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last online Mar 28, 2024 2:27:46 GMT -7
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Jul 29, 2016 18:10:57 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Jul 29, 2016 18:10:57 GMT -7
Things were certainly different than they had been a year ago. Fortunately, no one had dared to come after Victoire when she had been appointed Minister for Magic. Probably because of her last name and who she was related to... not to mention how tough she was herself. Sebastian was certain that Victoire could defend the whole Minister staff if a situation called for it all on her own. She was bright, intelligent witch. Which was probably why Seb had grown so fond of her. He certainly couldn't deny how attracted he was to her. But she was his boss. That was inappropriate. Plus, the two had hardly spoken outside of work related conversations in the office place in months. She seemed happy and that was all that mattered. And Seb didn't date coworkers.
The Minister's staff was finally all filled and things were looking up a bit. Since the attack on King's Cross at the beginning of the summer, nothing bad had happened. In fact, things seemed calm enough now for a Tri-Wizard Tournament to be announced and hosted at Hogwarts. It was exciting for their world after a year of turmoil and tragedy. But Seb felt slightly different about it all. He didn't necessarily agree with the Games Department deciding to go ahead with the Tournament after all that had happened, but they had all insisted. The meeting today was for the Minister's immediate staff to address all current events. Now that the school was back in session, they would all need briefed on the situations of the Aurors, the Tournament, and any other necessary information Victoire felt she needed to share. So, Sebastian was the first to arrive in the meeting room. Punctual and early, as always.
@victoire @caden @royal
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last online Mar 28, 2024 2:27:46 GMT -7
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Aug 2, 2016 8:11:30 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Aug 2, 2016 8:11:30 GMT -7
Victoire couldn't be more thrilled that they had a full staff and were ready to get things under way. She felt as though the silence of the attackers was just the calm before the storm, and she planned on being prepared for the winds when they came. She wans't going to sit around rejoicing, she didn't have time for that and she wasn't that stupid.
The tournament was a touchy subject for Victoire. On one hand she thought it was way to dangerous and easily manipulated to have right now, but on the other she thought it would take peoples minds off things and it would be good to get some international friendships going. She hated the idea of endangering students form other countries, though, but she had been clear with their headmasters as to what was going on and they still agreed. Apparently the tournament was a really big deal, and she understood why. plus, there was pride to consider.
Naturally Vic had regular meetings with her staff and today was one of those. She invited Caden, Sebastian and Royal to meet with her to discuss everything going on right now, so she expected it to be fairly lengthy. She ordered lunch for them and it would be arriving outside the meeting room during the meeting. She stepped in a few minutes after Sebastian did and smiled at him in greeting, giving a wave as her paperwork floated out of her hands to land in front of her seat. "Hello, Seb," she said with a pleasant nod, "how are you?" yup, keeping it professional. What fun. She couldn't recall the last time she'd really talked to her good friend and former... lover? and wasn't even sure if she'd mentioned Teddy to him yet...
@sebastian @royal @caden
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Aug 2, 2016 10:46:34 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Aug 2, 2016 10:46:34 GMT -7
@sebastian & @royal & @victoire long meetings were the bane of his job. he didn't mind meetins, in fact he quite often enjoyed them but ones that dragged out and went nowhere, those he hated. he hoped today's wouldn't be like that. though they had some interesting things to talk about. he ran his hand through his hair as he made his way through the halls, his files tucked against his chest. he'd opted out of wearing a robe today. it was still summer so it wasn't like they were needed for the warmth so he was dressed simply. that always made meetings more enjoyable too, being comfortable. he made his way into the room to see he had got there after vic and sebastian. well at least he wasn't the last. "victoire, sebastian" he said with a smile to greet them as he took his place at the table and put the files down before him.
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last online Mar 28, 2024 2:27:46 GMT -7
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Aug 2, 2016 18:14:30 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Aug 2, 2016 18:14:30 GMT -7
Royal wasn't often late to meetings; his mother had ingrained in him the necessity of punctuality long before he even realized there was an alternative. He had intended for the meeting with the rest of the Minister's staff to be no different. He had schedules his fitting for a new set of robes around the meeting, and even factored in an extra hour of flex time. Still, somehow his fitting session had taken longer than anticipated, and then the seamstress had insisted that the robes looked so fine on them that they absolutely had to hem them and have him wear the robes out of the store. Royal had protested, but it hadn't worked. Retail workers could be extremely persuasive when they wanted to be, and Royal had waited, and waited, and waited, until the robes were returned to him. Dress in dark purple robes that had been modeled after his father's famous style, Royal felt...well, royal.
That didn't change that he was almost late to the meeting. He was cutting it close, very close, but he hoped that with small talk and such his lateness wouldn't be noticed. Royal swept into the room with as much grace as he could muster, hoping it would mask his nerves. "Sorry for my lack of punctuality." He said, trying to be breezy without being flippant. "Apparently, I looked too great in these robes not to be able to wear the immediately." Royal rolled his eyes. "Have I missed anything?" He certainly hoped not - that wouldn't look good for his first meeting as Junior Assistant.
@sebastian @victoire @caden
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last online Mar 28, 2024 2:27:46 GMT -7
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Aug 2, 2016 22:59:52 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Aug 2, 2016 22:59:52 GMT -7
When the first person walked through the door, Sebastian instinctively sat up from his seat at the table to greet the first person and when he saw that it was Victoire, he felt his breath hitch slightly. The two of them had not been alone in a room since... well, the last time they were alone in a room. Seb immediately went to adjust his tie nervously but was pleasantly surprised to hear the tone of Victoire's voice as she nodded at him and asked how he was. "Victoire," he nodded in return. "I - I'm well. And yourself?"
As if on queue, the next person entered and Sebastian was pleased to see Caden. He seemed quite comfortable and casual and while Sebastian always opted for business suits and robes, he could appreciate someone who could pull of business casual confidently. Sebastian just couldn't pull off such a thing. "Caden," Sebastian greeted his coworker. "I am hoping you are also well." Seb wasn't great at small talk and was usually a bit awkward. But now considering his past with Victoire, it was probably even more awkward feeling. Seb was really bad at difusing tension.
It didn't feel like much after Caden had entered that the newcomer, Royal, had joined the rest of them and the office was complete. Royal was still young, much like Victoire, but Victoire had been working at the Ministry since she had practically left school. Sebastian couldn't blame Royal for running late. Besides, if he was anything like his dad... Sebastian couldn't help but smile as he thought of what Kingsley would have done in such a situation. He imagined something similar. "Not yet, my friend," Sebastian said, nodding a 'hello' to Royal before turning to look at Victoire. "The boss has yet to begin." He flashed a casual smile her way, trying not to seem like he was feeling super awkward in her presence.
@victoire @caden @royal
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last online Mar 28, 2024 2:27:46 GMT -7
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Aug 6, 2016 19:03:18 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Aug 6, 2016 19:03:18 GMT -7
Seb nodded a greeting to her and... slightly stuttered? She smiled softly, "fine," she said a little more quietly then she meant to. Then Caden walked into the room and Victoire felt like the air came back in with him. Vic nodded at him, "Caden, welcome," she smiled and let Sebastian go ahead and greet him without interrupting. Then it was Royals turn and she grinned, and that's when the air really came back. She chuckled at Royals words and let Sebastian answer his question. She straightened up, staying standing at the front of the table. "Those robes do look nice," Vic commented to Royal, giving him an approving nod. "And Seb is right, we were just saying out hellos, but let's start," Vic was never one to beat around the bush.
"There are several things we need to discuss so let's try to get through them quickly. I'll list some off first, then we'll just go one at a time. Some things we need to address are; the Tournament at Hogwarts, obviously, and the possibility of one of us spending more time there at the school because of it. Our silent enemies, how to better prepare for what they may have planned next... I don't like that they're so quiet. That's not a good sign," she frowned, leaning forward to place her hands on the table, "I also need to assign someone to look into conditions at the orphanage, maybe help them out with more government funding. Our youth are incredibly important, especially those who need help finding a place due to lack of parents," she paused, chewing her lip for a moment in thoguht of what else she needed to bring up.... she stood up straight. "Let's start there. The tournament. Obviously most of us will attend the tasks but, do you think any of us need to be there checking up on things and checking in with Headmaster Longbottom more often then that?"
@sebastian @caden @royal
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Aug 16, 2016 10:35:48 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Aug 16, 2016 10:35:48 GMT -7
@sebastian & @royal & @victoire "There are several things we need to discuss so let's try to get through them quickly. I'll list some off first, then we'll just go one at a time. Some things we need to address are; the Tournament at Hogwarts, obviously, and the possibility of one of us spending more time there at the school because of it. Our silent enemies, how to better prepare for what they may have planned next... I don't like that they're so quiet. That's not a good sign, I also need to assign someone to look into conditions at the orphanage, maybe help them out with more government funding. Our youth are incredibly important, especially those who need help finding a place due to lack of parents, Let's start there. The tournament. Obviously most of us will attend the tasks but, do you think any of us need to be there checking up on things and checking in with Headmaster Longbottom more often then that?" they had so much to talk about there was merit in spreading it around and talking about one thing at a time. too often meetings got jumbled into one big topic with people talking over each other and wanting their opinions to be heard. he'd been doing this job for a while now and that tended to be how they had gone in the past. though with just the four of them in the room at the moment it would hopefully run smoother. he nodded in agreement that one of them should be at the school more. "i think someone should check in every day, just for a five minute update if that's all that's needed. a higher positive ministry presence" he didn't think the ministry should organised an event like this and then keep it at arms lengths. they had asked the parents of not only the hogwarts students but the students from two other schools, to allow them to keep their students safe. he thought of his son and couldn't imagine letting someone take responsibility for his safety then stay at arms length.
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Aug 17, 2016 7:02:36 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Aug 17, 2016 7:02:36 GMT -7
Royal listened intently to what was being said about their duties and obligations at the Minister’s staff regarding the Triwizard Tournament, and continued listening as the Senior Undersecretary suggested the idea of daily check-ins. Royal was glad in that moment for his poker face, otherwise he would have shot straight into a frown. “With all due respect, I think that once a day is too often to be checking in.” He said, nodding towards the Senior Undersecretary, whose name he didn’t know. Figuring he’d be asked for his reasoning anyways, Royal launched into his explanation. “Both the headmaster and the deputy headmaster of Hogwarts are also teachers there, and they have limited time between teaching their classes and performing their other duties. They’ve got a lot on their plates with having to liaison with the headmasters from the other schools, and frankly, we’ve got a lot on our plates too.” The Tournament was no small feat of coordination between the different departments, and the Minister’s staff was in charge of juggling all their different balls. Adding another obligation, even one that took only five minutes a day, seemed illogical. “I’d suggested weekly updates, instead. It still allows us to be seen without having to sacrifice time in everybody’s day for something as simple as ‘nothing’s changed’.” That was just his opinion, though, and he glanced at Victoire to see whether or not she approved before continuing on with one final point. “Besides, we need to consider the safety of the students, too. People will exploit whatever method we use to enter and exit the school.” Even so-called secure networks had chinks in their armor.
“I can take on the orphanage, if that’s acceptable to everyone.” Royal said. He had a higher level of empathy for them now that his own father was dead, and he had some ideas of how he could go about fundraising. His connection with the Daily Prophet was still strong, and it was all too easy to exploit people’s pathos when it came to orphans – as long as they knew the orphans were actually there. Royal hadn’t known about it for a while, but he had stumbled across the orphanage when it was mentioned, briefly, under a list of things that created his father’s legacy as Minister.
@sebastian @victoire @caden
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Aug 17, 2016 21:48:59 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Aug 17, 2016 21:48:59 GMT -7
Sebastian offered a brief, small smile to Victoire but looked away and it disappeared just as quickly. Sebastian could really see a change in Victoire as the Minister's staff became full again, especially with the addition of Kingsley's boy whom Sebastian understood to be a good friend of Victoire's. It was good to see she was less stressed and surrounded by familiars.
Seb listened intently with his eyes on Victoire as she spoke. She didn't miss a beat, hitting every topic he, too, knew they had to discuss. The Tournament was first to be dealt with. Seb almost let out a sigh but instead kept his lips in a straight, tight line. He really didn't like that the Tournament was still taking place this year, but what could they do? Seb's eyes followed both Caden and Royal as they took turns speaking before Sebastian spoke himself. "I think that with the Aurors at the school, we could easily check in with them instead of the Headmaster," he suggested. "Set up something in the fireplace; a daily download, if you will." He nodded once at the group. He was rather fond of the idea of checking up daily, as he could already see the hoards of owls from parents coming in asking if the Ministry was keeping tabs on their children though he believed that could just as easily be done through their Aurors stationed there as it could Professor Longbottom.
At the mention of the orphanage, Sebastian added in: "I was there checking in the other day: they are grossly understaffed. I would suggest we get word out for more volunteers," he said, passionately. He hated the idea of kids without parents.
@victoire @caden @royal
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last online Mar 28, 2024 2:27:46 GMT -7
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Aug 20, 2016 13:29:54 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Aug 20, 2016 13:29:54 GMT -7
Vic listened to Cadens suggestion, Royals, and Sebastians in complete silence, nodding occasionally. She liked to get all others words out before she put hers in. "Okay, I like the idea of checking in via fireplace more often and only visiting in person once a week. Caden," she turned to him, "would you be willing to head that up? Contact the Headmaster and ask him how involved he'd like us to be. I'd prefer to hear things from you before it gets through the grapevine back to me, which is why I'd like one of us checking in. If you're willing, I'd like you to handle that."
She turned back to the group in general, "as for the rest of us an the tournament, the heads request that I be at all the tasks but... that would mean I'd need someone to stay around here during those. I don't want the tournament to become a handy distraction for our enemies," she shook her head. She wasn't even sure if she wanted this tournament her first year in term, but, here it was. She good see the pros and cons.
Her eyes found Sebastians, "thank you for checking in with them. I hate to think that maybe our heightened security measures and training so many new aurours have distracted from people volunteering there... either way, we do need to get the word out. Royal, I think it'd be great if you took over that project of checking in with them, Sebastian can work with you in getting the word out about Volunteers. Perhaps a speech is needed," she muttered that last part, as if unsure about it.
So, they'd covered that Caden would contact the Headmaster about how involved he'd like them to be and how they'd like to check in-if Caden was good with taking the assignment. Royal would head up contact at the Orphanage and work with Sebastian to get the word out that they need help. Now... "So. What can we do to continue preparing for whatever our enemies have planned next?" she looked crestfallen then. It was easy to tell that this was a hard subject to master. All in all, what could they possibly do instead of go into a Military state mode? And she didn't want that. Not if she could prevent it.
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Sept 4, 2016 8:56:30 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Sept 4, 2016 8:56:30 GMT -7
@sebastian & @royal & @victoire "I think that with the Aurors at the school, we could easily check in with them instead of the Headmaster, Set up something in the fireplace; a daily download, if you will. Okay, I like the idea of checking in via fireplace more often and only visiting in person once a week. Caden, would you be willing to head that up? Contact the Headmaster and ask him how involved he'd like us to be. I'd prefer to hear things from you before it gets through the grapevine back to me, which is why I'd like one of us checking in. If you're willing, I'd like you to handle that." he nodded and wrote it down on the parchment as a mental note to contact professor longbottom when they left this meeting. the back and forth to the school would certainly be easier with just one of them going back and forth and he was glad for the chance to do it. give him a reason to go check up on his wifes brothers, see the school was surviving the two of them. "i'm happy to do that victoire" he listened as the conversation turned to what royal and sebatian would be doing over the course of the next while, to do with the orphanage. he agreed they needed to get volunteers into it, they couldn't properly care for the children without enough staff.
"So. What can we do to continue preparing for whatever our enemies have planned next?" he couldn't help the chuckle that came from him. the scene that popped into his head, one from that morning when he and anna had had to get hayden ready for the day with his grandfather and he hadn't wanted to be cooperative. "arm the toddlers of the wizarding world .. they can be relentless when they don't get their way. well i know my son can" he was joking of course, but this was a serious subject and while he had said it in humor he was thinking seriously of a solution. he wanted the world to be safe for his kid and others kids and they needed to come up with a way that worked and soon. "assuming they use the tournament as a distraction, because i don't think they'd actually attack the events themselves with the extra security there is, we should monitor other targets closer. such as gringotts, among others."
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last online Mar 28, 2024 2:27:46 GMT -7
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Sept 4, 2016 9:38:15 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Sept 4, 2016 9:38:15 GMT -7
“I can use my connections with the Prophet to make sure that anything orphanage related gets expedited and published immediately. Maybe even pick up a quill myself if there’s a certain spin we’re going for.” Royal had been one of the Prophet’s best and hardest workers, and he had left on good terms. His political column had been well-read, even if only for his surname, and Royal was certain that the editor would have no problems reviving it for a day, especially if Royal could spin the story the right way. He chewed on his lip for a moment. “Volunteers are all well and good, but they need money to get any sort of reliable staffing base. If there’s no funds that we can move around to give them a little more leeway, I’m sure we can inspire a few people to open up their vaults.” It was all about how good of a story they could tell; the Ministry couldn’t exactly admit to neglecting the place or risk Victoire’s approval ratings plummet, but they could always say that there were additional needs that would make the quality of life better or some other, more official-sounding, reason for the sudden funding campaign. Royal made a few mental notes – he was sure that he could find someone to interview. Actually, he could turn it into a series; painting pictures of specific children made it much more personal, and there were studies that showed that individual press could help get children adopted. And for those who couldn’t adopt, donating was a great alternative. The whole plan was spiraling upwards into something bigger than Royal could control, and he doubted that the entire staff would want to hear his ramblings, but Royal was certain that his plan would work, if he could find the time and resources to get it off the ground.
Royal frowned at Caden’s comment about using toddlers to defend against the impending threat. It was a joke, but one in poor taste – child soldiers weren’t something to mess around with. The Slytherin listened to the proposed solution, and raised an eyebrow. “Gringotts doesn’t seem to be a logical target.” Royal said after a beat. “They’re looking to injure as many Muggleborns as possible with minimal amounts of collateral damage to the pureblood population, correct?” He waited a moment for anyone to object before continuing. “Muggleborns aren’t the people who frequent Gringotts, sadly enough. Purebloods are the ones who have enough Galleons to swim in. An attack at Gringotts would probably end up angering a lot of the people that this antagonistic group needs to endear.” At least, that was the way he saw it; the surest way to get someone to hate you was to mess with their money, and not only Muggleborns would be inconvenienced if Gringotts would be put out of commission. “Maybe this is the journalist in me talking, but it makes more sense to me for us to use our resources for reconnaissance; station people around Knockturn Alley and they tend to hear a lot of things not meant for the Ministry’s ears.” Royal glanced at Victoire, wondering once again if he was overstepping his boundaries. “Harry could put some people on that, couldn’t he?” As far as Royal knew, Sebastian and Caden weren’t a part of the Order, so they would assume that Royal was simply speaking of Aurors who could infiltrate the Alley, but there were definitely people in the Order who were well-suited for that kind of work, as well.
@sebastian @victoire @caden
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Oct 22, 2016 12:51:20 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Oct 22, 2016 12:51:20 GMT -7
Sebastian had to admit, it was a proud moment to see Victoire stepping up like this for the Ministry. He had been in his current position since she joined the Ministry as an intern, and it was strange yet wonderful to see just how far she had come as she now stood in front of the Minister staff directing a meeting. Sebastian's hand immediately raised when Victoire spoke of the tasks. "I'd be happy to stay behind," he volunteered. Sports werent' really his thing, anyway.
Seb looked around the room as the others continued to share ideas. He let out a very small chuckle at Caden's light hearted joke. He was a father after all, and while Seb didn't necessarily know what that was like; he had a niece and nephew and could spot a dad joke when he saw one. He agreed that perhaps there needed to be extra security in other places. "I actually agree with Caden," he chimed in. "We have absolutely no idea what this group is planning. And if our world has learned anything from groups like this, it is to unexpect the unexpected." He looked around at them. "I think people should be placed at Gringotts. Hell, we should have a few security details around both Diagon and Knockturn Alley. We are in no position to think that an event couldn't distract us from a robbery or even a second attack," he said. "While I don't think stationing in Knockturn is a bad idea, we have to remember that some of these people may not even show their faces in public. Like the kidnapped students. Are they not considered suspects? I don't think they would even show their faces there."
@victoire @caden @royal
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Nov 7, 2016 20:18:54 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Nov 7, 2016 20:18:54 GMT -7
Vic nodded as Caden said he'd be willing to meet up with Neville and then laughed slightly as he made the joke about arming his relentless son. "Awe, yes, well, if he's anything like you," she joked.
She was grateful that Royal was willing to head up the orphanage tings and get them funded, "donations would be perfect. I trust you to look into that," she said. Vid nodded as Royal went into the ideas about reconnaissance, "I agree, Harry and Hermione have probably gotten to work on that already, but I should be meeting with them soon to talk more details and more game plans," she added. She turned toward Sebastian at his words, "I like that, expecting the unexpected. I'll talk with them about how to better maximize our efficiency in order to spread out but be well covered. The aurors in training are a good addition, of course. I know at least three are at Hogwarts whereas the rest are being placed elsewhere. I'm just grateful we have them," she added, remembering her own Auror in training days.
"It's settled then. Royal will head up the Orphanage's needs, Caden the tournament and Sebastian, you'll basically just be at my beck and call for whatever random jobs I need to give you, and you'll keep an eye on the office," she smiled soflty giving each of them a nod in turn. She didn't mention yet that Caden had already come to her about needing a replacement due to he and his wife deciding they would move away. The time wasn't right to bring that up. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I think we need to cut this a bit short today. I'll be sending you all one on one messages later on," she said before bowing out.
@victoire @sebastian @royal (I'm ending this now because Caden is gone. If you two want to keep going, go ahead, but Vic out :>)
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Nov 18, 2016 5:40:55 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Nov 18, 2016 5:40:55 GMT -7
If this meeting had occured months ago, Sebastian probably would have felt other feelings aside from pride when she said she liked his idea. It was odd, certainly, but it was also a good feeling to be able to kind of call Victoire a friend now. Instead of... whatever it was they were before. When she looked at him, he smiled and nodded once gratefully. "At your service, Madam Minister," he responded, jokingly. As Victoire left, Sebastian stood up and faced the others in a professional manner. "Well then, if you'll excuse me, I better get to work myself. Good day, gentlemen," he said before exiting the room after Victoire.
@royal Seb out, yo
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