Kendra had some important work to discuss with her Portkey division, partially regarding the Quidditch World Cup, but there was more to it than that. In fact, it was enough to get another Ministry department involved and she was debating on whether or not to set up a meeting herself or just send one of her employees to spearhead the issue. As much as she enjoyed being in charge, the latter would be the better choice.

And so, here she was among the work area of the Transportation department, looking for one of her Portkey people. It seemed to be a busy day for them. Kendra considered the desks as she slowly walked through the aisle. Perhaps it was time for a change in the way the work area was set up. Maybe even some redecorating.

A retainer? Really?!

Sometime the ideas that came to them about items to use for portkeys were just too bizarre. And icky! Granted they would be needing an influx of portkeys over the summer, but Cassie didn’t think they would have to dig down that deep to that level for their creation. Shaking her head, she leaned back in her chair just in time to notice a certain department head making her way through the desks.

"Do you need something, Kendra?" Cass questioned as she straightened up in her chair almost automatically, not wanting to seem too comfortable and turned to better see the older woman.

No. Chloe was not approving portkeys that posed as a biological hazard. And she hoped her team of employees would not let one slip through the cracks either because that was outright disgusting.

Leaning forward and resting her head on her desk, she found it quite easy to just close her eyes for what could have been five minutes. Until... wait, Kendra was in here?? OH NO, she didn't catch her sleeping did she?? How long was she out for? If anything, she could just argue she had to close her eyes due to the headache from these portkey suggestions.

Yes, what did you need? No sense in repeating the question of Cassandra, but she was paying attention.

Who would have thought that working with portkeys would be so interesting? To be honest, not Tatiana. But working with international regulations seemed to be the perfect job for the Russian. She was very familiar with international policy and working with other countries and absolutely loved her new career.

Being so engrossed with work, she didn't even notice the department head in the area.

While some of her employees were out of the office on assignment, it didn't take Kendra long to come across a few that were still hard at work at their desks. And they were just the very portkey people she needed to speak to! How convenient.

"Oh... hello, ladies," she gave the three a smile, noticing them after Cassie addressed her. She almost mentioned her thoughts on rearranging things as it had been present in her mind when her thoughts were interrupted, but they had more pressing matters at hand.

"There seems to be a pressing matter with portkeys lately, which I'm sure will be of no surprise to any of you." This was their division, of course, so they'd hopefully be up to date on developing issues. "Namely recycling efforts by the Muggle community. That's presenting a problem with some drop-off locations." She had gotten some less than encouraging reports lately and they needed to find a solution. It was getting less and less feasible to simply leave discarded Muggle items laying around when they were inclined to pick them up and put them in a recycling bin. "And I'm concerned that it will make things even more difficult for us regarding the World Cup."

Tatiana looked up when she heard speaking. She carefully considered the question.

"Could we not just temporarily increase the use of muggle repelling spells?" she asked. That seemed the simplest way to avoid unwanted foot traffic.

"There's also non magical ways to discourage interference..." she continued. "No trespassing signs, for instance." She thought a little more. "Perhaps we could even properly reserve some space in a building to set up a temporary headquarters." That way they would not have 'trash' out in the open.

OH GOOD! Kendra didn't seem to notice she had dozed off momentarily. Or at least if she did, she didn't pay attention. Tilting her head over at boss lady, she pressed her quill to her lips thoughtfully on the proposed question.

Tatiana had a good thought and honestly, that seemed to be quite logical. "Yes, similar to the way Hogwarts just appears as a rubble junk yard to muggles... wouldn't it be feasible to place portkeys in a place that would be inaccessible to muggles. Places muggles wouldn't want to go?"

"I think ... some muggles might be intrigued by no trespassing signs. Might take it as a challenge." Chloe grinned, knowing, even though she wasn't a muggle, she was one who would who would probably see it as a challenge.

Her employees did have some good suggestions and Kendra nodded thoughtfully. But she wasn't so sure that they were permanent solutions, or viable for large traffic like the World Cup would need.

"I think we could use some extra Muggle-repelling spells," she began. "But I don't think that will cover all of the portkeys we need for the Quidditch World Cup. Certainly we could instate some, but too many junkyards around will just increase interest in conservation." At least it would seem that way to her. There was a recent increase in beautification efforts of the community, which was great, but it posed a problem for her department.

"And yes, some might take a no trespassing sign as a challenge," she added with a chuckle, casting an amused look Chloe's way. Is that something she would do? "I think perhaps we should meet with some employees in DERP, considering they work with a lot of conservation and environmental concerns. Perhaps they could assist us there." Or maybe they needed to come up with different materials to use as portkeys.

Tatiana nodded thoughtfully. Yes, there were people out there who considered signs as invitations.

"Perhaps they would have ideas of other materials." she agreed. "Perhaps we can also utilize larger, more private gathering places as well." she suggested. Having a handful of portkeys at a central home, for instance, would eliminate the need to hide them muggles.

Chloe was feeling rather anxious, if she was being honest. For the most part she trusted Hogwarts - she herself being an alum from the Scotland school. Her siblings, her parents, her friends ... and yet there was something going on there that had her terrified about it. Was it truly a safe place? Sure one could argue that it made one a stronger wizard by surviving there, but at what cost? She was terrified about her younger cousins being there.

Perhaps she could work on portkeys to get everyone to safety. Was it even feasible? They used portkeys for hundreds - thousands - for world cup affairs before, so why couldn't they do it to evacuate the school? Perhaps she'd speak with Kendra on the subject... after she woke up somewhat.

It hadn't been long since she first began her new role, but Yassi still felt as though she was in a transition period. Her space didn't feel like it belonged to her quite yet. It felt stale, temporary, and oh-so-very cooperate. She could hardly focus sitting at her empty desk and the barren gray walls of her tight cubicle taunted her.

It was with this thought that had motivated her bring back two small, potted succulents from the Plant Adoption Café. Venturing off to the Café had been an unfortunate accident, but immediately she knew that she would be back there as soon as she could set her plants down on her desk. It was only when she spotted Chloe that her plans had changed. Immediately she could sense that there was something off, and instantly the brunette found herself gravitating towards the girl.

"Chloe dear," she had only been working here for a few months, but her first priority had been memorizing the names of all those in her Department. "What are you thinking about?" Her melodic voice was hopefully just as smoothing as the smile she wore, but there was concern behind her eyes. If she hadn't been holding the two plants, her had would've been gently placed upon the girl's shoulder.

Kendra had been rather concerned with whatever was currently going on at Hogwarts and she was all too thankful that her daughter no longer attended. Her niece, however, was a different story, and she just hoped that the situation wasn't as dire as some were making it out to be. Not to mention that she knew some of the Ministry employees were sent to try to remedy the situation. So hopefully it would be contained soon.

Though these thoughts distracted her normally focused mind, the department head made her rounds through her employees workspace to make sure everything was going smoothly. And she immediately came across two of her division leaders, though there was something about their tone or demeanor that seemed almost concerning.

"Good day, ladies," she greeted them both with a polite smile. "Everything going alright today?"

This was why Chloe had charmed her cubicle walls to be more colourful. She'd probably not have survived a decade of employment here with barren walls (although if she was being honest, she would have if nothing else because she needed the money and had limited education other than being a Hogwarts graduate).

"Yassi." She was still slightly uncomfortable with being called dear by a peer who was roughly her own age and not one her best friends, but she'd grown used to the fact that Yassi called everyone dear. It was just one of those things. "Hogwarts." She forced a smile, with her simple answer. Oh, speaking of people to speak with.... the boss lady had arrived.

"Good day, Kendra, honestly, no." The redhead made a face. "I'm worried about Hogwarts."

If Yasmin knew that it made her uncomfortable, she would most certainly stop. It was a habit, however, and one that others typically took well to. In Farsi, everyone was dearest. Every older persian woman was an auntie. And all children were beloved. English stripped away many poetic qualities of language, but still Yassi tried to find warmth within the otherwise rather scientific restrictions of English.

She watched with big eyes full of warmth, concern making way onto her features. Hogwarts. Some of her students went there. In truth, Yassi was also very concerned over the recent happenings at the school. "Your alma mater?" She recalled something or another that lead her to assume, though assumptions were never the answer.

She opened her mouth to say more, but turned hearing familiar footsteps. Feeling all too embarrassed about the plants she was holding, Yasmin offered Kendra a sheepish (yet) soft smile. "Has their been any word on the situation there?" A question that she was sure Chloe wanted to ask. And one that she, herself, would like to know the answer to as well. Surely if there were any updates, Kendra would be one of the first to know as a Head of Department, no?

It was more that it wasn't something she was accustomed too, except by her closest friends and family members. And she didn't really want to be rude to the new coworker, so she simply tolerated it, knowing she meant best.

Chloe nodded at the question, "Yes. Whole family went there. Me, my brothers, my parents... well, I had an uncle who transferred to an academy in Luxembourg in his third year. And I have cousins who went to Durmstrang, but most of my family went to Hogwarts. Got two cousins there now." Hence the worry lines that were definitely present on her pale features.

She looked expectantly at Kendra after hearing Yasmin's question, because that was pretty much the very question she wanted to know. She assumed she'd have heard if her cousins were missing, but who really knew? The situation was definitely disconcerting.

Hogwarts. She should have guessed. The strange and dire situation there seemed to be on everyone's minds lately. Kendra gave the women an understanding nod.

"I see," she began, after Chloe spoke of her family relations who went there and were still there. Kendra went there herself. "My daughter graduated last year. I have to say I'm glad that she's not there this year. But my niece is there..." She trailed off before adding, "I know my sister is quite worried, not having heard from her in a time." Of course she was too, but it was different than it being her daughter.

"All I really know is that the Minister is aware and that he is putting together a task force from DERP to see what answers they can find and what else needs to be done to resolve it." It was a start at least, but they were doing something and she was confident that it would be resolved soon.

Yassi listened fervently as Chloe explained her history with the school. Again, if it weren't for the plants she held in her arms, she would have placed a gentle hand on the woman's shoulder. The best she could do for the moment, however, was wear a soft, empathetic look in her eyes. "I can understand why you are so worried," she nodded, turning her head to hear from Kendra as well.

She gave Kendra a hopeful sort of smile, to show that she was appreciative of her response. Though she knew there wasn't much information available quite yet, it appeared as if their Department Head was doing all that she could. It was a tough position she was in, being highly sought after as a Departmental Leader with no more access to information than any other person. She was probably being hounded for answers when there weren't any to begin with. Yassi could almost feel the burden herself.

"Thank you," she gave her superior a genuine nod of appreciation. "Hopefully all will be resolved soon." One could only hope.

Chloe saw the memo and she was absolutely 10000000% on board with joining in on this mission. Her inner Gryffindor could only take office work so long before it grew restless, not to mention she needed to see firsthand that Hogwarts would be a safe school once again given her precious son would hopefully be attending in just four short years.

Flipping through some creatures textbooks on boggart infestions, the redhead wondered vaguely how long the mission would last. Perhaps she better contact her mother to babysit just in case. Was she nervous? Absolutely. Was she excited? Also, absolutely.

Hogwarts. They were going to Hogwarts. If anyone would have told Grae Fairfield that she would be partaking in a mission to her alma mater to help clear a bunch of boggarts within her second year of working for the Ministry of Magic, she wouldn't have believed them.

Steaming mug of coffee in hand, Grae ambled over to her usual workstation, where she pulled out a book on boggarts from her bag. Thank goodness that her grandfather had kept a rather large collection of old textbooks from his professorial days in the attic. She didn't expect to be working with such creatures in the Transportation department. But nevertheless, she welcomed the challenge. Grae would take adventure in any way she could get it.

She wasn't sure exactly how she would be able to help on this mission, though. As an apparition examiner, she didn't have as much experience with portkeys as the rest of her department. But she felt fairly confident after the refresher courses on them. And she had spent a lot of her time at home lately researching. She wasn't about to show up to this mission looking ignorant.

Settling into her chair for another morning of preparation, she noticed a fellow DoT member in the work area, flipping through a book as well. "Feeling alright about all this?" Grae asked her coworker. No doubt that the Portkey Office was feeling the pressure. After all, they were known to be the experts on this kind of stuff.

Before Chloe saw anyone, she could smell the coffee and the redhead had to inhale deeply to take in the aromas. She glanced up from her reading once the young woman was close enough and nodded.

"Honestly, yes. I mean I feel like the worst is behind us, ya know? Plus it will be good to finally ensure that Hogwarts is that safe home away from home that we ... er .. I once knew." Wait, was the girl a Hogwarts alum? Honestly, Chloe could barely keep track but she was pretty sure Yasmin wasn't, so maybe Grae wasn't either? Being a Hogwarts alum wasn't a requirement to ministry employment and truth be told, it actually made the workplace more exciting. The diversity, that is.

"You?"

Not that Stella was complaining but the work area looked exactly like someone had turned on a light after a long party only to find that there was vomit splattered all over the walls. At least it only smelled a little bad, kind of like someone had left their lunch in their desk over the break and it had gone off. Her nose twitched a little and she cast a nice odoris subsisto charm over her assigned desk so that at least it wouldn't be in the line of fire for now. Hopefully someone would arrive and sort their business out and it wouldn't become a problem.

As Kendra's personal assistant, Stella was, unsurprisingly, situated as close to Kendra's office as possible. Living on the edge and all that. She dropped her box on the desk and eyed the chair. It looked rickety. She gave it a nudge and it squeaked unpleasantly. Yeah. No.

Stella made short work of switching it out with another chair, from a desk that looked bare enough to suggest it wasn't currently in use, and then tested it out. Much better. Headphones on, time to finish unpacking and making this particular patch of vomit city her own.

Working days were glorious and Tapanga was int he best mood today. HELLO WORLD, her colorful outfit jumped out and said as she headed into the office. Her tea levitating behind so that the young transportation employee could finish filing her nails while she walked.

Saying good morning to anyone that had walked past her she came to someone that looked as if they were enjoying some great morning music. A smile crossed her face as she headed over and tapped the woman on the shoulder.

If she had some great tunes going on maybe they could have it playing in the entire office, it could be so fun to work and be entertained by the great sound of tunes at the same time.

The problems that Conley’s team had discovered with Visas and missing passports had lead to a slightly deeper investigation into problems with their filing system. And now? Now Conley was knee-deep in files and papers and reports and yet, he found himself needing more paperwork and reports.

He refused to use the owls. They were causing enough problems and frankly, he wasn’t sure after the talking to he had received from the Minister regarding the last important problem he had attempted to report using the memo airplanes, Conley would never trust sending things via any form or inter-departmental memo delivery system again. Hence why he was personally here in Transportation to request the information his team needed.

”Hello,” he said to the person at the first desk he found someone at. ”Maybe you can help me?”

Topanga was at her desk, but she probably wasn't the way she should have been, feet up and leaning back. She had her gum pulled out and twisted around her finger as she was looking at a paper in front of her. Truth be told she wasn't sure what she was looking at.

It wasn't that she didn't want to do a great job here in transportation, but she just wasn't keeping up with all the work for some reason and now this paper she had didn't seem like something she would be dealing with, but it was on her desk. Could the owls have dropped it in the wrong place? Maybe she would ask her boss, but first her eyes lifted when someone had come in.

"Help you?" A grin started to form, because she wasn't even helping herself at the moment and this guy thought she could help him. Holding back a laugh she got up, 'Sure, what's up?"