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“Good morning.” Minister Glass greeted seven witches and wizards seated around the table. Neat piles of paper sat before most of them, amongst half-filled glasses of orange juice, strong coffee or dainty teacups depending on individual preference. Despite the early hour of Monday morning, the new Minister appeared to be in his element, wide awake and keen to begin. He sported his favourite shade of red tie and a three piece set of charcoal suit robes. Grey April rain fell on London, and the enchanted windows of the Level One conference room reflected the gloomy undertones of both the real weather and the agenda ahead of them.

“I’d like to welcome you to our first Heads of Department meeting. Though most of us have sat around this table before,” he nodded to the heads of Law Enforcement, International Magical Cooperation, Transport and Sports and Games as he spoke, “this is our first meeting since the promotion of Quill Som for Magical Accidents and Catastrophes, the formal promotion of Jacqueline Devereux for Mysteries and the new appointment of Alec Carter to Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures.”

He gestured to each of them in turn, proudly smiling to Quill, who had experience of this from years before and would take to it like a duck to water. He nodded to Jacqueline without a smile, hoping the witch had removed the broom from up her backside that morning, and returned to a hint of a smile for Carter, who he was not yet well acquainted with but had heard good things about. Glancing past Carter to Flash Lockhart twirling his blonde moustache, Edwin thought almost anyone could be an improvement...

“Agendas have been circulated to you in advance, and several items have been tabled to allow us to discuss pressing issues. But as per protocol, we shall begin with brief verbal reports from Departments.” Edwin looked up and gestured gently to the first he made eye contact with, “go ahead.”[1]

1.	I figure it’s more likely an existing HoD would step in, but equally, use our NPC Transport head or Flash from Games and Sports as the first and gloss over their points!

Quill Som sat straight and neutral, as at ease as she could be. She was not an ambitious witch in the traditional sense, but to have more or less have inherited her appointment seemed like a occupational natural law and she was pleased.

She almost smiled when Edwin Glass acknowledged her.

"Thank you, Minister," again, almost smiling. She was happy for Glass and was certain he'd be capable.

"Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes:" was her only prelude. She stood, put on a pair of small reading glasses, opened the file on the table, and set her index finger on the mark.

"The InterDepartmental Response and Engagement Against Dementors programme continues to improve its coordination and responsive effectiveness.  Response time is down to 2 and a half minutes on the scene with an average of 42 minutes to scene secure. Over the last two years the amount of muggle referrals to St. Mungos has dropped from 17 per month, down to only 8 and a half."  She paused and looked over her glasses.

"That's an average figure - no muggles have actually been severed during Dementor-related incidents."

"This amassing of useful of data has served as an unprecedented resource in reducing the occurrence of mago-muggle disruptions."

She paused again, clicking her tongue. "Moving on... we were happy to report good cooperation with the Department of Magical Law Enforcement in dealing with the destruction at the Leaky Cauldron which spilled into Charring Cross."

Quill moved down her bulleted list one more time, "And we expect to be selecting two or three new Obliviator apprentices from Hogwarts at the beginning of summer. Their training will be delegated to that office."

With that done, she looked up, begging any questions before passing the baton.

When Jacqueline rose from her slumber on that fateful grey morning, she was not filled with the joy and euphoria that had been bolstering her spirits since her promotion to Department Head was made official. Instead, as the French witch dressed and sipped her stout black coffee, she was filled with dread and apprehension. It was the first Monday morning meeting with the newly elected Minister for Magic and Jacqueline Devereux was not looking forward to it.

Her melancholy mood brought her through her morning routine and her dark cloud stayed with her until she was seated firmly around the table with the other Department Heads – it wasn’t easy to raise one’s spirits when you had to look at Flash Lockhart’s obnoxious face all morning. Hopefully the meeting wouldn’t take too long and Jacqueline could get back to her job, though if her feelings were anything to go by, this could easily turn into a bloodbath of her department, Mortimer Gamp had run their reputation into the ground. Jacqueline was determined to alleviate some of the suspicion placed on her department – even if that meant sharing a few secrets.

Som was asked to speak first, naturally. Glass needed to have his own closet speak up first – a show of support for his old department, and not to show favoritism at all. It was a poor political move, in Jacqueline’s mind though she doubted that Edwin Glass even thought it was a political move at all. Jacqueline’s philosophy indoctrinated that every move was a political one. When the magical disaster department finished her introduction, Jacqueline looked around the room.

Was it customary to stand at these things? She knew to prepare an opening statement – a rundown of her department, but all the pomp and decorum Quill Som was spreading was simply not something Jacqueline was going to do. It seemed pretty obvious that the witch was anticipating a question and answer session, as she hadn’t yet reclaimed her seat, but wasn’t that supposed to happen after? Jacqueline certainly didn’t know what to expect.

When it seemed that no one was about to speak up, either due to the early hour or lack of interest, Jacqueline jumped in. She tried initially for a polite smile, but as the feeling was foreign on her face and probably worried those around her, she quickly dropped that idea. “You’ll excuse me for keeping my seat, yes?” She said by way of introduction. She was trying to be a dutiful Department Head, but sarcastic remarks were simply in her nature.

“The Department of Mysteries has been performing at sub-par capacities,” She said, the words tasting like acid on her tongue. “It appears that the events in February have caused more damage than we initially realized. The sanitation of the department alone put us behind in experimentation as well as in budget. Several employees of the Department of Mysteries have tendered their resignation – we’re running on what can barely be considered a skeletal crew,”

“We, along with every other department here, are also expecting a few recruits from Hogwarts – though I fear it will be less than half the anticipated number,” There really wasn’t much good to say about her department at the moment, and though she wanted to look good in front of her equals – she also wanted to show that she wasn’t going to lie like most of her predecessors.

“We are happy to report that there have been no cases of rogue time-turners reported in the last month and the experimental spells department have tested and vetted three new charms in the last fortnight,”

Quill had her seat again with no ruffled feathers. She shrugged in response to Devereux's comment about not standing - it didn't matter. Quill Som was the sort to stand whether it was expected or not.

Devereux began her grim report.  She'd only just taken over the Department, so there was no reason to judge her as an administrator yet.  Quill had inherited a department she'd worked to keep tidy. Devereux didn't have the same luxury. There was very little overlap between Levels 3 and 9, but something Quill knew they had in common was Dementors.  Officially, the Department of Mysteries was looking into Dementors. Officially, Quill Som had no other details.

The faces around the large table were slowly becoming familiar. A few, Alec Carter had met since his appointment on Level 4. Most, he was yet to be formally introduced to. Not that it mattered; there would be plenty of time. There was enough to be bothered about with the seeming disorganisation of his new department. The beasts and beings department in any ministry was naturally crazier than any other. The unpredictability of animals did that; but there were possible measure to take to limit the chaos. His predecessor didn’t seem to have embarked on these measures.

The prim Head of Magical Accidents and Catastophes stood to address the room and Alec couldn’t help but smirk at the comment of muggles being severed. Her approach was so very British. All of the formality within this ministry was the very epitome of what Alec had moved away over 30 years ago to avoid. Such conventionalism and seriousness could be so inhibiting. For this very meeting, the former dragon tamer had worn a tie, the veritable collar and leash of formality. It strangled and made the rather bulky wizard look somewhat uncomfortable beneath the shirt and robes.

With both woman finished speaking, Alec decided to get his part over and done with. Unlike the first speaker, he chose to remain seated but he did lean forward. There was no file opened in front of him.

“Alec Carter, Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. A brief one from me. I’ve had time now to get to grips with the Department and your ministry and there are several changes I shall be implementing immediately. With your approval, obviously, Minister.” Dark eyes flashed to Glass and he gave a small nod.
“A way of describing Level 4 would be organised chaos. That will be changing. Reforms and werewolf and vampire legislation are being discussed ready to propose to you in due time, Sir.”

Short and sweet. Alec didn’t have much more to add, the whole process of such a meeting feeling alien to him. So he sat back and folded her arms across his chest.

Solomon was still acquainting himself with the contents of his teacup when Quill and Jacqueline began to brief the room on their respective department updates. There was a bit of something unusual in the air - a sensation of revival, with a new leader and perhaps even a radically different approach to government. He only had good things to say of Minister Glass since Wednesday's events[1] and was more than happy to allow for proceedings to take place as smoothly as possible this morning.

A little silence after the Department of Mysteries proffered its good news. He scribbled a few notes about the sanitisation of the former crime scene. Carter went next and was mercifully brief.

And then Sol cleared his throat, leaning back in his seat in a leisurely but officious manner.

"It has been a busy start to the month for the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, I'm afraid." Solomon glanced down at a lengthy bit of parchment in his hand and stopped himself from sighing. "Musgrave's surrender has been followed by no violent event, and I.D.R.E.A.D is of course handling any repercussions of Dementor attraction to the prisoner," a formal nod in Quill's direction. "Questioning is underway. We believe he has vital information to trade."

The wizard glanced around the table, pausing for a moment to consider the new Head of level four. "Vampire murders are still under investigation. We have a lead now, thanks to a consultant loan from Being Division. No further incidents have been discovered but we remain vigilant as the monthly marker approaches."

Solomon lowered the parchment and returned his attention to their Minister while he adjusted his spectacles. There was not much detail in his report - it would take them longer than this cursory meaning to go over every piece of information. Still, he knew there might be questions or demands put upon level two due to their high level of publicity and activity.

"I should add that a volunteer guard of Aurors has been assembled for the opening of the Leaky Cauldron."

1.	To Tinker and Toil - 6th April

This department head meeting - the last one no doubt until she returned from maternal leave - had arrived. Such thoughts had kept her awake off and on over the weekend and the one before that. Would Johann prove his worth? Was he truly the right decision for the department? Yes, she had rationalised. Johann was the right one to prove his mettle; God help them, however, if she came back to a scathing report, let alone an audit, inquisition squad when returning back to the department.

Her ears burned crimson hot, knowing fully well that she was distracted. Gabrielle was seated next to Quill, collecting her thoughts, pulling out her end of the reports as Carstairs finished his, knowing she was next in line. A hand extended for the glass of orange juice, drinking it down before speaking up to the departments and minister.

"Sirs, Madams, Minister, but I am here to report on behalf of International Magical Cooperation. Our department work is going along smoothly enough as one hopes in international affairs. It is with heavy hearts to take note of the tragedies that are befalling young witches and wizards before they have a fighting chance. Word from the Muggle Affairs Office speaks volumes: Persecution of these adolescents, often resulting in death, amount to the lack of understanding of magic. It is our department's ambition that we work not only with our words, but likewise protect these Muggleborn children so they too, might have an education or a life free from fear.

I also wish to report on a happier note that the success of the Tetrawizard Tournament is still felt far and wide, our connections to the schools and likewise their magical cooperation departments remain intact. We are to be lauded for our efforts through everything that took place and look forward to another go at it in the future. We also wish to report that the department will be taking part in the career fair in the next few weeks."

Gabrielle paused, a small lump there in her throat as she prepared to finish her report with the obvious. On with the show... she thought to herself.

"Though it is evident rather plainly, I did intend to inform you all of my departure as of next Friday, April the twenty second, due to maternity leave. It is in my earnest confidence that my temporary successor, Johann Storm, provides himself to be capable, visible, reliable, and suitable to the colleagues before me. I am assured that Mr. Storm will bring plenty for the Ministry. I intend fully to return to my post by late July, early August. I wish the very best for you all in my absence and do hope under our new leadership that the Ministry will continue to thrive."

And with that, Gabrielle reclined back in her chair, prepared for whomever, whatever was next.

Quill took point, choosing to stand as she addressed her fellow Department Heads. Edwin was happy to let her, she wasn’t the tallest witch, and it allowed her voice to carry easily. As she described IDREAD’s progress, Edwin’s gaze dropped momentarily to the tabled report, detailing incidents, responses, casualties, staffing numbers.

“… down to only eight and a half. … That’s an average figure - no muggles have actually been severed during dementor-related incidents.” Although Quill delivered the clarification with no humour, Edwin’s lips turned into a smile. When they had led their Department together, Quill had always been no-nonsense, the grounding one against him when he found his glee in chaos. Thankfully she had never displayed strong offence to him trying to find some humour in the wake of dire situations to raise spirits, only mild distaste. He missed that Carter shared his humour.

“… we were happy to report good cooperation with the Department of Magical Law Enforcement in dealing with the destruction at the Leaky Cauldron which spilled into Charing Cross.” Edwin nodded, acknowledging one of the last times he had been in the field for a major operation, on the Charing Cross Road.

“Thank you, Som.” Edwin uttered gently, managing a flinch of a smile in recognition before raising his gaze to the rest of the table to see who took the baton.

Devereux took up next, the gentlemen amongst them holding back out of politeness of their newer colleagues, perhaps. She declined to stand, which wasn’t a worry, and he gave her a slow nod of approval at her query. She had her work cut out, given the circumstances she had gained leadership of her Department, but despite her demeanour, Edwin considered her up for the job.

Her report was, as to be expected, negatively weighted, but with some positives at the end.

“Thank you,” Edwin acknowledged, “there are definite points there we shall pick up later in the agenda.”

Alec Carter took the baton to introduce himself formally to his new colleagues. As an incomer from the Norwegian Ministry, he wasn’t already known to the departments, unless they had dealt with Norway directly.

“… there are several changes I shall be implementing immediately, with your approval, obviously, Minister.” Edwin raised his eyebrows slightly, enough to acknowledge to the rest of them that he and Carter had not yet spoken about these changes, so he couldn’t yet pass endorsement. “Reforms, werewolf and vampire legislation are being discussed ready to propose to you in due time, Sir.”

“Keep me appraised of the timescale and general motions, Carter.” Edwin replied, a fingertip tapping the table as he spoke, keen to see something in writing before him as soon as possible if there were sudden changes. He was not against it, but change for change’s sake was not economically viable. “Thank you for your report, moving on.”

Solomon Carstairs, a veteran of these meetings - well in terms of Level Two leadership in recent years, he could be considered - offered his report. The tabled version was much more lengthy than any of his colleagues, but as the biggest department, and given recent events, it was to be expected.

“… Musgrave’s surrender has been followed by no violent event…” Edwin’s gaze lowered uncomfortably to the reports laid neatly before him. He had yet to clap eyes on his old friend, but he had seen photographs of his condition since his arrest. He understood there would be extensive interviews, and he worried about what might be disclosed about arrangements with dementor control brokered at his dining table at the start of the year with Gamp, Shufflebottom and Musgrave. He had rather been hoping Level 2 would have returned a dead body.

Although he listened to the rest of Sol’s report, his gaze didn’t raise until the other wizard added, “… assembled for the opening of the Leaky Cauldron.” He glanced to Carstairs and gave a nod.
“Yes, good. Thank you. As you have brought it up, it was a note for the end, but I do encourage you, and in turn your Departments to uphold a good attendance at this event. The Leaky Cauldron is not just a business, it is a historical building of great cultural significance to our population. Its rebuilding and reopening is to be celebrated and supported as a sign of strength and renewal. We may not be at ‘war’, but confidence and safety for our community is our priority. Right, thank you. Moving on.”

Gabrielle Murray appeared distracted and flustered, but took her turn. Dreogan Eleor’s Muggle Affairs Office was occupying column inches, reminding them all that troubles were not limited to Great Britain. Edwin wasn’t entirely comfortable with it all on a personal level, but he couldn’t sign off every policy or action in the press - and Eleor wasn’t a fool (his auror brother, the jury was out on).

It appeared Murray had finished, but there was something else. Respectfully, the room paused to let her consider her words. Gabrielle had been a Department Head for a long time now, and despite her great friendship with Edwin’s predecessor, he did not hold a grudge against her. They needed stable leaders, and though Murray had her moment of unpredictability, she provided it to Level Five.

“.. It is in my earnest confidence that my temporary successor, Johann Storm, provides himself…” Edwin’s expression frowned a little as she spoke.

“Thank you Murray, and our best wishes for the birth of your child.” The Minister spoke kindly, his frown ebbing away into a gentle smile. Although he had no children of his own, his sisters did, and he understood how they changed a family and brought joy. “Much as your leadership will be missed, we respect your family will need you most in the near future, and these moments only come once in a lifetime. We will be sure to appoint a suitable maternity cover for your post, to allow you flexibility to take leave and not feel pressed to hurry back.”

With that, he moved on to Transport, who delivered what was as ever, a report full of healthy statistics of the number of floo travellers, broom penalties and portkey supervisions. Level Six were beautifully stable and efficient even at such unstable times. That and boring. Well, someone had to be. Flash Lockhart always delivered his report with the gusto of a quidditch commentator, and could go off topic and into too much detail when excited.

Incapable of being quiet, Lockhart led them through the latest on the World Cup to a final of gobstones which had him take Quill’s stance one step further with a foot on the table with a final hurrah! in celebration of a British wizard’s world cup victory. Edwin gritted his teeth.

“Thank you, Lockhart,” he interrupted, before it could escalate further,
“Minister!” He twirled his blonde moustache and removed his patent long boot from the varnished conference table to take his seat.
“for that overly-detailed report from Level Seven.”


Edwin cleared his throat and glanced down at the agenda.

“Item three, further to Devereux’s report, and following the approval at our previous meeting, I met with the Ministry's financial advisors. We secured additional emergency funds for Level Nine to cover the repairs and restoration of the laboratories. It will ensure that the original budget for Nine set by Gamp can be honoured, despite his legacy. Details will be shared with you following this meeting, Jacqueline.”

He nodded to the witch, “This is separate to the compensation cases we are currently settling with the families of the students. Ministry investments will be liquidated as necessary. Carter, additional vigilance on goblin relations please.” He gestured in the direction of the new Head before returning his attention back to the silver-haired witch.

“I request a rational audit of your Department’s experimentation expenses in the next fortnight, Devereux, shelve what is not essential, or allow me to make that decision for you. We shall all need to accommodate and encourage internal transfers or secondments from to shoulder the burden and stablise Nine. It is imperative we work to repair public faith. Solomon, regular updates on the investigation should be maintained with the press. If you have to swing it that Musgrave is related to it - whether or not he truly is - do so.”

Edwin added grimly. He had taken over in a time of gross instability for the Ministry, but he was confident they could claw it back together.

“Which leads me onto item four on our agenda. The long-term view for IDREAD. The taskforce was not meant to be maintained for as long as it has been required. As admirable as the figures Som reports, are, we are still a sticking plaster over a situation which has become our new normality in Britain for the first time since the second war. With our researchers drawing correlation between dementor activity and the rise in significant, high profile criminal activity in our community, it is not something we can continue to patch over." Edwin shook his head and clasped his hands together before him, eyes moving from one face to the next around the table.

"We need to turn our efforts to the root, something which Nine has been working on alone, but with limited success.” Edwin didn’t care that this general information had been classified, the departments all knew enough to draw conclusions. “I would like to propose we ring-fence funding for the dementor research, but collaborate with other departments with urgency - and draw on international support. With discretion, of course, Murray. We are not in crisis, we must not allow the public to believe this.” Edwin looked about the table for feedback on this proposal.

Som took brief notes in her architect's penmanship.  Status wrapped up and the Minister moved down the agenda with the organization of a wizard who was used to time being at a premium. Good.

Quill declined to stand the next time she spoke. "If pressed, I.D.R.E.A.D. could endure a cut with a period of brief decline in effectiveness at a tolerable level. We can train more personnel which would reduce the need for overtime and hazard for our more thinly stretched operatives."

Interns. She gave a tiny shrug. The team had become very well coordinated and no longer needed the undivided attentions of those at the senior level.

"Futhermore..." she consulted an annotation. "My field Healers report their counterparts at St. Mungo's are sorely lacking for Ministry support but they are encountering some...red tape. If relationships could be smoothed at a higher level, some headway could be made regarding cause and prevention." [1]

It looked for a moment that Quill Som had something more to say, but after a moment, she sat back in her seat by way of yielding the floor. Left on the table were her ruminations on slow-moving revisions to procedures regarding Muggles at the scenes of magical crimes and catastrophes. Current procedures were to wipe them as soon as possible, but some were calling for provisions that would allow Ministry entities to interview them as witnesses.  At this point, there simply were no guidelines for dealing with Muggles in this way. Both Muggle Affairs and the Wizengamot had documents circulating.

1.	In June 2010, Persepolis Zephyr had little luck getting in bed with St. Mungos. A Witch's Coven

How much times had changed - perhaps that each of them here at this table had seen so much regarding battles and wars that now dementors research seemed a possibility, Gabrielle seemed apprehensive. She was coming together for unification for the sake of wizard kind but this seemed ALMOST damning. "How would we have our allies join us in this cause? I.D.R.E.A.D. remains a primary function here in the Isles. This said, I am open for suggestions and brainstorming. I don't believe North America and most of western Europe would oppose efforts to  be jointed; it's the remainder of the world.

Nations that rely heavily on tradition, mysticism, omens, even the beliefs of their peoples make it harder to sway as the magic and muggle realms still do not unite. After all, Albania's Ministry opposed investigators when word was that Voldemort had been spotted. Romania, birthplace of my father's lineage, still believe that should evil befall them, there is sorcery amongst them. This said, I agree with Som. Training will aid us, but yes, Minister.... I will begin talks with these nations."

Jacqueline had learned long ago that to be an Unspeakable of extraordinary talent one needed to be not only silent, but one also needed to listen. As the other departments gave their introductions, Jacqueline did just that. Yes, there were times that Jacqueline's personal opinions threatened to rise, but the calculating witch filed those tidbits of recognition within the confines of her mind and even her face remained in a stoic position throughout the opening remarks.

Most of the heads around the table Jacqueline knew, if not on a personal level, at least on a professional one. She, like Carter, had experience with other Ministries - and if his views were similar to her own, Jacqueline felt that she could find a potential ally in the man. Som... well, that was another story. She had always seemed to be strictly by-the-book and Mysteries didn't work very well with strict parameters. Inventive imagination was necessary for her department to run properly and the bureaucracy that most of the heads involved themselves in made most of them unsatisfactory matches for cooperation.

And then there was Flash Lockhart - who gave no knuts about rules but whose personality challenged Jacqueline's patience in even the smallest of interactions.

Storm was also someone Jacqueline might consider an ally - even if it was only temporary. He, along with his lover had been present at Almasy's dinner party. Though Jacqueline had never been in Ira's employ she shared some common beliefs and anyone that was close with Ira warranted at least a conversation.

A quick flash of surprise showed on Jacqueline's face for only a moment when the newly appointed Minister concluded their introductions. Though Jacqueline had been prepared to share some secrets, her department only worked because no one knew the things they were doing. To open such sensitive information to the entire room was an error in judgement that Jacqueline would need to address - though even she knew that admonishing her superior in a room full of her equals was folly.

Anger replaced the French witch's shock and surprise, "Thank you, Minister," She said through clinched teeth, quietly enough that it might have been lost under her breath. As the Minister continued to spill some of her best kept secrets, Jacqueline became speechless - so much so that she wasn't able to respond immediately after the Minister finished speaking. Som and Murray spoke up like the good little lapdogs that they were, and Jacqueline finally managed to find her tongue. Her words were less than polite, though not quite clipped enough to be considered rude.

"I can assure you, Minister, that all non essential projects have been put on hold. If you'd like to discuss the necessity of the projects I've kept running, I would be happy to have those talks, to you," an emphasis was placed on the last word, "However, I shall compile a report," - though another unnecessary report is a waste of time better used elsewhere she left off.

"I propose an amendment to your movement, sir," Jacqueline continued, "Though our research has produced limited results, we have had results. A major complication occurred when Gamp screwed us over, but opening the discussion to the table is a security risk. I agree that some assistance on the matter would be helpful - but surely we can still keep the security clearance to a minimum?" Though she was angry with the Minister for allowing classified information to be known public, he was still her superior - and her voice remained neutral throughout her response.

“If pressed, IDREAD could endure a cut with a period of brief decline in effectiveness at a tolerable level…” Som confirmed, which had been Edwin’s understanding with her from how things had been when he’d handed over the baton on Three. Som had always been capable of taking point on the operations side of IDREAD so Edwin had no concerns in her analysis.

“… my field healers report their counterparts at St Mungo’s are sorely lacking for Ministry support but they are encountering some… red tape. If relationships could be smoothed at a higher level, some headway could be made regarding cause and prevention.”

Edwin gave a split-second smile of understanding to Quill.
“That is underway.” He replied softly, nodding once. The Minister and Head Healer Storm saw somewhat eye to eye these days and he would always enjoy ‘improving’ that relationship.

“How would we have our allies join us in this cause? IDREAD remains a primary function here in the Isles. This said, I am open for suggestions and brainstorming. I don’t believe North America and most of western Europe would oppose efforts to be jointed; it’s the remainder of the world…” Murray chipped in, “… I agree with Som. Training will aid us, but yes, Minister… I will begin talks with these nations.”

“Nothing deep,” Edwin hastened to warn, “open a dialogue with them on their dementor levels, test the temperature for cooperation on research, with discretion. I am aware you all have a working knowledge - and a speculative knowledge - of the progress of Devereaux’s Department, but it does not go outside of the room. Refer to Nine and say nothing if unsure.” Edwin nodded to Gabrielle. She knew the protocol, she had been in her post a long while too. It only worried him that stepping away from it made Five weak.

“I can assure you, Minister, that all non-essential projects have been put on hold.” The Head of Nine expressed through what sounded like clenched teeth. “… I would be happy to have those talks, to you,” Jacqueline needlessly laboured the point, and Edwin gave her a flat, unimpressed look to say that was exactly why he’d just asked her for a report, and done so in front of the others so they were abreast that despite the budget amendments, Nine were not receiving over-compensation while their own budgets were strangled.

“I propose an amendment to your movement, Sir,” Edwin raised both eyebrows to indicate he was open to listening, “Though our research has produced limited results, we have had results.” Not fast enough by the public’s standards, Edwin was feeling the pressure. “… opening the discussion to the table is a security risk. I agree that some assistance on the matter would be helpful - but surely we can still keep the security clearance to a minimum?”

Edwin gave a placating smile. All lips pressed together and no teeth, nothing warm about it.
“I am not requesting you share secrets about your specifics[1], Devereux, but your Department’s general focus has not been all that secret for the months we have discussed the dementors around this table. To investigate a root cause of our rise in dementor activity is a complete sitter for the general public, and should we not be doing it would be frankly ridiculous.” For goodness sake, they weren’t idiots. This had, however put the wind up Devereux, though Edwin wished she’d stop using Gamp’s breakdown as a crutch.

“You need more support down there, and your colleagues are generously open to secondment of their staff,” Edwin reiterated pleasantly. Goodness, did she think she was the only Department who conducted classified work in any sense or intelligence gathering? It was Three with help from Two who had brought forward the data correlating dementor activity with an increase in criminal activity amongst the magical population, and interviewed muggles while the squib network maintained data on muggle health.

Edwin glanced to some of his quieter colleagues to indicate he would like to hear from others around the table.

1.	Like Retiarius

Until now, Alec had remained quiet, silently reading the dynamics in a room of people he would have to quickly get used to. Now, Jacqueline Devereux did not seem like a person he would be eager to work closely with. The secrecy of the Department of Mysteries was counterproductive for the wizard that had come from a ministry were everything was transparent and forward thinking.  Her very unwillingness to discuss her methods at the table surrounded by the highest-ranking ministry officials was somewhat a joke.

But Alec didn’t comment. Instead he leaned back in the chair, watching, waiting for a moment to actually speak.

Glass replied, talking about support being needed to the department of mysteries and Alec finally leaned forward, frowning at the Level 9 head.
“Support can surely only be given if transparency is offered in return, Minister.” Despite his words addressing the Minister, his eyes didn’t leave the witch as he studied her. “Research into such a matter affects the entire country and as such, there should be no grey areas you refuse to discuss at this table.”

Dark eyes flashed back to Glass.
“Dementors need a food source. The British ministry took that away from them years ago and I’m shocked they’ve not caused serious problems before now. You don’t need in depth research to tell you how they go where food is easiest to find. There’s been several attacks on muggles, yes? No offence, but no amount of research will…” he paused, considering the words, “eradicate the problem.”

“They need a decent food source.”

Solomon was rather fond of Flash Lockhart, and had smiled indulgently at the department head after his account of the World Cup - not everyone at the table appeared to be as spirited but the best thing about Flash was that he didn't give a fiddle about stiff shirts or the like. Not to mention, the wizard was also a part of Sol's latest initiative; his flamboyance provided a perfect cover. Nobody would suspect him.

Talk of IDREAD and international cooperation continued, unsurprisingly a source of tensions or toes to be stepped upon. Glass wanted a certain level of transparency between the departments. Considering the Mortimer incident, Solomon thought that Jacqueline would be less inclined to oppose it... but everyone liked to have their secrets. Even he enjoyed placing the odd white lie for the media, which was why he'd had nothing to say to Edwin suggesting they lead the journalists in Musgrave's direction.

Safe-guarding secrets required more extreme measures. It takes two to keep a secret if one of them is dead... or Obliviated anyway[1].

Carter was speaking now. “They need a decent food source.” The man must have spent too much time with the Norwegian government because it would have taken a preschooler to guess at his implication.

"Human beings are not a food source," Solomon finally spoke - his tone was dry and thoughtful. "But level four makes a fine point. By keeping them from Azkaban we've taken away a focal point. There's always the argument for us to...reopen that feeding venue, even as a short term solution, Minister. Only it would be an extremely unpopular move with the public."

He shrugged, thinking only of the logistical (and socio-logistical) barriers of the situation. Sol personally did not approve of having Dementors at the prison. It further nurtured broken mentalities.

"Has level 9 been working on alternative food sources?" he glanced at Jacqueline, "Or is that one of the specifics we aren't privy to at this table?" Solomon couldn't help slipping in the quip, though he quickly moved on from it and looked back to their Minister.

A thought had occurred to him earlier, when Edwin asserted that the public could not come to look at this as a crisis. "It should be noted that public opinion would certainly... alter, if they did think themselves at risk in that respect." Solomon cleared his throat uncomfortable. He'd essentially suggested fear-mongering as an option. "Not that matters are so extreme as to require such action right now.  Any measures to deal with this situation will of course have cooperation from my department."

1.	To Tinker and Toil - 6th April, Minister Glass obliviated himself of Level 2's covert operation.

“There’s been several attacks on muggles, yes?” Carter asked, somewhat rhetorically in Edwin’s opinion, “No offence, but no amount of research will…eradicate the problem. They need a decent food source.”

It was not Edwin’s imagination, he was sure, that the new Department Head’s words caused a little ripple of discomfort from the other members of the board. It was the thought they all knew but didn’t like to consider often.

“Human beings are not a food source,” Carstairs responded, voicing what they also all knew. In Edwin’s view the current situation was to allow the whole country to be that food source. “But level four makes a fine point. By keeping them from Azkaban we've taken away a focal point. There's always the argument for us to… reopen that feeding venue, even as a short term solution, Minister.” Edwin lifted his chin, sensing possible agreement, and then lowered it as Solomon continued, “Only it would be an extremely unpopular move with the public.”

“I am not expecting it to be their first choice.” Edwin agreed quietly, allowing the discussion between them all to continue.

“... public opinion would certainly... alter, if they did think themselves at risk in that respect. Not that matters are so extreme as to require such action right now.  Any measures to deal with this situation will of course have cooperation from my department.”

“Thank you, Solomon. I would, as I am sure we all would, prefer that matters did not become ‘extreme’ though we are faced with the fact we have not made significant headway on the long term solutions.” He looked to Alec, gesturing slightly with his hand, “research, is what we have - to find some solution which is not the firefighting we are doing now until our numbers are exhausted or demoralised.” He leaned forwards a little to them all to emphasise his words, “I refuse to let this be our normality for Britain. We all have a part to play, hence opening this wider.”

He sat back and drew breath.
“Speaking of your Department’s cooperation, Carstairs, might there be any useful intelligence from our captive? Grimm and the team on Nine will need to interrogate at some juncture, yes?”