Feeling very phantom of the opera or perhaps, more Fifty-Shades of awkward, Conley paused near the entrance to the atrium. He’d been busy trying to find a suitable replacement for the Mexican Ambassador and therefore hadn’t really been paying attention to the time. While he had thought they were going to be late, it appeared that they might be the first ones here. ”We aren’t early? Are we?” Conley asked turning Sachin. For some reason, the idea of them being the first ones here made him feel old. On the other hand, he was just glad this year’s event wasn’t taking place in the greenhouses again.
He hadn't had time to go home and instead had changed into a satin blue suit and matching mask in his office before coming own to the atrium.

Adam hadn’t planned on buying a new suit. The green one he had worn to the last gala/ball/ministry dancing thingie had been perfectly fine. It wasn’t like he had the need to wear suits often and it had been a couple of years, but for some reason, he had found himself purchasing a new suit because he hadn’t been able to find a suitable matching facemask for his green suit. The mask felt a little pointless to him, and because he couldn’t ear his really ugly glasses, he was going to have a hard time navigating things tonight. The only reason he hadn’t pulled out his old support cane was because Zita had agreed to come with him. And for that he was very grateful, not to mention he was excited to show her off. Just because he couldn’t see her, didn’t mean others couldn’t. That being said, he wasn't sure how he was supposed to introduce her to people. "How are ve to know each ozzer?" he asked Zita, reaching for her hand.

Ilse honestly could not believe she was here, that she was doing this, but she knew there’d be a lot of important people here from the ministry and she had to get to know them at some point. Standing at the edge of the event space, she smoothed her purple gown and double-checked to make sure her mask was secure. Taking a deep breath, she exhaled and made her way into the masquerade ball.

Unsure of where to go, she made her way to one of the circular tables near the dance floor and took a careful seat, not entirely confident of how to move in the fancy dress.

Oliver shifted the mask so it sat comfortably over his face as he entered the atrium for this evening’s masquerade at work. He was thankfully not on call tonight and could enjoy himself in full, but if a lady fainted in front of him, he wasn’t going to look the other way. Oliver surveyed the set up with the dance floor and buffet table as he took in the classical tones that floated from the live band. It sounded catchy. This setting felt like something taken straight from a muggle Victorian high society novel that his mother adored to read. It was a really good thing that Oliver had let Anna persuade him to buy a new attire for the evening or he would have felt very out of place. Picking up a glass of something bubbly from a passing waiter he took up a standing place near the fountain. Hopefully this would turn into a glorious evening that he’d end with exchanging a kiss with a beautiful woman.

Charles was not sure how exactly he had been convinced to hold such a lavish and gaudy affair, though Alphonsine had assured him that he had indeed come up with the idea and that it was a very good one. He supposed it couldn't hurt, this change up, and that more formal...even regal events for the Ministry were just as good as the more wholesome and intimate settings he often leaned towards. He was dressed for the occasion as well, donning robes of warm yellow and vermillion with a crown upon his head that he felt was a bit too much even for himself. Though this too he had been assured was perfect for the occasion. Slipping his mask on before emerging from the shadows (the muggle prime minister had been in for a true treat of the eyes this evening during their monthly meeting prior to the Minister for Magic's arrival to the Atrium), Charles took a moment to steady himself and drank a bit of tonic brewed by Airey. He had been quite taken aback by the Mysteries' head's offer and skill with a cauldron, he had not know the man in such capacity, but the tonics were helping immensely with the fatigue he had been feeling as of late.

Posture straight, Charles stepped into the romantic lighting of the Atrium seeking out Victoria to greet his employees and their guests. "Good evening, Ministry," he bellowed jovially, though with a little less luster than the norm, while politely waving his hand to each in passing. He was quick to note the younger Miss, rather he assumed she was a Miss seeing as she was unaccompanied, and made his way over to her. She...may have been one of the new faces he had passed off to Bain to help conduct the background checks necessary for new employees. "AND a good evening to you," he smiled warmly at her.

Ilse watched in wonder as other people began showing up. She marveled at their outfits and their masks. Everyone looked so amazing! As a man in elaborate yellow robes entered, she knew right away he must be the minister based on the way he held himself. When he addressed the growing crowd, her suspicions were confirmed.

When the Minister caught her eye and began moving toward her, she immediately began to panic. What did she do? Should she stand up to greet him? Was she supposed to bow? What was she supposed to call him? Did he know her name or did she need to introduce herself? Before she’d riddled anything out, he’d closed the distance and was speaking to her.

Guess we’re going with staying seated then...

The Minister’s warm smile eased some of her panic, but only slightly. ”Um, yes, good - good evening Minister... Sir. Quite the uh - quite the party you’ve put together. Seems like it will be a super fun... fun night,” she babbled nervously.

SPOILER!!: Hubby <3

Quote:

Originally Posted by Krel Ansell

Feeling very phantom of the opera or perhaps, more Fifty-Shades of awkward, Conley paused near the entrance to the atrium. He’d been busy trying to find a suitable replacement for the Mexican Ambassador and therefore hadn’t really been paying attention to the time. While he had thought they were going to be late, it appeared that they might be the first ones here. ”We aren’t early? Are we?” Conley asked turning Sachin. For some reason, the idea of them being the first ones here made him feel old. On the other hand, he was just glad this year’s event wasn’t taking place in the greenhouses again.
He hadn't had time to go home and instead had changed into a satin blue suit and matching mask in his office before coming own to the atrium.

Sachin really enjoyed attending the British Ministry’s orientations. The huge plus was that he could always attend as Conley’s date, at least whenever plus ones were allowed. He’d met his husband here moments ago, having come directly from their home. Conley, on the other hand, had been too busy being occupied with the processes involved in replacing an Ambassador. “Well,’’ Sachin began, fidgeting with the watch strap on his right wrist. “We may be among the first.’’ For he could see a few figures lurking here and there. His mask, matching with his tie, was already in place but through it, he looked over Conley appreciatively. “That suit’s something,’’ he complimented softly. Sachin knew all too well that Conley hardly had the time for investing in clothing but when he did… wow. Just wow.

“Shall we, Con?’’ Foodie Sachin wanted to check out the buffet area. Maybe they could have a dance later. But one thing for certain? The Indian Ambassador would be trying to figure out who’s who.

There was something about this atmosphere that suited Emilia. She loved the mystery, the attire that went along with it, the way the music floated just above the heads of those that entered the atrium, a whisper in the air asking them to dance. It was lovely and she'd promised her cousin she'd make the most of the evening, so that's exactly what she planned on doing.

The brunette paused just by the edge of the dance floor, swaying slightly to the music. An amused smile tugged at the corners of her lips when the minister made his entrance, a king in looks and spirits tonight, it seemed. She let her gaze linger on him for a moment more before scanning the rest of the area around her for familiar faces. Some company might be nice.

...

This food, though! In typical fashion, Mariana had made a beeline for buffet, having skipped lunch so that she'd have enough space to try every delectable option being served tonight. Adjusting her mask, the botanist tried to decide whether going for dessert first might be frowned upon. Probably not, right? Besides, she was incognito tonight. Maybe no one would even know it was her. This masquerade thing had been an excellent idea indeed.

Gabriel was absolutely out of his element at this party. Fancy getup? Masks? Dancing? He wondered if this was a regular occurrence at the Ministry. The masks were a problem, in his mind...if he made friends tonight, how would he ever find them again? He had complied, though, wearing a simple black suit with what he thought was a fun mask, and a matching purple tie. Not quite as elaborate as the Minister's outfit, apparently, but he hadn't really wanted to stand out at his first event.

And not keen on being among the first to start dancing, he made his way to the buffet table. He could always do small talk about food, and it happened there was a lady (Mariana) standing there already. Good evening," he greeted her politely, noticing her mask. He gestured at the flower. "Is that a tiger lily?"

Nathaniel pulled the collar on his hunter green velvet jacket followed by pulling both sleeves down to their proper placement. If there was one thing that Nathaniel enjoyed outside of coming into the ministry and working for the games department it was getting to dress up in his nicest outfits and mingling. These were things he was good at. With a final tug on his simpler half mask that matched his jacket he glanced around for a familiar face. He wished he had been better at dating since his time here in Europe, but much to his mother's dismay he was still the bachelor.

Taking a trip around the room he glanced at other peoples masks and outfits, the bright colors made him smile. Maybe he should have gone with a bolder color. He was immediately regretting not standing out like he used to do in his younger days. Although he supposed the hunter green jacket was a statement in of itself.

Jane Howard paused a moment on the threshhold of the elaborately decorated room. This was it at last--the beginning of her new career with the Ministry of Magic, and a return to the pursuit of her passion, Alchemy, after a detour of several years to serve as governess to her old school chum's daughter.

She mentally pictured herself in her masquerade getup--she'd tried for something restrained yet elegant enough for this event, and hoped her dress
dress and mask were suitable. She was definitely looking foward to conversing with someone above the age of 13, and after surveying the lay of the room, headed over to the buffet table to see what (and who) was there.

”Is it?” he asked adjusting his bowtie. His outfit had been been something he’d managed to put together without letting Sachin see, wanting to both surprise and look good for his husband. ”Not too flashy is it?” He was fidgeting and he knew it, but to be honest the mask was making him twitchy. ”You’re not going to wander off are you?” He had this foreboding feeling that if Sachin did, he might not be able to locate him again. After all, these events tended to be well attended.

It seemed Sachin wanted to mingle. Very well. He offered Sachin an arm. ”Fancy a dance?” Just as he said that, his stomach growled a little. In a hurry to get to the ball on time, Conley had, unsurprisingly, skipped lunch. He hoped Sachin didn’t hear the noise over the music. ”Or should we check out the buffet?” He certainly could use a drink.

Just then someone joined them. ”Evening,” Conley greeted the woman with a smile. ”Lovely dress.”

This was a security nightmare.

That was all Bain could think of as he stood off in a corner. His arms were folded across his chest and he was frowning. The frown wasn’t unusual, but perhaps it wasn’t as noticeable behind his mask. If only he could find a way to stay in this spot all night, but he didn’t think that was going to be a possibility. He’s chosen the spot for numerous reasons. It was dark. It was out of the way. From it, he could see most of the Atrium.

It might be a party, but he still had a job to do.

Sian was feeling herself tonight in her eye popping yellow gown and bedazzled mask. A mask that looked good enough to eat, because it was. Only the highest quality of edible sugar could touch her skin, just as only the high quality of animal furs and skins were allowed. Like the simply divine chinchilla skin clutch she had her eager fingers curled around. It only held her lipstick, a delightfully sweet from all the way across the Atrium smelling vanilla in a deep shade of crimson, but it was so soft to the touch that she couldn't quite help herself as she caressed her cheek with it now and then.

"BAIN! BAAAAAAAAAAIN, BABY!" she called when she spotted her colleague from across the way. He truly gave her the heebie jeebies but it was also great fun in making him roll his eyes and knowing he couldn't do anything about it. "BAIN! Let me know if you want a lollipop!" she continued as she pointed to the coils of silk black hair a top of head. "I'm packin'!"

A fleeting finger wave later and Sian was sauntering over to the next victim person to fall on her radar. Other than Minister Hollingberry, that is. She would make her formal greeting of the evening to the man later. First, this man {siriusblackliveson} needed his elbow rubbed by yours truly. "That green is a very smashing color on you," she cooed while offering him her hand. To shake, to kiss the back of, the choice was his. "It really brings out the alacrity of the eyes." Her own were caught between glimpses of her fluttering flirtatious eyelashes. A trademark of her schoolgirl days at Hogwarts where she wore yellow robes as well. "Sian Llewellyn. Department Head of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes. Enchanté."

Although Regina wasn't always the biggest fan of these new year celebrations, she had kinda been looking forward to this one ever since she'd gotten the invitation. There was just something really appealing about a masquerade ball. The elegance, the mystery...getting to hide behind a literal mask instead of a figurative one... It was magical and enchanting in its own way.

Fortunately, she'd been able to borrow a dress from one of her sister's friends, and she'd bought a mask from a shop, and...well, here she was, admiring the decor and the outfits all the guests had chosen for themselves.

A few people she was able to recognize despite the masks, but the rest were either new hires or...she was bad at remembering everyone, even after being at the Ministry for a few years now. That was entirely possible honestly.

Maybe she should do better, starting now. She wasn't hungry yet, and she didn't want to dance right now - not that she had anyone to dance with even if she did want to. So that left...mingling.

Which, honestly, didn't seem like such a bad thing right now. Wearing a mask made her feel less self-conscious.

Walking over to one of the people she didn't know - or thought she didn't - she smiled. "I like your dress."

Kendra knew she looked stunning in her red gown and coordinating mask, but she couldn't help the nagging feeling at the back of her head. Transportation had such major issues over the past couple years that frustrated her to no end. She knew her team wasn't incompetent, but the continued problems with the Ministry fireplaces and the lifts said otherwise, at least to the outward eye. She knew they were continuing to service the inner transportation equipment as often as it malfunction. But as soon as it was up and running properly again, it malfunctioned again. She was about at her wit's end.

But she tried to push all those nagging issues out of her mind for the time being. It was a party, and an extravagant one at that, and she was trying to have a good time.

A loud, shrill voice caught her attention and Kendra shifted her eyes towards the offending sound. Merlin. Their newest department head was going to give her a headache and she had only just gotten there. Best to move on. Making her way towards the champagne, she picked up a drink for herself and gave the man nearby (Oliver) a pleasant smile. "Hello... Nice mask." Fun thing about masquerade parties, you didn't always recognize who was behind the mask. So she didn't know if she knew the man or not.

Were they early? Most probably. Hopefully.

Missa obviously had to drag Eiji here as soon as she could because obviously she wanted to be incredibly punctual for this very official and fancy party. Because, in all honesty, this wasn't just a party for her, this was something more.

This was a new beginning. And Missa wanted it to be everything she was hoping for it to be. Dressed in a long, maroon, elegant dress and a gold mask - the former ravenclaw squeezed Eiji's hand and tugged him along with her.

"You know what my problem with all of this is? I won't be able to SEE any faces, and I really want to know who I will be working with" she said, looking around - and definitely feeling some type of way seeing all the other women there. For a moment, she felt like she was a little girl - just playing dress up.

But all those thoughts went out the window, the moment she spotted the minister of magic, "oh my god, look at your grandpa!"

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dances_With_Potter

Ilse watched in wonder as other people began showing up. She marveled at their outfits and their masks. Everyone looked so amazing! As a man in elaborate yellow robes entered, she knew right away he must be the minister based on the way he held himself. When he addressed the growing crowd, her suspicions were confirmed.

When the Minister caught her eye and began moving toward her, she immediately began to panic. What did she do? Should she stand up to greet him? Was she supposed to bow? What was she supposed to call him? Did he know her name or did she need to introduce herself? Before she’d riddled anything out, he’d closed the distance and was speaking to her.

Guess we’re going with staying seated then...

The Minister’s warm smile eased some of her panic, but only slightly. ”Um, yes, good - good evening Minister... Sir. Quite the uh - quite the party you’ve put together. Seems like it will be a super fun... fun night,” she babbled nervously.

Perhaps it was his wrock roots that had him accustomed to the extent of being nearly oblivious to the fact that his presence could cause for a certain type of reaction. Or perhaps it was his grandfatherly side coming in to play and how often he had flustered his children and grandchildren's friends. Specifically their significant others and even more specifically one Lewis Rasting. He really should not be proud of the fact that he had nearly tricked the young man to walk into the incorrect platform at King's Cross but...he still chuckled at the memory. It was a good one. One saved for his personal pensieve and proof that his fatherly instincts had been absolutely spot on.

Speaking of grandchildren too...one of his ought to be here this evening as an escort to one of the newest YATI...

His brilliant blue eyes focused on the adorably frazzled woman before him, doing his best to not look around for his grandson, and offered her an even warmer smile. "Minister will do and thank you. I have an outstanding event planning team that turn any vision and concept into a reality," he boasted with a bit of a puffed out chest. "Though it would likely be a more enjoyable evening from somewhere other than a seat."

He said this gently, of course, and with a very paternal sort of wink and amused click of the tongue.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Samia

Were they early? Most probably. Hopefully.

Missa obviously had to drag Eiji here as soon as she could because obviously she wanted to be incredibly punctual for this very official and fancy party. Because, in all honesty, this wasn't just a party for her, this was something more.

This was a new beginning. And Missa wanted it to be everything she was hoping for it to be. Dressed in a long, maroon, elegant dress and a gold mask - the former ravenclaw squeezed Eiji's hand and tugged him along with her.

"You know what my problem with all of this is? I won't be able to SEE any faces, and I really want to know who I will be working with" she said, looking around - and definitely feeling some type of way seeing all the other women there. For a moment, she felt like she was a little girl - just playing dress up.

But all those thoughts went out the window, the moment she spotted the minister of magic, "oh my god, look at your grandpa!"

He loved his girlfriend. He missed her terribly and would waste no opportunity now that they were in a long distance relationship with his studies taking him all the way to Kyoto, Japan for Advanced Alchemy studies. Let the fact that he was here and in an emerald green satin suit be the proof in the pudding of these facts. But he was miserable and wanted nothing more than to drag his feet or take the floo right back home.

Her question elicited nothing but salty commentary inside his head. He could think of a list of ten things he had problems with easily. One of them being something she pointed out soon enough. Grandpa.

This was truly mortifying.

"...please don't." Bring any attention to them that would make his grandpa, the Minister for Magic, notice them. He was pretty sure that he could not endure the reaction. He had heard stories from his dad.

Adjusting his own mask a bit, the former Slytherin found himself grateful for its presence. Even if it meant that he may converse with someone he would rather not.

"I'm sure you'll have plenty of opportunity to know your colleagues. Also there is this peculiar thing called language that may help you throughout the evening." He meant it to be light teasing, but his grandpa attire was so loud that it was distracting and some of that discomfort and disapproval was seeping in to his tone. "Would you like to dance?"

It was an inevitable part of the evening so may as well just get into it right off the bat.

The Minister’s demeanor was not at all what Ilse had expected. Of course, she had anticipated that he would be charismatic and charming, he was a politician after all, but she hadn’t expected him to be so... friendly? Was that the word she wanted? As he winked at her and clicked his tongue in a teasing fashion, she couldn’t help but be reminded very acutely of her grandfather. At his insistence, she stood up from her chair, being very careful not to stand on the hem of her dress, which she knew she’d trip on at least once this night. ”Yes, of course Minister. I was just sitting for a moment and taking everything in as I’ve never really been to anything like this,” she explained. ”Also, I don’t really know anyone yet...”

Sure... that seemed like a completely acceptable excuse to be a party pooper wallflower.

Eureka was impartial to parties usually, especially formal work-related ones, but a masquerade was actually fun. Granted, it was a little weird they'd have a party where faces are hidden considering the circumstances but she was not going to miss out on this. She was not going to attend on her own like she had been doing before. Today, she managed to get Cox to be her date tonight. Linking arms with this piece of human candy, she walked into the hall with a subtle smile.

"Fancy, right?" she kept her mask on, it went well with her dress and hair. It was interesting pretending to be hiding when this was on her face. It made her feel eerily secure and safe. Was it the mask or the man next to her? Probably the mask...

Luther had a half mind to just skip this masquerade. He didn't like to accessorize, and wearing a fancy mask was accessorizing. So, he just wrapped a black cloth around his eyes and made up two holes to see through them. With his black shirt (two buttons open from the top) and silver grey pants, he thought he looked alright for a work gathering.

The drinks were his destination as soon as he walked in.

What was it with head people and their need to always be so loud and in the absolute center of attention? First the minister of magic who at least sounded jovial but the shrill voice of a woman whose dress made her look like a big yellow lemon was just too much. Oliver’s ears wanted to curl in on themselves. Please someone come and rescue him. Sooner rather than later his wish was granted as a woman in a stunning red dress with an accompanying mask approached him.

Taking a sip of his own bubbly glass he gave a little bow to the woman. "Thank you, madam? Your red dress is very stunning too. I'm Oliver by the way, I work for the Minister’s Office." He wasn’t going to reveal that he was a healer just yet because he didn’t want to spoil the conversation. Usually if he said healer he’d have to spend a lot of time answering questions about health issues big and small and he wanted a night without that.

Laurel’s colour for the night was blue. Her whole attire from mask to dress and shoes were in a dark bluish shade which was supposedly very trendy at the moment if you believed in witch weekly’s fashion column and her trusty tarot cards. With Aaron dropping off the triplets at the daycare Laurel headed into the atrium to find them both something to drink while she waited for her hubby’s arrival. Laurel sang along to the current classical song as she headed toward the drinks table. Stopping next to Luther who didn’t seem very keen to dress up and thus had just used a black cloth for a mask she smiled sunnily at her colleague from level 9. "Hello Luther, what drinks are good tonight?"

The seeds were planted and they'd been watered for some time now, but fruits of her labor were still slow-growing. It was frustrating and the impatience was beginning to get to Alphonsine, but she knew all of their tedious and tireless efforts to this point would be well worth it. There had still been so much accomplished to this point and none had been the wiser. It was almost easy now and even this party was a testament to that.

Still, there was something missing, a very important something that should have been acquired by now. It was likely the source of the mild annoyance niggling at the back of her mind, even while she wore the sweetest of expressions as she mingled through the crowd.

Alphonsine was on the hunt for a specific department head....no, not that one. Behind her elegant mask, she cut side-eyes to the very loud and newest of the department heads. Did she really need to be at an 11 all the time? Even if Alphonsine preferred a more subtle approach in pretty much any interaction, Sian wasn't her concern today. Even if she did feel the start of a headache coming on. It was someone else she needed to speak to. Someone, she was starting to get the feeling, who was avoiding her, which was not something she was used to.

As her eyes casually scanned the crowd, she reached for a glass of bubbly and approached a couple engaged in conversation (Luther and Laurel). "It really is a shame that the Ministry floos keep malfunctioning, isn't it?" she said lightly, making small talk and shaking her head a bit before sipping her drink. "Seems like it's been ages since they've worked properly. It's really difficult for those of us who are unable to apparate." Really, what was going on with the transportation department that they couldn't get it fixed? But she did wonder if anyone else was having the same issues that she was since the floos and the toilets and even the lifts weren't quite functional these days.

Jane looked up as several people spoke to her. Well, it seemed her choice of dress had been successful--she rarely paid much attention to fashion, but she did feel it was important to be dressed to suit the occasion.

"Thank you, I was hoping I had made a good choice. This is the first of these Ministry events I've attended, so I wasn't sure how things went." She glanced over her shoulder at the buffet table. "They seem to have gone all out with the food and drink. What would you recommend?" she asked, looking from face to face. "My name is Jane Howard, by the way--I am just starting at the Ministry this year."

Evelyn was strongly reconsidering her company for tonight, and they had only just arrived. Eyeing her sister's short pink hair with distaste - it would have been better if she'd paired it with a long, dark gown, but no, she'd gone for an eye catching short pink dress in the same vein, and no amount of arguing would change her sister's mind - Evelyn sighed and adjusted her mask. She was still surprised that the first British Ministry of Magic event she was attending was a lavish masquerade ball, complete with a black tie dress code and mood lighting. She could understand the need for showing off - she'd helped arranged a few events like these back home - but why the masks? Surely she wouldn't be the only new employee tonight?

Smoothing down her dress, Evelyn gently nudged her sister away from a cluster of attractively dressed men and towards the tables. She'd set her clutch down and maybe fetch them both a beverage. Hopefully the department heads would introduce themselves in some way or another, so she could in turn convey her gratitude to the Undersecretary for hiring her. Speaking of introductions, the man over there, with the crown, he looked a lot like- Yes. The Minister. A look passed between the Jung sisters, and Evelyn's lip curled in amusement. She was quickly distracted by a blur of bright yellow, and this time she didn't glance at Nari. She didn't want to burst out laughing.

Wiping her away her grin and appearing more cordial, Evelyn left her sister to mingle in peace and made her way to the buffet. This was the part she was most curious - and hopeful - about. As she browsed, the twenty one year old wondered if there was anything further planned for tonight.

She was just about to procure herself something that was both chocolatey and covered in strawberries when he'd turned up and the brunette was momentarily distracted, offering him a curious smile. "It is a tiger lily, yeah. Well spotted." The botanist reached up to brush her fingertips over the silk flower briefly. "Added it myself. Thought the mask could use a little something extra." A little something her. "Big flower fan?" She hoped he didn't mind if she went back to making a plate while she waited for his answer. On second thought, she cut him a slice of the cake too, placing it on another plate. "If I wasn't working with plants I would've loved to be a food critic."