Oh thank Merlin things were now in the past and they could get started on what was needed, though Victoria next truly was finished, no, Quidditch season wasn't put on hold while the ministry had their trouble so she was working from home and so was some of her team. She would be happy to settle back into her office though, with things at home as rocky as they seemed, she needed the distraction.

It was a delight to have a minister who wanted something not overly formal, but nothing with bounce houses and kiddie toys. This little outing was going to be just what they all needed to get their minds back to work and everyone to get back to business.


Griffin had enjoyed the extended break though if he was being honest he was glad to get back into the greenhouses. Wheeling himself into this little cocktail hour he wasn't sure what to expect. What would the new minister be like? How would it be working for Olly now that she was fully his boss? Was there food at this thing?

Looking around it seemed he might have been early, but that was okay, he spotted the food and that is really all he cared about. He had been in the ministry for a few years and really didn't know too many people other than ones in his department. So he'd wait to see who showed up and who might want to talk, but if he could just eat, say hello, and get to the greenhouses that would be the best option he could think of.

Cole had never been good at these things, mixers and what not. He much preferred the company of his family and his books, but as he was a department head now. It was his duty to come and mingle.

The man hoped his blue suit and his green tie wasn’t too dressy for this occasion, with his wife gone, his daughter no longer at home, and his brother gone as well, he really had no one to ask about clothes anymore. He looked around as he entered the food court and nodded to the few people who were in there at the moment.

He supposed he should have gone to say hi, but old habits died hard and instead he moved torwards the drinks table. Perhaps with a drink or two in him, he could loosen up and enjoy this little get together, instead of dreading it and feeling lonely.

He needed a change, which was why he was here. Hopefully all this would be good for his soul and heart, and if nothing else, perhaps he would have extra work.

That always helped.

Ursula was dressed in a simple vintage-style green dress with her hair done up in a slightly messy bun. She fetched herself a glass of wine and a small pastry before heading over to where a few workers were.

"Hey there. I'm Ursula Agan. I'm going to be working in the Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes. I am excited about working here."

Ursula took a sip of her wine and looked around, semi-interested.

Robes of deep crimson billowing behind him, Charles Hollingberry pulled back from his spot near one of the food tables with a small plate piled not-so-humbly high with finger sandwiches. Presently with a cucumber one between his fingers, the Minister for Magic meandered around for a bit of his favorite thing - mingling. Considering he had already had the department head team over for a casual evening to get to know them on a more human level, his goal for the evening was to mingle a bit more with employees. Though that did not mean he was going to completely disregard their presence, such as the ones of Victoria and Cole - the latter being more over towards the drinks. "GOOD evening you two," he greeted in a tone that would cause one to wonder if his belly shook like a bowl full of jelly. "I highly recommend the cucumber sandwiches. The gourd is particularly crisp."

His blue eyes twinkled as he looked around at the others within their immediate proximity - a strapping young man (Griffin) to whom he offered a parental sort of grin and a woman with FASCINATING looking hair. The color, that shade of pink, reminding him very much of his darling daughter and her own hair. Well, her hair when her abilities (passed down by yours truly) got the best of her which was mostly during her teenager years. Aw, his littler perfect spot of sunSHINE... He could not wait to go visit her and her family this weekend once he had finished with all his paperwork. He had FIVE grandchildren to positively DOTE upon.

"Absolutely CHARMING to meet you," he greeted the young woman (Ursula), offering his hand for her to shake. "Charles Hollingberry, Minister for Magic. I look forward to seeing what sort of work you will be doing in Accidents and Catastrophes."

Ursula had finished her glass of wine and pastry and was admiring the decor when she spotted the new Ministry of Magic who was heading towards her. She smiled and shook his hand. "It is a pleasure to meet you, sir. My name's Ursula Agan. I think that this little party is such a brilliant idea. Any chance for me to dress up."

It was nice to be back at work. Granted, social events were usually boring, not to mention long. But Conley was used to them. At least he wasn’t at home. Alone. He really should get a pet or something to keep him company.

Dressed in navy dress robes with a silver tie, Conley wandered slowly around the room with a glass of Burgundy in his hand. Occasionally, he’d raise it to his lips, but usually the action was mimed and he didn’t take a sip. It never did any good to loose one’s wits when at work. And frankly, Conley took the outlook that he was always at work.

The new Minister was busy mingling which was good. So far, he looked 200% better than Nickels. That being said, Conley wasn’t sure if he was willing to let his guard down yet. He had been very busy in the last couple of months dealing with the fallout from other nations regarding Nickels’ incompetencies and frankly, he never wanted to have to deal with anything like that again.

His wanderings brought him near a young man. Conley paused, sensing a kindred spirit. He seemed to be looking at the drinks table. “The Burgundy isn’t bad,” he suggested, bringing his own glass to his lips and actually taking a sip this time, as if to demonstrate his opinion of the wine.

Laurel headed into the ministry food court clad in a very green and glittering cocktail robes for the night’s function feeling like a big insect after passing by the security checkpoint. Aaron had assured her a bunch of times that she looked pretty, but she feared she was overdressed and her fiancee had conveniently disappeared off somewhere without her. Letting her blue eyes sweep over those people already there Laurel didn’t see anyone she knew from Mysteries or elsewhere at first. Most were complete strangers to her except for the new Minister of Magic; Charles that was mingling around, and was that Ursula that she had taught Divination to at Hogwarts? Was that young woman already old enough to start working at the ministry? My, my time flied fast it seemed.

Going over to the buffet table Laurel got herself a glass of sparkling fruit juice to start before she approached Ursula that was being chatted up by the minister of magic . Smiling at them both cheerily she said "Good evening Minister Hollingberry and Miss Agan! It’s nice to finally get to start working in the ministry building. It makes it feel more official."

She should mingle, right? That what these events were all about. Plus, Olly now felt like she HAD to talk to people. It was part of her new job in a way. Hopefully mingling didn't entail talking to tooooo many people. Or talkative people. Or people she found annoying. Frankly, just too many new people in general. Was this how it was going to be from now on?

Taking a deep breath, Olly braced herself as she stepped into the food court after a quick stop at her and Schuyler's place for a much needed change of clothing and some cuddles with Evie. Usually, Olly wasn't one to fuss too much over what to wear, however, today was different so she'd picked out a black jumpsuit. That was something Department Heads wore, yeah? Merlin, hopefully her nerves would calm down somewhat throughout this event.

Oh good. Griffin was already here. She gave the young man a smile as she passed him, making a mental note to go talk to him as soon as she had a glass of wine in her hands. Which was why she headed over to the drinks table....only to find her new Level Four Co-Department Head already there. "Cole." Hello. Before she got the chance to say more, she spotted the Minister himself over by the food table and felt inclined to give him a polite smile and nod in greeting. Okay, now for that glass of wine.

WHERE WAS AIREYYYYYYY???

This, like all other Ministry wide events of this nature were mandatory for Department Heads--the only reason the man was currently meandering through the growing crowd of ministry employees. But where was his friend? Mingling was a lot more effort than Maddox had prepared to do when he left his house and wife. Unlike the vast majority, he hadn't been on break until now, he'd still been here, overseeing decontamination and the renovations, getting files updated, the whole nine yards. He wouldn't mind a near four month vacation but as negligent as he tended to be, even he knew it wasn't a good idea.

"Coming through, pardon me." He said, moving with a lazy sort of grace. He did very little to suppress the yawn that came up--the third one since he'd arrived minutes ago. He nodded to the small group forming by the new Minister. He plucked a sandwich from the table. "Don't suppose any of you have seen our Mysteries Department Head?"

It was important.

By this point, she no longer questioned the point of these events. It'd been years of attending them and years of coming to the conclusion that they only served to waste her time. Logically, she knew they made sense for team building...but her team was on Level 2 and they were currently busy. She wanted to be busy--scratch that, she was busy. The Auror Office hadn't taken vacation with the closing of the Ministry. If nothing else, this cocktail hour was her break and suffice to say she'd rather spend that "break" elsewhere.

"Congrats on the new position." She said, settling in next to Olly and...er....Cole something. News traveled fast but it didn't all always stick with her. "You too, I suppose." She nodded to the new head of creatures. "Alexa Cambridge." She extended a hand to offer a firm shake.

Lex looked over to the table and all laid out there. Not that hungry, she would forgo it for now. "Hey, Olly, got any thing over in your greenhouses that might help a stubborn prisoner talk?" Veritaserum was useful, but boring.

Owen liked to mingle and listen to other people's stories, even willing to share his own input once in a while. Mingling with people was, after all, his new job. And he was ecstatic for it.

Which meant that he was not going to miss any mingling opportunities in the Ministry from here on out, starting with this gathering today where the newly appointed Minister for Magic was present. He had read up on about the man and although he wasn't present for the chaos that was the past administration, Owen decided that he looked far less suspicious than his predecessor.

Speaking of whom, the ex-badger quickly spotted him. He was conversing with two women so Owen approached them to introduce himself as well, a plate of tarts in his hand.

"Hello, Minister sir. Owen Montezor, Foreign Relations." His perpetual grin in place as he offered his free hand to the man, then turned to the other two. "Hi there." He said to the younger girl (Ursula). To his former Professor (Laurel Vance), his grin widened. "Lovely to see you, maa'm."

Accidents and Catastrophes? Megan Baines' ears perked up when she heard the new Minister mention her department. He definitely was welcoming fresh blood for the woman had never seen the one the Minister was speaking with before. "Hey, bossman,'' the blond said with a cheery grin. "Nope, haven't seen him. Hello, Minister. Welcome!'' Now she looked directly at the fresh blood (Ursula). "Did I hear correctly? Are you a part of Accident and Catastrophes?" Exciting times, man!

Lucas was always excited to be a part of these little events. It was great to see the new employees and this time around, they were welcoming a new Minister. A disposable plate loaded with cheese straw, he took some time to observe. There was a bit of crowd gathering near the Minister since everyone no doubt wanted to welcome him. Then there was Victoria. He beamed to himself then began to make his way over to her. "Hello, Minister,'' Lucas said politely, opting to stop for a short while. He held out a hand. "Looking forward to working under your leadership. Lucas Hawthorne, Quidditch Division Manager.'' Now, he hadn't forgotten about Vic and after speaking with the Minister, he moved over to her. "Hi, Vic. Cheese straw?''

Another year, another start to the ministry, this time after a bit more of a break than usual. Not that Simon had had much of a break at all, given the nature of his job and the cause of making sure anything and everything the now-former minister of magic had left was gotten rid of and the Ministry was back to relative normal. The head of security shook his head at the memory of having to escort the clearly insane man out of the premises when the drama had gone down. At least it was all over now and Simon knew he had NOTHING to worry about with his replacement.

Speaking of which, he noticed the man in question already gathered amongst the department heads and random employees early arrivers. Simon made a note to eventually make his way over to Minister Hollingberry at one point during the evening, however he already had a group gathered around him and Simon wasn’t one to casually interrupt. Instead, he settled on grabbing a drink and ever so absently wandering around. Working and not working all at once. The observant former auror never truly was off his guard.

Cassie had been thankful when the story broke about the Minister that she hadn’t had any interaction with the man. Or his actions. It had reminded her a lot of the trouble of Hogwarts and the young woman hadn’t expected it at the Ministry. Though the drama had lead her father to share some of the juicier tidbits from her parents’ own Ministry days that he had been worried to tell her before she had started there herself.

Boy could the place have its moments.

For now, it certainly seemed cheerful and relatively right on track. And Cassie in turn felt a little better about being here since she wasn’t a newbie anymore. Maybe not an outright veteran like some but fitting in nicely. At least in her opinion. As she stepped into the food court for the informal gathering, Cass didn’t readily recognize anyone already there, but she figured it was a big staff and it was still earlier. So she let herself linger off to one side people watching for the moment.

As Ursula was talking to the Minister, she could see her former Divination professor, Laurel Vance making her way over. "Hello there! Do I now call you Laurel? Which department are you going to be working in?"

Just as the young woman had asked the question, a tall man with dark hair (Maddox) came bustling over obviously in search of someone. Ursula didn't really know who was who and she hadn't heard anyone mention they were the head of the Department of Mysteries so she answered the man's question with a, "No, I haven't, sorry."

Goodness, yet another Ministry worker (Owen) had joined the group. He looked slightly familiar. "Hi. My name's Ursula Agan. I am going to be working in the Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes. Hold on. Did you go to Hogwarts? You were a Hufflepuff, I think. I was in Slytherin a couple of years below you."

Her eyes then met the eyes of a blonde woman with fair skin (Megan) that gave Ursula the feeling that they would be working in the same department, considering her question. "I am going to be working in the Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes."

"Goodness. I sound like a broken record." Ursula thought to herself.

Offering the young woman a delicate handshake, he sometimes had to make the effort not to get overly excited and crush hands, he nodded in agreement to her words. "It seemed just the ticket after all the hard work administration had to do in the wake of my predecessor," he replied thoughtfully. Focus the team's efforts elsewhere during the reconstruction of the Ministry and Britain's wizarding livelihood. "Ursula, such a lovely name," added as a bit of an afterthought as his attention was drawn to Conley's arrival. He and the International Magical Cooperation department head had a lot of work to do, though Charles was proud to say that he had been able to mostly keep the relationship between the British and Japanese Ministry civil despite Nickles' efforts, but that would come in due time. For tonight, it was time to make some sort of attempt at relaxing. So he raised his glass to the man in acknowledgement and turned towards another woman introducing herself. "Laurel Vance...forming Hogwarts professor Divination and Slytherin Head of House, correct?" he beamed at her. "My grandson is a Slytherin. Would have been a first year in your final term at Hogwarts. James Eiji Rasting."

And yes, it WAS quite nice to be back in the building proper and without the need of a construction hat upon his head to protect his melon.

His glass was also raised towards Olly - who he had occasionally taken to calling Olive - as well as to Maddox, but otherwise he let the pair of them be. And that Alexa Cambridge. Ha! The man couldn't help let out a bit of a chuckle. Why, he remembered receiving a letter from his precious pumpkin of a daughter - then a seventh year - regarding this one as a first year and her scaling the Hogwarts Express. Ah to be young...

As for the presence of the Mysteries department head...Charles could only assume that that quirky man would be along shortly. Likely got himself in a tussle ironing his suit to perfection, which the Minister found a bit preposterous. What was life without a few wrinkles?

"Owen! Lovely to make your acquaintance," he greeted this one with a firm handshake. "Foreign relations is a FINE field. Where I made my beginnings, actually." Popping another finger sandwich from his plate into his mouth, Charles swallowed quickly so he could speak to the young woman - and subsequent young man - who had greeted and welcomed him. "Lucas, pleasure," he smiled warmly. He had not caught the woman's name but she was preoccupied with Ursula at the moment so it was just as well. Gave his mouth ample time to enjoy another cucumber sandwich. He was about to inquire as to what Lucas enjoyed about the Ministry when his twinkling eyes fell on none other than ---

"SIMON BENNETT!" he bellowed, his not-so-frail old man limbs bounding over to the former quidditch captain and SCOOPING the boy up in his arms for a healthy not-so-little bear hug. "I had been HOPING to run into you here. My look how GROWN you are! Why...I can remember you when you were, what was it? 15 or so when you were the quidditch captain and saw such potential in my precious peach that you made her a SEEKER!? No more unsavory pirate possessions since I've left London, I hope. Look at the strapping young lad you've become! Any children yet?"

So he could add to his collection of grandchildren to dot upon?

And if there were any others nearby he had missed, they could blame the presence of this Law Enforcement officer. The lad was just so squishable in the moment!


☆━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━☆

Airey Flamsteed had NOT been ironing any suits, thank you very much. If anything the department head had arrived precisely when he had intended to and with only a bit of residual residue clinging unknowingly to his blonde locks from a certain potion housed in the Thought Chamber. Had he known, well, he would have most certainly have been late doing some suit maintenance.

"Maddox, couldn't possibly be missing me already," he chuckled as he approached his colleague and, dare he say it, friend. They had had a brief staff meeting not all that long ago, hadn't they? Or had he been spending too much time in the Time Chamber again?

His eyes wandered towards two of his former students - always odd seeing them out of Hogwarts so matter how often it happened. Much like seeing a crup walk on two legs, really.

He offered those surrounding Maddox a pleasant sort of nod before glancing over at the drinks while rubbing his five o'clock shadow. A peculiar sort of side effect to being turned into a cheetah - growing facial hair. Something puberty had not even been able to curse him with.

Owen nodded at the Minister. He knew that the man had literally been on the same position once. It made him all the more exhilarated with what new doors this new job could open up for him. "I am thrilled to somehow be following in your footsteps, sir." He commented ardently before letting the man go about greeting everyone else in a very enthusiastic manner. The Minister was, of course, a busy man. Owen deemed it enough that he was able to introduce himself.

Speaking of which, the girl next to him was introducing, or more like reintroducing herself to him. And that's when it registered. She did look familiar. Owen felt bad for not immediately noticing. "Ursula? Ah, now I remember. Yes, we were schoolmates at one point. I apologize for not realizing earlier!" He chuckled, offering his plate of tarts to make up for his not so keen memory.

Next, he offered said plate to a woman (Cassie), probably near his age, who was not doing so much socializing. "Tart, miss? I'm Owen. Foreign Relations." GRIN. Did he like his new title? Yes, he did. Very much so.

~~~

Beatrice was HERE. After being reassigned abroad for Merlin knows how many years, she was finally back home and apparently a million things happened while she was gone.

There was a new Minister. Kurumi's father at that! She so needed to introduce herself. But later when he was less engaged.

They also had a new Department Head! She still had to do her official courtesy call but for now she could totally say hi in more informal way, right? Sauntering over to their group, the brunette tapped the woman and offered a sweet smile. "Miss Emmons-Clarke? Beatrice Castell, I'm on your Research & Development team." But of course she knew that. The man (Cole) next to her received the same greeting as well.

Canting her head to the side, she also spied a familiar person. "Lexa Cambridge? Head Auror now, I believe? I hope you still remember me." This time she grinned. If you asked her, she could still remember how the girl became a mainstay in detention back at their time in Hogwarts but look at her now.

One thing that couldn’t be said was that work hadn’t been interesting. Bryony was infinitely grateful that the former minister had been removed from office, but it hadn’t made anything easier on Level 2. Training only occupied part of her day, and while most of the Ministry had been closed, she and her fellow Aurors hadn’t exactly had a lot of downtime. Not that she’d expected it, nor would she have ever said she wanted it. She’d known what she’d been signing up for, way back when she’d first started on her path, and it amused her to pretend that now she’d helped train others. If one duel counted as helping with training.

She might’ve slipped into a restroom on her way down to the cocktail hour to change into something a bit more fitting for a cocktail party, yet still aware that anything could pull her away. Honestly, all she expected was to mingle a bit, meet the new heads and such…and possibly get a few seconds to spend with her boyfriend if he showed up. Until then, she’d meandered over in the direction of the group near said new Minister, idly picking up a shortbread cookie and tying with it as she listened to the conversations going on. And giving Alexa the slightest of nods of acknowledgment as she saw her, as well.

Parties weren’t exactly Dylan’s thing, even lowkey parties, and yet she always knew she’d get through them. It was just a matter of getting past her nerves, which was amusing to think about. She’d never really had an issue with being around people, but this had so much more meaning than anything she’d been dragged to before her father had retired from his Quidditch career. This was her first real event as an adult, not counting the several times she’d met with various members of Aramis’ family. This was going to be her career, however long she managed to stick with it (although she was just the tiniest bit relieved that she wasn’t going to be working directly with her eventual father-in-law)

She wasn’t expecting to hide, either, not in the bright yellow dress she’d chosen to wear. It wasn’t too formal, even if she expected her feet to be hurting before long. She knew impressions were important, and she’d held her head high as she’d walked into the food court, noticing the people who were there. At least she wasn’t entirely overdressed.

Either way, she couldn’t just stand there and stare at people. Although, really, she hadn’t actually expected to recognize people either. Former professors, even, as she counted at least two who fit that description. One of which she’d actually expected, once she’d really looked at the owl that had informed her of her hiring and realized the name that had been inscribed at the end. Conversely, she hardly expected to be recognized, heading over toward the drink table and picking up a glass of rosé. Just in case, she wasn’t risking a stain on her dress.

At the Minister's words to Laurel, Ursula's eyes widened slightly. "I was a Slytherin at Hogwarts. I graduated two years ago." Soon, Airey Flamsteed appeared and Ursula offered him a polite smile and nod. Ursula gave a small shrug of her shoulders when Owen apologised for his brief moment of forgetfulness. "Don't worry about it. Thanks for the offer," she said as she grabbed one of the tarts that her fellow former student was offering.

~~~

Janis had just entered the festivities adorned in a pale blue knee-length dress and her now long hair in a braid. She headed over to where the "Minister's group" was and beamed.

"Hello everyone! Did you all have a good holiday?"

If you'd have asked Bambi then Fleming, at fifteen, if she'd ever ever work for the Ministry of Magic, the freckled blonde would have laughed in your face. The very people who made her childhood so hellish? The ones who caused so much grief to her father, a longtime Ambassador for the British Ministry, who had worked diligently for them his entire life?

Nope, Bambi then Fleming would definitely never have chosen to work for the British Ministry of Magic. All that changed when Ariadne had been born, and the international modeling career (yes, she will hand out autographs if anyone requests ^__^) suddenly seemed cheap, harmful and very unsuitable for the world's best mother. Because that's who Bambi Ackerly is. One hundred percent, the world's best mother to the world's sweetest, most beautiful, amazing, kind, funny, awesome little girl. And so, a change was needed.

Plus, her father had seemed very enthusiastic when she'd asked him, so why not? A stable job, a respectable profession, and more time time to spend with her daughter. Apart from tonight, of course. Tonight she'd left Ariadne at home with Layla, pulled out one of her old dresses, and decided to make a positively angelic entrance at her first Ministry of Magic event. As an official employee! It's so exciting!!

Gliding into the room, Bambi beamed at everyone present, searching for familiar faces. Some she recognised from her years at Hogwarts, one as her department head, and one as their new Minister. She'll go to greet him first! Networking is very important, and she'd not lost that skill just yet. Hopefully.

-----

Another year, another event. A little late this time around, because the Ministry was trying to challenge Hogwarts for its mastery of totally avoidable and strangely hazardous yearly events. Benzi Rider, father of an almost six year old and fiercely protective of her future, was really not here for it. He really needed the wizarding world to do better, please and thank you.

He was here for the free food and drinks though. That's always the best part of these ministry events. "Hey, Alexa," Benzi greeted his colleague and friend as he passed by her. "Caught an interesting one last week, think you might like it."

Ah, and their new minister was here. He'd try and greet the man in a few, once the group around him disperses. If for nothing else, he knew his mother would appreciate a foot in the door at that office.

Ryder's eyes drifted over the crowd, picking out those whom he recognized and noting those he didn't. He knew only a handful by name, and likely hadn't met most of them. He had noted that Bennett was there though and nodded before casually stiffly, strolling his way. He needed to talk with him particularly about the sweep but this was not to be a work visit. He rather would be in his office working on the plans for the department than sit through a social hour, but who was he to argue? "Notice anything in particular?" he asked in his gruff voice. He always had a stern sounding voice regardless if he was irked or not.

Did Bennett know who he was yet was the question. Ryder knew him by his photo in his file, had Isaac even spoken about leaving the ministry? Kid hadn't been old enough to be an auror in Ryder's opinion let alone having run the department for a few years. As the new minister appeared Ryder blinked and took a step back from them. Did the man really just pick him up? Better Bennett than him!

Javier actually had a reason to be excited about this new chapter in the Ministry. He was never usually one to care much about the politics of the higher ups - that was, until he was turned in to a flipping SEAL and had to flop around the Ministry trying to get his humanity back. It had all been because of their previous psychotic Minister, and as far as Javi was concerned ANYONE was better than him.

Grabbing himself a firewhiskey, he stood near the back of the room, sipping and people watching as he usually did at these things.

-------

Royland would have joined the Ministry a LOT SOONER if he had known there were PARTIES whenever they hired new employees. Royland loved parties. It was an opportunity to show off his legendary Gladin good looks, and meet some of his new co-workers. He was bound to NOT screw this job up like he had his last one. Not that that had really been his fault but...still.

Looking around as he sipped on his drink, he tried to pick out who he would approach first. That was when he saw that girl he'd met in Diagon Alley (Dylan)...the one he'd nearly run in to. Was it that one? He wasn't sure, he nearly ran in to a lot of people. Still, he recognized her face and headed towards her. What was her name again? Something that was gender neutral...OH YES, Dylan! He remembered now.

"Fancy seeing you here," he said with a grin. Maybe they could be Ministry friends!

Everyone seemed to know each other. She was beginning to feel a little isolated out there, her introvert nature was coming out. Taking a deep breath, she quietly reassured herself.

She tried to mask her nervousness with a smile as she walked in, wearing navy blue robes. 'Hello Minister, I'm Laila..new employee..Quidditch Division..' she said. 'Hey y'all!,' she added, smiling politely at everyone.

Archer walked into the Food Court, his arm around his beautifully glowing Pregnant wife's waist. The time off had been good, even if slightly frustrating. Archer was sure his plants would be in great need of some care, and he was anxious to get back to them and tend to their needs. But time with his wife, without having to go into work, had been perfect. They got to spend all day with their darling girls, and fill their days with fun activities.

Of course he needed to go and introduce himself to the Minister, but he would do that shortly. He looked around the Food Court, not imagining it would have looked anything other than an ordinary court. But walking in, it had changed enough that it accommodated adults and their cocktail hour. It was all rather charming. He got himself and Gabby a drink, non-alcoholic of course, and clinked his glass to hers. "To being back at work," he said, with a raise of his eyebrow. To the mixed emotions of having to leave his girls with Aoife during the day so that they could come and work. It wouldn't be long until he'd have to seek out his new department head, whom he already knew, and discuss a short period of leave. Yes, again. But he needed, and wanted, to be there for his wife in the first few weeks. Help with their new child. Let her rest.

Well, call him disappointed. Neither Megan or Ursula had seen the Mysteries man. What was he to do then? Mingle? That sounded like so much work. Just looking around the room had the man feeling like it was time to call it a day and he was sure this wasn't everyone. These events were always so taxing--though to be entirely fair.....Maddox found most things taxing. Effort, y'know?

"I'm sure he'll turn up." In the mean time, he supposed he would have to try. "Pleasure properly making your acquaintance, Ursula." Department Head duties and all. "I'm sure Megan here will be happy to take good care of you. Real help this one. Welcoming committee material." Translated to mean he'd appreciate his employee handling that so he wouldn't have to. New work year barely in swing and he was already finding ways to cut corners. Promising stuff indeed.

And THERE he WAS.

"Aiirreeeeyyyy." The meeting had been hours ago. The cocktail hour was NOW and fill with a ton of things that probably needed doing that he didn't wanna do. The man flung an arm around his colleague's shoulder. "Our new Minister's already making friends, take a look." He informed, just after the man's loud call to Bennett over there.

"A bit on the loud side," And Merlin knew the man's ears couldn't take it. "But no one's walking on all fours yet. we did good."

Merlin's beard, she didn't know Simon was so buddy buddy with the Minister. Lex knew him in the capacity of his relation to Kurumi but that was about as far as that went. If something went terribly wrong, she was among a special group tasked with making sure he didn't die and force them to spend far too much money on more elections but yeah, that was about it.

Airey got a salute when he appeared but before she could engage the man further from where she stood, someone else caught her attention.

"Bee...?" Lex blinked, taking a moment for her brain to fully process what she was seeing but it didn't take long for her lips to split into a grin. "Bee! Merlin! It's been ages!" Seeing her former schoolmate smacked her with the heaviest dose of nostalgia in life. Lex could almost feel herself being transported back to the castle and the chaos she used to cause. The friends she used to have, the whole atmosphere. It was an....interesting feeling, to say the least. "Yep, Head Auror and I didn't even have to off that last one." An inside joke mostly. She'd lost patrol privileges back as a YATI for joking about doing Legend in to take his job and now here they were.

"It's wild seeing you again! What department are you coming into?"

And then Benzi Rider happened. Alexa perked up immediately at his words. "Holding out on me, eh Rider? You'll have to show me." Obviously. She loved interesting things and knew Benzi wasn't the sort to find just any old thing to be interesting. Whatever it was, he thought it was good enough to bring to her attention.

"Any chance we can split and go have a look--no...no, I think we have to stay." Trying to be a good example was hard work. "Is it back on Level 2? Likely to kill someone? Maim? Gimme a hint at least."

In all her excitement, Lex nearly missed Bryony's nod, but caught it at the last minute and returned it before waving her over. MLE peeps had to stick together afterall.....and honestly Alexa preferred the company of her own kind if she was gonna be forced to stay here and mingle.

It was that pause to regain herself after Benzi's words that had her noticing a certain someone by the back. "Javi!" Alexa waved him over too. She hadn't had many conversations with the man but hadn't forgotten their run in the time they'd both ended up picking up their little spawns from daycare. Emm didn't go there anymore but it didn't mean the connections had to be lost.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sangeetha

Everyone seemed to know each other. She was beginning to feel a little isolated out there, her introvert nature was coming out. Taking a deep breath, she quietly reassured herself.

She tried to mask her nervousness with a smile as she walked in, wearing navy blue robes. 'Hello Minister, I'm Laila..new employee..Quidditch Division..' she said. 'Hey y'all!,' she added, smiling politely at everyone.

Javi perked up when he heard the words "Quidditch Division" thrown around in conversation. Remembering what it was like to be the new kid, Javi decided to actually try and be social and headed over to her. Y'all? Hmm. American maybe?

"Hello. I'm Javi. I work in Games and Sports too - Ludicrous Patents division," he told her with a smile.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaniDiNardo

Well, call him disappointed. Neither Megan or Ursula had seen the Mysteries man. What was he to do then? Mingle? That sounded like so much work. Just looking around the room had the man feeling like it was time to call it a day and he was sure this wasn't everyone. These events were always so taxing--though to be entirely fair.....Maddox found most things taxing. Effort, y'know?

"I'm sure he'll turn up." In the mean time, he supposed he would have to try. "Pleasure properly making your acquaintance, Ursula." Department Head duties and all. "I'm sure Megan here will be happy to take good care of you. Real help this one. Welcoming committee material." Translated to mean he'd appreciate his employee handling that so he wouldn't have to. New work year barely in swing and he was already finding ways to cut corners. Promising stuff indeed.

And THERE he WAS.

"Aiirreeeeyyyy." The meeting had been hours ago. The cocktail hour was NOW and fill with a ton of things that probably needed doing that he didn't wanna do. The man flung an arm around his colleague's shoulder. "Our new Minister's already making friends, take a look." He informed, just after the man's loud call to Bennett over there.

"A bit on the loud side," And Merlin knew the man's ears couldn't take it. "But no one's walking on all fours yet. we did good."

Merlin's beard, she didn't know Simon was so buddy buddy with the Minister. Lex knew him in the capacity of his relation to Kurumi but that was about as far as that went. If something went terribly wrong, she was among a special group tasked with making sure he didn't die and force them to spend far too much money on more elections but yeah, that was about it.

Airey got a salute when he appeared but before she could engage the man further from where she stood, someone else caught her attention.

"Bee...?" Lex blinked, taking a moment for her brain to fully process what she was seeing but it didn't take long for her lips to split into a grin. "Bee! Merlin! It's been ages!" Seeing her former schoolmate smacked her with the heaviest dose of nostalgia in life. Lex could almost feel herself being transported back to the castle and the chaos she used to cause. The friends she used to have, the whole atmosphere. It was an....interesting feeling, to say the least. "Yep, Head Auror and I didn't even have to off that last one." An inside joke mostly. She'd lost patrol privileges back as a YATI for joking about doing Legend in to take his job and now here they were.

"It's wild seeing you again! What department are you coming into?"

And then Benzi Rider happened. Alexa perked up immediately at his words. "Holding out on me, eh Rider? You'll have to show me." Obviously. She loved interesting things and knew Benzi wasn't the sort to find just any old thing to be interesting. Whatever it was, he thought it was good enough to bring to her attention.

"Any chance we can split and go have a look--no...no, I think we have to stay." Trying to be a good example was hard work. "Is it back on Level 2? Likely to kill someone? Maim? Gimme a hint at least."

In all her excitement, Lex nearly missed Bryony's nod, but caught it at the last minute and returned it before waving her over. MLE peeps had to stick together afterall.....and honestly Alexa preferred the company of her own kind if she was gonna be forced to stay here and mingle.

It was that pause to regain herself after Benzi's words that had her noticing a certain someone by the back. "Javi!" Alexa waved him over too. She hadn't had many conversations with the man but hadn't forgotten their run in the time they'd both ended up picking up their little spawns from daycare. Emm didn't go there anymore but it didn't mean the connections had to be lost.

Javi heard his name called from across the room - not sure why someone was calling out to him, as he didn't think he had that many acquaintances here honestly. Wait. Did this mean he was actually SOCIAL now? That he knew more than a handful of people here? Oh Merlin. When had THAT happened.

OH, it was Alexa! He smiled and headed over to her, waving in return as he wandered up. "Hey Lex! How are you?" he asked with a polite smile. This mixer was actually kind of...pleasant. WEIRD.