Lower Level Stairwells & Corridors *click for live version* Coming from the elevators you are greeted by long, tiled corridors with identical, arched walls on either side. Peculiar how the Ministry seemed to become more and more labyrinthine the deeper you descend, doesn't it? Some of the corridors are interconnecting passages which leads into themselves. If one doesn’t work on the lower levels they would most often find themselves confused and ending up back to where they started—which is usually by the elevators or if one is lucky nearby the ominous black door that takes you to the Entry Chamber of the Department of Mysteries. Other corridors lead you towards stairwells that guide you upwards or downwards to the next level of the Ministry. Even the deepest corridors have been decorated with hanging tapestries of Gellert Grindelwald and the Sign of the Deathly Hallows. There is also a bit of a rogue golden snitch from the Department of Magical Games & Sports that is known to make its appearance here, but fear not for the department heads are well aware and the Minister finds the golden gleam adds a certain charm to it all. |
Kath and Paige <3 It was early still, lunch time to be exact and Dieter was doing some exploring, getting in some much needed extra steps. You see, he was afraid that a gut was starting to form... or at least become a more permanent fixture on his tummy. Why did Butterbeer and Firewhiskey and every liquor have to taste so good? Merlin. He'd wandered a little too far down the rabbit hole, nearly to the end, really, as it didn't get much lower than the Department of Mysteries. He lingered a moment, wondering if Cox was around, if he'd catch that stupid stoic look of his. But it didn't seem likely as it was... kind of quiet. Weird. Anyway, he turned around to head back upstairs, mentally talking his body out of sweating. |
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However, it was just as she turned a bend that she saw him in profile - more than long enough to know who she was presently sharing a stairwell with. "Dieter," she called gently, biting her lip shyly in anticipation of him turning around and seeing that she was not only standing, but also walking. |
It was a peculiar sight to be sure, the plush rock pillow bouncing and rolling its way down the corridor collecting dust and other bits of grime. It seems harmless, but appearances can be deceiving... |
There were many strange things that occurred on these lower levels, enough that even the former Auror learned to be somewhat less alert and wand happy while she walked the corridors. Not everything that seemed out of the ordinary was strictly...well...out of the ordinary. Even so, Alexa's guard wasn't completely down. Constant vigilance was a hard trait to remove once it had been ingrained. Whirling at the soft sound of the rolling, her wand was already in hand--not firing spells left and right...no, but prepared to should the situation quickly escalate. Of all the things Lex expected when she turned, a rock was not one of them. Had Airey lost track of some collection or the other? Something to ask as she was on his way to his office anyway. |
Seeming to take an odd bounce of its own accord, the rock pillow sprung off the wall and hurtled itself towards the department head. Zipping through the air, the gentle shuffle of others of its kind may go unnoticed unless one had superior hearing. |
So far so good and it hadn’t taken Simon much to fall pack into his standard training of the newer employees. It had been a while since new security had happened. “Now as much as the Atrium and Level One have their specialty security requirements, the lower two levels of the Ministry make things interesting as well." The Department of Mysteries was a rather secure place, but usually because people who weren’t supposed to be there, often couldn’t find there way in…or out. Even their employees could have trouble at times. Search parties could be needed at any time. “Security, and by extension, MLE is allowed roughly the same access on Level 9 as it does on the other levels, but its not to be taken lightly.” Especially given it had taken Simon and his crew a lot of work to get to9 that point. It was one of the reasons that the security head tended to have preferences on who did rounds in Mysteries. “There are still items kept under wraps and usually preferred out of the eyes of the standard employee. And certain rooms do not have unsupervised or unlimited access to them.” |
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"Yyy, understood," he tipped his head again. He could understand that most other employees did not have access. He would be mindful of his own privileges. Tomasz did not have reason to sneak around. He took work seriously, something that Simon would likely get to know about him soon enough. "There are not as many security officers on rounds here?" He could only assume as much. One because there would obviously be a much larger need for the levels with less limited access to the general public. Two because he imagined the employees on this level did not want many other eyes on their work. In honesty, the real question Tomasz wanted to ask was whether or not he would likely have rounds here. This was maybe a question he did not need answered today. |
“Right,” he confirmed with a nod. “In certain cases, when there are newer items being researched that might be more…sensitive, the department head might even request just myself and the senior security to make the rounds in Mysteries for a time.” Even when he was not the security head Simon had managed to work up a repour with the various individuals that held the department head position to be one of the most trusted among most others. “Not that there aren’t plenty of other areas to keep us busy on the various other levels. “ Turning back, he continued walking further down the main accessible corridor. “However…” Simon began, thinking on the next thing to mention. It really had been a long time since he’d had new blood to show the ropes. “the Department of Mysteries isn’t the only thing to be protective of down here on Level 9. Outside of special floos from our own department, the main access to the courtrooms on Level 10 come from a staircase on this level.” No lifts directly there to try to make it more secure. |
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Tomasz continued to follow along, his eyes focused on Simon's lips. He only turned to look when there was a pause and he could steal glances without fearing to lose track of the conversation. Again he nodded to show he was keeping up. "Yyy... Which staircase?" Just so that he could keep note. |
Not that Tomasz would not earn that seniority with time. He certainly had managed to give Simon the impression that he’d be a plus to the division even in the short time he’d been there. “Most definitely,” he confirmed concerning the breakouts. Not only had they been tasked with periodically returning the prison to double check the wards, but there were additional trials for the department as a whole to handle. Escaped convicts don’t exactly behave themselves once they suddenly find themselves with their freedom again. Not to mention it had but them on edge all around given the fallibility of such a supposedly secure place as the wizarding prison had been. Turning them down a corridor, the security chief pointed towards a descending staircase that wasn’t the usual spiral design found in the upper levels where the lifts dominated. “This one.” This one was straight and clear though and as you moved close enough, like Simon was as he headed toward it, you could see the residue of spells that helped keep it secure when not in use. Couldn’t have random ministry workers deciding to add Level 10 to the hangout list when it was a slow court day. |
Felixir, come hither (pt. 2 of 2) Once Kaiser was ushered into the stone staircase area, and the door was shut behind them with an ominous tone, Fletcher cleared his throat. "So the memos in your hand are blank, Kaiser. I apologize for the ruse to get you here," Fletcher gave the younger man a bit of a smile that didn't quite extend to his warm brown eyes. "But then you must have noticed more than a few strange things going on around here. Tell me, are you enjoying your role here? Do you find working with the Minister....satisfactory?" Yes or no? How DID he feel about Charles currently? Fletcher waited to get a bit of a reaction for Kaiser before speaking again. |
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"Well, I..." he trailed off a moment, unwilling to bring any attention to the fact that his memories of the first half of the year were... hazy, at best. Not only would he prefer not to be seen as incompetent, but Kaiser thought it best not to make it appear that there were more strange goings on than there really were. In any case, he thought to himself as his gaze drifted off to the side, brow slightly furrowed, it wasn't like all that had stopped him noticing any peculiarities, even if had not entirely registered at the time. Kaiser fixed his eyes on Fletcher's face again. "Yes..." he said, carefully. "The Minister is... he has been very good to me. Understanding, you know. He's... a very positive man." And despite how overwhelming that geniality could be, Kaiser had been acutely aware of how lucky he had been securing this job, in this department, under both Charles Hollingberry and Fletcher. The Minister himself was practically on a level with the Stemps in terms of tolerance and acceptance of him, and although Kaiser would not have expressed such out loud, the whole father figure cliché had already started to manifest. "I have liked working for him." But now, given the atmosphere of this conversation, the clandestine vibe, Kaiser felt only unease, and knew it was written all over his face. He said nothing more, and simply waited to see where this was going, wondering if he'd done something very wrong without even realising. |
Merlin, they hadn't gotten to Kaiser too, had they? Fletcher was about to clear his throat to try to jog the boy out of his momentary... brain fart, or whatever that was, when he spoke clearly at last. Whew. "Yes, I understand," the senior undersecretary nodded slowly. "I also like working for Charles. He's like a father to me." A pause, while Fletcher rubbed at his beard with one hand. "But.... Charles has not been himself lately, and it's grown most concerning." Especially lately? After that radio broadcast? Now Fletcher's face was showing his inner turmoil. He could see that Kaiser was also looking rather uncomfortable, so he hurried along. Perhaps he should have started with this sentence. "You're not in trouble, Kaiser. I actually need your help. With Charles. FOR Charles." He heaved a sigh and dug around in an inner pocket of his blazer, his hand emerging a moment later clutched in a small fist. "I have a large ask of you, and I understand if you'll say no. But I need someone to keep a close eye on Charles, and I think you are a trustworthy sort." Kaiser was, at least, not as NEW in town as some people. Fletcher's brown eyes searched Kaiser's for confirmation or at least some sort of signal that he'd be inclined to accept this task, even before he knew the specific details of it. |
Kaiser could not exactly say he was surprised. The minister was just... that kind of man. Not only did he have exactly the personality to make him a father - or grandfather - figure to all and sundry, but he also had the... well... the advanced years required to back up the vibe. Plus the whole having his own actual kids and grandkids thing. Kind of made the fact that there was a concern all the more unsettling, though Kaiser could not put his finger on exactly why. He just knew that the assurance of not having landed himself in any trouble was not all that reassuring after all. True to form, he had not said much else, was still running through the clearest memories he had of the past couple of years at the ministry, particularly those concerning the minister, when Fletcher reached into his pocket. Kaiser's shoulders gave a sort of jump, a half-jolt, and his hand twitched, but he called no attention to either reaction, and calmly looked from Fletcher's hand, back into his face. Trustworthy? If ever there was a statement just dying to be contradicted, there it was. Kaiser could fee a physical pain in resisting the urge. Instead, he nodded. Resolute, determined. "I will do it, sir." 'Try' was closer to it, but Kaiser knew that 'try' would not be good enough. Never was. Especially when the stakes were as high as he now suspected they might be. "What do you need me to do?" Other than the obvious and general 'keep a close eye on Charles' part, of course. |
The Minister wasn't THAT advanced in years beyond Fletcher's own, Kaiser. Sheesh. If he could read thoughts... Luckily, today, he could not. He could, however, read body language, and muttered, "Relax, it's just a pin." At Kaiser's confirmation, he opened his hand to reveal an innocuous little mettalic lapel pin, its Ministry logo resting face-up on his palm. "Great, I knew I could count on you." Fletcher's ring finger twitched a little, eager as he was for Kaiser to take it. "All you have to do, for now, is wear this, keep your head down, and keep an eye on Charles. We'll call upon you soon with more details." But really, this was enough.... for now. Fletcher's eyes shifted from the pin to Kaiser's face, waiting to see if he'd take it. |
Uh. Right. "Sorry," Kaiser said quickly, as nonchalantly as he could manage without tipping over into rudeness. No offence, Fletcher. Just a reflex. These things happen. We all have our vices. He stared at the pin for a moment, trying to make the connection between what Fletcher had just said to him, asked him to do, and the shiny little lapel decoration in his hand. But it was like trying to think through mud, for some reason, so he dropped that train of thought and took the pin. No doubt it would all become clear eventually. "I am guessing it's best not to ask exactly who 'we' are right now," Kaiser asked, fixing the pin to his front - it sat there a little crooked, but such was life, so he didn't bother fixing it - and looking back up at Fletcher. Really though, he knew better than to ask too many questions right there, given how this was seeming more serious by the second. "But I can do that. I am something of an expert in keeping my head down." An idiom he knew very well. That's how you knew it was true. |
Dropping his hand back to his side, Fletcher felt some of the tension slip from his shoulders. It seemed that sharing the burden had that effect on him. He watched as the pin took its rightful place, and gave it a small nod, for some reason. Kaiser's comments made the corners of his mouth turn up in a slight, light smile; Fletcher was, genuinely, pleased to hear them. He knew he'd selected the right person from his floor. Hufflepuffs were good at finding the right sort, weren't they? Fletcher would continue his self-congratulations later. For now, he should be going. Didn't want to linger unnecessarily in out-of-the-way stairwells and all that. "Trust that we only want the best for Charles... for all of us, really," he answered softly, giving the Minister's personal assistant one last, searching look. "But for now, this business stays between you and me, and no one else, alright?" Fletcher seemed to decide something and reached for the door again. "Oh, I've noticed, Kaiser." His tone definitely contained some amusement as he held the door for Kaiser to leave first. "Despite your best intentions, I noticed you." But he did appreciate the boy's dedication and made a note to go look at his file later (assuming, of course, that it was where it was supposed to be, and not temporarily relocated to Goldwasser's or someone else's hands). Kaiser was due for a bonus or something, wasn't he? Fletcher thought so. |
Maybe it was selfish of him - actually, it definitely was, but he was under no disillusions about being in any way selfless - but Kaiser couldn't help but feel a little good about this, despite the fact that the situation was clearly not good. It was hard to identify, and the more he tried to affix a word to it, the less sure he was about there being one. Ultimately, it all boiled down to the fact that he could do something to help. Be a part of something important, for the sake of someone else. Giving, instead of just taking. For once. "Not a soul," Kaiser agreed, and meant it. Another thing he was good at: keeping his mouth shut. As Fletcher held the door open, Kaiser started out of it, hesitating momentarily and glancing up at his boss. "I-..." Huh. "... I suppose you did. Thank you, sir." For holding the door, which he now left through. For noticing, too. |
Joseph had laid very low for the last year. He had merely done his job, which meant that he had stuck to his own level and was mostly only familiar with it. A few days ago, now that they were nearing the end of his first year of work at the ministry, he had decided that he would try and explore the old, historic building. Now was Joseph's lunch break and he had already eaten a delicious egg salad sandwich that he had made himself, so he decided to use the free time as an opportunity to put his plan into action. He found his way all the way down here, the lower levels. He slowly walked down the main corridor as he looked around. Hopefully he didn't get lost. |
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They could have done without the stench of boiled egg and mayonnaise hanging in the air from the man's breath, no doubt turning things bitter and pungent, but the man's vitality was too tempting to pass up. Especially when he walked so haphazardly into the very place they were lurking at the moment. A sudden burst of suffocating darkness and they swooped in, enveloping Joseph Fawley with a sinister hiss. When the darkness subsided and the corridor returned to normal, all that remained was a torn piece of fabric from the collar of Fawley's shirt laying on the ground. |
Sure, lifts were more convenient, but sometimes it was better to take the stairs. Decent exercise, which Penelope preferred to get outside of the workout room on level two - and even her own room at home - these days. Her right hand, despite all the potions and physical therapy, wasn't quite what it used to be, and looking at the punching bag but forcing herself not to punch it in order to protect her hand made her a bit grumpy. It was silly, considering everything, but still. It was what it was. But right now, she was taking the stairs to grab a quick bite to eat from the food court. She hadn't eaten there for most of the year, but with things gradually improving, she figured it was about time to give it a shot, yeah? |
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Cue delight as just the right balance came waltzing right along. A quick bite was indeed all that would be required. Darkness consumed the corridor and then icy cold hands struck against Penelope Grimm. The thrashing did not last long and when the light returned to the corridor all that remained was a springy 10 3/4 inches English Oak wand, unicorn hair core. The bit of torn fabric from the previous victim likewise remained, now pushed up against the wall. |
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To say she was surprised to see a wand lying on the ground with nobody around was an understatement. The sight made Sophie immediately alarmed, given the happenings of not too long ago. The Charms Developer looked around to see if she spotted anyone, before she levitated the wand and taking it in her left hand to examine it. It was when she was looking down at the object in her hand that she noticed a piece of fabric by the wall. For some reason she didn't want to touch that, so after levitating it as she had done to the wand, she studied it while it hovered in front of her. Strange... very strange indeed. Without lingering, Sophie spun on her heels and headed up to Level Two. |
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Coming into the corridor Aurora smelled a hint of something bitter before the smell evaded her. Then her eyes dropped to the floor where she a torn piece of shirt fabric lying on the ground. Weird. Who'd drop something like that here? Bending down to pick it up Aurora surveyed the rest of the corridor for more clothing, but saw none. She searched around for a while but saw nothing else of interest so she left the corridor to stop by MLE on her way back to Creatures. Maybe they had stopped a fight down there earlier that day that would explain the torn piece of fabric? |
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