"I think if they don't already currently have a summer camp or some training of sorts, that that would be a good thing to add to their position. There isn't too much a professor or staff member should be able to learn, and it should be a part of their training in any case." He had no idea what sorts of training they took to become a school staff as he wasn't a professor, but he would think some of that would be in their training! "Good." he said thoughtfully, at least there wasn't any bad after affects right? "I do have a son there, two in fact." he said nodding. "Neither of them mentioned it though....I'm wondering if they skivvied off from class." Hmmm, might be sending out an owl to them...

____

"Well let's get started, now that pleasantries are over." he said with a smile to the group. "As most of you know, there will be the Junior games coming up during the hols between terms. We have a lot of planning needing to be done, each of you, or at least most of you will be involved in one way or another, and any others that don't have specific positions of how we need you, I'd love to have you jump in or help however you see fit."

"In the testing room we currently have an assortment of sports equipment that needs to be checked over and signed off before being delivered to level 7. I'll also need Sky and Dmitry to help with security at the games."

He looked around at the others sitting there, "Many of you, will be taking care of the deligates, and ensuring that anyone here from outside the country have their needs met, or if there is any situation that appears, that a witch or wizard is in need of assistance you'll help them out. We need information presented to the press, and not any unnecessary or false information given or published, if we can help it."

He looked towards Michele "I'll also need you and Oshun to help with the planning and making sure we have everything accounted for, and don't miss anything. I want to make sure this all goes flawlessly without any hiccups." The last world cup had been a disaster and it would be nice to avoid again this time around!

"Regina and Emily, we'll need to make sure that we have all equipment and necessary items for the games. We're also going to need to have vendors, if you can look into those and getting word out about the vending."

The father of two shook his head, and wondered what exactly happened in between terms when the Board chose the new staff for the school. Surely, there was some sort of mistake. No one in their right mind would actually hire a hag that eats children. Merlin. Ryden sat back, and chuckled at the thought of Gid's children skipping classes. "I wasn't the perfect Ravenclaw back then. I skipped classes too...like Divination and Astronomy." he hated those subjects with passion.

---

Shifting his attention now to the rest of the employees, Ryden wrote down the names of those who introduced themselves, and even made small notes about how they looked, as well as his first impression about them. It made the meeting not so boring really. The 42 year old glanced over the young witch beside him, Claudette, whom he met back at the Orientation Party. He gave her a grin, and nod in approval. Her introduction was short, simple, and not over the top which is good. She wouldn't want to give away everything like a rabid, over-excited, first time employee. That's just awkward.

Turning his chair to face Gidyun, Ryden nodded along and wrote down important information, especially matters concerning the delegates. Once Gidyun was done with his talk, Ryden cleared his throat to get the Department Head's attention. "Where exactly are we now, in terms of preparation? Do we have a specific location for the league, as we speak? As for the delegates, do we have a list of confirmed participants?" Because that one information will determine more concerns...like safety, food requirement, and lodging for the delegates. "Also," Ryden consulted his journal, and tapped the tip of his fountain pen against the page, "Healers. We have to have a good number of them during the match." he said, glancing at Michele whom Gid has given the task. Merlin, he could tell that this event is going to be a logistics nightmare.

Warner wasn't late or at least he thought he wasn't late. He might have stopped of at his desk and pulled out a few things and then got side tracked with a memo he had come across, but now he was back to where he needed to be. A meeting with the group. The junior games, yes he had spoke to his brother's sister in law about that and was interested in learning more.

Slipping in, hopefully not fully noticed, Warner found an empty seat and started listening to the boss. Yes, the Junior games exactly what he assumed they'd be talking about. He had an assignment and figured he'd be busy with things for that as well. His eyes moved around the room to the rest of the employees. There was quite a bit in this department. He hoped he could learn and remember all their names.

Claudette was happy when Gidyun cut the pleasantries short and got the real meeting started. They were going to be planning for the Junior Quidditch Games that were taking place in a few months, between the years at Hogwarts. It was exciting but also need extreme amounts of preparation, planning and figuring out of logistics. Pulling out a notepad from her new robes, along with a fountain pen that she was growing fond of Claudette readied herself to take notes. As Gidyun mentioned delegates and meeting their needs and such, she felt like he was talking to her. It'd involve Ryden too. She'd get support and assistance from him if she needed it. His grin and approving nod after her short but sweet introduction earlier hadn't gone unnoticed. It had boosted Claudy's confidence.

After Gidyun had finished his speech, Ryden spoke up and asked some valid questions that Claudette was sure everyone benefitted from hearing the answer to. Raising her own voice she asked directing a sweet smile towards Gidyun. "Will the MLE and Transportation departments help assist us with personal security and transportation for the high and low delegates and that will attend the games?"

As another thought came to mind Claudette asked. "How will tickets to the games be sold to the public? Will some of the tickets be marked for the visiting delegates and their staff?" Muggle situations were something they needed to calculate and plan for. It was inevitable. Muggles lived right among them and regardless of the location of the games it'd effect them too.



Claudette wouldn't have noticed the man that slipped into the room ever so quietly to take a seat at the table, if he hadn't chosen to claim the vacant seat right by her. Turning her blue eyed gaze to the handsome and older man she mouthed a polite and sweet "Hello!" to him before she focused her full attention on the meeting again.

Was there an echo in the room? Dark almond eyes flickered sharply to the voice repeating her words, eyeing the woman from head to toe. Emily. In passing, she could be mistaken for her. Down to the bangs even. And they belong to the same division? Her inner Slytherin stirred and hissed, but on the outside, Regina kept her face curiously pleasant.

But now their Department Head took the floor again and Regina focused her attention on him. So theres going to be a big event with lots of people and lots of goods. Ah yes music to her ears, the sound of galleons.

"Equipment, items, vendors... got it Boss." Regina nodded then flicked her gaze to Emily. Is she writing this down? She's the journalist after all. "By the way Gidyun, will we also be procuring prizes or gifts for the participants or esteemed guests?"

Emily noticed Regina staring at her. She responded by giving her a thin smile that did not quite reach her eyes. On the surface it may have looked friendly, but Emily knew that Regina was smart enough to realize it was fake.


And yes, she was writing down everything Gidyun said. Actually she was not personally writing it down, such mundane work was better done with a magical quill which wrote on its own the department head's words. At her silent command it also began writing down Regina's question. The quill followed her everywhere and only wrote down the words of people she commanded it too. Obviously Gidyun as the department head was the person she had originally instructed it to keep track of, but now Regina was added to that list. From now on every word she spoke in front of Emily and the quill would be written down. Sometimes she ordered the quill to go beyond a person's words and to make notes of the person's dress, posture, and demeanor. For the moment it was only recording words.



"It will be easy for me to procure vendors sir," replied Emily confidently. "I know a few places we can collect some. What is the deadline that we have to work under?" She was good with deadlines.

He nodded as Ryden began to speak and listened to his questions, making note of each one. "Where we're at is we have a location, the teams are decided and the players are currently being chosen for those teams. The delegates we need to ensure that they are taken care of, housed, and secure as well. We do not as of yet have a full confirmed list but we have a number and I'll make sure those who need the list have it."

"The healers we need to have sorted as well. We'll likely use a few from here at the ministry, or request a few from St. Mungo's in the very least." he added in response to that question.



He gave a nod and smile to the gentleman who entered the room.



He turned towards Claudette when she spoke up "Most definitely they will. We'll have Transportation assisting with the portkeys that are needed for the logistics part rather than using the British railways, and clogging those up. MLE will also be taking care of security I was hoping more that Dmitry would be able to assist with the protection of the delegates specifically." he noted looking towards Dmitry.

"Definitely, each delegate will be specifying how many they need for their staff, as will be tickets for those on the teams for their families and friends. Then I'm sure there will be tickets sold additionally to the public."



He nodded as Regina repeated what he had stated was needed. "I think that would be a good idea. Something as a welcome and/or thank you gift. I believe there are awards and trophies for those participants."



His attention went to Emily as she spoke up "Wonderful!" he said beaming at her. This is what he really loved about his department, much of them were right on top of things with assignments, and he had a good team. "The deadline is coming near, it'll be happening a week after term ends."

"Are there any further questions?" he asked looking around at everyone. He knew it was a short meeting, but they had a lot to do. The main notice was to for all the new employees to meet the other members of the department.

The nib of his fountain pen scratched furiously against his journal page. There was a lot to take note of, and frustratingly enough, some of his questions cannot be answered until the final list of participating delegates were announced. “Hopefully we’d get the list soon enough, Gid. Knowing that they will be bringing their own staff, we all have to be careful with customs and traditions around each and everyone of them. I’m not sure what kind of preparation I must do for now seeing that we don’t have a list yet of the confirmed attendees, but I suppose we can have a head start with their lodging and practise areas? Those are generic enough for us to prepare.” He said, tapping his journal as he talked. He wasn’t showing nerves, only excitement at the prospect of meeting foreign dignitaries once more.

“Since we are now pressed for time, maybe we can do the same for their dietary requirements? I think it would be wise to give all kinds of food that will satisfy Vegans, Pescans...even those who’d prefer Koshered food.” It’s all about covering the bases, kids. Take notes.

So far, it is all that he could think of. Without a specific nationality on the table, Ryden couldn’t think of anything else to add. The 42 year old looked around the table as well, and waited for his colleagues’ questions.

Cassie had heard most of this before of course, at the earlier meeting with the Games and Sports crew. But this was much more detailed, exactly what she was looking forward too. She mostly listened, as she didn't have any questions of her own for a while. But the lists sparked her interest. All those people would need to be arranged somewhere to stay. It sounded like her kind of thing. And she did have a question about it.

"Obviously the players and coaches and all that will need places to stay, but what about spectators? Fans coming in from other countries especially. Do we have an area where a large number of people can stay? Will the spectators have to worry about their own living arrangements or will we be helping to make sure everything goes smoothly?"

Considering the size of the upcoming event, Ryden was sure that Security would be the top priority. Although the activity seem to be a harmless one, Ryden was sure that some wizards and witches will find a loophole to enter England illegally.

The man sat back and was in deep thought, wondering how Immigration will handle the issue should illegal migrants take the event as an open opportunity to dwell within England. "Who would be issuing the tickets, Gid?" he asked, his blue eyes traveling from his journal to the man upfront. "Producing those should also be guarded closely by MLE. We cannot afford to have those faked." It was always a nightmare, those counterfeit documents. "I'd also suggest that the issued tickets come in the form of a wrist band. We can put a number of charms on it...such as a tracking charm so we'd know who's overstaying." He addressed his suggestion to the Department head, as well as to the woman who just spoke (Cassandra). Isn't she one of the immigration officers?

Stepping into the conference room he had a cake made up and sitting on the table against the wall with snacks and drinks as well. He really was going to miss his team, and it hadn't been an easy decision. After over 15 years in the department between the Italian and British Ministry and traveling so much he had decided to make the hard decision to leave the department. He knew only a handful of people knew so far but he wanted to tell his department all at once. He had no definite on what he'd be doing from here but he just knew it was time for him to go.

Taking a deep breath he let it out slowly before standing near the window and looking out at the snow, it seemed to be following his mood lately. Maybe he just needed a nice long holiday with just Becca and Emma for a few weeks.

Gavin hadn't done more than just say good bye, however many years back. Now it was his turn, and throwing a good bye party for himself at that!

Careless whispers…..sad goodbyes……though its easy to pretend for this former Slytherin gal. So Regina walks into the conference room, lovely to behold as always, a brow slightly arched at the arrangement of comestibles for the innocent effect . Those dark mysterious eyes shifts to the Department Head and she moves towards him "Hello Gidyun. The cake is a nice touch for today's meeting…." because they are in the conference room, a party would mean they would be at the pantry yes? "Do we have a cause for celebration? Or is this a free sample for a new business venture?" Ignorance is kind after all.

The memo came on his desk about a celebration and well Warner wasn't much of someone who knew what was going on around the office so he had no clue why they were celebrating, but he did know there was cake and cake was enough to get him off his butt and on his feet. Grabbing some coffee he headed into the conference room.


"Hello"


Nodding to both already in the room. "Someone's birthday or retirement?" Should he have brought a gift? This was a bit nerving for a moment or two, but soon Warner had gotten over it and figured he had some galleons if he needed to donate or something. A hey I don't have a gift but take some money sort of thing.

He smiled softly at Regina and Warner as they entered the room one after the other. He had hoped his memo about a party at the end of the year would gain interest but....he didn't think many more were going to come. It wasn't as though he'd explained what he was doing. Well...what could he do?

"I wish I could say a celebration of something awesome happening or even an ad..." he started to say but then stopped. Hmmm, he guessed it was sort of both for all of them. "I had hoped more of us would be here but I'll just get the memo out soon instead." Heh, more cake for them right?

"It's sort of a going away party for me. I've decided it was time to move on away from IMC." he said finally. "I've been in this department whether here at the British Ministry or in the Italian ministry for over 15 years and wanted to make a change, maybe go back to another department or such. I don't know quite yet where but....I wanted to have a little get together to say goodbye."

She felt another person enter the conference room-- aww so it wont be a date after all-- and she didnt even need to look to figure out who it was. She knew just by how the man carried himself.

Of course Warren would actually blurt out retirement.

It was only then that Regina slid a pointed gaze at the European Consulate. Nice gentle touch, good job Warren.

But in an instant she focuses back on their boss, who even looked sadder than he should be. Two people plus the Captain does not a ship make. "Well I guess we know who wont be getting a bonus." she smirked. She was joking of course. Or maybe she wasnt. Who knows with this Slytherin.

And there you have it, careless whispers confirmed, Gidyun was leaving. "Oh.... well... I'm so sorry to hear that Gidyun." Genuinely she is, the sad demeanor is real. Yes she took him to be a competent boss, better than most, of which she was thankful. But mostly because it means her work on him is about to go up in smokes. New boss means back to square one. Ugh.

But what is that? A small window of opportunity there? "Well I totally understand the need for something new..." one look at her makes it really obvious "... where be your future plans then Gidyun?"

Charles had been holed up in the room with a coffee before anyone had come in and had only cast Gidyun a cursory glance before falling into a comfortable silence and letting the man mull things over. He gave the others a nod of acknowledgement when they came into the room.

His brown eyes widened and he sat up straighter when Gidyun spoke. He was WHAT? He barely even heard Regina's response to him because there was a crazy amount of buzzing in his ears. They had a mutual dislike of being around each other and it worked very well! He couldn't leave now! Charles put his coffee down and sat forward leaning against his legs and looking at Gidyun for a few moments. "Well... that was unexpected."

His eyes went to Regina and a little smirk appeared on his face at the comment to who wasn't getting a bonus. Heh, he wished he could give them all bonuses, unfortunately that wasn't possible. He was pretty confident on the new changes that were taking place in the department though, and was certain they'd do just fine.

"Thank you" he said quietly to Regina "It definitely wasn't an easy decision. I wish I did though! I'd let you know right now where I'll be but unfortunately there's a number of changes happening and nothing's in stone yet. I'm hoping that I'll still be here at the ministry at least." He'd rather be in the country while his two sons and a daughter was at Hogwarts.

His eyes went to Charles when he heard him speak. "It is" he replied nodding "I was given a possible opportunity and now am waiting to hear if that opportunity still is mine or if it was passed to someone else. Either way, I feel it's time for a new face to be here as the head of IMC. Whomever that turns out to be."

So boss man was leaving? Warner didn't really know him well. He had worked in the department only a few years compared to some, so he stayed quiet but he did feel the gaze and turned his green eyes on Regina giving her a what type of smile. He hadn't even noticed someone else was in the room with them until Charles spoke up.

It was unexpected.


"Good Luck with everything Sir, there will be big shoes to fill for whomever is replacing you." He couldn't help but wonder if it would be someone he saw every day or if they would bring in someone else.


Either way Warner's eyes were back on the cake, was it time to eat it?

"Thank you" he said to Warner his eyes soft. He was really going to miss every single one of them. They had been an awesome team and he'd enjoyed working in the department for so many years. So many old and new faces coming and going. It was hard to think that come the return from holidays, there would be no coming back to his office or department here.

"I suppose we should eat some food and cake" he said with a smile "No more of the sad sappy stuff. I won't vanish completely."

Charles looked at Gidyun when he agreed, but nodded at his words. "We're sad to see you go, but we'll welcome whomever is the new face with open arms." He'd help all he could! "I hope the opportunity is still yours." Yes, otherwise it would really suck that he was leaving. Charles gave Warner a glance as he spoke and nodded in agreement. Oh... food and cake. Charles glanced at the food and cake and decided that for once, he'd allow himself to splurge. Just this once. It wouldn't be much help for his sugar cravings, but he'd suffer those consequences in silence. He took a plate and added some food to it, leaving Gidyun to make the cut in the cake. It was his after all. He should have the first piece too.

Clad in his usual sharp attire, Ryden quietly slipped into the conference room, knowing very well what it was about. Given that the news was a bittersweet one, he opted to be cheerful about it so that he could at least give Gidyun a happy farewell. The man had been in the Department for a while now, so he was sure that it wouldn't help if they were all sad and melancholic.

"Boss." he said with a grin as he placed both of his hands on the man's shoulders giving it a good squeeze as he passed him by from behind. They had an impromptu meeting at the Pizza Parlor prior to his farewell party, so there's really nothing much to say now. Whatever it was that they discussed back there, would definitely be kept between the two of them. "You ought to visit us whenever you have the time, bossman." he said sitting next to Charles. He regarded the most senior member of the department a grin, as he helped himself to some dessert.

"Thank you for that" he said with a soft smile and nod. "I do too."

He smiled over his shoulder at Ryden as he squeezed his shoulders. "I most definitely will" he said with a soft smile in regards to his words. "I am not leaving you all out to dry, I'll check in as much as I can. And everyone can send me an owl if I'm not in the ministry, or an aeroplane if I am." That would be easy enough!

"You've been in this department for so long, so I guess it's more than fine for you to enjoy your time away from us." he said wiping his mouth with a napkin as he spoke. "Don't worry too much about us, Gid. We'll be okay, all thanks to your hardwork and dedication in this department. We won't be lost in tasks and operations." he said sincerely. "Besides, you've got so much catching up to do with your wife and children anyway. I suppose your time here has kept you away from them?" Ryden would know since his past work in the Confederation became the reason why Maiya 'left' him.