Elizabeth smiled, "Nice to meet you as well, Meghan." She smiled and nodded, chuckling. "Yeah, we are." Eliza waved off the apology, "Oh, dont apologize I completely understand... I have been a bit antisocial myself... well as much as I can with a VERY social job." She chuckled, "I mean... adjusting to being back to work after having a baby... and having a new job on top of that... I am still adjusting from being switched to Immigration Officer from Ambassador." She laughed, "But at least it is in the same department and not that big of a difference, right?" She chucked and smiled, "Sorry, if I ramble a little." Elizabeth sipped her tea then tilted her head, "What do you do for the department?"

Oh gosh. That's a lot of information for one sentence.

Meghan nodded her head as Elizabeth spoke, trying to keep up. Mentally, she made a checklist - just had a baby, back from maternity leave, used to be Ambassador, is now in Immigration - and her name is Elizabeth. Okay.

"First, I think congratulations are in order," the blonde grinned at the woman across from her, lifting up her cup in salute. "It's quite all right, you've got a lot of things happening these days, no need to feel bad. Quite the opposite actually," she nodded her head, dismissing Elizabeth's apology. Some people were just chatty, is all. No need to make a fuss.

And here was a subject she enjoyed rather immensely. "I head the liaison offices, both foreign and press. It's a rather underdeveloped position at the moment but I'm hoping to get things up and running very soon," Meghan spoke animatedly, her eyes shining with excitement. It never ceased to amaze her how even after all this time, she was still head over heels in love with her job.

Elizabeth blushed and smiled, "Thanks." She chuckled, "Glad that you think that..." Eliza listened and nodded as the lady talked a little about her job. Elizabeth loved the way she seemed to lit up in excitement at talking about the job. Eliza knew that feeling very well. "That sounds so amazing! I can tell how much you enjoy your job. That is good that you do... makes work that much better." She gave the lady a smile and sipped at her tea, "What exactly do you do and are you new to the country?" Yeah... the second question was more about doing Eliza's job though she is interested in the answer anyways.

"Boy or girl?" Meghan asked, curious. If she were being perfectly honest with herself, her interest in babies had peaked as of late and was really beginning to freak her out. She hardly managed properly taking care of herself outside of work, she definitely couldn't handle a little one as well.

Merlin, she barely recognised her mind these days. Good thing that her job was the current subject - her eternal comfort zone.

"I love it, it's what I live for," she grinned, taking a large chug of her rapidly cooling coffee. Cold coffee was the absolute worst so best finish this cup as soon as she could.

Well. Apparently she didn't appear as local as she felt. It was to be expected, Meghan supposed, since even she had been surprised by how quickly she had adjusted to England.

"I'm English by birth but I've lived abroad for most of my life. As for my job, basically I talk to my counterparts in the foreign ministries with which we have relations. We discuss all aspects of cooperations be it economical, educational and so on, as well as set up meetings and things between the relevant VIPs," the blonde tapped the table absentmindedly. "Due to a shortage in manpower I also run the press liaison office which basically means bullying reporters not to publish articles that will reflect badly on the Ministry," she grinned, laughing at her own little joke.

As if anyone could control scoop-hungry reporters.

Elizabeth smiled, "The youngest of them all is a boy..." She laughed and ruffled her hair, "A 10 week premie so I am a bit freaked out about leaving him at a daycare..." Eliza trailed off and glanced over at the direction of the daycare. Elizabeth nodded to her, "That is good that is what you live for." She watched as the lady seemed to gulp her coffee down. Eliza calmly just sipped at her tea. She could always heat it up... the spell was simple. She held back a sigh and a frown at her not technically being foreign... not that there was something wrong with being English... she was just hoping for an interesting different country or even one from her homeland... though her real accent was hidden by her fake English one. She preferred to not show that she was from somewhere else. Eliza nodded and listened to the lady as she talked about her job some more and she smiled. Elizabeth chuckled at the joke. "Well it sounds fun but quite a handful..."

"Oh gosh, how many are there? Sounds like you have a litter," Meghan laughed, and was finishing off her coffee when Elizabeth said that her baby was 10 weeks premature. Dear Merlin, he was probably TEENSY. "I wouldn't worry," she offered, trying to sound reassuring, "I think they know what they're doing there." And if they didn't, then they should switch staff.

"Is it?" she asked, a wry smile appearing on her face though she didn't elaborate further. That was... Well, personal to say the least.

The blonde nodded her head at the 'handful' part. "Definitely.. But as you said, it's fun. The fun bits have me always coming for more."

Elizabeth chuckled, "I do seem to have a litter." She started to count in her head. Henry, Trinity, Taylor, Carina, Lucas, Alice and Michael... "I have seven... or had... my second youngest daughter past away..." She sighed, "I cant believe my oldest is already 25..." She sighed, "I feel so old..." Eliza was only in her 40s so she wasnt that old. She nodded, "Okay... you are right... I mean they should be able to handle him..." Elizabeth nodded, "He is tiny... but so adorable." Eliza smiled with love for her child shining in her eyes. She glanced at the lady when she asked that question, "Is it what?" Elizabeth was confused but hoped she didnt say anything bad. Eliza smiled, "That is always good... every person needs a little fun with their work or what is the point of even doing that job?"

Meghan's eyes widened impossibly as she heard the number. SEVEN?!

"Wow - that's a commitment!" Meghan exclaimed, unable to imagine having that many children. With all those little people running around the house she imagined one could actually go insane. At her mention of a 25 year old daughter, the blonde squirmed slightly in her seat. She was only four years older that Elizabeth's kid.

That's sort of really weird.

She shook her head. "It doesn't matter, nothing important," Meghan said, forcing herself to stay casual. She really didn't want to get into this, especially not with someone she had just met. Looking down at her now empty coffee cup, she hoped the subject would go away and they could continue to talk about Elizabeth's army of children.

... Again, with her bloody sudden interest in children. GAH.

Elizabeth chuckled at the widened eyes then shrugged, "My deceased husband wished for many kids... We got married at 17..." She shrugged and twisted her new wedding ring. "I dont mind though. I love being around children. They can be such a delight some of the time... like my 6 year old is trying to teach my 6 month old how to play catch." She chuckled and smiled at the memory. Her eyes lit up in joy as she thought about her children until she thought about Trinity and Carina then her eyes dimmed and a frown appeared. She glanced at the lady, "Okay..." Eliza raised an eyebrow, "Are you okay?" Concerned went across her face as she sat her tea down on the table. Elizabeth shifted in her seat and went into protective mode as she gave a quick glance around the room but then closed her eyes and took a deep breath, relaxing into the chair again after seeing that there was no physical danger. She took a sip of tea and glanced at the woman, "Sorry... I have been a bit edgy lately..."

Meghan had the feeling this woman had quite a back story, and she also knew that she didn't really want to hear it. Not for lack of curiosity, it's just the blonde felt like the story would be dead depressing. Elizabeth literally looked like she was undergoing a ping pong battle with her personal life and Meghan really wanted no part in it.

Plus, she'd JUST met her.

"Yeah I'm fine thank you - just a stray thought," she shot Elizabeth her largest, most convincing grin she could muster. She almost managed to hold it when the older woman began acting really oddly and her face fell into a slight frown.

What the hell?

"I think the better question here is are you ok?" she asked, looking at her oddly. It seemed like she couldn't avoid going into the details. Oh well - her listening capabilities have been out of use for a while now.

Elizabeth nodded, "Okay..." She blushed off the stray thought and sipped at her tea. Eliza nodded, "Yeah... I am fine..." Elizabeth had talked too much and her body was being all jittery because of how tense she got. Eliza closed her eyes and sipped her tea. She relaxed into her chair. Elizabeth held the tea to her lips, letting the steam hit her face and letting the smell waver near her nose. After a few moments and a few sips, she placed the tea down and reopened her eyes. A warm smile came to her lips and she glanced at the lady, "Please pardon me earlier... ever since my youngest has been born, my nerves have been shoot."

Meghan remained silent as she watched Elizabeth drink her tea. Apparently seven children, a dead husband and some more problems she was not aware of really drained a person. Briefly she wondered how the woman was even able to work like this, when she dismissed the thought. That wasn't fair. Anyone who was dedicated to their job would be able to make a switch in their brain and focus solely on the task at hand.

The blonde gave her a small smile. "It's quite all right - I recommend occasional cubes of chocolate with a regular cup of tea. It usually soothes my nerve," she said kindly, her voice an octave lower. "And if that doesn't work, then a glass of red wine is always a classic."

Elizabeth glanced at her and sipped at her tea again. She raised an eyebrow at the chocolate and red wine idea. Eliza shook her head, "Sorry but I dont believe in putting toxins like candy and alcohol in my body. Thanks for the advice though." Elizabeth glanced at the lady, "I like to keep my body in good shape with organic foods and teas though I do let my children have candy and desserts and stuff..." She ran a hand through her dark curls, "After all its their bodies and they can eat what they want to eat... as long as they dont make themselves sick."

Well that was rude.

Meghan raised a clipped eyebrow at Elizabeth's words and leaned towards the table, her actions slow at she studied her. There are always two things to consider when having any sort of conversation - the content, and how you phrase it. The latter was clearly more important.

"Everyone is entitled to eat whatever they choose, but it's been proven that a glass of red wine per day as well as a small amount of dark chocolate is actually very healthy for the average adult," Meghan stated, shaping her words slowly. Toxins, like hell. She hadn't told Elizabeth to gorge herself on peanut butter, Nutella chocolate and firewhiskey!

Well, there was some sort of contradiction. "On one hand they aren't allowed.. "candy", as you say. But on the other hand they're free to eat as long as they don't make themselves sick?" Meghan eyed the other woman and refrained from continuing. The blonde could already feel annoyance bubble up within her, and refused to let it control her words.

Eliza sighed and rubbed her head, "I didnt say that anyone had to do anything..." She frowned, "Sorry if what I said was rude... I havent been focusing on how I said it..." Elizabeth sipped her tea and debated whether to leave this woman before she bites her head off or something when she said there was a contradiction, "Excuse me? I just said that they are allowed to eat candy." Elizabeth sighed. This lady needs to clean her ears out if she wants to start lecturing me because seriously... lecturing me about the so called 'contradiction' when there wasnt any contradictions in what I said.

There was an apology one didn't usually get. Cocking her head to one side, Meghan's expression softened. This woman must be HELLA tired. "It's ok," she said, and debated whether telling Elizabeth she should take a few days off to sleep. Regardless of how it would look to their boss, a person could not function well under these circumstances.

Seriously, two full nights of good sleep and Meghan imagined she'd be back on their feet. The blonde wasn't sure about her marital status - the ring on her hand didn't really mean anything these days - but from the looks of it she was putting a whole lot of time and effort into her children.

Perhaps they weren't such a good idea after all.

Resigned from her current decision, the blonde wasn't surprised when she corrected her. Meghan had a tendency to hear things differently to what was actually stated. It was a major problem and she was really working on it. "I apologise, I must have misheard then."

Whoops. Perhaps it was time to call it and get back to work?

Elizabeth nodded, "Thanks." She tried to hold back a yawn as she rubbed her eyes. Eliza was exchausted. Elizabeth nodded, "Not a problem..." She glanced at the lifts and debated whether to excuse herself and get back to work or sit and talk some more. Eliza looked back at the lady, still debating. She sipped at her tea and stifled another yawn.

Okay, one more yawn and Meghan was actually going to start getting a little offended.

"You have way more life experience than I, so you probably don't need my advice. But here's my humble opinion - if it's possible, take a few days. Try to relax. Do yoga or something. I don't think it's healthy to be this tired," she said gently, feeling a little stupid even for saying these things. Elizabeth had a daughter only four years younger than her - she could probably throw Meghan's advice right back in her face.

And yet, sometimes hearing the things you know helps. Glancing at her watch, she sighed and moved to stand.

"I'm sorry, but I'm going to have to excuse myself - there's a floo call I'm expecting from Washington soon and I can't miss it. It really was nice to meet you, Elizabeth. I'll probably be seeing you a lot around the office," Meghan said, and with a little nod of her head took off in the direction of the lifts.

"Sorry that I keep yawning..." She sighed, "Havent slept in 2 days..." Elizabeth nodded, "I might take that advice." Eliza sighed and nodded, "Have a good afternoon." She was going to finish her tea then go back to work.

Zoe took her tray to the table in the corner. She hadn't met very many people at the ministry yet, and didn't know who may be eating lunch when she was. Her time away from the day care was limited, but not so limited that she couldn't chat with someone while she ate.

Trying to appear welcoming, Zoe pushed out the chair across from her a bit and looked around every now and then. She hoped someone would want to sit with her. She'd even be willing to share her blueberry cream pie.

Not knowing if anyone would join her, she started on her salad. She fresh tomatoes were her favorite with the cucumbers coming in a close second. Yes, she would have to start a garden in the spring. By then, she would be more established at the ministry and hopefully have a bit more time to tend to the garden.

"You could sell tickets to that, make a few galleons on the side. Have awards for best ninja, most humourous wipe out, best fail moment... endless possibilities." Rustin suggested. He was interested to hear about how it all went down himself actually. You know, in a passing way rather than a rabidly eager way.

Rusty tore the crusts off his sandwiches and downed them. A habit picked up from the fact that he had a six year old who wasn't a big fan of crusts.

"Am I just? And are you the sort who needs a go-to when it comes to messing with the heads of others?" Learning all sorts of things about Interim Head Auror Emily Browne, wasn't he?

"As long as you're getting paid the difference and not just doing the work for a pittance." And he saluted her with his drink. Best not to be taken advantage of after all. Surely she would've insisted on her pockets being lined as part of the extra workload right?

Emily's face turned from a smirk to a grin, she even let out a chuckle. Group free for all aside, the idea was fun. "Well if you're interested, I could probably arrange for a showing. Throw in some snacks and drinks and we can make a party of it." Private parties were far more pleasant to public ones at least. Less riff-raff and the like.

For a moment Emily amused herself with observing Rusty's eating habits. He have a thing with crusts? That was weird... the fluffy inside of the bread was the best part. Obviously.

"There's a fist time for everything, is there not?" she replied, sticking another forkful of food in her mouth.
"I've never needed to call for one myself, but if there's ever a need..." Emily gestured to her companion across the table by way of finishing her sentence. Obviously, she'd go with the quick-thinking good-looking one over a random she'd never met or worked with before.

A pittance? HA! ... no she had long since been off YATI wages. Money wasn't an issue, though, it never really was. "I was never in it for the money, I love what I do...but I did get that substantial raise."

"Oh I'm interested. Sounds like ideal entertainment really, especially with snacks." And since he didn't know what else had been thrown at the YATI after his department's part in it all was done, it'd likely have a few unexpected twists just like a good muggle movie. Except real. Pensieve viewings were far better.

He was nearly done demolishing his food unfortunately. Rusty eyed the remainder almost mournfully. He could do with twice as much really but it was just so pricey around these parts and he really had to save his galleons.

"So there is." He agreed amicably. "But some things are habit forming even from the first." And for some people the feeling of power that came from ordering a memory wipe or implant certainly had an addictive side, it was part of why the testing for Obliviators was so stringent; had to be sure the personality type fit with the work without pesky megalomaniac tendencies developing on the side.

"Loving what you do is important but nobody should settle for the bare minimum when the required skill set is so high. So I'm glad to hear it. Here's to substantial raises." He lifted his cup and idly wondered how long it would take him to earn a bonus. That was a downside to a new job, you had to prove yourself all over again.

Good, it was settled then. "It's a date then," she mused, emphasising the word. As distasteful as it was, the word date had various connotations, and she knew what she meant when she said it, even if Rusty didn't. "I'll keep you posted." She wasn't sure how long it'd all take. Really it ought not take very long, but seeing as she wasn't running the show, she couldn't say for sure.

Pushing the salad stuff around her plate, Emily decided she wouldn't be finishing it. Instead, she nursed her coffee in her hand.

Ahhhhh! Now THIS was an interesting turn in conversation. Pushing her plate aside, Emily leant forward on the table, arms resting against the surface, propping herself up. "And do I strike you as the type to form unhealthy habits?" Because if she did, she'd like to know why. Or if not, why not. Normally she didn't care what people thought, but considering Rusty seemed to be the only one who really understood her, really got her, she was keen to hear his evaluation.

Emily raised her cup too, only slightly, in mock toasting. She didn't care about the galleons, but she wasn't going to say no to the raise. That being said, she wouldn't allow herself to be taken advantage of either. "To making the most of it," she replied.

"I'll mark it in my calendar as soon as you tell me which day I'm to desperately welcome with all my anticipatory sighs." Rustin said with a humourous twinkle in his eyes that juxtaposed his perfectly straight face.

Date indeed.

He watched her shift, her body language marking her interest in the subject at hand. Rusty considered her question. Thus far he supposed he could point out a few superficial bad habits, like the coffee for instance. Or the impressive way she inhaled her food. Or the lack of close relationships she appeared to have. But he took the question to be deeper than that.

"You strike me as the type who might choose to form unhealthy habits just to show the world that you're in control of your own fate." Sort of a screw you to all and sundry. Just an observation.

"To making the most of it." He agreed, and took a healthy swig of his drink.