Jose was giving a task and for sure he finished it as soon as he could.. wanting to stop by to see Harmony and she what she thought of the leaflet.. the wizarding community surely needed this…

He got to her door and knocked on it.. "knock..knock..knock" he stood there waiting for her to call him in or answer the door.

"Ommmmm. Ommmm."

Daily mediation was good for the soul and for stress relief so it was no surprise that Harmony was seated on the floor in front of her makeshift desk, legs crossed and eyes closed. She was centering herself after a long morning of organizing and was just about finished as she heard a knock on the door.

Peeking one eye open, the red head smiled slowly and then called out, "Come in!" She was just going to finish up while she waited, okay? "Ommmmmmmm. Ommmmmmm."

hearing some weird nosies coming from her office her finally heard a "come in" opening the door slowly he saw Harmony sitting weird on the floor.. "errr.. is this a bad time?" he said while adding "what is this that your doing?" pointing to her on the floor.. while his other hand held his assignment in a nice folder..

Who was that? Jose, yeah? Harmony hadn't opened her eyes just yet so she was going to trust her ears on that one. She simply smiled at his inquiry and waved him over, "Please join me." And no, it wasn't a bad time.

After a minute or two of more controlled breathing, the department head let her eyes flutter open and she smiled cheerfully at the pest expert. "I'm doing my daily meditation. Need to build up my internal energy and all. I've been thinking of starting an after work club for this actually." Stress relief for the workers. She was sure they could benefit from it. But this wasn't why he was here, was it? "And tell me, how are you finding your time here so far? Everything working out?"

join her.. okay… Jose placed his folder down on the floor and sat next to her.. not crossing his leg over, he was just kinda hunched there.. "ohh meditation.. thats very cool…" he didn't know what else to say.. now playing sports was more his way to relax but everyone has their own thing right.

"a club.. i would try it out.. if you do" his english still wasn't where he wanted it to be. "I'm doing great.. London… its a lot more cramped.. I'm used to big fields and oceans and warm weather.. but I'm adjusting.. just have to wear more rain gear" he laughed.. "my place is great though.. enough space for me and some friends if I want some people over.. work is great though.. I'm happy to be back at it and not just "sight seeing" he felt very comfortable speaking to her, which was good he didn't want any awkwardness.

"how is your day going?" he asked for he was interested to see what everyone did during their days here.

"Indeed." Cool and practical. Harmony felt lighter already and she was sure her aura was now a light pale yellow. Oh yes, this was good news.

"Really? That's awesome. Perhaps I'll send around a survey, see how many are interested." Though she didn't mind holding sessions for one or two other people. She smiled at the idea of getting the entire department together for meditative sessions and then let the thought go out of her head. Other things to discuss, yes? Rain gear? Harmony let out a giggle!snort and tucked a strand of red hair behind her ear, clearly amused. "Yes, the weather is something to get used to but I'm glad you're getting settled in." Genuinely. "And I'm happy to have you on the team. Your expertise will most definitely come in handy. I hope everyone is making you feel welcome." And did he see the bamboo around the office? He could have one for his little desk space if he wanted.

How lovely, asking about her day. "It's been brilliant but quite busy. Trying to get Transportation over here to set up an apparition zone so people can safely get to work." Instead of taking muggle transportation. She knew several of her employees weren't fans. "And you? What brings you here?"

Jose smiled "it is a very good idea.. yes…" he agreed with her, nothing wrong with wanting her employee's to be relaxed right. shifting his weight on the floor he wished he sat in a chair rather then here.. after a day's worth of cleaning this wasn't ideal for him but he put a brave face on and tried not to squirm around to much.

"the food is great… not as spicy like back home.. but great flavours." he added when she was talking to him about the weather.. that reminded him that he needed to pick up some spices on his way back to his flat.. aww she was complimenting him right.. "that you so much, I've heard so much about you and your team.. Im just so excited to be here and everyone is being so nice" thats all he pretty much heard about for a month straight from his other co-works.. he couldn't wait to write back Carlos and tell him that he owed Jose 20 Galleons, for Harmony was much prettier in person… but of course he wasn't going to tell her that..

*clearing of the throat*

right back to work.. "oh that seems like a very good idea.. " it was even though he would just walk to work if it was nice… it was good for the "older" employees to have this option.. ohhh right.. why was he here.. "I'm here to drop off my assignment" he said while picking up the folder on the floor next to him and placing it in her hands.. "I believe this is what you were looking for but if not I can always make another one?" he didn't mind thats why he only made one, he didn't want to waste paper or anything.

How pleasing it was for Harmony to hear that one of her newest additions was so open to meditation. If only some of her returning staff was so welcoming of her methods. People just needed to embrace things before they looked down on them, yes? Jose was certainly one who did that. Big smiles for you, newcomer.

"Fan of spicy foods, then? Cayenne pepper is a lovely way to clean out the sinuses." Nothing like some natural remedies, right? Harmony thought so. And she was so happy to hear that the members of her staff were being so kind to him. She only hoped they were extending the same courtesy to Rozanna. "I'm pleased about that. I am a strong believer in positivity and team work in the work place so it is important that the members of this department get on well."

"I thought so. Want to accommodate everyone. I know that our moving locations wasn't exciting for everyone." And she was extremely in tune with people's feelings and energies, y'know. Oh! And he'd finished his assignment already? The red head's eyes widened as she took his finished product, admiring the handy work cheerfully.

"It's lovely. Pleasing to the eye and informative without being too technical. Tell me, do you always complete assignments this quickly?" She was just curious. Impressed too.

"oh yes I love spicy foods.. my family is sending me some spices after i get fully settled in, so I can cook some things that I like from back home" he confessed. Then he got an idea.. maybe one day when he brings his lunch in he will bring in extra's for her to try out.. *nods* yup thats what he was going to do..

"i'll have to remember that" its always good to know remedies for a lot of different things.. he made a metal note.. "Cayenne Pepper = Clean sinuses" he gave her a smile.

"oh yes.. myself too.. team work is always fun..and you get to know a lot about other people" he was hoping his english was okay.. that was another reason why he wanted to come to London to work on his english more.. "everyone is so nice.." he quickly added.. "I know exactly how you feel" he said.. he had asked his friend Carlos to come along with him but he didn't want to change he just wanted to stay in Brazil.. his loss though right?

Watching her check out his leaflet he smiled, she seemed to like it.. OHHH she thought it was lovely.. great job Jose.. "Thank you Harmony… and I errrrrr… yes I do tend to finish things quickly.. of course still making sure its perfect but once I'm assigned to something I do it right away.. I'm no procrastinator" hopefully that made sense to her.. but she seemed please that he finished it quickly.. phew..

"That's kind of them. It's important to stay connected to your roots by any means possible." They kept you standing, after all, your roots. And cooking was a lovely way to do that. At least Harmony thought so.

His smile was returned and Harmony bowed her head, as if she'd just shared some secret of the universe with him and was now pretending she hadn't done so. Just one of her many eccentricities. Don't pay it any mind, Jose.

"That's what I love about the ministry. So many people from all over coming together to keep the Wizarding world in order. It's fascinating to observe." It was a shame that they couldn't all be together in one location anymore but surely someone was working on that. "And again, I'm pleased that you are getting on with your coworkers. Please let me know if that changes or you need anything in the future." Because any tension in the office would be handled by Harmony. Not that she foresaw any such thing.

She liked his work very much. So much, in fact, that she was planning on putting some leaflets out in the lobby. Perhaps they could compile a bunch of different leaflets on varying topics and set them up there, for her staff and visitors to take advantage of....with recycled paper, of course. "Procrastination can strike many of us but I am pleased that you dive in and get things done so meticulously and time consciously. Well done, Jose."

"it is very nice of them" he agreed… she was very insightful he wondered how old she was.. she looked young but she most likely had an old soul. Standing there he put his hands in his pockets.. then slowly took them back out to not cause any attention to himself.. wow he couldn't just put his hands in his pockets, that was very rude and very disrespectful.

"it is.." Jose was running out of things to say.. did he talk to her about baseball or soccer?? errr most likely not.. he stood there listening to her. oh awesome she was pleased with him.. phew.. that was good… but he thought that he has taken up enough of her time already.. "well I better go back and finish putting away the food and finish cleaning.." he said "if you need me for anything else Harmony please just let me know.. even if its just for a coffee I'm here" he smiled… he loved coffee and apparently so did everyone else here, which was great.. he was going to grab another cup on his way back..

"you have a great day!" he said while he was making his way out her door.

And to think if she had come a little later, she'd have interrupted her meditation? ... Now that would have been a sight to see. At any rate, this was again perfect timing on her part, something she was rather skilled at. After indicating her thanks and that Genevieve was there for routine security checks, Emily followed Harmony to her office, talk of bamboos distracting her. "Bamboo?" she echoed, taking her time in connecting the dots. Oooohhh, lucky bamboo. Mmm. No. "Thank you for the offer, but I'm convinced they'd only suffer in the Underground." It wasn't worth it.

What was that ... smell? .... Emily was confronted by a pungent odor, one that was oddly familiar but she couldn't place it. It simply reminded her of Divination for some reason. Sickly. Harmony's office was at least more office-like a space than hers, this much she could appreciate. "Thank you for taking the time to see me, I have concerns regarding a William Wiliamson ..." she mused, helping herself to a seat. She wanted to gauge Harmony's initial reaction to the mans name, see if it wasn't just her with the concerns.

This man was a thinker. Harmony took the time to watch him during the lull in conversation. The way he placed his hands in and then quickly removed them from his pockets. Her head tilted slightly though no comment was made on her part. He was curious, this one.

He was offering to get her coffee on top of his other duties. Well, Harmony thought this was just delightful and an easy smile played on her lips as she watched him head for the door. "Thank you so much, Jose. I appreciate your hard work. Keep an eye on the noticeboard for you next assignment."

A great day, yes. She'd definitely be having one of those. "You too!" That man was getting a mental gold star for his work, definitely.



Herbologically inclined, then? Harmony smiled, surprised. She hadn't expected the woman to be so considerate of plant life but then again, auras were only a small indication of ones true self. "Ah yes, that is a good point." Perhaps her fellow department head should consider paintings of plants, then? Art could do so much for a dreary space. Oh well, topic of discussion for another time, it seemed.

The red head supposed she ought to sit behind her makeshift desk for this particular meeting, right? Seeing as Emily didn't seem the type to take up a pillow on the floor. And so Harmony slid into her seat and made her self comfortable, adjusting her chair ever so slightly in the process as to not disturb the Feng shui of the space. Then her eyes fell on the woman opposite her once more.

Oh, so this was about William. Harmony's expression remained impassive as she clasped her hands in front of her. "William Williamson. Yes, I've come to know him quite well." And more so after the mutant incident with his pants. Ahem. "He's...generous. Hard working too." From what she'd seen. "Can I ask what he's done to elicit concern?" Harmony couldn't help but wonder if the incident with the pants had awakened William's inner dislike of them. Was he walking about pantless or stealing sarongs these days? Questions, she had them.

A good point, of course it was. Plants hardly belonged in train tunnels, that much was a given, let alone having the patience to care for them... though, bamboo were more self-sustaining anyway, were they not? Bah! Flora, was not among her list of priorities. Emily roused herself from her thoughts, an easy smile gracing her features as she noted Harmony's deliberate movements in settling into her chair. Was there something wrong with it? Would it topple her over if she balanced incorrectly? .... Or was this another one of the woman's bat-crap crazy alternative magic things? Emily was convinced this was a mystery best left undefined.

Emily pursed her lips, her eyes remained unblinking as she watched for a reaction. It was hardly what she expected. Nothing to show understanding or reciprocation of such concern. Interesting. Generous and hard working... two things she couldn't attribute to the man, but as far as hard working went, that opportunity hadn't arisen. Save for the training exercise. She supposed he'd earned himself a brownie point in that, or a half brownie point at least... she was stingey with those. With a soft nod and a few blinks, Emily sat forward on her seat. "I happened to sit with him at lunch yesterday, and his behaviour was very... erratic, full of emotion and frankly if tantrum throwing in a restaurant isn't cause for concern then I don't know what is," she paused to shrug here, content with sitting back in her seat, perfectly at ease. "I was wondering if perhaps you were aware of anything in the work place or his personal life which may be contributing to his... stress." Stress, that was it, surely. The hissy fitting and all that, was merely his way of coping with something greater than her jovial banter, and stress fit the description.

Tantrum throwing in a restaurant. Harmony thought on this as she kept her eyes locked on the woman across from her. "Was this lunch a social one or something work related because if it was social, I'm not sure that it is any of my business as I've not seen any cause for concern in the work place. And I'm afraid I don't know much about William's personal life. I find that whatever my employees wish to share with me on that front is up to them." Her tone remained calm and a soft smile played on her lips as she adjusted the bamboo on her desk. "Have you considered that this might be something of a midlife crisis?" She asked thoughtfully, wondering how old William was. "Because in the office, William seems as friendly and amicable as ever, though I do think he has residual feelings about the mutants that roamed the ministry." He had gotten a bit jumpy when she'd brought out the muggle duster, had he not? Hm.

Despite the fact it wasn't a formal business luncheon, their conversations certainly blurred the lines between work-related and social, but to her it was irrelevant. "Mmm... I was hoping this wouldn't be the case," she replied honestly. Because a non-answer was note helpful to her. "The reason I asked if he was stressed or affected in a variable way, is because I would otherwise say his behaviour and attitude leaves little to be desired. Friendly and amicable are two words that do not come to mind."

Emily paused here before elaborating on her views, sharing her experiences as it were, "He outright questioned my sexuality and spoke ill of my department." So yes, she was concerned. Sue her. No really, sue her... cause she had the hot-shot attorney's and all. "But that I'm willing to overlook," she concluded.

There were more serious matters though. Hence why her concern was well founded. "Mr. Summers came to see me about a background check on Williamson, he's been a nuisance in his department, trespassing and asking for tours." So now what would she make of this? Hhhmmm?

So far, Harmony was entirely confused as to what any of this had to do with her. It was unfortunate that William had found himself on Emily's bad side but honestly, there was no law against being frank in a social setting. So while she frowned upon William's behavior because it was perhaps distasteful, he was free to think and do as he pleased as long as he wasn't causing serious harm to others especially creatures. "People's behavior depends on setting, company, and level of comfort. Perhaps if William was being so blunt with you, it was because he felt he had permission to be. If he believes you to be a friend, perhaps he feels he can speak to you as he pleases." Lines between work and home could sometimes be blurred and perhaps this was one of those cases. Again, she couldn't really do much about this. As far as Emily overlooking his behavior, Harmony merely smiled. She wasn't sure what kind of repercussions could be set in motion in relation to a conversation that became uncomfortable. Perhaps her fellow Department Head should set clearer boundaries or have a powwow with William. She could borrow the red head's talking stick for the occasion. It had come in handy at staff meetings.

Summers..."Ashby." Department of Mysteries, correct? Harmony leaned forward in her seat slightly, interested in the fact that he was requesting background checks on Williamson. The man had been a Professor at Hogwarts, had he not? Surely he wasn't a hardened criminal. Trespassing was a bit worrisome though. "While I see how Williamson's curious nature could be bothersome to some, the man is a researcher. He likes to find answers." Which is what made him so good at his job. "I can speak to him about the trespassing and warn him that in the future, any visits should be scheduled by me after discussing it with fellow Department Heads." She was more than willing to do that, in fact. "Other than that, I'm not sure what more I can do." And she sat back in her seat again, eyes falling on a small unicorn-shaped wall clock above the door frame. She really needed to start her meditation soon.

Setting, company and comfort....

And under what circumstances did it appear she had a Hi, don't take my jokes and throw hissy fits in my presence whilst insulting me! card stuck to her forehead? Hhhmmm? It was all a load of hippogriff dung to be sure. She'd have made the point that friend's don't call friends lesbians, but she didn't want to turn this into a confrontation of sorts. Unlike Williamson, she was able to keep her composure and not throw tantrums at the slightest.

But the more pressing matter was of course the trespass, there was a legal boundary he was crossing in that instance, something he could actually be pinned for. "A researcher or not, the Department of Mysteries are fond of their privacy, Unspeakables and all... so if you could reiterate to him that the Ministry zones are not his stomping ground for him to do as he pleases, that would be appreciated." ... and... didn't he have proper work to do? Wasn't he a dragon man? Why hadn't he been shipped off to Romania? ... well out of the way.

As for what else she could do, pffft, obvious, "It might be prudent to remind him to be respectful of others, tantrums from an adult are terribly unbecoming." Even her nine year old didn't throw fits like he had. It didn't take much for Emily to know she'd outstayed her welcome, so noticing Harmony's distracted glance at her clock, she rose to her feet. "I'll get out of your hair, thank you for you time." She extended her hand to shake, professionalism and all that jazz.. she exercised it.

Wasn't that what she'd said, that she'd speak to him about the trespassing? Harmony raised an eyebrow but merely nodded her head. Despite what the other department heads thought of Skylark's personality, Harmony was perfectly capable of doing her job and knowing what and what not to say to her employees. As for reprimanding William about how he spoke to others, that was something she wasn't going to do. As long as he conducted himself in the work place, Harmony was happy. Well, not that she wasn't happy most days anyway. Besides, he was an adult last time she checked and reprimanding him for how he behaved socially was a job better suited for his mother or father. One learned about being respectful early on and if Williamson had missed the boat on that somehow, it was probably a waste of breath to try and change his ways. Besides, Emily didn't strike her as the type that needed someone else to express how she wanted to be spoken to. The woman was clearly capable of sticking up for herself.

The Creature's Department head stood up from her seat and extended her hand, briefly shaking hands with her guest before smiling serenely. "Anytime. Please help yourself to coffee on your way out if you wish. There are to-go cups by the coffee machine." And after some thought, the red head wasn't going to extend the invitation for laughter yoga. Something told her that Emily wasn't the type to be open and accepting of such practices. Better suited for boxing, this one. Her pulsating aura said as much. Interesting, very interesting.