It was her first day in and there was already so much to do, but first thing's first Layla needed to call a general staff meeting. People needed to be briefed...she expected a lot and would not suffer anyone's short comings. Anyways, she'd cross that bridge when she got there..Merlin forbid they did.

Back to what she was doing..sipping her coffee and sorting her Liaison work to the left and Prophets stuff on the right.

She checked her watch...time was running away from her she needed to prep for that general meeting.

Sylvester had been around before the vandals had trashed his place of work and allowed him some unexpected paid vacation, but the editor-in-chief of the newly refurbished Prophet had not, however. It was apparently some outsider who had come from the Ministry. Hmph. Typical. Ministry butting their noses in where it didn't belong as always.

He entered the offices, taking in the fresh smell of new wood and a somewhat lingering scent of dust. He intended to go introduce himself to his new boss and establish, quite quickly, that he was someone she should keep happy. Or else.

He quietly chapped on the door of the office. She should have started by now, surely? Or perhaps Ministry employees didn't believe in early mornings? Ridiculous.

Walking through the building Willow had made the tour around wanting to know where everything was. Having come to a stop infront of the head editor's office she found someone else waiting outside the door. Smiling softly at the man "Hello, are you one of the new employees as well? I'm Willow...Willow Garrick." Glancing towards the door she assumed he had knocked already, and didn't feel the need to tap on it as well and just stood back to wait.

What was this so early in the morning? Did her new staff not have work to do? Did she not post that there would be a general staff meeting? she frowned and slammed her folder shut. Really, she had a lot on her plate..A LOT and most of it..the part that was stressing her was personal.

This had better be important.

"Come in."

The response from the office was taking it's sweet time, so it could mean that this new editor-in-chief was useless and lazy, or they weren't in. He was about to leave for his desk, intending to speak to the new boss later when a fresh-faced young doe found herself in front of him.

"New...?" he rolled the word around his tongue with distaste. Sylvester hoped this girl was an intern and wasn't being relied on writing actual news. Just then the response he had been desperately hoping for came from within.

He opened the door without even bothering giving the young girl his name and entered. "Hello, I imagine you are the new editor-in-chief, Miss...?" he knew he should have paid more attention to the owl that had sent him his new contract. Names weren't of importance, anyway.

Layla raised an eyebrow at him and looked him up and down before replying."You imagine? Would I be sitting in here if I wasn't?" He'd have a second chance to make a good impression because this first one..not so good.

"The name is Layla Dacosta. It would serve you well to remember it. How may I be of assistance to you...this early in the morning.." She made a show of looking at her watch then sipping her coffee.

Early.

A grin flickered at his lips. She was feisty this one. "I think it has been well proven in the past that the Prophet's headquarters don't necessarily have the... er, safest of security measures. Excuse me for double checking," and excuse you for being a git.

"Layla," he repeated, not with a compliment at how pretty it was or even the offer of a handshake, just a repetition. "Well, Layla I was hoping to have a private word about my current role within this office before your first official meeting, and day for that matter, started."

Remembering the other girl's presence he turned to her, "Billow, was it? Be a good intern and get me a coffee, Miss Dacosta here has put me in the mood." He took a seat in front of the woman's desk despite her not offering.

Raising her eyebrow daintily at the man's word that sounded completely filled with disgust or something. Whatever it was he certainly didn't like being called new. Well then apparently he was not new. How difficult was it for someone to say that they were not new? She didn't even know the man's name! Because he didn't even offer it as she had. Well then, it told her quite a bit about him right there.

Hearing the bid to enter, Willow turned her attention away from this man who had no decency in her mind to introduce himself. And apparently not even to the head editor! Keeping her face neutral she followed him into the room, standing off to one side, since he had arrived first.

"I beg your pardon!" she said indignantly after his request for coffee, no demand for coffee was sent in her direction. "I am NOT an intern. And my name is Willow." Making sure as she said her name she put an emphasis on the first 'W'. Well this was going well, perhaps she should just go back to her desk. "If you want me to leave perhaps you just ask." she added pointedly staring at him.

Turning away from him once again, she looked to the woman "I just wanted to make sure there wasn't anything that you'd like me to bring to the staff meeting, or anything you needed help with." If nothing she would certainly return to her work, anything to get away from this guy at the moment.

Layla didn't answer him right away. She took her time to sip her coffee and went back to sorting through her files...Liaison left...Prophet right...more sipping of coffee. If the man hadn't gotten it by now, she was clearly not interested in talking to him especially if he was rude....did she need to reshuffle this early?

When his presence was becoming annoying and someone else joined Layla got to her feet. What the heck was this? This office was not a free for all. If this was how it worked in the past...it was not going to spill over into her time.

"I like how you phrased that...in the past. Does this office look like it did in the past?" She swept her hand around the room. Look rude man look." And do I look like the editor in chief from the past?" It was settled then right? Moving on.

"Also I did not extend the privilege of addressing me by my first name to you, you have not earned the right quite simply." She looked at him pointedly. "Your role will be as instructed but you may say what it is that's on your mind."

She looked at the woman he addressed finally..the woman who let herself in. She rubbed her temples. "This.." she stressed..." Is not how it works. You don't just walk in but since you offered...coffee lots of coffee and anything else you think the staff would like to eat."

"But I hadn't...I..." Stammering, her eyes were wide as the woman said no one was to just walk in. She'd entered at the same time as this rude man who was in the office! Was she supposed to have knocked as well? How would she know the difference.

Were these the types of people she was to work with? At the moment she was thinking it was a nightmare! Instead of continuing to argue though, which she knew would be pointless and probably just irritate the woman more she asked "Do you wish for me to leave and knock before reentering?" She certainly would if that was what the woman wished, though if that's what she wanted, though Willow found that would be kind of pointless. She stopped herself from muttering in Italian, which is what she in all honesty was thinking in her head at that moment.

Nodding as the woman spoke saying lots of coffee and anything she felt they would like to eat. "I will make sure there is plenty of coffee and something to nibble on." Merlin, she really did sound like an intern now. Which was the last thing she wanted to sound like after the man's words.

SPOILER!!: Willow

Quote:

Originally Posted by Green Ninja

Raising her eyebrow daintily at the man's word that sounded completely filled with disgust or something. Whatever it was he certainly didn't like being called new. Well then apparently he was not new. How difficult was it for someone to say that they were not new? She didn't even know the man's name! Because he didn't even offer it as she had. Well then, it told her quite a bit about him right there.

Hearing the bid to enter, Willow turned her attention away from this man who had no decency in her mind to introduce himself. And apparently not even to the head editor! Keeping her face neutral she followed him into the room, standing off to one side, since he had arrived first.

"I beg your pardon!" she said indignantly after his request for coffee, no demand for coffee was sent in her direction. "I am NOT an intern. And my name is Willow." Making sure as she said her name she put an emphasis on the first 'W'. Well this was going well, perhaps she should just go back to her desk. "If you want me to leave perhaps you just ask." she added pointedly staring at him.

Turning away from him once again, she looked to the woman "I just wanted to make sure there wasn't anything that you'd like me to bring to the staff meeting, or anything you needed help with." If nothing she would certainly return to her work, anything to get away from this guy at the moment.

"You're not?" the sound of disbelief evident in his voice as she claimed she wasn't an intern. Oh dear Merlin. "Willow? Wasn't that what I said?" he asked, looking at her as if she was stupid. Her suggestion of him simply asking her to leave made him smile with a look of malice. He didn't say anything to her in reponse. Just. Stared.

SPOILER!!: Layla

Quote:

Originally Posted by Davvy_Wavvy

Layla didn't answer him right away. She took her time to sip her coffee and went back to sorting through her files...Liaison left...Prophet right...more sipping of coffee. If the man hadn't gotten it by now, she was clearly not interested in talking to him especially if he was rude....did she need to reshuffle this early?

When his presence was becoming annoying and someone else joined Layla got to her feet. What the heck was this? This office was not a free for all. If this was how it worked in the past...it was not going to spill over into her time.

"I like how you phrased that...in the past. Does this office look like it did in the past?" She swept her hand around the room. Look rude man look." And do I look like the editor in chief from the past?" It was settled then right? Moving on.

"Also I did not extend the privilege of addressing me by my first name to you, you have not earned the right quite simply." She looked at him pointedly. "Your role will be as instructed but you may say what it is that's on your mind."

She looked at the woman he addressed finally..the woman who let herself in. She rubbed her temples. "This.." she stressed..." Is not how it works. You don't just walk in but since you offered...coffee lots of coffee and anything else you think the staff would like to eat."

Sylvester turned his attention back to the woman who, unfortunately, mattered. She rambled on something about the past and even made mention of her not looking like the previous editor in chief. "You're right, I apologise. You look nothing like the previous editor-in-chief, they had much nicer legs," and just so happened to be male, also. "I don't mean to tease. That was rude of me. My apologies," he had to start keeping his cool around this woman till he got to grips with her. The last thing he needed was to be going home to his son and explaining to him how Daddy had lost his job.

He was trying to be so good he even let the comment of her first name slide. "I don't intend to deviate away from the role I am contracted for, as I can understand you are in need of me for those responsibilities. I was just hoping I could perhaps be made more useful in... you know, REAL news pieces. I'd like to try my hand at some featured news."

When Layla addressed Willow and instructed her to get coffees, Sylvester just couldn't help himself. He turned to the girl, "Oh, so you really ARE an intern. Well nice to have you on board Billow." It had a much nicer sound to it.

SPOILER!!: Willow

Quote:

Originally Posted by Green Ninja

"But I hadn't...I..." Stammering, her eyes were wide as the woman said no one was to just walk in. She'd entered at the same time as this rude man who was in the office! Was she supposed to have knocked as well? How would she know the difference.

Were these the types of people she was to work with? At the moment she was thinking it was a nightmare! Instead of continuing to argue though, which she knew would be pointless and probably just irritate the woman more she asked "Do you wish for me to leave and knock before reentering?" She certainly would if that was what the woman wished, though if that's what she wanted, though Willow found that would be kind of pointless. She stopped herself from muttering in Italian, which is what she in all honesty was thinking in her head at that moment.

Nodding as the woman spoke saying lots of coffee and anything she felt they would like to eat. "I will make sure there is plenty of coffee and something to nibble on." Merlin, she really did sound like an intern now. Which was the last thing she wanted to sound like after the man's words.

When the girl asked Dacosta if she wanted her to go back and knock and reenter, Sylvester tried his utmost hardest not to laugh aloud. He hoped beyond hope that the women would take Willow up on the offer, just for his own sheer amusement.

"That's a good intern! Nice team spirit," he said to her as the girl eventually gave in and agreed to get the coffees for them. Maybe he would like this entirely new Prophet after all? Merlin knew it couldn't have been any worse than before.

It was way too early for this...too early in the morning too early in the opening. But whatever she found out who the problem persons were quite early so she knew who to keep an eye on. At least she caught the woman's name without needing to ask for it.

She held up her hand to stop the excuses..no no excuses. She'd really had enough of the foolishness."No that would be a waste of both our times. I wish for you to knock before entering next time even if the door is open."

She nodded at her."Good thank you." Attention now on the rude man.

Layla just sort of looked at him. Can anyone say late pay and no bonus? How do you apologize seconds after being rude? No apology NOT accepted.

"Well it all depends on how I feel about the first articles you produce. If I like it we can talk about expanding your portfolio...until then Mr....What is your name?" He'd barged in and not even introduced himself.

His jabs at the woman in her presence was so unprofessional...MERLIN these were the people working for her?

"I do not think this is the time or place for that." And also act your age yes?

Breathing, finally the man had called her by her given name. Well that wasn't that hard was it? Lifting an eyebrow, she stated "No I am not." without blinking an eye. How could he think she was an intern?

Her jaw dropped open slightly at his words to the woman. Did he seriously just say... Merlin he had some nerve that was for sure. Well apparently the man had no problem speaking his mind!

Particularly when he addressed her once again! Fuming her lips thinned and eyes narrowed. He needed to learn some respect. She didn't even bother to set him straight at that point, considering doing so would be to stoop to his level.



Very well, she wouldn't enter the woman's office nor the conference room without knocking first on the door. Smirking slightly she considered doing so even if she was entering the room with the editor just to make sure to please her. Though the reaction might be fun to watch.

Nodding, she moved to leave the room. Doing so slowly incase there was something more that Ms. Decosta needed. She didn't even acknowledge the man as she left. Just as she had gotten to the door, she heard her speak again, pausing she hoped to catch the man's name. And nearly grinned to herself as he was reprimanded.

"Mr. Rook," Sylvester offered the woman at her own request. "I appreciate you at least willing to give me a chance," that was a nice thing to say, right? People liked being appreciated, right? Yes, because society was filled with brainless little puppy dogs who constantly wanted a pat every time they did their number twos outside. Hmph. Well, not this guy. He needed NO ones approval for ANYTHING.

He waited for the intern to leave the office before expressing his idea to the woman about a potential first article for him to use as his trial. "I actually have a source who has been telling me about some freezings or something happening in Hogwarts. Might be worth a shot trying to get a hold of Tate and seeing if he'd do an interview with us? I don't suppose you've heard anything from your side at the Ministry," he said the final word with a more conniving tone. Yes, Dacosta, we are on to you and your Ministryness.

The Daily Prophet was open once more and already bugging him for comments. The Transportation Department Head had given a quote for the recent story of Odessa, some bloody MLE bloke who had been buggering around undercover, who had caught Martel. It was too bad, the man had been a visionary--but he was caught and Armen was free.

With the Daily Prophet open again it was necessary to be sure that they reported what the world needed to see rather than just everything they could get their claws on so Armen decided to make a stop by the new Editor-in-Cheif's office once he had the pleasure of hearing it had been filled by an old employee and friend. Recard knocked on the door with a gift in hand.

Right..Mr.Rook that also rhymed with Crook, she'd keep that in mind, she'd keep him in mind actually. This one here was on her list. "I'm a lot of things Mr.Rook..and fair is definitely one of them." She turned her attention back to her desk and did more sorting.

Layla froze up when he brought up the Hogwarts incident..well incidents but really she didn't need to make it sound more than it was. She then relaxed her shoulders and sunk into her seat, intertwined her fingers and looked up at the man in front of her.

"I don't think I need to remind you that I am the media liaison to the minister of magic who's daughter attends Hogwarts. I also don't think I need to tell you that Hogwarts is a ministry funded school, which means Mr.Rook." She fixed him with a piercing look. "This article better not reflect badly on the minister or the ministry....and not too heavy on Hogwarts either." He got what she was saying right? "Besides that..I think it's a good idea...go ahead. I trust we're done here Mr.Rook?"

New Scene like a Boss
Layla eyed the time. She'd need to be out of the office soon and head back to the ministry for a meeting. Besides the constant up and down that was necessary when working two jobs Layla was doing okay. Really what she needed to do was visit her old department and ask about having her fireplace here connected to the one on level one. It would make things soo much easier.

She picked up a stack of articles to read through when their was a knock on her door. She frowned. Really, did she not make it clear that she didn't like visitors?

"Come in!"

Opening the door wide and sauntering in like he owned the place, Armen Recard's face lit up when he saw the woman sitting behind the desk, not really picking up on the slightly annoyed face she was wearing, and he spoke loudly. "Well, look who's finally made it to the top! Head media lady in Great Britain." She had both the Ministry's media and the Daily Prophet tucked into her belt, quite the achievement--and she had been one of his once upon a time.

"For you." He said sat a bottle of crisp red wine with a bow attached to it's neck on her desk, the label complete with the Recard Refinery label. "It's one of the nicest reds my family makes." he boasted before taking a seat, still beaming.

That annoyed face she was wearing and didn't plan to fix disappeared when she saw who walked in. She actually got up from her desk to greet him. Well here was one visitor she really didn't mind having in her office, even when she had actually been planning to leave. She beamed at him." And the view is quite lovely from up here."

She took the bottle from him and put it on her desk."Thank you I'm sure it's wonderful." Maybe her and Bry...oh right. She cleared her throat. "I was actually meaning to come see you. I need a favour." She motioned to the seat in front of her desk as she moved to retake her seat.

After her move to Accident's & Catastrophes and her new job Natasha had sadly seen less and less of Layla, her old co-partner and good friend. Through the ministry grapevine she heard that Layla had been offered the position of Editor for the Daily Prophet and that she had accepted.

Leaving the office early one day, Tasha bought a box of chocolates in Diagon Alley before going over to pay a visit to her friend. She wanted to congratulate and catch up with her friend. A lot had happened since they had seen each other last, like her sisters wedding and Layla's promotion.

Entering the Daily prophet's headquarters the blond steered her steps towards the door which looked most official with a gold plaque and everything.

Raising her right hand Tasha knocked on the door and waited.

"Oh I know, it is." He said bluntly, although his smile was still present--she was no enemy of his. Glad to see that she did stand to actually great him he did the same before returning to his this time offered seat. The Department Head took a second to look around the stylish office before jerking his head back towards Layla, his eyes narrowing slightly.

Really now? "That's a funny coincidence because I was coming to ask you for the same thing. But no matter, what can I do for you first?" That way he would have his pleasent nature and already good graces with her matched with a completed favor; those called for better odds his favor would be taken up.

Layla had just come back from her lunch break and was now jotting down some ideas that had come to her while she was out before they slipped her head. That was happening so often these days. She'd get an idea and it would just be pushed out by the gazillion other thoughts milling around in her head.

She was on her last sentence when there was a knock on the door. As usual a knock on her office door brought an automatic frown to her face. One thing for sure it couldn't be one of the prophet workers, she was sure they got the message by now.

"Come in."
Hmm. He was, was he?

Layla eyed him for a second or two and thought on what favour he could possibly be asking of her. Hmm..her eyes flicked to the wine bottle he brought in as a gift and she pretended to read the label while she mulled things over in her mind. Mulling completed, her eyes flicked back to her ex-boss.

"I want my fire place hooked up to the one at the ministry to make it easier for me to come and go between jobs. Would that be okay?" No reason why it shouldn't but she really just wanted to skip the paper work and whatever else was required when connecting floo networks.

"What favour would you like of me?"

Hearing Laylas faint voice coming from behind the door Natasha juggled the big box of chocolates in one hand as she opened the door with the other. Stepping into the office she saw Layla sitting behind her desk, looking very boss-like and professional. Beaming at her Tasha greeted "Hey, Layla. You look awesome, maybe even more boss-like than some of the chefs at the ministry." And that was a good thing!

Walking towards the desk she continued holding the box in front of her "These are for you, Congratulations to your new appointment dear!"

Did this woman think he was an idiot? Of course he knew how many bloody pies the Ministry had their fingers in, and unfortunately the Prophet was now one of them it seemed. "I imagine my article will report the news, Miss Dacosta, like I am paid to do. I shouldn't be reporting anything negative about Hogwarts IF Hogwarts hasn't been doing anything to warrant such an article."

"We are," he said, rising from his seat and heading for the door. "But Layla," he said just to cheese her off, "If the happenings at Hogwarts are to be blamed on Hogwarts, then perhaps the Ministry should be spending their money more wisely... or perhaps ensuring that they actually run their school a bit more successfully."

It was obvious Sylvester hated the Ministry, and more obvious still that he hated this new... woman. His BOSS. Guh.

Oh well this was an unexpected surprise. Layla got up from her seat and opened her arms for a hug from her old friend. It was nice to see Tasha again, since she really hadn't seen her after she switched departments. It was quite a shame, she enjoyed having her as a Liaison partner. She also missed their lunch and coffee breaks.

"Tasha! It's good to see you. And thanks you." Oh chocolate. She took the box from her and rest it on her desk. Wow second gift, this promotion thing definitely had it's perks. But where was she? Ahh yes...hugs?
Layla smiled wryly."Of course, bear in mind who pays you." She added. The nerve of this man. It was a good thing Hogwarts had managed to contain their freezing situation prior to the ministry taking over otherwise vultures like Rook would have been all over it wearing a napkin around his neck.

Were they allowed to throw things at their employees? Because Layla very much wanted to throw something at the head of this guy. Her lips flattened to a line when he addressed her as Layla."No one asked for your opinion on the running of Hogwarts Rook, just go do your job."