Fountain of Magical Brethren
 

Halfway into the Atrium, gleaming in all its golden glory is the Fountain of Magical Brethren. The large fountain depicts golden figures of a wizard, witch, centaur, goblin, and a house-elf with jets of water spouting out into the fountain below. The focal point of the fountain are the witch and wizard, the other beings looking up at the pair with adoration. Gaze at the lovely fountain as you make your way to the other various locations within the Ministry.

OOC: All Ministry of Magic employees, regardless of their assigned department, are welcome to create their own roleplay in this thread.

If he hadn't been living with Damien for the past little while, he probably wouldn't have paid two stones of a heed to the man that came up beside him. But as it was, there was an almost acute awareness of being watched that had the hair on the back of his neck prickling with unease. And the glance out of the corner of his eye told him exactly why it was unease that gripped his stomach and turned it in several knots.

The man from the feast. Lord Borr's honoured guest. The one that seemed somehow in connection with the threat to Tate and Hogwarts. It was impossible not to bristle, not to tense, though he tried to conceal his sudden alertness.

It was an effort to turn his eyes back to the statue, to force his voice out as calm and levelly as possible. "Does it seem strange to you, that they all seem captivated by the two humans? That because of their power, they stand in awe and attention at their feet, as if they are ready to serve without question or consequence?"

Rafa noticed the change. He didn't care, or at least wasn't initially concerned with the reason for the boy's alertness. Briefly ceasing the shifts through his memory, he glanced up at the statue in question. His fingers grazed the brim of his hat as he considered it for a moment. "House elves are like that. Eager to please. It's the centaur and goblin that would be cause for surprise." History had proven that neither thought highly of man-kind.

But the statue was of no concern to Rafa, the boy was. Turning his attention back to him, he offered a hand. "I don't believe we've had the pleasure." Not properly at least. "Rafael Belmonte. Environmental Head."

Sabel's eyes lingered on the statue for a long moment before he turned slightly towards the man. An observationalist. Brilliant. At least his mannerisms surpassed Lord Borr's, or at least at the current moment of pleasantries, they did. It was a gesture that had him checking his tongue and reigning in a few choice pointers.

In doing so he couldn't really point out that there had been no proper encounters to dictate any sort of pleasantries from knowing one another. And he couldn't really say that what he had seen of the man, he held in high regard. So, he settled for returning the handshake, as brief as it was. "Sabel." Who he was and what he did was not of concern to someone he didn't know. Though, if this man was a Cultist, then it was likely he already knew. "...Dakest."

Taking his hand back, he let it hang loosely at his side, more for easy access to his wand than a comfortable stance. "So which are you?" Was he a Goblin? Centaur? House elf? Or perhaps he considered himself one of the two head figures. His head made a slight incline back to the statue; there was little sense in trying to dance around words.

He was one of those singing Hogwarts students. Though obviously graduated. Rafael refrained from commenting on the vague memory and shook the boy's hand in silence instead, filing his name away in his memory. The Spaniard didn't miss how the lad avoided giving his position. It didn't matter, he'd find out in due time. And if he cared to play his cards right, during this very conversation.

That was an odd question to ask. One brow raised at the boy before returning to the statue as he replaced his hat. "Which one do you think I am, Mr. Dakest?" Really, he was curious. About so many things relating to the Hogwarts graduate that seemed a bit elusive.

A slight, lopsided smile was quickly placed in the position of what would have been a frown of dislike had he not recognized that honest expression perhaps wasn't the best in this circumstance. The man was smart, he'd give him that. Answering a question with a question was always a brilliant way of gleaning more information than you were required to give.

Sabel's eyes followed Rafael's, the tips of his fingers brushing against the wand concealed beneath the sleeve of his jacket. "Normally, I would wager that entitling you to the likeness of a house elf would be both demeaning and insulting. However, your ability to account for their nature and familiarity with it, along with your surprise and confusion around the display of the centaurs and goblins, would indicate that you have a deeper understanding of the nature of the elves and may consider yourself akin to them, or have been labelled as such."

A flick of his eyes had him considering the man from the corner of his eyes. "Or, perhaps it is that you, from your less than adoring description of them, consider yourself familiar through association and dealings. And thus you find yourself, as one of the other two, surprised to be down at their level, for pride as a centaur or gold as a goblin. Though as a house elf works for neither, it would be surprising to be at their level indeed."

"Then again, perhaps you stand at the pinnacle with your encompassing knowledge, but do not understand or did not expect, such an audience as you recieved." This time, he tucked his hand in his pocket, turning back to face Rafael head on as he gave an unconcerned shrug of his shoulders. "But what do I know? I'm simply a boy who was beckoned to a stand of mockery and humiliation and by free will and choice, stood upon it. There cannot be much wise thought in such a person who engages in such a practice."

"You say there cannot be such wise thoughts in such a person, and yet your previous assessment of which creature I may be proves otherwise." Amusement laced his features as he crossed his arms and turned to face the boy with the slight height advantage. "Obviously you are more than just a simple boy. A simple boy wouldn't have been able to obtain a job at the ministry" He tilted his head curiously. "Perhaps by the good graces of Lord Borr." Dismissive shrug. "Perhaps not. But at least you weren't foolish enough to remain seated when his Lordship requested you. No matter how embarrassing the act seemed to be." Was the lad referring to the party? He was almost certain he was.

Another dismissive shrug left him as he turned his attention back to the fountain. "And to your observation I'd say it's a very interesting one, especially just going off the beginnings of a conversation. Your very observant." His eyes cut back to the boy. "I wonder then, which one you think best represents you?" Care to share Sabel Dakest?

So he may have let some of his anger slip to the surface. In his defence, being referred to as near a 'pet' of Borr was excuse enough for the break in the ease of his expression. The very thought of being aligned or in good relations with that man in any way made him want to vomit, which would be impressive given his currently empty and knotted stomach. It was with more effort then, that he gave another shrug and forced the smile back onto his face, attempting to be at the most unconcerned, at the least, disinterested and unaffected by Rafael's words.

"I do not step to Lord Borr's beat at any position of the clock's hand." It was best the man knew that right now and kept it clear in his mind. "So perhaps I am then foolish, as you would suggest denying his commands would be, and am merely feigning an assessment that seems to have some content more than 'simple' by the composition and connection of a pile of words so coherently placed. It is, after all, easier than a song."

Another glance at the statue had Sabel pursing his lips. "I suppose I could answer your question in the likeliness of which you answered mine, but then you could answer that question in the same mannerism of which I answered yours. Thus we would arrive at the same place and the same conclusion, that one of us dances to the beat of a flute in the jesters court, while the other does not and so resembles the fool while he wears not the garments nor the face of that the one set upon the beat adornes. Strange world we live in, is it not?"

Another shrug of the shoulders. "So perhaps I shall be simple and say this; I do not count myself among them."

This boy and his lyrical speech. It was highly amusing. "You work for the British Ministry of Magic. Whether you want to or not, whether you realize or not, to some extent, you step to Lord Borr's beat." They all did, and unlike many, Rafael was perfectly fine by this. All for the betterment of the Environment, right? And the wizarding world. That too.

Stroking his goatee thoughtfully he considered the boy beside him. The boy that was obviously more intelligent than he appeared. His response had a frown tugging at the corners of his lips, though he refused it the right to spread. "So you don't consider yourself among the creatures represented here, nor do you consider yourself among the witch and wizard. My guess is because of how they're represented in the fountain. And yet, you had no problem placing me amongst them, even going as far as considering me one of the lowly house elves. I wonder if I should be offended that you see yourself as a better man than I?" The man wasn't offended, his voice laced with curiosity.

The only comfort he had against Rafael's words about dancing to Lord Borr's tune, was the knowledge that he would not do so with a knowing willingness and would not play as the jester in the court. If Rafael wanted to, that was his prerogative, even if he denied being a fool for it. And it wasn't a very large comfort at all.

"And I wonder, Rafael, how you have come to the conclusion that I deem myself better than you." A slight tilt had him regarding the man with the same curiosity that had been presented to him in tone. "You are fascinated by the power and character of the centaur and the goblin, which I also placed you amongst, and you have a profound respect for the wizard and witch who I did not deny you may be."

A slight shrug left one shoulder as he spared another glance at the fountain. "Not a better man, Rafael. Just a different one."

Sabel watched the man, honest curiosity in his eyes. If the man wasn't looking for power, then was it simply safety from being deemed, as Rafael would call it, a fool? Or was it something else? Either way, the man was willingly compliant with Borr and that alone made him a wary subject to associate with. Then again, perhaps he could glean some information, some insight into the Cult through Rafael if he stepped carefully, and pass it along to those that could use it to end the nightmare they were stepping into.

Whatever the case, whatever the outcome, he had to be careful. "Only for as long as you have been here." And that, was the truth.

A slight nod left Sabel's head as he turned his eyes back to the fountain, watching the water move about its intricately carved form. "I suppose that is true."

Turning back to the man, he offered him a small, genuine smile. "No rest for the wicked I suppose." Drawing his hand out of his pocket, he offered it to the man again. "Well, Rafael Belmonte, I'm sure our paths will cross again."

A hand slipped out of his pocket to shake the young man's hand, a small smile crossing his face. "I look forward to it." It was possible the Sabel's words were hinting to his department, but Rafael decided that he could worry about that later, right now he really did have work to be done. "Have a good one, Sabel." The Spaniard retrieved his hand, and with a incline of his head to bid farewell, he passed the boy and continued onto the lifts.

Instead of moving to make his way to his own level immediately, Sabel watched Rafael leave. His fingers played absently with his wand as his thoughts drifted back to their former state; touching everything and nothing in his blank stare. The one thing he did know, was that he had to write those letters soon. Very soon.

When the man was out of sight, he spared one last glance at the statue, and a small frown of contemplation, before turning and heading towards the lift to his own department.

Laila!
 

Marina literally stumbled out of the front door and into the outside area. Those bumping jumping lifts were going to be the end of her, she was sure by now. Maybe because it was her first day and going up and down lost in this huge place had something to do with it but she was so not eating breakfast before coming here.

Holding a pad with one hand and clutching her bag with the other as she struggled to stuff the big paper holders into the medium sized beige bag. "Come on!!" She yelled at it forgetting about her wand. And because she was acting a bit on edge, she forgot to look where she was going and bumped into a firm figure.

"Enrique!" She gasped looking up at him and the whole world was lost. She stood on her tiptoes and gave his a squeezy hug, on other occasions she would refer that to his charming personality effect on her but today it was a blast seeing someone she knew. "I'm so glad I met you here. What are you doing here?" She side glanced at the fountain and back to his dark eyes, her hands still absently busy stuffing the papers in the bag.

Hope Marina doesn't mind...
 

As Enrique was almost at the edge, when someone hit him from the back, he flailed his arms a little to regain his balance, looking very funny. If it wasn't for his firm stance, he was so in that water. He turned, not very angry but surprised, as he heard Marina's voice.

"Hey there!" he greeted, hugging her back. "I work here," he said, laughing. "I transferred to level two, law enforcement." Then, he noticed her struggle with the bag and sheets. "Here, let me help," he said as he drew his wand from the holster again to assist her. With a small flick, the papers were in the bag neatly. Glad at his work of magic, he smiled at her.

"And how about you? You got a job here at last? Which department?" Like he knew all... the only ones he knew were level five and two.

Oh, yeah. Magic. She rolled her eyes at her stupidity, "Thanks. I'm so edgy that I forgot the spell. Not used to use magic all the time y'know." She said caressing her bag and feeling the evil pad resting inside.

Marina chuckled, "Right. Sorry. I meant why the fountain. I mean I like fountains, the one in the Diagon Alley's my favorite spot and this one's going to be my second favorite spot from now on." Grinning, she nodded at his question. "[b]Yep. I am at the Environmental Department. Level four. It was my first day today and met the Head of Department. " She smiled and brushed some hair from her forehead, "He's so nice and not bossy. I got that as a good omen. The other employees were fine too." She trailed off remembering the break room. She did get a feeling that some were strange and high on the 'Mother Nature' thing but she skipped that.

"You've been transferred! That's nice. And do you like this one better?" She turned her back to the fountain and faced him, hands in her jeans pockets. "Law Enforcement sounds pretty serious." She crooked a smile. She preferred peaceful and outdoors jobs and his department sounded like a lot of paperwork, or maybe he's got to do some errands or even dangerous tasks like Dark Wizards capturing stuff. She swallowed but said nothing.

Enrique just smiled politely at her. He could tell, he sometimes forgot the Muggle ways either. "Why so edgy?" he asked with a bit of concern. Something bugging her? Hopefully not.

Oh. Right. "Well... I don't really like imitation of nature... I was merely here because I made a wish today, and I was wondering at the quickness of it." He wasn't telling the wish of course, then the spell would be broken. "I'm happy for you," he said as he smiled at her. So now she worked here too, perfect. Maybe they would also meet for lunch or a coffee break. "Well, I think all the people are nice here. My day has been good as well." Which was amazing, he liked good starts.

"I think so. I mean, I was bored with 'internationality', and this has enough documents to keep me entertained." He laughed. He was a Ravenclaw, after all. He couldn't help when it came to long passages. "It is... I'm at an important position too... I view new laws and counsel on them." He paused for a moment to review what he had just said. "Oh, perdón if I just sounded like... erm... arrogant. It's just, I'm excited for this position." Well done, Enrique, on speaking like a big-head.

"First day at work. Trying to be all over the place. Proving myself as a good employee and all. I think I got too hard on myself and that makes me edgy. I'm fine now, though." She chuckled softly. "I was just taking a tour around and found my happy place." She gestured backward to the fountain.

Made a wish? "Ooh. And did the wish come true so you came to do another one?" She shifted and looked down at the water. No coins were visible from where she stood, maybe if she just bent a bit? "Does it really work anyway? I thought it was just a myth." She said quietly gazing down.

For a minute, Marina stared back at him over her shoulder as he talked. Huh? Important position? That was something for his age, she was just a commissioner in a committee…about plants. Yep, he sounded arrogant a bit.. or maybe it was only her being enviousjealous. "It's all right. You have the right to be happy. I think you'll do great." She stepped on her ego and smiled genuinely at him. "No need to perdons." She mimicked his Spanish apology with a playful wink.

Oooh, yes, Enrique knew very well the 'first day's. He had had so many 'first day's that he lost the count of it. "Well, I hope you'll like your job," he said, looking at the water again as she gestured towards it. Hehe. "Well, I don't know many places either, but I can give you a small tour," he offered. He had worked here for 3 months after all, before switching jobs.

"It hasn't come true yet," he said, "it's a process. But the start is good." First day, and he liked the job. His co-workers were cool enough too. Why shouldn't it work out this time? "I don't know, but I hope it does," he said with a chuckle. This was a magical place, no? It should work.

He smiled at her broken Spanish. "Thank you. I really want to stick here this time..." he said, getting lost in the space for a moment. Then, he recovered quickly and said "So, heading to home now?"