When the doors opened and closed with a soft thud, Erik turned his head from his co-workers and saw a lady much older than him who was walking toward them. He immediately took out his pad and quill from his bag, readied his bag and muttered, "Good morning." He knew he was facing his boss, the Head of the Magical Creatures Department.

She began speaking in a friendly, casual tone talking about reminders, some rules and to show the other Department on the other side that theirs was better. He scribbled them all down just in case he forgot some notes. He smiled at the part where Erica said not to disturb his Phoenix. He loved creatures, but never annoyed them once.

Erik nodded once after Miss Radley finished. "Of course," he murmured. His eyes searched around the whole room and just realized that he was the only man in a room full of women. Eyes growing extremely wide with surprise, he shook those thoughts away. Now was not the time to be fussing about minute problems.

He listened carefully at the others' questions just in case Miss Radley had already answered his doubts. His hand was ready for another speed writing attack.

"Of course, it would be my pleasure to help you in your future cases," he said with a smile and a slight bow. "And thank you for you kindness, Clarissa,"

"You know... it's quite funny that I'm the only man in this Department," he laughed. Maybe the others were sick? Busy in other cases? Late?! But seeing something in Clarissa's face, he added quickly, "It's not that I'm complaining about me being the sole male here," Erik chuckled and shook his hands in front of him. But he wondered whether any other guys would show up...

"Thank you, Ren' Ai," he smiled as she said that his job was interesting.

"That must be pretty bothersome, to come here twice from Japan. That's a lot of money, isn't it?" His bluish grey eyes were wider than usual. But he wanted to change the subject. He didn't like dwelling on financial matters. Erik disliked the idea of someone telling him that they were tight on money or something like that, it was embarrassing for him.

"It's a pleasure to have you here at the Ministry and I would look forward to working with you," he beamed. "Go ahead and eat it! It's really juicy and the skin is extra crispy! But unfortunately, it's not Fiji. It's a Pacific Rose Apple, fresh from my garden," he said joyfully as he took another bite of his own fruit. He was glad she was warming up with him around. In a matter of days, they'll be good friends.

Not counting the muggles she'd worked for, Erica had to be Alyss' third favorite boss. Just the way she held herself and the way that she talked about the Environment Department, or whatever it was, was just... Amazing. Whut. No hero worship going on here at all. Not even in the slightest. Glancing at the bird that Miss Radley referred to, Alyss rolled her eyes. Phoenix's and her didn't get on. She didn't consider them as proper creatures. Buuuuuut. She wasn't going to mention that or anything.

Pfft. Had that actually happened before? Someone let one of the creatures loose? Merlin's beard. There really were some thick people about. Rolling her eyes under her fringe, Alyss gave another sneaky look around the room as Erica called for any questions. No-one better ask one. If they did... She'd.....................

Get bored.

Blinking herself out of the state that she'd began to settle in to, Alyss glance up in the direction of where the voice was originating from, and smiled thinly. "To put it mildly." She responded whilst running a small hand through her hair. Disposal of dangerous creatures senior officer? Jeeeez, that sounded important. Far more important than the job she'd been assigned... SHUTUP. Centaur's were boss. Allowing her smile to become a little more friendly, Alyss nodded, "Alyss, Centaur Liaison." Pushing her bag a little farther under the desk than it originally was, she dropped her gaze from the woman and her lovely hair. She felt so littleeee ): Not in height. She'd got used to that, but the fact that everyone else just seemed so much more grown up.

Now, Alyss usually prided herself on her good eyesight, but when a frantic movement happened to the corner of her eye, she snapped her head sideways.. And nearly screamed. Just in the glance, she'd seen someone from her previous work. IT HAD TO BE HIM. OMG. Looking back up and seeing the back of hiiiis head, she grinned. It would be so much fun working with Quentan again. He just made things SO much better. Placing both hands on the side of her desk, she moved to stand up...

When the blonde turned to look at Miss Radley.

OHKAY. HIIDE. Dropping back down into her seat again, Alyss turned it so that her back was to him. She'd just grinned wildly at a total stranger. And a bizarre looking stranger at that. But she'd done it stealthily. He'd never of seen her. ehehehehe.

Ren'AI smiled. "You're very welcome" she said, nodding. Erik had been able to start gaining her trust quickly.

"It wasn't, really. It did cost much, but my god-sister helped me out financially. She has too much money that she doesnn't know what to do with. So she gave me some" Ren'Ai smiled. Adrianna was very helpful when it came to stuff like that. "She's in Hogwarts, in her second year" Ren'Ai added.

"Thank you" she said, biting into the juicy apple. "Hm. Well, it might be related. It tastes exactly like a Fiji. You grew it? Wow. The only thing I grow is rice, and that was back in Japan. I also raised fish for sushi" she said, opening up a bit. She had grown rice and raised fish for her favourite dish: sushi!

Goodness me, who was that woman who was smiling like a long lost friend? James had a good memory, but he was quite certain he had never seen the woman before in his life!

How frightfully awkward.

But instead of averting his eyes like he normally would, James racked his brain for tips he had read in his self help book: 'Hermit: How to Live Like a Normal Human Being.', and he recalled the following:

'Chapter Four: Smile! And the world will smile with you!

If you catch someone's eye, be sure to give them a little smile. It will make you appear more confident, approachable and friendly.'

Sound advice? James wasn't convinced. Smiling at complete strangers could also make you appear a bit creepy. ..But if that was what literature was telling him to do, he wasn't going to debate it.

So smile he did... rather awkwardly... and just as he did so, the woman turned her back on him..

People could be so strange.

Now what to do..?

He couldn't remember ever reading anything about what to do in this situation. He pondered his options for a moment, and then shuffled over, claiming the desk next to her. “G-g-good day.” He managed before his cheeks, which had just cooled down after the rush here, coloured a pale shade of pink. “Beautiful morning, isn't it?”

Erk. This was totally how you made friends in the work-place. And OF COURSE he was going to smile back. That was just what happened. That was just what normal people did. Glancing back in the direction that the guy who wasn't Quentan was, Alyss nearly joined her bag on the floor. HE TOOK THE DESK NEXT TO HERS. What the heck were you meant to do in situations like this?! Smiling awkwardly at him again, she looked straight at the wood in front of her. There was nothing irregular in this. Just two coworkers making friends.

Flinching slightly as he spoke, Alyss turned her dark brown eyes onto him, biting her bottom lip shyly and swinging her legs below the chair. Beautiful morning? No. Gosh. It really wasn't a "beautiful morning". "Always." What? Um. Always would of been a fine answer if it hadn't come out more like "arwars". "Uh, yeah. Yes. It's lovely." But... Yooouu'ree lying, Alyss Glass.

Oh. Wait. Wasn't she meant to ask a question back? "Um, how's... Your morning been?" Articulate. AR-TIC-YOU-LATE.

Did she want a job description? Well she certainly didn't have time to give out these to all her employees, she expected them to know this information already. "The description was Owled to you along with your acceptance letter, I trust that you read this through thoroughly. If you want a completely detailed description research it, or come by my office later. Your job is basically what the title says." Advising people about pests. Yep.

Ah Clarissa.

A wonderful application she had recieved from her. An older member of the team, much like herself, most of the employees were under 25 which made the department head slightly self conscious. To be surrounded by so many younger people, Erica was thankful for the red headed wonder to be with her. "Are you sure? If there something the whole team would like to know, I'm sure it would be much more efficient to let ask now" Because then she wouldn't have to go repeating herself all the time.

"If not my office door will be open.." Well not exactly. The Blonde woman's office had been protected by a plethora of spells. Not one who liked her privacy being intruded, Ms Radley had performed her own charms to stop nosey neighbours and peeking eyes into her space. Yes that was referring to her 'fellow' Department Head. "..I'll be happy to answer them in there." It surprised her no one had made a comment about their pay rise yet, she was sure that would have sparked at least a little bit of happiness across the department.




Oh she saw him.

Without even having to LOOK at him, Erica had eyes in the back of her head that could spot late arrivals at any time. Yes, tardiness was something she despised at certain times.

"Nice of you to join us James" she turned to the blonde haired man with an eyebrow raised. "As one of my longest serving employees I'd at least expect you to have the DECENCY to turn up on time and show an example to our newer employees" the Department Head told him with a serious expression. "Tomorrow I expect you here bright and EARLY." Or there would be trouble.

Mhmm...

*Smirk*

"I'm kidding with you James" she smiled softly, encouragingly, the thirty two year old knew how unsociable and nervous the young man could be, she didn't want to give him a complex. "How is your err.. Tomato Plant?" she asked. It was a tomato right? Unusual thing to bring to work with you but eh, everyone was different.

That was another thing Ms Radley despised, not being spoken to. At least one of them had actually made an acknowledgment, knew that they were paying her attention, but the other hadn't even noticed she was there.

Well, if they didn't want a pay rise that was totally up to them.

Someone had wished her a good morning. She liked this person already. With a gentle smile, the Department Head nodded once back at the male. The gender balance was a little awkward within this department, the majority of roles had been taken by the females which left only two guys to even out the work. Poor blokes.

Ah well... They'd just have to get used to it wouldn't they?

Though in some mens eyes that could be a good thing. She was sure James wouldn't be so keen, but Erik looked perfectly happy here. Maybe..

"I am sorry, i will read it again!" she said as she blushed, she had asked a stupid question. She stayed quiet and waited for more instructions.

Ren'Ai looked up nervously, biting her lip as she looked at Ms. Radley. She had just realized she was here. Ren'Ai bowed her head respectively, her eyes slightly wider than normal. "Hello, Ms. Radley" she said, her voice extremely quiet. Her paranoia kicking in again. 'Put it behind you, Ren. No one here killed your family. Get over it' she said mentally. SHe took a deep breath and blinked slowly.

"Ahh... you have a nice god-sister," Erik said with a gentle smile.

"Oh yes, I have a garden back home where I grow an apple tree. I like tending to my plants so that creatures of all kind, injured or not, can easily adapt to the place for a while before they set off with their journey," he chuckled. "Rice and fish? Interesting. May I ask some questions? Just out of curiosity... What sort of fish do you need to care for to have good sushi? And how come your rice is always so delicious? Do you guys put spices in them?" he cleared his throat. He had been talking too much and asking a lot of questions. "Sorry, I never had a Japanese friend who could tell me these..." Erik beamed and shrugged.

Ren Ai was good company for his first day of work. She seemed nice and warm, but she was a shy girl. Erik knew that he had to take things slowly so that their friendship could blossom. Anyway, there was a lot of time in the world to spare!

When Miss Radley entered their Department, Erik noticed someone else slip inside and smiled. He excused himself from his friends and walked over to the guy who seemed years younger than he was. Looking around, he also realized something else. They were the only men. In the whole department.

Oh, well. The newcomer looked quite nervous and perplexed. He wanted to help this guy. Maybe he wasn't that comfortable speaking with ladies? Maybe a man-to-man talk would help him get through his first day of work...

"Hey there, need some help?" clearly, he did not. But Erik wanted to make sure he was alright. "I'm Erik Sophronia, Dragon Research Head Officer," he stretched his hand out and smiled.

James was utterly MORTIFIED.

He stood there on the spot, looking at Erica as she reprimanded him.. IN FRONT OF EVERYONE. He wanted the ground to just open up and swallow him. His porcelain complexion flushed bright pink, contrasting against his white blonde hair. “I-I-I-I-I-I-I..” Oh, this was a nightmare. He took a deeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep breath and attempted to form a sentence in his head before speaking aloud. “...apologise.” Was all he managed. He swallowed thickly, totally taken aback that Erica would embarrass him in this manner in front of his colleagues.

He missed the subtly that was Erica's smirk and just stood glued to the spot and not sure what to do but look at the floor.

But her voice changed and he looked up at her.

Kidding?

Oh, thank MERLIN!

His hand went up to his heart which he could feel fluttering away in his chest. His cheeks began to cool. “Y-y-you really had me fooled th-there.” He replied, attempting a small, awkward, embarrassed smile. His plant? The mere sentiment of Erica's enquiry calmed him further. He went to his desk (which was next to the woman who had smiled at him), and waved his wand, summoning the VERY healthy looking plant, now complete with prize winning looking tomatoes growing away happily. “She's marvellous.” He replied, clearly happier. “...And I have something for you. I'll come and see you in your office later if I may?” He gave her a shy smile.

James did not recognise that accent. He gave the woman another small smile and looked at her face, not noticing her awkwardness. It didn't ever occur to him that anyone could be as uncomfortable as he felt most of the time. Anyway, always seemed an odd answer when it came to the topic of British weather. Beautiful morning's were a rare occurrence. He nodded, unsure as to what to say next. That book didn't really give you tips on everyday small talk.

He nodded again, “Very good! A stroll in the sunshine before you begin work is a marvellous way to start the day.” ..Except that was an outright lie, wasn't it? Shame on you, James! His morning had been dreadful, hence his lateness to work this morning.


James shuffled through the papers on his desk. He was terribly nervous about his new job and he was sure Erica had placed him there (despite obvious reasons) because he would be forced to converse with the general public. Up his confidence, that sort of thing.. he wasn't sure HER confidence in him was well advised.

He looked up from the papers when someone approached him. A man. The only other in the department. He shook his head to the question, a little confused. “No.. no. I'm fine thank you.”

The gangly blonde man stood, extending his hand towards his co-worker when he introduced himself. “W-working with dragons? How interesting!” He said genuinely. “I'm James Greenwood. Werewolf adviser.”

Jack entered the work cubicles on time like any other day but that was the problem. One day was no different then the next. He was in wereworlf registry and recapture and had not recieved a new assignment since the refurbishing was complete about a month ago now. As he walked toward his cubicle he saw the head of the department. Perhaps something interesting would happen today. In the meantime he got to work on the usual large stackof paper work on his desk.

Ren'Ai smiled slightly, some of her paranoia slipping away. "Sorry, I was thinking about something that happened when I was young. I was...lost in my own little world" she said, her smile faltering. She would definately talk to Miss Radley later about her past expiriences.

Ren'Ai gained a bit more courage. "what will be my first assignment as Spirit Liasion Junior Officer? I've been pretty anxious" she smiled more gracefully.

Katalin was wondering what she was going to be doing for her first job and she was excited about starting her new job, she had been reading up on all the different types of pests.

Sorry been busy...but i'll promise to be more active from now on.
 

Clarissa wasn't aware of the current number of females versus males in the Creatures department, but she doubted that Eric would be the only man. Smiling she said reassuringly "I don't think you will need to worry about being the only male. From my experience Department head's usually try to employ both genders." But if Eric were the only male in the department then he would get a lot of FEMALE attention. The 35 year old red head had to admit to herself that the man didn't look half bad and if looks were any hint then the man was probably in his 30's or something.


Clarissa wasn't the one to pry into another woman's buisness but Alyss response peeked her interest. "What ruined your morning? You look impecable from head to toe." So the 35 year old ruled out bad hair or clothes day. It could be a tiff with a boyfriend but somehow Clarissa got the feeling that it was more trivial than that.

The next employee to arrive was the guy whom she vaguely remembered meeting in Diagon Alley. He had talked in a very old english way and even stammered a bit if her memory served her right. The man has inquired about her health when she had broken the heel of her shoe and sprained her ankle. Beaming at him as he passed she said "Morning, James! I didn't know you worked here. I'm Clarissa. We met in Diagon Alley, you healed my ankle." The red head quited down as he walked over to greet their department head Ms Radley.

Turning her attention to Ms Radley she cleared her throat "Well i was wondering. With all recent changes to the Ministry as a whole do we still work in divisions?" Pulling her lush red hair she added "Also, since we share a level with the environment folk do we share any common areas with them?" It they did it might be nice to socialize with the other level 4 inhabitants to get a break from the department.

Ms Radley spoke to them again ordering them to take handle the important and most pressing matter's first and then do the paper work. Raising her voice Clarissa volunteered her services "I can keep an extra eye on the filing cabinet it is not that far from my work cubicle unless nobody else want's the job?" the red head looked around at the other level employees to see if anyone would speak up.

"Ahh..." he contemplated on his co-worker's job and swayed back and forth on his feet. This guy sure has a pretty cool job, he thought. Erik was just about to open his mouth to say something when Miss Radley caught everyone's attention.

After their Head of the Department made an announcement, he stuck his hands into his pockets and said, "Seems like we have work to do! Let's talk more later... Well, it was nice meeting you James," Erik half-smiled and trotted over to his compartment and began browsing through his paperwork, checking any alarming reports about dragon accidents or incidents.

OOC: By the way, Erik has light brown hair, not blonde.^_^

Erik was just on his way to his compartment when another man entered the Hall, found his seat and began shuffling about in his job. He grinned at the sight of yet another man. The third one in this department. He walked over to the guy and said in a low voice, "Hey, I'm Erik Sophronia. Welcome to the Department of Magical Creatures. I'd like to chat more with you, but you seem to be busy at the moment, plus I've got loads to do. Anyway, see you later, sir!" Erik slowly trotted over to his own desk and began scanning through some paperwork.


Erik stopped conversing with his co-workers and listened intently on Miss Radley's announcement. It was time for real work. He nodded once in her direction, said good-bye to his friends and walked over to his working area.


Erik gave a small sigh of relief. "Well then that's nice to hear," he said with a smile. He was glad to have an experienced colleague in the department. He could confide in her once in a while. After all, he was quite new at the Ministry, having spent a third of his life in Romania, studying and working with dragons.

-----------For Misses Radley and Clarissa-----------------

Just then, Miss Radley interrupted them with an announcement. Erik grinned and said, "It'd be my pleasure to keep an eye on the filing cabinet, if you allow it, Miss Radley," he said courteously as he stepped forward. Just then, he also heard Clarissa say that she wanted to volunteer too. Erik took a small step backward and looked at his boss. "Miss Clarissa can have the job instead of me, Miss Radley. It's fine with me," he gave her a genuine half-smile.

Jack nodded to head as she acknowledged him but it was not long before she got to buisness. He was hoping she would give them some rough a tough out in the field assignment. Nope, all she did was say do the most important paperwork firstand keep everything in order. Like he did not already know that. This job could get so boring at times. But he kept a straight face smiled athis head as he turned back to wonderful paperwork.

Jack then noticed an employee approach him and introduce himself. There ware so many female faces around here but he was glad to there were atleast some males. Too bad they were not in charge. Surely paperwork would not be the first thing on their agenda. He turned to the person who said hi who had a cubicle not far from his. "Hey, I'm Jack, I am in the werewolf registry and recapture unit. And I am never to busy to meet a fellow collegue (Especiallywhen easy paper work like this would only take him about an hour to do regardless how high the stack)

PM me if you have any plot ideas, I'd love to hear them x
 

Katalin watched her boss walking into the holding room and then started to walk back to her desk but she noticed something small and green escaping from the room.

Jack soon saw his head leave and go into one of the most dangerous rooms on the floor. He was sure she could handle it just fine but as she walked in he noticed she did not close the door. Thankfully the most dangerous creatures were locked up in cages, but still. He was pretty sure he should close the door but he knew if he did not atleast there would be some action around here. He saw a tiny little green type thing lizard he had handled he had handled before, no danger really. Thus jack turned his back on the crature holding room and turned back to his paper work with a slight smile on his face, fun was definitely soon to come, he just hoped the head would not be so absent minded to let anything truly dangerous outside of it's cage.

-le gasp-
 

Jack noticed that a co-worker noticed he ignored the open the doorwith creatures escaping by the look on her face. He tuned around and responed, "This is no big deal. All the dangerous creatures are locked in magically reinforced cages. You can close the door if you want, I just wanted a little action around here so I won't be doing it. But you can, the door does not lock itself, that would be stupid considering we would have creatures escaping all the time since we would never close the door", wow newbies really were stupid at times.