Isn't Life Strange ** (CLAIRE)

[Deleted]

Claire Evangeline Slater
<3

Rachel had a few things to figure out this morning. Now that Hermione had been promoted to a higher position, Rachel had taken on a lot more work as the Deputy Head. Not only that, but their Auror Trainer, Poet, had taken a leave and was now making his way onto a different career. There was a lot of things that Rachel was currently going through, figuring out, and trying to make sure was going well. Not only that, but she was trying her hardest to organize a lot of the folders and files that they had.

But first business that morning was Claire Slater. Rachel knew she had a hard year, and there were a few things she wanted to discuss with her. Also, she just wanted to talk with her. Rachel tried her hardest to be close with everyone in her department, and she enjoyed actually knowing the people she works with. Sometimes friendships evolved, and other times they stayed on a professional basis. It really depended on the person they were, but Rachel always made sure to at least try. Claire might be a bit more difficult woman to budge, but Rachel knew it was always worth it.

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Since Hermione Granger Weasley's promotion, the Deputy head, Rachel Randolph had been taking on a lot of responsibilities in the department. She wasn't experienced enough to become the Head of the Department ,but she was without a doubt in a good position to promote in a few years. So, hearing that Rachel wanted to meet with her was a surprise, and also made Claire slightly wary. For all intents and purposes, Rachel Randolph was her boss. Or rather her boss' boss. A lot higher up on the food chain then herself. She didn't think it was bad though, Claire was positive she hadn't done anything wrong. She did her job. Well, for that matter. Despite being.... mentally preoccupied as of late.

So, finishing off her coffee, she tossed it in a trash can and hurried to Rachel's office and knocked softly to announce her presence. Only after knocking did she open the door and stick her head in. "Miss Randolph, good morning."

@jill17

[Deleted]

Claire Evangeline Slater
<3

Rachel was sipping her coffee when she heard the knock at the door. She sat up in her chair and shut the files on her desk. "Come in!" Smiling at the sight of Claire she gestured to the chair in front of her. "Please, sit down." Her tone was happy and gentle; she didn't want Claire to feel nervous or scared about anything as this meeting she called was for a good thing, nothing bad. "How are you Miss Slater?"

Rachel was very well aware of everything that had happened with Casey Jakebson. It was not a good event or experience, and Rachel herself hadn't had the chance to speak with Claire on the situation, but she was sure that she wasn't going to go out and just talk about it with her boss. "Would you like anything to drink?"

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Claire offered a profession and cordial smile as she pushed the door open the rest of the way and entered, shutting it tightly behind her. Rachel wasn't a bad person, Claire had worked with the older woman for years. But they weren't close. Claire wasn't necessarily close to most of her co-workers. Casey had been the exception. Still, you could say that Claire liked the Deputy Head. She didn't have any problems with the way she operated, basically. Nodding, the blonde took the offered seat, lowering herself into it and sitting up straight. She didn't slouch, ever. "I'm fine. Yourself?" Not really that fine, but that was the answer people expected. Besides, they weren't close, which meant she wasn't going to pour her soul out and explain why she wasn't fine. She was still able to do her job well, her emotions not affecting her ability. That was what mattered.

"Thank you, but no. I just had something." Claire responded politely. She'd rather know why she'd been called in. She wasn't nervous, but she was rather to the point about these sort of things.

@jill17

[Deleted]

Claire Evangeline Slater
<3

Claire sat down a bit stiffly and answered her question. Rachel wasn't sure how much she wanted to delve into the young girl's life, but she also wasn't sure how comfortable she felt doing so. Some people may become offended at certain questions and others may just break down mentally. However, from what Rachel has observed about Claire Slater is that she is a very strong woman, and she deals with many things on her own. Sometimes that could be a good thing, other times, it could be very detrimental to such a person. "I am great, thank you for asking."

Rachel nodded and sat up straighter, taking a sip of her water before speaking again, smiling at Claire. "So, I'm sure you just want to know why I've called you in here and I also just want to know what you're response may be." She took a deep breathing, hoping for the best. "Well, as you know, Poet has taken a break from the auror business and has changed careers, so that leaves us with an open spot for a trainer of the trainee aurors." Rachel hoped that by her words Claire was already getting the gist of it all, but it was necessary for her to ask. "I would love it for you to be our Auror Trainer, Claire. You've shown how important your career is, and how deeply you feel about this job. The other aurors have a great respect for you, and you would be a great person to take this job over."

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Claire had been running several different scenarios in in her mind, trying to come up with some sort of answer that might explain why Rachel had asked to see her today. There were a good number, and Claire honestly couldn't even make an educated guess of what it might be. So, unfortunately, and to her annoyance, she'd have to wait and see what the other blonde said. She merely nodded as Rachel answered the question of how she was doing, silently wanting the formalities and small talk to end. She just wasn't one for either, and liked getting to the point as quickly as possible.

Trainer?

Genuinely surprised, Claire's eyes widened just a touch. Her? Sure, she herself had gotten through the training program quickly, and she'd proven herself several times as a competent and reliable Auror, but she'd never thought it'd be enough for her superiors to feel she could replace Poet in the Training program. "I.... I would be happy to." Her surprise was finally starting to subside. "That is quite a responsibility. There are several other more experienced and older Aurors then myself. I'm flattered that you think I am a good fit for the position, but if you need to reconsider, I wouldn't blame you." She added, humility in her voice.

@jill17

[Deleted]

Claire Evangeline Slater
<3

Rachel could immediately see the shock in Claire's facial features and body language, but she didn't say anything more to her. She just continued to smile, holding her mug of tea to her lips to take another sip, allowing Claire to process what she had asked and what she thought about the entire situation. Rachel had done a lot of thinking on this subject, and had done a lot of observing of the other aurors to make this decision.

When Claire finally said that she'd be happy to take the job, Rachel sat up more, smiling just a bit wider. "Well I'm glad! I'd hoped you would!" And then Claire spoke again, and Rachel tilted her head at her, giving Claire a look that said she knew she was being modest. "Claire, you are a fantastic auror. You've done so much for this department already, and you learn very quickly. You're better than good for this position, you're perfect for it. There will be no reconsideration." Rachel rose an eyebrow, curious to see if she'd counter against that. She turned her chair slightly to grab some paperwork and placed it in front of her. "Here are a few things you should read on training. And you'll see a pay raise in the next paycheck."

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Claire knew she was experienced for her age. That she'd been given many opportunities that Aurors older than her hadn't had due to her skill. But still, she was still young. She wasn't afraid to admit that. Or that there were still plenty of more experienced Aurors than her, vastly more experienced. At the same time it was... well, nice to know that someone had noticed her efforts. And not just noticed, but was offering her an opportunity to continue on the path she'd set herself up for. The compliments from her Deputy Head made Claire smile. "Thank you, Miss Randolph. For trusting me with such an important position." She slowly responded. She knew it would be hard work. Poet had been a trainer before he left, and she'd seen the toll it'd taken on him at times. Any slip up and it could not only cost her her own life, but also the Aurors-in-training. Their future would be determined by how well they were trained. And Claire knew in that moment that she would not fail.

She leaned forward in the chair to reach out and take the paperwork. "Of course, I will read through the program as soon as possible. When would you like me to start?" Obviously she would be finishing the training of their newest recruits, so she would need to figure out just how far into their training each of them were at, as well as assess their skills, strengths, and weaknesses for herself. She was sure Poet would have left detailed files on each of them, but some things were better seen for yourself.

@jill17

[Deleted]

Claire Evangeline Slater
<3

Rachel nodded. She understood Claire's worry and concern over this position. It was a very in depth position, requiring a lot of your own time and energy put forth into it. Not only that, but Claire would be responsible for the actions of the aurors in training and how well they did in certain tasks and events. But Rachel knew she had it in her, it was very obvious to her own eyes, if not many others. "Of course, Claire. Many of us have seen how well you've done in this field."

Claire took the paperwork packet and asked when Rachel would like her to start. She took a quick look at the calendar on the wall, doing some small math in her head. There were a handful of aurors in training, and their files would be easily accessible to Claire by the end of the day. "I will give you the trainees files before you leave today. Take a few days to go over them, and just come back to me when you think you've got them somewhat understood."

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Claire slowly nodded in acknowledgement as Rachel mentioned her work. Claire had always strive to follow every rule and regulation. Never straying from protocol. But also doing everything within her power to do her job.

She nodded again as Rachel decided when she'd like Claire to start. It wasn't the most specific answer but it worked. "Of course, no problem." She'd already had a chance to work with the Shacklebolt girl so she wasn't to much of a mystery and it also wasn't the largest training group. She'd be able to make quick work of the files. She'd also have to have some one-on-one sessions with each of them to get her own perspective of them. She couldn't rely entirely on Poet's notes. Setting the paperwork in her lap she sat up straight and met Rachel's gaze. "Is there anything else you need of me?"

@jill17
(You want to end it?)

[Deleted]

Claire Evangeline Slater
<3

Rachel looked back into the young girl's eyes, and she shook her head. "No, I don't. I think that was at all. Keep your head up, Miss Slater. You've got a lot to offer. There's many people looking up to you." And she didn't just mean the aurors in training that Claire would be working with. She also meant her two younger siblings. Family was a big thing to Rachel. Ever since she had lost her mother, she had been taking care of her father. But in her own opinion, she didn't want Claire's siblings to feel like they'd lost her among all this damage in the world. "I will see you soon."

---RACHEL OUT---