Chapter 10: Strategic Job Hunting
Hermione, not one to sit at home, decides to go job hunting. While doing that she runs into Gellert, who insists she apply at MACUSA. He uses the fact it would be strategic to do so. Remembering that Scarmander would arrive in New York in 1926 she chooses to apply for a position in MACUSA's Regulation of Magical Creatures Division.
Hermione's POV
Two days after her lunch with Gellert, one day after completing the timeline in regards to the Manhattan Project, Hermione was BORED! She had never been one to sit still or take handouts. She appreciated Gellert's gesture, and the fact that the man had more money than Jesus, but she preferred to make her own way!
So she made a cup of tea for herself and sat in the dining room, going over the Help Wanted Ads in the Magical Times newspaper. A few had popped out to her. A book store called The Mystical Sphinx looked promising! They needed a daytime counter person. Gaia's Primary School for Magicals was looking for a Teacher's Assistant. She circled both of those.
Lady Adelaide's World of Chocolates was also hiring within walking distance of the Boarding House. Maybe not ideal, but a good place to hear the gossip around the city. She circled that one as well. The last one circled was The Nota Spiritus, a store for familiars. The subject of the bond between familiars and their owner had always fascinated her. "Definitely a possibility." she mumbled to herself.
After picking those four she had the daunting task of creating a resume. In this time she had no job history to lean back on or school transcripts to aid her. Thankfully, it had been Madam Blanche who came up with a solution. "If you insist on this foolishness, why not put down the Boarding House as your current employer? Its not like you haven't taken over all my accounting anyway!" she had stated to her with a wink.
And so after an hour, she was ready to take on Magical New York! She pulled her hair back into a tight French braid away from her face, put on light make up. She transfigured a blouse Madam Blanche blended her into a cream covered satin. It was long sleeved, a button down with pearl buttons. Next was a black pencil skirt, form fitting with a flared ruffle at the knees.
She put on Black mary jane pumps with a three inch heel with cream colored stockings. Then, for luck, she put on her silver heart locket that was her parent's last gift to her. She blinked back the tears at the thought of them And forced her thoughts back to the task at hand. She checked herself in the mirror and said to herself "It will do!"
She pulled out the one semi business black robe she had, no embleshment but for a slight flare at the hips. She made her way back down stairs and took the Help Wanted Ads portion of the newspaper and rolled it up. She then grabbed her beaded bag, transfiguring it to be the size of a small purse and placing in her completed resume. First up was Lady Adelaide's World of Chocolates, a block from the Boarding House.
It was a block away from the hidden Victorian house and it was a beautiful day in the city, so Hermione decided to walk, enjoy the sights and sounds of the City that Never Sleeps. She started to hum Frank Sinatra's New York, New York under her breath as she went. On 6th Street, under disguising charms and a muggle repelling ward was one of the most interesting sites in the city!
The shop was housed inside an old warehouse. The lighted sign more bright than a Christmas tree gone wrong! The lights also seemed to blink on and off in a pattern, almost like a strobe light. Looking at it was starting to give her a headache so she turned away and went through the entrance. She was created by the sight of multiple interlocking floors, stairs moving to accommodate shoppers.
There was a big sign, informing the shopper of what chocolate delicacy could be found on what floor and how to use the stairs. There were customers of all ages moving about. The first floor surrounded with multiple stands saling fudge and at least 10 different flavors of Hot Chocolate. There were multiple owls flying in and out of the building delivering packages.
She made herself focus and saw that her destination, the office was on the top floor. She made her way to the first staircase. Like the sign had indicated, she tapped the first step three times with her wand, took two steps and said clearly "the office!" To her shock the whole staircase floated, causing her to grip the rails to stay upright. The higher it floated the more uncomfortable it got!
She breathed a sigh of relief when she heard a click and the staircase connected with the top floor. Going to the left she found the office open. Upon entering the woman sitting at the desk did not instill much confidence in her chances! If someone cloned Umbridge, changed out kittens for puppies and draped her in all bright pastel blues, they would match the woman that sat before her!
It only went downhill from there! The insulting cow implied that if she had a husband at home she wouldn't need to work but that her unfortunate looks meant that would never be! She was fuming when she apparated out! Her magic crackling across her skin and causing her braid to frizz! " Bloody Blue Toad! Backward, simpering cow!" she expressed aloud. "How dare she say that! As though I need a man to look after me! The idea!" she went on.
She was so worked up she did not register her surroundings. Not until a familiar laugh could be heard. Right next to her, exiting the doorway of the Woolworth building, was Gellert. It was the lunch hour when he caught her. She groaned in annoyance as he made his way to her. "You look more wound up than a tinker toy! Calm down Jem. Your magic is all over the place!" he stated, moving to her right.
She took a slow, dreading breath. "How about you walk a gentleman to lunch and tell him what almost got you to her the entirety of Manhattan?" he offered, holding out his arm. His comment did get a small smile out if him and she needed to be in a more presentable mood to apply to the next prospect so she took his arm and linked it with hers. Her magic immediately calmed at contact, his magic smoothing over hers.
"Your nerves weren't doing much better I see" he stated with a teasing smile. "Would anyone miss Lady Adelaide if I killed her?" she asked. Gellert let out a loud laugh at that. "Now what in the world got you in her Blue Highness' presence?" he asked. "Looking for work, so I don't die from all the bloody boredom! Its been slowly driving me mad, not having something productive to do all day!" she stated.
"And you didn't think to ask for my help? I could have spared you a visit with the Queen of Puppies!" he stated. "No offence but you have thus far covered all my bills. I appreciate the gesture and know you can afford it but that's not the point. I am a perfectly healthy and capable young woman. I should be doing for myself! You have helped enough." she answered.
"I see your point. Its just I could use another inside person." he stated right as they reached Margery's Cafe, a small but lovely battery. His comment caught her attention. "I'm listening." she replied. "Good" he stated as he led her to the door. "Lets discuss it over lunch. I got a pick up order for two cucumber sandwiches, pickles, and some chips. Lets grab it and we will head for my office." he said.
She nodded and waited with him in line. About ten minutes later they were back out. Arms linked again he apparated them into his office. Hermione took the seat opposite him. "So another inside person inside MACUSA would be useful you say?" she asked after placing up a Mufflatio Charm on the door.
"Well, I AM only one man! It would be useful to have ears and eyes in one of the other departments than my own." he stated. They ate in silence a moment, Hermione deeply enjoying her sandwich. "Now this is wonderful cafe food!" she commented. "Indeed. A send in a order everyday." he replied. "I know that look, you have an idea." he read her face.
"In 1926 Newt Scarmander will be making quite the splash in New York. He will have a case with him, containing all sorts if magical creatures." she stated, starting on her chips. He eyes her with interest. "There is a misunderstanding between you and it leads to you being unveiled. As your troops had began their assaults at the beginning of that year, this series of events he starts off. Get a you arrested." She went on.
"Alright. And this plays in to wear you wish to apply I take it?" He asked. His gaze curious. "It does indeed. If I am placed in the Department of Regulation of Magical Creatures, I will know the moment that suit case is opened! And as a bonus, no more boredom and I'll be in a job I actually care about." she stated. He gave her a thoughtful gaze. "Leave your resume with me. I'll have you placed there and we will be ready!"he said. After that they finished lunch. She had a great time, discussing magical theory and physics with him.
Before she left she pulled him up and into a tight hug. "Thank you Gell!" she said. He kissed her forehead and pulled back to look at her. "Anything for you, my Jem." He said. She blushed which caused him to smile. They let go and he said "Be safe!" She gave him a smirk and mischievous glance before stating back to him "Always!"