10 January 2010
9 pm

It was late, but Zephyr thought it better she meet with this wizard when most of the Ministry personnel had gone or were holed up working late in their offices.  She'd told her assistant, "make him wait for me."  She'd told him, "put him in my outer office, shut the doors and leave him there.  I'll be along in another half hour or so, once he's good and cross."

And so Zephyr, on the other side of the Ministry of Magic had bidden her time.  An inter-office memo from Holmes let her know Rosier had arrived and had been penned up as she'd required, and after another cup of tea, she would be ready for him.  By now, she hoped he be nice and supple.  Fuming, she hoped, indignant. 

And by well, he deserved it! Horrible man had all but set fire to the building stormed out like a heard of olyphants and damn near disappeared for weeks now.  But she had in mind exactly the due that was warrented, something that would teach Rosier who was in charge around here and how she expected things to be done.

"Thank you, Holmes.  You can go," she said as she arrived back on Level One and passed the desk of her most trusted assistant.  "I've got it from here."

The doors to her outer office spread open before her and she walked in and right past Cameron Rosier through a second set of doors into her office proper. 

"I hope I haven't kept you waiting too long," she said with an icy tone.  "It would have been a true shame to have been so neglectful."

Once in her office, she went round the back of her desk and placed her fingertips on its surface.  She was dressed in deep scarlet with dark purple accents.  Flowing robes that ended in a high collar and long buttoned cuffs.  Her glasses had red lenses.

"Sit."

Coming back to this building was like being slapped in the face. Rosier expected to feel frustrated or even nostalgic, but he never expected to feel guilty. His disappearance after arguing with the Minister looked like a move of a coward to everyone in the Wizarding World. He could only imagine what sort of dramatic nonsense the Prophet spewed out in his absence. Maybe Rosier's demonstrative abandonment of his office was selfish, but he was certain that his Moroccan adventure (no matter how insane it turned out to be) will have a positive impact on this society. Well, at least that was something he kept telling himself.

He expected to be treated poorly by the Minister - that was a well-known tactic all high-level Ministry personnel liked to enforce. Once, Rosier himself enjoyed making his employees squirm while he casually smoked and sat behind his ostentatious desk. And since there was nothing better to do - Rosier lit a cigarette in the Minister's quarters. Usually a handsome and elegant fellow, Cameron Rosier was now a bit tattered -looking. It was evident he had a nasty sunburn, but what else could one expect from an English man spending a month under the North African sun? Instead of his usual expensive black robes, now he looked more like a muggle tourist - a pair of old khaki trousers, a white shirt and a cravat which was evidently a souvenir from Marrakesh.

He had nowhere to put the cigarette butt, so he rudely threw it on the carpet and smashed it with his shoe. The Minister knew he didn't like to wait for anyone - even her. Tempted to just go home and forget about this whole ordeal, Rosier got up from his seat and walked around in a slow pace. What did she want from him? He had a lot to tell her, but she couldn't know that. He checked his watch and grimaced - well, he guessed he deserved this after all! Frowning, he stuffed his hands in his pockets and paced around, lighting another cigarette.

When Zephyr stormed in with an introductory phrase which was oh so appropriate, Rosier merely raised an eyebrow. Yes, he expected exactly this, but that didn't mean he wasn't angry. He followed her in, deliberately walking a bit slower than her, still with that cigarette lazily hanging out his mouth. It was funny how things turned out - usually it was Rosier who self-importantly walked behind his desk and ordered people to 'sit'. But he obeyed and sat down without much ado.

"Have you got an ashtray?" he inquired seriously.

"Do I look like I need one?" she snipped back with condescending accusation.  Rosier smoked like a chimney.  It was a vile habit and a shortcoming. 

She sat down then and steepled her fingers in front of her and took a long moment to look at the wizard before her.  He looked disheveled and she congratulated herself on having the foresight to schedule the meeting at a quiet night hour.  He looked tired, surly, but ... he was here.  He was submitting to her invitation - but then, she was the Minister of Magic.  There were few who would dare deny her now.  So perhaps it was folly to read into his coming in as any more than that. 

Her face was nearly blank as she considered Cameron Rosier.  He was a good man, despite his flaws.  He came from a dark family and was no friendly sort.  But his loyalty during the dark times of the previous decade was nearly beyond reproach.  'Nearly', only insomuch that no one had an easy time trusting a Rosier. 

But Marcus Annwyl had, appointing Rosier to Head of Level Two.  And the Wizengamot had agreed shockingly swiftly.  And now, Zephyr had inhereted Rosier.

"You've done me a great harm, Cameron," she said finally.  "We had a considerable tiding up to do because of you.  I had thought you and I had come to a peace.  Where in all of the lands have you been?  I've had to replace you, but frankly, I was pleased to have the opportunity to do so! You've put me in a horrible spot.  You've let us down, Cameron."

This was an edge that Persepolis Zephyr rarely showed.  A hard edge that demanded cooperation, that demanded she be heard.  Usually she was all smiles and sweetness, compliments and cajoling, every word rehearsed and polished so they'd have the greatest effect.  But there were times when a different tack was needed.

He frowned at the Minister's quick dismissal of his simple request. Fine then, no ashtray. He wasn't sure what to expect next though, as Zephyr was difficult to read. Yes, he could see disappointment, anger and general annoyance on her face but her motives were always hidden. She was a politician and a caricature created for the public just like most of them over here. Rosier expected some sort of punishment from the Minister, maybe even a list of things he did wrong throughout his entire life. At this moment many things seemed possible, but he wasn't prepared with what he heard next.

I wasn't what she said to him, it was the tone. Something about her approach made him feel so utterly terrible and guilty. He felt about thirty years younger and as if scolded by his mother - it was definitely not a nice feeling. Rosier wasn't about to argue with her, tell her that she was the one who fired him and that it was her fault. No, he was ready to admit this was all his fault, but still he said nothing. After avoiding eye contact with the Minister for some time, he finally looked up. "Where have I been? In Morocco." It was all he could say without shouting at her, at himself and at the world. No, he convinced himself that his trek though the sunny African country was not in vain.

"You are right of course, Minister. But what's done is done...What do you propose we do now? As you said, my office now belongs to someone else, knowing you - someone you trust and easily control, so not Raynor." In his eyes, only Raynor would be a worthy replacement for him, but she was too stubborn and definitely not a politician. She wouldn't be Zephyr's choice, no. "These things hardly matter now though. I'm guessing you didn't summon me here at his hour to tell me how disappointed you are. I'm also guessing you won't find a way to send me to Azkaban, though I must admit that was what I sort of anticipated..."

He shrugged. There was nothing else to say. He wouldn't make up excuses to her and tell her tales about his adventures and what he eventually discovered. There was time for Corpus Inversus, but it definitely wasn't now.

A tiny glint of amusement leaked out when Rosier mentioned that Zephyr wouldn't have selected Tamis Raynor to take over Level Two - he'd nailed it right on the head.  Even if he didn't know it, control was the word. 

Control is what motivated her appointments.  How was she going to control Cameron Rosier?

It was an impossible task.  He trusted no one, it seemed, and he didn't seem bothered that he was dreadfully unpopular.  He survived politically only by the force of his achievements and the scattered and conflicting support of Purists and old warriors.  It was bizarre.  But despite his erratic behavior, Rosier was effective.  He was powerful and even though he'd thoroughly mucked it up, she couldn't afford to lose him. 

"Azkaban!" she laughed with icy merriment at the suggestion.  She'd considered it.  Briefly.

"No, I have something far more painful planned for you.  A promotion.  So that I can keep an eye on you."

She took out a scroll and stood at the desk to unfurl it.  It was covered in intricate script, and if one were to get close to have a read of it, one would see that it was the appointment to office for the Senior Undersecretary to the Minister of Magic. 

"I need you at my right hand, Rosier.  Where I won't lose you.  So you can be of some use to me."  She stood back from the desk, gesturing that he rise and view the scroll.  See what she was offering to him.  It was a way out.  They'd both save face, if he agreed.  That was part of this, Zephyr knew.  Promoting Rosier was a much better tale to tell than one of disgrace and insubordination.  She needed him on board for this to work smoothly.

Was this some sort of a joke? If yes, it was dreadful. What was she talking about? Rosier knew Zephyr was the Minister and had no time for silly jokes and this was supposed to be a serious meeting, but he couldn't help but stare in disbelief. He did everything wrong and now he was getting a promotion! Speechless, he got up and stared at the scroll on her desk. His ears started ringing when he read the title of the document.

He looked at the Minister as if she was barking mad. Maybe she was. "Erm..." was all he could say. It was a 'word' he seldom used and it felt strange having absolutely nothing to say. "Senior Undersecretary?" He gave her a doubtful look. Was this actually a promotion or a life sentence? But no - this was exactly what he deserved and now he was getting a clearer picture about Zephyr's methods. This way they will both save face in the public eye, so he had no choice. Maybe he stopped caring about his own reputation, but this time the Minister counted on him. Gritting his teeth, Rosier thought about this for one more second. Was this one of those offers he could not refuse?

"Fine," he said, crossing his arms, as if he had a choice or something else to live for. "I get Umbridge's old office though, right?" He wasn't sure who occupied one of the most beautiful offices in the building now, but he still referred to it as Umbridge's office simply because it was difficult to forget such an annoying witch. People who knew Rosier were aware of how important his working space was for him. He needed to have a spacious office in order to function.

"Umbridge?" Zephyr's face was awash with disgust.  She'd just offered him a very powerful post and at the same time chained him to a chair and he thought it prudent to mention the name of Dolores Umbridge. 

"I don't need to remind you that she's in Azkaban serving a life sentence for crimes against humanity, Rosier.  I daresay I require that you are sure never to reference that name in any discussion surrounding this appointment, for the sake of us all who yet breathe.  Merlin's beard, man.  Show some bloody respect for this office," she scolded him.

Is this what her life would be like now? Rosier being Rosier and her having to tug at his leash every other second to ensure he didn't embarrass this Ministry of Magic?  Merlin's bones, had she made a terrible error?  She honestly didn't care a lick about what office he did or didn't inhabit.  But he did have the prerogative to find a suitable space on Level One.

She set her jaw and handed him the quill.  "We'll begin first thing in the morning.  I'll have my assistant brief you and we have a meeting with the Department Heads on Tuesday and a press conference on Wednesday.  From here on out, you're my wand.  You'll take over managing my staff, I'll need you representing our agenda in Departmental matters and before the Wizengamot.  This is the real thing, Rosier.  You don't want to fall from this height."

Then, she smiled.  "I have complete faith in you."

Rosier put his hands up slightly, as if admitting defeat. Right, so he wasn't allowed to even joke about Dolores Umbridge, he'll have to remember that one. Maybe some people were sensitive to that sort of thing, but in Rosier's family there were more people who did commit crimes against humanity than the ones who did not. But at least it seemed like Zephyr doesn't care about which office he takes; that was a huge plus. First thing tomorrow morning, he will have to assess the situation.

He took the quill - there was no turning back now. Falling from this height was not an option, he made too many mistakes already and now it was time for a bit of seriousness. He will not allow himself get carried away again, like he did after Tawse attacked him or like he did with the Corpus case. Raising his eyebrows, he took another look at the parchment on the desk and then signed it without much ado. He found it a bit comforting that the Minister said she had faith in him, even if she said it only for theatrics sake. It also made him feel guilty again because he thought he did not deserve her trust. Grimacing slightly, he promised himself not to let her down again.

He got everything she said, an early morning start from tomorrow was something he sort of expected. He will need to dig out his decent robes, everything he took with him to Morocco was either lost or destroyed.

"What happens when we disagree on things?" he asked finally, though with a tiny smile. The Minster knew him well enough by now to realize how stubborn he could be or how he sometimes did his best to deliberately work behind people's backs.

He signed!  Persepolis Zephyr couldn't stop herself from smiling.  She'd been afraid this whole time that he'd embarrass her and turn her down.  Reject the opportunity, leave her in the lurch.  But he'd signed.  He was on board.  Even after her moments-ago misgivings, she found it was a relief now that it was settled.  She let out a breath and came around the desk, her arms open her robes fluttering. 

"Oh, I'm sure we will," she said, her manner much improved.  She even placed her hand on the small of his back and guided him alongside her out towards the outer office.  "That is part of your duty, to be honest with me.  In fact, I'd take it as insult if you bit your tongue and denied your better instincts.  The strength of a wand is in its core, Mr. Rosier," she said, taking up an old wizarding adage.  "And so be true to your heart and I'll be true to mine."

As they neared the outer doors, she paused and smiled up at him.

"But yes.  Should we disagree:  the best complement to a note of apology is chocolate.  I take mine dark." 

She winked at him, patted him on the back, and shut the door between them.