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sweetpinkpixie · #1 (**permalink**) 06-02-2021, 11:15 AM

Creature Holding Room

As soon as you enter the creature holding room, your ears are bombarded with the sounds of a myriad of creatures, and with the sheer chaotic energy that radiates from the inhabitants of this room. But what else would you expect from a room filled with a vast array of creatures?

The creature holding room is, as the title suggests, a room to hold creatures of all shapes and sizes. When a creature has been captured or confiscated and in need of a temporary home, they can be kept in here. While more permanent arrangements are being made for them, they are under the care of the department and therefore, the utmost level of care is expected when handling these creatures.

Several fenced off areas fill the room that houses creatures that are separated by species, size, and of course, Ministry classification. On the right wall, bloodhound kennels can be found leading all the way up to a mysterious door in the corner of the room. Behind the door is a large, open area where the dogs can be taken for special training. If you don't like the grassy pastures, you're welcome to charm the room to mimic whatever tickles your fancy, though we do ask you to change it back when you're done.

Need some equipment? Looking for safety equipment or the first aid box? On the left hand side of the main room there are various cupboards that come supplied with all the supplies and materials you could possibly need, whether they're for your well-being or the creatures'.

Your safety is crucial and it's because of this that extreme security measures have been put into place. Several protection charms have been placed to stop any non-DERP employees - or anyone who doesn't have permission to be in here - from entering the room. If, by a strange turn of events, you find yourself past these security charms and into the room, the Caterwauling Charm will sound, resonating across all of level four. This will inform the employees and department head of level four that there has been a security breach, which could land you in a whole heap of trouble!

OOC: This thread is meant for DERP employees only! Please don't post in here if you're a non-DERP employee, unless you have permission or you're being escorted by a DERP employee. If you do, you're doing so at your own risk!

emjay · 01-09-2023, 03:35 PM

Gunnar had been conflicted about his job with the Ministry for a little while now. He really did love the work that he did, especially focusing on the nutritional needs of the creatures in his care. It was his livelihood and what he spent years studying. But after being mer-napped and held hostage for months, he was pretty sure his husband would rather he stay away from the Ministry. And it was something he had given considerable thought. He just wasn't completely sure what he'd do instead.

He was a bit lost in these thoughts as he began to prepare the morning meal for the bloodhounds. Once they were done eating, maybe he'd take them out for some exercise.

Chelliephone · 11-05-2023, 08:16 PM

It had been a rather unexpected package received from the Kotkrysa Animal Reserve at the base of Mount Elbrus in Russia, accompanied by quick mirror call from one of her old peers from her days at Koldovstoretz letting her know it was on the way. Generally, Sook preferred more than a few hours notice when she was taking on additional creatures in the department but emergencies did happen. From what she had gathered from the quick call, the reserves structures all had an infestation of bundimun and the new exposure to the elements were causing some of the creatures to get sick. The Russian ministry had taken on all of the sick creatures due to their proximity, however they had reached further out for those that were well due to staffing concerns. Sookie's old ties from her previous place of employment were what had made her the next in line for the responsibility.

Though of course, while she'd gotten all of that information before the call disconnected, she hadn't been able to get any type of confirmation as to what to expect within the crate she now carried in her hands as she made her way into the Creatures Holding Room. She had no idea exactly how many creatures were within the box or the different types to expect. From what she remembered, Kotkrysa was on the smaller side so they should still have plenty of space - but the next few weeks getting every settled would still be on the busier side. With today perhaps being the most so.

Setting the small file box down on the ground, she straightened up and pulled her wand from it's holster. With a quick few non-verbals, she was able to lift the enchantments only allowing the Level Four employees into the room, before crafting an interdepartmental memo to send out to the rest of her department and the other levels.

FearlessLeader19 · 11-05-2023, 09:18 PM

Lucas had seen the memo from Sookie, and naturally he wanted to help in any way he could since he considered her a friend in addition to being a coworker. He was also curious about these creatures that the Ministry would be housing. So, after ensuring there were no urgent matters on his level to attend to, the Quidditch Division Manager made his way to Ecological’s Creatures’ Holding Room.

Ah.

Was he the first here? It seemed to be that way. “Hi, Sookie.” Just why was Lucas speaking quieter than usual? It was because he was quite mindful of not wanting to startle any creature in the Room. “Reporting for creature duty.”

littledhampir · 11-06-2023, 01:14 AM

When Indigo had seen the interdepartmental memo he had been intrigued. A shipment of creatures that they needed help with? It didn't specify what creatures specifically, but he was interested to see. Indigo didn't mind creatures. He had once worked at a magical creatures reserve, specifically with thestrals. He didn't have a lot of experience with other creatues specifically, but he did like the time he had worked with them. When looking for jobs he had briefly considered applying for to DERP, because he had enjoyed his time working with thestrals. But then he had discovered the job in the Department of Mysteries that was even more suited to his interests, and he was very glad he had gone with that one because he enjoyed it immensely. But at the memo asking for anyone to help with creatures, he decided that he would be interested in helping out. Besides, he had been poring over the same magical book all day and he could use a break to stretch his legs.

So there he was, making his way to the creatures room. He'd never been there before, and was interested in getting to take a look at a new area of the Ministry. There weren't many people there yet, and he hadn't met either of the people who had gathered already. One woman was very expertly dealing with a box, and he assumed she was the one who had sent the memo requesting help. The other was a man who had come to help. Indigo stood off to the side, not wanting to get in anyone's way. But he sent a friendly smile both their ways. "Hello. I'm here to help as well."

Charely Potter · 11-06-2023, 09:45 AM

Darej had been out on another assignment with another colleague finishing up the shutdown of an individual attempting to raise basilisk in a swift manner.

When he returned he saw the memo and made his way over, "Hello Sookie," The details on what was in the crate was a mystery he was both anxious and bit excited to see. Other than it being from Russia, that left some serious potential creatures to arrive. Mixed in with the caution as he hand his wand at the ready. Oh yes, he did briefly acknowledge the two who arrived as well with a friendly nod. "Hello... everyone have their wands at the ready?" darej trusted they did, but felt it prudent to mention nevertheless.

*Nordic Witch* · 11-06-2023, 04:05 PM

When Sophie had read the interdepartment memo she had been intrigued. A shipment of creatures that they needed extra assistance with, she was in. After making sure with her boss Conley that it was okay to leave for a few hours the blonde ambassador made her way over to the ecological department's creature holding room. With a smile on her face Sophie greeted "Hello everyone! I'm here to assist as well." If there were some information about the creatures in the shipment that was written in a foreign language like say something scandinavian then she could assist with translation. Reaching for her wand as adviced Sophie wondered if it was standard for the creature employees of the ecological department to always have their wands at the ready when encountering unfamiliar creatures? It was probably smart though she reflected silently if you were prepared for anything.

*PhoenixRising* · 11-06-2023, 07:30 PM

Tia dealt more with magical beings, but she definitely was a fan of all creatures and in particular more exotic. She was just doing administrative paperwork (boring!) when she'd seen the memo from her boss, so naturally she jumped at that the chance.

"Sookie. Darej." She greeted her boss and fellow colleague. As for the others present, she didn't know them personally but she was grateful for their willingness to help out with creatures. Even a bit surprised to see the crowd already filled in. "Hello everyone, thanks for coming to help!" Even if she was almost as in the dark as to what they were helping with, although she'd thought she'd seen something come across her desk from a foreign entity. Alas, Russian was a language she wasn't all that familiar with, so she'd definitely put that off to the side - French and Italian, yes.

Chelliephone · 11-08-2023, 03:11 AM

With the request for assistance being so last minute, Sook had not been expecting too much of a turn out for who would be available at the present time. However, as employees both from her own department and others filed in, she was relieved by the numbers and her smile slowly turned more genuine and less stressed with each body. "Good day, Lucas." She greeted the Games and Sports employee at his arrival, before also offering greetings to the others. "Thank you for sparing some of your time Mr. Rousseau, Sophie."

Once she'd greeted those from other departments, her attention then shifted to Darej and TiaMarie as she gave them both grateful smiles as well. "How about the three of us also make sure we are evenly distributed throughout the room to offer assistance." Whatever creatures were in the box were probably feeling displaced and confused and might be a bit more hostile than even the most docile normally would be. While she trusted the competency of all Ministry employees, those in her department were more thoroughly trained for scenarios like that so she wanted to ensure someone was always within a good distance to offer help.

Once she was content that would be possible, she addressed the room at large. "Thank you all for your assistance. The creatures we have sent I imagine might be a bit confused and anxious due to the sudden displacement. We should only be casting defensive spells in the event it is necessary for any ministry employee protection or the protection of the creatures." Just a general warning in the event anyone got over reactive. "Everyone prepared?" She asked again, glancing over each face, before using her wand to lift the lid from the box. She imagined the more dangerous creatures were locked more securely within but for those that were not an immediate threat, it was possible they'd begin filtering out any moment. With any luck, someone would be able to locate a list too of any contents within.

*Holmesian Feline* · 11-08-2023, 07:53 PM

In Simon’s many years at the Ministry, there had been quite a few incidents involving creatures that had caused a ton of havoc on the place and its workers. The mutants escaping was one. The total lock-out of the employees from the building by a chizpurfles infestation was definitely another. So as much as he liked most creatures, having been raised by a magizoologist father, the security head was now always on high alert when something living was delivered the Ministry of Magic. Add to it the short notice and lack of preparation due to circumstances on the other end and he had made sure those who handled the intake were extra careful.

And then Sookie had sent out notice asking for help. It was more than a little enticing, both to satisfy his curiosity as to what had been delivered as well, and to keep an eye on things. Best to know what the situation was from the get-go than to deal with more surprises along the way because you let yourself be caught off guard. Of course, another issue had threatened to pull him away from being available to help, but thankfully it had managed to be settled without too much trouble.

So he finally made his way to Level Four to find Sookie and her employees scattered amongst Sophie, Lucas and Indigo and opening up the crate. His wand shifted into his grasp at his side to stand ready as well, his eyes alert to watch for whatever movement came from within.

*Nordic Witch* · 11-09-2023, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chelliephone

Once she was content that would be possible, she addressed the room at large. "Thank you all for your assistance. The creatures we have sent I imagine might be a bit confused and anxious due to the sudden displacement. We should only be casting defensive spells in the event it is necessary for any ministry employee protection or the protection of the creatures." Just a general warning in the event anyone got over reactive. "Everyone prepared?" She asked again, glancing over each face, before using her wand to lift the lid from the box. She imagined the more dangerous creatures were locked more securely within but for those that were not an immediate threat, it was possible they'd begin filtering out any moment. With any luck, someone would be able to locate a list too of any contents within.

"My boss Conley thought it'd be of use if I assisted with this if there is some notes or so in a foreign language that needs translating. I'm well versed in several languages." Sophie responded over to Sookie. She then started to fiddle with her wand, feeling a flashback to when she was a student at Hogwarts in COMC class waiting to see what creatures they were going to face in the next class. It felt comforting that there were some creatures employees distributed around the room to offer assistance if needed. Nobody knew what creatures were in the box which made Sophie feel anxious. Seeing Simon walk in through was reassuring since she knew she could count on him to have her back if things got hairy with whatever creatures came out of the box in the next minutes.

Looking over at the woman in charge; Sookie she nodded and affirmed "I'm ready!" Fixing her eyes, and full attention on the box Sophie regripped her wand and just waited. Creatures, come out, come out!

Helios Sunrider · 11-10-2023, 06:37 PM

It was a misconception to think that Damian liked mysteries. If something strange was going on, the unspeakable probably wasn't far from it. But it wasn't the mystery he enjoyed, they were like a splinter in his mind, it was the solving that he enjoyed.

When Sookie, someone that he relatively trusted, asked for help with some unknown creatures she had his attention. Arriving just as the lid was beginning to open, Damian leaned back against a far wall with his hands tucked into the pockets of his long black coat. The group already gathered should have it all under control, so he'd only step in if things got out of hand.

Everything would surely go well, right?

**KNARLS!** · 11-11-2023, 03:35 PM

Freedom!

When the lid to their and the other creatures rather abrupt prison opened, the knarls were quick to climb the staircase within and shuffle outside of the box. There were three of them, appearing one right after the other.

Spike was the first to leave the box, in a scurry to get away from the confined space. But imagine his surprise when as he peeped over the edge, there was a bunch of humans standing there. Looking at him. Some were even brandishing their garden sticks his direction! With an offended noise, he moved out of the way of his companions and shuffled about the room trying to find somewhere to hunker in which he wouldn’t be cornered.

Quilliam followed just a few steps behind, leaving the box with a loud snort. He glanced curiously at Spike, before black eye turned towards the humans in the room. He blinked at them once before promptly shoving his snout towards the ground and begin his snuffle about the room. They hadn’t left him a BITE of daisies in there and he was HUNGRY now.

Spinella snapped at Quilliam’s behind as he took to long to move, though lucky for him she didn’t get her companion. She was angry. The people who had lured her into the box had the gall to also leave lettuce, carrots, apples. She didn’t know why, but they were trapping her within a trap. Well, she’d show THEM. With a slow look towards the humans, she bared her teeth for a moment before with another noise she scampered towards bags piled in a corner. She’d just have to rip those to shreds and make them clean it all up.

*Zoe* · 11-11-2023, 05:31 PM

While handling magical creatures was not her forte, Tallulah could not ignore Sookie's memo welcoming everyone in the Ministry to assist with the shipment of creatures. After settling a little dispute resulting from a magical mishap, the department head made use of the not-well-known stairwell that connected the two levels. Smiles and waves were given to those she passed by en route to the creature holding room, her excitement growing with each step.

Making her entrance, she could tell, by the state of the open box and the knarls that were making their way out, that she was a little late to the party. Not that was a problem because what mattered was that she was here now amongst the other employees. Rather than say her usual round of hellos, she immediately started oooing and tried to squeeze her short frame closer to the box so she could have a better look at the beasts that were to come.

"Aww! They're so adorable!" Tally commented, not too loudly of course because she didn't want to spook the knarls or any of the other critters. However, she did have to admit that the last one seemed a bit peeved.

**PIXIES!** · 11-11-2023, 09:06 PM

The moment the box had been opened, the small bright-blue creatures started to rub their mischievous hands with delight and bicker amongst themselves as they waited for the perfect moment to make their move. They felt that they had been cooped up for far too long, and now it was time for a lot of fun to be had! And now they were free at last!

EEEEEHEHEE!

The pixies' laughter could be heard before they could be seen. They zoomed out of the box and into the holding room, a group of seven darting in different directions. Two made their way over to the left side of the room and started opening cupboards and pulling items out of them. Another wasted no time banging on the kennels, disturbing the bloodhounds within. One dashed across the room in hopes of finding a good hiding place.

The three that remained nearby, however, began having fun with the humans. They sure hoped they liked their hair being pulled, their clothes being tugged, and their sticks being taken from them.

EHEHEHEHEEEEEEE!

FearlessLeader19 · 11-12-2023, 06:17 PM

It wasn’t long before employees from other departments were arriving. Lucas recognised quite a few of them including Indigo {whom he gave a cheery smile in greeting}, one of Brody’s closest friends - Sophie, and Damian. There were the other Ecological Protection employees, Darej and Tia.

“Got mine,’’ Lucas affirmed, which was a response to Darej’s question. One could never tell what mood the creatures were in; it was best to be prepared. Speaking of being prepared… Sookie was bringing things to a start. The Games and Sports employee understood the importance of casting only defensive spells. Besides not wanting to injure the creatures, it could be easy to injure the other employees given that they were all confined to a particular space.

Off came the lid to reveal…

Knarls and Pixies.

The knarls weren’t so bad. Lucas just had about a couple of seconds to register that three of the creatures had existed the box and Tallulah's words when the room was suddenly filled with Cornish Pixie laughter. “Immobulus!’’ he sort of yelped, pointing his wand at a pixie that was causing ruckus at a cupboard. At the same time, Lucas was battling one that had seized his hair and was attempting to descalp him.

Charely Potter · 11-12-2023, 11:16 PM

"Right," Darej agreed with Sookie's order with a nod. While plenty of others joined in to help out. Among them were a mix of seasoned department members along with those who hadn't faced a duel recently let alone wrangling a creature. "I'll stand guard by the door," He said to Sookie and Tia before he moved. With the other newly incoming volunteers. If there were any loose strays it would have to fall on him to prevent the entire Ministry from dealing with whatever was in the box. He stood by the door waiting until the remaining volunteers came in before he shut it. "Wands ready," Darej kept his grip of his wand near his pocket. He might have to rely on some wordless ones just in case.

First thing, were Knarls. "Stupefy should work on those scurrying Knarls if you see them within close distance," Darej went to aim at one that was shuffling towards a corner when the sound of rapid fluttering of wings reached his ears, Oh no... Quickly, his spell in mind changed, "Immobulus!" Aiming full speed ahead, just as he felt a part of his robes being tugged. He scowled, tightening the grip of his wand while using his other hand to swat one away before he fired wordlessly, Immobolus! Hands off the merchandise, thank you kindly.

*Zoe* · 11-25-2023, 06:32 PM

Was it just her, or was she not the only one who was giddy about the sight of the cute little knarls that were making themselves right at home? Someone must have as she could hear laughter. As she knelt down to see if one of the knarls would approach her, Tally started to have second thoughts about what she was hearing. That much laughter was a bit ... strange. It wasn't peculiar enough to deter from her current focus on the knarls.

A few daisies had been cast in the palm of her hand for at least one of them to enjoy. Shortly after, however, they were scattered on the floor. Something had whizzed past her and, annoyingly, started pulling her hair as it continued giggling up a storm. Wand held firmly in one hand, the other swatted this way and that to bat the blue creature away. "Just as mischievous as I remember them being," she huffed.

Once the pixie was far enough away from her face, the department head aimed her wand and watched as a blue light emitted from it after wordlessly reciting the incantation for the Freezing Charm.

Chelliephone · 11-25-2023, 09:56 PM

Sookie filed away a mental note to thank Connelly and Sophie both later again for their thinking. Had a note been included, her Russian was a little rusty these days and it certainly would have helped for a second opinion. But she had failed to see anything that outlined exactly everything that was in the box as they had opened it. Though, she supposed, in the defense of the sender they WERE rather all a little distracted by the creatures.

Feeling quite certain for the moment, as she heard the varying spells and instructions called out around her, that everyone was fine she was able to cast all her own concetration on the current task. The knarls were not too concerning, and as she saw Tallulah had conjured some daisies, Sook immediately used her want to do the same. "Good thinking!" She called to the other department head, "We can use those to lure them to their knarl holding area." She gave a nod towards a location, hoping whoever was now not busy with the attacking pixies would be able to assist with setting up the flower trail. She didn't have a moment to see how many of those there were that did remain unaffected, as Sookie began dropping a trail towards the holding area she had specified - keeping a wide berth of the one currently set on destroying a bag of feed.

Well that would certainly be a mess later, wouldn't it?

"For those of you who have already been able to freeze some of the pixies, there are a couple of crates that we can use to put them in until I can join them with the others."

**THESTRALS!** · 11-25-2023, 10:04 PM

While the commotion was occurring within the room, a foal had poked its muzzle outside of the box and sniffed. The scent of this place was unfamiliar with all of its different scents. Slowly but surely, more of his dragonish head inched out of the box.

A whinny sounded seemingly out of nowhere. However, for those who have been touched by death, the sound could easily be matched with the skeletal body that was now prancing about and exploring the immediate space. Despite the humans and other things present in the room, the little thestral was quite naive and curious.

Nostrils flared from a much older thestral who did not feel the same as her young. Her head and long neck were out of the box, a cautious gaze directed at her foal while occasionally eyeing the humans with her white, glittering eyes. A neigh sounded, a clear sign that he should return to the safety of the box and stay by her side. She didn't trust the humans.

**KNARLS!** · 11-25-2023, 10:07 PM

If there was one thing Spike didn't like, it was humans. But that dislike was followed very closely by a distrust of Pixies. Seeing them flying up overhead and causing all sorts of a ruckus, he gave a loud noise of fright as his frantic running around the room just increased in it's speed. Was there anywhere SAFE to go!?

Quilliam was far too busy in his quest for food to even notice most of what was happening in the room. He heard one woman talk in a friendly sort of tone (Tallulah) and his head lifted from his snuffling to look towards her. At the sight of the daisies, he gave an excited noise before beelining towards her. It was totally over the knarls notice that she was busy after they scattered. But he DID see a different line of daisies leading towards somewhere else. With another excited snuffle, he scurried to eat those before the other knarls could steal the snack from him.

Spinella was setting a good pace ripping through burlap here and there. She wanted everyone in the room to know how upset she was. A pixie was welcome to come towards her too, but she'd show them no mercy either. It was only when she heard the familiar human word - the one that usually was used before being shoved into a box - that her head lifted to find the speaker. Spotting a man dealing with pixies (Darej) she snorted before barreling her way towards him. She would not be giving an opportunity to get put into another box.

**PIXIES!** · 11-26-2023, 05:27 PM

The duo that beelined for the cupboards was having a blast. Within moments, shampoo bottles, combs, toys, medicines, food, and the like were being pulled out and dropped onto the floor. Each item that was dropped was accompanied by impish giggles. They could keep this up all day if they were allowed.

But, of course, one of the two-legged beings had to spoil all the fun that they were having! One of the pixies was hit by a spell and was frozen in place. In retaliation, the other started grabbing anything it could hoist over its head and chucking them at the one responsible (Lucas).

BANG! BANG! BANG! The pixie that was tormenting the hounds was laughing maniacly now. It blew raspberries at the mutts who couldn't do anything but bark inside their kennels.

EEEEEHEHEE!

The lone pixie that was searching for a little nook to hide in had taken refuge behind a plant. When the right time came, it would get up to no good. For now, it giggled from its safe space, watching the chaos its comrades were causing.

The trio bothering the humans were having a grand time, darting back and forth, pulling hair, and tugging on clothes. Pixie gibberish sounded between them, though the amount of it lessened as one after the other was immobilized. The first had been frozen by the tall human's (Darej) silent spell, and then the next was hit by the short human (Tallulah) who used the same tactic.

The remaining pixie was not pleased by this, but it did giggle at the hedgehog-looking thing that was barreling toward the man. Then a wide grin appeared on its face and it dashed toward one of the other creatures running about (Quilliam) and started scooping up the daises that were being set on the floor by a different human (Sookie).

EEEEEHEHEE!

FearlessLeader19 · 11-27-2023, 11:52 PM

Just when he had thought that things couldn’t get worse, a pixie began throwing random objects at him. These were easily avoided either by dodging or deflecting them magically. When there was a clear shot available, Lucas took the opportunity to shoot a well aimed Freezing Charm to the guilty pixie before hurrying to do the same to the others. Between him and the other Ministry employees, they should be able to round up these creatures. Hopefully.

The Knarls didn’t seem to be as wild and chaotic as the pixies were, which was a relief. Still, the group needed to get those to safety. Any stray pixie might want to have a go at the little guys. This was why he grabbed a few daising which had been scattered and he attempted to coax Spike towards him. “Here, little guy,’’ Lucas said soothingly. “Have some delicious daisies. Yum, yum.” Were daisies delicious? He didn’t know but they were laid on the floor before him in an attempt to calm Spike down.

And what in the great Scott… that was a thestral. And another. These creatures had been invisible to Lucas but since the Third Wizarding War… well, that changed obviously.

“Thestrals!’’ he exclaimed but not in a panicky tone to scare the creatures further, pointing in the box’s direction.

Helios Sunrider · 11-28-2023, 03:38 AM

Damian was staying cool off on a far wall as the pixies ran amok. He had not even bothered to retrieve his wand as his coworkers chased after the mischievous little creatures. The unspeakable had found it all rather amusing.

About ready to enter the fray with the pixies, Damian saw something that distracted him from the chaos. Swatting away a pixie that crossed his path, the resident of the Death Chamber was single minded in his focus. Due to the thestral's peculiar nature, they sometimes fell under his purview. "I'm glad I was here."

Damian had done plenty of work with thestrals, but he was in awe of them every time. Kneeling down near the foal with a hand extended, he invited it to approach. "My first published work was on how the phases of the moon affected the flight patterns of thestrals." He said to no one in particular, completely enamored with the creature before him.

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