July 18th, 1893 — , Murdocks office, Ministry

Murdock Greyback walked briskly down the bustling corridors of the Ministry of Magic. The rhythmic clacking of his boots against the marble floor echoed through the ornate halls. He had had this meeting on the books for more than a week, and it was of utmost importance—a discussion about the upcoming meeting of the Wizengamot. Rumors had been swirling around the Ministry, and Murdock couldn't help but wonder if there was any truth to them.

As he reached the grand oak door marked "Minister for Magic," Murdock raised his hand and rapped on the door, the sound reverberating through the room. Pushing the door open, Murdock stepped into the well-furnished office. With formal civility, Murdock inclined his head respectfully and greeted Ross. "Minister Ross, it is a pleasure to see you. I trust you are well?"

His piercing blue eyes searched the Minister's face, hoping to catch a glimpse of the truth. Murdock had heard whispers that Justin Ross might not be seeking reelection as Minister for Magic. It was a topic that had sent ripples through the office, and he needed to know if there was any substance to the rumors.

He took the offered seat and passed the paper across the desk to him, most of the contents had already been substantively agreed by their various underlings, but as Murdock would need to present it to the Wizengemot, it would be better to ensure that Ross wasn't blindsided by the contents and detail.

Justin Ross

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   Justin Ross

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MJ is a National Treasure

Ross had been sending owls back and forth with certain Wizengamot members, setting the agenda, for most of the morning. He knew what was coming, and he knew it was slightly overdue — his tenure as Minister had been largely inoffensive, which was the only reason it had lasted this long. But if he was going to sign off on an election, and ask his contingent to do so — and if he was not going to run again — then he wanted some wins written in law and budget.

He had been thinking about this for most of the day when Greyback walked in. Ross accepted Greyback's packet of info and began leafing through it. "I'm well, and yourself?" he asked, reviewing departmental line-items. "When would you like to speak tonight?"

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Murdock nodded as Minister Ross spoke about the ongoing preparations for the Wizengamot meeting. The room was dimly lit, casting long shadows on the walls, as the candle flames flickered in response to the subtle movements in the air. "I find myself well enough amidst the bustling affairs that govern the ministry."

As Ross inquired about the best time to discuss matters further, Murdock leaned back in his chair, his blue eyes focused on the Minister's thoughtful expression. The tension in the air was palpable, and Murdock sensed the gravity of the upcoming decisions that lay ahead.

"If its alright with you I can give the initial presentation, then if you have anything to add from a general ministry perspective, before the vote is called." Murdock he said, now that the work was completed it would hopefully be a straightforward enough vote to pass.

He paused for a moment, gathering his thoughts, and then continued, "Forgive me for asking plainly Ross, I must ask if there is any veracity to the whispers that circulate about your intentions regarding the Ministry election?" His tone was tinged with genuine concern. He liked Ross, he had voted for him, he didn't like the idea what they could be faced with next if he didn't run. It felt like after Urquart and Ross, they were due for someone terrible.

  

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MJ is a National Treasure

Ross nodded. In response to Greyback's proposal, and to his question, he said simply — "The agenda for tonight isn't fully set." He was still going back and forth with more conservative factions of the Wizengamot. As an afterthought, and a hint, he added, "I would expect to be there for a while tonight. And I've occupied this office for a while now."

Roslyn did not want him to run again. Ross would have, perhaps — but he'd been in the office a long time. He had young children. And surely it was better to exit willingly than it was to lose.

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The room seemed to hang in suspense, the air thick with the weight of their impending discussion. As the candlelight flickered, Murdock absorbed Ross's words, parsing the subtleties behind them. Murdock felt a pang of disappointment. Ross's forthcoming departure from the Ministry's helm was a prospect that he had not fully anticipated, and yet, it resonated with a certain inevitability.

Murdock leaned forward slightly, his fingers tracing the edges of the leather-bound folder before him. His voice, tinged with genuine sincerity, found its place amidst the room's hushed atmosphere. "Your leadership has been ...stable" for some it might have been an insult, but for Murdock it was far from it, tumult was for the great and good, crime was his purview, and he knew that the stability found it's statistical reflection in the crime stats. 'People are...happy' he put simply, 'I must say that your presence at the helm has been a steadying force." He believed in the value of continuity and the wisdom -both traits Ross had brought to the Ministry's corridors.

  

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MJ is a National Treasure

Ross smiled, closed-lipped, at Greyback's caged comments. "The Wizengamot has been in gridlock over the past several months," he allowed after a beat. "One has to act in order to accomplish some of our goals." He didn't want his legacy to be one of stasis — and, of course, there was the issue of Roslyn.

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Murdock absorbed the weight of the words. He knew that the decisions made here, in this hallowed office, could shape the future of their magical world for years to come. Ross's desire for action, for a legacy marked by progress was understandable at least- not everyone was him. All he wanted was a quiet life.

"The pursuit of progress is a noble one, Ross," Murdock replied, his tone filled with respect. "But I think you have a dim view of your legacy. This isn't the first deadlock, it won't be the last, and from experience, it isn't what folks remember" but he could see it was a lost cause to convince Ross to run another term.

He sighed, 'So what do you need from me from the transition? Other than to make sure there is some excellent Scottish whiskey at your retirement party.' his lip tweaked in a smile behind his fierce red beard.

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   Justin Ross

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MJ is a National Treasure

Ross smiled, genuine and enthused, at Murdock's commendation and at the comment for whiskey. "If the package setting the date for the election is as good as expected, I'll send an owl to you before we go to a vote," he said, "And it would mean a great deal to me if you vote aye on it."

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'Of course' he noted and topped up the other man's drink. 'I don't think there will be much resistance' he noted and reread the briefing.

It was going to be a long few weeks.

Wrap.

  

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MJ is a National Treasure