Mortimer's stride out of the lift onto the plush carpet of level one had a little more spring than the previous couple of days. He wasn't here to see the Minister about financial issues[1], or to see Cabhan about what the Minister was up to slashing his budget[2], but was here to pick the brains of her assistants. Somerville would probably be more helpful, even if Holmes had greater discretion with his years of distinguished service. No, Mortimer had a feeling Paul Somerville would be very helpful indeed.

The young man was only a year or so into his Ministry career, though he was one of the brightest from his year from Hogwarts. One of his classmates, Christopher Dant had joined Level 9 with spell experimentation and Mortimer was very pleased with his progress indeed when he reviewed it with the senior spellworks staff only the other week at a meeting. Somerville would have made a brilliant unspeakable too, but he'd chosen to be far more interested in politics. Each to their own.

Having just brokered a deal over the dementors with Glass on level three[3], Mortimer was feeling more determined and proactive again, which put him in a better mood. He alighted at the door to the assistant's office, and gave a single knock of his knuckles against the open door before stepping inside. An open door was a clever move from Paul, so he could see who came and went and listen to conversations that came by.

"Somerville," Mortimer greeted politely, enjoying the fact his arrival was unannounced, and that Paul might also be surprised that the Head of the Department of Mysteries was addressing him directly by name instead of seeking out Holmes. "I need to ask you for a little advice," the considerably older wizard asked, appealing to Somerville's wish to be useful and important, "might you have access to Madam Minister's diary?" He loomed over Somerville's desk, his long formal suit robes swishing behind him as he came to a stop and set his shoulders.

1.	A Most Worthy Investment
2.	Hold Tight the Purse Strings
3.	Nine Behind Three

Paul had not went home last night, he'd been in the ministry for about 27 hours without sleep or rest. Thankfully he knew a few spells that made sure his clothes appeared, and smelt, clean. He had rolled his black sleeves upto his elbows, but they annoyingly kept falling down, and he missed the shirts he had worn in the muggle world. They rarely unrolled themselves as he was writing. He was sure he looked tired, bags under his eyes and the like. But he was still alert, he had never needed much sleep, usually four hours was enough, and the small bin he kept in his office was full of empty cans of Muggle energy drink.

A report from one of the departments had flown into his office a few moments ago, a flying paper plane, unfolded itself on his brown wood desk and he'd quickly read over it before making a response. The department from where it had originated was the most annoying part of the Ministry in Paul's opinion. He received letters from the under secretary far more often than was required, asking for the Minister's approval on seemingly everything, and although Paul was all for a strong Minister led government, some initiative had to be taken!

He was penning a response when he heard his name being called, looking up he saw Mortimer Gamp, Head of the Department of Mysteries. He certainly had not expected Gamp to walk into his office. Paul had a high ranking post for his age on Level 1, something he was very proud of, but for someone as senior as Gamp to seek him out was odd. Paul was immediately on alert. This was new, and he did not trust new.

Paul stood. "Gamp, it is a pleasure to see you, I hope I can be of use to you." Always courteous, Paul did not truly believe Gamp needed his advice, he guessed he was trying to butter him up. Which, if anything, made Paul even more wary of the old man. Not that he had any reason to suspect him of disloyalty to the Minister, but he had been an Unspeakable and those guys were not people you trust. Plus he was the head of the most independent of all the Departments, and that independence was not something Paul supported. In his view, appointing an Unspeakable to the position of head was a mistake. Someone from the outside was more likely to give proper oversight.

Paul was visibly shorter than Gamp, being only 5'7'' or so, but Paul had gotten used to being shorter than most of his colleagues, and did not let it bother him. "The Minister's diary, why of course." The truth was Paul had memorised the contents of the diary for the next fortnight. "Why do you ask, Sir?"

Somerville was smooth, Gamp admired that in the young man. He had been brought up well, dressed smartly. Perhaps one day he might poach his mind to level 9 to put that head to good use.

"Good." Mortimer began, "If you see two days prior, Somerville, I met with the Minister, and during that meeting, I invited the Minister to take dinner with my family at her next available opportunity." He examined Somerville's expression.

"Would you confirm her availability for the evening of the 7th of next month?"[1]

Gamp's expression remained neutral throughout this, his eyes that appeared to be set into his face were heavily lidded as he looked down to study Paul as the assistant consulted the timetable ahead. It wouldn't do to hint at what the Minister was actually engaged with (unless it was public knowledge), so Mortimer had suggested a date straight out, with a few more possibilities from Lyra on hand.

1.	(Psst - she's free on the 14th though)

"Please give me a moment."

A quick mental check, betrayed by a quick flick of his eyes upwards, confirmed to Paul that the Minister was not available on the 7th. However it would look wrong if he did not physically check. He reached into the pocket of his robes and pulled out a scroll. The scroll was sealed by deep ruby red wax that he had enchanted. He pulled out his word, gave the scroll a quick tap, and mentally spoke the password. The wax cracked in two. Paul read the scroll quickly. "Unfortunately Sir the Minister is unavailable on the 7th." He scanned the paper.

"Would you, and your fine family, be free on the 14th? The Minister could squeeze you in then." He smiled kindly.

"The 14th will be more than adequate, thank you." Mortimer gave a nod, and pressed his palms together, happy at the suggestion, as it was one of his alternative dates.
"Eight, Godric's Hollow. I will send a formal invitation later today with the details. Be sure to expect it." He instructed Somerville.

And to all intents and purposes it looked as if the Head of Department would depart there and then, but he returned his hands to his sides.
"This financial audit, Somerville, what have you heard? Have the other Departments filed their paperwork on time?" He glanced about the office. "I don't suppose Magical Games and Sports can count their bludger collection these days, Lockhart is too busy putting on a show with the Tournament at Hogwarts, showing off." He suggested, trying to see if Somerville confirmed his suspicions that the least organised and professional department of the whole building was incapable of following orders. If they were an adequate distraction and nuisance to the Minister, he might slide by the audit with fewer cuts for his efficiency.

Somerville, as ever was as helpful and professional as he could be, and Gamp left the office to owl his wife and confirm.

End