Disciplinary Action

[James Carmichael]

Out of all the things James had to deal with today. He never suspected he'd have to deal with this kind of situation, especially within his own department. Now it was true that James wasn't exactly the most conservative when it came to certain aspects of his life. One of the aspects was his job. James believed that everyone had a right to defend the laws of the magical community, and have the chance to fight to protect those laws. It didn't matter to James if they were male, female or upper or lower class.

Even with these rather liberal protocols on how he ran his department. There were strict guidelines in place that James made sure all of his aurors understood, and followed to the letter. Like for example, even though women were allow into the department, they had to follow a slightly different set of rules than the male members of the department. It was also made clear to any woman when they joined that being an auror wasn't easy, and wasn't exactly the safest job around. There was also a certain standard for woman to follow. If they were going to be aurors or even aurors in training. Then they had to present themselves properly, and have a good knowledge of etiquette. The smallest misdemeanour of these rules would result in harsh punishment, a punishment that would fit the situation granted, but still harsh in its resolve.

The situation that needed to be dealt with started out as a rumour that quick made its way around the ministry like wild fire. James saw the value of rumours sometimes, but other times they were just malicious tools that could destroy people’s lives. The rumour told of one James Herondale & one Elizabeth Walsh going into an office together, and locking the door to said office. What happened behind that door was only known to the two within side the room. Although the people that were on the other side of the door came up with a few ideas of their own to explain the pairs actions. James hoped it wasn't anything...indecent. The last thing he needed right now was a situation involving a married woman with children being indecent with a fellow auror. It would reflect badly on both James personally, and on the Ministry itself.

After James had sent a howler to both Herondale and Walsh, demanding that they report to his office immediately. James stood behind his desk, looking out the office window. His hands were folded neatly behind his back, and it would be clear within his tense body language that he wasn't happy about the situation.

  

[James Herondale]

James sat at his desk, writing a letter to Aurelia. He had to admit, his writing was getting more legible, but it wasn't nearly as good as his sister's perfect loopy scrawl.

My dearest Aurelia,
Your penmanship is getting good. I know it would be easier for us to just visit each other and talk this way, but father, Riff and I feel it is good for you to start improving your letters and penmanship. I can already say it's getting better than mine!
I must admit, I had a bout of coughing the other day. Tilly saw to it quickly, though so you are not to worry, though something tells me I know you will. I cannot lie to you though, Aurelia, seeing as Tilly would have probably told you anyways. You two are such good friends. I must say, I'm glad that we treat Tilly well, even though she is our servant. She deserves the good treatment, she's such a good house elf.
I was wondering if you have heard from Riff lately -

Just then, an owl fluttered into his office, and dropped an envelope down in front of James on top of the parchment. James's eyes widened at the the envelope. "Oh hell..." He winced, and opened the envelope which immediately filled his office - and probably outside of his office - with James Carmichael's booming voice telling him to report to his office immediately. James blinked, ramrod straight in his chair, watching the letter finish before bursting into flames. James watched as the ashes collected on top of the very parchment he was sending to Aurelia. He groaned. The ink was still wet, and ashes clung to it. He would have to start over...

But James would have to do that later. He straightened in his chair, brushing any residual ash off his suit before turning on the spot and appearing in his superior's office. Immediately, James could tell Mr. Carmichael was not happy. He placed his hands behind his back, standing up straight. "You called me, sir." He said solidly, determined to set whatever he'd gotten in trouble for straight.

  

[Elizabeth Walsh]

A few days after the supposed event, Elizabeth was sitting in her office studying various sketches of dragons and their use in the dark arts for the last few centuries. The topic was quite fascinating as it seemed that while dragons inherently weren't predicated towards 'good' or 'evil', they were used regardless of the species or the individual witch or wizard. Such a fascinating topic would've continued to be read if it wasn't for an owl suddenly coming into her office through the wide open door and landing gently on the desk. A smile came over her face as she gently caressed the creature before it dropped it's delivery and then took off into the hallways.

Elizabeth tensed up immediately when she saw the famed red envelope and knew that whatever was inside, it wasn't good news. She lifted it gently and it immediately transformed, bellowing in Carmichael's voice that she had to come to his office retroactively. A groan escaped Elizabeth's lips and she watched it burn into flames. She stood up slowly and smoothed out her dress, checked her makeup and appearance, and then waved her wand to clean up any mess inside.

The woman closed the door to her office and locked it before heading to Carmichael's office. The entire walk there, she was concerned what the issue could be, but she had a feeling what it might have been. As always, she hated the whole gender differential and wished it was a better situation where she didn't have to work quite so hard to be accepted like the men. Stepping into his office, she found James within standing in front of their boss. Elizabeth took a stance beside James, stiffened slightly to be at attention out of respect for their superior, "Mrs. Walsh, as ordered Mr. Carmichael," were the only words to escape her mouth in a, despite the situation, soft and calm manner.

  

[James Carmichael]

When Herondale & Walsh arrived in his office. James just stayed where he stood, and kept his back upon them for a long moment. Normally, when someone entered his office, James would have been polite and respectful. But the situation called for a different kind of stance, and James needed his people to know that he was very upset with their most recent actions. After a moment of silence from James, he slowly turned around, and looked toward Herondale. He then turned his attention to Walsh. The head auror then walked around to the front of his desk, and sat on the edge.

All the while he kept his gaze on Walsh. From James knew of Elizabeth, she was a very capable woman, who had a very intelligent head on her shoulders. James couldn't quite work out why she wanted to be an auror of all the things a girl could be. Especially given Elizabeth's background, she was married, and had two kids to think about. It was why she barely made it into the training program, and it was one of the things that was brought up in the recent letter from Faustus. James had to take her background into account when dealing with this situation, especially if the situation turned out to be as scandalous as people thought it to be.

With a soft sigh, James turned his attention back onto Herondale. He didn't know much about the auror. But James knew enough to know that he was an upstanding auror, one who had a respectful record. James couldn't quite work out why he was willing to throw that all away in this fashion. Especially since Herondale had a disadvantage that most others didn't have or knew that he suffered from. Thus far Herondale's illness hadn't been that much of an issue. But, again, it was something else James had to take into account dealing with this situation.

"Let's start at the beginning shall we? Why were the both of you in a locked office together?" As he talked James held up his index finger in the mid-air. "...And why did I have to hear about it through third parties?" If it had happened anywhere else then James wouldn't have been bothered. What his people did in their spare time was their business. But when it happens within his department, and within the Ministry. Yeah James wanted to know directly from the horse’s mouth, and so was now displeased at the fact that he heard it through third parties.

  

[Elizabeth Walsh]

A woman being called to her boss was always bad, as promotions weren't exactly very common. Thus, Elizabeth knew before she even entered the office that it was bad. Carmichael stood there, stern, forboding, and hard, clearly angry and disappointed at the situation. Stupid rumors always have a way of messing everything up. As Carmichael asked the most pertinent questions to start this, she gave James no chance to reply, "I came to Mr. Herondale in confidence over a personal family issue about Mr. Walsh's condition. My husband is a werewolf Mr. Carmichael. I confided to Mr. Herondale in the hopes that he could help me in ensuring that my husband has kept off the radar and has not hurt anyone." Taking a pause for the men to catch up and think, Elizabeth exhaled and inhaled calmly. Her entire posture was that of someone who definitely had nothing to fear and nothing to worry about.

"The only reason the door was locked and I was alone with Mr. Herondale was to facilitate to appropriate privacy for the conversation. I felt it was appropriate given the context. After this conversation, I was heading out of his office, unlocked the door and was about to leave when Mr. Herondale had an episode. What was a personal conversation quickly became a medical emergency, Mr. Carmichael." As she was done with the first part of her side of the story, she hoped that it was enough to at least calm the nerves of her boss before asking James if she was telling the truth. Until this rumor caused this situation, no harm had come from what had happened. To say that it annoyed Elizabeth was an understatement at best.

The situation concerning her husband by itself is enough to get her fired, but she was willing to take the chance because she refused to tell a lie to her boss. One way or another, Carmichael would've found out at some point. Elizabeth would rather make sure the man hears about it from her or her husband rather than some other person. The events that have occurred are enough to make her hope that at the very least, she cannot be called a liar. Only the hope remained that her honesty will keep her from getting fired.

  

[James Herondale]

Carmichael didn’t look happy. And that was never a good sign. He had always been a good boss, and very amiable when times called for it. But James understood why he was chosen as Head Auror. He could be extremely intimidating when he wanted to be, and he took no nonsense when it came to the reputations of his employees and him. For that, James admired him, and always tried to respect his superiors.

“Why were the both of you in a locked office together?…and why did I have to hear about it through third parties?”

The first emotion that coursed through James was panic. He didn’t look at Elizabeth though, that would have made it look even more suspicious. The next emotion was absolute annoyance. Didn’t people have ANYTHING else better to do with their lives than gossip about other people’s lives? James’s lip almost curled in disgust, but he restrained himself. The third emotion was again panic. He was praying that Elizabeth spoke first, so he wouldn’t have to lie or betray. He liked doing neither, and he wasn’t prepared to start doing it to his newly acquired friend nor his intimidating boss. His hands behind his back tightened, and he let out a slow breath as Elizabeth started talking confidently.

When she was finished, James nodded slightly in agreement to Elizabeth’s defense. “Any rumors that you have hear, sir I can assure you that they were completely false. I asked Mrs. Walsh if she needed help with any family matters, and she confided in me of her husbands condition. To say the revelation was a shock is an understatement. After I had assured her that she would have my and my family’s help, I’d realized that I had not taken my potion yet, and I had a bought of illness.” James took a slight breath, looking to Elizabeth and James with confidence and honesty. "Mrs. Walsh was able to call my house elf to aid, who then transported us to my father and my brother who promptly helped us and gave me my potion.”

James sincerely hoped this was enough to clear both of their names. The rumor that James had been involved with Elizabeth in such a way was absolutely repulsive to him. He knew Elizabeth would do no such thing such as be unfaithful to her husband, and he would do no such thing to break up a family by being promiscuous with a married woman.

  

[James Carmichael]

The last thing James ever expected to hear in his office was the very words that came from Elizabeth's mouth. At first James couldn't believe what he had just heard. One of his up and coming aurors was married to a werewolf...a werewolf. One of the most dangerous creatures that anyone could come across. They were even dangerous to aurors, when they were shifted into their full wolf state. In James's career he had faced down against a werewolf only twice, and both times he had backup with him. On both occasions he had also come away with scars upon his body. The first time wasn't so bad, but the second time...well James still had the scar to this day.

Werewolves were one of the main concerns for the department, and any reports of any in the Hogsmeade area were to be reported to the werewolf capture unit as soon as humanly possible. But at the moment James was stunned into total silence, and his gaze was focused on Elizabeth alone. The only time his attention wavered from Elizabeth was when Herondale started to speak. Now James knew about Herondale's condition. He had to be informed of it otherwise Herondale wouldn't have been put back onto active duty. James was well aware of the medicine that Herondale needed to take to keep his illness in check. So when he was told that Herondale had an attack so bad he had to be taken home. James nodded in acknowledgement and understanding.

Even with Herondale’s little speech it wasn't enough to take James's attention away from the fact that someone in his department was married to a werewolf of all things. The worse James thought this situation would be was an affair between a married woman, and a respected auror. Now he knew just how bad this situation was, and the response now needed to handle the situation. Not only handle it but cover his backside as well as his entire departments. If this information was learned by Faustus or even the public at large, god forbid. It would be the end of James's career, and it would kill his campaign for minister as well.

After a long moment of just silence. James walked back behind his desk, and took hold of his wand. He then flicked it toward the still open doors of his office, which then slammed shut and locked themselves. James then put his wand back down on the desk, and wiped a hand over stubble covered chin. "Well I am relieved to hear that there is no affair between you two. But this situation is much worse than I ever thought it would be." While James talked he rested his palms flat upon his desk, and leaned forward slightly. He then took a moment to think over his next set of words, before he finally looked back to the pair stood before his desk. Once again his focus mainly on Elizabeth.

"Do you have any idea how dangerous this situation could be Mrs Walsh? Not only have you risked your future career. But you've put this entire department at risk by telling me the truth." James paused briefly and walked back around to the front of his desk with a soft exhale. "I admire your honesty, Mrs Walsh. But you've now put me in a difficult situation where steps have to be taken to protect the needs of the many within this department. I'm sorry Mrs Walsh but..." James had been under pressure from his superiors to fire Elizabeth, and before he learned of this information. He had no intention of firing a promising auror. But now with this new information coming to light. James had no other choice.

"You are hereby dismissed from your training program, and are dismissed from the auror department. All of your rights and privileges are hear by revoked, and you are to leave the premises by the end of the day." It might seem harsh but this was the only choice James had left. The only other option would be to arrest both Elizabeth and her husband on the grounds that by keeping this secret from the proper authorities they were putting lives at risk. But that option would cause too much publicity, and too many awkward questions would have to be answered.

Once he was done with Elizabeth's punishment. James turned his attention to Herondale, and shook his head slightly as he begun to speak. "I admire you sense of duty and honour, Mr Herondale. But I must admit that I am sorely disappointed in you over how you have handled this situation. You're hear by suspended from active duty for one month. After which you will be put through a re-valuation test, and put before a panel of your peers. In other words Mr Herondale. I suggest you find a desk, a mountain of paperwork, and bury yourself under it until your suspension has ended."

After he had given both of them their punishment. James folded his hands behind his back, and walked back to stand beside his desk. "Do either of you have anything else to add? Or say in your defence?" When James asked the rather official sounding question, he looked back to both of them, and waited to see how they would react to recent events.

  

[Elizabeth Walsh]

The truth is so much more painful than falsehoods. That was Elizabeth's reasoning behind what had just happened. A young mind racing with the possibilities, the eventualities, the prospects, and the reality. She watched Carmichael, studying him carefully, and as the result was revealed... well... her heart sank in the knowledge that the dream she had for the last 10 years was rapidly crushed into subatomic particles. Elizabeth had watched her father and what he had done in the years of her short life, hoping that one day she could call herself such a person.

Now it ceased to exist as if it had never happened. The dream gone, possibly forever. Nothing, at this point, could be done to save her job. However, Elizabeth would deal with it. So, her mind went back to being practical, selfless, and protective, "I understand Mr. Carmichael. Thank you for the opportunity. I appreciate that you would take me under your wing and show me what my father has done for the Ministry all these years. I only have two favors to ask of you..."

She closed her eyes for a moment to keep the tears from flowing profusely, "Do not take this out on Mr. Herondale. Please, I put him in this position. The only other thing that I ask is for you to keep my family's secret between us. They have gone through enough and today will be even harder on them." Ever strong and unwilling to show herself as a weak woman, she stood straight and nodded...

"If I may be excused, I will finish what work I have, gather my belongings and return home." The woman waited to be excused and then once excused, Elizabeth would walk as normally as possible back to her office. She will finish any work she had, put in her badge and any official Ministry material, then go home to see her children.

  

[James Carmichael]

While Elizabeth said her piece on the whole situation. James turned his attention to his desk for a moment, and listened to her words intently. It was a shame that a young aurors career had to come to an end like this, especially in the current climate. There had been a lot of unrest within the wizard community just recently. The ministry and the auror department needed every able body they could find to help protect both the wizard community as well as the muggle community. The department itself wasn't as shorthanded or understaffed as other departments.

But considering the nature of the auror department. James just wanted to be sure that there were enough bodies out there protecting the streets as there were those that are out there that wanted to destroy that protection. It was why James very rarely dismissed anyone, and was seen as a liberal and rather laid back leader. That didn't mean to say however that James was capable of taking action when necessary, and this was most defiantly a situation where it was necessary. Not only to protect those out there in the world. But to also help the ministry safe face, and avoid a potential situation where the fallout could be disastrous.

When Elizabeth asked that the information that had come to light here today is kept a secret to protect her family. James nodded his head, subtly, pursed his moustache covered lip, and then turned his attention on the recently dismissed ex-auror. "You have my word that no one outside this room will be informed of the information that has come to light here today." Even if James wanted to tell anyone. There wasn't a lot that could be done about the situation anyway. Well there were a few things that James could do, like have Elizabeth's husband arrested on jumped up charges for example. But that would be a risky move on James's part, and it would be a move that could kill both his auror career as well as his campaign for minister within a heartbeat. No, James wouldn't and couldn't do anything. There was too much to lose for everyone.

After James gave Elizabeth permission to leave. He waved his wand toward the doors, and unlocked them. James then watched as Elizabeth took her leave. He couldn't help but feel saddened and disappointed by her dismissal. But it was something James knew had to be done, and that was all that matter. Once they were alone. James turned his attention to Mr Henrondale. "If you wish to say something, Mr Herondale, then I suggest you get it off your chest now." As he addressed Mr Herondale. James stepped away from his desk, and stood off to Mr Herondale's right. His gaze still on the open door that Mrs Walsh had just exited through.

  

[James Herondale]

For a moment, James stopped breathing, and he clenched his jaw, closing his eyes in a defeated look. He knew there was no changing his superior’s mind, nor would it do any good for his current position. He was already in enough trouble already. James’s heart sunk and his face visibly paled. Not Elizabeth….. He cast her an apologetic look, looking after her, trouble in his eyes.

"If you wish to say something, Mr Herondale, then I suggest you get it off your chest now."

James said nothing for a while, his eyes on the ground. What was there to say besides that this wasn’t fair at all? He was pretty sure that if Elizabeth was the Auror and James was the Auror in Training, Elizabeth still would have been the one to receive the short end. It simply wasn’t fair. But he knew there was no arguing with his superiors. He was in enough trouble as it was. James bit his lip before taking a breath and speaking, his eyes, un-accusing, on his boss. "I won’t attempt to hide nor deny the fact that I’m throughly distressed by your decision sir, though I do not blame you for it, nor do I wish to criticize the way you run your department. I know you have a reputation to uphold, and within the ministry, it’s understandable that one single word can fell a head authority."

James paused. They were only pretty words, but he kept his gaze solid on Mr. Carmichael. "I'm sincerely sorry that you were pushed to this decision, sir. I can see it brings you no pleasure. I would like to let you know I still have nothing but respect for you, and won’t hold a grudge against you." James meant this. He thought Mr. Carmichael was an excellent boss - fair when he could be, but firm when he had to be. And James understood this was not a situation in which he should be fair.

  

[James Carmichael]

James kept his gaze on the door as he listened to Herondale speak his mind, and he could tell within his voice tone that the auror wasn't happy with the situation. James had to admit that he wasn't happy with how the situation turned. But it couldn't have gone any other way as far as James was concerned, especially after Elizabeth fully explained the situation, and was truthful about everything within her life. The ironic thing was if Elizabeth had admitted to an affair or had simply not told James of her husband’s condition.

Then she might have only got a slap on the wrist, and would still be on path in becoming a fully fledged auror. Despite the fact that James had gotten pressure from his superiors to fire Elizabeth, due to the fact they thought she was being indecent as a married woman. James still wouldn't have fired her, and simply told her to be more discrete and respectful with how she handled herself within her profession. But as soon as James knew the truth, as soon as the word werewolf slipped out of her lips. Elizabeth's faint was sealed, and there was no other option left to any of them. The only good thing out of today was the fact that James hadn't needed to fire two people from his department.

After Herondale informed James of his displeasure over the situation and how he understood what pressure James must have been under. The head auror shook his head from side to side, subtly, turned his gaze to his feet for a moment, and then turned around to stand by Herondale's side. "That is only one half of the picture, Mister Herondale. Yes, one wrong word or rumor can derail a department heads career over night, and the ministry expects their members to act with dignity and decorum when conducting themselves within their chosen career. But there's also the public to consider. How do you think the people would react if they learned that a married woman was having an affair with an auror? Remember people put their trust in us to keep them safe from danger. We are the select few that are willing to risk their lives in order to keep people safe and sound at night. If we cannot conduct ourselves according to the public standards of us. Then we might as well hang up our cloaks and go home." James was confident and honest within his tone of voice, and it would sound as if he spoke from his heart.

"Elizabeth was a fine woman, one with a great potential to become a fine auror someday. Hell, if she had just kept her mouth shut or even lied about the situation concerning her husband, then she might still be on that path. But with her husband’s condition she puts, not only herself at risk, but others as well. We as protectors of the people and peace cannot be seen so close to someone who’s infected with a potentially dangerous illness. I hope you understand that as well, Mister Herondale?" When James had finished his little speech. He moved back behind his desk, and cast his gaze out of the window, with his arms folded behind his back. "If there's nothing else, Mister Herondale, you're dismissed." It was evident by James's tone that he wanted to be alone to reflect of the events of the day.

  

[James Herondale]

James kept quiet while his superior spoke - many thoughts ran through his head. What would James's move be now? He wanted to keep in contact with Mrs. Walsh, for the reasons being that he wanted to make sure her family was safe. And wasn't that the duty or an auror, to make sure citizens were not harmed? He of course would go about it discreetly, but James decided to nonetheless keep his promise - it really wasn't a decision - he'd already made a promise.

James pinched the bridge of his nose, clearly not happy, though he took his leave and nodded to his superior. Mr. Carmichael did not at all sound as if he thought himself superior - it was one of the things James appreciated about him. He was firm, but he also did not think himself better than any other of his subordinates. Of course he had to be at a higher level, but one important thing James had kept in mind as an auror was to never think yourself the better man when against your opponent.

Pausing at the door, James turned and looked at Mr. Carmichael. "I'm sincerely sorry if I have disappointed you in any way, sir. I hope I will be able to put myself back in your good graces at due time." James paused before continuing. "If it is of any consolation - you have my vote in the upcoming eletion." He gave a wan smile. "You would certainly be one of the better choices as Minister. Thank you for your words. I will take them seriously and to heart."

And with that, James left, deeply troubled and dreading informing his family of the events that had occurred that day.