed idly against the desk as he considered her. She wasn't wrong. She was in a position that was failing to challenge her, and Frankie had known for some time now that she would come to him eventually, demanding more. It was inevitable. The position she had been set on when she came to the British Ministry had not slipped his mind, and she had certainly since proven herself capable in her current role. But it wasn't just about skill. It was about control. Temperament. The ability to function as part of a team.

"You're not here to complain," he echoed, his tone mild but edged with something unreadable. "Nor to beg. Duly noted." His eyes flickered to her stance—measured, sharp, always with intent.

He reclined slightly, exhaling as if turning her words over in his mind. "Let's not waste time, then. You want more. You believe you've earned it. Fair enough." His gaze remained steady. "But, tell me, what exactly does 'more' look like to you, Gabrielle? What is it you are specifically after?" His head tilted slightly, his tone calm but probing.

sweetpinkpixie · 04-02-2025, 07:32 AM

Gabrielle’s fingers curled against the arms of the chair, nails pressing into the polished wood as she held his gaze.

'More' wasn’t some vague, ambitious concept. More had a name, a title, a position she should have already secured had things been decided on actual abilities and not nitpicking technicalities. Her parents’ letter burned in her mind—the implication that she could have been an Auror by now, had she stayed in France, had she allowed them to clear her path the way they always had. The sting of it was still fresh. They had never been subtle about their expectations, nor about their disappointment. She inhaled slowly, willing herself to stay measured. It wouldn’t do to sound desperate, even if the injustice of it all was clawing at her ribs. And yet as her lips parted to spit back, she found her thoughts cooling.

Gabrielle had come here ready to demand an Auror transfer. It was the path that had been set before her since her conception, the one her parents had expected, the one they had all but promised her would be inevitable. Aurorship was the only destination that had ever been spoken of in their household, the only acceptable endpoint for someone of her pedigree, her training, her skill. It had always been the plan.

And yet…

The thought of stepping into that role now, of proving her parents right, left a sour taste in her mouth. It would be too easy for them to write it off as their influence, to act as if they had carved the way for her once again, as if she owed it to them. Worse still, it would put her in ranks with those whose names had been cleared through just as easily—not because they were the best, but because of who their parents were. But the Hit Witches Wizards—they had earned her respect. Shadowing them around the Ministry, watching them work, listening to them in the break room, working out alongside them in the exercise room, hearing about the sheer grit of what they did day in and day out—it had changed something. They weren’t coddled, weren’t shielded by bureaucracy the way Aurors were. They were the ones in the thick of it, the ones making sure the scum of the world stayed put after they had been caught.

It hadn’t been part of the plan—their plan. It had never even been an actual attainable option in her mind until this very moment.

"A promoshe-on to Hit Witch" she stated plainly, her tone was clipped, precise, each syllable deliberate. " don’t need mairé time walkng a beat lik zum rookie fresh oot of traineng.. I don’t need to be used as extra manpowair when it’s convénient. I need reahl tactical wairk. I need cases zat réquiyaire expairtize, not just presence." Her accent was thicker now, like a tightening noose, as she continued to lay out her demands and her shoulders squared. As a Patrol Officer, she was near the bottom of the food chain and follow objectives set by higher-ups. That was fine, except no one actually listened to Patrol Officers when it came to serious cases. They were pawns, shuffled around as extra manpower when it was convenient. A Hit Witch wasn’t just muscle... she were trained for undercover work, internal investigations, and high-stakes operations. She had a voice and Gabrielle wanted that level of authority. "You and I both know I’ve put een ze time. Ze traineng. Ze results."

Were they done with their little chit chat now? Could this man give her the clearance and let her get to work?

Zoe · 04-05-2025, 11:06 PM

Frankie didn't move for a long moment. His fingers stopped their rhythm against the desk. He let the silence stretch—not out of cruelty, but calculation. Let her words sink into the walls of the office. Let her feel, just for a moment, what it meant to say it aloud. A promotion to Hit Witch. She had come in here with fire in her lungs, and now she'd taken that fire and poured it neatly into a single, crystalline request.

"Hit Witch," he repeated, quieter than before. Not dismissive. Simply testing it.

He stood then—not sharply, but with a weight, a deliberateness that matched hers. He crossed over to the window, where sunlight was spilling generously across the valley. After giving one of the detectors nearby an idle twirl, he clasped his hands behind his back, speaking without turning to her.

"You're not wrong," he replied simply. "You've put in the work. You've gone above your assignments, handled high-pressure incidents better than some who've worn the badge for years. Your record speaks for itself. And as much as you may have felt overlooked, Gabrielle... you haven't gone unnoticed."

A pause followed. It was at this point the department head returned to his desk. Frankie reached inside a drawer and retrieved a letter template. "I had a feeling you'd come to me eventually," he admitted as he sat down and started filling in the empty lines. "Your promotion will be effective immediately. Unless you'd prefer to wait until the start of next week, of course."

sweetpinkpixie · 04-13-2025, 10:09 AM

Gabrielle didn’t smile. She didn’t need toーeven if it would be the appropriate thing to do in the moment.

"If I’d wénted to wait" she said, voice steady, almost too cool, "I wouldn’t 'ave walked een todai."

The words left her mouth cleanly, with none of the heat that had driven her here. That part of her—the storming, unsettled part—was already quieting. Not gone. Just tempered. Tucked away like a wand she no longer needed to brandish.

She watched as he signed the letter right then and there, that made it official she assumed, his quill dragging across the parchment with methodical precision. It maybe should have felt bigger, more cinematic somehow and drawn out, but all Gabrielle felt was ready. This wasn’t a surprise. It wasn’t even really a victory, which was something he expected it to feel like in this moment akin to that little girl of the past throwing a tantrum for just one more chocolate frog and change at the elussive Maëlys du Lacーrenowned duellist, spy, and magical strategist of the French Renaissance during the 16th centuryーcard. It was quieter than that. More fulfilling. It was inevitability catching up to her.

She had wanted to be an Auror since she was old enough to speak the word, had trained for it, fixated on it like a sun she could shape her whole self around and circumnavigate. But now that she stood on the edge of this turning point, she realized that what she wanted had changed without asking for permission. And she’d learned something else too: this path didn’t belong to her family. It didn’t belong to anyone but her.

Her arms crossed slowly, her gaze locked on the letter as he folded it. The title was hers now—Hit Witch—and it settled around her shoulders like something familiar. Like muscle memory. She let the silence hold a beat longer, then lifted her chin just slightly.

"When you send through mon clairancé to ze Chief Inspectair, include casé MLES-2116-0070.." Her voice didn’t rise, didn’t shift. Measured. Exact. "And aurair filé 2116-0046 while you’ré at eet." She didn't blink and there was a rare lack of smugness in her voice. "You did just sai I’ve 'andled prezure bettair than zum wiv ze badge fair yairs," she added, not challenginglyーmiraculously. Just... as a fact. "Time to lét mé prove eet...s'il te plaît."

There was the tiniest small shift behind her eyes... not a smile, not quite...just the quiet recognition that she was exactly where she was meant to be. And she’d gotten there without begging, without bending, without becoming anyone but herself. Turned out transferring to England hadn't been a gigantic waste of her time after all.

And would you look at that? She had even said please.

Zoe · 04-19-2025, 05:17 AM

Of course she didn't want to wait. That much was obvious to Frankie as he finished dotting his i's and crossing his t's. The weight of her words still hung in the room, but he didn’t comment on them—not yet. Instead, he folded the parchment with a sharp crease, the kind that felt final, and slipped it cleanly into the Ministry-stamped envelope, pressing the seal flat with his thumb. "Consider it done," he said simply. He held the letter out across the desk for Gabrielle to take.

A purple piece of paper was his next reach. His handwriting was quick but clear as he scribbled a summary of the promotion in slanted script—name, date, rank update, effective immediately. A swift tap of his wand and the memo shimmered in a brief burst of red-gold light before folding itself into a perfect dart shape. It hovered for half a second, then zipped off through the enchanted slot in the wall, already en route to its recipient.

Then, leaning back into his chair, Frankie gave Gabrielle his full attention as she named the files. He was not assessing her anymore. Just... acknowledging. His brow rose upward at that final, perfectly placed s'il te plaît.

"The MLES case should be easy enough to get assigned to you," he said, tone brisk, efficient. "I'll flag it for the Chief this evening. Odds are you'll be briefed first thing tomorrow."

But the other file—now why she wanted her hands on that was interesting. He adjusted his cufflink with a slow, deliberate motion that gave him time to think. Not stalling—he was simply calculating, thinking over his words carefully.

"The Auror case," he began, "is going to need clearance from the Head Auror." He let the protocol land, his eyes watching hers closely to measure the flicker of reaction it might cause. "It's flagged for the Aurors, and Carter's usually quite particular about that. So, unless he signs off, it's not yours to touch." That was all he could say on that front. No false assurances. No clever loopholes. Just the facts.

sweetpinkpixie · 04-21-2025, 06:45 AM

Her fingers closed around the envelope without so much as a blink or even flinch, but rather with the kind of quiet finality that suggested something heavier than paper had just changed hands. Still standing, she took her time tucking the letter into the inner pocket of her robes with a precision that mirrored the man’s crease-folding from earlier. A symmetry to the ritual, so to speak, that could be cute to some people―none of which were currently in this office.

At the mention of the MLES case, she offer a single, sharp, satisfied nod. Knockturn Alley. Illegal duelling. Petty and public, but there’d be teeth in it if you knew where to look. And she always did. But when he brought up the Auror file, her chin tilted by a fraction—not a challenge, but a conscious adjustment nonetheless. She couldn't say she was terribly surprised, she knew how these things worked and just were the gatekeepers were posted. Carter being possessive of a manslaughter case that stank of political fallout was par for the course.

"Aurairs," she said at last, the word light on her tongue but far from sounding soft. A slow breath eased from her nose as she adjusted her robes and fought to restrain certain instincts from activating. It was curious, however, to consider that the Head Auror outranked the Department Head. That or he simply did not want to be bothered with the paperwork. "Good to know where the lines are. So I know exactly where to step," she replied at last, jaw unsetting while her eyes flicked back to him with the faintest edge of something—cool amusement, maybe, or some quiet internal vow. "I weehl spéak wiv 'im."

She didn’t mean tomorrow. She meant now.

Seeing as they were finished here, Gabrielle offered one more polite nod before she turned on her heel and began to leave the office. Not hurried. Not smug. Just certain.

Let the Aurors play gatekeeper. She’d knock. Or break the door.

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