Banquet Seating Area
 

http://i969.photobucket.com/albums/a...y/banquet3.png

After making the rounds and taking a walk through the hall of mirrors, one might find that they’re in need of something to quench their thirst and satisfy their palate. Luckily enough, the ministry seems to have spared no expense in providing a selection of food and beverage that is sure to excite even the pickiest of eaters.

The buffet table is filled with popular foods spanning the ages. From the traditional Roast beef and Yorkshire pudding to mackerel served with gooseberry sauce, there is something to make everyone’s mouths water. Wash your choice down with a selection of butterbeer, mulled mead, firewhiskey, and stinging nettle wine.

Looking for something a bit sweeter? Wander on over to the dessert display. A chocolate fountain takes main stage with an assortment of fruit, mini doughnuts, and marshmallows. You’ll also see options ranging from Apple hat to the much beloved Bread and Butter Pudding Served with Clotted Cream and Compote of Apricots. Tea and coffee can be found here too. With so many choices, you’ll definitely be coming back for seconds!

So make your way over and take a gander at some of the most popular dishes throughout history. Once you've filled your plate, you can take a seat at one of the many tables provided for dining and enjoy your food among friends, new and old.

Sighing as she sat at the table, Becca looked around and then rested her chin on the back of her hand. Her husband wasn't here yet, and she was getting bored waiting for him. He knew she didn't do standing around. She was a woman of action, which was why she'd come as Amelia Earhart. Pulling a face at the general surroundings, she reached out to pick up a Yorkshire Pudding and put some beef in it before covering it in gravy and taking a bite as her blue eyes observed the surroundings.

Gid entered the hall and looked around for Becca, he'd felt bad about having made her wait. It had taken a lot longer than he'd ever planned to be. Spotting her over at one of the tables, he made his way through the crowd. He felt a little weird with this eye thing attached but it was really cool being able to see through it. He'd just put it back in the box in the testing room later. "Hey beautiful." he said taking a seat beside her.

She'd heard him before seeing him, so she answered him with "Hi G-WHATDIDYOUDO?" Her eyes went wide and she just STARED at her husband. "You... you look like... I don't even know." Becca was absolutely horrified! "You are NOT coming home with me looking like that." Oh heck no. "You can sleep in the garden until you take that off and cut your hair." Merlin, he looked awful!

He smirked at her response and posed a little. Wait, what? He stared at her when she spoke a little "It's Mad-Eye Moody. Come on, I thought especially you would recognize the look. He was an awesome auror!" What he didn't look enough like him? "When he was younger, from the first bit with Voldemort, the first time The Order was created." He'd thought the eye was a dead giveaway! "There's nothing wrong with my hair!"

"I know who Mad-Eye Moody is." she hissed at him. "And I know what he looks like. YOU are NOT coming home with me looking like THAT." she told him firmly. "Yes there is!" She stood up and lifted her chin. "I refuse to acknowledge that we are married tonight. I am a free, independent woman and I do NOT need to be followed around by a creepy hippie with a weird eye." She raised an eyebrow at him, DARING him to argue.

"Why not? He was an awesome auror. I wanted to look like him!" he said staring at her. "There is nothing wrong with it! I used to wear it like this when I was younger!" He stared at her part about being an independent woman and the bit about the creepy hippie with a weird eye. "Fine, be that way, but I'll be watching you." Hehe, more than usual tonight!

"Yes, he was an awesome auror. But if we were going on that, then why didn't you dress up like me?" she tilted her head, giving him a look that dared him to disagree there too. "Then your hair SUCKED when you were younger. I'm thankful you were introduced to haircuts, and I shall be reintroducing you to them tonight. Your hair had better be cut before you take one step into the house, or I'm going to cut it ALL off." And he should know she wasn't joking. "You can watch me, but you do not come near me, and I am definitely not dancing with you and your free thinking companion." Which was obviously his creepy eye. Ugh.

"Because you're a woman, and I'm not" he said eyeing her "And it'd be odd dressing up as you considering you weren't in the Order of the Phoenix." His eyes narrowed though at her words "Right. Well it's not coming off, nor being cut. Because I kind of like it." Heh, she could argue all she wanted, he might leave it like this for awhile, he hadn't had it like this for quite a few years now! "You won't be cutting even a little off." he said firmly "You. You would dance?" he asked with a smirk "I normally have to drag you onto the dance floor. So I'm not too worried there." Free thinking companion. HAH!

"Some days I wonder..." she murmured, shaking her head a little. "Neither was Amelia Earhart." Gesturing to herself, Becca took a deep breath. "Fine." Her answer was short and quiet. "But don't try and kiss me looking like that. It will be the last thing you do." Seriously. She'd come here for him, she'd dressed up for him, and he'd even been late and now he was arguing because his general appearance unsettled her. "I would have done, yes." Biting her lip, Becca put her hands in her pockets. "Just... do what you want."

He dropped his jaw and stared at her. Was she trying to start a fight? He'd thought this was the perfect outfit and look for the gala, and here now his own wife didn't want to be near him and was making him feel less than flobberworm mucus! "Amelia Earhart is perfect. Bec, and you look amazing like her. The ministry heads wanted to do a theme together, you didn't need to dress up like someone in the order." He hadn't even mentioned that til now! He'd wanted it as a surprise. Nice surprise that had turned out to be... "What I wanted was to spend the evening with you." he said quietly. Obviously she didn't want that now. He'd dressed like this because he'd thought she'd be even a little proud of him choosing such an important part of history...

"Yeah." Of course, compliment her to try and distract her. "Well maybe you should have told me that..." Her voice was so much quieter now. "I could have dressed up as something to accompany you properly... and I wouldn't have been so shocked when I saw you." Sitting back down, she leant forward against her legs. "Really? Because scaring me like that doesn't help get the evening off to a great start. "You look so much like him that I was genuinely worried for a second." She'd seen the pictures, she'd read the articles, she'd done her research. "I thought I was going to have to go and save my husband again." She couldn't look at him. Not directly anyway.

"I wanted it to be a surprise for you" he said quietly, not wanting to make it known to anyone around what they were talking about. "Why would I want you to accompany me in anything but what you're wearing? I think you look amazing in what you have on right now." he had noticed the short hair but seriously hadn't said anything, it looked really beautiful on her, he'd never saw her hair short before. But apparently him having long hair wasn't okay... "He's dead love. He's been dead for over 80 years. He's not coming back." He shook his head really confused how that would make her think he might need to be saved to be honest!

Syd
 

"How many times am I going to have to tell you that I hate surprises?" Sighing, Becca leant back in the chair now. "Well I had more than enough time to make it." He'd been home late and she'd been alone for longer than usual, what with the Ministry being set up again. "Didn't stop you." Her eyes scanned the room again. "And... when you're alone at home... when the kids are in their rooms playing... your mind starts to play tricks." Her eyes turned to him now. "I'm going crazy. I need to do something. I can't... I can't be the perfect housewife and mother, come to things like this and smile the whole night, I just..." Sighing deeply, she rubbed her face gently. "This is the first time I've been away from the kids with you in two months." And her husband looked like that.

Swallowing he looked down at the floor as he stayed just sitting there facing her. Just once he'd thought he could surprise her for once and have her happy with the surprise considering who he'd dressed up as. Once again ruined the night. Why not? It was his typical thing he did, ruined something once again. "I know you're going crazy at home. It's why I have said you need to be out there again, doing what you love. I hate knowing that you aren't out there, when you loved being an auror. Emma's getting older, the kids are all at the academy..." He looked guilty about the part away from the kids with him. "I need to change that."

Chewing on her lip, she listened to him and when he said he knew she was going crazy, she just looked at him. "Someone has to be home for the kids." Her jaw tensed a little, but a sigh escaped. "Yeah. Maybe being places when you're supposed to be might be nice too." Especially home! "Look... I..." Ugh, she hated this. "I overreacted and you look great as Mad-Eye. Just... it's a really good likeness." Surely Gid would know better than anyone. "I'm sorry." Her eyes were on the floor.

"That someone doesn't always have to be you." he said quietly. Wishing that he could talk her into going back. She'd been amazing as an auror, and he knew that she missed it a lot! "I'll definitely try to be better at that." The last year had been crazy with work and he'd missed being home! He didn't want to give up the position but didn't want to be away so often either! "You didn't overreact Becs, I should have told you and given you a heads up." he said softly his hand touching her shoulder.

"Feels like it sometimes." Was her murmured response. Gosh, she missed being out there, running around... saving people. Mostly from themselves. "Yeah." He'd try, but it wasn't a promise to actually be there. Sighing as he agreed that he should have told her, Becca finally looked at him, though she wasn't seeing the husband she was used to. She was seeing another possible future, another way his life could have gone. "No. I'm sorry." He could keep his secrets if he wanted to.

He winced at her words. He didn't mean for it to ever be like that. He'd never meant for her to be the only one home all the time now. And it hurt knowing she thought that and felt that way. He missed a lot of Emma's life in the short one she'd had so far. Norah being at the academy even now. It was hard seeing them grow up and him not being there as much. He hated hearing about it from Becca and not seeing it himself. "I will." he said quietly, with the promise in his tone. God he'd do everything he could to be there more. Sighing softly he shook his head at her saying she was sorry. He wasn't going to do that again he knew that. Not if it meant this!

"So, now I've ruined the night, how do you suggest we go forward?" Becca asked calmly, looking at Gid. "Do you want me to leave? I'll go home if it makes it easier for you." She was sure she could find something to clean. Maybe she'd start cleaning the roof or something stupid like that.

"Becs you didn't ruin the night!" he said in a soft tone of disbelief. Merlin he'd been the one who'd done that again. He always tended to do something stupid like that. "I want you to stay, I want to have you here with me. You know how I hate things like this, having you here is the only thing that makes me want to stay to be honest." Otherwise he'd rather go sit in the corner and avoid most everyone there til someone found him. And then sneak out early if possible and go to his office til the party was over. Well...couldn't well enough do that there at the museum. "What would make it easier is knowing we're okay."

So he DID want her to stay. Unfortunately, he wanted her to stay so he'd have a reason to stay, but they both really wanted to just go home and relax. "I'm okay, are you okay?" Her eyes went to him. "I just... I meant what I said about your hair though." Her eyes were on him, and she shook her head a little bit. "Please..." Becca REALLY hated his hair like that.

He wanted her to stay, he wanted her by his side and to have her there because he wanted to spend the evening with her. He really hated that she'd leave because of him if she did too. "I...I am." he said nodding, hoping she was being honest, and wasn't going to leave and feel miserable because of what he'd done. He sighed and looked down. He liked the hair for once! "What don't you like about it?" he asked softly looking back at her.

Nodding when he said he was, she looked around the room again and only looked back when he asked what she didn't like about his hair. Swallowing hard, Becca just looked Gid directly in the eyes. She opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out. Finally closing her mouth and giving up, she looked out across the room again, shaking her head a little bit.

What in merlin's name was he supposed to say to that. "We just won't talk about that tonight." he said quietly. "Let's enjoy the night tonight, just the two of us. We have the whole night tonight, Dan and Willow have the kids and we don't pick them up til morning. Why let this ruin the night?" him and his stupidity for the costume he'd chosen.

Nodding with her eyes closed, Becca bit her lip and swallowed hard again. She wanted to ask him not to kiss her looking like that, but she knew it would hurt his feelings. She'd just have to somehow avoid being kissed without making it seem that way. "Okay." Her response was quiet, but sincere.

Merlin he felt miserable now for making her feel like this. He saw her bite her lip and swallow when she nodded. "I want you here Becs." he said quietly. "I want to spend the evening with you. But I understand if you want to go. Or even stay away from me because of how I look." He could just go in the other room and just look like...errr...Kingsley or something.

"I know." He'd already said he wanted her here. "I will stay and stay with you, but just... for tonight... personal space. Please." She bit the inside of her cheek. She was sorry she was even asking, but Becca had her reasons. Even if Gid didn't know them.

He swallowed hard when she spoke and nodded "Okay" he said softly. He wasn't asking again why. She hadn't answered the first time and he wasn't going to press for an answer, it was her choice not to tell him. "Anything you want." he said quietly.

"I'll explain when we get home. I can't... I can't say anything here, and if I do, I might have a panic attack." Yep. "So we'll smile... be polite, and talk to people." Lovely. Ugh, she hated these things. Even when she'd been a department head, she'd hated them.

His chest hurt a little especially when she said she might have a panic attack if she tried to explain. "It's alright." he said softly "Really. We'll enjoy the night regardless, even keeping our space." Talking to people. Right, that meant he had to search for his new employees.

"Yeah." Her eyes were on the beef now. "So introduce me to your employees. Let me scare them so they know you've got a crazy scary wife who will kick their butts if they do something wrong."

"Mmm, too bad you can't still do that to Charles." he said with a little laugh. Trying to relax "Seriously right before the holidays, it was as if he was a completely different person, like someone had polyjuiced him."

"Honey, Charles is scared stiff of me. I can do anything I want to him." She gave Gid a look. "You know, you should keep an eye on that. Especially with all the craziness going on around here." Maybe he HAD been a different person. "We should find Charles so I can interrogate him." Yep! It was something to doooo!

Kade's date had disappeared at some point, so here he was - alone. He didn't mind, though, and made his way through the museum by himself. Mae would find him again at some point. Probably. The place wasn't that big.

He walked into the seating area... which was practically empty. This might be why people tried to be fashionably late. Oh well, though. Kaden spotted one of his coworkers and headed over. They didn't talk much (or at all), but why not start now? He took a seat next to the guy.

"Hey. Brad, right?"

He smirked at her words "Oh I know he is, why else would he keep muttering that y..." Oh merlin, nooooope. "Well I agree there, we should definitely have him interrogated, I never thought of that. Maybe he was someone else!" Merlin, who had been in his office? WHO was it that placed the orders??"

"That I what?" Becca gave Gid an amused look. "Either you let the head auror do it, or you let me do it." Becca shrugged, tilting her head at Gid. "Can never hurt to be sure."

"Err....that you're crazy." he murmured. "Crazy but I know he tries not to say it around me." Or he'd...well he didn't know what he'd do. He wouldn't be happy though! "Hmmm, well I could talk to Emily but it might be more amusing to have you do it." he said with a smirk.

"Well, crazy is as crazy does." she smirked at him. "I've been called worse." Gid knew that far too well. "Gives me a chance to stretch my wand arm." A smirk appeared. "My wand is going just as crazy as I am, doing menial tasks like folding the socks." Ugh.

He smirked a little "Maybe use a little veritaserum on him then too? Definitely get some truth from him. Maybe learn a little about him even." Heh, wouldn't mind that. "Well it's better on him then me with you testing your wand skills." Merlin he'd rather not have those tests used on him, stretching her wand arm on anything or anyone but him!

"Nah, ruins all the fun. The secrets come pouring out and it just sucks to interrogate then." Leaning back, her eyes scanned the room again. "Then you want to see my other skills. We haven't gone downstairs together and trained for a while." Becca gave him a look that said she WASN'T impressed. "Plus sitting in an office all day has you starting to look like you just sit around all day."

Snickering he shrugged "No, but it's fun learning things he'd never say otherwise." He smirked at her suggestion though "Oh we should go down and train some again, it has been awhile. HEY!" he exclaimed though at that, "I can take you down any day!" He did not look like that!!

"You just want to know if he has a girlfriend. Stop being nosey!" Becca smacked his leg gently. "It's been a long time." she agreed, but snorted with amusement at his response. "You couldn't even take me down when you were in shape. Not without cheating."

He snorted "Oh right. I kind of doubt that is even possible. I still think he's afraid he's going to die any day, because he's so old." Heh! His eyes widened at her next words "Oh right. I could take you down right now if I really wanted to. I just don't want to make a scene here in the middle of the gala." Or...damage something in the room even.

"Gidyun!" Becca frowned at him. "You have no right to be talking about old!" Her eyes were on him. "Of course. Because I've not been at home training while you've been sat on your butt doing 'paperwork'." she rolled her eyes at him. "And I'm not better than you at that. Noooope."

He snickered and shrugged "Well he's always said that he's old and going to die any time." he said shaking his head, his eyes sparkling in amusement now. "HEY!" WAIT! "Really paperwork? What happened about me having to go and do work down in Atlantis last month? It's not like I wanted to be gone for 2 weeks but well, more than just 'paperwork' got done then."

"You do not get to judge people!" she smacked his leg again. "Of course. Well, while you were in Atlantis, do you know what I did? I cleaned the house thoroughly three times, got the kids sorted, and trained. I don't think you did that."

He snorted and tilted his head "Heh, not judge, just repeat his words." he said nodding and chuckling at her smack again on his leg. Err....he stopped laughing right away. "Cleaned three times yes and did an absolutely amazing job especially with the kids and the training. You look amazing!" No...he hadn't done that. Just broke up an issue between a few of the countries, but yeah he'd not bring that up.

"If I have to clean that house one more time, I'm going to snap." she smiled at him sweetly. "And you're going to clean up the mess afterward." Okay, moving on? Before she got worked up?

He swallowed and looked towards Becca again "I....uhhh right. I'll clean the house the next time just for you and you can sit in the chair lounging and watching me do it completely and enjoy not having to clean a single thing." Errr, "Soooo you want another drink?" he asked.

He hadn't understood her. "Let me rephrase that. If I'm so bored that I WANT to clean the whole house again, I will snap. Do you understand?" The sweet smile was still there. Leaning closer at his question, she finally spoke up. "Yes."

OH! "Right, okay I promise you won't be so bored that you want to clean the house. I'll make sure of that." he said nodding, "You sure you don't want to see me in an apron dusting the top shelves just for you though?" That sweet smile she had never fooled him even a little. "Okay well I'll go get you one. The usual?"

"You'd better do. You promised that moving back here was going to be okay. So far it only seems okay for you and the kids." Because her hopes and dreams had ceased to exist the moment he'd wanted to move to this new job and she'd quit hers to let him do that and keep his family too. "You can wear an apron. As long as you dance while hoovering too." Now THAT would be funny. She could record it and slip the footage to Kat or someone who would find it just as amusing. "Yes please."

He swallowed at her words, nodding. He had really felt horrible about the changes that had happened in the move that they'd made. It'd been years for both of them being here in England once again. "I'll make sure things change for the better. No more of this, I'll be around a lot more and you won't be sorry for having to leave Italy." And the position she'd given up. Snickering he tilted his head "Well I'll dance all you'd like." Just not sing...yeah that was a bad idea. "I'll be right back." he said with a smile.

Though she wasn't too convinced he could deliver on what he was promising, she didn't say anything. She just raised her eyebrows at his words, hoping he'd keep the promise. "Just remember you're not the only one who has dreams." she told him softly. Becca's dreams definitely did not involve being a housewife and full time mother. "I'm sure you will. You'd be dancing around the sofa, over the table..." she smirked, but nodded at him saying he'd be back.

Anyone?
 

Brandon was all dress up and ready for the Ministry gala. He liked to dress for this kind of occasions because let's be real...he looked fine. Anyways...

The museum wasn't very crowded (as he would have expected) and somehow he liked it this way. Not too much people around. To be honest, he didn't knew anyone except for his co-workers but even with them, he didn't speak that much. So, this was the kind of event to go out and socialize a bit...or at least try to.

He fixed his suit and tie and walked around the place, merely staring at some of things. He noticed that some people were dancing and others were eating, and since he was a bad dancer, he decided to go and check the buffet.

"Oh my gosh, Manolo. You didn't tell me we could dress up as a historical person for this gala." Cara whispered to her friend. Yes. Friends. They met back up in Diagon Alley not long ago and buried the hatchet. Friends again and he was kind enough to invite her to this event, too. However, dressing up in costumes would've been super fun.

"Oh, must've slipped my mind. Sorry!" He replied. Truth is, he couldn't come up with an idea for a costume, so he decided to drag down Cara with him. LOL whoops. It was nice to joke around with her again. Didn't think he'd ever bring her as a date again anywhere, but Annalise was away again and Cara's ex-husband, Charles Harlow, didn't work here anymore. So, a night of fun between two friends and new employees it is!

*claims you* mentions of some others too
 

He knew she had dreams. Ones that he truely hoped he could make sure happen. He looked up when someone passed Aron and smiled nodding back. "I want to make sure you get every one of those dreams." He said softly back as he looked back to Becca. "Oh indeed I will." He responded with a laugh "I will dance everywhere as I Hoover." He headed for the drinks and returned with two, one for each of them.

Anny takers?
 

Tiffany had no problem showing off her pearly whites as she explored the museum. She was OH-SO excited just to be invited and all the decor was a bonus! Taking out her camera she took a couple snaps of the beautifully laid out buffet tables. These would go in her inspiration album, that she kept incase she needed any inspiration for her next huge party. Maybe she could throw her next birthday party at a museum too? Because everything looked so beautiful, kind of like her SUPER expensive ensemble that she had put together especially for tonight. Only the best for the best dressed, right?

The twenty-four year old looked around at all the unfamiliar faces. She knew a grand total of 0 people. Well that's intimidating. And not to mention, her plus one was a plus none. She could have brought anyone along with her, but instead decided to show up single. Single and ready to mingle...... Mingle with the desserts because everyone else looked busy.

Opting for some water, instead of firewhiskey, Tiffany made her way to her escort for the night, otherwise known as the little chocolate shavings on top of the decorative cakes. YUM. She took a small plate and carefully picked off the chocolate shavings. Hopefully no one would notice... She didn't really want the cake after all, she just wanted the cute pieces of chocolate on top. Those have less calories. Duh.

Gladly, there was plenty of food to feed an entire army and since he hadn't had lunch - too lazy busy to do it - he felt as in heaven. Brandon kept his coolness, even if his stomach was starting to make noises and he had the urge to eat the whole buffet.

He grabbed a plate and started putting food on it. Beef, smashed potatoes, vegetables and bacon. Did it looked as if he hadn't had food in ages? Who cares. If this was a buffet you should grab everything you wanted, it was free.

Before he could grab anything else, the man beside him spoke. He raised an eyebrow. Nice costume... "Really?" Probably what Harry Potter said was going to be true because if you are hungry, mostly everything you eat tastes good. Brandon put two of them on his plate. "I'll give it a try." He had a complete meal and was more than ready to eat it and after that he was going to grab a dessert.

"I'm Brandon, by the way. I work in the Department of Mysteries" He wondered if his name was Harry because it was definitely going to be hard not to laugh.

*claims you too*
 

Jess. Anyone and everyone <3
 

Who could have guessed moving around with such a fancy dress could be so hard! And she wasn't even wearing any heels, either! She was wearing a fancy black shoe (as fancy as the flat shoes could be), and she was a witch; yet, she felt like she was late.

Finally arriving at the British Museum in the dress she had made completely by herself (she wanted to be a designer some day so she KNEW how to do it, though his dress wasn't a design of her own: she'd stolen it from a muggle magazine), she directly went for their meeting point and found the man that caused butterflies in her stomach. She quickly ran a hand over her dress before he could see her, to make sure everything was in place, and she walked towards him with a big smile on her face.

"Hello, handsome." Did he know he was the best man in town that day?

Bradley had glanced over at Sel giving her a wave and a grin. He was comfortable here in his seat. He was even debating taking off these awful dress shoes. The only reason he wore them was because they made the outfit complete. Sigh.

He looked up as he heard his name. Familiar face from the department. "Yep. That's me." He searched his brain a bit for the man's name. "...Kaden?" Please let that be right.

Anyone :3
 

So yes, spending her whole night at the dessert table was hardly what she had in mind when she received the gala invitation. But at least it was tasty? Sigh. She should've asked Mark to come with her. Or Jeffery. Or even Henry. Oh wait, Henry just got engaged, didn't he? Whatever, she could've still brought Mark or Jeffery. But no. You'll make some new friends. You'll meet people. You loooove people. Yet, the only person she had become acquainted with thus far has been Mr. Chocolate Shavings. And he isn't even a good conversationalist.

Just when the thought of leaving the gala had crossed her mind, she felt a tug on her dress. Oh no. Ugh. She knew that strapless wasn't a good choice. Next time she would have to go with the lavender flowy straps. Sure, it didn't make as big of a statement, but at least that dress was reliable. Carefully readjusting the dress, Tiffany hadn't even realized that a little person was on the other end of it.... that is, until she heard the squeak. "What---??" She looked around with an expression of confusion, where did that come from?

Down. Down, is where it came from. Tiffany was half expecting a dwarf or goblin to be waiting for her, but instead she found-- A BABY!? What was a baby doing at a ministry gala? For Merlin's sake, there's firewhiskey here! This is no place for a child. AND OHMYGOSH. It was pulling on her dress! HER DESIGNER DRESS! She tugged at the fabric in order to get it back from the infant who was apparently trying to get her attention with it. "Let go!" she said, before realizing that she was talking to a child. Then in the best sweet tone she could muster, she tried again, "Hi, dear, uh, could you not? It's designer." Did the baby even speak english?

Coco? Evidently he did! "Yes, YES! Coco! It is Coco! My clutch is a Coco Chanel peice!" This baby was so intelligent! Goodness. Maybe babies weren't half bad! Especially this one. He is a real prodigy. Maybe that's why he's at the gala. Maybe he got an invitation too. For Merlin's sake, he knew COCO CHANEL, Tiffany would definitely hire this little guy to work in the ministry. Any friend of Coco's was a friend of hers.

Bending down, Tiffany scooped little-baby-prodigy-fashionista into her hands. Baby in one hand, and plate with chocolate shavings in the other, Tiffany was glowing. Maybe no escort was actually the best escort?

Her eyes flicked to the other guy Gid nodded to, and a smile appeared when she saw the little one with him. If they brought all four kids here, people would be pulling their hair out. They were good enough, but four was a lot. "Yeah... don't get my hopes up." A deep sigh sounded from Becca, but a smile snuck back onto her face as he said he'd dance.

Reaching up for the glass, she took it with a murmur of thanks and sipped. "Go socialise. Sitting with your wife must be ruining your evening."

Anyone :3
 

Hello Jasmine!
 

Cynthia chose to sit down next to a blonde lady about her age, which was twenty-five, though the brunette looked younger than that. This other lady was dressed much more fashionably, which made Cynthia self-conscious. The IMC worker wore a wimple and a black gown complete with an apron and a pouch attached. Quite medieval and witchy, if she did say so herself.

"Hello," she greeted this woman next to her. "I'm Cynthia." She began to take out her homemade dinner, which was not nearly as fancy as the banquet food. But if any food had been contaminated with peanuts, well...she couldn't risk that.

Elizabeth came into the seating area at the gala. Her feet were already killing her and she looked for a free seat. Eliza found a group of them near a young woman. She wandered over and gave the lady a light smile, "Hello..." She gestured to the seats around her, "Is there a free seat in here?" Eliza smiled gently, "Oh, I am Elizabeth, by the way. I work as the British Immigration Officer in the Magical International Cooperation Department." Elizabeth took a breath and chuckled, "Yeah, it is a mouthful, I know... but it is fun." Eliza beamed and looked a the lady.

Aron's little boy was cute, really sweet combination of Harry and James Potter. "Becs, I'm not trying to get your hopes up. I'm very serious about this. Things are going to change, and if it means dancing in an apron so be it." Meh, well it wasn't a dress and he hadn't said tiara, though he was sure either Norah or Emma would fix that and make sure he had one to use.

He sat back beside her, "Well. I'd sort of rather stay here with you. You never ruin evenings." Well, not usually...

Angelina blushed lightly. "Thank you. I made the dress all by myself, though the design isn't mine." Did he like it? Hopefully that 'beautiful' wasn't out of courtesy.

Well.

"So all these people are your colleagues?" She ran a curious gaze around. He knew everything about her working place, but she knew almost nothing about his. Today, she'd learn. She briefly had an internal fright: what if he would somehow be reluctant to introduce her, but then again, he wouldn't even invite her there, would he? Nah. He wanted her to be there. She could relax and meet people.

Of course. "Mhmm." Her eyes scanned the room quickly again. "Seeing you dance in an apron isn't one of my dreams, funnily enough." She gazed at him. "If it was, then you'd have been doing it long ago." Tilting her head at him, Becca leant back in her seat.

"Well now that's a lie. You should know better than to lie to me." Her blue eyes were on him again as she readjusted her jacket. "You can stay if you want though."

It wasn't like this meant anything, right? Her going with Cole? It just meant they didn't have to go alone and they were practically best friends, so why not? Which is why she hadn't thought twice when he asked her, though she probably would've been upset if he hadn't.

"The heels are nothing." She smiled in amusement. It was true, she's worn heels of this size before all night long without even a blister. "Though I do wish I'd chosen something with less of a hoop..." Ugh, how did medieval women wear these things all the time anyway? But hey, it was an excuse to hold Cole's arm for support so she didn't topple over - yet stand far enough away to keep an appropriate distance. Glancing around the room at everyone's outfits, she spotted Jasmine and would've gone over but it seemed she had a flea of females already surrounding her. Alex waved instead, not wanting to intrude and spotted a near empty table instead. "That one looks good." Except what she didn't expect was how much MORE uncomfortable sitting might be over standing.

Sarah and others :3
 

Her hair was EVERYWHERE. She had used a dozen charms to curl it so wildly, but she hadn't thought to find a charm to keep it in place. As she walked across the room, she felt it move all over, probably whipping into Vic's face at times, so she tried to push most of it all to the other side. Whew. She looped her arm with Vic's so she wouldn't get lost in it.

Vic's hair was rather nice. Long, blonde and shiny. She had almost laughed when she saw him all dressed up in his armor, but she managed to keep it together. He looked quite handsome.

Speaking of his hair, it looked a bit longer on one side, so January carefully tugged the other side so it would be even. "Your hair was crooked," she told him quietly. "Err... My lord." That seemed appropriate.

Vic sneezed. It wasn't the winter, it was the hair in his nose. Again. But he wasn't complaining, everything that shot out of Jan like that was welcome in his eyes, and his nose apparently. He looked a little confused as she pulled his hair. "Ow." What? He felt the need to say that even if it was a wig. There was a smirk on his face, though. "Apology accepted, beautiful maiden." ??? WHO was she supposed to be? A dazzling archer? It worked.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Holmesian Feline (Post 11622120) Then he caught sight of someone he believed he knew coming into the banquet area. On further inspection the auror finally made out Vic and his date , finally providing a coworker to say hi to and introduce to Angelina. Simon didn't want her to think he was hiding them from her. "Actually, there is one now. Shall we?" he questioned, offering an arm for her to take before leading them both over. "Good evening," he greeted to the prosecutor and a woman he placed as ministry but had never met. Simon would wait until he was acknowledge before doing introductions, letting the older man make the decision if he wanted to talk.

... "Simon!" Vic called out, pleased to see one of his colleagues. Young, wild, and very untamed colleagues (i.e. Emily's pets people). "Evening to you, too." He shook the young man's hand, putting all the strength a regal Knight should have, but that shouldn't be a problem with an Auror, right? Right. "Courting my--" Pftpfffftpfffft hair in his mouth. "Girlfriend, the beautiful January Pennifold." He added, using his low-tone voice and putting a hand on Jan's hair shoulder. So knight-y of him.

Oh, good. The guy knew him. That made this less awkward. "Yep," Kaden replied, "We're in the same department. I prefer Kade, though." If he didn't mind. Some people (or one person, really) called him Kaden just to get on his nerves. Though it wasn't that big of a deal.

"What do you think about all this?" He asked, looking out at the rest of the seating area and everything else around them. "I kinda like it. Except for this bloody tie." He stuck a finger between his shirt collar and his bow tie and gave a tug.

The gravy looked delicious and Brandon couldn't resist to pour some of it on top of the beef and the Yorkshire pudding. Now he was all set to enjoy the evening and he got some company.

"Pleasure too" and shook his hand. He briefly looked from the little boy to the man in front of him "So...I guess you are James Potter and he is Harry" it was very obvious. "I couldn't find my Voldemort costume..." he commented. Of course, it was a joke but in case Aron didn't understand..."I'm kidding" Brandon slightly chuckled.

"I knoow. I have seen you in countless heels before," he corrected himself but added: "I meant the dress! Are you sure you can manage yourself in it?" Of course he was willing to let her hold onto his arm the whole night. Cause you know. Ahem.

When she spotted a seat, Cole WAS leading her to it but then he stopped in the middle and turned to ask her: "Do you remember the last time?"

"We sat the WHOLE night," he reminded her. "And I feel once you will sit down in this dress. You are not getting up," He shook his head in tease-disappointment. "That will not do, Miss Hadley. That just won't do"

They were in these ridiculous outfits, and the night meant ministry would be opening soon and they both - all they did was work. So he won't have it. He didn't want to spend the night sitting in these outfits and saying polite hellos to everyone until they got tired and went home. He wanted to enjoy it for once. After a number of reasoning and what not in his head, Cole finally asked her: "So umm - do you want to dance?"

Oh no. IT was crying. And screaming. How do you turn it OFF?! Is there a button for that?? First the dress, now the screaming. If this is what it takes to work in the ministry then maybe she should just head back to Witch Weekly. This is not what Tiffany signed up for. They should put warnings on these invitations.

Uhum, is there a suggestion box around here? Turning her attention back to the screaming child, "Hey, Quiet down, everyone's staring," she whispered. Tiffany looked around the room inocently and shouted to no one in particular, "NOTHING TO SEE HERE PEOPLE, EVERY THING IS A-OKAY" People probably weren't even staring, she's just paranoid.

Now back to the screaming child. Where is the button? Thankfully after lifting the screaming child prodigy, his crying started to subside. AH. Much better. "AH, thanks kiddo," she said giving him a few pats on the head. Did kids like that? Did they like being petted? AND AGAIN WITH THE DRESS GRABBING! What part of designer didn't he understand!? Tiffany carefully plopped him back on the ground. No dress grabbing for you. Fashion prodigy or not. Where was his owner?!

Phew. Brad got his name right. That could have been a disaster if he hadn't. He nodded. He knew he'd seen the man at meetings and such. "I get it, Kade." Obviously he preferred Brad over Bradley.

Brad laughed lightly. "I think it's fantastic. Chance to have a little fun with the dress up." He looked down at his own tie, glad he'd just worn a normal one. It completed the look he was going for much better. "That's why I didn't wear a bow tie."

* interrupts you two to find babies owner*
 

Oh sweet Merlin's greying underpants! IT is crying again. Tiffany quickly looked around again to make sure she wasn't attracting any unwanted attention, but she didn't really look too clearly BECAUSE SHE STILL COULDN'T FIND HIS RIGHTFUL OWNER! She's only 24 children are not her thing. Who brought this thing here anyways!?

Sigh.

Noticing the babies outreached arms, Tiffany lifted it up once more. "Please stop crying now, kid. You're making me look bad." Where's the off button again? She carefully lifted the babies arm and searched under, then lifted the other arm. Nope. Not the arms. Maybe on it's back?

The search for the button was hopeless, so naturally, in true lion king fashion Tiffany held the baby out above her with her arms reached to their full extent. She did not need anymore baby germs (or tears) on her designer gown. BUT what she did need was to find his owner. Or someone who worked in the magical creatures department. Really either would do. "Has anyone lost a... baby?" She called out to all those sitting in the area.

AND JUST THEN, BINGO!

Out of the corner of her eye she spotted a man who looked kind of concerned. Did people get concerned when the lost a screaming child? Possibly. Not Tiffany, she'd be relieved. But then again, she didn't have a kid. Not until now anyway.

Ahem. With baby raised above head, far away from her gown, Tiffany made her way towards the man and the other guy standing with him. "Uhum, hello, does this belong to you?" PLEASE SAY YES! And if not, then you can still have him! FOR FREE.

Simon accepted the offered handshake, returning it in kind though not readily noticing any real difference in its strength. Listening to the first half of introductions, he nodded and smiled politely at the woman. "A pleasure to meet you, Miss Pennifold," he said, using the more formal choice of address. That is until she chose to give him permission to use the familiar or not.

Of course Vic's choice of words had added to the awkward unfamiliarity he had with sharing his date with others. With his only other real relationship, Kyle and he had kept everything on the down-low so many weren't even aware of it. "And this is my...lovely girlfriend, Angelina Eboué." Now for the other side of things, introducing the one person who hadn't been already, at least to his companion. "Angelina, this is Vic Bones, head prosecutor."

Leaning back in his seat, Kade folded his arms and watched the people around him. That's what was most interesting about these ministry things. People watching.

He looked back at Brad and laughed lightly. "Yeah. That is kind of fun. An excuse to get out, too, which is nice. Did you come with anyone?" There was no one around... but then again, Kaden's own date was MIA so he couldn't really judge.

"I wish I would have had something more theme-y to wear." He tugged at his bow tie again. "I should have just worn a tie like that," he nodded to Brad's, "instead of this thing. Thought it looked fancier though. What do I know?"

Of course he has. And he better believe that she could very well handle the heel thing! She smiled coyly though when he questioned her ability to handle the dress though; "Well duh. I'm a Ravenclaw. When I have not been able to handle something?" There was probably something, but that was besides the point.

On their way to the seat though he stopped short and turned to face her. The last time? She tilted her head in confusion as he went on ... he didn't want to sit the whole night again? Unable to realize she was holding her breath, she waited for Cole to finish what he was getting at... As she tried to ignore the wailing baby. Thank GOODNESS her nephews and niece didn't cry like that; and if they did she wasn't around for it.

When he finally asked his question, she exhaled, realizing she'd been holding her breath and just stared for a moment. She knew dancing would probably be more comfortable than sitting, even if she wouldn't be able to dance close to him, but maybe that was for the best? Or was it? She felt so conflicted. They could technically dance randomly on their lunch breaks in their shared breakroom; not that they ever have. "I've been watching you for awhile... and there's only one way to say this, but ..." Alex paused letting the silence hang between them a moment. "Yes. Yes!"

"I would love to hear about every dream you have." he said softly. He wanted to see what he could do about making them all come true, and that was the honest truth. He loved her and she was his life. He hated knowing that he'd hurt her like this, and wanted to do what he could to change that.

"That's a lie?" he asked blinking at her, "I don't think so. I want to spend the evening with you. Just because this is for work does not mean I don't want to be here. And no you don't ruin evenings. There's nothing you can say to deter me on that count. I believe I've ruined a lot more evenings than you ever have."

Brandon nodded "Ah yes, that would have been very interesting. Voldemort having dinner with James and Harry" as in a parallel universe or costume party. But no, Brandon didn't like to wear costumes, unless he was force to. Before he could make his way to a table, Aron asked worried if he had seen his son. Really? Did you just lost your son? Wow...Voldemort would have had it easy. "Not really. Last time I saw him he was standing beside you" poor man. If his wife was around here she was going to be mad. Very much.

"But he can't be far from here. He must be somewhere around this room" which was a big one. A voice, a feminine one, interrupted the two adults. Brandon turned around to face a woman holding a baby. Was it the right way to hold a kid? "Aron, your son " he knew he was because of the costume.

*waves at Vic and Jan and Simon and Simon's date* :3
 

and Willy!
 

Oh, meeting new people. That was always fun. January smiled at the younger man from Vic's department. He had seen him roaming around, but they had never officially met before. "Pleasure to meet you as well, Sir Simon," she said with a grin and a curtsy, keeping herself in character of a... err... polite lady-archer of very old times. Yes. There wasn't an official title of what she was tonight.

"And pleasure to meet you as well, Lady Angeline." Another curtsy for her. Merlin, this was going to get tiring.

January thought about starting a conversation with them, but she was soon distracted by a familiar face that was closer to the buffet table. It was WILLY! Jan stuck her arm in the air and waved back at him giddily, probably wiggling Vic around because her arm was still linked with his. Hehe. Ohhh and look, he was coming over! January beamed at him, trying not to be impolite to the others.

Wait. "You look very handsome," she told her friend. "Where's your costume?" Hmmmm? He was dressed up as a modern day wizard. Boring.

Perhaps introductions were in order. Vic and Willy had heard all about each other from January, but she was pretty sure they hadn't actually met before. "Vic, this is William," she said, gesturing to the asparagus-chomping man next to him. "And William, this is Vic. My boyfriend." But he knew that already. "Oh, and this is Simon and Angelina," January added, gesturing to the couple across from them. She didn't even know them, but she knew their names, so... There you go.

Oh, she had broken character now. Whoops. No curtsy for Willy.

Brad smiled. It was nice talking to someone that was a guy for once. Jamie counted, but barely. Kaden seemed nice enough. "Yes I spend far too much time in my apartment." Mainly because outside of work he didn't have too much to do. "My girlfriend, Selene. She's socializing with people from her department. You?"

"Honestly theme-y is the only reason I'm not complaining about being dressed like this." Bradley still wasn't too fond of suits and such. He'd gotten better, but not that much. "Going for the whole 1920s mobster thing myself." He picked is fedora up off the chair and put it on his head to complete the look. "They do. But they are much more uncomfortable."