It was well into the new Ministry year and most of the dust had settled and then vanished into no-being. Let it never be said that Charles Hollingberry did not value cleanliness.

Having been cooped up in his office for the majority of the morning going over some paperwork and reviewing a few foreign documents of real concern - of which he would need to speak to Conley about - he decided to give his legs a bit of a stretch and venture down to pay January an unscheduled visit. Typically he liked to alert his Senior Undersecretary when he would be popping by, even if it were only to share the occasional batch of bon bons to unwind and just have a chat, but today he felt like delivering his little office surprise on a whim. Nothing too fancy, but he had put a bit of effort into things. A simply little snack basket of her favorites - including his own personal addition of yogurt covered raisins and framed photo of his grandchild because everyone ought to have one of those on their desks - to show his appreciation for her work up to this point and moving forward.

So it was that the boisterous Minister for Magic APPEARED from the door leading to his waiting area and into hers.

"Hey there, Maaaaaaaaaay," he greeted with a chuckle. Last time it had been April. His grandfatherly humor knew no bounds.

January's morning had begun with tea and sorting through some mail and paperwork on her desk. She was one to always have a clean work space and couldn't really work if it was cluttered. Everything had a place in January's office. She had been working on a few things in said office since then, filing, forms, requests, et cetera.

After she had gotten some paperwork finished and tucked away, she tucked a file away and noticed a separate stack of papers on her desk. Most of them had been read, but she just.. didn't know what to do with them at the moment. Law Enforcement was aware of them and so were her two lovely Aurors that had been watching her back for her. Charles was not aware of them yet. He was still new and getting settled in and had a lot to worry about and she was sure this was going to pass sooner or --

January jumped just slightly when a voice tore her from her thoughts on the letters in hand. May, yes, that was her new name today. The joke that never got old to everyone but her. Speaking of Charles...

"Will I be June next week?" she asked with a light, slightly forced laugh, carefully trying to tuck those letters under a different stack of papers, but trying not to be suspicious. She grabbed her tea cup, the papers with angry scribbles left partially exposed on her desk.

"... you will pay with your life."

"To what do I owe the pleasure, Minister?" she asked with a smile, sipping her tea. She did quite like it when he visited. But he usually knocked so he didn't surprise her so much.

Taking long strides into her office, Charles easily made his way over to where she sat. "Judge and jury are still out on that one," he boasted as he presented the not-so-humble snack basket to her. "I was just stopping by t----"

And of course he noticed the papers on her desk - there were several reports he was expecting from her along with some employees to review for the open position in the department. But that certainly was not what his eyes rested on, not at all. Harsh words written in unforgiving writing.

".......January," his voice shifting from jovial grandfather parading around in a red suit to grim concern. "What are those?"

Angelo was on duty outside of January's office. Disillusioned.

Literally and literally.

He blended into the wall, not visible to those few who had hurried by in one direction or another, and contemplated this whole bodyguard thing. He took it seriously enough - death threats were no joke - but it also felt like a pretty mundane thing for a fully qualified auror to be doing. Or, actually, as he privately admitted to himself, maybe it was more about it feeling like a mundane thing for a Toussaint to be doing. He had grown up with bodyguards around his family - not for him specifically but in general, for all the children. His sisters still had bodyguards following them around, though he was sure only Aubrey had picked up on that and learned to slip away (he rarely worried about her, she was the most like him after all), and although she was grown, Katy had a permanent tail as a result of her unfortunate kidnapping incident that he, Dmitriy, and Bastien had needed to take care of. He had kept his slight distaste for this duty to himself... though there was no hiding it from Evangeline. She knew him too well.

That was the only good part about this duty actually- his partner had the same task, and they made a good team. Undeniably. She wasn't with him right now off course. When January was in a secure location like her office it was easy enough to take turns guarding her, they needed the both of them in public or open spaces or when January was on the move, but right now he was on his own while Evie was heading to a department-wide meeting on level 2. And truthfully? Bodyguard duty was preferable to meeting yet another department head. Angelo wondered what his take on the whole situation would be :he hadn't met the man yet. Maybe Evangeline would get a chance to talk to him privately about it while she was down there.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetpinkpixie

Taking long strides into her office, Charles easily made his way over to where she sat. "Judge and jury are still out on that one," he boasted as he presented the not-so-humble snack basket to her. "I was just stopping by t----"

And of course he noticed the papers on her desk - there were several reports he was expecting from her along with some employees to review for the open position in the department. But that certainly was not what his eyes rested on, not at all. Harsh words written in unforgiving writing.

".......January," his voice shifting from jovial grandfather parading around in a red suit to grim concern. "What are those?"

When Charles paused, January made a quick effort to try and shuffle her papers again to try and hide what he was... already, surely looking at. Her stomach sank. She knew she would need to tell him about the letters, but it made her feel.. guilty for some reason. He already had a lot on his plate and was quite busy and she didn't want to add more to it and make him worry about some silly death threats.

Caught like a kid hiding something from her father, January averted her eyes and set her focus on her tea. "Just some silly pranks, I'm sure. Nothing to worry about." But the stack of them on her desk and the extra precautions she and Vic had been making to keep her daughter safe and untouchable... well, that made it seem like it was something to worry about.

Also, that disillusioned Auror she had stationed outside her door.

Would he read through it?

"I'm glad you came by though, I had some thoughts about the Education division I wanted to talk to you about."

Charles, on the other hand, was oblivious to the fact that there were two aurors on rotation stationed outside his senior undersecretary's office. Though it seemed as though these were fine details that were about to come to light - and he was going to be rather cross with January for it all.

Particularly when she averted her eyes like that.

Now, Charles Hollingberry was many things but one of them was not born yesterday. He had four children of his own and five grandchildren to dote over and provide him with first hand experience regarding dishonest shenanigans. Though his personal favorite anecdote had to be when his eldest had been no more than three and throwing up all over the kitchen with his face covered in greasy butter. When questioned if he had eaten all the butter his wife had purchased to make a cake with buttercream frosting for their precious peach of a daughter's second birthday. Of course, Ryunosuke had denied the accusation...while throwing up a bit more. Thankfully for everyone involved presently, January was not throwing up her in her deceit. That would require cleanup and some parental soothing before he could become properly cross with her.

"January," he bellowed in the tone of just that, an angry parent. Perhaps enough so that her disillusioned shadow stationed outside her door would hear as well. "Show me." And he even had his hand extended, palm up, almost as though he were demanding those poor report cards from Takeshi who had insisted they were all top marks, flashed them briefly, and then tried to make a break for his room before getting caught. It never worked. "I am asking only out of protocol."

No, January was not currently throwing up because of what she'd been hiding, but that wasn't to say that she hadn't stressed herself sick in the last few weeks trying to ease the minds of the witches and wizards they had disappointed last year while also trying to ensure her family's safety...

It had been a rocky few months. Even with Nickels gone. Still, she was proud of herself from keeping the letters hidden for this long. She had just hoped that they would have died down by now.

Taken aback by the bellowing voice that came out of the somewhat-fatherly figure in her office (it had been years since her father had passed and truthfully, Charles reminded her of him), January looked at him with her green eyes, feeling somewhat like a scolded child when he held his hand out for the letters. Perhaps she should have told him. But perhaps she had just been... making sure that he really was going to be in for the long haul. Either way, they were here now and he knew.

So, January uncovered the little stack that she had been hiding. And then she unlocked her desk drawer and pulled out another pile that she had been keeping. And then she handed them over. Feeling somewhat like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders, January leaned back in her chair and crossed her arms. "They started quite a few months ago. I still don't know how serious they are, but... I've been nervous enough to take extra security precautions." Like that auror outside her door.

It was impossible not to hear the shouting given how closely Angelo was monitoring January. However he was aware that the only possible person it could be was the new minister (and he had vetted the guy, looked into things, come up with only good or mundane results), so he didn't break the door down.

Besides, it was better that the man knew about the threats, and it was loud enough to understand what was going on in there. Angelo did knock however.

"Standing by if you need me, Mrs Bones," he said, casually charming his voice clearly through the door.

Know who was not proud? This man right here.

Folding his arms across his chest as it puffed out, Charles looked down the bridge of his nose at January as though she had just knocked the cookie jar off the counter and shattered it to the ground - something Junichiro had been known to do quite often. This was a very VERY large jar of cookies.

Hand still extended palm up, there was a brief moment of relief in her actually handing them over. Whether she was simply good at following orders or she trusted him - though he chose to believe it was both - was of little consequence in the moment as his eyes were trained to the papers. And there were a LOT of them.

Carefully sifting through them, his brow creased and eyes narrowing, he felt his back teeth set sharply on one another and even grind a little. "....months ago," he repeated in frustration. He felt little relief in knowing she had taken extra precautions, it was just more things occurring immediately under his nose and having no idea. It was unnerving. "You are to inform me whenever you receive a new one. No more secrets of this severity or any, January. Understood?" Non-negotiable, though that went without saying.

And then came the voice from the other side of the door.

Well then.

"Who is that?" he inquired, glancing up from the topmost threat and back to his Senior Undersecretary. He was not yet acquainted enough with each employee to know them solely by the sound of their voice. "Shall we invite them in so they may debrief me?"

Honestly, while his disappointment and slight anger had been somewhat frightening to her, she found herself quite alright with the fact that he was. He was showing a serious attitude, something she hadn't been accustomed to with the previous minister. When an issue would arise, Nickels would wave it off and say it was "FINE", which left January putting out fires every day.

Well, this... this was a large fire. One that she was realizing she may not be able to put out by herself. So, perhaps sharing these details was a good thing after all. Though, she still didn't regret waiting to tell him. He had a lot on his plate.

January looked to the door when Angelo's knock and voice cut through the room, followed by the Minister's.

"Thank you, Mr. Toussaint. We're just fine." She returned her green eyes to the Minister, dismissing his idea to let the Auror in to debrief him. She could do the same just fine. As of yet, there had been no breaches in the Ministry. "He's an Auror. Quite a good one, at that. He and his partner are... taking shifts. Please, have a seat, if you like, Mr. Hollingberry." She wasn't going to make him stand all day. And if he wanted to read all those letters, his feet might grow tired.

Text Cut: a letter

January Bones,

The failure of the Nickels government is on your shoulders. You are a lackey who deserves to pay. Your life for the lives of those who suffered under the negligence of an incompetent minister.

Alea iacta est.

Text Cut: another letter

January Bones,

You are complicit. You will pay with your life.

Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?

January sighed a little and leaned back in her chair. "No more secrets," she agreed before continuing, "but with all due respect, sir, you've had quite a lot on your plate. I didn't want to overwhelm you right away." It was the truth. She paused... "And... I didn't think they would still be an issue at this point." If she was being TOTALLY honest.

This was more than simply playing with fire, January Bones. You were playing with Fiendfyre. Call it partly paternal instinct if you will, but Charles Hollingberry was having absolutely none of it.

He still could not quite shake the unsettling feeling that all this was going on right under his nose, and two Aurors at that. "Should I also assume that McCullough is unaware that two of his aurors are on rotation here on level one?" he asked rhetorically as he took that seat and made no real attempt at appearing relaxed. No ankle propped up on his other knee, no arm around the back of the chair, no nothing. Just sitting with his arms resting on his knees and fingers knotted together as he looked at the letters now spread out on the table in front of him.

".....Who will guard the guards themselves?" he read aloud while translating the Latin. "or ... Who watches the watchers?" His brow knit and he released a gruff huff in his discomfort. "Was that not a sort of catchphrase of the Cult of Walpurgis?" Charles had been a reporter for the Daily Prophet during their reign of terror and had certain vivid recollections of his daughter becoming uncomfortably close with the ring leader of that organization. "Though...I fail to see a motivation for this kind of behavior given their previous objectives."

...but still.

"Good," he grunted. No more secrets was music to his ears in this situation while the rest of her reasoning he let bounce like water off a duck's back. "We will consider this a lesson learned and leave all excuses and other reasoning in the past."

Fine then, if he wasn't needed. Angelo resumed his former position standing by the door. If they needed him he was ready to go in of course. He was hoping Evie would be done at the level one meeting soon, so she could report back to him about it. Sue him for being a little curious. He was also curious if the new DH had actually read the reports about the situation yet or not. They were all there, all submitted in the usual way. If he was not in the know, in Angelo's opinion, that was his own fault. Angelo didn't do everything by the book, but when it came to covering his own behind, he dotted the i's and crossed the t's every time.

As for what he overheard about the cult, Angelo had picked up on that too, the same phrase. He considered it a red herring of sorts at this stage. So far he was more interested in the crow symbol that had been charmed onto every single one of the death threats. There was a lot of symbolism surrounding crows, some of it contradictory, but all of it meaningful. Whether it was specific to this particular situation or some kind of indication of a bigger picture issues, they hadn't yet figured out, but they were trying.

He checked the wards again, resetting them so the listening spells wouldn't activate unless there was alarm of some kind from the pair inside so that they had their privacy to talk.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetpinkpixie

This was more than simply playing with fire, January Bones. You were playing with Fiendfyre. Call it partly paternal instinct if you will, but Charles Hollingberry was having absolutely none of it.

He still could not quite shake the unsettling feeling that all this was going on right under his nose, and two Aurors at that. "Should I also assume that McCullough is unaware that two of his aurors are on rotation here on level one?" he asked rhetorically as he took that seat and made no real attempt at appearing relaxed. No ankle propped up on his other knee, no arm around the back of the chair, no nothing. Just sitting with his arms resting on his knees and fingers knotted together as he looked at the letters now spread out on the table in front of him.

".....Who will guard the guards themselves?" he read aloud while translating the Latin. "or ... Who watches the watchers?" His brow knit and he released a gruff huff in his discomfort. "Was that not a sort of catchphrase of the Cult of Walpurgis?" Charles had been a reporter for the Daily Prophet during their reign of terror and had certain vivid recollections of his daughter becoming uncomfortably close with the ring leader of that organization. "Though...I fail to see a motivation for this kind of behavior given their previous objectives."

...but still.

"Good," he grunted. No more secrets was music to his ears in this situation while the rest of her reasoning he let bounce like water off a duck's back. "We will consider this a lesson learned and leave all excuses and other reasoning in the past."

McCullough, yes... January nodded slowly and formed her words carefully. Sort of. "At the moment, yes... The precautions were taken in the midst of the transition. I didn't feel like waiting." So, she did her research and contacted two aurors that she knew she could trust and two who had proven to work well together. An auror was always on a task, always on a mission, so McCullough shouldn't be too suspicious. Hopefully they'd be back to their normal work in no time.

January lifted her tea cup and took a sip as Charles read the Latin excerpts from the letters. She had done a little research on them. She set her cup down and nodded once. "It was before my time here, but I looked them up." But she had the same thoughts - unsure of the motivation. Well, the motivation was due to Nickels, but Nickels was already serving his punishment. January had always tried to do well as the Senior Undersecretary and truthfully, the idea that people were unhappy with her was almost equally as frustrating as the threats themselves. There was only so much she could have done...

Disappointment was a great fear of hers.

She cleared her throat. "No action has been made against me yet. Which makes me wonder if it's all a hoax, but..." well, the letters weren't stopping and she wasn't going to drop her security to find out. But... yes. No more secrets. Truthfully, she was glad that his anger had stopped at the scolding and they could move forward. Wherever that would take them.

Which was a very diplomatic way of saying that no, the Magical Law Enforcement department head was not privy to these details. Honestly, Charles was unsure how to feel about this given there were now two aurors on a personal assignment - part of the standard auror jurisdiction as that was. He was not sure he could even entirely write this off as not being a matter of Ministry Security, though the words and threats were directed at January herself and not the Ministry at large. So, for now, he would let the current status quo stand.

"I am not a fan of secrecy, January," finds himself saying as he leafs through a few more papers. "Should things escalate this will change." So, for now, it would remain a private matter between the four of them. Perhaps better this way so as to prevent any sort of widespread panic that there was a threat upon the Ministry. "Well...that is something I suppose," he nodded. "Though one would almost wonder if these are nothing more than scare tactics, hoping you will cave and resign."

As for the failings of the Nickles administration, well, they were rectifying things slowly but surely. Had already made noticeable progress since officially reopening its doors.

"So I suppose I am to leave things in the hands of these two aurors then?"

Zander had ADULT things to talk about today. Because he was an ADULT. Who was going to be A DAD. And have his own KID. And would get to spend his SALARY on that KID.

But Zander Adair was also quite nervous because he may be a proper adult now, but some things never change. He made his way over to level one, as one does, and adjusted his CHEESE tie (the kids asked for this one today). Noticing that the door was closed, the blonde lightly knocked and took a slight step back.

This was just a regular meeting on a regular day. No need to be nervous or anything. All the need to be nervous, actually. WHAT IF SHE SAID NO????

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetpinkpixie

Which was a very diplomatic way of saying that no, the Magical Law Enforcement department head was not privy to these details. Honestly, Charles was unsure how to feel about this given there were now two aurors on a personal assignment - part of the standard auror jurisdiction as that was. He was not sure he could even entirely write this off as not being a matter of Ministry Security, though the words and threats were directed at January herself and not the Ministry at large. So, for now, he would let the current status quo stand.

"I am not a fan of secrecy, January," finds himself saying as he leafs through a few more papers. "Should things escalate this will change." So, for now, it would remain a private matter between the four of them. Perhaps better this way so as to prevent any sort of widespread panic that there was a threat upon the Ministry. "Well...that is something I suppose," he nodded. "Though one would almost wonder if these are nothing more than scare tactics, hoping you will cave and resign."

As for the failings of the Nickles administration, well, they were rectifying things slowly but surely. Had already made noticeable progress since officially reopening its doors.

"So I suppose I am to leave things in the hands of these two aurors then?"

Aurors always had jobs to do. The new department head was transitioning at her time of need, so January had took things into her own hands and hired them herself. They didn't seem to have a problem with it. But January didn't feel the need to explain herself any further. Perhaps she had used her position to her advantage, but it seemed necessary.

And she was done being chastised for it, so she nodded in agreement with Charles. "Yes, they will." Of course, if things DID escalate, she would need help. She was aware of that. As of that moment, things were just threats and no actual action had taken place against her. "They're going to need to try harder than that if they want me to resign." January was a workaholic and was committed to her job AND cleaning up the mess that Nickels had made. She was quite proud of their progress.

At his next question, January watched the Minister to try and gauge his thoughts. "Well... unless you wish to adjust my current plan." He was the boss, after all.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArianaBlack

Zander had ADULT things to talk about today. Because he was an ADULT. Who was going to be A DAD. And have his own KID. And would get to spend his SALARY on that KID.

But Zander Adair was also quite nervous because he may be a proper adult now, but some things never change. He made his way over to level one, as one does, and adjusted his CHEESE tie (the kids asked for this one today). Noticing that the door was closed, the blonde lightly knocked and took a slight step back.

This was just a regular meeting on a regular day. No need to be nervous or anything. All the need to be nervous, actually. WHAT IF SHE SAID NO????

It was hard to believe that Autumn was already approaching. The dreary clouds had rolled in again and so did the cold and the rain with it. She didn't mind it too much, but it reminded her that winter was just around the corner and so was the busiest time of the year. Placement. When most of the ministry was off vacationing in Mexico, the department heads were busy at work. Really though, she didn't mind it.

After working at her desk for a few hours trying to get some things organized and condensed, a knock on the door relieved her from her heavy train of thought. "Come in!" the redhead called as she looked up. Could be one of her aurors checking in...

Zander nearly jumped out of his trousers (nearly, as if he had actually done it a) it would've been highly embarrassing and b) he was wearing a belt to avoid this exact situation) when he heard January's voice. He wasn't scared of her, Merlin no! He LOVED his boss. She was absolutely the best and working at the Ministry of Magic was an absolute dream and he probably wouldn't feel that way if he was scared of his boss. But her voice did startle him, even though he expected it. He was the one who knocked, after all.

But neither here nor there.

Because the door had still been closed all the while and no one had seen the mess that was Zander Adair (yet) (and in theory).

He CALMLY made his way inside, only slightly stepping into her office just beyond the doorway. "Hi January," he gave her a goofy looking smile before noticing all the papers on her desk. "I hope I didn't interrupt anything!"

HE SHOULDN'T HAVE COME. ABORT MISSION. CODE RED. WHY DIDN'T WIZARDS USE EMAIL, THIS WHOLE SITUATION COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED.

"I can, er, come back another time! Was just hoping for a quick chat."

Oh man, he wasn't fired was he? Because he, like, REALLY liked his job.

It was a good thing that January hadn't seen any... of that. Or else she would have been rather concerned about the boy and would probably smother him with her mothering tendencies.

She smiled at him when he opened the door, though she did notice his hesitance and his... awkwardness. That was always there, though. January followed his gaze to all the papers on her desk and realized that he must have thought she was busy. Well, she was always busy, but she was certainly able to take a break. "Oh no, come in, please!" she said, waving him in, then stacking her papers up. "I promise it looks more hectic than it actually is." She always wanted to make time for her employees anyway.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sarahlooo

Aurors always had jobs to do. The new department head was transitioning at her time of need, so January had took things into her own hands and hired them herself. They didn't seem to have a problem with it. But January didn't feel the need to explain herself any further. Perhaps she had used her position to her advantage, but it seemed necessary.

And she was done being chastised for it, so she nodded in agreement with Charles. "Yes, they will." Of course, if things DID escalate, she would need help. She was aware of that. As of that moment, things were just threats and no actual action had taken place against her. "They're going to need to try harder than that if they want me to resign." January was a workaholic and was committed to her job AND cleaning up the mess that Nickels had made. She was quite proud of their progress.

At his next question, January watched the Minister to try and gauge his thoughts. "Well... unless you wish to adjust my current plan." He was the boss, after all.

That wild spirit.

It reminded him much of his beloved Yukie and for a moment his eyes allowed a certain sadness to flicker over them. Though he did not permit it to linger for too long. "Yes, well, let us not take on the attitude of provocation, shall we?" he winked at her as he moved to take a seat elsewhere and away from the threatening letters. He had to consider circumstances carefully. While he wanted a certain brand of transparency in the Ministry, particularly among his department head team, this was not something he wished to have weighing on all their minds. It could breed further anxieties in light of what they had all just left from and he certainly did want that. Not after all the progress they were making.

"I do not say this lightly, January. These threats create hostile work environment even if they are not directed at the Ministry itself. That being said, since through some loop hole Magical Law Enforcement has been contacted and, I assume, records being kept...Ministry policy is being followed and if you are comfortable and confident with these measures then the matter is settled. For the time being." Because really what more else could there feasibly be done outside of continue to push the investigation. An investigation that was already being diligently executed.

PHEW! Not fired yet, that's a relief.

Zander visibly relaxed, taking January's cue to walk into the room. Wow, had he ever mentioned how much he liked his boss? Because it was almost as much as he liked his job (which was, A LOT). Had he mentioned that yet?

"Well, if there's anything I can do to help with any of it... You know I'm around and more than willing," he smiled, rubbing the back of his neck with the hand that wasn't shoved into his pocket. Zander had a feeling those papers were probably confidential anyway, and nothing he could help with even if he wanted to... But the offer still stood.

He loved his job, but he could take on a few more tasks. Wouldn't hurt. He was FULLY capable. Ish.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetpinkpixie

That wild spirit.

It reminded him much of his beloved Yukie and for a moment his eyes allowed a certain sadness to flicker over them. Though he did not permit it to linger for too long. "Yes, well, let us not take on the attitude of provocation, shall we?" he winked at her as he moved to take a seat elsewhere and away from the threatening letters. He had to consider circumstances carefully. While he wanted a certain brand of transparency in the Ministry, particularly among his department head team, this was not something he wished to have weighing on all their minds. It could breed further anxieties in light of what they had all just left from and he certainly did want that. Not after all the progress they were making.

"I do not say this lightly, January. These threats create hostile work environment even if they are not directed at the Ministry itself. That being said, since through some loop hole Magical Law Enforcement has been contacted and, I assume, records being kept...Ministry policy is being followed and if you are comfortable and confident with these measures then the matter is settled. For the time being." Because really what more else could there feasibly be done outside of continue to push the investigation. An investigation that was already being diligently executed.

She did have a wild spirit. It had gotten her in trouble plenty of times when she was younger. Her dad always worried, but her mum always understood, since she had been the same way. It was the red hair - that's what they always told her. Wild and free, independent. It made her miss her mum...

Anyway.

January decided then that she liked Charles. She had, of course, liked him before, but her willingness to trust whoever was in the seat of the Minister had sort of been diminished with Nickels in charge previously. But she had taken the time and cautionary steps in learning about Charles and decided that he was worth trusting. He was smart, friendly, and he seemed to trust her. January visibly relaxed when he got up and took a seat somewhere else. She leaned back in her chair.

She nodded confidently. MLE was informed, one way or another, and this would be recorded and put in her file and presumably the archives to make note of it... so the matter was settled. "If anything changes, you will be the first to know." Which meant all was well and he didn't have to worry unless she came to him with an update.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArianaBlack

PHEW! Not fired yet, that's a relief.

Zander visibly relaxed, taking January's cue to walk into the room. Wow, had he ever mentioned how much he liked his boss? Because it was almost as much as he liked his job (which was, A LOT). Had he mentioned that yet?

"Well, if there's anything I can do to help with any of it... You know I'm around and more than willing," he smiled, rubbing the back of his neck with the hand that wasn't shoved into his pocket. Zander had a feeling those papers were probably confidential anyway, and nothing he could help with even if he wanted to... But the offer still stood.

He loved his job, but he could take on a few more tasks. Wouldn't hurt. He was FULLY capable. Ish.

January was very fond of Zander. He seemed to be a bit on edge all the time, or just... constantly anxious about something, but something about him was quite endearing. She wanted to put him in her pocket and make sure that he was safe and comfortable and warm.

Anyway.

The redhead smiled fondly at him at his offer. "I appreciate the offer. A lot of it is... confidential material, but if I come across some things that aren't so, I'll flag you down." He was like a little golden retriever, always wanted to be helpful. How cute. January waved him in a little further. "Please, have a seat. What can I do for you?" Because she was probably as eager to help him as he was to help her.

"Of course," duh, confidential. What could a Nursery Attendant possibly do to help the DEPARTMENT HEAD of the MINISTER OF MAGIC'S office????? Not a whole lot, probably. Except babysitting. That particular fell under his job description, actually.

But this wasn't the point.

The point was he was going to sit down now, smiling at January and crossing ankles. One over the other. What could she do for him today? Well. "My partner and I are..." Pregnant? No. That made it sound like they were BOTH pregnant. Which they definitely were not. "We're expecting a baby in January," the month, obviously. Ahem. "And I wanted to speak to you about possible paternity leave? We'll both be first time parents and I know lots about kids, but raising one full time sure is different than keeping them for a few hours and handing them off after office hours..."

Y'know?

This was mortifying. Why did he feel like he was asking for SO MUCH!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by sarahlooo

She did have a wild spirit. It had gotten her in trouble plenty of times when she was younger. Her dad always worried, but her mum always understood, since she had been the same way. It was the red hair - that's what they always told her. Wild and free, independent. It made her miss her mum...

Anyway.

January decided then that she liked Charles. She had, of course, liked him before, but her willingness to trust whoever was in the seat of the Minister had sort of been diminished with Nickels in charge previously. But she had taken the time and cautionary steps in learning about Charles and decided that he was worth trusting. He was smart, friendly, and he seemed to trust her. January visibly relaxed when he got up and took a seat somewhere else. She leaned back in her chair.

She nodded confidently. MLE was informed, one way or another, and this would be recorded and put in her file and presumably the archives to make note of it... so the matter was settled. "If anything changes, you will be the first to know." Which meant all was well and he didn't have to worry unless she came to him with an update.

He was uncomfortable with this arrangement, but he was trying his best not to let it show. They had not been partners here at the Ministry for long, but Charles and quickly taken to January and much of his affection came not only from respect for the word she did but from a paternal place. It was these sentiments that drove his next actions, one that were not particularly the more professional given the setting but seemed entirely necessary in the moment.

Reaching out, Charles gingerly placed one of his hands on the back of her head and leaned it forward against his chest so he could kiss the top of her head - something he had done so many times to his own daughter, even recently. "Good," he said as he pulled away, elephantine smile plastered across his face. "I'll let you get back to your work then," he added with a jolly wink.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArianaBlack

"Of course," duh, confidential. What could a Nursery Attendant possibly do to help the DEPARTMENT HEAD of the MINISTER OF MAGIC'S office????? Not a whole lot, probably. Except babysitting. That particular fell under his job description, actually.

But this wasn't the point.

The point was he was going to sit down now, smiling at January and crossing ankles. One over the other. What could she do for him today? Well. "My partner and I are..." Pregnant? No. That made it sound like they were BOTH pregnant. Which they definitely were not. "We're expecting a baby in January," the month, obviously. Ahem. "And I wanted to speak to you about possible paternity leave? We'll both be first time parents and I know lots about kids, but raising one full time sure is different than keeping them for a few hours and handing them off after office hours..."

Y'know?

This was mortifying. Why did he feel like he was asking for SO MUCH!!

She watched him come to her desk and sit down and then she poured him a cup of tea, something she did every so often to make a visitor feel welcome in her office. It looked like he could use it, too.

Oh! January lit up immediately when Zander said he and his wife were expecting. "You are?!" she gushed, before quieting herself and listening to the rest of what he had to say. Oh, paternity leave. Of course, of course. January knew all about this, since she had her first child ten years ago when she was in the Creatures department. She understood completely. And thankfully, he was in the right place.

"Of course, take as much time as you need. Having your first child is like nothing else you'll ever experience. Whatever, you need, Zander, just let me know." She would let him take off a whole year if he needed it. She had taken a bit of time off when she had Louise, but it was Vic who had left his job to be a stay at home dad. Sometimes she wondered how different things would have been if it had been the other way around... But she was glad for her career.

And she was excited for Zander. "You must be so excited! Do you know the gender yet?" That was an exciting time.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetpinkpixie

He was uncomfortable with this arrangement, but he was trying his best not to let it show. They had not been partners here at the Ministry for long, but Charles and quickly taken to January and much of his affection came not only from respect for the word she did but from a paternal place. It was these sentiments that drove his next actions, one that were not particularly the more professional given the setting but seemed entirely necessary in the moment.

Reaching out, Charles gingerly placed one of his hands on the back of her head and leaned it forward against his chest so he could kiss the top of her head - something he had done so many times to his own daughter, even recently. "Good," he said as he pulled away, elephantine smile plastered across his face. "I'll let you get back to your work then," he added with a jolly wink.

January wasn't the most confident with everything that was going on, but... she was doing the best she could. She always tried to do that.

Looking up, January saw Charles reaching out and felt the warmth of his hand on her head. And then he did the most fatherly thing he could have done in that moment. Held her and kissed her head. Something her own father used to do, when he was alive. It was a simple gesture, but it brought her comfort and a swarm of memories. Would her father be proud of where she was at?

Blinking back a few sudden tears, January smiled when Charles let her go and dismissed himself. "Thank you," she said quietly, looking back at her desk to try and shake the emotions. Yes, she knew they would be a good pair here.

For the record, Zander very much appreciated the gesture.

He nodded, feeling a smile make it's way onto his face. He was going to be a dad. He and Sophie Brown were going to be parents. Sophie Brown and Zander Adair were going to have a BABY. He loved saying it and ever since Soph had given him the news.... The blonde tried to find a way to slip it into every conversation. Subtly. And with humility. And also only when it was timely because not everyone cared that much. BUT THEY WERE HAVING A KID!!!!!

"Thank you," he exhaled a breath he hadn't realized he had been holding. The feeling of relief wafted over him almost immediately and boy, did he feel much more at ease. "My wife will really appreciate the support," and he meant that with utmost sincerity. Sophie Brown was freaking out about this whole motherhood thing. And she didn't really freak out, like, ever. That was Zander's job.

He was a professional at freaking out. It was the side hustle.

Zander nodded rather enthusiastically because he WAS excited. He was excitement. In fact, if it were possible to be a step BEYOND excitement, that's where he'd be. "I've never been this happy," it was the dream, y'know? It's what he wanted to do when he grew up. Absolutely surreal.

"We're having a girl," A GIRL. A DAUGHTER. "I think my wife was pretty relieved about it too. She's nervous."