Much like the rest of the Department of Mysteries itself, even the designated 'break room' is an oddity. At first glance, you might think you’ve taken a wrong turn and wandered into a rock zen garden. A very… soft one.

Welcome to the Decompression Chamber, the Department of Mysteries’ designated break room—though, like everything else in the Department, even rest is approached with mystery, moderation, and a hint of magical mischief. Inspired by the department head's deep emotional bond with his pet rock collection, this chamber is a place where the unspeakably stressed can decompress—without ever encountering a hard surface. From floor to ceiling, everything in this room is plush. The slightly springy ground beneath your feet gives you an extra bounce with every step, while the stone "rocks" scattered artfully around the space reveal themselves upon sitting to be incredibly squishy pillow boulders. There are exactly 42 of them. (No one knows why. Airey Flamsteed claims "it just felt right.") The walls are upholstered in a soft, noise-absorbing fabric that turns even the harshest muttering into a soothing hum. The ceiling shifts slowly in color—twilight purples, lavender blues, moonstone greys—a chromatic lullaby for the eyes. Some have reported seeing gentle shapes float across the ceiling during deep meditation sessions. Others claim that’s just the lack of sleep talking.

By the entrance stands a vending machine—though calling it that feels a bit reductive. This soft, velvety contraption hums happily when approached, and bears a squishy rubber-glass front showcasing vintage-inspired Muggle astronaut food, alongside wizarding treats. The entire menu is dedicated solely to ice cream and drinks: Flavors like Bertie Bott’s Surprise Swirl, Pumpkin Juice Ripple, Mint Stardust Crunch, and the classic Neapolitan (Muggle Original) are all available. Coffee comes in hot, iced, frothed, or jiggly cube form. To retrieve an item, simply scan your Ministry badge, enter the item code, and your treat will levitate gently into your waiting hands, as if the room itself wants you to relax (It does.)

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Important Note from Maintenance:
After a now-infamous incident where one too many pillows bonded with each other and transformed into a sentient rock golem (affectionately dubbed "Pebbleton"), all visitors are asked to spritz themselves with the Magical Neutralizing Spray provided on the shelf by the door. Just a light misting will do—your cooperation keeps the pillows docile, your breaks uninterrupted, and the department un-crushed.

Here, logic takes a nap. Here, magic lays down its wand. Here, Unspeakables remember that even mysteries need a moment to breathe.
OOC: this is a PUBLIC thread. All Ministry employees and visitors are welcome to RP here.