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Lissy Longbottom · 01-25-2008, 09:38 PM

The office once occupied by Madeline Grau is now being used by the current Department Head, Ben Cobblesten. As you walk inside, you see a modestly decorated area, with a light wood desk taking up most of the space. There are two navy blue armchairs in front of the desk, in case you wanted to have a seat!

The bookcases are filled to the ceiling with interesting reads, and every once in a while there is a picture frame, filled with a number of blonde people--quite obviously his family. The most interesting decoration, of course, are the paper origami swans hovering near the ceiling. At first you think they're memos, but no, they're just there for decoration.

On the desk is a giant nameplate, gleaming brightly in the afternoon sun streaming through the window:

Well, come on in! Don't be shy! Have a nice cup of tea with Mr. Cobblesten!

Em's the Game · 08-26-2008, 02:05 AM

"Really?" Ivan exclaimed, pleased. He flushed and shuffled from side to side, embarrassed by his pleasure. "So...um...Reversal Squad hasn't been by, eh?" Heh heh. Score another one for the Obliviators.

Ivan rocked back on his heels, clasping his hands behind his back. All was very well in Ivan's world. He took perverse pleasure in one-upping the RS department. The source of this innocent competitive urge was unknown - it had simply sprung into his consciousness one day. Whether Ben suspected or not wasn't even on Ivan's radar. Though perhaps Ivan's increasing smug-tinged grin might easily give it away.

I really ought to drop by the RS office...just check in on them...heh heh. There might be a little gloating involved.

*PhoenixRising* · 12-11-2008, 02:14 AM

"Ben!" Lorraine exclaimed, quickly knocking and opening the door of the Magical Accidents & Catastrophes Department Head. She had just come from a fabulous little meeting with the shopkeeper at Florean's, where together they thought of the most awesome idea to celebrate Christmas at Diagon Alley with the shopkeepers and department heads. Surely Ben would just love to join in the fun.

Spotting the male at his desk, Lorraine held out the charmed box for him to see. "I've got the greatest news! And I know you're just going to die of love at this. I've just discussed with the woman at Florean's Ice Cream, Bella, and we've planned out a wonderful idea to celebrate Christmas at Diagon Alley. We've decided to do a Secret Santa, and we'd like to ask you to join in on all the fun."

Setting the charmed box down on the man's desk, she patted it lovingly with her hand. "In this box, we've placed the names of every Ministry Department Head and each and every Diagon Alley Shopkeeper and Assistant," Lorraine explained. "The box was charmed so that when you tap your wand on the box and say 'Accio!', a certain name designated just for you will shoot from the box and land in your hands. Remember not to tell anyone whose name you drew - not even me! All you have to do at that point is buy a gift for that person and somehow get it delivered to them without knowing who sent it - they'll need to guess! Won't that be fun?!" Lorraine's hazel eyes twinkled with delight.

"Now, if you decide to participate, we'll have a little party at Florean Fortescue's on December 19 (OOC: December 19-21 anytime is the roleplay). You can come bringing your favorite party foods and drinks, and we'll see if anyone has been able to figure out their Secret Santa!" Lorraine continued. "So, now then. Would you like to participate? If you would, tap your wand once upon this little box, say the correct incantation, and your name will just pop right on out of there! Go on...give it a try!"

*****

OOC: As soon as you roleplay your charrie choosing a name, please return to this thread and follow the directions. Use the [s] [*/s] feature without the * to cross out the name you choose, then roleplay your charrie sometime before December 19 delivering the gift. You may choose a Ministry charrie or a Diagon Alley charrie. You can just be as creative as you'd like at this point. Don't forget about the party, either! Make sure you cross out the name you choose, so we won't have one or more people choosing the same person! Any questions, feel free to PM me!

Lissy Longbottom · 12-11-2008, 02:33 AM

Ben was slightly taken aback by the intrusion into his office by none other than Lorraine Brothmeister and didn't even have a chance to say hello before she started talking. He grinned as she explained her Secret Santa plan and stood up when she finished speaking. "Why yes, that DOES sound like fun! So, all I have to do is tap it?" he asked, pulling out his wand and giving the box a quick glance.

He picked up his wand and tapped it on the top. "Accio!" he muttered as a tiny piece of paper shot out of the box. He caught it in his fist and quickly glanced over the name, grinning as he found out who he had. "I can't wait to get started on this...it's not every day Diagon Alley and the Ministry have a nice little get together like this!"

*PhoenixRising* · 12-11-2008, 02:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miss Lissy Lou

Ben was slightly taken aback by the intrusion into his office by none other than Lorraine Brothmeister and didn't even have a chance to say hello before she started talking. He grinned as she explained her Secret Santa plan and stood up when she finished speaking. "Why yes, that DOES sound like fun! So, all I have to do is tap it?" he asked, pulling out his wand and giving the box a quick glance.

He picked up his wand and tapped it on the top. "Accio!" he muttered as a tiny piece of paper shot out of the box. He caught it in his fist and quickly glanced over the name, grinning as he found out who he had. "I can't wait to get started on this...it's not every day Diagon Alley and the Ministry have a nice little get together like this!"

Oops! Perhaps invading offices was not the best approach, but could she seriously help that she was overtly excited over this mini event she organized with Bella on the whim? Nodding at his question, she replied, "Yup. Tap and say the incantation." If only she were a master legilimens; tis would be awesome to see what each paper said...

"I know, right? It's just a nice excuse for us to all forget about the stresses of work and relax with other workaholics!" she grinned, as Christmas seemed to have put quite the cheerful mood on her. Either that or it was Teal, but no matter. "Thanks Ben! And er . . . I'll see you in a week or so? I must get to the other Head's offices before they head home, hope you'll understand." Lorraine explained, picking the charmed box into her arms and turning to leave his office and move onto the next level.

Slytherin Fox · 12-17-2008, 10:29 PM

Samantha knocked on the door of the Head of the Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes. "Ben, are you in?", she called out. "I have a visitor with me today, Miss Rachel Rider, a student at Hogwarts. Rachel is the niece of one of my employees, Mr. Jake Rider, and I have agreed to give her a tour of the entire Ministry in return for her coming down here to visit with me today. Samantha waited for Rachel to catch up with her.

Daemon · 12-17-2008, 11:14 PM

Rachel caught up with Samantha just as she walked into the office. Her cloak was shimmering and swishing around her, and she knew for a fact that at least she looked respectable... if not really nice. Smiling at the Head, she let her curious eyes roam the room. I don't get this department... she thought to herself, then realised that she could just ask the Head. She nodded to him as she was introduced and wondered whether she should extend her hand or not. Deciding against it because it would look weird, she just waited for him to greet her.

Lissy Longbottom · 12-18-2008, 01:40 AM

Ben looked up just as Lorraine walked out when he heard a knock on his door. Visitors? Who ever would be visiting him? He doubted it was an employee--they were all down at the Conference by now. "Of course, come in Samantha!" Ben said enthusiastically as he stood up and opened the door for the two girls. "And Miss Rider, it's a pleasure to meet you," he said with a friendly smile at the student.

"So, visiting from Hogwarts, eh?" he asked, heading back to his desk and extending a hand towards the two open chairs for each of them. "Please sit down--so, what house are you in?" he asked, making polite conversation as he waved his hand. Nearby, a pot of tea took to the air and floated over to his desk, pouring three tiny glasses as he took his seat. "Tea anyone?"

Daemon · 12-18-2008, 03:00 PM

Rachel smiled back and sat down graciously. The tour wasn't long, but the Ministry was huge so her legs felt a little tired. She nodded and said, "Yeah, and I'm in Ravenclaw. It's the best house ever!" She said the last part with added enthusiasm, and gesturing to her newly bought special blue robes. She giggled slightly as he offered them tea. "Thanks Mr- er... I'm afraid I don't know your name, sir," she said and blushed slightly. She knew his first name, as Samantha had used it to call him, but felt it would be really rude to call him Ben. Even though it does kind of suit him...

Lissy Longbottom · 12-18-2008, 03:35 PM

Ben just nodded and chuckled. "Mr. Cobblesten is just fine. So, Ravenclaw eh? I was in Hufflepuff myself but my oldest daughter was a Ravenclaw...perhaps you know my nephew, Cale Newell? He's the prefect in the Gryffindor house--how that boy ever got on their Quidditch team is beyond me, he can hardly walk on his own two feet without injuring himself...oh, I'm sorry, I'm rambling." he stopped abruptly when he realized he had let his mouth get away from him again and cleared his throat. "So, why the sudden urge to tour the Ministry?" he asked with a grin and a small laugh. "Interested in joining one of the departments after you graduate?" he asked.

Daemon · 12-18-2008, 04:46 PM

Rachel's face split into a relieved smile and she leaned back into her chair. "Oh yes, of course I know Cale Newell. I don't know him personally though, but I've seen him around and certainly heard a lot about him. And I actually think he's a good player..." she answered, giggling. "But Ravenclaw won the Cup this year," she added in a proud voice.
"Um, well..." she started, not knowing what to say. How is she supposed to explain that she was only here because it was part of a deal with Samantha? Deciding to ignore that question she smoothly transitioned into the next. "Well, I think I might. I don't know what I want to be after I graduate, but I do know that I want my job to be fun," she said with a smile. "And, if it's not rude to ask, what is this Department for? I mean, what do actually work on? I've always wondered," she added, blushing again at her bluntness.

Lissy Longbottom · 12-18-2008, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fire_faerie

Rachel's face split into a relieved smile and she leaned back into her chair. "Oh yes, of course I know Cale Newell. I don't know him personally though, but I've seen him around and certainly heard a lot about him. And I actually think he's a good player..." she answered, giggling. "But Ravenclaw won the Cup this year," she added in a proud voice.
"Um, well..." she started, not knowing what to say. How is she supposed to explain that she was only here because it was part of a deal with Samantha? Deciding to ignore that question she smoothly transitioned into the next. "Well, I think I might. I don't know what I want to be after I graduate, but I do know that I want my job to be fun," she said with a smile. "And, if it's not rude to ask, what is this Department for? I mean, what do actually work on? I've always wondered," she added, blushing again at her bluntness.

Ben smiled kindly at the pride in her voice when she mentioned Ravenclaw. "Ahh, that's lovely. I do miss Hogwarts and all the house pride we Badgers used to have." he said, sighing as he recalled the memory of his school days.

"Of course it's not rude!" he told the girl with a chuckle when she asked him what the Department did. "To be honest, not a lot of people really know what we do here. Basically this whole department deals with spells that go wrong. Say you were trying to clean your curtains, but you accidentally did the spell wrong and set them on fire instead, and because you did it wrong the flames were resistant to all types of extinguishers--then you'd call us. Also, if a Muggle somehow witnesses any type of magical activity, accident or not, and their memory needs to be wiped clean, we take care of that as well. Oh, and we have a lovely department in here where we come up with fake news stories to feed the Muggles if there is a mass curse gone aray or something--very popular during the time of You-Know-Who," he explained, absentmindedly stirring his tea over and over as he spoke.

Daemon · 12-18-2008, 08:05 PM

She listened to his explanation, a small smile dancing on he lips. I like this guy... He should become a teacher! He explains things well, and manages to make them sound interesting and funny. She nodded as he finished and said, "Well, that last department sounds like fun. I never actually thought of the things you mentioned, but yeah it figures that there would be a department for that. And, now that you mention it, I have another question." She smiled meekly, hoping he wouldn't think she was unnecessarily focusing on unimportant bits. "How do you actually fix it? I mean, like when you explained about the fire, are there special spells that can overcome these strange results?" she asked, afraid that it hadn't made much sense.

Slytherin Fox · 12-18-2008, 10:29 PM

Samantha smiled at Rachel's question. She was once again impressed by her quick intelligence and saw why she had ended up in Ravenclaw, along with her uncle. How she wanted the two of them to meet! Rachel and Ben seemed to be getting along really well, which was excellent. Even she herself had heard of Cale Newell, she thought to herself, he had quite a good reputation at Hogwarts and was very well regarded.

Lissy Longbottom · 12-19-2008, 02:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fire_faerie

She listened to his explanation, a small smile dancing on he lips. I like this guy... He should become a teacher! He explains things well, and manages to make them sound interesting and funny. She nodded as he finished and said, "Well, that last department sounds like fun. I never actually thought of the things you mentioned, but yeah it figures that there would be a department for that. And, now that you mention it, I have another question." She smiled meekly, hoping he wouldn't think she was unnecessarily focusing on unimportant bits. "How do you actually fix it? I mean, like when you explained about the fire, are there special spells that can overcome these strange results?" she asked, afraid that it hadn't made much sense.

Ben nodded. "Well, there are lots of ways to fix it--most of the time there are a combination of spells, cast by multiple people, that can solve any spell problem that comes up, it's just getting to the solution that can be tricky. One single spell won't always do the trick," he explained, rocking back in his chair slightly as he spoke. "So we just kind of try everything in the playbook and see what works. Lots of times we have at least 3 or 4 people on the scene, trying all sorts of spells until they find the one that works."

Daemon · 12-20-2008, 07:57 PM

Rachel smiled. That sounds like a cool job... Once he finished, she nodded and asked, "So basically, it's the strength of the spell that matters in the end right?
"Well, I can see that you're very busy, so I won't bother you any longer. I really had fun here, Mr. Cobblesten," she added. And she really did have fun; he's the liveliest of all the Department Heads that I have met up 'till now by far. Apart from Samantha!

Slytherin Fox · 12-23-2008, 10:22 PM

"Thanks a lot, Ben, and enjoy your holidays!", Samantha said with a smile. She had to admit that she was enjoying the tour almost as much as Rachel was, it had been a while since she had walked through the Ministry just visiting with people. It might be a nice thing to do in the future, she thought.

pgspickles · 12-24-2008, 09:53 PM

Sneaking into Ben's office, Evaline had to drop off her secret santa gift. She knocked to make sure no one was in and then swiftly opened the door and went in. Seeing his desk, she walked over and set his gift down. She had seen this on some Muggle movie and thought it never hurt to try.

Attached to her gift, a spray bottle of Windex, she had a little note attached.

Quote:

Dear Ben,

Hope you have a wonderful Holiday and I saw this in a movie and it's suppose to cure anything. Just spray a bit of it on your problem, and you seem to probably have a lot because of your department, and all should be right.

Happy Holidays,
Secret Santa

Making sure the bow wrapped around the bottle was perfect, she left the office happy of her good deed.

lemondrop13 · 12-31-2008, 01:02 AM

The following memo should be distributed to your employees:

Lissy Longbottom · 01-02-2009, 05:15 AM

Ben watched as everyone exited his office and sighed, leaning back in his chair and closing his eyes. Sometimes he really hated work--it was so darn stressful. Just as Rachel and Samantha left the room, he noticed there was a bottle of some blue liquid sitting on his desk. Hmmmm...how come he had never seen that before? "Windex?" he muttered to himself, reading the label on the bottle. From the pictures on the label it looked more like a cleaning solution rather than something to cure problems--these muggles were so strange! He smiled and made a mental note to try and figure out who could have possibly seen a muggle movie about Windex, and then he would figure out his secret santa from there.

Then the memo flew in, disturbing his peace again. Sigh. All these memos! He read the note and frowned. That conference had been such a disaster...and that poor Minister! The black cloud of scandal that hung around the Ministry now might never be lifted. Sighing again and making a few copies of the memo, he waved his wand a few times and with a flick, sent his newly fashioned origami memos out into the hallway, where they flew to their respective divisions.

lemondrop13 · 02-01-2009, 03:10 PM

Reagan approached Mr. Cobblesten's door at a rather rapid speed, forcing herself to slow down as she grew nearer so that she wouldn't walk right into door. Straightening her robes and her hair, and holding her head high with confidence, Reagan knocked on the door. She wanted Ben to believe in her abilities, and a good impression was key, even if this wasn't a first impression.

Lissy Longbottom · 02-01-2009, 06:34 PM

Just as the memos had flown out the door, and Ben had stretched out in his chair to try and get some peaceful quiet time, he heard another knock at his door. Opening his blue eyes, he sighed and stood up to go answer the door. To his surprise, it was Miss Reagan herself, from the Minister's office. Oh no--had Cooper somehow heard that Ben had been muttering under his breath about how horrible the security was around here?

"Oh, Miss Taylor!" he said with a grin, opening the door so she could walk inside. "What a pleasent surprise. Please come in--would you like some tea?" he asked, nodding at the teapot he kept at the corner of his desk.

lemondrop13 · 02-02-2009, 12:16 AM

With a smile on her face, Reagan stepped through the doorway into Ben's office. Despite having just ingested a cup of tea in Samantha's office, Reagan gracefully accepted Ben's offer, "Tea would be lovely, thank you. So, how are things in the department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes?"

Lissy Longbottom · 02-02-2009, 12:36 AM

Ben grinned in delight as she accepted his cup of tea offer. He pulled out his wand and gave it a flick, heading back to his seat as the pot rose in midair and began to pour two cups of hot tea for them. "Pretty quiet, actually--I guess some people aren't being as careless as they used to be," he said with a small chuckle. It was true, there was definitely a decrease in explosions without the last month. "Please sit down," he added, offering her one of the comfy blue armchairs that was seated facing his desk.

"So, what brings you here today?" he asked, taking the cup of tea the pot had just poured and handing it to her.

lemondrop13 · 02-02-2009, 01:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miss Lissy Lou

Ben grinned in delight as she accepted his cup of tea offer. He pulled out his wand and gave it a flick, heading back to his seat as the pot rose in midair and began to pour two cups of hot tea for them. "Pretty quiet, actually--I guess some people aren't being as careless as they used to be," he said with a small chuckle. It was true, there was definitely a decrease in explosions without the last month. "Please sit down," he added, offering her one of the comfy blue armchairs that was seated facing his desk.

"So, what brings you here today?" he asked, taking the cup of tea the pot had just poured and handing it to her.

Accepting the hot tea, Reagan observed the steam swirl above the cup before chuckling, "What a shame! Someone ought to remind those people that carelessness ensures job security for half of this Ministry!"

Taking a seat in the armchair offered to her, Reagan decided to get down to business, no sugar coating. "Well, I'm down here because I'd like to get your opinion, and hopefully your involvement, in a little... project of mine, pertaining to the upcoming election. Long story short, Minister Cooper selected me to run against him because he thinks it would ensure him a victory and would also renew the community's faith in him if he compared favorably to another candidate. Apparently, he thinks me incapable of winning against him and I'd like to prove him wrong. If you're interested, I'd like for you to take an important role in my campaign, as my Advertising Chair. So, what do you think?"

Lissy Longbottom · 02-02-2009, 03:15 AM

Ben had just unfortunately taken a sip of his drink when Reagan began her little explanation as to why she was here. And, once she got to the interesting parts, about her running against the Minister and wanting HIM to be a part of it, he swallowed just a bit too quickly. Coughing and blushing with embarrassment, he took a second to compose himself before speaking again. "He doesn't think you'll be able to beat him?" he asked, completely flabbergasted. "Absurd! It's about time that poor excuse of a Minister got booted out!"

He paused when he ran what he had just said through his head again. "I'm sorry, that wasn't very polite to say--I don't favor him or his policies at all, and I'd be very honored to help you in your campaign," he told her with a grin. "And I have to say, you're an excellent choice of candidate...I feel if you were in charge things would be a lot better around here," he added.

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