Aw what a disappointment it would be. "No, not Gryffindor. Ravenclaws can be daredevils too. I hazard you were a Hufflepuff then?" Vic popped another piece of cheesy pastry in his mouth before noticing miss Wellington doing the same. He gave her a bemused smile, offering his hand to shake hers back. "Pleasure to meet you, miss Wellington." Department Head? Oooh, waddya know. The background information was much appreciated, too. He gave it a thoughtful look to sink in, agreeing on his department head being good. Definition of the word good was open to debate though.

Speaking of good and bad, Vic furrowed his brow at Howard. "I wouldn't call your name bad. It's traditional, it makes people feel comfortable when talking to you. Better than having them stuttering your name." He grabbed a glass of punch and took a sip.

Liking the ministry? "There's food, it's hard to not like it." Was this their real intention with the whole buffet thing-- Oh wait.. he knew that voice. Turning around, Vic's measured smile turned into a genuine one. "You would say so, Layla." He raised his glass to her, waiting for signs of recognition. "I didn't know you'd be here, I would've appreciated a friend tonight."

Lenny couldn't helped but raise an eyebrow at the situation in general. This was turning quite interesting, quite fast. "And you, Zoe," she said politely, offering a rare smile in the woman's direction, hoping none of the others noticed (she didn't want them expecting things - like happiness - from her). Anyway, Zoe seemed quite nervous, so there was no reason to be unnecessarily rude to her.

Huh? Did she say something about children?

Whatever it was, it wasn't important, because food. AGAIN, she really should have gotten some food from the wonderful looking buffet. "I'm not fond of cherries," she said honestly, making a face. Her stomach, however, disagreed and made a rather loud rumble-sound.

Oh. So that was what Zoe had said.

She kept her surprise under wraps and rolled her eyes instead. "Of course I don't have children. I'm single, anyway," she shrugged, looking over the woman. Yet another person. "And I'm almost twenty, not eighteen. Thank you." That charming lady had hit a sensitive spot; her age. How many time had she been mistaken for 17 or 18. Too many. It was ridiculous.

So, someone had noticed her lack of food. "I'm not eating any sugary foods," she pointed out. "I ate before coming here; though that may have been a mistake, this food looks marvelous." Not just that, it would be rude to just up and leave, even if it was to get food. OH. Lenny smirked. "I, too, work in the Department of Mysteries. The name's Eleanor Locks, but, please call me Lenny." Or don't talk to her at all.

Either option was just fine.

Taking a deep breath he and dipping his forehead with a tissue he looked around him, why were the elevators so small? He NEEDED fresh air! He had been so nervous, standing in such a small space! But now here he was, ready to enter the Orientation Seating Area.

Hyun Joong ran a hand through his hair and stepped forward and looked around him. Where was he supposed to sit? He frowned while he looked around him and searched for some familiar faces, but he saw nobody.

Well if Miss Wellingston really wanted an honest answer Layla could most definitely give it to her but seeing as there were two new employees in their company she'd just reply with a polite smile and a nod.

"I myself can't think of anything off the top of my head so I'm sure that's saying something." Since she was always able to pick out things that needed improving just about anywhere.

Layla chuckled at the man's response.

"Umm..I don't eat ministry food. Though the coffee isn't bad and you can always make the tea from scratch yourself." She didn't trust the food one lick and besides in HER opinion..it wasn't all that good.

It took her a minute or two to realize that she knew that face..she knew that voice!

She mozzied to the other side of the group to give the man a squeeze."Vic! Fancy seeing you here!" Squeeze squeeze."This is wonderful, what brings you here to London?..What department are you in? Tell me everything!" She had a lot to tell him too. She was married and had a baby and so much to tell.

Text Cut: Howard

Quote:

Originally Posted by noodles

The female's attention was back on him and Howard nodded as he listened. “Three years?” His eyebrows raised a little. “Which division do you work for?” Another hand to shake. Merlin. Didn't these people know about personal space and that some people didn't like to be touched by total strangers? He gulped, but reached out and shook the woman's hand out of courtesy. The new Department Head was news to Howard. “I guess it's nice to know I'm not the only new face in the department.” It was reassuring really.

Ella had noticed some awkwardness there, but she smiled and let it go. He was probably just nervous about meeting new people. She had been the same way three years ago. She nodded at Howard, but then got a sort of confused look on her face at his question. Which division? Well, she was the Department Head, so... all of them. "I specialize in beasts, but I lead all of them, if that's what you mean." He had heard her say she was Head, didn't he?

Text Cut: Bones :3

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magical Soul

Aw what a disappointment it would be. "No, not Gryffindor. Ravenclaws can be daredevils too. I hazard you were a Hufflepuff then?" Vic popped another piece of cheesy pastry in his mouth before noticing miss Wellington doing the same. He gave her a bemused smile, offering his hand to shake hers back. "Pleasure to meet you, miss Wellington." Department Head? Oooh, waddya know. The background information was much appreciated, too. He gave it a thoughtful look to sink in, agreeing on his department head being good. Definition of the word good was open to debate though.

A small laugh escaped when talk of Hogwarts houses came up. She didn't know if Vic was trying to be funny about the Hufflepuff assumption of Howard, but it was slightly amusing. "Pleased to meet you as well." He seemed like a nice guy. Maybe she'd be lucky enough to see him around the Ministry after this. If he survived.

Text Cut: Layla

Quote:

Originally Posted by Davvy_Wavvy

Well if Miss Wellingston really wanted an honest answer Layla could most definitely give it to her but seeing as there were two new employees in their company she'd just reply with a polite smile and a nod.

"I myself can't think of anything off the top of my head so I'm sure that's saying something." Since she was always able to pick out things that needed improving just about anywhere.

Layla chuckled at the man's response.

"Umm..I don't eat ministry food. Though the coffee isn't bad and you can always make the tea from scratch yourself." She didn't trust the food one lick and besides in HER opinion..it wasn't all that good.

It took her a minute or two to realize that she knew that face..she knew that voice!

She mozzied to the other side of the group to give the man a squeeze."Vic! Fancy seeing you here!" Squeeze squeeze."This is wonderful, what brings you here to London?..What department are you in? Tell me everything!" She had a lot to tell him too. She was married and had a baby and so much to tell.

There were actually a few things Ella and the other woman could pick out that could be ironed out, but she wasn't going to mention them in front of new employees. She smiled at the woman just as she seemed to recognize Vic.

Oh..? They knew each other? Ella grabbed a cup of water and listened curiously...



...Just as an old friend walked by! Ella smiled at Alex as she passed and gave her a little wave of her fingers. She would have to go say a proper hello when she was done spying conversing with these fine employees.

Victoria entered the meet and greet. She liked the holiday break, but she was glad to be back at work. It was her adult time as well as the fact that she loved her job. Interested in meeting some of the new employees and wondering if any were from her on department, Victoria scanned the room.

Not seeing Mariel anywhere she decided to find a seat. Walking towards an empty table she noticed a guy standing next to it. Was he waiting on someone or was he unsure. "Hello, mind if I sit here? I'm alone so it will just be one chair." Just in case he was meeting someone he would know she would just take the one seat and not bother anyone. "Are you new?" Maybe he was just from another department, she wasn't sure.

On her way to the seating area, the Victoria spotted quite a few familiar faces. They all received smiles and she exchanged a coupe of words with some. Just the usual. [i]How're you? How was your holiday? Excited? It was nice seeing all those people again. And it was also nice seeing new faces who were joining the ministry.

Finally getting to the seating area, the blond took a look around to see where she was going to sit. She spotted a man sitting alone. And she thought he could use some company. Walking towards him, she offered a smile, "Good day," She said pleasantly. "I believe I haven't seen you before, Are you new?" Because she's been working for the ministry for like five years now. So she knew many employees.

"Victoria Smith, Minister's office." She introduced herself extending a hand to shake the man's.

Realizing that it was really strange to be not surrounded with muggles he smiled, his new job would be different than his previous job, working in a muggle factory with his father was no comparison with his new job. But, he was REALLY motivated and honored that he the chance to work as the Ministry Advisor.

Sitting somewhere between the people he didn’t knew, but who were probably friendly he noted that someone sat next him. “Oh, hello!” Hyun Joong sat immediately straight and made a small bow for the woman.

“Of course you can sit here, you are actually the first person I have met since I’m here.”Hyun Joong smiled friendly and offered the women his hand. “My name is Park Hyun Joong and I am the new Ministry Advisor.” Hyun Joong grinned and relaxed.



Listening to all the conversations around him he smiled and sipped from his glass of water, he preferred water at the moment because he was still a little shaky from his experience in the small elevator, he REALLY hated small spaces… The people around him seemed really friendly but most of them already knew each other and were talking with the persons they were with.

Startled because he didn’t realized that somebody was sitting next him he made a short shocked movement with his arm but relaxed when he saw who was talking to him. “Oh, eh… Hello!” Hyun Joong made a polite bow and sipped again from his water.

“I’m indeed new here, I will start soon with my new job as the Ministry Advisor”. Hyun Joong realized suddenly how rude he was and offered the woman his hand. “My name is Park Hyun Joong, it’s nice to meet you.” He smiled at the woman when he heard where she was working. “Oh, I see that we are working at the same department” He was happy that he has met his first colleague

Genevieve glanced up at the woman approaching her, smiling around a full mouth at her. Politely, though, and Vivi made sure to wipe her face and swallow before speaking. "It's amazing. I mean, sure, the whole place has the air of a morgue, but at least they serve good food." Great food. And it was free, and it wasn't pizza. Her day was made.

Oh, societal norms. She offered a hand to the woman. "Genevieve Branxton. MLE."

The nursery attendant approached them, and Genevieve gave the woman a cheeky look before digging back into her pastry. "No children here. I'm Law Enforcement. YATI. That's a trainee Auror, so you know, and I can't do anything important yet. Great at fetching coffee." So they knew.

"Department of Mysteries, you say? I didn't know they hid a bunch of nutritionists down there, bent on critiquing our plates. Lemme tell you, though," Genevieve licked her fingers noisily and prayed no one ever told her mother she'd done such a thing. "Lemme tell you. Turn your attention on the cafeteria, if you want to be wrapped up in what we're eating. Their crisps are abysmal, and I'm not sure the chicken strips are made of real chicken." And take your blamed nosy self off to where people wanted uninvited opinions, kthx.

Shaking the man's hand, Victoria spoke. "Nice to meet you Mister Park," She just met him so formalities were necessary. And she was proud of her hunch, that the man was new to the ministry. She somehow guessed that..maybe by his body language. The way he sat wiping his face and looking around without seeming to recognize anyone. Yeah, she has gained experience. Oh and he worked in the same level, too! Now she had to admit, she didn't guess that. Though it would have been totally epic if she had.

Maybe after more years she'd reach that level of experience?

"That's great." She said enthusiastically. "Well then, welcome to Level-one," She said brightly to him. "I'm sure you'll like working with us." She said encouragingly. "Do you know what position you're going to be filling?" She asked him. Maybe they'd share the lobby. "I'm a secretary. My place is at the front desk," She told him conversationally.

Eleanor was unsure at first what to think of this woman. She seemed nice enough - happy and content with being herself - and oddly enough, Lenny liked her already. Apparently some people could make good impressions on her straight away without trying. Well, there was a first time for everything. Lenny especially liked her, as she seemed to be completely and utterly herself. Not that she could say that that matched her - she hid behind sarcasm so that no one would know how shy she really was.

She laughed at the woman's words. A morgue? That description wasn't all that off, in all honestly. Lenny smirked, before asking, "got any recommendations?" Hopefully Genevieve wasn't the type of person to suggest nasty, horrible food, like sushi to a total stranger. Did they do sushi here? Hmmm. Oh, introductions. She hesitated before taking her hand and shook it. "Eleanor Locks, Department of Mysteries. Nice to meet you."

Zoe brushed her thick red hair out of her face and warmly greeted Alexandria. "How do you do? It's a pleasure to meet you." Her smile faded a little, not quite sure if Alexandria was being friendly or teasing her about what she had said. Either way, Zoe knew she would do her best to be nice to everyone she met. She was in desperate need of some friends.

Wondering if she should have kept her mouth shut about which department she was working in, Zoe decided to keep quiet and listen to the others for a bit. Their positions sounds so much more important than hers. Although, she knew that the care of children was the most important thing to her.

Azazel strolled into the seating area hopefully on time. Honestly he absolutely loathed these types of things. They were all pretty much the same horribly dull office parties no matter where you're from. Plus there was the awful fact that he was forced to dress up in a tie and suit, the inhumanity! But boring office functions and suits and ties were all apart of being an adult. I mean he's 26 already, over a quarter of a century now and it was time to grow up really be serious about things. Stop being so brazen and start focusing on the future. Ugh, what he really wasn't used to though was the size of this place. Coming from only working in either small businesses or small towns it was a little unnerving being a part of something so huge. Also it was a pain to get around and despite traveling so much he was pretty horrible with directions. Frankly it was a miracle he made it this far.

Putting on his most charming 'I-Know-Exactly-What-The-Heck-I'm-Doing-I-Do-This-All-The-Time' smile and not his 'OhGodIHateBeingTheNewGuyIHateThisMusicIHateDoingT his' face, he made his way fully inside. Hopefully there were some interesting people working at the Ministry to help make the night better, and perhaps some pretty girls too.

Unfortunate was an understatement. Rusty grinned at her around a mouthful of potato.

There you go, she was hooked now, asking questions and everything. Easy! We're getting there! He held up his hand as if calling a halt to any more questions and continued with the tale.

"So now they have the key. After a Ministry-wide minute of silence in honour of the fallen, they're in there interrogating the Dark Wizard, threatening him, waving the key in his face, making demands, and finally they agree if he tells them what the key is for he can have his freedom."

Insert dramatic pause.

He leaned back in his chair and spread his hands helplessly. "Turns out the key is just a key, and it has sentimental value.Its not dark or cursed at all. It was the front door key for the home this guy shared with his first love who died in a tragic freak accident involving a cauldron and a herd of porlocks." He grinned. "But that's another story."

Yep. All that fuss and it was just a key.

Emily had continued to shovel chicken into her mouth, partly because it was so goooodd, and partly because she didn't want to interrupt Rusty again. It was amusing, the way he told to tale, made it feel as if it were just that... make believe. Emily chalked this down to his charisma. Perhaps he was just one of those people? All artsy and could spin stories and lies as if it were a fairy tale. Either way, it was entertaining.

"That is one of the most ridiculous things I've heard," she concluded before sucking the chicken juices off her fingers. All of that, for nothing. For a key. Literally, a key. Key in boring door, key. Screw-ups on top of screw-ups, layers upon layers of fail... at least she hadn't witnessed anything like that in her time here. Touch wood.
"... I do feel better though, thanks."
The story had worked like a charm.

"Isn't it though?" He responded cheerfully, already right back into polishing his meal off again. Nearly done now too. See to him it just illustrated that there were screw ups in every Ministry. Every Law Enforcement department, worldwide.

"You're welcome." Rusty licked his lips thoughtfully and realised he didn't have a drink. Needed one. "Listen, you want a drink Emily? If you guard my plate with your Auror powers, I'll be the gopher and get us both something."

Howard's eyebrows raised a little as he looked at the other man, trying to gauge how old he could be. Probably younger than himself. That would be why he didn't remember him from school. “I know.. we shouldn't put labels on things.” He replied. “No-no.. I was a Ravenclaw too.” But Howard got why the man would think he had been a Hufflepuff and why Ella was seemingly amused. It wasn't the first time he had been mistaken for a yellow.

...Apparently Hufflepuffs gave off anxious vibes.

Still, cleverly disguised as a nervous, stuttering wreck, Howard was an avid reader and a bit of a nerd brainbox.

Traditional? He supposed that was true. Still, he didn't particularly like his name. “I believe I'm named after my great great uncle. Or...” He paused and thought. “...some old fogey.” Shoulder shrug. He eyed the punch, wondering whether it was safe to drink. With his copious amount of allergies and the way alcohol made him feel, it was probably best to avoid it.


Oh, she was the big boss lady! Howard smiled in an embarrassed way. “I-it must be very interesting... and rewarding. Do you have a magical creature you're particularly fond of?”


This woman didn't eat Ministry food? Howard gulped nervously. “M-may I ask why?” He asked. He eyed the table of food with growing suspicion. “I'll be sure to come to the office armed with all the makings of tea.” He nodded, grateful for the advice. “I'm Howard.” He offered, but didn't offer his hand which was back in it's home in his pocket.

It appeared his Vic and the new woman knew each other so, allowing them to converse, Howard took a step back..


..straight into another Ministry worker.

Howard's eyes widened and he span round to find another male employee. “I-I'm sorry.” He stuttered. “Curse my terrible clumsiness. A-are you alright?”

Emily chuckled, yeah.. she still couldn't quite believe it. It sounded fictional, as if everything that could go wrong, did go wrong. Hilarious and terribly sad at the same time.

Leaning back in her seat, now that story time was done, and her meal was complete, Emily shifted in her seat and cast a gaze across the room. There was an invasion. With perky, happy, chatty people, stuffing their faces with food... the irony of it all.
Emily grinned. Guard the plate? In exchange for a drink. "I would, thank you" she nodded, "and don't worry... your plate is safe under my watch," she added, giving Rusty a wink in the process.

He eyed his plate and then grabbed a forkful of roast beef just as a goodbye of sorts and to tide him over on the mission for drinks, then Rustin stood up and placed his fork on the plate.

"Any preferences? You don't seem the champagne type." So he didn't want to just go and presume to grab some or anything.

"You're a superb judge of character," or at least, he hadn't gotten her wrong yet. Something different. "I'll go a firewhiskey if they have it... or feel free to surprise me. I'm feeling adventurous." Chances were they didn't stock the hard liquor, owing to the fact that they were supposed to be working sometimes soon.. ish.. at least. Though O-days were such a waste. If Wes hadn't laid down the law about making an appearance, well she wouldn't have made an appearance.

Taking his time, Dart hadn't realized that his 'bootifool queen' was already ahead of him and inside where all the food was. Eh. Woman they were always moving too fast, but the way Amy walked it had Dart wolf whistling at her. Wowie, did she look 'Em-ez-ing'. Boy she did.

Following her lead a few minutes later, Dart went on with his own stylish walk. Winking at a few people here and there and then pausing his Leroy smirk as he reached his wife's table. But no he didn't collect food, just yet. He needed to finish showing off his suit some more. He turned around and smirked as he saw Alex looking straight at Amy. Jealous wasn't she? He be could so tell she was. Heck all these British people were jealous, because the Leroys here were clearly the best looking. He turned and winked back at his beautiful wife. She was lucky, but then as was he.

So nice, it was to not have a baby with you for a change. Sebestian was a handsome baby and all, but dealing with that thing almost 24/7 was a bit much for Dart and he was glad him and his Amy could be out again, alone. He watched her pat her stomach. Fat Amy was clearly fading and being replaced back with her usual thin self, now that made this man smirk even more.

"Meh bootifool, you look better zan any of zeeze gurlz 'ere." Wink. Wink. It was important she knew that, and food was probably important too...if it was French food that was. "Food." Grin. He grabbed a plate and began filling up.

Hyun Joong smiled friendly at the woman but wondered what her name was. “And what is your name, if I may ask?” he hated it to not know how he needed to call somebody he was talking to and calling her just ‘woman’ was not such a good thing. He also hoped that he didn’t offended her by asking it.

“Ah, thank you! I’m feeling already welcome here” grinned Hyun Joong but he wondered if there were also stairs in this building. He hated it to take the elevator but he hasn’t seen any staircase since his arrival. But asking about it would be strange, so he stayed quit about it. He only hoped that his new job was not in a small room, he hated small spaces!

“My new position?” Oh, this was a question he wanted to have answered too. “I only know that I will be a Ministry Advisor but I will be informed about the exact details when I have asked it by the front desk.” He tapped with his finger on the table, deep in thought, it was nice to be here, he hasn’t been in a place with so much witches and wizards since he had been graduated from Hogwarts.

“A secretary is a nice job, i have worked before at a muggle factory with my father before he stopped working and i KNOW how important a good secretary is.” He nodded to himself and was relieved that he himself had also a stable job in a office with his own desk (he hoped.)

Victoria made herself comfortable and smiled at the man. Oh he was new well at least she just hadn't been in her own little world and not noticed him in the Ministry before, but it could be easy not to as big as this place was. "It's very nice to meet you Park Hyun Joong. Did I say that correctly?" She always worried about saying it wrong not only pronouncing but her small Australian accent that she had picked up over the years didn't help at times.

"I am Victoria Maroon. It's a pleasure to meet you." She took his hand in hers and shook it. "Oh Ministry Advisor that sounds interesting. I work in the sports and games department myself." and she was itching to get back to her desk and begin the work she had been doing over Holiday. "So where are you from? What did you do before coming to the ministry?" To many questions.. she hoped not.



Victoria scanned the room she had been speaking to one new employee, but not he was off talking to someone new, which was good. He needed to meet new people. Where was Mariel. Her friend and coworker was always at these functions. She hoped everything was alright. Speaking of alright she wondered how her son was doing at home. Thankful that her mother was able to stay with him so she could make an appearance even for a few moments. Even though it didn't seem anyone was there from her department. Shrugging it off, she probably just hadn't seen them yet was all. She would find them soon.


As she wondered around not meaning to Victoria bumped into someone. "Oh excuse me, I'm sorry." How could she be so clumsy. Straightening her dress she smiled at the young man. She figured he was younger, most seemed to be anymore even though she was only 32. "Are you having a good time?" Why not make some small talk while she was around, that's why she was there to talk to new people, right?

HUZZAH!

Patrick had made it through that hall without anyone putting their hands on or near him. It took a few evasive maneuvers, but he had succeeded. No sweaty palmed handshakes FTW.

But now he would mingle. Maybe. Maybe not. There were a lot of weird looking people in this room... but he did scoot casually up beside a chick just as she said her name was Victoria Maroon unfortunate name, that was. Not that he would tell her that, yet. Heh. But he did smile and give a nod in her general direction. Oh look he had a drink in one hand and a pamphlet thing in the other. NO HAND SHAKES. Bam!

As Zoe sat with the other ladies, chatting and waiting for what ever was supposed to happen that day to start, she saw a young man enter the room alone. He didn't appear to be headed towards anyone, so Zoe assumed he must be new as well. In her most friendly voice, "Excuse me, you are welcome to come and sit with us." She hoped he would hear her so she didn't need to yell out over the noise of the room.