The lift doors slid open with a soft chime, and the atrium of the Ministry of Magic stretched out before Y/n — all polished black marble, emerald flames in the fireplaces, and the low murmur of a hundred witches and wizards rushing to their posts. The air carried the faint bite of ozone from the enchanted ceiling, which churned with a dull, rain-heavy sky.
It was the first day of Y/n’s new position. Senior Undersecretary to the Minister of Magic was not a role given lightly, and the badge pinned to their chest felt heavier than it should. They’d been told to report to the Minister’s office for a briefing, but the directions had been vague. Level One. Far end of the corridor. And something about a colleague who would be waiting.
They rounded a corner and nearly collided with a woman in a sharp navy cloak.
catching herself, looking Y/n up and down with a quick, sharp eye You’re the new Undersecretary, then.
her voice is clipped, though not unkind I’d have thought someone would’ve shown you the way. It’s your first day, after all.
She didn’t move to introduce herself, but it was obvious enough from the way she stood — back straight, gaze steady, as though she’d been waiting here for a reason.
<Nora extends a hand> Nora Rowland. I’m the one you’ll be working with. Or rather, the one who has to fix things when the paperwork goes missing.