Eeep. Now Ms. Black said she liked her name. Saxon grinned very widely when the name compliment was given out. "Oh, thank you. I like my name! I've never met anyone with it so I hold it dearly." More beaming and inwardly squeeing and smiling from the blonde. Ok, this wasn't as bad as she thought it would be.

"Really?" Saxon asked surprisedly as she leaned forward in her chair a bit more happily. "I was stuck on an idea and design to it for quite a while. Couldn't come up with anything. But thank you!" Saxon said even more gratefully, her work was being appreciated and well approved. The smile that she was receiving from Ms. Black made her more at ease, so Saxon only returned it and smiled more. "S-S-So they're good to use?" She asked with one last cheesy grin.

That seemed much better. Lourdes smiled at her employee. "You're welcome and, yes, I haven't as well met anyone else with the same name as you," she said. It was also a pretty name, if Saxon didn't know that. Although it did seem like Saxon already knew and Lourdes did not intend to repeat the truth if someone already knew that.

Lourdes nodded at her employee. "Yes, they look great and I bet the Gobstones fans would love them too," the department head said. "And they are also good to use. I'll just have them duplicated later on and maybe I could send others to Diagon Alley to post them around." That was pretty much it then and if Saxon would want to return back to work or grab a snack at the Coffee Cart, she was free to do so. She did a great job.

Oh Ms. Black would have to stop giving out such nice compliments towards Saxon's work because she felt her face turning slightly hot and her smile only grew more and more wide with each one she received. The excitement and happiness in her could not be inwardly contained anymore and she began to wiggle around in her seat, very happily, as if she were getting ice cream. "Oh, oh, oh! I really hope the fans like them! That would be the best thing ever. Thank you. Thank you." The blonde said with glee! Not only were they appreciated it looked like, with how Ms. Black had responded further she wanted to put the invitations up and sent out immediately. Saxon didn't need to go back and fix anything. This was a first. "Oh, ok! Diagon Alley better be prepared." Wow that was cheesy.

The blonde hesitantly got up from her seat. She wasn't sure if she could go now or not. Just about everything she wanted to be checked over seemed to be done so she assumed this little one on one was over? So, being the little awkward bundle that she was, Saxon pointed to the door, but never left her eyes of Ms. Black. Hopefully she understood what Saxon was silently asking.

Lourdes like how Saxon was now happy and excited. She gave the younger lady a smile and a nod. "Yes, they better be prepared," she said. If they can't have it in Diagon Alley, Lourdes could plan it somewhere else. Maybe just around here so that they don't have to go too far, but they obviously have a Floo Network so that didn't seem to be much of a problem anymore. "I will just place the announcements on the notice board once everything is set." They'll have to be alert by then, but the department head trusted that all of them knew what to do.

"Oh right, Saxon," Lourdes said. "You may leave now and continue with your work, or take a break." She has done well and she might as well consider having herself a break. Good job.

Victoria walked into the office. Over the holidays she was thinking of some new templates and things, but when she got there the jobs had well went away. Hmm that seemed a little odd, she hoped things in the quidditch world were up and running. This made her nervous that something might be wrong.


Coming up to the door she hoped Lourdes was in her office so she could see what to do. Maybe she could help out with something while she waited on her jobs for Quidditch stuff.

Knock.. knock.. knock

Looking around while she waited, why was it always so quiet in this office. There had to be something they could do to spice this department up a bit. Yes, there had to be. She would try to think of something to get it a little more lively, because she didn't even know that many people from her own department and thinking about that, where was Mariel. Maybe she was just at the coffee cart. Victoria made a mental note to check on her friend once she was done.

Lourdes had just came from outside and posted part of her job tasks for willing volunteers at the announcement board before entering her office. Well, she hasn't had visitors yet... but that was mainly because a new year had just started and they were all fresh from the lovely Christmas and holiday break. She hadn't been her much during the break as well, mostly because she had been reading lots of employee applications and doing the usual department head duties. Yes, even when she was supposed to be at home and spending time with her sister and a number of nieces and nephews. It didn't really bother her, though. She liked her job after all.

The woman sat on her chair and took her copy of today's Daily Prophet, reading the different articles. Oh dear, goblin possessions at Hogwarts? How were those children coping up to this? Lourdes flipped a page... but then heard a knock on her door.

Well, first day back and a visitor already? That was kind of... nice. In a way. Lourdes set the newspaper back on her desk. "Please come in!" she said. Was that Mariel? Because she did post in the announcement board that she wanted her to come to her office. Whoever it was, the department head absolutely loved having visitors!

Victoria opened the door and smiled, "Hello Lourdes. Have a nice Holiday?" She hoped she did at least, not work to hard. She glanced at the paper and shook her head, "Honestly the stuff that's been in the prophet recently with that school. My son is suppose to start there next term, but I am thinking he might need to go back to Australia the way things are going." Honestly how does a school go broke and need goblins to go in and take things. It was sad to see her old school in that state.

Anyway back to business, "So I noticed the job assignments were gone and worried that something was wrong in our world. Quidditch is still going on, no strikes or problems like that, right?" That would just be horrible, because she had real plans for new schedules and rosters and such. "Oh I noticed about the volunteer stuff. You know you can count on me if I'm needed some where." She was always willing to help, even when that disease was going through she tried to help as much as possible. She really couldn't believe she had been here two years already.

Oh, Victoria. Lourdes was pleased about it. Victoria had been a visitor here before and the department head liked her company. In fact, she enjoyed everyone's company and their short visits to her office. Not a lot would do that, so the woman was sort of glad to see a person or two drop by. "Hello, Victoria. Oh, I did have a good one. Spending time with family. How about you?" Lourdes smiled. But, yes, Hogwarts... it was sad having to read about its condition in the Prophet. "I do hope the students and staff are okay there. A lot has been happening." It would've been lovely to have Victoria's son in there but for his good, Lourdes wasn't going to argue with her decision.

Wrong? Oh no. There was nothing wrong. "Everything is alright, I assure you. I just wanted the first few days of work to be more of acquainting with each other before I bring in the real job tasks," Lourdes said. She did have a lot of activities for her level. "That's great to hear. I bet the other departments involved in the volunteer work are pleased." Because even Lourdes was.

Victoria listened as Lourdes said about her holiday, "That sounds like you had a nice time. It's great when you get to relax and have time to be with family. Do you have a big family?" Oh how was her holiday, lonely, no probably not the best answer. "Well it as quiet. Bart, my son, was in Australia with his father. So most of it I was alone. So I did some work and research for the up coming season. Then just spent Christmas with my parents." Quiet and small, wow were you a bit pathetic Victoria. She nodded with the Hogwarts talk, "Yes, I worry about the well being and what's actually going on." She sighed, she felt they didn't know maybe all of what was really behind what's going on.

Smiling she gave a small sigh of relief, "Oh good, I guess my holiday just had me ready to just jump back in and got concerned. " Thank Merlin everything was alright, she would hate to see something happen. "Well that was very nice of you. I'm really hoping to get to know more people in this department. I feel like I only see and talk with Mariel most days." They did work next to each other, but it would still be nice to know more people. She was a little confused about her next comment, "Should I tell you about willing to volunteer or was there someone else I needed to tell?" Did she miss read that on the job board. hmmmm

Well, of course she had a nice time! Who didn't enjoy the company of his or her family members? "Yes, I do feel fully relaxed after the wonderful holidays. But... well, I spent mine with my sister, her husband, and my niece and nephew. It wasn't really much." Lourdes said. "That's really hard-working of you, Victoria, but don't overdo yourself. Holidays are meant for rest too." The woman said with a nod and a smile. There was no need to fuss about work during the holidays, honestly. Right, Hogwarts. There were children there that were probably having a hard time coping, but Lourdes believed that this will all be over in no time. "I think the Headmistress is doing her part, so I guess there is no need to worry much." There's always a solution.

"If there was something wrong with Quidditch, I would let everyone in the department know... as well as the Minister," Lourdes assured. The spirit of Quidditch will always be alive. What could possible go wrong with magical sports? Well, except the fact there are some occurrences of injuries. You could never truly avoid those from happening. Ah yes, that matter. "Some of the employees are still on leave. The others, well... they're probably busy with both work and family." The blonde understood that, though, because she'd attend to her family as well. But she knew her responsibilities. "Actually, you could just tell me and I'll forward your message to the person involved." It was partly Lourdes' job too.

First day back at work and Mariel rushed down to Level Seven, feeling that she was running late.. but she wasn't really, was she? The brunette had been feeling so unfocused lately, almost flustered or foggy, and she somewhat hoped that getting back to work would help her with regaining some of the clarity she felt she was losing.

Her first stop was the notice board to check for any announcements, green eyes scanning the words there. New employees.. she'd have to go introduce herself soon... Oh, a surprise for her? Well, that was interesting.. Mariel didn't finish the rest, becoming distracted in her thoughts, and wandered towards Ms. Black's office.

As she stood in front of the door, she stared at it for a moment, forgetting for the briefest second what she was doing. Oh, right.. Lourdes needed to tell her something and Mariel gave a couple raps to the door with her closed fist to let her boss know she was outside. She was in, wasn't she? Or was Mariel early.. or late?? No.. she was on time.. fairly certain..

Victoria smile, that seemed like a lovely time. "My brother lives to far away to get together. He comes around every so often, but never settled down so nothing really keeps him in one place long." That always annoyed her, but it was his life. Giving a small blush of embarrassment, "Well it kept my mind occupied really. My son was at his fathers and unfortunately with having him I don't get out much to meet that many people, so sitting alone in the house was driving me a bit crazy. So I was happy to do work." She didn't want to sound to pathetic to the boss, but she was telling the truth as well. Yes.. Yes. The headmistress should know what she's doing it was her job now wasn't it. No need to comment further on that subject.

"Well I assumed as much, but still figured I would check. The Australian league went on strike about eight years ago now. It was a mess, so it was the first that came to my mind when I didn't see any postings." She was glad it wasn't something like that, pity how that can affect things for so many people. Smiling a little more, "I did get to meet a few employees. I feel embarrassed that a few have worked here for a bit. I must just get to caught up at my desk at times. They all seem lovely though. We do have a great department." She was always proud to work in that department and it showed most of the time. "Well I understand that, being a single parent with a full time job is exhausting at times. I hope they all work out for them." Oh so she just had to say something to the boss, great. "Well that's good, let me know what I can do to help." Oh there was another knock on the door, maybe that was her cue to leave. "You seem to have another visitor I can just get out of your way than."

Oh that sounded a bit sad. Strong woman, Victoria. "Did you spend your holidays with him?" she asked. Usually Christmas and New Year were the days spent with family and Victoria's case was no exemption. It was always much more fun to celebrate the season with the people you love. Lourdes could see it in Victoria that she was working hard, but there were times when the department head wanted to give the woman a break. She has done a lot for the department already and it made Lourdes feel good inside. "There's always the Coffee Cart and the Game Room for your break time if you ever feel the need to remove all the stress." The Coffee Cart was also one of Lourdes' favourite places in her department.

Wow, an 8-year strike? Lourdes felt pity for the Australian Ministry and for all the Quidditch enthusiasts out there. She did hope inside that never happens here in Britain, otherwise it would be a HUGE headache. Lourdes preferred working without the stress of life so that everything was better... obviously. She'll assure that no strikes or mobs happen here. "That's a nice feedback from you," she said. Some of them were finally getting out of their shells now, yes? That was lovely. A little bit of socialising didn't hurt, you know. Oh single parents. Even if Lourdes felt pity inside, she didn't have a child so... she couldn't really connect to that. She tried her best though, since her sister would leave her kids with Lourdes whenever she went on vacations with her husband or on travels for her work. Quite a handful, but Lourdes enjoyed kids as much as she was passionate about Quidditch.

...

Was that a knock on the door? Possibly another visitor, or an important someone she needed to talk to. "Yes you may leave now, Victoria. Come back anytime or whenever you need to talk about things." She gave her employee a smile as she watched her leave. Meanwhile, for the second visitor... "Come in!" Lourdes called out. The door wasn't locked; she never locks her door unless she was out of the office anyway. The department head then waited for whoever it was to enter.

Victoria shook her head, "No he stayed in Australia most of the break so he was with his father during that time. I had him last year, so he got him this year." Living that far was hard when it came to the custody issues. She gave a small smile thinking of a certain coffee cart and an interaction she just had that morning. "Yes I actually stop by the coffee cart daily. Bad addiction for caffeine I must admit." There were worse things she knew but for now the coffee kept her going. The game room though, she might check that out, possibly a place to meet others and finally get a sort of social life. "I'll check out the game room soon."

She turned and gave her boss a smile, "Well like I said anything needed just let me know. I might go start on a project that got ruined over break now." With a last smile and nod she turned to head out of the office opening the door to none other than who had become her closest friend at the ministry. Giving a warm smile and quick hug to her, "Mariel there you are, I hope you had a great break." They had gotten together once, so she hoped the rest was good, but probably not the time to catch up in front of the boss or anything. "Stop by my desk when you're done we can catch up a bit." Vic gave her another smile and headed to her desk thinking about a few different things and one was whether or not they could do any work with the Gobstone group possibly a cute administrator.

Mariel had taken to wandering the immediate vicinity near Lourdes' office door while she waited to be let in. She still wasn't sure that her supervisor was on the other side of that door, so she figured she wait a few more minutes for a response before heading back to her desk to get started on the work she was sure had piled up while they were on leave. Green eyes began studying the decor on the walls.. Lourdes certainly had interesting taste in interior design. Though she wondered if she had as much to do with the corridor decorating on this level than she did in her own office.

The brunette looked up as she saw the door open. Oh, it was Victoria.. Mariel gave her friend and coworker a wide smile and hugged her back. "Oh, the rest of the holiday was rather relaxing.. hope yours was too.." She knew she had probably missed her son, though she did hope she was able to take advantage of the peace and quiet as well. And catching up.. yes. "Oh of course.. we have a few things to talk about," she said with a tiny wink. Yep, she noticed that sassy new hair cut, which meant showing it off during a night on the town to Mariel.. maybe she should get a new haircut too. Or maybe just a new pair of shoes. Either way, girl's night was happening.

Hearing Ms. Black call out from the other side of her door, Mariel gave Victoria a brief nod as she headed back to her desk, and she pushed open the office door of her boss. "Good morning, Lourdes," she greeted her with a friendly smile as she stepped inside. "I hope you had a good break?" She took a seat opposite her desk.. certainly she wouldn't mind? "So.. I noticed on the announcement board that you had wanted to see me.. what's up?" She was awfully interested in what she had wanted.. must be that old Ravenclaw curiosity that had persisted even after here days at Hogwarts were over.

As a department head who cared for her employees, it was nice to see both Victoria and Mariel bond. They both entered the Ministry together, right? That was a rational explanation as to why the two women were close to each other. Oh well, Lourdes wasn't going to disrupt whatever meeting they were having. If they didn't see each other during the holiday break, she understood. Now that Victoria had left, Lourdes watched Mariel enter. They could talk later on, but right now the department head was going to have a small chat with Mariel about important things.

"Good morning as well, Mariel," the woman greeted and returned her employee's smile. Oh of course, the whole "break" subject wasn't going to be ignored. They hadn't seen each other since around December last year, right? It was nice to know what happened while they were separated. "Yes, I had a great break." Getting to connect with her family members. That was always wonderful considering Lourdes had been busy during Ministry season. "I did place on the announcement board that I wanted to see you," she nodded. "But before that, how was your holiday?" Just to ease the tension (if there was) around them. Usually being called by your boss was a bit scary so just in case, Lourdes was going to start it casual first before they get to the point.

Mariel continued smiling a bit as she exchanged pleasantries with the woman sitting across from her. She was rather thankful to have such an amiable boss.. made the workday so much easier. Great break.. nice to know, though she didn't expand much on it. Hopefully it was really alright and not something she just wanted to gloss over. No matter.. they were moving on now.

To the announcement, yes? And why she needed to see her.. Mariel was very curious to know. But she would have to wait a bit longer? Well, okay.. she could continue with the niceties for another minute or two. "Oh, my holiday was fine, thanks.. did a bit of visiting with family. Nothing too eventful, mostly relaxing." Nothing really to report on, to be honest. It had been quite lovely, and she did enjoy some quiet as well. But.. moving on again. "I am curious though.." she started with the hint of an eager smile.

Lourdes forgot that she didn't let Mariel sit, and just remembered it. Oh Merlin, how late of her. She had placed a chair in front of her desk for a reason! "You could sit down in case you get tired," she said. Not that this meeting would last that long, but because the chair had its use too. But right now, the department head decided that she should get to the point now. Mariel probably had to go meet Victoria and do important things.

Ah, of course. "Seemed like it was a nice holiday," Lourdes said. It was family and most of all, no work. It always meant a time for relaxation. Oh... Mariel had every right to be eager. "Okay, now to the real thing. I'm pretty sure you are aware that Mr. Chevron Wilkes has left the department." Did she even know him? "If you're not too familiar with him, he used to work in the Quidditch Public Relations Office... and he was the department liaison too." Was. Note the past tense. Did she know now why Lourdes wanted to talk to her?

Ooooooh, exciting.

"With that said, and by now I think you know already, I'm offering you the position of department liaison." The woman smiled at her employee.

Mariel smiled and nodded her thanks to Lourdes. Such a lovely woman, really. "Oh, yes.. I do think it was quite a nice holiday. Did you do any travelling yourself? Or just relax at home..?" Travelling was a favorite pastime of the brunette.. something she loved since first visiting the United States when she was a girl. And she loved to hear about the adventures of others.

But now for the real reason she was here. Mariel was rather to eager to hear what this news was.. it was something good, no? And she inched forward ever so slightly on her chair as she awaited Ms. Black's words. Mr. Chevron Wilkes.. hmm. Mariel thought over the name as her boss spoke it. Seemed rather familiar and she thought she was able to match a face with the name. She was sure she had seen him around the department at least a few times.. but as for conversation.. no, she was sure that never happened.

She was hanging on every word, trying to decipher some sort of clue as to why she was called here in his absence. Not that she knew he was leaving or that he had left.. did she miss a memo? And department liaison.. sounded interesting.. but wait. "You'd like to offer me the position?" she began, a strange mix of humility and pride swirling in her mind. "I must say that's quite the honor." She smiled a bit more widely as she contemplated the words. "But first.. might I ask what the job duties entail?" Not that she wouldn't take it.. this was a promotion, right? Of course she would.. she just wanted to know what she had to do without sounding dumb about it.

Oh, travelling! Yes, Lourdes liked to travel too. Especially when she had time to admire the different places and cultures. They were always interesting but now, with a high position in the British Ministry of Magic, she didn't have as much time to travel unlike before. "I've traveled before, back when I wasn't a department head. Usually when I have to play matches, but I do enjoy the different tourist attractions." Too bad she didn't have all the time in the world to visit every place.

The woman had thought out of a brief introduction about the position of department liaison. She gave Mariel the time to think about it as well, just in case she felt hesitant about accepting it. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity as well, so why say no? While the woman thought it out, Lourdes waited for her employee. It was a hard decision to choose out of the many amazing employees she had, for the record.

"Yes, I am offering you the position. It's up to you if you'd like to accept it," Lourdes said. Well, of course it is an honor. There's usually just one liaison for each department, unless it was MLE or A&C with a big number of employees. For her department, one will do and that person is lucky. And her duties, yes. "As a department liaison, he or she regularly meets up with the department head so that they can prepare themselves, in case the liaison supervisor holds a meeting. He or she also attends meetings with the liaison supervisor so that proper communication is being followed." It's just pretty simple. "And there's also an addition of about 200 galleons to your monthly salary." If she was right, that is. Usually it hang around that amount.

That was it. Mariel probably got the point already of how it would be as a liaison.

Mariel listened a bit, smiling and nodding in all the right places as Lourdes spoke a bit of how she used to travel. The brunette had meant more of if she had over their break, but she was always interested in hearing of the travels of others. "That was one of my favorite parts of playing professionally," she said, smiling wistfully. "Travelling to so many different places for matches." Well, other than actually playing, of course.. and she did love her stay in New Zealand while she was playing. Perhaps she should take her next holiday there..

Rather intrigued, Mariel smiled a bit as her mind wandered, while she listened to the description and benefits of being the department liaison. She already knew that it was a big deal, a great honor to be selected for this job. But she still wanted to know all of what she was getting herself into first. Once her boss was finished, she smiled graciously. "That sounds like a fantastic offer and opportunity.. I'd love to take it." She let a few of the thoughts process through her mind. "So.. what would my first duty be?" Oh, this was exciting..

Lourdes was really pleased about this conversation with Mariel. What a great way to get to know each other? Especially since they'd be working together a bit more because Lourdes had a gut feeling that she would accept the offer. Don't mistaken that for smugness or anything, but the woman could tell what may or may not be running in her employee's mind by just looking at her. "I certainly agree with you." Ah yes... the perks of being a professional Quidditch player. Lourdes missed those days, but right now she had this amazing department on her hands.

Oh course, she was right. Mariel would say yes to the offer. Lourdes smiled at her employee. "That's great!" She was pretty excited with this after all. "All you have to do is sign this form, stating that you have accepted the position as department liaison." Just that, to get her started. And after that... well, maybe her first day job as one would start off with something simple. "Once you're done, you could send a letter to one of the Human Resources Officers with a list of our new employees. I've posted a short memo in the Announcements Board with the names of our new Games & Sports people." Err... that was simple, right? Lourdes will handle things regarding the newly appointed G&S liaison and send a short memo to the Internal Liaison Supervisor.

Zach arrived from his excursion from the Catastrophe department. His next destination is the Games and Sports department.

He arrived at the department reception and greeted the receptionist. He was then motioned to head to the Office of the Department head.

When he arrived infront of the office he checked his robe and cleared his throat then he knocked on the door. He is hoping for a great result from this meeting.

Yes, a book. Lourdes was holding a book... and wearing her reading glasses because apparently she was going to be old soon. Her niece, just before leaving the house, said she was old. Hmm... not sure if it was an insult or not, but Lourdes thought of it as a compliment. The older, the wiser they say. She was only reading the book because she had time right now. It was rare especially with a lot of things going on in the Ministry.

And then a knock.

This year, the woman surprisingly had a fair number of visitors. How pleasing, she could say. Lourdes closed her book and took her glasses off before placing them on her desk. "Come on in," she said. The department head has said that line about 10 or more times now, maybe.

Zach sighed before turning the knob to open the door.

He then smiled at the Department Head and said, "Good day to you, Ma'am." he started.

"I am just here on behalf of the Senior Undersecretary." he added.

"My name is Zach McMillan." he said extending his hand to shake the lady's hand.