office space [claire]

[JOHN ELLIOT CLARK]

late september 2027

It had been strongly encouraged for students studying to be a part of the department for magical law enforcement to visit the premises to get a real feel for it. To see if they could really envision themselves working in this sort of atmosphere. And by strongly encouraged, Jack had taken it to mean that they were to do as directed or face the consequences. And though he wasn't particularly keen on the ministry or any sense of establishment, Jack needed cash. And this seemed to be the most direct way to get it.

Jack passed over his wand to the security guard, his head twisting about to take it all in. He hadn't spent much time in the ministry - misdemeanours weren't dealt with by magical police. But something about the sharp nature of the place made Jack cringe. The security guard handed back his wand and stuck a slip of paper into a folder before shuffling him onwards. Jack knew from Bianca's instructions that the department was located on the second level. He sauntered to the lifts and pressed the button, joined only by a half dozen paper airplanes with memos scribbled on them.

The lift spat Jack out onto a worn carpet, and Jack trudged into the department. The cubicles were abuzz with activity, with various different sorts either dictating reports, gossiping about co-workers or bending over devices that Jack couldn't make out. He took a few steps in, then stopped. He recognised that blonde head of hair - though he knew her sister rather better now. Jack's heart stuttered to a stop, and he considered turning on his heel and walking away. But her steely eyes had already caught him in her gaze. Jack forced his face into a mask of smug indifference. "Alright, Slater?" he asked, his voice careful as he stepped into her space and leaned against the side of her cubicle.

Claire Evangeline Slater

[Claire Evangeline Slater]

never enough.

THE DEPARTMENT WAS ABUZZ WITH NEW recruits and cases aplenty. Claire had missed it all now that she was back from border patrol. She had never appreciated a case load of paperwork more than she did upon her return. Though it had been some time, she still smarted over the punishment. Dedicating herself tenfold to every miniscule case she was trusted with, lest they decide her talents were better placed more permanently across the border. She needed to be taken seriously, especially given the fact that she was barely free of her wandering curse.

Coffee in hand, Claire sipped from it absently as she looked down at the folder of paperwork gripped in her opposite hand. It was early in the day, but she had always appreciated a brisk start, eager to run through any frameworks before hurdling out into the field. Nobody enjoyed paperwork, she thought. It was all about catching the criminals, not documenting it. It was a theft case, a potions shoppe being skimmed of its rare ingredients. A possible inside job. She preened with anticipation at the thought.

Skimming the list of potential suspects, Claire lifted her head briefly as a gust of fresh bodies entered the department with the morning rush. She almost dropped her head back down in dismissal when a singular face jumped out of the crowd. A double take and the folder was dropped momentarily, her coffee hovering halfway toward her mouth. Crossing the room, she caught his slight reluctance before he seemed to ease into an easy swagger. Claire almost snickered.

"Hey..." She greeted him, tilting her head curiously as she tried to remember his name. "Clark, right?" She pinned it down, a cocky Slytherin about Addy's age. Clever enough to be remembered, and present enough to wonder why. He looked different when he wasn't drowning in robes and snark. Taller, maybe. "John... no Jack, right?" She smiled at him in a friendly manner, sipping her coffee and tucking the file under one arm. "I didn't realise you were joining the department." Her brows lifted, the question clear on her face, though not unwelcome. 

JOHN ELLIOT CLARK

NEVERLAND at ADOXOGRAPHY 2.0!