Chic and classy, yet not overly feminine, is what one might describe the decor upon entrance to the office of Magical Games and Sports Department Head, Mariel Morgan De La Garza. Coordinating blacks and creams fill the room from the walls to the furniture; cushiony chairs are arranged for her guests comfort, while her polished black desk often holds the paperwork of her busy day. On the top of her desk one would also find several framed pictures of her family and one of her and her special someone on a recent holiday

A small fireplace at one end of the room serves as her own personal floo as well as warmth on cold days. Her door is usually open unless she has some private business to attend to, but either way, she does appreciate a knock before you are welcomed inside.

Furmy didn't get nearly as many treats as Mangig had gotten before they left, and was terribly sulky because of it. It was because he was a chubby tawny owl, wasn't it? And didn't have the speed that the smaller owl did. He'd considered pooing on the owl post worker on the way out, but they gave him a good scratch on the head and he thought better of it.

Maybe he would get more treats when he returned? Furmgoat was hopeful.

Flying across London, he snuck his way into the ministry, through all the levels, and finally to office of the games department head. His wonky wings landed him swiftly on the corner of the desk, narrowly missing the mess that was already occupying the desk and staaaaaaared down the person in the room.

"Hooo."

Furmy held out his leg that had an attached letter and waited expectantly for treats.

Or someone was getting poo'd on.

Her office was about as bad as she would have expected, basing her assumptions on what she had observed in the Ministry thus far. It was going to take an awful lot of cleaning, she supposed, to get the place back to anything remotely conducive as a workplace. But she wasn't sure that was the most pressing of her concerns as no one knew exactly what they were dealing with.

Mariel was poking at the small fireplace in the room to see if the flooing system would work when she heard a small hoot from her desk. Still somewhat on guard, her green eyes quickly snapped towards the sound, spotting a small owl perched there. She stared at it a moment as it seemed almost out of place before shaking her head a bit as she approached it. "We're getting owls already?" she mused aloud as she pulled the letter from his leg. Odd it seemed that an owl would already be making its way here when they just managed to force their way back in.

Green eyes skimmed the contents of the letter as her eyebrow threatened to reach her hairline. Cease sporting? Right. "This lunatic has perfect timing, doesn't he?" Or.. she? She gave a rather unimpressed look to the owl as if she were addressing him. Honestly, she had enough on her plate right now with trying to figure out this Ministry mess and now she had to worry about some nutjob's hatred for Quidditch. Though it really was directed towards schools, wasn't it? Sigh.

And the owl was still there. Expecting a treat, she supposed. Somewhat distracted, Mariel opened up one of the desk drawers, figuring Lourdes must have kept some somewhere. Finally finding what she thought were probably owl treats, she tossed a few on the desk near where the owl was standing. "There you are, now shoo." Not that she had real issue with the bird - he somewhat reminded her of Tisiphone anyway - but she was all sorts of annoyed now and needed to go speak with her Quidditch team at the very least. Letter in hand, she headed out of her office.

After leaving Ryan and Victoria in the mess that was the Research Patents area, Adam shook the horrible feeling that the creatures were crawling all over him away, stowed his wand in the inside pocket of his blazer and made his way in the direction of their boss's office.

He would probably have been heading to see Mariel at some point anyway, but he wasn't expecting it to be this soon. He had this idea that he'd get his work area sorted, and the come and find out where else needed his help. But the Chizpurfles had changed that plan. The twenty-something huffed a little before rapping quickly on the office door, still hopping that none of the creatures got to any of the patents before Creatures could get to them. He honestly didn't want his people's work getting ruined.

Sigh.

A spray bottle in each hand, Mariel headed back from the coffee cart towards her office. She had a feeling the place was overrun with the nasty little bugs and the thought of it was making her skin crawl. That was probably why her fireplace wasn't working as far as flooing was concerned, though she was glad she hadn't come across any with her merely cursory glance of the area earlier. Seeing them eager for Vic's wand was more than enough.

And hopefully what she had in her hands was enough to get things back in order. Or at least a start on that. She was counting on that much. But before she could enter her office, she noticed someone at her door, most likely looking for her. "Hello Adam." She managed a tight smile, glad that he was able to make it back into the building, though it still wasn't the best of circumstances. "What can I do for you?" Had he come across chizpurfles as well or was there another reason for him seeking her out?

Adam felt itchy. Even though he couldn't see any of the creatures, a hand remained firmly on his chest where his wand was, and he had to consciously resist the urge to hop from foot to foot, or to scratch at his arms. And this suit was expensive, you know? So they'd better not mess that up, either. He scratched at the back of his neck a little whilst he stood waiting, and turned sharply at the sound of a familiar voice.

"Mariel," he greeted, with an obviously forced smile and a nod. The grey eyes wandered to her hands, or, more specifically, the bottle clutched in them, and he let out a sigh. "Chizpurfles." He managed, before bringing his eyes up to the womans face. "The patents area's overrun with them. We we're sure whether to go and get someone from Creatures, or..." Or, what? He honestly wasn't sure what the other solution was, but it looked like Mariel had an infestation on her hands that spread beyond his laboratory.

Stupid things.

Blake stumbled towards the Department Head's office. Boy, a lot sure had happened while he was stuck in America. He wasn't even supposed to be gone for too long, but between his brother's insistence on using muggle airfare and finding Arlene (his true love, or so he thought at the time) making it back on time didn't really happen. He brushed off some of the dust that had gathered on his robes as he walked towards the office.

He noticed the woman and wait. What was her name again? He had almost forgotten that the department head had changed while he was gone. And there was someone else inside too. Yet another person he didn't recognize. Yep, this was going to take some getting used to. He took another look around at the overwhelmingly... messy situation. Ugh great. Maybe he came back to soon. He decided to politely wait until he was acknowledged, rather than interrupt the pair, which, for Blake was most certainly a step forward in the manners department so *claps* for Blake. Maybe he did learn a thing or to from the Americans. Hmph. Who would've known?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harron Peasley

Adam felt itchy. Even though he couldn't see any of the creatures, a hand remained firmly on his chest where his wand was, and he had to consciously resist the urge to hop from foot to foot, or to scratch at his arms. And this suit was expensive, you know? So they'd better not mess that up, either. He scratched at the back of his neck a little whilst he stood waiting, and turned sharply at the sound of a familiar voice.

"Mariel," he greeted, with an obviously forced smile and a nod. The grey eyes wandered to her hands, or, more specifically, the bottle clutched in them, and he let out a sigh. "Chizpurfles." He managed, before bringing his eyes up to the womans face. "The patents area's overrun with them. We we're sure whether to go and get someone from Creatures, or..." Or, what? He honestly wasn't sure what the other solution was, but it looked like Mariel had an infestation on her hands that spread beyond his laboratory.

Stupid things.

Mariel watched Adam careful, an eyebrow rises slightly at his words. Chizpurfles. Right. She wasn't at all surprised knowing what all the areas she had visited in the department looked like, but she had the tiniest glimmer of hope that some part of the department might have been spared. "I thought as much," she confirmed with a slight grimace. "We came across some at the entrance of the level near the coffee cart. It was crawling with them." Just the thought of it made her skin crawl and she gave an involuntary shudder. "Anyway.. it seems that this is not just exclusive to Games and Sports."

Mariel offered one of the spray bottles in her hands to Adam. "I was just headed your way actually. Accident and Catastrophes brought us a solution." Funny that it wasn't Creatures who stopped by with the pest control, but she didn't question it much. She was just glad to be getting rid of the things. "Chizpurflecide, I suppose," she said, inclining her head to the bottle. "It's supposed to eradicate them. Take this and head back to Patents. I'm going to work on some of the other areas. There are more bottles in a box by the coffee cart if you need more." It still annoyed her that it was up to the to clean up their own level but it didn't seem there was a choice.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArianaBlack

Blake stumbled towards the Department Head's office. Boy, a lot sure had happened while he was stuck in America. He wasn't even supposed to be gone for too long, but between his brother's insistence on using muggle airfare and finding Arlene (his true love, or so he thought at the time) making it back on time didn't really happen. He brushed off some of the dust that had gathered on his robes as he walked towards the office.

He noticed the woman and wait. What was her name again? He had almost forgotten that the department head had changed while he was gone. And there was someone else inside too. Yet another person he didn't recognize. Yep, this was going to take some getting used to. He took another look around at the overwhelmingly... messy situation. Ugh great. Maybe he came back to soon. He decided to politely wait until he was acknowledged, rather than interrupt the pair, which, for Blake was most certainly a step forward in the manners department so *claps* for Blake. Maybe he did learn a thing or to from the Americans. Hmph. Who would've known?

She was just handing over some of the insecticide to Adam when Mariel became acutely aware of a presence at her side. The brunette was still somewhat on edge given the current situation and turned sharply, green eyes taking in the man's appearance. She had half expected someone else to mention chizpurfles or some other disaster but this was not someone she recognized. Someone fro another department? The 29 year old felt it safe to assume that he was at least from the Ministry. Perhaps a random could access the upper levels from the forced entries into the building, but it was a doubtful they'd make it down to her level without a sense of purpose.

Even still, she needed to find out who this man was and what he was doing here. Hopefully it wasn't too inconvenient as they currently had their work cut out for them. Mariel fixed him with her green eyes a moment before speaking. "Might I help you with something?" She was the Department Head after all, it was her job.

Blake had a bit of a problem with this new 'setup'. Everything was everywhere and this was not OK. It is all so messy. His inner 'neat-freak' that he tried ever-so-hard to fight off was coming through and he didn't know what to do. AH. IT WAS ALL TOO OVERWHELMING. And uh... Who was this woman anyways? Where was Rex? Or whoever the new department head was supposed to be. Was she the help? Because they definitely needed some to clean this place up and stat. "Well first off, what in the name of Merlin's pants happened to this place?! It looks bloody AWFUL." It all just made him so uncomfortable and itchy and shifty and SOMETHING HAS TO BE DONE. His eyes darted around the room for a feather duster or a broom or wait- he has a wand, DUH. "Can't you just, you know, 'bippity-boppity-boo' this stuff away?" He made a swishing motion with his finger in mock representation of a wand.

But wait. He wasn't here to insist on getting this place cleaned. Which, he might add, was a necessity. He was here to get his job back! "But I'm really here because uh, Mrs., I'm looking for the new department head?" He beamed at her (well as much as he could 'beam' given the cluttered circumstances). "I'm Blake Evergreen. I was stuck in America for longer than expected, but I'm here to get my assignments and talk to my new boss!" He failed to mention the fact that he was gone A LOT longer than expected. Hopefully he wouldn't get fired. This baby was his life. What was better than playing Quidditch? Working Quidditch of course!

"I wish I was bringing better news." Adam shrugged some, his eyes downcast. He wished he could say that Patents was ALL wonderfully clean and they were ready to get back to work and help the rest of the Department out. Sadly, it was just a wish. "They're everywhere?" He'd hoped that they'd maybe gotten into the Patents area and that was it. "Have you managed to get the Entrance clean?" If not, he'd do that. Totally.

Taking the spray bottle from his boss, Adam offered her his own grimace. "I guess it was stupid to imagine that it wouldn't take much to get the place back to order, right?" At Mariel's next words, he nodded his thanks, but couldn't stop one of his eyebrows from raising. "Accidents and Catastrophes?" Had he heard that correctly? "What's Creatures position on all of this?" Because in HIS honest opinion, they should have been dealing with this. Or at least offering some help with it. Maybe they had their own infestation to deal with, he considered. They might be around later, he thought. "Thanks, Mariel." Adam let out a sigh, but resigned to eyeing the bottle and readying himself to go and get this job done.

Just as he was about to turn away, Adam noticed the man stood by his boss' side. "You know where I am if you need any help with anything."

That would be in Patents. With that, he left his boss to her company.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harron Peasley

"I wish I was bringing better news." Adam shrugged some, his eyes downcast. He wished he could say that Patents was ALL wonderfully clean and they were ready to get back to work and help the rest of the Department out. Sadly, it was just a wish. "They're everywhere?" He'd hoped that they'd maybe gotten into the Patents area and that was it. "Have you managed to get the Entrance clean?" If not, he'd do that. Totally.

Taking the spray bottle from his boss, Adam offered her his own grimace. "I guess it was stupid to imagine that it wouldn't take much to get the place back to order, right?" At Mariel's next words, he nodded his thanks, but couldn't stop one of his eyebrows from raising. "Accidents and Catastrophes?" Had he heard that correctly? "What's Creatures position on all of this?" Because in HIS honest opinion, they should have been dealing with this. Or at least offering some help with it. Maybe they had their own infestation to deal with, he considered. They might be around later, he thought. "Thanks, Mariel." Adam let out a sigh, but resigned to eyeing the bottle and readying himself to go and get this job done.

Just as he was about to turn away, Adam noticed the man stood by his boss' side. "You know where I am if you need any help with anything."

That would be in Patents. With that, he left his boss to her company.

Mariel nodded a bit at Adam's words. Of course she wasn't thrilled with what he had to say - she wasn't happy with anything about the current state of their department - but it wasn't anything she didn't expect right now. "Everywhere that I've come across so far," she confirmed, pursing her lips slightly. Or anywhere that she'd been told about to this point. "I left Deliah to take care of the entrance so I could see who else needed assistance for their areas." She knew Vic was headed for the Quidditch offices. If Adam headed up patents, she could stop by Gobstones next - then some of the more recreational areas.

She let out a resigned sigh as the man continued. Yes, she expected her employees to be feeling pretty much the same way she was about the basically year long situation - sick of it. "This is just beyond ridiculous," she said, shaking her head a bit as she looked past him to inside her office. "I am so over the mess and extra work. I'd almost rather be at the hangar still.. at least we had that functioning enough to do our jobs and there wasn't an infestation." Ugh. But then there was the limited magic use being in a Muggle area. She supposed it was a trade-off. "We'll get it done though," she said offering Adam a tight smile. She really did have a great team, she was quite thankful for them. "And then we'll have our building back the way it should be."

The short laugh she emitted was nearly humorless though she really could find the amusement in the situation that Accident and Catastrophes was the one to offer them a solution to their problem. "Yes, I thought it was somewhat odd myself. Funny though.. he appeared almost immediately after we came across those bugs.." she mused aloud. Coincidence, she supposed. "I have no clue.. I haven't seen anyone from Creatures yet, but it would probably be a good idea to speak with someone from there once we get things under control here." Even if just to make sure they were really gone or what they could do to keep them from recurring.

She gave him another nod at his thanks. "Of course.. Let me know if there's anything else you need, but I'll be by shortly to make sure you guys are all alright." Was Ryan back there too? She briefly wondered how he was faring with this as well. And then they should be on their way to some sense of normalcy. She gave him a slightly bigger smile at his words. "Thanks Adam, I appreciate that." She nodded to him as he headed back to take care of his office.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArianaBlack

Blake had a bit of a problem with this new 'setup'. Everything was everywhere and this was not OK. It is all so messy. His inner 'neat-freak' that he tried ever-so-hard to fight off was coming through and he didn't know what to do. AH. IT WAS ALL TOO OVERWHELMING. And uh... Who was this woman anyways? Where was Rex? Or whoever the new department head was supposed to be. Was she the help? Because they definitely needed some to clean this place up and stat. "Well first off, what in the name of Merlin's pants happened to this place?! It looks bloody AWFUL." It all just made him so uncomfortable and itchy and shifty and SOMETHING HAS TO BE DONE. His eyes darted around the room for a feather duster or a broom or wait- he has a wand, DUH. "Can't you just, you know, 'bippity-boppity-boo' this stuff away?" He made a swishing motion with his finger in mock representation of a wand.

But wait. He wasn't here to insist on getting this place cleaned. Which, he might add, was a necessity. He was here to get his job back! "But I'm really here because uh, Mrs., I'm looking for the new department head?" He beamed at her (well as much as he could 'beam' given the cluttered circumstances). "I'm Blake Evergreen. I was stuck in America for longer than expected, but I'm here to get my assignments and talk to my new boss!" He failed to mention the fact that he was gone A LOT longer than expected. Hopefully he wouldn't get fired. This baby was his life. What was better than playing Quidditch? Working Quidditch of course!

Attitude. Mariel loved it unless it was directed to her, unwarranted. Just who was this man and did he have any idea who he was speaking to? Eyebrow raised, the 29 year old gave the man a rather unimpressed look as he went on about the conditions of her department. Of course she was not happy in the slightest about its state herself, but she did not need anyone telling her what she needed to do about it when she was well aware. "Do I look like Maintenance to you?" she responded shortly, eyeing up his swishing finger. "And I am not familiar with that particular spell, sir, but as we've just recently re-accessed the Ministry and discovered a chizpurfle infestation, we're doing the best we can." It was bad enough that they could never get Maintenance down here but now she was getting mistaken for one that wasn't doing their job. Ugh, she was so sick of this mess. Was it too much to ask that they just have a decent place to actual do their work for a change and not spend all their time cleaning and fixing up?

Oh... right. Blake Evergreen. She had seen his paperwork come across her desk and had nearly forgotten that he was due to return. That would explain his presence. "You're looking at her," she began, giving him an assessing eye. "Mariel Morgan.. I'm the Department Head of Magical Games and Sports." And he was a Quidditch person which would suit her quite well given the activity in that division as of late, but that could be talked about. "Your first task, since you're so keen on seeing this place cleaned up, is to help me spray down this office and get rid of the chizpurfles." She thrust the remaining bottle in her hand towards him.

"I don't advise using any magic until we get rid of all of them.. unless you fancy them eating your wand." She frowned a bit, thinking of Victoria's.. hopefully there wasn't much damage done there. "I'll go get another bottle and we can talk about your job while we work." Efficiency at it's best. And if she had to do Maintenance's job, she might as well get some of her own work done at the same time if she could.

Oh. So she's not the help? Re-accessed the ministry? Chizpurfle infestation? Could someone please explain what was going on because this was all news to Blake. Ugh. Why was everything such a mess. Getting all the way to his department was enough of a struggle and now all of this. Yet, no one had cared to clue him in on what exactly happened here. Of course his brother, in America, didn't subscribe to the daily prophet as per his (muggle) wife's request. So how was he supposed to know anything?? "Uh, Mrs. I'm afraid I don't really understand what exactly happened here?" Blake commented whilst eyeing all the rubble.

Wait.... She's the new department head? Oops. He should probably apologize then, right? "Oh." Meh he would skip apologies for now. Wait-- Did she just say that his first task was to clean? Wasn't there... help for that? And didn't another man just leave the office? Why didn't she ask HIM to help? Clearly Blake had a problem with all of this dirt. First day back and he was being forced to do manual labor? He didn't sign up to be on the maintenance staff. Is this what years of valuable Quidditch knowledge brought him? HMPH. He did not go through seven years of Hogwarts for this nonsense.

Nevertheless, Blake caught the bottle she threw, perfectly might he add, and managed to let out nothing but a small sigh. After all this Mariel chick was his boss now. So he really had no choice in the matter. AND no magic?! This just keeps getting worse and worse. What does he look like, a house elf? "Alright... I guess I'll start working on helping clear up this mess." Really there was no one better for the job than Blake. He was quite fastidious and his "neat-freak" nature was starting to kick in, though he would never admit these quirks out loud. He would be working until the office looked absolutely perfect because as a "closet-ed" perfectionist, that's what he did. So starting in the corner of the room he sprayed along everything in an attempt to disinfect and get rid of the infestation.

Right. He probably wouldn't know what was going on here, would he? Not when he was off in... the US, wasn't it? For at least a few years, she was pretty sure. But Mariel had been focused on his abruptness to really acknowledge that fact. She took a deep breath to calm her irritation before she began to fill him in. "It seems a lot has happened since you've been gone," she said, watching him as he looked at the mess. "Certainly not the welcome back you were hoping for, I'd assume..." Maybe that's where the attitude had come from and she could certainly understand that - her own patience for the situation had worn dangerously thin.

She didn't feel the need to comment on the mess last year and the mutants that ended up overrunning the Ministry, though Mariel did briefly wonder if there was a connection or maybe they were just cursed to have infliction after infliction. It was probably plenty to give him the condensed version of their current state - or at least as much as she knew of it. "After the Ministry closed for our annual holiday last December, we were unable to get back inside once it was to reopen for the new year. All of the traditional entry points were non-functioning. You couldn't even apparate inside. No one knew what was going on or why. While the Department Heads set to figure things out, all of our departments were temporarily relocated around Muggle London so we could continue work uninterrupted." She wasn't going to go into the details of their limited magic, use of Muggle transportation for a time, and, much like they had to do now, clean before they could even get started. It had been beyond frustrating.

"Not long ago," she continued, "a few of us got together to force our way back in." They still hadn't figured things out in that time and Mariel knew that being inside would probably give them a clue as to what was keeping them out. "This is pretty much what we've discovered," she added, gesturing to the mess around them both. "A rather large chizpurfle infestation has apparently caused all of this damage and that's what we're dealing with now. Not something any of us were happy to be welcomed with either, as I'm sure you can imagine." Especially not after they had been dealing with one seeming catastrophe after another for over a year now.

Well.. Blake seemed to be a team player so far and that was a good thing. Her team was exactly that.. a team. And she hoped the man would fit in seamlessly. "I appreciate that," she said as he got to work and she stepped back to the coffee cart to grab a bottle for herself. Once she returned, she gave him an approving nod as he worked and she began spraying at the other end of the room. With the two of them, they could make quick work of this room then see what else needed done. Maybe not much with the rest of her team working in other areas. "So, Blake," she began as she continued working. "I looked over your paperwork before we were back in the building. You're hoping to return to the Quidditch Division?" It would certainly seem that way from his credentials, but if he was looking for a different position, she supposed she could discuss that with them. Though with the things they had planned, she needed the bulk of the work to go to Quidditch. And then she should probably fill him in on the recent threats too, ugh..

Blake pulled on his collar, boy was it getting hot in here or, was that just him? Yeah he could tell that much. A lot definitely had happened. Maybe a bit too much. Or a lot too much. Yeah, this was waaay too much. And Blake was not okay with this. It was a mess. And it made him so uncomfortable. And claustrophobic. And tense. And it made him sweat. "Yeah... definitely not what I had been expecting," he said with a soft chuckle. Though he really did mean it. This was not a proper welcome. Actually, he expected banners and streamers and those noise maker things that are all the rage on muggle veletisions. Where was the band of coworkers hiding behind desks to yell surprise? Or was this a part of the surprise? Another part of their act, perhaps? HA. You can't fool Blake. He's got this all figured out. Very, veerrry clever guys. But awh they had gone through so much trouble to keep this hush-hush. Blake wouldn't want to spoil their fun. Good thing Blake is an excellent actor. He'd play along.

Wow, had the WHOLE ministry gone to ALL this effort just to welcome HIM back? They really did care! Awwh, Blake took a mental note to remember all the departments during christmas time. Ohoho, they even made such a believable back story. So much trouble, just for him! Entry points not functioning? HA. How likely. But very well thought out. Kudos to you, Mrs. New-Department-Head. Kudos to you. "Oooh, yeah that's awwwwfuuuul. Must've been reaaaally difficult to deal with." *Nods head in mock belief*

Chizpurfles? Did they buy millions of these nasty critters just to make things even more believable. Imagine the money spent on those things! WOW, they must really love Blake. A LOT. Not even the boys back on the old team liked him this much. He would've come back to work so much sooner, if he knew how much everyone had planned for him. "Chizpurfles. This is reaaaally a mess. Must've been soooo difficult these past few weeks," Hehe. He's got this act in the bag.

*AHEM* Now would be a really good time to come out guys. Guys? Where is everyone. Mrs. Department-Head-Woman, tell your staff to come out now. You're not actually supposed to make him clean. Where's the fun in that? The point is to surprise him, not tire him with all your dirty work. Blake looked around as he kept up his act and sprayed the place down. Where was everyone. Come to think of it, where would they even hide? Seeing as most things were broken up anyways, there wouldn't be any prime hiding spots. An invisibility robe maybe? Five invisibility robes maybe? Blake made sure to reach his arms and legs far out as he continued spraying, he almost looked like that Velma woman (from that Dooby Scoo show his nephew watched) when she was searching for her glasses. Oh, you know just casually feeling the place out for invisibility robes and the people under them.

Yet he wasn't having any luck. Hmph. "Oh," Blake looked back at her as she spoke up again. Was she a part of the distraction? Because she was doing a pretty darn good job at this. "Why of course I'm here for Quidditch!" He said sounding a little defensive. Magical Games and Sports, duh. Gobstones hardly even counts as a sport. There really isn't much PHYSICALITY or TALENT involved. "Gobstones definitely does not fall under my list of credentials. So I won't be much help in that division." But back to the real deal. Where is the party? Maybe it's in the hallway?

Mariel wasn't sure if it was her increasing irritation over the situation or what, but Blake's tone seemed awfully sarcastic and it was about on her last nerve. He did understand that she was his potential boss, did he not? And that his employment with her department depended on her acceptance of his reapplication. And right now, she wouldn't exactly consider him respectful. She wouldn't put up with disrespect from her current employees, she certainly wouldn't put up with it from someone new hoping to return to a job. So far he wasn't well on his way to being on her good side.

Maybe she should rethink her whole initial team player thought. Setting down her bottle rather purposefully on her desk, she slowly crossed her arms and fixed Blake with an assessing look, raising an eyebrow at his defensive tone. "And suppose I were to tell you I didn't have any openings in the Quidditch division?" she said shortly, still watching him with the same expression. The brunette wasn't about to bend over backwards for anyone who thought he could waltz in here and step into a job with as little respect as he was showing her from the minute he walked into the department. And it wasn't to say that she didn't have any openings, but she wasn't sure how eager was and her employees did have to be team players, fitting in and helping out where needed. In fact, she had former professional Quidditch players working in Gobstones. And they were hard workers. She wanted to hear his answer anyway, and it better not be flip.

Where were the hidden streamers? Where was the cake? Where were the other employees?! What kind of surprise party was this??..... It was a surprise party, right? With all the thoughts running through the young man's head, he was a bit surprised not by a party, but by Mariel's sudden look of disapproval.

Uh-oh. Maybe he misinterpreted this whole situation. And maybe he wasn't as good of an actor as he thought.... Double Uh-Oh.

He had definitely done something wrong. Stepped out of place? Gone too far? Crossed the line? Over boiled the pot? Whatever it was Blake felt horrible. This was bad. This was really bad. She looked almost livid.

He looked taken aback with Mrs-Department-Head's next statement. WHAT?!?! N-n-no r-ro-oom?!? Impossible! It can't be. He has to be in Quidditch. She couldn't fire him, could she? Well technically she could, but he had a rough enough time these past few months with his brother. He didn't need anymore. He was back and ready to work and Quidditch. "I-I'm so sorry. I don't know what just came over me," Well technically he did. He thought it was a surprise party. But that would be WAY too embarrassing to admit out loud. "I think I'm still a bit tired from my trip back. My brother and his wife insisted on muggle transportation and the flight from America back to here was horrendously long," Which was true. He had actually come straight from that wretched airport back to the ministry, or what was left of it anyway. Either way Blake's sudden change of tone occurred once he noticed how unamused Mariel was. This was a professional place and it was time for Blake to be more professional after all.

"But that was no excuse for my behavior. I guess I just wasn't expected to be welcomed by such a busy mess with everything that had happened and whatnot." Blake looked up apologetically. Someone, quick! Take a picture! This is a very rare occurrence. Blake Evergreen never apologizes. Or admits to mistakes, but pft when your perfect there aren't very many mistakes to admit to, am I right? "But... I... I understand if there aren't any positions open in Quidditch. It's a very likable job," he said with sad eyes and his head all droopy. But honestly he did need a job. Even something to just keep him busy. After a few moments of silence he finally spoke up again. His next few words even surprised himself. "But I would still love to work in the department, if you'd still want me. I could you know do maintenance or book-keeping or assisting staff or something here...?" Did he just volunteer for on-site inter-department maintenance? Can someone say desperate.

Arms still crossed and fingers tapping lightly, Mariel stood, watching Blake carefully and waiting for his next words which she knew had to be chosen carefully. And perhaps he knew as well because his tone certainly had changed to one that was more acceptable to her. She could certainly accept apologies when they were sincerely meant and she did believe his was, which permitted her to soften her expression just a bit. "Duly noted," she said with a slight nod, listening further to his explanation. Muggle flight transportation... ugh. She was all too familiar with airplanes, not that she would ever fly in one, but that dreadful broken one that had served as her gobstones office for so many months stuck out in her mind and she couldn't help the nearly imperceptible wrinkle of her nose. Why wouldn't he take a portkey? Nevermind.. it wasn't of her concern and not important at the moment.

Yes, she had understood that he was arriving into what no one could describe as the best of circumstances and she had tried to be at least a little sympathetic, though she did try to describe her own point of view as well. It was hardly what she wanted to deal with either. But Blake was apologetic and she could forgive the transgression as he was now treating her with the respect she would expect from her employees. Good.. he was willing to take any position in the department, perhaps work his way up even. She would much rather see dedication and a desire to be employed within the department rather than being demanding and selective. It did show her that he could still be passionate about his job regardless of the circumstances and that was what she was looking for. And it did happen that she still had room for him in Quidditch. He had just.. annoyed her with his previous attitude and demeanor.

"Quidditch is the most popular division in the department," she agreed with his statement. And it did stand to reason. The sport was much more popular in this country than gobstones, but that did not mean she could push one aside in favor of the other. In fact, she did see it as her responsibility to bring the more subdued game to a more prevalent light here. "I suppose I could find a spot for you in Quidditch though as long as you prove yourself to be a hard worker. I have read over your qualifications and you would seem to suit us best there." And the man did help out in her office without much complaint though that was nothing any of them really wanted to do. It was fortunate for him that with the events coming up and the extra work they had in store for them that she probably really could use him there.

Mariel walked over to her filing cabinet and pulled out one of the files nearest to her, quickly glancing over it. "Alright.. once we're finished here, I'll need you to report to Ms. Victoria Maroon in the Quidditch offices." He did still know where that was? "She's the Division Manager there. She can get you up to speed on what exactly we're doing there." She quickly glanced down at the paperwork again. "I have you in regulations.." She looked back up at him expectantly, trusting that that position would be fine with him. And it worked well for her. That was her position before her promotion so she knew exactly how it needed to be run and with the unseasoned younger girl in there already, he'd be able to help cover things just fine.. she hoped.

Mariel had most certainly put Blake into his place. Though he had never worked under her before, it was about time that he realized that she'd be his boss (hopefully). Blake's newfound respect for this woman came right in time too. He had basically saved himself from leaving the office no longer employed. He looked up at said woman, right as she began speaking once more. "Really!?" *ahem* "I mean, really? That's wonderful, er, thank you so much," he said trying to tone down his excitement.

HE WAS GETTING HIS OLD JOB BACK. QUIDDITCH YEAH! REGULATION YEAH! He was itching to do a little happy dance right there. He could even just kiss Mariel! Happy was an understatement. AH BEAUTIFUL DAY. This had just gone from an exhausting, unpleasant morning to an amazing one and poor Blake had to stand in place and act professional. "It would be my honor to work in that position," Was that a weird thing to say? BUT HE DIDN'T CARE BECAUSE HE HAD HIS JOB BACK HAZAAAAAH! ALL WAS WELL IN THE LAND OF BLAKE!

"Ms. Victoria Maroon, will do!" He'd go talk to the division manager and then he'd get an assignment and then he'd be working Quidditchy things and AH BEAUTIFUL THIS WAS PERFECT. "Thank you so, so much for this opportunity. Really, I'm so incredibly thankful," He'd have to remember to send her a nice fruit basket or something. Yes he'd stop by Eeylops on his way back from work. FROM WORK YES WORK BECAUSE HE HAD A JOB AGAIN!!

Now that Saxon had been done on cleaning up and looking over the gobstones office she had made her way for Mariel's office, as she had been told to do so. She stood outside the door and rapped her knuckles against it, knocking three times upon it. It was only polite.

Standing out here made Saxon wonder how Mariel had decorated her office. What would it look like? She hadn't visited head departments offices much, so she was curious to see what it would look like. So, the blonde just waited a few feet outside the door until Mariel had heard her.

Meeting over, Mariel headed back to her office to take care of the large stack of paperwork already present on her desk. It was a rather productive meeting, she thought, but there was still plenty to do. Nothing wrong with that of course, she was rather excited at the idea of things to come, though she knew how hard she would be working in the coming days.

Settling into her stylish black chair, she allowed her eyes to rest on one of the framed pictures atop her desk for a moment, allowing herself to grow lost in thought. Soon pulling herself from her reverie, she pulled the first parchment from the top of the stack and began filling in her recommendations, getting it ready to owl. She knew Adam should be along soon, but didn't expect him to drop everything. Of course he could settle into his office first if he wanted and she could get a few things done while she waited.

Quote:

Originally Posted by emjay

Meeting over, Mariel headed back to her office to take care of the large stack of paperwork already present on her desk. It was a rather productive meeting, she thought, but there was still plenty to do. Nothing wrong with that of course, she was rather excited at the idea of things to come, though she knew how hard she would be working in the coming days.

Settling into her stylish black chair, she allowed her eyes to rest on one of the framed pictures atop her desk for a moment, allowing herself to grow lost in thought. Soon pulling herself from her reverie, she pulled the first parchment from the top of the stack and began filling in her recommendations, getting it ready to owl. She knew Adam should be along soon, but didn't expect him to drop everything. Of course he could settle into his office first if he wanted and she could get a few things done while she waited.

After the meeting adjourned, Adam headed to his work station to have a look at his in-tray and to put his briefcase down, and all that jazz. The meeting had been rather productive, and he was excited at the prospect of getting involved with the organisation of the Department-wide Quidditch-y related stuff that was coming up. It was different to Patents and... well, he was just looking forward to it.

Checking of the Patents forms done, he fixed his tie and his hair, before standing up to go and meet Mariel. His curiosity had been mounting ever since she'd mentioned it at the meeting, but he knew that he needed to check on the Patents forms, and make sure nothing had exploded, and allow her time to get settled into her office. Adam tucked his chair under his lab bench and filed one last piece of 'so not happening' parchment before heading around to his Boss' office and knocking on her door.

That might be a feasible location, Mariel mused as she looked over the parchment. That stadium seemed to host fewer games than some of the others so perhaps they could work something into their schedule. Plus it was a little more centrally located. She made a note to send an inquiry owl shortly, then looked up to hear a knock at the door.

"Come in!" she called fro the desk. She knew the door to be ajar as she rarely kept it completely closed, let alone locked. And, from what she could see of the partially hidden figure from where she was sitting, she was nearly certain that it was Adam. Good, she had been expecting him. And she hoped he would find her offer inspiring. Setting her paperwork aside, she looked up expectantly for his entrance.

Thinking about all of this Quidditch palaver got Adam thinking about the Patents he would be likely to get in given such an event happening. The market for merchandise had a great scope, and he was mentally listing things he expected to see, when the Mariel called. Fixing his tie once more, and pulling out of his reverie, he pushed at the ajar door, and grinned at his boss as he walked in.

He left the door slightly open, just as it had been, before making his way over to her desk. "You needed to see me? Something important?" Exciting and stuff. He wondered if the other people in the department wanted to know this important stuff, too - he knew if he hadn't been the one called upon, he would have been super nosey.

As she watched Adam walk into her office, Mariel matched his smile. Did he know how much she valued him? Of course, she adored her entire team, they had become like a family to her and she hoped the new ones would fit in the same way. But Adam was one she always enjoyed seeing around the office - so dedicated to his job even with all his family responsibilities, not to mention his likable personality. The familiarity that surrounded him for her added to that as well.

But she did have something important to ask him and hoped that he would be receptive to the idea as well. "I did, yes," she nodded and gestured to the chairs in front of her. "Please take a seat." Well, he did seem rather eager to know wanted she wanted to say. Might as well get right into it then. "So, I know you've been with this department quite a long time and I do hope you realize just how invaluable you are here." Looking at his files, she knew exactly how long he had been employed with Games and Sports, and it troubled her to think that possibly he had not been as appreciated for his work as she felt she should be. "Your work is consistently exemplary and I couldn't ask for a more dedicated employee," she said matter of factly as she leaned back in her chair and kept her eyes focused on him. "I'd like to offer you a promotion."

Quote:

Originally Posted by emjay

As she watched Adam walk into her office, Mariel matched his smile. Did he know how much she valued him? Of course, she adored her entire team, they had become like a family to her and she hoped the new ones would fit in the same way. But Adam was one she always enjoyed seeing around the office - so dedicated to his job even with all his family responsibilities, not to mention his likable personality. The familiarity that surrounded him for her added to that as well.

But she did have something important to ask him and hoped that he would be receptive to the idea as well. "I did, yes," she nodded and gestured to the chairs in front of her. "Please take a seat." Well, he did seem rather eager to know wanted she wanted to say. Might as well get right into it then. "So, I know you've been with this department quite a long time and I do hope you realize just how invaluable you are here." Looking at his files, she knew exactly how long he had been employed with Games and Sports, and it troubled her to think that possibly he had not been as appreciated for his work as she felt she should be. "Your work is consistently exemplary and I couldn't ask for a more dedicated employee," she said matter of factly as she leaned back in her chair and kept her eyes focused on him. "I'd like to offer you a promotion."

You know what, as boss' went, Adam thought he'd lucked out with Mariel. Not only had they attended Hogwarts together, even if not in the same circles, but she was fair and honest, and everything you could want for in a leader.

Following her gesture to the chairs, he pulled one out slightly, enough to slip into it's comfi-ness, lean back slightly and cross one leg over the other. Invaluable? Adam grinned at that. "I can't thank you enough for those words." Because really, he couldn't. In all honesty, he knew that everyday he came into work and gave it his all, and put so much effort into it. He wasn't always thanked, or even acknowledged, but for some reason he'd always still done it.

Until this year, apparently, where he'd even considered not coming back, and debated whether or not this was what he wanted to do.

And that was when Mariel had sprung this upon him, and he was completely taken aback. "I... Wow... I -" Taken aback was one way. Shocked was another. When he'd found out she wanted to talk about something important, he'd assumed it was to do with Patents, or the upcoming even and.

Wow.

"Thank you, so much. Wow. What's the position?" Because, you know, if he had to play Quidditch, he probably wasn't going to be much good at that. If it wasn't, however.... Well, then he'd be seriously interested. And he couldn't imagine it being anything like that, so interested was definitely the word. "Thank you." He managed again, still in awe at the proposal.