Admist the rashers and the coaxing of the beastie, Maurice kept a vigilant eye on surroundings, safety, and the stream of irritated garble inside his head. It was evident the griffin was finally coming to the end of the line as it was screeching its bloody head off whilst slipping into the enchanted suitcase. Thank Godric because its cries were beginning to form a muchly undue headache.

Holmes' eyes looked just past the tattering carpet to take note of the lift making a stop to level one at long last. Irritance was plainly etched on his features, there was no mistaking for it. As the doors slid open, Maurice moved around the scene as quickly as he could (no doubt looking ridiculous, similar to that of a hot walker) and approached Pepper's teammates.

"About bloody time you show up," he hissed low, angrily. "We're quite sorry, sir. It wasn't intentional..." was the slight impassioned plea, cut off of by Maurice raising a hand. "Well, the damage is done. At least now... you should be able to help Pepper with the situation.... wouldn't you agree?" he responded matter of factly, gesturing for them to go and help.

Creatures arrived. The griffin's head disappeared behind the suitcase lid. The sound was tremendous. Brin wanted to plug his ears. He kicked the lid down. Pointed his wand at the case. The clasps snapped shut. Locks turned. Brin did not trust them to stay shut. He was very glad creatures was there to take it away. The griffin had made a real mess but nobody was hurt. They were an unlikely team. The Minister, Holmes, Abbott and young Pepper.

"Are you alright Minister?" Brin asked. Glass looked unharmed. Brin expected the boss would be very unhappy about this incident. Maurice looked angriest.

The griffin’s beak jerked a piece of bacon from Ambrose’s greasy fingers just as the beast was sucked back into the suitcase. It screeched in a manner that showed its distress. Ambrose’s face fell. He had been in wonder at the encounter, but he had to remember not be bleeding heart about it. Griffins and other dangerous beasts required respect and compassion, but they would still rip you to pieces if you got the balance wrong.

The lid fell shut with a bump a few metres from Ambrose, between him and Brinley. Just like that it was all over and there was a rush of other footsteps. Ambrose’s colleagues had arrived to take the memo seriously this time. The wizards who had worked with him were no longer concerned about the griffin, rallying around the Minister instead. Ambrose hastily explained the contents of the suitcase to his more experienced colleagues. One of them slapping him on the back of the shoulders for his pluck. Another suggested magical maintenance would have their work cut out, and a third lamented the state of the clasps, before binding the whole case in magical chains.

Ambrose, elated, but relieved, allowed the smile to return to his features, and a flush of colour followed. His hands were greasy with breakfast contents and a trickle of sweat ran down his back. But he felt a great sense of pride which would keep him going for some days.

With only a respectful look back to the Level One crew and the Minister, he mutely nodded and gave a half bow for their assistance, hardly noticed, before he accompanied the suitcase into the waiting lift.

“Are you alright Minister?” Abbot asked.

“Splendid.” Glass replied, wearing a satisfied smile. He didn’t mind about the damage, the whole encounter had been a delightful distraction to his current role and made him miss the old days. He might even consider sending himself something dangerous in the post once in a while to enjoy a similar thrill in future.

“Well done, well done all.” Edwin praised, despite the fact Level Four had only initially turned up the form of an apprentice, the carpet was torn to pieces and the post room door was gouged out. “Pickler, get maintenance up here to tidy up, Holmes, Abbott, I trust you’ll take care of the rest and find out who sent us a griffin. Ask them to send a dragon next week.” Delighted with the events, Edwin strode off in the direction of his office, whistling.

The Minister did not seem upset at the damage. He praised them all. Set them to work. Requested a dragon next week. Off her went. Whistling. He had not heard the Minister whistle like that. Brinley was surprised. He was not sure which he was more surprised about. The griffin or the Minister so happy about it.
"Might be the day to break any bad news." Brin said to Holmes and Pickler. "I have never seen him in such a good mood. Let's get to work."

END