Level 2 Foyer and Inner Corridor
 

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When you step out of the lifts on level 2 you'll find yourself in the main foyer. Theres a nice little seating area where you are more than welcome to relax, but don't loiter with intent because you're bound to be questioned by one of the paranoid, suspicious employees who work on this level. Still its a nice break area, and quite often you'll find people sitting here for a quiet chat or a coffee, though you'll have to find the coffee itself somewhere else.

Further down the wide inner corridor you'll find the bathrooms, a maintenance closet and of course, the main entrance to the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. There are portraits all along the wall of former Department Heads, some glower at you suspiciously, others grin at you suspiciously, but they all quite like attention and you're more than welcome to check out the nameplates and say hello.

You are here.

Damien looked around and gave a nod at both Dacs and that peppy looking chick as he followed Van and sipped at his coffee.

"Can't get rid of this one... I reckon I should tell you. That kid... the Dakest kid. He is staying with me til he gets on his feet. Was apparently homeless after leaving Hogwarts. And if you make one joke about me being a father... or something like that I might have to hex you," he said with a level eye on his friend before the smirk took over.

Ha.

No.

HAHAHAHAHA.

Evander narrowly managed avoiding spitting up his coffee.

"He's... he's enthusiastic, that one." And SO very Gryffindor. There was really NO other way of putting it.

"Is he due here today or is he out training?" Considering their YATI apprentices only worked the MoM part time, the rest of the time they were undergoing their auror training as per the usual way.

Oh lovely. Gone choke on coffee in the foyer. Damien narrowed his eyes for a second and then sighed.

"Yeah. He is. And kind of... wearing rose colored glasses. Which is terrible. I will fix him up though. Reminds me a lot of myself at that age. I think... it's hard to remember that far back, really," he said with a chuckle. He was funneh sometimes.

"Not a clue actually. I probably should have asked, yeah? I am trying to teach him to be... more something," Damien grumbled and sipped at his coffee some more.

"Seems to me, you should know where your team should be at all times." Evander commented in what wasn't quite his Dept. Head voice. To early, not enough coffee to be completely serious about it. He winked at Damien. "Bloody hell, at that age I can't imagine you at all. You probably would have been a Gryffindor yourself."

Thoughtful pause.

"Or a Hufflepuff perhaps. Here, you heard about that ship?" He figured the idea would appeal to his friend. He absently greeted a few of the portraits as they sauntered by.

Yeah. Yeah. He should. It was REALLY early though. And that kid was almost too happy for Damien to stomach that early in the morning. So after a few customary grunts and such he had left out.

Giving Van a nod/shrug combo he looked at the portraits they were passing... until...

Damien broke out in a grin at this. "You know I get the prophet. I am thoroughly intrigued by this ship business. It's an old schooner, yeah? I would love for the babysitter to let us out there and check things out. I mean... that Headmaster dude," Damien chattered on.

Dacs nodded at him and sat down. Of course it was a bit early to go straight to her desk. She pulled out her little black book and a quill and began writing. She always wrote down over flowing thoughts of whatever nature or topics.

"I got the distinct impression that Tate was judging us when we were there, didn't you?" Overblown babysitter had no right to pass judgment on them. And EVANDER wasn't even an auror.

"He's former ITF." That explained a lot. Some of the ITF were great, mostly the ones that came from Hit Wizard or Auror backgrounds, but the others, whew boy did THEY come with a trumped up idea of themselves, particularly if they thought - if they were deluded- that their training was somehow better.

There'd be no chance of Evander joining Yeti-Watchers-R-Us thats for sure. Pshh.

"As much as I know you'd love to go explore the thing, we've got bigger fish to fry." He downed his coffee and banished the cup as theypassed the bathrooms and arrived at the reception

It was just fate. Evander had no idea that Lily had come to visit, and the only reason he was currently heading in to the department via the lifts was because he'd just been on level 1. Lucky for him Borr hadn't been there or he'd be in a bad mood.

Lily always cheered him up though and right now was no exception.

He recognised her from behind and grinned as he walked up as quickly as possible. The portraits gave him away, most of them acknowledging him respectfully, a couple of the more old fashioned ones with a bow as he approached.

Lily had paused to look over her shoulder and see if she could pick out which portrait had whistled at her, when she caught sight of the man from the corner of her eye. The other portraits greetings only confirmed it.

"Have you been following me?" She asked, tilting her chin up to eye him. She grinned and held up the cup, "I brought you coffee. It's not as good as mine, but I thought it would do."

"I'd follow you everywhere if I could." Van answered. Hehe. He hadn't been, but he DID like the idea.

"You're a lifesaver, woman." Really. She was. He took the cup and before drinking it he leaned over to kiss her cheek, pulling her in for a one armed hug as he did so.

"I need it intravenously." The coffee. Stressful times. He took a long sip from the cup and sighed. "So, did you just come on a coffee run or...?"

Hmm. Lily didn't get the opportunity to say it, but she rather liked that idea as well. She returned hugs and shrugged, "I was out with Stella, and decided to come by and steal you for a while." That was exactly how it had happened, too.

"Lunch." She clarified, "I'm sure you've heard of it. It's that meal between second breakfast and dinner?" Grin.

"Stella." Right. She was a bit scary that one. "Had fun then, I trust?" He wondered what Stella had put her up to this time. Last time it had involved his teeth.

"You missed out afternoon tea and second afternoon tea, those come before dinner too." Van, big eater that he was, pointed out with a grin in return.

He tried to school his face though, wouldn't do to look all goofy in front of the troops.

Lily nodded, "She says hello." Among other things that she wouldn't be passing along to Evander QUITE yet. "I will try to remember that next time." Hah. She'd really only mentioned it because she'd heard her mother had forced him to eat food.

Lil reached for Van's free hand and gave it a tug, "Are you free, or am I going to have to pout and sulk to get my way?" HMM?

"I'm sure thats hardly all she said." Van commented wryly. Healers. They were a type. He raised one eyebrow at Lily over his coffee cup, took a sip and then dropped another little kiss on her cheek.

"... hmm."

That was...

He grinned.

"You might have to pout and sulk." Just for funsies.

"You're right about that." Lily relented, "But it's nothing that you need to know about right now anyway." It was quite possible that she was simply withholding information just because he was being a tease.

Lily did pout.

Tease.

Van was aware. He was.

He laughed quietly and bent down for a kiss to make that pout go away.

"Anywhere particular you want to go for lunch?"

Lily grinned. "It's a surprise." She gave his hand another tug, "Can we leave from here, or do you need to go back first?" Or did she just have to POUT some more.

"I think one of these portraits whistled at me, by the way." She was quite flattered about it too.

"Hmm. We can leave from here." They'd be fine without him for a bit. "I'll take a lunch break."

He squeezed her hand.

"Yeah? They get frisky."

YAY! Not that Lily would have minded if he had something that needed done before he left, but she liked that she just got to STEAL him away. Hehe. "Let's go then!" She waved at the portraits, and then she and Van started back down the corridor, in the opposite direction.

Why was it never a slow day for her? Her life would be so much easier if she didn't have to deal with a lot of crap every day. With a sigh Laurie left the hectic office and decided to work down in the bowels of the place today.

Before she made it to the lift though she ran into someone who definitely didn't belong and she frowned, "Are you lost?" He definitely looked lost. Maybe she shouldn't have asked she didn't have time to show some lost soul around.

Really? He was asking her if she was lost.... "Of course I'm not lost." Didn't the boy know who she was? Ugh maybe he was new. "I work here."

She held out a hand to him and smiled. Yes, play nice. "I'm Laurie Henderson. Director of Public Prosecution." More like a bunch of paperwork than actually prosecuting anyone to her dismay so far. "You are?"

Now he was bouncing? Laurie raised an eyebrow as she watched him refraining from making any comments at the bouncing boy. It was kind of...endearing.

Shaking his hand she couldn't stop the chuckle that escaped as he said what his job was. Welcoming people to the ministry. How...odd. "Interesting position, Plymouth. I'd have to suggest staying there until things get back to normal though," she said with a wink. Unless he liked filing paperwork which case she always needed assistants.

"And what brings you up here so far from your post?" He was supposed to be in the Atrium right? UGH. Atrium...reminded her of Hunter and the mistake she'd made being with him that night. She really shouldn't have done it yet.... Not right now. She'd analyze when she had time which at this rate would be never.

Laurie watched as the poor boy started staring at his shoe and bit back a sigh. She was supposed to be nice wasn't she.

"Well I'm sure you'll decide for sure when you're ready." Most people weren't like her after all and knew what they wanted to do since they were little.

Wait there was a commotion in the Atrium? Hmm interesting. "Well that explains everyone running off," she mumbled. "No, I was heading down to the court rooms for some peace and quiet. It gets too loud up here for me to work at times." Not to mention she was a bit anti-social. Okay more than a bit. "Umm...I think you are. I'm not really sure. Security isn't my business." Nor did she really care as long as she wasn't in danger. "So what kind of commotion was it?" And was she going to an even larger stack of files on her desk tomorrow.

An escort? Hmmm. "Umm...Sure." Why not. Maybe he could keep an eye out for anyone wanting to bother her. Heh. "I'll show you around down there if you want." Give her a break from the stacks of paperwork on both of her desks that was for sure.

The minister was unhappy with the temperature.... OOOOOOOoooooooookay then. She bit her lip on any remarks about it though because the walls did tend to have ears and focused on the other part. "Wait you're maintenance?" Oh great. "You work under Hunter?" Of course he did. Faaaaaanfreakingtastic.

So, this was level two, eh? Good old Magical Law Enforcement. Mason had never been on level two before and he was extremely bored. So why not? He wandered around the foyer, making eye contact with all the portraits of the former Department Heads. One grouchy old looking man glowered at him, while other younger ones had pleasant smiles.

Well, it was better than level one. First of all because there wasn't an elephant a giant oaf Lord Borr thumping around, yelling nonsense at people all the time. Second of all, because it seemed more inviting with all the portraits. The nice ones, that is.

Andie was wandering around the ministry, exploring the other departments so if she ever were to have to go to them, she'd know her way around. Then she saw him. IT WAS ANAKIN SKYWALKER! :whaa:

She ran over to him and instantly started babbling. "MERLIN! YOU'RE ANAKIN SKYWALKER! AREN'T YOU?" She was pretty much yelling now. Andie had always thought she would react better if she were to meet Anakin Skywalker, but now she was too busy fangirling to care. "Anakin! How did you come back to life?" She asked a moment later, calming down slightly though she had a giant grin on her face.

So, Mason was minding his own business, right? At least he thought so. But he nearly jumped out of his socks when a squealing woman charged at him. His arms flailed a little in front of him to block his face, just in case she wanted to punch him.

It took him a minute to realize what the woman was saying, and even then he was utterly confused. Ana-WHO?! Anakin Skywalker?! Who the hell was that? And what kind of name is Skywalker? Mason stared at the woman. Come back to life? "Er... I don't know... what you're talking about." Mason began to edge slowly away, his hands still up, protecting himself from the insane woman. "I think you've got the wrong person..." o_______O

Andie narrowed her eyes at him. Clearly Anakin didn't want to be found out. It was OK with her though, she understood he wouldn't want to be found out after he turned evil and everything, and then with Padme's death and all.

"Of course you don't know." Andie said, sarcasm dripping from her voice. "You're Anakin Skywalker! I swear you are! I even have a signed Anakin poster at my work desk. You look and speak exactly like him! You know, 'the force', lightsabers, Obi Wan Kenobi!" Andie was now thinking maybe he had amnesia or something, so couldn't remember his real identity.

Emily was pacing again... she did it when she was annoyed, and restless, wanting to do something. This whole stakeout idea was brilliant. It gave her an excuse to stay at wo all night-- which generally wouldn't have been a good thing, but considering the current circumstances she was determined to work harder then ever to bring the Cult to its knees.

Especially Recard... after the way he treated her he was lucky to still be in one piece. She was a fan of pyrotechnics after all.

On her way to the cmec/iumo/mmao and wizengamot area she happened to come across Blaise in the Inner corridor... she stopped and smiled.
"You're staying too?" she asked taking note of the coffee in his hands.

"I was just on my way in.. wanna join?" she asked, continuing to head in that direction, but looking back at him.

LOL fan of pyrotechnics *falls over*
 

Head leaned back on the wall, the sound of footsteps made his eyes snap open and turn his head in their direction. There's no way that anyone else would be as much of a lunatic as what he was. It was either that, or someone planning to hex the MLE into pieces.

But it was the first option. His lunatic girlfriend was standing there staring at him.

Not really staring, but looking, leading, tempting him to follow her. She was good at that sort of thing. WOMEN.

All he could do was manage a nod to answer her questions. Slowly, notes clutched tightly in hand, he stood up and began to follow her in the direction of wherever it was she was headed. Might as well have good company for a late night.

SORRY for the wait! D:
 

Was that sarcasm? Mason blinked and furrowed his eyebrows. His hands were still up, protecting himself from this insane woman. "No, no, I really don't know..!" He told her.

She had a signed picture from this Anakin bloke at her desk? I look like him? And talk like him?! Mason squeezed his eyes shut and shook his head vigorously. He had to be dreaming. "Wha-I-the force?! What the hell is a lifesaber?!" His eyes were wide, she was talking gibberish. She was mental. She escaped from St. Mungos...?

Mason started edging away backward away from the insane lady. Obi Wan Kenobi? "Erm, bless you? Look, I've gotta go..." He pointed his thumb near the lift and started to back away.

Being as it was lunchtime, Evander was heading OUT to get something.

And was pleasantly surprised.

And grinning like an idiot.

"Well aren't you a sight for sore eyes."

Van ALWAYS caught her before she got very far. It was like his Lily senses were tingling. She was pretty sure he totally had Lily senses. "Are you talking to me, or the food?" She asked, grinning.

He totally did.


"Will I get a kiss or a smack if I say the food?" Hehe. He'd meant her of course. Evander swooped in and dropped a kiss on her cheek before she could decide on the latter.

"I did make the food, so I guess it's okay if you're more excited about it." She thought on that for a moment, "But just this once." Ooooh. Kisses. Lily returned a kiss and then held up the package. It smelled AWESOME, if she could brag for a moment. "Hungry?"

"Yes of course.." Obligingly Evander sniffed it and made approving sounds.

"Come on, we can eat in my office." Well. There was no break room on level 2 after all.

And a bit of privacy with his soon to be wife wasn't such a bad thing was it?

He took her by the hand.

Lil was well pleased by the little scene Van made to appreciate her cooking. Hehe. She made a little scoot to push them both into movement. She very much liked the idea of sitting with Van in his office. Hehe.

"The portraits are unusually quiet today." She commented as they started to walk.

Stepping out of the lift, Esme glanced around the rather nice place that appeared to be a waiting area, or...perhaps not. There seemed to be a few seating arrangements, but she had thought that the waiting area would have contained more.

Looking around, she took a few steps further, hoping to come across another employee so that she could ask just where she was supposed to be.

Isobel needed some fresh air. She'd come into work early this morning, and had been working for a good few hours now. So she was going to head out, and have a little wandered around diagon alley, before coming back into level 2. She wasn't really paying attention to where she was going, not until she got the foyer area anyway. That was when she looked up, noticing that someone was there.

Ooh. "Hello..." Isobel smiled, as she stopped by the woman. She looked a little lost, which wasn't really the best thing up here. "Are you okay?"

Oh, thank goodness someone had appeared. Esme had begun to wonder if she'd have to go back downstairs to ask how to get to the waiting room. How embarrassing that would have been?

"Hello." She greeted the woman with a grateful smile. "I will be as soon as I can find the reception area and waiting room. I was just hired recently, and there's supposed to be an orientation of some sort to be held?"

Isobel smiled at the woman. So she was new here. That was nice, she'd noticed that there were quite a few new employees around. "Got your Id?" Isobel asked, still smiling at the woman. She quickily thought that maybe she should add something though. So she didn't seem too rude. "I don't mean to appear rude, but you can never be too unsafe with the cult around." Because that will be fine.

She nodded next though. "Do you know which division you're working in?" Izzy asked, feeling quite interested. It would be nice to have some new faces in the offices. "I'm Isobel Montogue, I work in the Auror offices."

Esme glanced down at her blouse and jeans. She lifted one hip slightly to show the ID tag clipped to her pocket. "Of course, it's no problem..." Her voice trailed off. "Cult?" She repeated, her brow creased in askance. "What cult?"

She shifted her weight to her other leg and uncrossed her arms. "MLES." She held out a hand. "Esme Bass, Evidence Retrieval Officer." An Auror, hmm? Very cool. "You've got a pretty cool job." She remarked with a grin. "Been here for long?"

Aubrie walked unsteadly off the lift. Gosh those lifts made her a little motion sick. One thing she was for sure to ask was if there was anyway of getting around those lifts. Carefully she pulled a bottle of water out of her bag and took a big gulp. A bit better.

Aubrie looked around and finally saw a receptionist desk and waiting area. Taking a quick look around she walked over.

Isobel smiled as she glanced down at the woman's ID. "Perfect." She nodded. Well at least she knew she actually worked here. She didn't know about the cult? Isobel frowned. "The Cult of Walpurgis." She added with a bit of a scowl. "You will probably here about them more from Mr bole." Isobel nodded, not willing to talk about it any further. They had to be careful, there could be a lot of Cult Moles around, especially within their department.

"It's nice to meet you Esme." Izzy nodded with a smile, looking more relaxed now. She had a feeling that this Esme was good, which was a very good thing. "It is..." She nodded with a smile. "I've been here for about a year, but I worked on the international task force for 10 years before I came here."

Esme's face blossomed into a smile as Isobel voiced her satisfaction with the ID, though the expression turned into a frown when she spoke of the cult. Cult of Walpurgis? That...didn't sound good. "Of course...thanks for the heads-up though." At least she was aware of such a presence, but she was curious to know more. Who were they? And why were they here?

A recently shaped eyebrow arched. "10 years? Very, very impressive." She nodded slowly. "What sort of work did you do? I, myself, recently finished my training in forensic investigation...but I was a Healer before that."

"It's okay." Isobel nodded with a smile. She definetly wanted to make sure that all her collegues knew about the cult, that way they could put a united front on for facing them. "If nobody tells you about them though...come back to me." She nodded with another smile. It would be nice to get to know Esme...over a nice talk about the cult. Obviously.

"Yup." Isobel was very proud about her time abroad, but she was much more at home here. This was her life now. She loved it. "Just protecting the wizarding world abroad really. I enjoyed it, but I prefer working here." She used to be a healer? "Well...that should come in useful....having an ex-healer around."

Relief flickered across the woman's face as Isobel offered to share further details about the cult should no one else do that. After all, if this cult was something to be concerned about, then she should know about it. "Thanks, I really appreciate that." Esme replied.

A smile lifted her lips as she took note of the pride in Isobel's voice as she spoke of her time abroad. Same feeling that she had when speaking of her own job. Not enough people had pride in their achievements. "Must have had quite the adventure."

"Well, I certainly hope that I never have to use that training, but it is definitely an advantage." She remarked mildly.

"It's okay." Iosbel smiled at the woman. "I didn't know much about them until I began working here, so it's okay that you don't know too much." She'd only learn more, which would be a very good thing. "Our desks will probably be in the same area so you can feel free to ask me anything." Because she was totally up for helping the new employees.

"Yes....I loved it." But had had to get back. "I had to come back though....I missed home a lot." And she'd couldn't stay no where near her ex-husband. So all in all it was a good thing. "I'd hope not..." But you never knew in this kind of job.

Well, at least she wasn't the only one who was completely clueless about this so-called cult. "Thanks..." She said. "Makes me feel a little better considering that I"m pretty much clueless. I'll be sure to keep an eye out regardless." Esme glanced down the hall to where she assumed the desks lay. "Great! Looking forward to working together. It'll definitely be a learning experience."

Something flickered in the woman's eyes as Isobel mentioned home. "I can understand that..." She said, her voice trailing off. "Better to be prepared though." And it was. She had a feeling that the experience would pay dividends in the future.

Lights gave the foyer and especially the portraits on the wall a sunny smile as she walked through. Some portraits smiled back at her, a few even waved, but many just stared at her sternly. Lights suppressed a shiver. Even in painting form, Magical Law Enforcement officials were so intimidating ...

And now to Level 2. Ethan stepped off of the lift and onto the new level, his blue robes swirling around his ankles. A quick scan of the room showed that this was the Magical Law Enforcement department. Ethan decided to move off to the side of the room and look like he needed something to do. This part of his plan was easy because, well, he needed something to do. It was his first day on Maintenance, and he had just been pretty much rejected on Level 3, as apparently Magical Accidents and Catastrophes had everything under control. Which makes sense, considering that's their job... he thought as he recounted this, a critical look on his face. Ethan soon became aware of how silly he looked, however, and promptly returned to looking as important as he possibly could. This proved impossible, though, because Ethan, as a 19-year-old Maintenance worker, wasn't very important-looking. He began to rock back an forth, and scanned back and forth around the room, waiting for someone to spill something, or for something to break, or anything, really, that would give the Ministry a real reason to pay Ethan for his 'work'.

Lights walked out of the lifts - and right into a young man standing there. Her coffee - which was already congealing, proving how bad it was - spilt right over him and onto the floor. "Oh my gosh! I'm so sorry!" said Lights, turning pink. To be truthful, the guy looked a little lost. She didn't think he was a Law Enforcement employee - he just didn't look the type somehow. "I'm Lights Salamander, Security Officer. Anyone you want to see?"

And his wish was answered! Upon being marauded with thick, boiling coffee (which felt more like syrup on his robes), Ethan turned quickly on his heel to see who had ran into him. He wanted to thank them for making a mess. Then, right as he turned, the girl introduced herself. Lights... Interesting name. he thought as he tried to come up with an official-sounding answer. He didn't want to be kicked out for some reason or another. "That's fine, really." Ethan bought himself more time by casting a few Scourgify charms and cleaning the coffee syrup off of the floor, the girl, and himself. "I'm Ethan Lennox. Maintenance. Nice to meet you, Lights," he said, "Anyone I want to see? Well, I'm not sure if I have to see anyone or not. We were told to patrol the levels and see if anyone needed something, erm, maintained." Here, Ethan paused and looked down a little. "It's my first day, and I feel really lost."

Lights smiled at Ethan. "Nice to meet you too. It's my first day on the job as well - I've met my co-workers, and one seems a bit ... frosty." Lights sighed. "Do you think being cheerful is the same as being childish?" Because she had really only been cheerful ... really. "People have described me as a lot of things, but not childish." She smiled ruefully. "What about you, do you like your co-workers at Maintenance?"

Ethan shook his head. "No, to both questions. Being cheerful is good, not many people are capable of it. And, inevitably, they're usually bitter towards those who are capable of it. And no, I don't really know anybody. I kind of, went off alone to see if anything was broken, or messy, or something, and you made that cone true. I want to give them a reason to pay me, you know? Maybe it comes from having been a Ravenclaw, maybe it's a little pureblood pride showing through. But something makes me want to prove myself to anyone and everyone, and I usually make a fool of myself first," he said. Ethan gestured over towards the seats, and took a small step that direction. "Want to sit down?" he offered.

Lights made a noise of sympathy. "Sounds like you've got a lot on your plate." She smiled at Ethan. "I was a Ravenclaw in Hogwarts too, and it was a lot to live up to. It's like everyone expects you to be perfect because of your house, huh? But you don't have to be worried about proving yourself, Ethan - you're a nice guy, and that's what matters." Lights sat down on the seats, patting the one next to her. "I can tell that without even knowing them. Tell me about yourself. Family, friends?"

Family? Ugh, Ethan didn't like to think about his family. But, alas, he had just met this girl and it was only nice to oblige. "I'm an only child, pureblood, from pureblood parents. They were both avid Muggle-bashers. Ever since I was a kid I didn't agree with it. I moved out once I finished Hogwarts; I didn't want to hear it anymore! They tried to shape me to be like them, and I didn't want that," he said, sounding rather bitter, but softening his tone as he spoke. The bitterness picked up again, though, as he added, "I've vowed that if I ever have children, I'm not naming any of then Jacob or Catherine." Ethan looked back up at Lights, scowling at te memory of his hateful, and thus hated, parents. His eyes, though, showed vulnerability. "Sorry, I don't like to get like that..." he trailed off.

Lights smiled. "It's okay. You obviously don't like your parents, and you're obviously nothing like them. I don't like my dad - didn't like him." Lights looked down. "He ... until I was ten, there was almost no end to him hitting me. All the time, for the slightest thing. My mum tried to stop him, but ... She was strong, but not that strong. He left when I was ten, just before my brothers were born. Two years later he died in a car crash. I always remember him, though." Lights pulled back her left sleeve to expose a long scar running the inside of her arm, following the veins. "Just before he left ... it was like he couldn't help leaving a mark." Although she'd always have a bigger mark, but she didn't tell Ethan about that. It could wait. "My mum died when I was seventeen," mumbled Lights, still not looking at Ethan. "She was the best mum anyone could wish for ... but she died. She was into extreme sports, see, and she went to this one place often. Cliffs, overlooking the sea and really dangerous rocks. But that was what Mum liked about it - she loved the danger, the adrenaline rush. She was an experienced rock climber, it shouldn't have happened ... her rope snapped, and she fell. I saw the police photos of Mum lying over the rocks, her back broken ..." Lights swallowed, images flashing through her mind. She wiped away the tears, and then looked up at Ethan, her eyes flashing. "They found out it wasn't an accident, though. It was murder. Someone cut my mum's ropes, knowing she'd fall and die! And I just want to know who did it." Lights felt her momentary anger ebb away, and she slumped back on her chair, her head in her hands. "I don't know why I'm telling you this. I've never talked about it before, except with my older sister." Lights didn't know why, but telling Ethan made her feel better.

Did she say murder? thought Ethan, his jaw dropping open in shock. "Yeah, why are you telling me this?" he asked seriously, but not in a way to suggest that it was a mistake. "It's alright, Lights, everything's fine. You'll be able to find your Mum's killer now that you're part of Magical Law Enforcement. And you know what?" he said, moving over and hugging her as she buried her face in her hands, "I'll help you do it. It's not like I have anything else to do anyways." He pulled back from the hug, placing his hands firmly on her shoulders. "What do you say?"

"Thank you," said Lights. She smiled at Ethan gratefully. "I don't know how we'll do it, though. We don't know anything about the murderer except that they were a witch or wizard, because the cut was so exact it had to have been made by a Severing Charm." Lights frowned. "If my dad was still alive, I would have suspected him, but other than that ..." She was silent for a moment. "This is actually why I joined Magical Law Enforcement," she admitted softly. "I wanted to be an Auror, so I'd have access to the murder file on Mum's death. Unfortunately, that didn't happen." Lights was starting to feel her great mood slipping away, so she grinned at Ethan. "Hey, I've got to go. Want to meet after work, at the Muggle pizza parlour outside or something? The pizza is awesome!"

Did she just ask me out? Ethan thought quizzically. That was odd for him: he was usually the one doing the asking out. But Ethan wasn't about to pass up an opportunity. "That sounds great!" he said, "I love pizza. Want to meet there around, oh, four thirty?" He wanted to carry out the conversation they were having. And, of course, there was pizza in it for him... Ethan stood up, extending a hand to help Lights out of her seat as well. "We do have to go back to work. I'll see you at four thirty?" he asked. He wanted to be reassured that she would show.

Lights smiled, accepting Ethan's help up. "Four thirty's great." She didn't let it show that her mind was whirling. Did I just ask a guy I've barely known for five minutes out? She grinned to herself. Ethan was a nice person - it wouldn't hurt to meet with him. Lights herself had dated a few times in the past, but never seriously. And she'd never been the one to do the asking ...
Lights grinned at Ethan over her shoulder as she walked away in the general direction of the conference room. "See you soon!"

As Lights practically skipped away, Ethan smiled back, then checked his watch. It was two fifteen. "Two more hours?" he complained to himself. He stood there for a minute, wondering what had just happened. Suddenly, though, he snapped out of it and started patrolling the level, looking for a mess to clean up, smiling widely. The rest of the day is going to be a bit more bearable now. he thought as he made his way around his new favorite level of the Ministry.

After getting out of the lifts, Regina found herself facing a beautiful room which was nicely decorated. It was very cozy, warm, and was welcoming from ceiling to floor. She walked with grace and poise as she made her way to the main entrance leading to the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. She saw a lot of people in the place, but didn't know anyone so she decided to go straight to where she was supposed to be: at her desk, working on her new job.

Maybe when she has a break, she'll go and try to meet new people. Yeah, break time. Good idea. She smiled as she passed a few people, while she arrived at the door leading to the waiting area. With a quick look behind her, Regina thought to herself, 'These are the people I'm gonna have to see everyday of my life. I might as well remove them from being strangers and start making them my friends.' And she opened the door to the reception room.

Jess <3
 

And the detective was back. Helena noted how Ryan seemed to deliberately ignore her question. As he stated that there was something she was hiding, Helena bit her lower lip and leant back in the chair, resting her head against the wall behind her. It was almost as if her voice had ran away from her.

"I'm scared." Well, that was an understatement. Terrified would be a better word. "I don't mix well with pregnancies... There's always been complications. Lots of them... Some of them nearly costing me my life." Some of them costing me a child's life... Helena paused for a moment, wondering if those tiny details were ones the man in front of her had been able to figure out previously. She crossed her legs, and blinked away a few stray tears. The woman really didn't need to cry now. "I don't know if I can go through with it a fourth time."

Numble steped off the lifts he had forgotten how crazy those lifts were he chuckled to him self,it felt great to be back in the ministry hed been gone for while every since and he snapped out of it he didnt want to think what happen it was the past and should stay there he started to walk to the reception area he couldnt wait to get started in his new department. as he reached the reception areas door he takes a deep breath and walks in.

He heard someone approach but didn't have the care or the energy to look up. Not when he was trying to control himself from launching into some tirade about justice and respect and Merlin-knew what else.

So, he was surprised when he found himself chuckling a little at Legend's words. With a weak effort, he reached out and very gently gave the other boy's head a slight push, more to mess up the hair than anything else. It was a silent way of saying he appreciated the offer, but he could never bring himself to hit one of his friends. No matter how angry he got.

"I wouldn't suggest, you offer the same to Wesley." Letting out a huff of air, Sabel pried his head away from the wall and turned, dropping his back against it instead. "I fear he'd take you up on the offer, and then some." He chanced a small, humorless smile at Legend before turning his eyes down the hall.

"...You make me feel like a five year old with a temper. Do you know that?"

Both of ya :3
 

The smile lasted for about as long as Legend's joking manner did. With the agreement on his statement however, it quickly turned into a wince and a down-cast frown of embarrassment and shame. Tucking his hands slowly into his pocket, he pushed at the tile of the floor with the toes of one shoe. "You really know how to make a guy feel like an two-faced jerk, don't you?"

It wasn't said in such a manner as to be offensive. In fact, it was as much of a compliment as he could muster in his mind frame. He deserved to be reprimanded, though he found himself responding much better to Legend's manner than he had to Wesley's.

His eyes flicked up at what sounded like a mixture between a cough and a laugh, his eyes catching on Simon. He tried to manage a small smile for the other YATI member, one that tried to apologize without words for his ... display, but it was a weak expression at best.

"I just..." Frustration drew one hand out of his pocket and back through his hair, chancing a brief glance at Legend again. "I feel like they're trying to muzzle us. It felt like saying anything alternate of what they would have agreed with was just...a 'no' factor." Maybe that was just his own stuffed brain. The hand drew down his face.

He was glad he didn't care too much as to what came close to his face and what didn't. Legend was just, strange that way.

Legend held out his arms and shrugged. "It has to be done sometimes. I heard that's how you keep people modest." You know, keep their ego's down and all. Clearly it hadn't occurred enough with Legend because he still thought he was the best thing since sliced bread.

His eyes never landed back on Simon. Whatever, the guy could listen if he wanted, or go and find some pillows. He didn't care.

Well...at least Sabel was thinking and not just running his mouth. Though Legend doubted Sabel was the type of person who just ran their mouth. He had a reason for his anger and hostility toward Wes. A reason that...made sense. "It's not a just a feeling. It's true." Legend shrugged. "But there are ways to handle it. You know...side step it to make them think we are agreeing with them when really it's the other way around. You can't go straight defying them. They are Auror's...Hit Wizards....Sabel they have thick heads-" He reached out and knocked the other mans head twice. "-just like us. Probably why we were accepted into the program."

EXTREMELY thick heads. Legend had a theory that everyone who worked at the MLE had their skulls coated in cement. "They believe what they want to believe. Just like we do. And if you want to get past that, do what I do. Annoy them so much they don't care." It worked with Emily all the time, and probably would work with Wes.

Now that he thought about it....it had to be tested.

"I'd...be careful what you pick up from me." Sabel mused with a half-smile. Goodness knew the ministry didn't need Legend learning how to run off with his mouth like Sabel did. It was reassuring to hear however, that he hadn't lost all confidence with the other YATI's; or with Legend at least.

Shaking his head a little, he tucked his hands in his pockets. "You go ahead. I think I need to walk this off and...think some things through." He gave the boy a small smile, turning to leave before a sudden thought had him halting.

"Legend," his eyes turned back to Chosen, "What's going on between you and Simon?" As far as he remembered, the two had never been so teeth-to-neck before.

Sabel's smile at Legend's agreement quickly faded upon the boy's explanation of the strange situation that had arisen. For a moment he worried his bottom lip between his teeth, considering the other man. "If anything, there should be respect because you shared a dorm." Living together required respect, period. Then again, young people did foolish things from time to time, he knew that as well as anyone.

"Give it a day or two. Might just be nerves." Letting out a slow breath, he drew his hand through his hair and gave Legend a lopsided smile. "In the meantime I'd suggest not doing anything too harsh. And don't send them after Emily's desk. She will light their hair on fire...and yours."

The teasing smile dropped a little for an more serious expression. "I can have a chat with him if you like." Not that he ever knew Legend to pawn off his problems on someone else, but hey, he was offering so it wasn't really 'pawning'.

Roxanne needed to get out of the office for a minute. Just for a minute. Find someplace with more comfortable chairs. Her office chair was comfortable enough, sure, but it made her bottom hurt after awhile. Coming upon the small seating area in the foyer, she smiled. Ah, those chairs look inviting. She flopped down into one, stretching her legs out in front her, crossed at the ankles. She leaned her head back and sighed happily. Yep, perfect. Now, if only she had someone to talk to to keep from becoming too relaxed and falling asleep…