Victor Creed
wizard
daily prophet reporter werewolf occlumens
Posts: 8
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Post by Victor Creed on Feb 4, 2010 17:43:41 GMT -5
Victor Creed looked into his bathroom mirror, straightened his tie and then ran a comb through his hair. There was no reason to let his appearance slip, especially on an occasion such as this. He was about to go to the Ministry of Magic, with the aim of interviewing as many officials as possible; be they lowly receptionists or the Minister himself. He would be asking them about the rumor of increased creature activity in northern Scotland, whether the Ministry had found any truth to the rumors, and what they were doing to prepare for the possibility of further attacks. It would make for a perfect cover story, which he could spin in any number of ways.
Not that he cared much about the story. It would make the front page, and he would write it, but 'cover story' summed it up perfectly. The rumor he had started himself the week before, and the evidence was a herd of centaur who were annoyed at the group of reporters who had gone to investigate said rumor. Creatures acting with hostility towards Wizards, always good for getting the public talking, which in turn always provoked a response from the ministry, allowing reporters like himself a chance to get inside the building. A perfect chance for him to scout it out, in case Embry decided action was required at the ministry.
Victor walked through to the lounge of his small, dark London apartment. It would remind anyone who knew of such things of Knockturn Alley, although the building was in a Muggle area of London. He had used subtle magic throughout the building; removing his floor from the lift, arranging for the other apartments on his floor to remain empty, keeping the level of light in his apartment permanently the same. He had also charmed the living room to remain concealed from view, any visitors would think the apartment merely held a kitchen, bathroom and 1 bedroom, which allowed him to keep all of his magical items out, in what would otherwise have been plain view. He picked up his specially modified Quick Quotes Quill, and a Muggle notepad, grabbed a handful of Floo Powder from a pot on the mantle piece and stepped into his fire place. "Ministry of Magic Atrium, London." He announced, and dropped the powder.
Green flames licked up around him, and the next thing he knew he was standing in the Atrium of the Ministry. It was relatively quiet, with most of the Ministry's employees already hard at work in their respective offices. Victor stepped out of the hearth, enchanted the quill and notepad to float beside him, straightened his suit jacket, and walked over to the security gate, taking note of his surroundings. His quill was already at work composing the opening to his story, hastily written in sloppy handwriting. A very keen eye might have spotted that there were mis-placed capitals every so often, spelling out the more important notes on the security of the place.
"Please state your name and business at the Ministry." Said a witch at the security gate, with a voice that sounded almost like an answering machine. "Victor Creed, and I'm here to see someone in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, and possibly the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures as well if I can manage it." He replied, handing over his wand for the scan. "And what is this regarding?" The witch asked, apparently stunned at his open-ended response. Not too bright, easy to bluff my way past. He thought to himself, which the quill jotted down in code form, as he replied "The rumors of recent increased creature activity, would you care to comment?" The witch, silenced by the prospect of having to think, was barely able to piece together more than syllables as he collected his wand and passed through the gate. "Everyone is very busy at the moment!" She called after him, which the quill wrote as The ministry is too busy to investigate this issue. A worthy fall back if everyone else he spoke to refused to comment.
Victor decided to shoot high, but not push his luck. He would not be allowed entry to the Minister's office without notice, and the chances of bumping into him were slim. He took an empty elevator to the second floor, the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, with the plan that if he were to be removed from that floor he could stop at the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures on the way back down to the Atrium. Also he wanted to know how many Aurors there currently were in the ministry, a large number on that floor would mean light security elsewhere, where as only a few would mean that they were either out investigating something, or they were guarding more sensitive areas. A lack of security in the Atrium was a little surprising, but there was always a chance it was an attempt to keep the public calm, and downplay the seriousness of the recent attacks.
As the elevator doors opened, Victor switched back to thinking like a reporter. He stepped through the doors, walked around to the main area of the floor, and assaulted the first person he found with a barrage of questions, hoping that they were important enough to know some answers, and not merely be a cleaner. "Has the Ministry discovered who was behind the murder of Armand Felchorn? Have you found any reasons behind the attack on Hogwarts? Do you believe there are any connections between these attacks and the recent creature movements in Scotland? What is the Ministry doing to ensure that British citizens, both Wizard and Muggle, are safe?" He barely paused enough to draw breath between questions, hoping to knock them off guard. He would repeat the questions more slowly if he thought he would get answers, but that initial bombardment style usually got at least half an answer from people that would otherwise reply with straight no comments.
((OOC: Open for anyone, as long as you can think of a reason to be at the ministry. You can either be the poor person I verbally assaulted, or some brave soul who steps in to help them XP All the attacks I mentioned are from previous plots - see the main plot updates thread for more details, and the rumor is completely unfounded and made up for this thread XD))
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Langston Rederick
ministry official
head of magical law enforcement occlumency
I love my children, I just can't stand to be around them at times.
Posts: 14
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Post by Langston Rederick on Feb 8, 2010 19:41:59 GMT -5
(ooc: hoping for the best, I will try to keep things on their toes)
Langston had not returned home in about two days, not because he was working hard for the Ministry, but rather just had no reason to return to such a dreadful sham. Holidays where more of a burden and a façade of lies upon lies. Dreadful and pain stricken times that he had to deal with. His children growing older, and with minds of their own he wondered what possessed him to even have children.
That was no issue he could not handle, but he did tire of it. There was a good deal of work to be done at this miserable form of government, as he actually had to work for a living, or at least cover his tracks. It was just clear that Langston was not in a particularly good mood, and the comment from a fellow worker did not make his day… trouble with the misses?
Why, the nerve! To think he could not control his family, but he was not in control of his children, no there where off on their own, with their own plans and agendas. Oh, if he was not so good at his acting he would have cursed that lousy soul to hell, but instead he sighed and said, “holidays gettin’ the best of us all.” And walked to his office. Where he refreshed his attire to new shirt, and fresh robes that where in the closet of the office. This had not been the first time he had stayed there for prolonged periods.
Then the voice of, well no less then a pesky reporter and filled thought the muffled door. He smiled. Yes being nasty was one thing, but kicking out a nosy reporter, at least he could do something productive today.
He opened the door, to see the man, a quick notes quill at work, and a stupefied worker. Oh, how so many could not handle the stress. Langston stepped over to them, a hand on the mans shoulders before he could attempt an answer. “I believe it is proper to first introduce yourself to someone before interrogating them.” His words where laced with distain for the reporter, not really caring about it, but the opportunity to do something more then Ministry business for a change would lighten the spirits.
After all they had much to think about with the stupid and such messy incidents that had been happening. Ms. Grimwood was doing well now, but what a shame that they had left a core and strong witness, who knew what she would unravel? Weak, said and unplanned, at least to Langston that was. Why he had not been in the loop was beyond him, and angered him to no end.
He was confident that it would change soon enough, as he was a rather high figure in the ministry, perhaps they may make a bid for his time, and talents…
“If you had, you would have known that Mr. Rogers here would not have any answers other then it is ten thirty and the lift is in order.” He said pushing the man along his way. In fact he did not know the mans name, or his job position, but it got him out of the conversation. “Now, Lets try this a bit more reasonable, shall we?” he said, a bitter sweet taste to his words, his mind closed shut, he knew better then to ever let his mind be open to mind readers. He had a fare about of reasons to be skilled in occlumency. “I am Langston Rederick, head of magical law enforcement, so if you have questions they should be directed to me, not those below me. And you would be?” he said his stance and demeanor where that of any official in the ministry, somewhat cold, stern and confident. He held himself high, but also remained human. An intimidating style to those outside and below him, it was his job, and it was just an understood part of how things worked.
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Victor Creed
wizard
daily prophet reporter werewolf occlumens
Posts: 8
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Post by Victor Creed on Mar 4, 2010 14:03:25 GMT -5
"You would have known that Mr. Rogers here would not have any answers other then it is ten thirty and the lift is in order." Victor smiled, turning to face the new arrival; his Quick Quotes Quill jotting down something about incompetence at the ministry, and an idea of a heading forming in his mind. 'Excellent,' He thought, 'I might just make the front page yet.' He decided for a different approach now, especially after hearing the name Rederick. He had heard bad things about getting on the bad side of them, mostly rumor, but the sort of rumors that spread a well-founded reputation. "A pleasure, Mr Rederick, I am Victor Creed, with the Daily Prophet, and I was hoping, as I'm sure the public are, to know more about the safety precautions which I am sure the ministry will have planned in light of the recent attacks. I'd also like to know about how you're investigations are going."
Who he was and why he was there, a nice, pleasant introduction like Langston had asked for. Now that the formalities were done away with, time to sweeten him up before prying for answers. "Of course, I would love to address my questions to yourself, although I hadn't dreamed that you would have the time to see me on such short notice." He said, smiling an almost visibly forced smile. Flattery could get anyone anywhere, and no one was immune to it, so long as you knew how to use it properly. "If you do have time, however, perhaps we could find somewhere more appropriate for an interview?" Finding the location of the head of magical law enforcement's office would be useful for his alterior motives as well, and anywhere with seating would be more comfortable than standing in a corridor, and comfort could be used, like flattery, to throw someone off guard and lure crucial information out of them.
((OOC: sorry this is a bit short, but I wanted to post something while I had at least some muse))
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Langston Rederick
ministry official
head of magical law enforcement occlumency
I love my children, I just can't stand to be around them at times.
Posts: 14
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Post by Langston Rederick on Mar 4, 2010 16:24:46 GMT -5
Langston felt the sting of such a presence here in the ministry, but also in his own life. Reporters. They really where not about any sort of truth as it so rightfully seemed. The annoying quick notes quill working hard, Langston had dealt with these things in the past, and would do so again. Mr. Creed seemed to be pushing for some sort of inconsistency, they way he spoke, the way he presented himself. Langston did indeed get that grimy reporter feeling. What the bother it was to him, however he kept his station in check.
“Well Mr. Creed I would much rather an appointment, but a few moments to spare will be alright. There is much work to do here, as I am sure you are aware.” Langston was good at the empty answers that fed no real hunger. “The conference room should be open at this time.” he said with not hint of distain, he did not readily offer his office to outsiders.
“As for Mr. Rogers, he is simply working on maintenance, I would not be surprised if you startled him.” Langston added turning to the side, “This way, the conference hall is just down here.” He said, holding out a hand for direction. He was smooth, confident and above all laced with such a personification he was indeed a good liar…
“Only, I do request the old fashion reporting.” He started as he lead the man down the hall, past two or three doors. He new that the quill was writing everything down, and by all means wrong too. It could work in his favor, but he preferred to keep things simple. “If you don’t mind refraining from the use of quick note’s quills.” He said very casually, and very sincere. “You see I have come to discover that they don’t always have an open opinion.” He said, not dismissing the quill completely, but lacing it up as a simple friendly request, should Victor decided that he would still use it, Langston would simply adjust…
“Here we are sir.” He said opening a door to a small conference room, about five maybe six chairs at the table, with a few stacked on the side. Nothing fancy in there, and nothing that screamed that the ministry was wasting any time or money either. That was Langston’s plan too. “Care for something to drink, there is tea, coffee or water available in our conference rooms.” He said noting a the back wall a small burner and coffee pot ere next to a one station sink. Again nothing special.
“Now back to your questions. Safety is your concern today?” he asked making himself a bit of tea. He had played this game so long, it was more then a second skin, he knew what to say and when to say it. And creating a limited time was ideal too, there where protocols set in place for such events. As soon as he stepped in, his underlings knew the drill, ten minutes then interrupt. Any excuse was not enough either. A meeting was too general, it had to be specific, so that he could glare at them in front of the reporter, create a sort of dominate feel. Names were good, but not great, Reporters could find out who or what it was about, he had them use case files, or Ministry personnel… what it would be today he did not know, the wait did excite him. Making things up on the spot where fun to him.
(ooc: no problem, i know the feeling, and thanks for getting me to use Langston I am having fun with him...)
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Victor Creed
wizard
daily prophet reporter werewolf occlumens
Posts: 8
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Post by Victor Creed on Apr 25, 2010 6:07:36 GMT -5
The conference room would have to do; Victor had hoped to be able to scope out some of the offices a little, but he had done well even getting this far. Langston's request was a fair one, Quick Quotes Quills rarely did tell the truth, which was why he enjoyed using it so. The lies it spun he would interpret his own way, sometimes merely using them as a memory aid for how the conversation truly went, and other times spinning his own tales based on those it had written. The true beauty was that no one paid much attention to the nonsense the quill wrote, besides complaining that it wasn't true, which meant that he could easily hide other information in the quill's words. "Of course, if you don't mind I'll still use that quill, the refilling ink enchantment on it is quite useful, but I shall write with my own hand once we reach the conference room."
Victor was far too paranoid to trust a drink offered by others, even within the ministry. He had his own secrets which he had no wish to share, as well as some of Embry's which would see him killed if they got out, before the Ministry had even managed to schedule a trial for his personal crimes. "I'll pass, thank you, but feel free to make yourself something, I have time to wait." That would likely cut the interview time shorter, but he already had most of the information he needed for his main task. A few questions, a few quotes from the Head of Magical Law Enforcement, and his article would have a little extra punch to it, and maybe even some grounding in facts.
Taking a seat in the conference room, he took hold of the quill and notebook, instantly ending the enchantment causing them to follow him and write on their own, and scored a line off to show where the true interview began. He would write shorthand now to keep up, another way to help prevent others from reading it, but the words he would write would now be near perfect to how the interview would go. "Safety is indeed my concern, and that of my readers. Perhaps we could begin by discussing any progress that has been made with the investigations into the recent attacks, and then move on to the precautions you're taking to protect the public against further attacks?" He would be unlikely to get much information on the former, he knew, but by phrasing the request like that there was more of a chance. The investigations would be the grounding of the protective measures, so it made sense to him to discuss that first. "I understand if you can't give me all the details, but anything you are able to share to help reassure the public would be greatly appreciated."
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Langston Rederick
ministry official
head of magical law enforcement occlumency
I love my children, I just can't stand to be around them at times.
Posts: 14
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Post by Langston Rederick on Apr 25, 2010 20:38:08 GMT -5
“That would be quite all right.” Langston said to the reporters request, it would be highly illogical for him not to use such a quill. And Langston was a man of such common sense. Langston liked this man’s tactics, it was simple and to the point, but he also knew that he was there for other reasons then the safety of people. He was one of the reporters that wanted a story, regardless of what it was. Langston knew being in a room with him, that meant that he was opening himself up to be a target of some sort of flaming remarks, but he was able to take such things very well. No drink? Interesting indeed. A few reasons Langston could think of, one: that he did not want to waste anytime, two: that he did not trust him, or three: he had a different agenda. Whatever the case he did not care, it really did not concern him in the matter at all. “That is all right, I am fine as well.” He said as he too took a seat, revisiting the questions at hand. "Safety is indeed my concern, and that of my readers. Perhaps we could begin by discussing any progress that has been made with the investigations into the recent attacks, and then move on to the precautions you're taking to protect the public against further attacks?" Attacks, hum that is general and also very suspect. Almost like he was leading him to say something more concrete, like naming a person involved. However Langston played it cool, calm and even more professional but somehow personal too. He was good with acting indeed. “Indeed I would not want to hinder any investigations by giving out what information we have, however we do have a few very solid leads. This means that we are confident that the ministry will prevent any future incidents. Further more safety is a major priority. We have many of our staff working around the area. Hogwarts is a top priority as we have many, many of our young attending there, but it is not the only one either. It is very important that people feel safe to go anywhere in England, and that is why we work around the clock to prevent attacks.” Langston was indeed a smooth talker. “24/7 we have people on the street, undercover as well as seen is vital. I can not express how much importance we have on prevention. We have also installed some other precautions that I can fully support. “ Langston did not go into detail with those. “However we also preserve your privacy too. Which is not something we want to invade. So it is important that your readers know that we are not only protecting their safety but also some personal freedoms we feel are important as well.” This was a added touch, to give the Ministry a softer, warmer feel. “We are even patrolling Muggle areas for activity too. No stone left unturned sort of speak.” He added. Sure, that was good, and it took up a good amount of time, two maybe three minutes. Yes, it was progressing well. Langston had plans too, soon someone would interrupt, he would be slightly agitated but very apologetic let Mr. Creed know that. In addition though he thought of the perfect opportunity that would shake things up later, and Mr. Creed would
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Victor Creed
wizard
daily prophet reporter werewolf occlumens
Posts: 8
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Post by Victor Creed on Apr 26, 2010 7:20:08 GMT -5
Victor listened to Langston's replies intently, jotting down the odd key quote, more as a memory aid than anything. The idea for the story was beginning to form in his mind, work a spin of incompetency to get people hooked, and then redeem the Ministry in the public's eyes using what he learned from this interview. He saved further questions for when the first question was answered, asking questions that people were about to answer on their own tended to annoy them, and he also didn't want to derail the conversation, waste time on dead ends lose any information that might otherwise have been given willingly.
It was a shame that he couldn't get any information on the investigations, save that they had leads. That would have been useful outside of the story, but he didn't want to push, he jotted down a couple of key quotes none the less, the promise that there were leads being chased would at least calm the public. The idea of safety and patrols without being invasive was also a good one, another quote jotted down.
"You mentioned some other precautions," He began, once Langston had finished, "is there anything you're at liberty to share on those? I understand if they work best while kept secret, but I'm sure the public will want to know anything they can." These precautions were truly of interest to him, if the Ministry was monitoring creatures covertly then it would be something Embry would want to look into, and if the precautions were anything else then he would likely be able to get details on the basic principals of them.
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Langston Rederick
ministry official
head of magical law enforcement occlumency
I love my children, I just can't stand to be around them at times.
Posts: 14
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Post by Langston Rederick on Apr 26, 2010 8:38:15 GMT -5
"You mentioned some other precautions, is there anything you're at liberty to share on those? I understand if they work best while kept secret, but I'm sure the public will want to know anything they can." Langston knew that each question would reflect some statement that he had made, never say anything you can’t confirm or define. Yes, other percussions where indeed in use from the mundane muggle type to high class wizard techniques. However he would leave it at something simple and coy, but strong still. “Well, the best I can say is that the Ministry is not afraid to look outside the box, and that we are not giving up on any one system or idea too soon.” He said, confident, simple and clear. How this story was going to spin was only a mere concern, but that was not that big of a deal to him. “However I can not give any concrete details at this time, as it is indeed important to remain confidential for the protection of the people.” He added sounding like he was sincere, that his position was given to the right man after all. “I feel that it is very unfortunate that we cannot share more information, but as, I am sure you know, that those who wish to do harm can hide with those we need to protect. It is a give and take, that we do our best to keep.” He said, feeling the time being pulled, another moment.. a few more seconds. Should his personnel forget that they where to interrupt however, it would be likely end with someone losing a job. He was cool too, never once did he look at the clock, as if he dedicated this moment to the person he was with, and that his concerns where real. However Langston was counting the minutes, calculating the phrases and thinking about how they would be taken. In addition he also had to keep his mind blocked too. Reporters where difficult to nail down, but a good one could read someone’s mind. Those speculation remarks in the papers where from a cool and smart person indeed. That was only one reason he developed his occlumency, not as good as some great wizards but he did feel that he held a well comparison. “I do hope that the public will remain confident in our works, as we are always working around the clock to protect and serve them, first and fore most.” He added. Langston did not smile, nor did he frown, he was business like a slight hint of concern on his face. He was indeed working the crowd of one.
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Victor Creed
wizard
daily prophet reporter werewolf occlumens
Posts: 8
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Post by Victor Creed on Apr 26, 2010 14:29:37 GMT -5
Langston was giving nothing away, which annoyed Victor; both as a journalist and as a spy, but he took note of the mans words anyway. Having made it this far, he wasn't going to ignore anything, and having shown interest in these matters at least something on them would have to make it into the article. He would now have to move to a different area of the discussion, it was clear that he would get nothing further on those precautions. "I am sure the public understand the difficulty with it, and that the fact that you are sharing what information you can will put their minds at ease." He replied, reinforcing the importance of him being there before moving the interview along.
Langston was truly skilled at interviews, he had led the discussion where he wanted, and Victor had little doubt that the other man had intended to mention those precautions. By playing along, to an extent, he hoped to throw him off balance when he asked about a different area, rather than pursuing more like lesser, more irritating reporters would. "Is there any truth behind the rumors of increased creature movements in Scotland?" He asked, his tone entirely inquisitive, giving nothing away that it had been himself who started said rumor. "And are you taking any extra precautions in 'hot spot' areas such as this?"
Those questions were cleverly chosen, since they gave him answers to two very different questions, which were of key importance to him. Were the Ministry chasing every lead, and were they cracking down on the movement of creatures. Of course, it wouldn't give him an exact answer, more likely a gauge, depending on the response he received. Sure, people in Scotland would want to know about the Ministry trying to protect them, especially since the rumor warning them to stay close to public areas had been circulating in the Prophet for a few days, increasing in level every day, but if the Ministry jumped at that then they were too paranoid, if they searched for truth in it and then investigated they were dangerous, and if they ignored it out of hand then they were stupid. He expected the answer to be one of the former, but knew better than to second guess others, especially ones as clever as Langston appeared to be.
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Langston Rederick
ministry official
head of magical law enforcement occlumency
I love my children, I just can't stand to be around them at times.
Posts: 14
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Post by Langston Rederick on Apr 26, 2010 17:10:46 GMT -5
Langston knew that a more interesting line of questioning should be expected, this was quaint, and soft in his mind set. "Is there any truth behind the rumors of increased creature movements in Scotland? And are you taking any extra precautions in 'hot spot' areas such as this?" Smart, rumors where always such a hot topic for any reporter. And to top it off anything about creatures did make people perk up, however through the years of annoying regulation they have more rights these days. Langston was not one of the same mind set, though he worked with them he did not have to like it. However these rumors got started were not really all that good to him, and in fact it was not his department running the boat, regulation and control of magical creatures had first dibs on such a case. “The department of regulation and control of magical creatures has taken up interest in this instance. While I have received reports on their findings any sort of speculation that causes fear or anxiety is important to the ministry. We don’t ignore any safety measure.” Yes Langston did talk a good game, when in fact he did not know anything about this… rumor until then. However the ministry did not jump off to any stupid mention of a creature of a magical sighting. No they had better things to do, but mentioning that was not part of the game. “As for [i[hot spots[/i] We do hold more investigations, however in my opinion there are not hot spots It is important to maintain all around control. Because what you call a hot spot was nothing different prior to the event or events. As we advance as a culture, and we are advancing each day, so are those who want to prevent it. That is why we want to stay three steps ahead at the very least.” Langston spoke, small gestures with his hands created a real focus on the issue, that he was almost passionate about… not that he was of course. “I find it so important…” A soft knock on the door grew louder just before it opened. ”Mr. Rederick… sir?” the young looking girl could not be more then fresh out of Hogwarts. “I am sorry to interrupt…The head of D.O.M. is asking to see you. Said you had a meeting scheduled.” Soft spoken, scared as hell as she made up a lie. No, he knew that there was no such meeting, however he would head to the department of Mysteries anyway, just to speak briefly about this reporter nosing around and to be warned he may be about more. The timid expression gave hints to his presence in the department, that he held a high standard for his personnel, which to a certain point he did.
“No it is quite all right. It was my mistake.” He said to her nodding in improvement and agreement as she closed the door slowly and quietly, likely running down the hall for safety. “I am sorry to say our time is cut premature. I do hope you understand.” Langston began to stand up merely giving effect to the situation presented. “(Head of Mysteries) will be expecting me. They do very important work.” He said now close to the door. “I do hope I have assisted you a least a little today.” He was too sugar coated to be real, but it was still good for a show. He opened the door, “Miss Grenech can show you on your way if you like.” He said signing to a woman that he had most reporters walk out with, she made sure they exited the building. “Oh, I almost forgot. My family is holding a lovely reception for the Ministry and others. If you wish to attend I can send you an invitation. Black tie of course. Miss Grenech can take your information if you choose.” Yes, that would not be fun to see a reporter at the event, however this man did not seem like the type to be in such a big scene like that.
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