A tour! Wasn't this adorable? She even had a parchment pad with her to draw up some sort of map, or take notes, so that she could draw up a map later. No getting lost for her at all. No getting lost because that would look entirely unprofessional. Parchment on a clipboard (professional, of course), Haley held it close to her as she headed towards the meeting point designated on the note she had received. It had been signed with a male name, so she was clearly aware that she was to look for a male - correct?

Or maybe a male was to look for her? Oh, dear! What a pickle!

She began to strum her nails on the back of the clipboard, looking either side of her, not wanting to say anything to anyone incase they weren't the person she was looking for. Actually - she had an idea! Scrawling a quick, and large 'I'm Haley!' on the first piece of parchment, she turned her clipboard out so people could see and read it, and twisted side to side on the spot.

Loookie?

Keegan entered the atrium, he was to go on his tour for the ministry this morning, with all the lifts that he had seen he knew the possibilities of getting lost were pretty high.. not that he didn't like adventure but he couldn't seem unprofessional. He had received the memo that he was to meet his guide at the fountain of Magical Brethren so that was where he was. People. People were everywhere.. and he didn't know anything about the bloke who was supposed to be guiding his tour... well this was going to be interesting. He spotted a very pretty woman holding up a clipboard and parchment with the name Haley on it.. maybe she was having a tour as well.. unsure he decided to strike up a conversation with Haley, and maybe they could help each other. Or he could just ask her to coffee or something later. "Hello" he made an effort to look at the clipboard "Haley, I'm Keegan. Looking for someone? " it wasn't his smoothest introduction but hey, he couldn't win them all. Now to figure out who this Simon bloke was in the mass of people.

It was proving to be more difficult then he thought, what with both the large numbers of ministry workers coming in again after the break and the fact that there were a lot of newcomers trying to find where to go. Simon debated his next logical course of action, finally making a slow circuit around the large base of the fountain. Perhaps his charges for the day were on one of the other sides of the circle and he couldn't see from where he was standing.

Slowly but surely he moved, his attentive gaze flowing over the people as he walked. Simon had almost making a complete circuit when he spotted a person holding a sign several feet away. "Haley...that had been one of my tour people." At least he had found one. However while he made his way back over to where the young woman was standing, a young man approached her and introduced himself. By Keegan...the other name on his card if he remembered correctly.

Had he really lucked out in one shot? Only one way to find out, the auror finally stopping beside them both. "Excuse me...Would you two happen to be Haley Pianheart and Keegan Soles?"

Ministry Tours.

Aubrie had never done one before and she was a little nervous, but she was sure that she would be fine. She looked at the list of people that was in her hand. It was only two people. Azazel Sharpe and Ludovicus Bones, both of MLE. It was going to be nice meeting some fellow MLE people.

Looking around at the crowd she waited for them hoping that they would show up soon. She had been very specific to say to meet her by the Fountain of Magical Brethren and it looked like there was only one other tour group in the same spot.

Before Haley even had a chance to answer him another man approached the two, once the man had finished asking them if they were in fact Haley and Keegan, the travel enthusiast knew this had to be their tour guide. So appropriately he stuck out his hand to shake the slightly older mans. "Yes sir, Keegan Soles." Keegan flashed a smile, truly excited to meet some other individuals that worked inside the ministry. "Do you also work in the Department of Transportation?" it was a valid question, he could be a senior member of the department. You know you have to know the right people.

Whistling to himself, slightly pumped for this 'tour', Vic had one hand in his jeans pocket as he strolled toward the infamous fountain. It was a shame that he did not know the face of whom he was meeting, a name was fine though. The woman would most likely be standing awkwardly waiting for the two companions to appear...

Quote:

Originally Posted by sarahb

Ministry Tours.

Aubrie had never done one before and she was a little nervous, but she was sure that she would be fine. She looked at the list of people that was in her hand. It was only two people. Azazel Sharpe and Ludovicus Bones, both of MLE. It was going to be nice meeting some fellow MLE people.

Looking around at the crowd she waited for them hoping that they would show up soon. She had been very specific to say to meet her by the Fountain of Magical Brethren and it looked like there was only one other tour group in the same spot.

... like this woman right there. It was pretty good that he had the confidence to smile politely and approach her. "Excuse me, Ms. Hampson? Ludovicus Bones." He was going to extend his hand for a handshake when her identity was confirmed.

Her sign was visible to all now, and this was good. Besides, the smiley face inside the 'a' of her name was super cute! Oh, someone was approaching her! Were they going to tell her that she had spelt her name incorrectly because they knew someone with a different spelling? She hadn't, she'd known ho to spell her name for a long time. The smile set on her face, the corners of her mouth inching up as the male came closer and introduced himself. "Keegan, that's nice." Haley grinned, then. Was she was looking for someone? She was about to answer when another male joined them.

Using their names too? Haley tapped her finger on the clipboard and nodded. "The one and only!" The one and only Haley Pianheart - she wasn't Keegan. The other guy was. Oh, so many names! New people! Maybe new friends!!

She let Keegan do the speaking right then, and switched over her parchments, so the that one with her name on went to the back of the pile on her clipboard. On with she show, gentlemen!

Dacs strode into the Atrium and spotted a familiar blonde. He had a group of persons with him. Hoisting her bag up on her left shoulder she wondered over. She kept her lope steady, smooth and easy. After all, she was Dacs.

As she headed over, she smirked a bit and said, "Hey Simon. You look like you are giving a ministry tour."

She let her eye roam over the others. Noting each and everyone of them. Height, build, face as much as she could. It was her job to be observant. It was actually second nature to her.

One answer to the positive.

Simon nodded and accepted the offered hand. "Simon Bennett," he said introducing himself as the one who had written the note. Putting a face to a name was often a good thing. Magical Transportation...um no, that wasn't him. And his department had often had an animosity with Transportation. At least when Armen ran it. "Actually no...I work with the Magical Law Enforcement as an auror." That took some getting used to after having to specify himself as a trainee for five plus years.

A polite smile graced his face as the girl also confirmed her identify, even if it had been more likely given the sign she still held in her hands. "Nice to meet you both," he said reaching out his hand to her to initiate the handshake this time. "I'm Simon and it seems I'm to be your tour guide."

He was about to get them on their way when his name being called caught his attention and he turned to see Dacs coming his way. "Hey..." Simon replied back before remarking to the affirmative. "That would be exactly what I'm doing." Turning back to his companions, he figured a quick intro was in order.

"Hailey...Keegan, this is Dacs, a co-worker of mine and a division head of Level Two." That seemed good enough to not appear as he was being rude talking to a random person besides them. "Which of course I will be showing you later on," Simon added for good measure as he looked between the three. "But perhaps for now we start at Level 8 where we are now and work our way down."

Haley took Simon's hand and gave it a firm shake. A lady firm, not a man firm. She was professional, not gruff and big. "Well then Mr. Tour Guide, it's nice to meet you too." She'd call him Simon after, for now she was sticking with Mr. Tour Guide, because she was tickling herself by giving little nicknames. Maybe Keegan would get one too. Potentially! Haley would consider one for him on this tour, maybe even makes notes of options along with her tour notes.

When they were joined by another woman, Haley shot her a smile, and then found herself looking around them for a moment, as she evidently wanted to converse with Simon more than anything. If they had a private conversation to conduct, then by all means..Haley was sure she and Keegan could find something to talk about or doodle on her clipboard. Clipboard were handy, you see?

Her eyes fell back onto Simon when he introduced the woman as his co worker, and Haley shot her another smiled. "Haley," she said, wondering ultimately would their tour now consist of four people? More friend opportunities, then! HUZZAH! "Let's get on with the show!" You know..the tour.

Azazel rushed into the fountain area. He'd already gotten lost when trying to find the fountain and ended up wandering around a few different areas. You'd think that someone with access to magic would be able to find his way around one building, but apparently not. He quickly spotted two tour groups. Although he had no idea what "Aubrie Hampson" looked like, he took a guess and figured she was the one looking around for people with only one person currently with her. Seeing that the other man seemed to be just introducing himself Azazel realized that he probably wasn't late after all. Taking a brief moment to compose himself he walked over and hoped that he didn't look like he had just been utterly lost and confused.

"Hello. I'm Azazel Sharpe. Hopefully you two are Aubrie Hampson and," he glanced briefly down at the card that was sent with the instructions and names of the tour group, "Ludovicus?" A last name wasn't really needed with that one. It seemed kind of strange that they seemed to put together two people with some of the most unusual sounding names in one tour group.

Stretching out his hand Keegan shook Dacs hand "It's a pleasure to meet you" He flashed a smile, charm, Keegan had switched on his charm. "Even though you are familiar with the ministry will you be joining us?" okay, woah Keegan, what are you doing?? You've just learnt this woman's name you can't go trying to make moves yet, calm down man! He scolded himself, he couldn't deny that the woman was pretty but other than her name he didn't know a single thing about her. Thankfully Haley broke in. "Yes, let's start the tour, that way no one has to worry about being late for their jobs." EXHALE. Okay hopefully that saved him from further embarrassment. He was acting like a juvenile who had never seen a woman before and that was not okay with him. Waiting patiently Keegan looked around the Atrium some more, taking in the architecture as he awaited Simon to start the tour.

She smiled at him and said,"Didn't think you the type. Then again, you are full of surprises." as she looked around. He introduced her and Dacs simply inclined her head toward them.

"Pleasure." was all Dacs said with a polite incline of her head. Fresh ones. Dacs tucked her left hand into her jeans pocket and "Excited aren't you? You are in for something different." Dacs said, in a pleasant tone.

She inclined her head at the new comer but didn't focus too long on him. But only long enough to do inventory on him.

Dacs shook the man named Keegan's hand and,"The pleasure is all mine Keegan."

Stepping back a bit she said loud enough, "I do have a minute or two and it is on the way. I'll accompany you down. I do hope to be working with you all in the near or far future." She said looking around at all of them.

Dacs was not one for tours but she would go for a while. She was sure the office was empty. Though she had to prep herself for the case at hand and to brief the MLES on the task. Back to work and she was quite content about it.

After a couple short minutes of waiting Aubrie was approached by a man. Who then introduced himself as Ludovicus Bones. Perfect. It was her first touree. Except for the part that he referred to her as Ms. Hampson. She didn't like the tone of Ms. Hampson. "Please call me Aubrie," she said with a smile as she extended her hand to the man. "It is nice to meet you Ludovicus. We will be waiting just a moment for the other member of our group."

Speaking of which there he came. "Azazel," Aubrie said with a smile as she extended her hand to the other man. "Yes I am. And I believe you are both in MLE?" It was nice that she was taking her own department members on a tour, it made it much easier to tell them the things that they really needed to know.

Looking around the atrium Aubrie decided to start out on the tour. "So for the whole tour part that I'm taking on we are starting her in the Atrium. Which is basically where Ministry guests arrive and such. Also on level 8 we can find the new department, the Ministry Specialty Area, and the Ministry Food Court which I will show you next. This is also where the main security office of the Ministry is, which is also part of MLE," and that was where Aubrie was going to stop talking so she didn't annoy her tourees to much because she knew that she could get annoying when she talked on and on. "Any questions so I don't have to talk your ears off?"

Good, the woman, Aubrie, didn't seem to notice how frantic he was hurrying in. Sure the reason why he signed up for this was to learn how to get around and everything. Still he absolutely hated looking like he didn't know what he was doing. Which I suppose was most of the time when it came to directions and getting around... But he at least looked like he knew what to do which was what really mattered wasn't it?

Azazel grasped Aubrie's hand and gave a firm shake back. "It's lovely to meet you Aubrie." He said with sly grin. "Yes, I am a Ministry Sentinel in the Security part. What exactly do you do?" Hopefully she wasn't too far ahead of him, it made him slightly uncomfortable having to watch what he says in front of people that could potential have him fired. It was so much easier back in a smaller Ministry when everyone knew each other and you were aloud to be a cocky jerk because everyone knew you and knew not to take it so seriously. (Or maybe he just didn't take their authority seriously...whatever)

The fountain really was very beautiful now that he got a chance to kind of glance around. "So I guess I'll be working on this floor when I'm not out patrolling then." What he wanted to say was: "I only have one question, how am I supposed to remember anything you're showing me when my tour guide is so distractingly attractive?" Really he probably had a serious disorder. Maybe he should head over to wherever they research things and offer himself up to science... At least he was able to control himself and only remark "No questions for now."

Mr. Tour Guide?

Simon couldn't help but raise a slight eyebrow as they shook hands, feeling quizzical at the whole nickname he appeared to have been given. Appropriate yes but....weird, t least to him. He brushed it off in favor of more important things like the tour itself and leading the group in the right direction. In any direction other than simply standing where they were. Haley and Keegan at least appeared eager to get a move on.

Not the type...Full of surprises? In truth Simon might have thought the opposite. He had after all be the one to help out when needed, guide his house in both pride and quidditch, and do the best job he could in whatever he had been given. So he had volunteered to do something for his overall boss...it was certainly better then being dragged into being wand-weigher during the last orientation just because he had been the first one to show up. But to each his own and Dacs was allowed her thoughts on the subject.

The auror watched the interaction between Dacs and the transportation workers, unsure what would happen. The woman known to be more a loner. His attention turned fully to his colleague however when the invitation was given, the young man curious to see if she would accept. Simon nodded and smiled when she did, somewhat glad to have some sort of back up even in a stress-less non-dangerous task as this.

"Then we shall certainly go," he said, moving away and not necessarily feeling like he needed to tell them to follow him. It was after all a tour and he their guide. "You've of course passed the Golden Gates and the security checkpoints...the security office is up those stairs," he described, motioning in that direction.

"There is the specialty area which includes our new daycare facilities as well as the food court." Simon was about to offer a warning concerning what had happened just the last few months but he opted not to scare them off. They might just learn about it on their own. "Thats about what you would find here on Level Eight." The auror then headed towards the lifts which were at times the most ideal and quickest way around the ministry.

Next stop...Level Seven.

Vic nodded and gave Ms. Hampson a firm shake. "Aubrie." He was going to let her call him Ludovicus for now without offering her the shortened version, just for kicks. Hearing people stutter over his name had always been a pain when he was young, but now it was really amusing. No need for this tour to be entirely serious, y'know. Cutting off his stream of thoughts, there seemed to be another young man joining them. Vic offered his hand for a shake as well, nodding. "I'm impressed, you memorized my name.." Unfortunately, Vic didn't do the same. But he was a quick learner, "..Mister Azazel Sharpe."

Oh all three of them were in Law Enforcement? That made sense to him, bring the employees closer together. Vic felt a bit old in this tiny group of young adults though. "Yes, I'm part of the Wizengamot." He elaborated after Azazel. "Yes, miss-- I mean Aubrie, what division are you part of?" MLE seemed like the biggest department in the ministry so far.

Anyways, okay Atrium. Yes. Vic had a brief knowledge about this place. He crossed his arms and glanced around for good measure. "Sounds good for me too. I don't work here though." He sent a lazy grin at Azazel before slipping his hands into his pockets. They could move somewhere else now if Aubrie wanted.

Haley went into note taking mode as soon as they started to move onward in their tour, ears almost pricked listening to every detail being given to them. She was an avid listener, okay? Not nosy, of course. But her listening skills were on par of that with her dogs. Security office up those stairs. Duly noted. Not that she'd require that right now, right? Was she going to need them people up there at any point?

New list: Specialty Area.

"No children here, so no need for that!" she quipped, a grin sidelining on her face, before realising that was definitely unprofesional. Ahem. Back to being professional and note taking. So level eight seemed not so much interesting. OH HEADING TOWARDS THOSE LIFTS.

"Keeeegan, come on. We'll get something to eat later and go over my notes." Hey, she was a helpful peer employee.

Keegan briefly heard Haley's comment on the daycare, he was taking in every aspect of the ministry. Daycare for employee's was probably one of the smartest benefits the ministry had come up with, seriously that would mean that employees would only have to leave work if there was a serious issue with the child. brilliant. the ministry was brilliant.

"Huh? Oh sure!" Keegan flashed his coworker a smile, food sounded good though he wasn't sure why she was taking notes... they were only going over what was on which floor... As long as you knew where your floor was there shouldn't be too much of an issue. And it was good to know where the food court was, he wouldn't have to worry about taking lunch.

Um right... so he was HERE to tell people about the WONDERS of side along apparition. JOY OF JOYS!

Said no one ever.

And no, he had not taken the time to make up pamphlets... so...

Taking his wand out of its holster he cleared his throat once before placing said wand to the side of his neck and nonverbally casting Sonorus. "Alrighty, people! Come gather 'round and let me inform you about the Floo Network maintenance and your alternative method of travel! Who here has an apparition license? Hmmmmmmm?" Now where was his adoring crowd? HMMMMMM?

Victoria needed away from the office for a bit. It wasn't that she was having a bad day, but she just needed to stretch her legs. Maybe she needed to start thinking about wearing shoes that were not so high of a heel. Was she getting to old for them, but she liked wearing them. No that wasn't it she just needed to move around more. A walk would do her good.

Not really paying attention to where she was going all of the sudden she looked up and saw the fountain. Hmm she hadn't been here in awhile. Shrugging it off she made her way over closer just to stop and look at it. She had some free time still so why not enjoy the moment to herself. This brought on a little frown, she was enjoying to many moments to herself lately since Bart was living with his dad for a bit. She really hated him being gone and was ready for all this potion stuff to be over so she could move him back if he would even move back. She feared he would put up a fight to stay with his dad now that he had been there longer.

Observation, one of the easiest parts of this entire experiment. Watching people was somewhat his specialty, almost preferred to having actual conversations. This way was easier and he was less likely to say something wrong or something that would work against him later. Now if only he could have gotten a schedule of the people he was meant to be watching, that would have made this so much easier. People like him deserved an easy life, now if only others could see it that way.

Speaking of the test subjects, "Victoria!"

He hastened his walking and soon came to a stop next to her. "So glad I ran in to you. How are you feeling? Anything strange?" Just a few routine questions to start since he'd found her. If something had gone horribly wrong with this batch it would have been good to note while it was still early into this train wreck.

From what he could see she didn't look ill.

Looking at the fountain Victoria was lost in her own thoughts about Bart and what all the rumors were about with the school. Should she send him next term or not when her brown eyes looked up from hearing her name. She wasn't aware of the people around her and usually no one called her name any where but her own department so this came as a bit of a shock. Eyes scanning the area they landed on Gavin. A small smile formed as he got closer. She couldn't help but notice how nice he looked today. How had she never noticed how handsome he was.


She chuckled at his question, why giggle she wasn't sure. "Strange? Gavin dear I have a ten year old you need to define strange a bit better." She smiled sweetly at him. Wow was he doing something different today, she just couldn't believe how adorable he was looking. "But I feel fine, perfect actually. " She was feeling great today and now that Gavin was in her presence much better. "So what are you doing at the moment? You wouldn't want to go to lunch or something. My treat." She just wanted to spend more time with him so why not ask.

Gavin dear? Sweet Merlin. It took him an entire minute to recover from that one phrase. Dear. The potion was working, clearly, but how well? "Hm, strange, like nauseous? Ill? Overly energetic? Disinterested? Loss of appetite?" So they were clear, none of those were meant to happen...not to his knowledge. From what he could tell she looked fine...a bit dazed but that might actually have been a symptom. He would go over that when he got back to the lab.

All the smiling was making him nervous. Could she smile a bit less? He gave a nervous chuckle and some form of awkward smile. "At the moment? I'm observing you. Glad I ran into you actually." And there there was a form of lunch invitation as well. "I'd love to." Experiment, he'd almost forgotten about it. This would be interesting...

"You have anywhere in mind?" She'd offered to pay and he wasn't going to turn her down.

Victoria just kept smiling at him. Wow he was super handsome and she felt herself blush thinking it. "Nope.. I have none of that. I think your potion might not be working." She rocked a bit hanging on his every word. "So have you had many potions fail? I'm assuming not, you are probably just the most amazing potion maker." She had every bit of confidence in him.

A bigger blush went over her and she giggled a bit, again with the giggle. "Observing me? I think you would be a bit bored, but if it gets me more time with you.... Observe away!" She touched his arm a bit wondering if he would mind. No he wouldn't would he? A new excitement went through her has he said he would love to go to lunch with her. See he did want to get to know her more.. This was good... not good great!

Where should they go, she didn't care as long as it meant being with him somewhere. She felt this little ping in her mind when her thoughts tried to go to someone else, but no.. It was Gavin.. Gavin was right here and he was just so cute and she really wanted to know more about him. Putting her hand in his she shrugged, "You pick... As long as I get to go with you I don't care where we eat."