Office of the Department Head, Airey Flamsteed
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i hope this is okay? Was Zander even allowed to be here? ..... To be quite honest, the It was almost ironic how things worked. Zander Adair had been in this same position, outside of this same man's door countless times in the past. Only, the blonde was much taller now. The door was in an entirely different building now. And Airey Flamsteed was no longer a Head of House, but instead was a Head of Department. Oh, how the turn tables? And before a single coherent thought could cross Zander's mind (and before his common sense could kick in and tell him that probably shouldn't be here), he had extended his hand forward to knock on the door. Frantically. |
Slade wasn't entirely sure what he was doing here. To be honest, he wasn't sure what the Liason did, or why he should even be interested. But alas, here he was curious about the position. His father was more the type. But he had heard he was much like his namesake, and that Slade had been very social. It also seemed like a position that would involve networking. Though as he wasn't sure what it was, he couldn't be too horribly certain that was true. Well, one way or another he would find out. He knocked at the door to the office, hoping that he wasn't intruding. But the Announcement Tome had said to come by if he was interested. |
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Airey was just finishing up some paperwork on some anomalies and strange activity in the Space Chamber when the knock to his door came. Ah, a brave soul had managed to maneuver the Entry Chamber, had they? Admittedly eager to see just who his first visitor to his office was as a Department Head, Airey opted to open the door himself rather than by magic and rose from his seat. And of all the faces to see, that of Zander Adair had certainly not been the one he had been expecting. But the man grinned nonetheless. "Good to see you again, Mr. Adair," he greeted. Quote:
And he did not want to know what the jelly like substance was that was tangled up in the buttons. Standing and administering a few cleaning charms to his suit jacket levitating in front of him, he glanced over his shoulder at the door when he heard the knock and gave his wand a flick to unlock it. "Come in," he called out. |
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While the young Though of course finding out that his former Professor was now a big-shot in the ministry was very exciting and congratulating him was clearly a necessity... Zander Adair had other things on his mind. Was it appropriate to fling all of his baggage over top the man's new desk and unpack it all here before the Airey even had the chance to properly make a home of this space? -- The Afterthoughts. Thinking before acting. What a concept. You can take the boy out of Gryffindor, but you can't take the Gryffindor out of the boy. Clearly. "You got big plans for this place, Professor?" Not a conversation Zander could truly wrap his mind around right now, considering. But it felt like a more appropriate alternative. |
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Sentiments that the former Head of House was certain he had shared with the young man prior to his graduating, if he was not mistaken. Which only made the man's lips curl into an amused smile at the title 'professor'. He missed it, whether he would admit to it or not, but what he did not miss was feeling as though he had hit a ceiling and became stagnant in his profession. Which was precisely what the man had begun to feel during his eleven year stay at Hogwarts and the restlessness that had grown inside him as other ambitions within academia were not fulfilled, well, there were little regrets to his decision to leave the school. "Is that a question or a statement, Mr. Adair?" the man chuckles as he stepped aside to welcome the former Head Boy into his office. "Pay no mind to the floating holographs. They won't do you any harm should you happen to walk through them or they pass through you." Seeing as they tended to have a mind of their own. Particularly the Pluto one which ironically never quite seemed to want to behave itself. "Why? Are you looking to transfer departments?" he teased, summoning two cups and preparing some tea, just like the numerous times they had met at Hogwarts in his office in the Astronomy Tower. Perhaps he was teasing his former student a bit more than would be expected, but parenthood had softened him considerably. "Is that what I owe the pleasure of your visit to?" Of course not, but Airey would much rather cut the small chat where possible. |
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"At ease," Airey responded with a casual wave of the hand, gesturing towards the seat across from his desk that just so happened to be occupied by a holographic floating image of Saturn at the moment. "Certainly. What about it?" Although he knew perfectly well what about it and therefore the question was moderately rhetorical and such connotations were reflective in his tone. |
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“No mind to the floating holographs…” he mumbled. Though this was a strange thing to say, it was ironically one of the most normal things Professor Flamsteed had said. “Got it,” he wasn’t even thrown off by the ‘warning’ to be quite honest. He did, however, look around for the said floating holographs and in doing so, he took a moment to soak in the rest of the office too. “It’s uh, very… Clean, sir,” now that he wasn’t actually his Professor, was Zander allowed to start calling him sir? The blonde did chuckle when his gaze passed over the all-too-familiar rock sitting on top of a pillow. “How’s Pebbles holding up?” Which only made Zander wonder what the man had done with Pride. Was that one still left in the Gryffindor Common Room for the next breed of lions to cherish? And was it greedy that Zander kinda wished it wasn’t left there? And just then, all the fun and games aside, Zander was shook. He turned to face the man, color rushing to his cheeks. “Uh,” was he THAT easy to read? “Maybe,” because funny enough that was sort of the reason why he was here? “I don’t know what I’m doing, Professor…. I need some advice and you’re the only one I wanted to talk to.” |
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But no matter. "Ah yes," he nodded, folding his hands together, fingers over his knuckles, while relaxing into his seat a bit more. "Our department does pose a certain sensitivity and discretion." Something had had baffled him a bit this summer, but he would keep those thoughts to himself. "Well...as a baseline, liaisons meet regularly with their respective Department Heads, as you are doing now, in order to accurately prepare for meetings with the Liaison Supervisor down on Level One. They attend regular meetings with Liaison Supervisor to ensure that appropriate coordinating and communication are being followed through with," he recited from the standardized description. "The way I prefer to think about this position is thus. There are two aspects. One, the coordination of departments. As you are well aware, the research we do here in the Department of Mysteries is crucial to the evolution of wizardingkind. It is unfortunately unorthodox to place eyes and ears in the other departments' work spaces to see what all goes on there, behavioral or otherwise, to see where we may siphon off knowledge for our own purposes or collaborate...so it would be the liaison officer's responsibility to be in the know and keep me informed. A second opinion, as you will." Second set of ears and eyes. "The second is communication and representation which, I gather, you can assess for yourself." Was that enough to get the ball rolling on their discussion? Airey allowed the man a moment to collect his thoughts. Quote:
Settling back into his seat and gesturing towards the one across from him, he opted not to continue to tease the young man too much further. Save for one additional comment. "Sir is still my father, Mr. Adair. Professor is still perfectly acceptable." Airey...not even an option. Maybe when Zander learned how to grow a bit of facial hair and hit 40 they could renegotiate things. "She is doing quite well," he mused, giving the pet rock a bit of a nod. "Adjusting to her new accommodations rather nicely." As for Pride, Airey had offered his successor in the post of Gryffindor Head of House to keep him in the common room...but had never heard back. The rather large rock was now an exquisite jungle gym of sorts for the twins. Had something in the Time Room seeped out without his knowledge? Airey was certain that this was the most sincere sense of déjà vu the man had ever encountered. "You're going to need to elaborate just a bit, Mr. Adair." Particularly so that the man could figure out which biography to suggest this time seeing as he was sure the former Gryffindor had memorized the one on Neville Longbottom by now. |
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Zander gratefully took a seat across from his former Professor. Eek. Yeah, he figured as much to be honest. It was worth a shot though, wasn't it? "Yeah, Sir felt kinda unnatural," he admitted rather sheepishly. "I'm sure she appreciates the change in scenery," Zander almost had to remind himself that they were talking about a ROCK. Yeah, he still didn't get it. "Well," he thought about just how to phrase his issue because he didn't want to come off as whiny and he definitely didn't want the man to think he wasn't appreciative of the job he had been given... But. There was always a but. "I don't know if my placement was the right 'fit' for me... I don't think I wanna be adjusting rec schedules for the rest of my life," or for the next two weeks, even. "I don't know if I'm in the right... place here." Did that make sense? Was he just being childish? SOS another biography would be AWESOME. Especially if it could tell him which decision he ought to make. Ahem. And he had memorized the Neville Longbottom one... For the record. |
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He finally nodded to the other man. "Yes, I believe the position to be an interesting one, and one that I may enjoy. It sounds..." he searched for the right word, "...demanding. Though not in an unpleasant way. A worthy task." |
One of the holographic images, a single star, floating around the office suddenly explodes in a flash of brilliant light and then was no more. Suddenly entire contents of the office begins to shift, everything and everyone being pulled towards the Western wall. |
The pig-like snout of the aardvark was the first thing that showed of the patronus sent from the Space Chamber. The rest of its body joined instantly, however, and though the usual aggravation of Brighton Brown's tone of voice was clear in the message the silver patronus carried, it was uncharacteristically tinged with urgency, too: "Your space chamber had a baby and it's a black hole. Yes. I did say black hole. It's about to make me its lunch. Actually, its about to make someone else its lunch, so I might be the dessert. Or maybe we're both just snacks. It's fairly big, two men might not be enough for it. Anyway, not looking forward to having someone else cash in my insurance gold because I died, so this is for sure an emergency." |
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Putting the 'sir' conversation aside - and nodding to the additional commentary on Pebbles - the astronomer folded his hands lightly across his chest and drummed them over his knuckles as he listened to the real meat of the conversation. He couldn't help but be mildly amused, to be honest. He had had a similar conversation last year with one of his coworkers who he felt had been placed in the wrong Chamber. Fractomancy and Geomacy? Everything about Brighton's credentials had screamed ...well...he supposed it did not matter since he had trained the fellow Evolutionist up and gotten him up to speed. But his thoughts were drifting too far away from those Mr. Adair required, and he quickly brought himself back into orbit. "Have you considered discussing such sentiments with your own department head?" he questioned. "Were one of my employees to feel as though they were misplaced within the department and would like their job to be reevaluated, I would wish for them to come see my counsel." Which something told the man that the former Hogwartian had not considered this. "Considering how fresh you are to the Ministry and your position, I find it a bit dramatic that you think this is all your life with amount to. Adjusting rec schedules. This seems to me like an entry level position and task, something that is very easily fixed with simple discussion and efficiently executing your job. Now, if what you are saying is that you do not feel the department itself is a proper fit, you will need to elaborate further." Quote:
"Indeed," he found himself grinning. "I cannot make any promises to you at the moment, I will have a look over your employee file and work history and get back to you soon." Was that fair? " Quote:
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No sooner had her rubbed that aggravation away was his desk and chair being subtly pulled across the floor of his office. "Sweet solstice what th---" And then, as if right on cue, Brighton's patronus came bounding into his office with an explanation. Leave it to that Evolutionist to throw in his dark sense of humor in a time of crisis and his priorities in order. Muttering to himself, Airey gave his wand a dramatic flourish to enchant his things down to the floor and quickly tucked Pebbles within her house for safe keeping. No way he was bringing her with him, nope. A black hole. Interesting. Though that begged the question of...just where did the event horizon lay? .................. Yes. Emergency indeed. Gripping Charm in place, Airey quickly fled his office and made his way towards the Space Chamber. |
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Slade nodded. "That is acceptable. I also have not been here long. Just a year, actually, so I will understand if you find someone more capable who is interested in the position." Which was the truth. He hadn't made stellar advancements since he had been here, though he did try to be efficient and get along well with his co-workers. He only hoped that was enough. |
The large bushy tail of the silvery vixen first appeared in Flamsteed's office. Soon the rest of Natalie's Patronus made its appearance along with the thick Latina accent of Natalie which was a sure sign of her being scared. "Emergency! Chamber of Codes is being sucked in by a mysterious force. Records and I will soon vanish!" |
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The suspicion amused him and he was satisfied at leaving it a mystery rather than inquiring about it. Though, speaking of inquiries... Zander wasn't really expecting this one. It was an obvious question and an obvious solution to be honest, but Mariel was scary and the boss and Zander couldn't talk to her about this. Definitely not. Especially since he really just needed some straight advice from someone who definitely had his best interests at heart aka Airey Flamsteed. Besides, Zander wasn't even sure that his concern was, well, one he should entertain. So to answer the question, "weeeeeeell... Uh... Considered? Sort of... But uh, not really," did that make sense? Er, the blonde shrunk a little in his seat. 'A bit dramatic' was what he was worried about, but to be fair... That wasn't entirely what was causing all of this confusion in the first place. The real confusion stemmed from, well actually, Professor Flamsteed just hit the nail on the head. Was Zander surprised? Hardly. "It's the second one," the department issue. "I know I did my portkey pass internship with broom stuff, but it was only 'cause I didn't really have any sort of real direction. But I don't even like Quidditch that much and I never fly because I'm pretty rubbish at it. Everyone else in the department is some former, important hotshot in the Magical Sports world and I'm... Y'know," He shrugged. "I took the job because it was a job... But I don't think I'm really happy." So, did the spaceman have a biography for this one? |
The Thought Chamber was the epitome of the word home to Sam. She reveled in its mystery, and often worked until she didn't know what day it was anymore. Like right now, for instance. When was the last time she had actually left the chamber? When was the last time she had stopped at the tome on her way out?? She needed to buy a watch at some point, because she may have missed an opportunity. Please let it at least still be an option... Sam grumbled to herself. She could handle not being right for a position. At least then she could work on something to be a better fit. But to not get it because she got there too late?? Oh it would drive her absolutely insane! Sam arrived at her new Department Head's door, took a breath to relax, and knocked. Hopefully this was a good time, because who knew when she'd leave the chamber again. |
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Dismissed. Although he figure such militaristic procedures need not be expressed aloud. Quote:
Applying a few rudimentary enchantments to his person, Airey promptly left his office and made haste towards the Chamber of Codes. Quote:
"I see," he nodded simply, though the disappointment was knitted somewhat into his brow. There was little that he, the department head of a different department could do for an employee elsewhere. Unless Mr. Adair was seeking to switch to Mysteries and then he could have a conversation with Mariel. But for now, it was a listening ear he offered the former Gryffindor, picking apart each of his words. "Still comparing yourself to others, I see, to point out your own shortcomings," he mused. "Old habits die hard, it seems. But regardless, the Department of Magical Games and Sports is not solely about quidditch. Though I cannot recall you being particularly invested in the Gryffindor gobstones team either while at Hogwarts." He paused a moment to collect his thoughts. "Bear in mind, Mr. Adair, that that every job is going to come with unhappy moments and unpleasant circumstances - the key is finding work rewarding enough to make up for it. Now, we have already established that the returns in your current position are less than satisfactory, so let us instead consider your current position as a stepping stone towards something else. However, before we can propose a shift, whether within the department to another division or elsewhere within the Ministry, you need first establish what it is you want. When you applied to the Ministry initially, that glimmer of thought did you posses? What did you envision yourself doing?" Or had the young man truly been shooting in the dark and hoping something stuck? Quote:
No sooner had the department head discovered another potential anomaly on the rise had there come a knock at the door, eliciting a bit of an aggravated groan on his next exhale as he waved his wand to summon the door open. He could not afford to get out of his seat at the moment to pull it open personally, no offense waiting Unspeakable. "Come in!" he called from his desk, quickly scribbling a few notes on the page before him before he lost the thought. |
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Eeeeeer... So was that what it was? That he was comparing himself to others? That old habits die hard? Yeesh. Zander sunk down, mildly embarrassed. It was the truth though, how was he supposed to figure out where he stood if he didn't look at those around him? Everyone compared themselves. It wasn't entirely his fault! He didn't think so, anyway. Nevertheless, the former Head Boy nodded. "Eerrrr I heard there was a gift shop?" He had low standards. "Thought maybe they could use a hand in the nursery too," y'know, jobs that didn't necessarily require a university degree... something most people would be qualified, the ones that Zander Adair felt he wouldn't be reaching for. He was really just hoping to get a job in general. Most of them had crazy needs for qualifications and at the end of the day he was just another blonde boy who peaked in his days at Hogwarts. Zander Adair was happy to settle. |
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Sam heard the beckon from beyond the door, and straightened herself a little as the door creaked open. She peered in and saw her new Dep Head sitting at the desk. She walked in to the very tidy office, and walked up to the desk ahead of her. Assuming her new Dep Head couldn't associate her name to the face he had probably never seen, Sam introduced herself. "Hello Mr. Flamsteed, my name is Samantha Forrester. I am one of the Nousists." she informed him. "I hope this isn't a bad time..?" Sam had stopped about a foot away from the desk, unsure of how conventional Mr. Airey Flamsteed was or was not. Addie would have immediately thought something was wrong if Sam had stood there like this, but she had known Addie for quite some time now. Sam was always cautious with new people. She really hoped she wasn't interrupting something too important. |
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".........the gift shop," he repeated, disbelief clear in his knotted brow. Though what came next, well, THAT had far more promise and seemed far more fitting from what he had observed over the years. "If you can handle three Flamsteeds at once, you can handle quite a bit when it comes to early childhood development and child care," he mused, recalling just how much his children had put him and his............................................... ....companion through. "You know, Mr. Adair. I always saw in you the spark of education. I do not necessarily mean professorship." As in returning to Hogwarts as one or even working as one else where. "What I mean is that you are a nurturer." Which was something that he could only now properly acknowledge now that he had become a father himself. "I think you would find working with children in the daycare much more fulfilling." Quote:
"I am aware," he nodded with a bit of a dry smile as he set his quill down and set the papers off to the side. "No no, perfectly fine." Not entirely true but he could afford a brief pause right now. "Please, have a seat," he nodded, gesturing towards the vacant seat across from him at his desk. |
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Sam nodded in thanks, taking the seat offered. He knew who she was? That was a great start! Taking his invitation as a sign to move forward with the conversation, Sam began. No need to waste this man's time after all. "Thank you, Sir.. Well, to be brief," she started, choosing now to go for eye contact. "I am interested in the liaison position." She mentally encouraged herself to sell the idea. She wasn't used to this kind of thing, but she did have an if you want it done right tone going for her. "I've been in the Department of Mysteries for a few years now, and I feel that I am quite capable of being that link between us and the rest of the Ministry." She couldn't believe how quickly three years had gone. No, it wasn't like she had been here half of her life or anything, but it was enough experience to show her what was what... At least that's what Sam believed. "I don't mean to keep you from your work, Sir, I just wanted to let you know of my interest.. and... well, I ask that you let me know if there is anything further I can do to support my case." There. That's what she had come here to say. Did he already have his eye on someone? Had he already picked someone?? .....Sam hoped not. She didn't fancy making a fool of herself to her boss. She looked at him expectantly. Expecting what? Expecting to be given the job on the spot?? Well, miracles happen. But there was a long line of possibilities between that and being laughed out of the office. She didn't actually think something negative would happen here, she just liked to be prepared for anything. She had a shot, and it really wasn't a bad one. |
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