Samantha beamed. "Yes, few of our jobs here at the Ministry are glamourous, but they are all rewarding in their own way. I've never been one to shirk from responsibility, and I really do look forward to working with you more closely, getting to know the liaisons better and taking on even more responsibility. I look at this as a wonderful and unique opportunity, and I can promise you that I will give you my best, as I always do."

She stopped for a moment as she realized that the Minister was thinking of the exact same person that she herself had in mind to take over the position of Department Head for Education. Who else could it be but Jake? "I do believe Jake has a good understanding of what is happening in the department, in fact, I think he may have connections at Hogwarts who keep him informed of things," Samantha said truthfully. "He's always struck me as a dedicated, hard worker, and I think he would do fine if given the opportunity."

Never had Reagan felt more confident in a hiring decision as the one she made in Samantha Rose. Just the right work ethic combined with a pleasant nature made her a perfect fit in a department head position requiring some finesse with people and dedication to the Ministry. "I've nearly cleared my things from that office and moved them into this one, so you should be able to move into the office just as soon as you've wrapped things up in the Department of Education.

"Once you establish your presence in that office, it is important that you never let anyone into my office without express permission from myself. If someone arrives without an appointment, have them sit in the waiting room while you enter to inform me of their purpose. I'll then decide if I wish to see them and you can relay the message. If at any point you have questions about your role, please do not hesitate to ask.

"Lastly, once you are set up here, I'll formally introduce you to the liaison staff, as well as the Junior Assistant to the Minister, Ms. Angelina Gilmore. As you two will be working closely together, it is important that you have a proper introduction." Here's hoping they work well together! Drama neither desired nor tolerated with Reagan in the office!

With Samantha's confirmation of Jake's character settling that hiring matter, Reagan indicated to Ms. Rose, "I am going to call Mr. Rider back into the office to offer him the position now."

Reagan stood from her chair, hastily making her way to the door. Opening the door wide, Reagan gestured him toward the office's interior, "Mr. Rider, please join us in my office once again and have a seat with Ms. Rose. Did you get the chance to send word to St. Mungo's?"

Looking up and abruptly wrenching himself from his thoughts, Jake nodded towards Minister Taylor and followed her in, eying both her and Samantha with slight curiosity as he shut the door behind him. He couldn't help being curious, but he knew that they had discussed whatever it was privately for a reason.

"As a matter of fact, I managed to squeeze in a bit more than that," Jake nodded with a smile and produced the note he had received from St. Mungo's as he sat down.
"That arrived just a moment ago. I also went to see Syd Wordsmith up on the second floor and he has already gone to follow out your requests," he told Reagan and Samantha, quite pleased with his performance. True, this was a crisis and if he HADN'T been this useful then he wasn't cut out for this job but still. Every man likes getting a little credit sometime.

Reagan returned to her seat behind the desk, crossing her legs and sitting straight with her shoulders back. Accepting the small piece of parchment from Jake, Reagan read quickly and carefully about Professor Lupa and Headmaster Bontecou. Time for a visit to St. Mungo's!

But before she could leave... "Very nice work, Mr. Rider. I am quite pleased. And your efficiency in this matter leaves me very confident in my next decision." Reagan paused to ensure she had Jake's undivided attention, "Ms. Rose here has just accepted the position of Senior Undersecretary and will be transferring to the Minister's Office in the coming days. That leaves the Department of Magical Education without a department head, though I hope not for long."

Not wanting to string the poor guy along any further, Reagan offered, "I'd like for you to take over as Department Head, if you're willing. You've shown that you work efficiently, which I can appreciate, and you've been an asset to your Department. Not to mention that Ms. Rose gave you a glowing recommendation. So, all that is left is for you to accept. What say you?"

. . .

O_O

Jake eyes went wide, his mouth flew open and his heart skipped a beat as the Minister asked him whether he wanted to... He gulped.

"Er... wow," was all the man managed, his eyes beginning to sting as he stared at the two women in front of him, his mind reeling with this new revelation. They were offering him a job. As department head. To HEAD this department. To be in charge.

Were they insane?! Putting HIM in charge? He was lazy, stupid, lacking people skills and just generally an awful person. No, wait, he was already Division Head. So... It did KIND OF make sense that they were asking him.

Asking him to be department head. OHMYDEARMERLINDEPARTMENTHEAD! Jake, who had been frozen in shock, suddenly came to life and breathed again, blinking rapidly and feeling exceptionally embarrassed.

"Thank you for the offer. I would love to head the Department of Magical Education, and I hope to do as good a job if not better than Samantha," he finally replied, forcing his smile down into only a slight curl of his lips and nodded towards Samantha. He was grateful to her and would always be grateful...

Even though, a heads up would have been pretty nice.

Keeping her face clear and free of opinion as Jake seemed to be processing, Reagan twiddled her thumbs and sneaked a glance at Samantha. Poor man might be in shock! If he doesn't respond in the next 5 seconds, it is 'Reenervate' time!

Finally, Jake accepted the position and Reagan nodded once, "Excellent. I feel confident that you will live up to Samantha's legacy and my expectations. I'll push the necessary paperwork through immediately, before I head out to St. Mungo's. Please work with Samantha to transition into this new role." Reagan stood up from her chair and extended her hand for him to shake, "Oh, and keep your eyes open for a memo in the coming days. I intend to hold a meeting with all the department head to discuss some things, so be sure to attend."

"Thank you, Minister Taylor," Samantha said. "I will begin to make preparations to change departments immediately, and I promise I will always do my best for you in any way I can." She smiled. She already knew Angelina a little and thought she was a lovely young woman. She thought they would get along very well, and she was sure the liaisons would be no problem, either. She had always gotten along splendidly with them and was really looking forward to her new job and being even more involved in the goings on of the Ministry. On top of that, she was certain that Jake would make a great department head, and was thrilled that he was getting the opportunity, as well. Things were definitely looking up.

Jake nodded, trying to take in everything that the Minister was telling him while at the same time working really hard to keep the insanely goofy smile off his face. Now would not be a good time to show his new boss (well, she was his boss before too, but not as directly) just how childish he could be. And he wasn't even trying this time.

Taking her hand, Jake shook it firmly and nodded one final time. "Right, I'll do that. And thank you again, Minister," he said to her, committing to memory the fact that the next time a memo came he was NOT to play and experiment with it before actually reading it.

Jake turned towards Samantha, as she finished talking to the Minister herself. "First of all Samantha, I would just like to say thank you. Who knew, back when I first came to you in search for my niece, that I would reach today?" he said, smiling gratefully. That day had been another lifetime ago, but it always astounded him to how short a time had passed since then.

And THEN, after he'd get freaked about the bizarre timeline, he'd freak out even MORE when he'd realised that only four and something years before that, he had graduated from the very same school that his niece was now attending. And THAT, people, made Jake Rider feel small, insignificant and VERY inexperienced.

Which were all superb things to feel just a second after you'd been handed the boss job. Ugh, he was dumb.