SPOILER!!: Lex... lulz

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaniDiNardo

There wasn't much to focus on with blank walls and an empty room all around them, leaving her attention at the entrance waiting for the others. Dale she saw because he'd come in right after her and he got a nod, so did Penelope when she got there. All that free time vanished however the moment the boss began speaking and hazel eyes locked on the man.

They...were doing training? Well she had training today regardless, being that was half of what the YATI program entailed but she didn't mind extra training if it meant less paper work to get through later on.

Yup, definitely pumped for this. Brilliant way to get the work day rolli--complaints? Say what now? People were complaining...about them...? As in....actual complaints? And now they needed training...? Couldn't have been a coincidence. "Maybe they don't take us seriously on the defending end? Don't think we're truly capable of protecting and enforcing the law?"

It would explain why they 'needed' more training now but there was hardly anything to protect...'cept apparently the gold at Gringotts. "It's the goblins, isn't it?" Did they rag on them?? Rotten little buggers.

It didn't surprise him that Cambridge was among the first to voice her thoughts, opinionated and helpful one she was... on most occasions.

The first part he could agree with, nodding. They simply weren't appreciated, where they? All their hard work, risking their own lives for the sake of others... and what thanks did they get? Squat.

His nodding stopped however, at the mention of goblins.

"Uh.... sure," he mused, letting her believe what she would, the chances of the goblin's thinking ill of them was so likely he was willing to bet his handsome wage on it.

SPOILER!!: Zomg Rhydian

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tazenhani

Ah, there she was. Lex got a return grin for the nudge, but no words. That concept was in place. The speak until spoken to one. Plus, Rainey didn't seem like the type for idle chatter. Not that chatter between partners was idle, especially when there were issues of gold to investigate, but the point still stood. This was not the place nor the time.

The others that joined them got a curious look and a nod. Names, were eluding him today. Maybe he'd make up flash cards or something later.

For now, it was time to focus. Training and complaints. Complaints and training. He blinked, his rocking halting momentarily. First thought was that there could hardly have been any complaints against him, given he was the 'new guy' and all, but then Bossman had say 'you lot'. As in all of them. A blanket statement.

His brow furrowed, as he glanced about, listening to Lex's suggestions. Sounded legit. They were all young after all. Young and...it hit him and he rocked again, his attention turning to Rainey. "Maybe its 'cause we're all so good looking." The complaints and the not being taken seriously as defenders. "People can get touchy about that sort of stuff."

Especially the goblins. Jelous little creatures that they could be. As for the rest, it boiled down to excuses of not 'representative' of the general population. Biased hiring. All that fun jazz.

That being said, he wasn't sure how Rainey would teach them to ungood-lookify themselves. Unless it was some identity charm. Maybe they were being too obvious in their work?

And then there was this kid.

Kid.

The Kid got a hard stare from him, but nothing in the way of an openly verbal response. There was no need to chastise the boy in public, his foolishness was officially pinned to his forehead. YATI's learned slowly, he needed to remember that.

Moving onto better stock, or so he hoped. Now was not the time to disappoint.

SPOILER!!: Trusty Simon

Quote:

Originally Posted by Holmesian Feline

Bellaire was the first one to enter the training area after him. Simon gave him a nod in greeting in response to the grunt he had been greeted with. Interesting how he echoed that skill that used to be almost a mandatory requirement of MLErs of the age before Tyler had even joined them. Thankfully it had dwindled off because he himself wasn't for it. Then the new guy that had unknowingly tested out Chosen's security. He seemed far normal nowadays...for the most part. "Morning," he greeted as Rhydian took up a spot between him and the other YATI.

Ah...look. A third trainee. Lex was the next to show up and Simon couldn't help but wonder what was up with the members of the department that weren't part of that demographic. Not even Legend had joined them and he definitely missed Josh and Sabel in the mix. He registered the weird wave sent his way and acknowledged it with a polite nod. And then watched the interaction between her and Shoeboy as she came to stand beside them both.

There was a non-auror trained or training member of the department. Simon pegged him as part of the Wizamagot team but the exact name was escaping him at the moment. He gave him a polite nod of acknowledgement as well. And then another YATI came in...Penelope. "Good morning," he returned simply.

It was after her arrival that Rainey decided to call the little gathering to order. Such a small smattering of the department but Simon supposed it was good enough for the man. As for the reason for the called meeting, obvious or not, the security man remained quiet at first, listening instead on what others suggested. Lex's idea wasn't a new one so he doubted that was the case, and he'd heard nothing about goblins. And the one given about their looks was sooooo off he had to fight the urge to shake his head.

"Perhaps the way we operate..." he finally mused. Granted he had passed on a few to Rainey and didn't think himself guilty but he'd offer that idea.

AHA!

Rainey pointed his finger at Bennett before touching it to his nose. The man got it right on the money.

"Yes!... partly in the way we operate, any elaborations?" he asked generally. Specifics, he liked those.

SPOILER!!: Dale!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Felixir

Well... seemed like Rainey really had meant everyone, even those not in the elite sort of action teams. Dale... didn't see how this could be good. He simply stood there, arms folded in what was his relaxed posture, leaning his weight mostly onto one leg, and waited. And listened.

Training. Ooooookay. Probably not training in shorthand, right? And - Dale squinted a little - complaints. About the department? Well... that was a very broad thing to ask; Dale didn't know a whole lot about his colleagues, much less what they got up to in their day-to-day lives at work that might warrant a complaint. As for him.......... well, he definitely hoped there had been no complaints about him. What was the point of having a job if he wasn't going to do it well? But what did they all have in common, other than the obvious MLE badge, that there could be complaints them as a whole?

Intrigued, Dale mulled over it for a few moments. The meeting from the start of the year sprang to mind, in particular the directives they had all been given. "Obvious snooping, perhaps?" he suggested, with slight shake of the head that indicated that really... he had no idea.

And a little more in the way of nodding... and shaking... it was a grey area, obviously.

"Yes and no," he supplied, "obviously to do our jobs effectively we need to, as you so eloquently put it, snoop... however, not so obviously."

But they'd get back to that...

SPOILER!!: Bellaire <3

Quote:

Originally Posted by Davvy_Wavvy

Tyler frowned. People were complaining about them? Well...whatever. He folded his arms and looked directly into the opposite corner of the room..away from everyone. Maybe that guy didn't like the fact that some of his potion ended up as collateral damage and he went off to complain. Pfft...

"Some people just think they're above being checked." So they complain about everything. Maybe the bossman wanted them to be more stealthy in their investigations..

Another nail on the head. Elliot nodded his approval at the older YATI's response.

"It's a crying shame that they don't understand how regular they really are," he agreed. It was something that needed dealing with, but unfortunately it was out of their immediate control.

SPOILER!!: Carter-Hope!

Quote:

Originally Posted by lazykitty

Sky had most definitely been prompt. She had just chosen to come in her new favorite way. Disillusioned. Pretty useful trick, if she did say so herself. You'd be surprised at how many people to this day didn't even think of it. Even in this very department.

As Rainey began speaking however, she silently removed the spell. And it seemed that this meeting was about...complaints. Not that she was surprised that they had been getting them. No, what she was surprised about was how many of her colleagues were surprised. Seriously, people? "For one, some of us are too arrest happy," looking at you, Cambridge. "For another, there was that awful Daily Prophet article, so people probably think we're all a part of that Cult." Which wasn't true on her part, but she couldn't say the same about her coworkers. Especially the department head, who seemed pretty. ......weird.

There was YATI rivalry, he could feel it in the air, it felt like an exciting buzz that had all of his senses tingling, the urge to pit her against Cambridge a little too strong in his mind. Perhaps he might just do that today anyway. Survival of the fittest and all that jazz.

"Debatable," he said to the first, but then, she wasn't all wrong after all. "That rag has been telling vicious stories about the MLE for its entire history, you're not wrong there, but anyone with half a brain would know it's rubbish... I guess it comes back to the fact that most people are born stupid, a crying shame that is."

Anyway, there wasn't much more to it.



"Effectively, the complaints I've been receiving is that we are time wasting, rule breaking loonies that go behind each others backs. So can anyone hazard a guess what we might all be doing here today?" he asked, resisting the urge to rub his temples, honestly the whole thought of this exercise had him conflicted. He loathed the concept behind it, thought in unnecessary until now... but at least he would be able to find SOME amusement in it. Hopefully.

He was on the verge of barking orders and getting things going, nobody was leaving here until they completed their task. Before that could happen though, he was looking for two words, or variations of those two words. Out with it people!

As much as he had been expecting his colleagues to have some sense of humor, or self pride, and not be all doom-and-gloom seriousness, he was rather surprised at some of the answers that flitted about the room. If they were suggesting such things, that meant that they had recognized, in one fashion or another, by themselves or word of mouth, the reality of such complaints. Needless to say, it didn't instill much confidence in Rhydian as to the nature of his colleagues or the department he had transferred to. But it wasn't his first concern.

No, that lay in Bossman and his death stare. If looks could smack one silly....well, it was apparent that Rainey's could and did. Rhydian nearly found himself seated on his backside as the force of the stare set his rocking off balance, and he stumbled back a step to regain his composure.

So, that was a wrong answer, was what that was. Unless Rainey didn't think himself pretty and everyone else as such, or vice versa. Or he thought them all ugly and a pitiful disappointment. Either it was a sore spot or a taboo topic on the line of work. Either way, point was taken. Lips were zipped tight. Sealed.

Not another word.

Not even to the next question. Clearly, he hadn't been around long enough to know what issues rested on the cutting block, so he decided it was safest to revert to his initial assessment. Speak until spoken to.

Though that didn't mean his mind didn't have a plethora of suggestions. Among them was 'obedience training', 'buddy building', 'time management' and 'pop quiz'. Each of them restrained by the subtle rocking his heels had taken on once again.

Dale wasn't all that put off by the assessment of his word choice; in his mind, it kinda was snooping. But it was snooping that was part of the job, so he'd never complained about it or anything. Because... paycheck. And career. Mental note, though: maybe avoid using that word next time.

Still. He'd been half right. That was something.

Time wasting, rule breaking loonies that go behind each others backs.

Wow. That was kinda rude. Who'd said THAT? Dale kept his lips pressed tight together to avoid blurting out that that seemed like a bit of an exaggeration; luckily, he was very talented at keeping his gob shut. Plus, it occurred to him that perhaps there were things going on in and around the department that he wasn't seeing. Or maybe HE was some kind of secret rule-breaking loony. So secret even he didn't know about it.

So, this was the question, wasn't it? Why WERE they here? Dale blinked and took another look around the room, before going with the obvious suggestion. "... Training exercise?" Ahem. Maybe... elaborate so it didn't look like he was being a wise guy? "Stealth... maybe," he added, his tone clear that he really didn't have the foggiest idea.

Dale's line of thinking was... maybe Rainey wanted everyone to continue doing what they were doing, just a little more, well... sneaky. Enough that he wouldn't continue to be bothered by more of those complaints.

There was a mental facepalm when Rhydian offered his answer. Amusing, very but not what Rainey would have liked, no, definitely not. Her eyes shifted over to Sky with her comment about being arrest happy. Well excuse you. She did not arrest on a whim. If people were more cooperative, things could be differe--

Time wasting.....rule breaking....loonies......

Lex didn't have time to relish in the fact the bossman was saying she was mostly correct--that's what he was saying yes?--because she was absolutely livid. As best she could, she kept a neutral expression but time WASTING? Rule breaking loonies? After all she'd done, patrolling to make sure nothing happened that would make them all drop dead. That's what they got to show for it?

Well then, guess who wouldn't be helping with the next big Ministry invasion? This girl. Feet up on a table she didn't own, munching on a chocolate frog and watching the world as they know it end.

Rude.

Took her an extra second to realize she'd zoned out and Rainey was still talking. Say what now? Again she looked around the room, at the bare walls and empty space as she considered his question. It could have been anything along the lines of his complaints. "Maybe our efficiency? Or some team bond building, or like Dale said, stealth." She didn't KNOW and she almost didn't want to know anymore thanks to the reason behind it--but only almost because Lex loved training, period.

Passing through the door that had materialised and opened, Emily closed it shut behind her and instead turned her attention to do the room. It mirrored the essence of the conference room, but the decor lacked the fine polish of the other. The light was a little dimmer in here too, but it was suitable for the occasion.

A table of juices, muffins and sandwiches were placed to the side for people to help themselves to. Who said MLE didn't do catering?

Emily, for the time being, poured only a glass of water and sat herself down in a chair at the centre of the oval-shaped table. By the time on her watch it wouldn't be long till the others arrived, and her peace would be imposed on.

OOC: also, we're pregnant, roundish but extension charms on the inside of our clothing conceals most of it. *felt like we needed to say*

As she stepped through the door, Evangeline's eyes sparkled with excitement. This was the first step to achieving her dream, it was almost hard to believe that she was finally here. The conference room was rather boring in itself, but, she was HERE. IN THE MLE. BIG STUFF.

The first thing (or woman, she should say) she noticed was, of course, the department head, Emily Browne, who was quite the role model for Evangeline. So young, so passionate, so talented. So, of course, she had to introduce herself. Evangeline Shacklebolt was not one to sit aside and watch life go by. This was her dream. She was living it.

"Miss Browne," she said with an all-too-excited grin as she approached the woman, her hand extended. "I'm Evangeline Shacklebolt, one of the new YATI trainees. I can't tell you how excited I am to be here, thank you..." And she was going to stop there before she word-vomited the three minute speech she had prepared just in case she had a moment alone with the department head or the head auror. Although Evie was quite pleased with herself that she was the first employee to arrive...

.......

Could she just get back to her rounds already?

They hadn't taken a break for the Christmas, it had been work as usual. WHY did they need to have one of these meetings? Nothing new happened since the week before--save that they now had new employees. It was the same every bloody year--which in truth, never bothered her before but this round was different...harder...worst. The usually overly enthusiastic young woman almost looked put off by this meeting if you looked in the right light.

Why did they need to be here? So she could be reminded she'd have to wait til the end of the month to be a full fledge Auror like everyone else? To be reminded that until the end of January she was STUCK with fresh meat? Sounded like she'd have been better off making sure no one littered in the Atrium. Ah the glorified life of a YATI. It was brilliant until you were no longer meant to be one but were stuck anyway.

"Morning." She muttered, both to the boss lady and...the new girl before grabbing herself a cup of coffee. Already had one this morning, there TECHNICALLY didn't need be a second but who was she to refuse caffeine? Lex plopped into a seat, trying not to look as anxious to leave as she felt. It was all in her head. A month ago she thought the next meeting she would have would see her in a new position, but it didn't.

A chocolate frog was slipped from the bag slung over her shoulder and dipped into the cup but she didn't take a bite of it, rather, she just sorta...swirled it around idly while she waited for something to happen. Probation sucked.

Peyton Stewart wasn’t one to show that he was nervous, and considering he felt a little out of depth right now he was very glad for that one trait. He still wasn’t entirely sure where everything was even though he had tried to walk around their level earlier this morning in a bid to not look completely lost when he did finally meet his colleagues. Though it hadn’t worked entirely, it had meant that he knew where the Janitor’s Closet was for the Department meeting.

Nodding his head at the few females in the room already, he moved over to the table and poured himself a cup of coffee and picked up a blueberry muffin before he made his way over to the table. ”Good morning Ms Browne, ladies.” He nodded again, this time offering them a small, gentle smile to go with it. ”I hope you are all well.”

There. He’d been nice. He could drink his coffee and eat his muffin in peace until the meeting started… right? He found a seat a few away from the girl who looked like she didn't want to speak to anyone [Alexa] and waited.

Luc entered in his eyes darting around as his hands kept a firm grip on the door. Okay, good. Safe room. He determined. There was a possibility on this being an ambush and he had to keep a sharp look out on that in his head.

Nearly relaxing fully, he loosened his grip and went to join the table with the boss lady, Lex and oh two others. Luc sized the gentlemen before deeming him alright with the younger girl. "Morning everyone." He smiled. Today he was a morning person as he took some juice before sitting.

Upon entering the training area when he was allowed, Simon noticed four people already there. Emily which was a given seeing as she had called it and liked to be on top of things as department head. Alexa appearing anxious to get back to work….he knew the feeling. Luc, a returning trainee and a younger woman whom the security head took to be one of the new YATIs joining them. “Good morning,” he greeted the two with a polite nod once he had taken in his surroundings and walked further into the dimly lit room.

Upon closer proximity to boss lady, he had to agree that Angelina was right. The signs all led to one thing, even if seated stuff was hidden. The no coffee had been his first big clue back before the holidays that something was off. Not that Simon was going to out Emily. It was her secret, if it was to remain a secret, to tell. For now, he simply poured himself his own drink and sat down.

It seemed that he wasn't the only one to arrive early. 6 other people had as well. 2 of which he recognised from the meet and greet they'd all attended, and the other - the woman sat at the centre of the table - he knew of. Emily Browne. The lady who was in charge of the department, and who would be in charge of the meeting.

"Miss Browne." Anderson nodded towards her first, as he moved further into the room and towards the delicacies on display for them. Having picked up a glass of juice and a chocolate muffin for himself, he made his way around the table to an empty seat, passing those of his new colleagues who were already present, and offering each of them a smile. "Good morning all."

"G'morning." Penelope smiled at the others as she entered and took in the room. Didn't look all the much different from the real conference room, interestingly enough. Perhaps it really was just a meeting?

Quite a few people there already too, including a few new faces. Nice.

She grabbed a sandwich, a muffin, and a glass of water then took a seat.

She just knew she shouldn't have taken that toilet break before the meeting. Seriously, Amrita, next time, check the noticeboard before your bladder takes over. It's a real issue. Anyway, as she stepped through the entrance thing from the back of the janitor's closet - of all places to hide an entrance - she noticed immediately that a lot of people were there. Which meant that she was probably late.

And she hated being late. But she wasn't rude either, so everyone got a bright: "GOOOOOD MORNING, EVERYONE!" Why was she so chipper this morning? She'd only had like three mugs of coffee at breakfast. And a mini chocolate bar for her nerves. Altair had eaten half of her supply, though, so that one bar was all she got. Tragedy, that one was.

But there didn't seem to be anyone talking so she'd just slide over and nick a blueberry muffin. No tea, which was tragic, but she'd also take a juice, yes. Juice was a decent second choice. Though she was still disappointed that there was no tea. Also, she was so excited to be here. SO EXCITED SHE MIGHT JUST NEED ANOTHER TOILET BREAK. There was only so much excitement a bladder could take.

And she'd just sit down and try not to spill her juice for excitement. HI HI HI. HI. This was such an exciting day, especially since she'd wanted to be an Auror since she was fourteen.

Fishing in her pocket for a small vial, Emily added a couple of drops from it to her water, only to be disrupted shortly after when the first eager YATI arrived. It was always a YATI, one once upon a time, it had been her.

The Department Head tried for a polite smile as the girl approached, meeting the extension of the hand with her own and shaking it lightly. After she was confident the words tumbling from her mouth had ceased, Emily nodded simply, withdrawing her hand. "I know perfectly well who you are," she started, though that ought to have been obvious considering it was she who signed the girls contract after picking her from the crop of hopefuls that had applied. "Let's hope that excitement is productive, good luck with your training," she offered before finally claiming a sip of her much needed lemon flavoured water.



She was mildly disappointed to see that Lex hadn't quite recovered from her hand-slapping. All Emily could hope was that the YATI-Auror was making amends and was not going to give her a headache by failing the unit again. "Morning, Cambridge," she had replied a little pointedly. It appeared as though misery needed company, the chocolate frog was going to die. Finding some solace in her beverage, she continued to sip while awaiting the others to arrive.

Time was ticking.



Pleasantries, she didn't particularly mind them, but from her senior staff she expected different. Nevertheless, she offered a nod by way of greeting before settling down her glass. "Finding your way around alright?" she asked, recalling seeing him explore the level earlier as she'd moving between her office and the other levels.



And then there was Luc.

For the briefest of moments Emily wondered if the man was going to draw his wand, and was almost disappointed that he hadn't. It would have been entertaining in the least, though also quite possibly embarrassing for himself and for her. Such reflections on themselves in front of new people were not desired, yet.

"Morning," Emily nodded, eyeing off his juice.

If only she could drink that.



Bennet's assessment of those that were gathered didn't escape her notice, and she found some amusement in it, evidenced by the corners of her lips turning up slightly.

"Morning, Bennet," she greeted, "how are things in the Atrium?" she asked, knowing full well that it could get unusually hectic this time of year. New arrivals and all that jazz.



"Anderson," she greeted, addressing him less formally than he had her. Again, another glass of juice she couldn't have...

She waited for him to join them at the table before turning in her seat to address him personally. "I trust you're settling in well enough? If there's anything you need, I'm usually available." It was no lie that she hoped he was good to hit the ground running, his predecessor was more than a little incompetent in her eyes, so she could only imagine the mess he might have left.



Auror Greenwell's appearance didn't go unnoticed either, and though she had been engaged in conversation, Emily had managed a small nod in greeting. At least someone wasn't shy to help themselves to the food. It's what it was there for.



....

.......

............

And good Merlin... this was why YATI needed to be FULLY screened in person before applications crossed her desk. Chipper. Too chipper. It pained her.

Realising she had subconsciously stopped breathing, Emily resumed by inhaling deeply and releasing slowly, raising her glass to her lips to sip down a superfluous amount of her water considering she needed it only as a distraction. To give herself reason enough not to engage in a returned greeting which would be incredibly lacklustre in comparison to the girls.

..






But alas, she wasn't going to wait any longer, it was time.

Rising from her seat to alert her staff to the fact that the proceedings would be starting, she started with the typical - and dull - welcome. "Thank you all for gathering so promptly, I want to start by welcoming some of you back from break, and welcoming some of you to our roster." Here her gaze lingered on some of the new faces. "I would like to formally introduce two new division Heads, firstly Anderson Mackenna who is taking the reins as Chief Inspector for the Office of Counterfeit Magic and Equipment Control, and secondly, Peyton Stewart who is taking the post of Magical Law Enforcement Squad Chief Investigator, please make them both feel welcome." She had gestured in turn to each of the gentlemen, though she was confident that by now they would be familiarised with their own new staff. "In addition to that we also have a number of new staff that have joined us across the department, pleas take the time to get to know them on a collegial level and lend them support as needed."

New. There was a great deal of change, change that she was adjusting to too quickly.

She paused here to take another sip of her water.

"I also wanted to start by extending my gratitude to the staff who worked so tirelessly last year, it was one of our most successful periods as far as case closures were concerned, and I hope that with the same perseverance and energy we will continue to make gains in the future."

"Case loads have been reviewed and I trust you are all up to speed with your assignments, if you have any concerns or issues with these please don't hesitate to see your line manager about it, or see me directly if it is not something they may clarify. I won't keep you all for long, though I did call you all here for a purpose. Firstly, a training initiative will be offered for staff wishing to brush up particular skills sets or are looking to gain new skills. Information on this will be posted on the noticeboard by close of business today. The location of this training will be here, so for the benefit of those of you that are not familiar with the level or our training facilities... here you are."

"But now, before I continue, did anyone have anything bring to our attention?" Issues and communications... they ought to speak now, or hold their breath which meant until they were blue in the face and could no longer ignore the fact that they failed to speak up now. "Open forum."

OOC: Hihi, so super short meeting, if your charries has questions or requests or ANYTHING now is a good time for that. There will be an opportunity for charries to rub shoulders more at the close of this meeting.

In true luckless Rider fashion, Benzi was late to his first ever meeting at the DMLE.

Of course.

Practically seething at the world and its very many faults, the eighteen year old tried to slip in unnoticed during what appeared to be Emily Browne's starting speech. She was busy introducing the new Head of something or other that he didn't catch. Great. He was behind already. Stupid pregnancy. Stupid sickness. Stupid crup, stupid crying, stupid MAGIC.

RIP left pinky fingernail.

He'd never appreciated how much a fingernail was a necessary part of his body until he'd left it behind at home in his hurry. His poor nail. GONE, because of his hurried attempt to get to the ministry and away from his clinically insane mother as fast as possible. Having wrapped it hastily with a conjured bandage, he'd ran the entire way to the meeting and predictably ended up on the wrong floor twice, bleeding out and ignoring the pitying looks sent his way.

Now, finally, he was here. And panting. And NOT dripping blood on the floor because just before he'd walked in Benzi had taken a moment to wrap an extra bandage around his finger. Best first meeting. So great. Injured, late AND in pain. Eternally grateful he couldn't blush, he gave a short curt nod to his new boss and shuffled to the corner to pointedly stare at his shoes.

Benzi Rider, YATI, present. Here we go.

Emily was looking particularly... pregnant. It took one to know one, although Vivi was a year and a half over her own pregnancy and now spent most of her time away from work chasing small toddler people. People who never napped at the same time, like they had a sleep schedule worked out in their twisted tiny brains.

So yeah. Vivi was feeling for her boss lady, and she toasted her with a cup of coffee that she was finally able to drink again. Cheers, boss, but like... not gonna give up coffee out of solidarity.

"Who gets the baby Aurors?" Her eyes drifted to the newest recruits, and then to the not quite as shiny!new recruits. She wanted one.

Legend was not late. He had slipped in sometime between the start of Emily's speech and the arrival of crazy loud insane new YATI. Merlin, why did they have another one???

....And why was he COMPLAINING about it?

He sounded like Damien. All he had to do was grunt and scowl more and he'd be transformed.

Shaking his head from his thoughts, Legend focused in Right so, Mackenna and Stewart were two that he had to make note of- why did Emily seem a little different? Rounded perhaps? Was that a thing to say? Could he bring that up? Probably shouldn't bring that up. He'd get hexed from here to the Durmstrang if he brought that up.

Focusing in again his attention was drawn in away almost immediately at the arrival of....Rider. Impressive. He stared deadpan at the boy before turning back to the-slightly-off-almost-rounded-but-not-bringing-it-up-Emily.

"Vivi brings up a good point with Carter currently out of the office. Sounds like she's volunteering to me." Hehehe.

The pointed response didn't go unnoticed, in fact, it registered loud and clear. The problem with that? Alexa was choosing not to hear it and it was promptly discarded in favour of swirling her chocolate frog around even more. The fact several of her colleagues were scrutinizing whatever condition the boss might have been in went completely over her head both due to a lack of interest and an anxiousness to not be seated anymore.

The YATI that turned up late got only a glance, the new recruits and mentions of other new positions came through one ear and went through the next. It was a horrid mindset when sitting through a meeting, in truth, but she made up for it at the mention of additional training opportunities.

That had her somewhat interested, yes--as did Vivi and Legend's exchange.

Prior to them she didn't have a question, but now she did, one worth breaking her stubborn vow of mutters and silence. "If Vivi gets the YATIs do I answer to her or Legend?" WAS Legend her sorta!boss now or was Carter still....?

And whiiiiile they were at it (because she was still foggy about stuff that neither Legend nor Vivi could answer. "Do I get a desk?" At current she didn't have any case related questions, just house keeping matters.

Text Cut: Emily

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hera

Fishing in her pocket for a small vial, Emily added a couple of drops from it to her water, only to be disrupted shortly after when the first eager YATI arrived. It was always a YATI, one once upon a time, it had been her.

The Department Head tried for a polite smile as the girl approached, meeting the extension of the hand with her own and shaking it lightly. After she was confident the words tumbling from her mouth had ceased, Emily nodded simply, withdrawing her hand. "I know perfectly well who you are," she started, though that ought to have been obvious considering it was she who signed the girls contract after picking her from the crop of hopefuls that had applied. "Let's hope that excitement is productive, good luck with your training," she offered before finally claiming a sip of her much needed lemon flavoured water.

Of course she would know who she was. Evie would probably actually be disappointed if she didn't know, now that she thought about it. Either way, it was polite to introduce oneself, so that's what Evie did. She was an excited little bubble of nerves, but she managed to keep her composure... mostly calm. She returned the smile and nodded. "Thank you. I appreciate it." And since that sounded like the end of the conversation, Evie stepped away and took a seat at the large table. Her eyes wandered from person to person as they filtered in, but she couldn't help but wonder where Benzi was...

Not much later, the meeting began. She listened avidly, even though most of it didn't quite make sense to her yet. Her train of thought was interrupted when the door opened again and.... aha. It was Benzi. A slightly amused, slightly smug smile touched her lips as he entered the room and ran to the corner. Oh, she was so going to give him a bad time about this after the meeting.

Her mind went back to the meeting as the others asked questions.

'Baby aurors'. Her eyes moved to the blonde who asked the question and then the man she recognized as the Head Auror (she had done her research). She didn't know who the blonde was, but she recognized the girl who asked the question about the desk. That was Alexa Cambridge, the one Evangeline's brother warned her about. "Complete nutzo firecracker, that one," Milton had said. Evie observed her from her seat. She was curious to find out if that were true. Milton tended to.. exaggerate.

Anderson had barely sat down when Emily turned to speak to him. He nodded at her question, taking a small sip of his juice and raising an eyebrow ever so slightly at the look she was giving his glass. Strange. But anyway, back to the question. "Just fine at the moment, thanks. I haven't come across any problems, but if I do you'll be the first to know."

Although right now it seemed she had enough on her plate with some of the staff. Ahh, he did not miss that. Being in charge of a division, rather than everything, was going to be a refreshing change. And it seemed, thankfully, that none of the over-enthusiastic people - or the sullen ones - were going to be working for, and under, him.

Once the news of training and the pleasantries were out of the way, and Emily had introduced him and Peyton - to which he nodded again to the assembled masses - Anderson sat back and listened to the conversation on the YATI'S. One of whom, he was guessing, was the rather excitable lady who had bundled in not long after him. She seemed very.....happy to be there. Much more so than the woman who asked about a desk.

Circe, she looked mad, almost. He could be serious when he was at work, but that was not to be confused with grumpiness. He had a sense of humour. She looked to have nothing of the sort. Merlin help him if he ever came into contact with her.

Those that he hadn't met before, other than her, seemed nice enough, though. He'd have to make sure he met more of them once the meeting was finished, and before he gathered his own crew in the office. For now, though, he merely sat and listened and ate his muffin. Observing the goings on, as he currently had nothing to add or ask himself.

Emily answered his greeting before seeking an impromptu report on who things were on his end. Always an interesting inquiry, especially given the time of year. It had its share of issues and adventures with all the new employees flooding said atrium. “Roughly down to a dull boil…” Simon remarked. As in busy with a touch of craziness but all able to be handled well enough. It would hopefully all settle down once routines were developed and no one was getting lost.

Anderson, the older man and new division head was the next to make an appearance after him. Simon nodded in polite acknowledgement of his greeting since he hadn’t had the chance to swallow his latest sip. Then Penelope one of the younger aurors who got a “Good morning,” in echo since he had. Next a completely energetic and overly happy young woman whom he was staying away from answering at the moment. Must be one of the new YATIs for sure though.

---------------------------

And then the meeting was officially beginning.

Peyton and Anderson were properly introduced and Simon inclined his head at each of them as his gaze passed to them with Emily’s words. He had met both so it wasn’t like the introductions were needed with him. No, they were for the benefit of others. Like their direct division employees that might be present. As for the other new employees, he would have to see about making the acquaintance of them. His was a job that was best to know and be able to work with anyone and everyone. That and he was the type to be friendly and helpful.

As for the message to the returning staff, the former auror turned security head had to agree. It had been quite successful, thankfully with the return of the students to their families and Hogwarts, as well as cracking down on certain criminals. If only his own small stack of unfinished stuff from his former days wasn’t so helped. A certain time messer in particular still remained at large. Simon made a note of the possibility of refresher training, usually tending to be interested in such things just to keep fresh.

Now to think if he had anything to speak ab—

Cue late arrival.

Simon was going to say the befuddled young man was another new YATI. One who would no doubt learn the ropes soon enough, what with Legend not one to take it easy. Speaking of trainees, there was suddenly a discussion on who was in charge of them with Josh away. This was new. His bestie had been out of office for a bit but suddenly there was interest. He looked between Vivi and Legend but simply listened. And then Cambridge had questions?

Um…why was she concerned about the YATI? Wasn’t she out of them?

Yeah….Simon was definitely taking the observation route for the moment.

SPOILER!!: Rider XD

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daemon

In true luckless Rider fashion, Benzi was late to his first ever meeting at the DMLE.

Of course.

Practically seething at the world and its very many faults, the eighteen year old tried to slip in unnoticed during what appeared to be Emily Browne's starting speech. She was busy introducing the new Head of something or other that he didn't catch. Great. He was behind already. Stupid pregnancy. Stupid sickness. Stupid crup, stupid crying, stupid MAGIC.

RIP left pinky fingernail.

He'd never appreciated how much a fingernail was a necessary part of his body until he'd left it behind at home in his hurry. His poor nail. GONE, because of his hurried attempt to get to the ministry and away from his clinically insane mother as fast as possible. Having wrapped it hastily with a conjured bandage, he'd ran the entire way to the meeting and predictably ended up on the wrong floor twice, bleeding out and ignoring the pitying looks sent his way.

Now, finally, he was here. And panting. And NOT dripping blood on the floor because just before he'd walked in Benzi had taken a moment to wrap an extra bandage around his finger. Best first meeting. So great. Injured, late AND in pain. Eternally grateful he couldn't blush, he gave a short curt nod to his new boss and shuffled to the corner to pointedly stare at his shoes.

Benzi Rider, YATI, present. Here we go.

.... late.

He was late.

It was not the best first impression, but for the sake of his self-esteem she would opt to not do anything about it. The boy was probationary anyway, so not a problem that needed dealing with by her. The YATIL could see to sorting him out.

And speaking of... a good point raised.

SPOILER!!: James and the Chosen one; the chosen one is choosing? OKAY

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cassirin

Emily was looking particularly... pregnant. It took one to know one, although Vivi was a year and a half over her own pregnancy and now spent most of her time away from work chasing small toddler people. People who never napped at the same time, like they had a sleep schedule worked out in their twisted tiny brains.

So yeah. Vivi was feeling for her boss lady, and she toasted her with a cup of coffee that she was finally able to drink again. Cheers, boss, but like... not gonna give up coffee out of solidarity.

"Who gets the baby Aurors?" Her eyes drifted to the newest recruits, and then to the not quite as shiny!new recruits. She wanted one.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaos.Doodles

Legend was not late. He had slipped in sometime between the start of Emily's speech and the arrival of crazy loud insane new YATI. Merlin, why did they have another one???

....And why was he COMPLAINING about it?

He sounded like Damien. All he had to do was grunt and scowl more and he'd be transformed.

Shaking his head from his thoughts, Legend focused in Right so, Mackenna and Stewart were two that he had to make note of- why did Emily seem a little different? Rounded perhaps? Was that a thing to say? Could he bring that up? Probably shouldn't bring that up. He'd get hexed from here to the Durmstrang if he brought that up.

Focusing in again his attention was drawn in away almost immediately at the arrival of....Rider. Impressive. He stared deadpan at the boy before turning back to the-slightly-off-almost-rounded-but-not-bringing-it-up-Emily.

"Vivi brings up a good point with Carter currently out of the office. Sounds like she's volunteering to me." Hehehe.

The issue of Carter's prolonged absence from the office was easily curbed, and she couldn't help but find herself agreeing with Legend's assessment. "Indeed, an excellent thought," she mused before looking back to the blonde. "You'll have a new contract on your desk by the end of the day, I recommend you sign it promptly..." and keep the children from impailing themselves on their own wands. Or whatever it was the YATI did these days.

YATI...

And there was one that ought NOT be one for much longer. She was studying, yes?

SPOILER!!: Cambridge

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaniDiNardo

The pointed response didn't go unnoticed, in fact, it registered loud and clear. The problem with that? Alexa was choosing not to hear it and it was promptly discarded in favour of swirling her chocolate frog around even more. The fact several of her colleagues were scrutinizing whatever condition the boss might have been in went completely over her head both due to a lack of interest and an anxiousness to not be seated anymore.

The YATI that turned up late got only a glance, the new recruits and mentions of other new positions came through one ear and went through the next. It was a horrid mindset when sitting through a meeting, in truth, but she made up for it at the mention of additional training opportunities.

That had her somewhat interested, yes--as did Vivi and Legend's exchange.

Prior to them she didn't have a question, but now she did, one worth breaking her stubborn vow of mutters and silence. "If Vivi gets the YATIs do I answer to her or Legend?" WAS Legend her sorta!boss now or was Carter still....?

And whiiiiile they were at it (because she was still foggy about stuff that neither Legend nor Vivi could answer. "Do I get a desk?" At current she didn't have any case related questions, just house keeping matters.

Cambridge's question was met with a light brow raise. Was she really asking?

"Both, but that's nothing unusual." Obviously. Regardless of who was YATIL, Chosen was still the Head of the dividion.

Circe.

And there was more. A desk? She was asking about a desk? "I don't see why not, but I'll leave it to Chosen to sort out the logistics of that." Desks and seating arrangements were not her issue.

SPOILER!!: Quieties, Shacklebolt, Mackenna, Bennett

Quote:

Originally Posted by sarahlooo

Of course she would know who she was. Evie would probably actually be disappointed if she didn't know, now that she thought about it. Either way, it was polite to introduce oneself, so that's what Evie did. She was an excited little bubble of nerves, but she managed to keep her composure... mostly calm. She returned the smile and nodded. "Thank you. I appreciate it." And since that sounded like the end of the conversation, Evie stepped away and took a seat at the large table. Her eyes wandered from person to person as they filtered in, but she couldn't help but wonder where Benzi was...

Not much later, the meeting began. She listened avidly, even though most of it didn't quite make sense to her yet. Her train of thought was interrupted when the door opened again and.... aha. It was Benzi. A slightly amused, slightly smug smile touched her lips as he entered the room and ran to the corner. Oh, she was so going to give him a bad time about this after the meeting.

Her mind went back to the meeting as the others asked questions.

'Baby aurors'. Her eyes moved to the blonde who asked the question and then the man she recognized as the Head Auror (she had done her research). She didn't know who the blonde was, but she recognized the girl who asked the question about the desk. That was Alexa Cambridge, the one Evangeline's brother warned her about. "Complete nutzo firecracker, that one," Milton had said. Evie observed her from her seat. She was curious to find out if that were true. Milton tended to.. exaggerate.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MeredithRodneyMckay

Anderson had barely sat down when Emily turned to speak to him. He nodded at her question, taking a small sip of his juice and raising an eyebrow ever so slightly at the look she was giving his glass. Strange. But anyway, back to the question. "Just fine at the moment, thanks. I haven't come across any problems, but if I do you'll be the first to know."

Although right now it seemed she had enough on her plate with some of the staff. Ahh, he did not miss that. Being in charge of a division, rather than everything, was going to be a refreshing change. And it seemed, thankfully, that none of the over-enthusiastic people - or the sullen ones - were going to be working for, and under, him.

Once the news of training and the pleasantries were out of the way, and Emily had introduced him and Peyton - to which he nodded again to the assembled masses - Anderson sat back and listened to the conversation on the YATI'S. One of whom, he was guessing, was the rather excitable lady who had bundled in not long after him. She seemed very.....happy to be there. Much more so than the woman who asked about a desk.

Circe, she looked mad, almost. He could be serious when he was at work, but that was not to be confused with grumpiness. He had a sense of humour. She looked to have nothing of the sort. Merlin help him if he ever came into contact with her.

Those that he hadn't met before, other than her, seemed nice enough, though. He'd have to make sure he met more of them once the meeting was finished, and before he gathered his own crew in the office. For now, though, he merely sat and listened and ate his muffin. Observing the goings on, as he currently had nothing to add or ask himself.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Holmesian Feline

Emily answered his greeting before seeking an impromptu report on who things were on his end. Always an interesting inquiry, especially given the time of year. It had its share of issues and adventures with all the new employees flooding said atrium. “Roughly down to a dull boil…” Simon remarked. As in busy with a touch of craziness but all able to be handled well enough. It would hopefully all settle down once routines were developed and no one was getting lost.

Anderson, the older man and new division head was the next to make an appearance after him. Simon nodded in polite acknowledgement of his greeting since he hadn’t had the chance to swallow his latest sip. Then Penelope one of the younger aurors who got a “Good morning,” in echo since he had. Next a completely energetic and overly happy young woman whom he was staying away from answering at the moment. Must be one of the new YATIs for sure though.

---------------------------

And then the meeting was officially beginning.

Peyton and Anderson were properly introduced and Simon inclined his head at each of them as his gaze passed to them with Emily’s words. He had met both so it wasn’t like the introductions were needed with him. No, they were for the benefit of others. Like their direct division employees that might be present. As for the other new employees, he would have to see about making the acquaintance of them. His was a job that was best to know and be able to work with anyone and everyone. That and he was the type to be friendly and helpful.

As for the message to the returning staff, the former auror turned security head had to agree. It had been quite successful, thankfully with the return of the students to their families and Hogwarts, as well as cracking down on certain criminals. If only his own small stack of unfinished stuff from his former days wasn’t so helped. A certain time messer in particular still remained at large. Simon made a note of the possibility of refresher training, usually tending to be interested in such things just to keep fresh.

Now to think if he had anything to speak ab—

Cue late arrival.

Simon was going to say the befuddled young man was another new YATI. One who would no doubt learn the ropes soon enough, what with Legend not one to take it easy. Speaking of trainees, there was suddenly a discussion on who was in charge of them with Josh away. This was new. His bestie had been out of office for a bit but suddenly there was interest. He looked between Vivi and Legend but simply listened. And then Cambridge had questions?

Um…why was she concerned about the YATI? Wasn’t she out of them?

Yeah….Simon was definitely taking the observation route for the moment.

As for the others, they seemed to be fending well enough for themselves. No issues on Mackenna's end, and Bennett had things under control... the other YATI wasn't embarrassing herself. This was... better.

Good. Great. They could be done with this then.

"If there's nothing else that requires our collective attention then you're welcome to eat and mingle, consider this additional break a gesture of good-will, I'm sure we'll continue to do fine work this year, as we did in the last..... or you may be dismissed."

worked for them.

All she knew was that there was a poppyseed muffin with her name on it, so without further ado, she rose from her seat to claim it.

OOC: So the meeting is "over" but by all means, please feel free to mingle and get to know each others charries, especially since we're spread over different divisions. Eat, interrogate each other, or us, and in general have fun. The other threads too are available to explore <3

She answered to both, Legend would decide if she had a desk, they could stay and 'chat' or were dismissed.

That was her cue. Lex rose promptly from her seat, decidedly in no mood to mix and mingle as most others might have opted to do. She had work to do and things to study and everything else that did not include being here and pretending everything was honky dory.

The young woman grabbed a chocolate muffin from the table, stuffed the chocolate frog in her mouth then turned to make her exit. The coffee...she would just get another as this one was left on the table. A respectful nod to the boss lady, a final glance at everyone present then Alexa Cambridge left.

She had things to do.

Wait. What just happened? Vivi sat up suddenly, her eyes roving from Legend to Emily and back to Legend again. Just like that? Ask if she could have a baby to torment and they give her ALL the babies to torment?

It was like her birthday. Several birthdays at once.

"I'll... look for it, Boss Lady. Thank you. Won't let you down." These were gonna be the best trained Aurors the Ministry had ever seen.

Toni entered into the revealed door of training arena, and found herself in a plain looking room, "well this is big room". She instinctively readied her wand, this is training what do you expect a party or something, before going further in, Toni exercise the best defense she can muster, always know your surrounding but the room like empty. Her idea of a training room is, its has some dummy or moving object to at least dodge, and maybe a cover or at least a thing can accommodate a living person to take cover.

Toni’s alertness are kicked high, this place a bit off, why on Merlin beard there almost nothing here, yes, Toni saw a table, a wide one, approaching it, with caution, wand on the ready, ready to cast at least a protection spell, a any moment it seem appropriate.

“What are those thing, are those portkeys, I thought portkey is unusable here” Toni say quietly to herself.

Toni look again in the whole room, it seem well lighted, there is nothing to do here. “Can I back or headed where?”

But it the last note, “there is always a trial in the training arena, even before, I came here ages ago[] but still I have no idea, what to do here.”

Toni decided to look forward into it, approaching further into the table, she now able to see “What are those numbers mean.” Her mind trying to find possible answer “Oh, it was a tag,……, for what for”.

Toni still trying to find out what to do, she look at the object that laying randomly at the table. “Hmmm, Numbered 6, that look like a metal, a hexagonal one, bend a little, the numbered 1 having a word into it ‘NAVMAN’, what a word,........ that that thing look like a dog collar or something, oh that emit some light, wonder what this things are for”

Toni's mind is almost busy looking to the object in the table, when she noticed the parchment looking card in the corner of the table, “Is that a quill” she say involuntarily.

Toni's paranoia is going to get loose, what work or training I can do here.