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sweetpinkpixie · #1 (**permalink**) 06-02-2021, 09:15 AM

Off the smaller corridor are two large gathering rooms: a conference room and a meeting room. The conference room is more of a lecture hall arrangement, perfect for presentations, press conferences, and full department meetings, as the seating here magically increases and adjusts in tiers to suit the number of room occupants. There is a lectern near the front where a speaker may stand.

The meeting room contains a blocky table with padded seating, similar to what one might will find on other levels. This is the smaller and more frequently used meeting room; its best features include a fully stocked cart of refreshments in the corner, notepads and quills already placed at each seat, and subdued abstract art on the wall.

Both of these rooms feature magical projectors and screens, as well as discreet doors which lead to the small preparation room behind them. Entrance to the preparation room is magically barred as this room leads to the minister's office and to the senior undersecretary's office, though special presenters may be permitted access on a case-by-case basis.

badger_boy_93 · 05-01-2025, 03:01 PM

Damocles entered the meeting room and chose a seat at the large table. He took out his wand and waved it once. Suddenly a file folder and small leather case with a tiny golden clasp appeared on the table directly in front of him.

He then stood up and looked around the room. Though he didn’t immediately see anyone else there, he had learned not to trust his senses alone. “Huminum Revelio” he said with a great sweeping motion of his wand. Nothing happened. Exactly what he was hoping for. For good measure, he also cast a Super-sensory Charm and Muffliato. He then took his seat again and waited for the Minster, confident that the room was secure and they were not going to be overheard.

sweetpinkpixie · 05-05-2025, 12:14 AM

Charles entered at a measured pace, his lion-head cane tapping softly against the floor, the rhythm patient and unhurried though not so much so as to leave his guest waiting long. Floating obediently behind him a little porcelain parade came a tray with a teapot (now wearing the tartan cozy the Minister had been sporting as a hat earlier), three cups (just in case), and a plate generously stacked with oat and ginger biscuits. The entire ensemble moved with such practiced ease it was clear this wasn’t their first journey through these halls. He took in the scene with a slow, theatrical blink—first the file and case, then the faint shimmer in the air that hinted at fresh enchantments.

"My word," Charles said lightly, setting his cane aside as he reached for the tray hovering just over the table and began pouring the tea himself. "If I’d known you’d be setting up your own security perimeter, I might’ve brought an Auror to keep me safe." This was all said in jest, of course, though he could not help but think back fondly to dear Genevieve and all her fussing over his security while she had served as his Senior Undersecretary. He glanced up with a smile, warm but unmistakably dry. "Though I must say, it’s rather bold casting Huminum Revelio in a room specifically warded against both eavesdroppers and invisible intruders. Careful, Mr. Cadwallader, if the walls had feelings, I suspect we’d be apologizing to them." He offered the man a cup, eyes twinkling. "Still, I admire a man who leaves nothing to chance. Though in future, do let the room know before you start waving your wand about. It’s terribly shy about introductions."

He settled into his chair with a faint sigh, resting one hand over his knee to massage it softly. "Now then. Tea’s hot, biscuits are fresh, and the room is precisely as private as it was when we built it to handle secret international summit calls — so I’d say we’re ready. What is it you’d like to speak with me about, Mr. Cadwallader?" he inquired as he reached for a biscuit and dipped it gingerly into his cup.

badger_boy_93 · 05-05-2025, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetpinkpixie

Charles entered at a measured pace, his lion-head cane tapping softly against the floor, the rhythm patient and unhurried though not so much so as to leave his guest waiting long. Floating obediently behind him a little porcelain parade came a tray with a teapot (now wearing the tartan cozy the Minister had been sporting as a hat earlier), three cups (just in case), and a plate generously stacked with oat and ginger biscuits. The entire ensemble moved with such practiced ease it was clear this wasn’t their first journey through these halls. He took in the scene with a slow, theatrical blink—first the file and case, then the faint shimmer in the air that hinted at fresh enchantments.

"My word," Charles said lightly, setting his cane aside as he reached for the tray hovering just over the table and began pouring the tea himself. "If I’d known you’d be setting up your own security perimeter, I might’ve brought an Auror to keep me safe." This was all said in jest, of course, though he could not help but think back fondly to dear Genevieve and all her fussing over his security while she had served as his Senior Undersecretary. He glanced up with a smile, warm but unmistakably dry. "Though I must say, it’s rather bold casting Huminum Revelio in a room specifically warded against both eavesdroppers and invisible intruders. Careful, Mr. Cadwallader, if the walls had feelings, I suspect we’d be apologizing to them." He offered the man a cup, eyes twinkling. "Still, I admire a man who leaves nothing to chance. Though in future, do let the room know before you start waving your wand about. It’s terribly shy about introductions."

He settled into his chair with a faint sigh, resting one hand over his knee to massage it softly. "Now then. Tea’s hot, biscuits are fresh, and the room is precisely as private as it was when we built it to handle secret international summit calls — so I’d say we’re ready. What is it you’d like to speak with me about, Mr. Cadwallader?" he inquired as he reached for a biscuit and dipped it gingerly into his cup.

Damocles took a biscuit and poured a cup of tea for both himself and the Minster. He wondered where exactly to begin. There was no point is exchanging shallow, fake pleasantries. Damocles was sure that the Minister of Magic couldn't care less about the insignificant day-to-day happenings of a stranger. Instead he politely started into the reason for his visit.

"Thank you so much for meeting with me, Minister. It is an honor to be allowed this meeting. You are a very important wizard; powerful and influential. And it is precisely for this reason that I came here today." Damocles explained.

"As a powerful and influential wizard, your safety and security is of the upmost importance. If you were jinxed, cursed, or Imperius-ed, the potential negative consequences for the entire wizarding world would be almost incalculable. It is imperative that you have someone by your side that can protect you. When you said earlier that you should have brought an Auror with you, I thought 'You couldn't be more right.' But truthfully the Aurors are already stretched thin. Furthermore, no one specific Auror is assigned only to your protection, and nothing else." Damocles said the Minister with a grimly serious expression.

"Therefore, it is with all this in mind that I come to my ultimate request.", Damocles told the Minister, grabbing the file folder and the small leather case with the golden clasp. He placed them directly in front of the Minister. "In front of you, you will find my CV, letters of recommendation from the Italian Minister of Magic, and my Order of Merlin (First Class). If you inspect them closely, you will find that I have a distinguished career as a Personal Magical Body Guard for some of the most important Witches and Wizards in the world. I personally saved the life of Giuseppe Talarico, the Italian Minister of Magic, on nine different occasions. Before that, I worked with the French National Quidditch team. You can look at my CV for the full details."

"It would be my honor and my pleasure to take up the post of YOUR Personal Magical Body Guard. I am both extremely loyal and prodigiously skilled at defensive magic.", Damocles said with a small bow. "It is my opinion, and I have never hoped that I am more wrong, that dark and dangerous times lie ahead. You will need the very best of magical protectors at your side if you are to survive."

Damocles took a short pause here to let the Minister process all this information. He was aware that he had laid quite a bit of information on the Minister all at once, but it was extremely important. He wasn't worried about getting a job; there were plenty of places that could use his skills. He was more worried about saving the wizarding world from the anarchy that would erupt if the Minister (and subsequently the Ministry) fell.

"Please take some time and think about it, Minister", pleaded Damocles. "This is a very important decision and should not be rushed." He continued to sit and eat his oat and ginger biscuits, occasionally taking a sip of his tea.

sweetpinkpixie · 05-07-2025, 11:46 PM

Charles had been silent throughout, not rudely, but with that particular stillness he often employed when someone laid their cards down so earnestly. His fingers (weathered, wrinkled, and careful) hovered over the edge of the file folder, though he did not yet open it. He studied Mr. Cadwallader, not with suspicion, but with a certain kind of knowing fondness one might reserve for a child ― his sons, specifically ― who has just built a very impressive pillow and blanket fort, every single one in the house utilized, in the living room. And it had happened on a couple occasions, usually when Yukie visited her parents for the evening, and Charles had been happy to sleep without either for the evening in favor of his children having their fun.

"Mr. Cadwallader," he said at last, voice warm but edged with gentle finality, "you’re quite right that it would be catastrophic if I were to be compromised. In fact, we know precisely what that may look like during the Third Wizarding War." It was, regrettably, not a secret and something well documented by the papers and rightfully included in the history texts. How the Neo-Alliance had infiltrated the Ministry through various means and manipulated Charles by way of a sophisticated use of Entrancing Enchantments. "That’s precisely why the protections around me are... how shall I put this? ...less obvious than you might expect. The Ministry doesn’t broadcast its defenses, but rest assured, they’re there. Quiet ones, old ones, clever ones. I wouldn’t even know how to deactivate half of them myself, and I’m the one who approved them." And truthfully, that was for the best. No one could unearth the key by rifling through his memories or prying into his mind. It was a hard-won lesson from the war, one carved deep by the horrors endured by captured department heads and staff. The thought of what some of them had suffered still turned his stomach. How Airey had managed to survive it all, much less emerge with his integrity intact, remained a mystery to Charles. And even now, he felt he’d barely begun to repay the loyalty that had been shown through such unimaginable resilience. So many to repay and the weight of that responsibility was felt in every one of his steps each and every day.

He smiled as he poured himself another cup of tea, a curl of steam rising lazily toward the ceiling. "And while I admire your impressive credentials, I’m afraid I must decline your offer." Charles finally reached for the file and opened ― not only to flick through it politely as he continued, but to reaffirm his decision on the matter. "You see, I don’t believe in wasting good talent where it isn’t needed. You’ve saved Ministers, guarded teams, intercepted curses meant for far more glamorous targets than myself—and I believe you could do far more good where you’re seen, where your skill can directly impact the people who need it most. The Magical Law Enforcement Squad, Auror Headquarters, or Magical Security would be lucky to have you." The teacup clicked gently back onto its saucer. "I’m truly flattered by your concern. So, thank you. Not just for the offer, but for caring. That’s potentially more significant than any Order of Merlin, I find. I assure you I have the best people in the right places and if employment with this Ministry is what you seek, then let’s just make sure you are one of them."

Charles took genuine delight in the ordinary and day-to-day happenings. He believed firmly that it was in the small stories — an apprentice’s new wand backfiring, a grandmother’s enchanted rose garden blooming out of season, a shopkeeper’s daily duel with a mischievous register — that the true pulse of the magical world could be felt. Casual conversation wasn’t idle to him. No, it was vital. These little details kept him tethered to the people he served, reminding him that policies touched lives and not just parchment. If anything, he found that knowing the comings and goings of his citizens made him a better Minister...and a far more human one.

badger_boy_93 · 05-08-2025, 01:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetpinkpixie

Charles had been silent throughout, not rudely, but with that particular stillness he often employed when someone laid their cards down so earnestly. His fingers (weathered, wrinkled, and careful) hovered over the edge of the file folder, though he did not yet open it. He studied Mr. Cadwallader, not with suspicion, but with a certain kind of knowing fondness one might reserve for a child ― his sons, specifically ― who has just built a very impressive pillow and blanket fort, every single one in the house utilized, in the living room. And it had happened on a couple occasions, usually when Yukie visited her parents for the evening, and Charles had been happy to sleep without either for the evening in favor of his children having their fun.

"Mr. Cadwallader," he said at last, voice warm but edged with gentle finality, "you’re quite right that it would be catastrophic if I were to be compromised. In fact, we know precisely what that may look like during the Third Wizarding War." It was, regrettably, not a secret and something well documented by the papers and rightfully included in the history texts. How the Neo-Alliance had infiltrated the Ministry through various means and manipulated Charles by way of a sophisticated use of Entrancing Enchantments. "That’s precisely why the protections around me are... how shall I put this? ...less obvious than you might expect. The Ministry doesn’t broadcast its defenses, but rest assured, they’re there. Quiet ones, old ones, clever ones. I wouldn’t even know how to deactivate half of them myself, and I’m the one who approved them." And truthfully, that was for the best. No one could unearth the key by rifling through his memories or prying into his mind. It was a hard-won lesson from the war, one carved deep by the horrors endured by captured department heads and staff. The thought of what some of them had suffered still turned his stomach. How Airey had managed to survive it all, much less emerge with his integrity intact, remained a mystery to Charles. And even now, he felt he’d barely begun to repay the loyalty that had been shown through such unimaginable resilience. So many to repay and the weight of that responsibility was felt in every one of his steps each and every day.

He smiled as he poured himself another cup of tea, a curl of steam rising lazily toward the ceiling. "And while I admire your impressive credentials, I’m afraid I must decline your offer." Charles finally reached for the file and opened ― not only to flick through it politely as he continued, but to reaffirm his decision on the matter. "You see, I don’t believe in wasting good talent where it isn’t needed. You’ve saved Ministers, guarded teams, intercepted curses meant for far more glamorous targets than myself—and I believe you could do far more good where you’re seen, where your skill can directly impact the people who need it most. The Magical Law Enforcement Squad, Auror Headquarters, or Magical Security would be lucky to have you." The teacup clicked gently back onto its saucer. "I’m truly flattered by your concern. So, thank you. Not just for the offer, but for caring. That’s potentially more significant than any Order of Merlin, I find. I assure you I have the best people in the right places and if employment with this Ministry is what you seek, then let’s just make sure you are one of them."

Charles took genuine delight in the ordinary and day-to-day happenings. He believed firmly that it was in the small stories — an apprentice’s new wand backfiring, a grandmother’s enchanted rose garden blooming out of season, a shopkeeper’s daily duel with a mischievous register — that the true pulse of the magical world could be felt. Casual conversation wasn’t idle to him. No, it was vital. These little details kept him tethered to the people he served, reminding him that policies touched lives and not just parchment. If anything, he found that knowing the comings and goings of his citizens made him a better Minister...and a far more human one.

"Ahhhh. I see", Damocles replied. He was usually a brusquely stubborn man, but could also see when the battle (metaphorically speaking) was lost. "I respect your decision. If you should ever change your mind, or find that your vaguely old and clever enchantments don't protect you as well as you've come to expect, I shall of course be here; ready and willing to step in."

"In the meantime, I suppose I then have another request." Damocles continued. "I know that the Ministry is not hiring at this exact moment. You also just told me that you don't believe in wasting good talent when you see it. Therefore, could you possibly expedite the process and help me to acquire a job here at the Ministry now?"

Damolces had never been one for sitting around. He became restless and wistful. He was an extremely able and talented wizard, and therefore did not like to be watching from the sidelines while others were doing the heavy lifting.

"What do you say, Minister? By your own account, I would be a valuable asset to any number of departments. I hope it is abundantly apparent that I only wish to be of use. You certainly recognized my deep caring and concern for you, and I would show the same level of compassion to whichever department you decided I would be needed in most. Please give me a chance to prove myself. I promise I would never let you down." Damocles concluded respectfully.

sweetpinkpixie · 05-11-2025, 01:02 AM

Charles exhaled softly through his nose, offering a kind but measured smile as he drew the folder a little closer and rested a hand atop it. "You have my word, Mr. Cadwallader, that I’ll give your materials a thorough read. I am not the sort to dismiss experience and what you’ve brought forward is certainly... compelling." His tone remained warm even while holding its bureaucratic clarity. "That said, I won’t be making any decisions today. The Ministry has its own vetting protocols and background checks for all prospective hires, especially when it comes to security or high-clearance positions. I’m sure you can appreciate the need for diligence in that regard."

The teapot gave a cheerful hiss behind him, still bobbing mid-air beside the plate of half-eaten biscuits, and Charles peeked into his cup to see whether or not he required some topping off. "As for your second request..." Charles’ brow lifted faintly and he set his cup town on the saucer, "...you’re correct in that I do believe in putting capable people to good use, especially when intentions align. But hiring, even expedited, isn’t a wand-flick or a Ministerial decree. There’s a process, and it protects more than just paperwork ― it protects people. Departments will need to make their own evaluations on their own time." He offered the man a steady, almost grandfatherly look, one that was firm but not unkind but most certainly with an air of finality.

"What I can do is ensure your CV and all its companions find the right desks and offer a notes to the relevant departments that we spoke. From there, your reputation and interview will have to do the heavy lifting." He paused, then added with a touch of dry amusement. "And I trust you won’t need a bodyguard to survive that particular gauntlet." He lifted his teacup once again in a small toast. "You’ve made your case admirably. Let the rest do the work."

badger_boy_93 · 05-11-2025, 01:28 AM

SPOILER!!: previous post

Damocles sighed heavily. “Well no one can say I didn’t at least try.”, he said with a chuckle. “I fully understand and look forward to letting the process take its course. I also rest assured that I have the word of a Minister of Magic and that you will make sure the right people view my CV.”

Damocles busied himself by taking more biscuits and tea. He certainly was disappointed, but he knew coming into this interaction that it had been a long shot all along. He was just so eager and excited to start working with the Ministry. But he was prepared to wait, if that meant him getting the right job and doing it the right way.

sweetpinkpixie · 05-13-2025, 12:41 AM

Charles smiled, watching Damocles refill his teacup while he himself finished his own biscuit and brushed a few stray crumbs from his lapel.

He set his cup down with a soft clink. "I appreciate your candour, Mr. Cadwallader. And though redundant to say, you have my word: your file will reach the desks that matter. From there, it’s not about politics or persuasion, but fit and I am confident things will find their proper place."

Charles did not let it show still, his expression remained as composed as ever, but the remark about the 'vaguely old and clever enchantments' rubbed at something tender beneath his practiced civility. The security measures in place had been rigorously overhauled just a decade ago in direct response to the brutal lessons of the Third Wizarding War. Every ward, every layered enchantment woven into Ministry architecture had been tested under fire...refined with the blood and vigilance of those who’d lived through infiltration, loss, and reconstruction. To call them 'vaguely clever' was not only inaccurate, it was dismissive. Charles did not take kindly to dismissiveness, especially from those whose frustration curdled into passive barbs the moment they were told 'not today.' It reminded him of his own children, really. Particularly Takeshi who was the most notorious for crossing his arms to pout when told dessert was off the table after leaving half their dinner untouched.

Charles rose and reached for the floating plate of biscuits with a quiet flick of his wand, tilting it toward Damocles with a subtle flourish. "Now then. Is there anything else you’d like to discuss, or shall I escort you out? With a few reinforcements for the road, of course? I find oat and ginger help soften the wait."

badger_boy_93 · 05-13-2025, 01:26 AM

SPOILER!!: previous post

Damocles took another ginger and oat biscuit for the road and replied, "No, sir. Nothing more at the moment. Thank you for your time. I look forward to hearing from you very soon."

Damocles stood up and gave the Minister a respectful little bow. He then walked out of the conference room, being escorted by the Minister and his floating teapot.

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