Having gotten herself one of the packets before hand Addison was able to remain comfortably in her seat. With others arriving now she really didn't want to have to get up and move about. She did give a nod in greeting to the few people she knew, briefly wondering why her brother wasn't her. The thought quickly left her mind as Erec spoke signally the beginning of this meeting.

Crossing her ankles, the blonde straightened up in her chair listening to what was said. Small sips from the very hot mug she had cradled in her hands were taken here and there. So far a lot of very good points were being mentioned and she had to admit that she agreed with just about all that was being said. Rather than speak up and repeat all that was already being said she choose to keep quiet for a bit longer simply listening.

What she did do though was remove a quill and small pad from the pocket of her robes which she balanced on her knee to take notes on.

Honestly, this wasn't the kind of meeting Ethan expected. There would be debates, sure, but not as intense as this one. He always thought that adults dealt with things in a calm manner? At least that's how he had witnessed his grandfather talk to his minions; calm, collected, and with the right amount of authority. This however...was far from his expectations. Perhaps the real world really was a scary place.

The young CMEC Specialist remained in his seat, awkwardly sipping his coffee while he flipped through the portfolio, Ethan took down mental notes on the good points that were being shared. All of them seemed to be right, even the woman's question. Why now? Hmm. Perhaps, it wasn't that easy to pull the right strings after all even if you're the Minister? The logistics, perhaps? Was this solely for the British Ministry, or are they considering to hire squibs from other countries as well? After an awkward silence between two employees, Ethan raised his hand. "Erm...has the Ministry reached out to the Society for the Support of Squibs at least, regarding this matter?" Perhaps, the Ministry already did that's why they were summoned now for the next stage of the movement...but who really knows now, yeah?

Discussion was starting yes this is exactly what he was hoping for! Thank you, Lynley for starting us off. "Yes, precisely! Now some areas of our ministry are harder for a squib, such as your department since transportation uses charms for the majority of their work, but as I said earlier there are list of jobs in each department that the department heads thought about before hand, if you see anything missing you can just let us know. While some departments might not be able to have as many jobs available other's will be. Many of the things in my department, for example, is going through paperwork, looking at files, figuring out what Visa's are expired, which need an application sent out. A team together with squib and wizard/witches can easily do these type of things and these are an important type of jobs as well. " So don't worry the next man to speak they weren't just throwing job openings that were just cleaning or taking owls at the squibs.

"You are correct sir and I feel our Department Heads and Minister have fully taken that into consideration as we have been working on this." It was the voice of his own department that made his casual laid back look stiffen. Level five had this on their plate for some time now, but possibly being in the testing room she hadn't been able to notice. It seemed she was directing her thoughts to the minister though, so he wasn't sure if he should speak or not, but speak he would after someone else stated some very good facts.

"We have been working for years in all countries to make things better not just for squibs, but for Werewolves and other beings. It is a fine line at times on the help that is given and the help that is being shown to the public. You have to remember that negative will always be remembered longer than positive. The media will jump for a negative story that will bring in money before the positive that could help show what work is being done. Not that I'm using any of those as excuses, we still have plenty of work to do, but the committee has been working over the past few years to figure out better ways in the ministry as well as the community. Shops around London could easily employee squibs as well and that is something we are hoping with our example and our unity with everyone can help start."

"Unfortunately there is no way around protestors. In my forty-five years, I've learned many things, but one of those is you will always have someone fighting against you. Those protestors thought we weren't helping the environment when clearly we are trying to find ways that can. More squibs getting jobs in the ministry some, maybe even some of you sitting here are fearful that will take jobs from you or maybe some will think these jobs shouldn't be given. That is something we together will work on to hope educating and time will allow everyone to come together and see the bigger picture that unity and opportunity are the way to go for everyone."


Speaking of unity and things they have been working on, "Some of you might remember Mr. Potter when he was an employee here. Mr. Potter now owns and runs one of the primary schools for many of your children. Between The Wizarding Primary School and their sister school St. Woboldo's Primary School they have already thought about our children that could have a transition a head of them. For years now the wizarding community has been working with two private muggle school. The headmasitress to one of the schools is a witch and she does a very good job at helping to transition squibs to a muggle school if that is what the parents wish to do. Mr. Potter felt the need for something here was important so the two schools have come together and our expanding with a secondary school. St. Dorgo's Secondary School will be opening this fall fully staffed and ready. " Looking at Charely for a moment and applauded his efforts he would give a moment if the man had anything to say or if anyone else had anything to say about all this information.

Charely gave a kind smile to Vic when he felt her touch on his arm in reassurance. Despite the challenges with their blended family over the years she was as wonderful as ever, no bad blood between either of them. Today he would be acknowledging with the others quite a personal subject that not many were willing to share, but it was an important step needed to make progress for not himself but others. He listened to the others discussing and some debating on the process and approvals. It was expected, anything related to magical blood invoked strong feelings from either side. The more Charely listened though, the more he wanted to speak and he was getting his chance now.

"Thank you for that Erec," Stepping forward, "As mentioned I am Charely Potter, previously I worked here in the Magical Games & Sports department under Gobstones Administration. Since then I have been appointed as director of the Primary Wizarding School, PWS, based in Scotland near where Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry resides." Just for those not familiar with him. "Over the years the detection rate on whether our children will in fact inherit our magical abilities have improved as there are no shortages of squibs being produced. I have a daughter, who was confirmed to be a squib knowing she won't be joining her sister at Hogwarts this upcoming term. While saddening I don't see this as a tragedy, but rather an opportunity with more jobs and progression resulting in a brighter future for her without having her living a separate life."

To further explain. "In the last decade we've first allowed children after a certain age in schooling without showing signs of magical abilities to remain in school but with added classes geared towards them transitioning into muggle schools in the future. With St. Dorgo's Secondary School opening, where she with other squibs and perhaps other students needing extra help with magic can have the right education possible without fully disregarding their magical history and develop other skills necessary to compensate without magic. With many plans on the way to open more branches as well." Charely could add more to this, but he felt his point had been made by now. Unless they had questions, in which case he wouldn't mind.

Victoria listened intently to what Erec was saying her own heart felt like it might beat out of its chest. Where was Cossy? She figured he had to have gotten stuck in mysterious because he wouldn't miss this it was too important for their family. When the debate started she felt her face frown at the words being said. This was her daughter's future they were debating. "I feel action like this is what we need. Squibs have been trying to gain equality for centuries and while they have it in many areas there is always ways to improve."

It was Charely that got her eyes to water just a bit. He was talking about Alana, telling everyone about their precious daughter and how she'd watch their twin leave for Hogwarts in September. Her heart was breaking in a million pieces thinking about it. She gave Mariel a glance and then back to Charely but her emotions were getting the better of her. Professional was something she took very seriously in the work place so instead of standing there with the tears in her eyes she quietly slipped back out the door. She'd talk to Charely in a bit and tell him how great it was that he was there.

Fulton had stayed quiet throughout the duration of this meeting/ debate... It was interesting to see and hear all of the opinions and ideas for the integration of squibs into the ministry and other parts of the wizarding world.. He liked the idea of allowing them to participate in the wizarding world's existence.. To not feel shunned or unwanted due to the lack of magical ability.. Finally .. The ministry had a few very smart people helping with the progression of their people.. It had only taken over a thousand years for someone to admit that the wizarding world need integration.

This meeting was only just starting, and already Gabby felt that coffee was needed. Getting up from her seat, she grabbed some before heading back to her spot and casually glancing through her packet. Seemed that there were quite a few areas where squibs could be working when it came to the Ministry - just as the man was saying. Did that mean that someone could do her paperwork for her? Probably not, but she could dream.

Sipping her coffee, Gabby remained silent. She really didn't have anything to add to this at the moment, since basically everyone had been mentioned at this point. Squibs should be given equal standing in the magical community was the gist of things, and she supposed she agreed with that even if it hadn't been an issue on her mind and she hadn't lost any sleep at night dwelling on squib issues. They just weren't something that she tended to think about...

Well, at least there had been a little drama. But that had been calmed down pretty quickly. What a shame.

Yes, Level Five had had this on their plate for awhile, but she'd brought up her objections plenty of times. Maybe that had been forgotten in the rush to implement this new reality. "All I'm saying is that both sides of the issue need to be heard before such an upheaval is made. More research needs to be done before an upheaval like this. Which really hasn't been done, going by the way everyone is speaking, of course." Slow down, do things properly. Don't just speed things up because the Minister says to. That was all she was saying.

And this guy had her shaking her head. "Mr. Potter, I'm sorry, but it sounds like you're saying that Muggle schooling isn't good enough for the magical or magical-adjacent to even step foot into. You should know that there are plenty of us both squibs and full witches and wizards that have attended Muggle schooling for either part or all of their education and have gone on to be very successful in fields both magical and Muggle. So, to say that squibs need to be separated from Muggles, which is what you seem to be saying, is, at best, highly.......unelightened and at worst highly bigoted. Hiding our magic from Muggles is fine, avoiding interacting with them is not." And yes, Sky herself was one of those examples of successful full witches, having attended a Muggle school for two out of her seven years of secondary school. "It is my personal belief that squibs do us more good if they attend Muggle schooling and work in the Muggle side of things as liaisons and advocates for not just us witches and wizards in the Muggle community, but for Muggles in our community too, as they are better positioned to understand both sides. Maybe they could even work at Hogwarts teaching Muggle Studies, since, again, they can understand both sides. But this understanding and any other talents that squibs may have is completely squandered shuffling papers in the Ministry." Which if someone was being completely honest, would be what they were mostly regulated to.

Man, she hated being the lone voice of objection in a room. Someone else could really take this over now, seriously.

Charely did of course notice Vic heading out, no doubt they would have a further discussion on this. He didn't take offense however, even when his own words became twisted into something entirely different from his views. Should he be upset about this? Possibly, but he had enough experience with remaining calm in situation like this. It wasn't his fault when some missed the point entirely or seem to be looking for a reason to disagree with what he said.

Instead, his view turned towards the younger woman who had misunderstood him, "There are indeed a number of wizards and witches having integrated into the muggle community with secure jobs protecting them as well as many muggles integrated into our world through their family's connections, with squibs living a more acceptable standard among muggles. However what I propose is not of segregation but an inclusion with more options. We're entering into the twenty-second century and there are still reports of squibs being separated or treated with disdain in their wizarding family from an early age due to only being limited with the option of an education in the muggle community to the point of being ostracised. Witches and wizards have the advantage of receiving an education from either community and functioning well enough to remain in either. Squibs currently only have a limited amount of jobs available if they so choose to remain within the wizarding community."

Continuing on, since he could see some reasoning to her objection. "I am pleased to hear you are enlightened on how well squibs have done for both muggles and witches with their current involvement in the community. That can not be taken away. I expect that you are just as enlightened with how education is run through PWS and the expected St. Dorgo where classes and activities encouraging muggle interaction takes place allowing young squibs to transition just as smoothly into the muggle world as well as the option of remaining in the wizarding world." If that didn't get the message clear on his stance of views then this was likely to remain going back and forth. But at the same time, such a chance made this cause a sure thing to go through in the end.

It was unnecessary for anyone to speak FOR her, as several were apparently trying to do, so Althea, after allowing the young woman and anyone else to bring up their thoughts, addressed her directly.

"I appreciate you raising your concerns, Ms Carter-Hope. I assure you there will be a public forum for discussions on the matters at hand and plenty of opportunity for members of the community to comment and contribute and be heard. This is a process, just as the environmental issues we face are a process - certainly nothing is being shoved through. WERPS took some time to plan, and we are still in the very early stages with the squib concerns that are being addressed." And Althea wasn't the LEAST bit concerned or upset or offended that Ms Carter-Hope was speaking up - in fact she preferred it. Other feathers were far more ruffled than hers.

"For the record I will NOT sign my name to anything which will see squibs relegated to paper-shuffling positions. There are plenty of skilled positions within the ministry which may easily be filled by those squibs who wish to apply with the prerequisite qualifications - and there are many more where muggle equivalency in learning may be applied. Skilled and specialist research positions for example. The Muggleworthy excuse committee and any liaison work both internally and externally. Any position which does not require direct use of magic. If a squib, or even any magically limited individual wishes to go to a Muggle university to obtain a degree in forensic science, they could certainly be a useful contributor to Magical Law Enforcement for instance." Just a few examples. There were so many.

She listened to the presentations. Althea personally thought that muggle schooling was a better choice for squib children than a squib-only institution. However when Mr Potter brought up one particular aspect of this, the transitioning smoothly into the muggle world, she had to speak up, addressing the room as a whole.

"Squib rights are not JUST about providing more potential opportunities for squibs to participate in active, valued and equal ways in the Wizarding community, The Ministry will ALSO be providing better support for those squibs, and indeed any witch or wizard who requires it, who plan to integrate into the Muggle world. I have been speaking with the Muggle Prime Minister and he has agreed that it is imperative for individuals of our community to be able to safely and fully engage in the muggle community as required. At times this may mean help with identity papers, National Insurance numbers, qualification equivalencies, credit history - potentially any number of things, legally and legitimately."

For her this was bigger picture than simply finding a few extra jobs within the ministry. Due diligence.

Well this wasn't the laid back informational meeting he was planning. Erec ran his hand through his hair as his own employee took to be the one ruffling feathers. He knew the tester was one to play devil's advocate but did she have to do it at one of his meetings. He listened to them all talk and thought that Mr. Potter did an excellent job when it came to his new school, but then Sky had opinions on that as well. He just listened and agreed to disagree on many of her points.

Mr. Potter started again and then the minister. With the minister's words, he listened and nodded a bit. He may have even glanced at his watch once or twice. "As myself and the minister have said we have been planning and working with a committee of squibs as well as other wizards and witches,
these committees haven't just appeared either. These types of the committee have been going on for years. While in the French ministry I sat on one of the boards when it came to squib support. His degrees came in very handy with that sort of thing. "This is certainly not a concept being taken lightly or thrown in for an agenda. The opening of new job opportunities and the new school are only new options families and squibs alone can now take if they wish to." Giving more options was certainly something he felt was a step int he right direction.

Looking around the room to the more quiet employees he gave them an encouraging smile. "Does anyone else have any questions or anything they'd wish to add? "

There was a lot of talking going on right now, and while none of it was over Gabby's head, she was starting to have trouble paying attention to what was going on. Really she didn't know a lot about squibs and their rights - why she was here - but she supposed that including them in any way that was possible was a good thing to do. Over that, she didn't have any thoughts on the matter one way or the other.

And no, she didn't have any questions. Instead she sipped at her coffee and wondered when this meeting would be over.

Well it seemed no one else had anything to say. He glanced at Sky one last time before moving to the front of the room again. It seemed the minister had said what she wanted to say as well. "I want to thank you all for coming today and I hope this information is informative for you. We do have a committee if anyone would like more information about that. " He gathered the extra packets up. "Each of your department heads will have these packets for anyone who missed today's meeting or would like more information. Feel free to come to my office with any questions as well."


Slipping the packets in his bag he looked at everyone to dismiss. "We will be having a community meeting in late August to welcome the community into our information and help them find what they need if they do have a squib that could use some extra help transitioning, understanding, or even looking for help with employment in our community. Thank you all for attending and if you haven't gotten some coffee or a snack please help yourself before heading back to your workday. "

No.

No no no no no.

What kind of hell had he stumbled upon?

Yes, Airey was well aware of this underground coffee club of sorts and it was the 'hip' thing 'kids' these days were hanging out in, but was this hodgepodge of seating REALLY necessary? It reminded him of the Divination Tower back at Hogwarts and THAT was making his skin crawl. The worst part, though not really the worst, was that their current Minister would care precisely zero for his concerns. The man himself was a hodgepodge of....something.

And people thought the astronomer was peculiar.

Some of this quite literally looked as though it had been lugged in from the dumpster behind this one old muggle apartment complex in London. Though it lacked the smell, so at least there was that. Though that was not enough to put his suit at risk.

Surveying the area, Airey suddenly came to a stop and his shoulders hunched over somewhat violently. It was almost as though he were in a dry heave...or maybe he was choking on something.

Kevin was currently seated at on one of the squishy sofa's near one of the walls of the room. He had not gotten a cup of coffee from this place but he bought one downstairs in the atrium and had poured the coffee in a cup here. That way he knew that he had coffee he liked.

Than why was he here in the fist place? Well, mostly to get out of his workspace but the gaming oom, his usual go to place had been full at the moment, sadly enough.

As he took a sip from his coffee, the young mans eyes checked everyone out and as the place was hidden from view there were not many people around. When the tapestry had moved, Kevin looked over automatically to see who had entered and silently hoped it was one of his co workers when...he stepped through.

The former Gryffindor shifted uncomfortable in his seat and did everything that he was trained to spot. No eye contact, fidgeting with his cup of coffee and pretending he was not there.

But when the man made a strange noise, Kevin could not help but look up curiously. He dared to look and frowned when he saw his old Head of House hunched over and....was he ok?!

Young Kevin might have laughed at the scene. But adult Kevin was mature enough to know that if something bad happened, especially to a Department Head, and he could have saved him he would be fired. And honestly, he liked his job.


"Are you okay?" he asked and although he had asked the question , his tone lacked the concern. He was mostly curious.

Shoulders hunched and mouth hanging open, Airey couldn't properly respond to his former student. He could only wheeze and heave his shoulders forward while making a rasping sort of moan. Something was clearly lodged in the man's throat and trying to come up.

"Mi-steeer....Hi-ra-------" And then the mystery of what was stuck in the former Gryffindor Head of House's throat...was a mystery no more. In fact, the expelled Gryffindor's shoe was now up close and personal with it.

A charming hairball.

........and the remains of his morning coffee and, well, that was probably scrambled eggs.

..............................!!!!!

Kevin took a big step away from him as the man literally threw up all over his SHINING black shoes. He looked down for a split second and had to look away again, trying not to gag himself.

"Really?!" he said "Out of all the places, my shoes?! Really?!" what even was that on his shoes? He could not figure out and he did not want to either. He'd rather watch horrific memories down at the pensieve rooms than see what was on his shoes.

He took out his Phoenix feathered wand and waved it around, non-verbally vanishing the sick. He needed a shower. Pronto.

"Why are you even at work if you're sick?"

There were a few things about this moment that were noteworthy. One being that that was unmistakably a hair ball on Mr. Hirase's foot - and the astronomer knew plenty about those now thanks to Medea and her humble zoo in their home. Which, of course, begged the question as to where HE had licked all that hair from and when. Another, and the one that was slightly more prominent in the department head's mind at the moment, was the fact that the former Gryffindor before him had just NONVERBALLY vanished the evidence.

NONVERBAL.

"Very impressive, Mr. Hirase," the man croaked, not an ounce of sarcasm in his tone. Simply and pure praise. "You've come a long way."

Sweet solstice did he need a breath mint right now. Which was why he was now patting his enchanted breast pocket and trouser ones feeling for the tin he could not recall where exactly he had placed it.

"I am not sick," he corrected. "Ah, there they are." Sweet and glorious breath mints. "Care for one?" he inquired nonchalantly as he pushed the lid back with his thumb. "Vanilla mints. Pack quite the punch. Nearly knocked a tooth out once."

"Hardly impressive" he said, putting his wand back in to his wrist holster and straightened his sleeve. "A lot of people can do it"

With ...whatever...the man had threw up earlier, thankfully gone, Kevin dared to look down at his shoes and sighed. But said nothing. He did not know what to say at the moment. What even did you say to the man who co-wrote your expulsion papers nearly 6 or 7 years ago?

But that was the past now. He was a University graduate and he had a job and that was what mattered. Kevin looked up and at the tin in the man's hand.

He took a step closer and held out his hand, palm up.And then he closed it, looking wary. Perhaps it was his job, or his training or maybe he was simply paranoid. "They're not poisonous, right?" he asked very directly and looked straight in to the man's eyes. A technique he had learned to spot a liar. And then he sighed, realising he was being stupid and held out his hand again. "Sorry,constant vigilance"

"A healthy person does not throw up out of nowhere" he said after he said that he was not sick. "I can make a tonic...." he cut off quickly. "Nevermind...

The man let out a bit of a deep chuckle, it was impossible to not. Though one may interpret it as belittling, it was far from that. Why, if the former Gryffindor Head of House had been wearing a red suit one could have confused him for another chuckling gent with a belly like a bowl full of jelly. "When one considers where we last left off, Mr. Hirase, I believe you will understand my praise a bit better," he pointed out casually.

To think, after all these years they were back under the same roof. Him, Mr. Hirase, and Mr. Aldair. Life was peculiar in that way.

"Of course they are," he mused, popping one of them into his mouth immediately after. "Poisonous to the bacterial growth between teeth that causes bad breath." Though it took about another half second or so after the mint had been on Airey's tongue that his shoulders started hunching and shaking once again...along with that gloriously disgusting dry heaving sound. Only difference was this time the man got down on all fours, on the ground, and started getting his back into it.

Kevin frowned as he looked at the man, unsure on whether the chuckle was to belittle him or not. His jaw started to clench and he looked absolutely annoyed for a split second until Flamsteed spoke. There was so much truth in his words that he couldn't disagree. The last time they had actually spoken to each other was in the Headmistress office signing his expulsion papers. Or rather, he had cried and begged more than he had talked... Merlin's Beard even the memory made him feel embarrassed. "Right...i get it..." he said slowly "And look at me now, crime analyser for the Law Enforcement Squad. Who'd have thunk it?" The trouble maker becoming a man of justice. Life could be poetic.

One trait that he had never been able to fix, was the rolling of his eyes. And he did so when Flamsteed began to say the reason on why the minst were poisonous. "That was not what i mea--" he could not continue his sentence for he had to jump away when Flamsteed was dry heaving AGAIN. "NOT THE SHOES" he yelled, expecting him to throw up again but instead he fell down.

........WAS HE DYING?!

Ok, it did not look like he was dying, perhaps an allergic reaction? But that wouldn't make any sense because an allergic person knew exactly what they couldn't have. And then his eyes went to the mints. "Give me that" he ordered and motioned for the mints.

Oh...right... Victims first, cause later. Kevin turned around quickly and grabbed his own empty cup of coffee and pulled out his wand again. "Aguamenti" he mumbled and waited till the cup was full before he cancelled the spell. He turned back around with a half spin, some water spilling on the ground as he did so and lowered down. "Drink this, if that doesn't help then i'm calling someone" he wasn't a Healer you know. "Did someone gave you those mints, Professor?" he asked, forgetting for a moment that they were not at school but at work or that this was the very first time he had called him that title.