"A model? Cool. Where to you do this creature-finding, then?" Becky asked, smiling. "Aww. Little Tim isn't that weird," she laughed. "Were you in Gryffindor, too?" she asked Tori. Then Becky remembered Hayley, the subject her and Tim had been talking about the other day. "Have you been able to get in contact with Hayley? Don't tell me you're on Mum's side?" she whispered to Max.

Max turned when he saw his sister whispering to him. "What, the filthy blood traitor? Mum was right to do everything she did," he whispered back, ears going red and voice getting a hint of anger. The man, turned back to the people they were talking to, even though Becky was nearly in tears. "Is it always this amazing?" Max asked Tim. "Pleasure to meet you too," he said, completely ignoring his sister. Was she turning into a Hufflepuff too?

''Just about Everywhere,I just got back from Australia.''She said with a smile.''No,I was an Evil Slytherin.''She said grinning.''So where do you work.''She asked to Max.She looked at Tim and whispered in his ear''Is everything okay with them.''

''Thankyou.''He said laughing.Noticing their voice going all hush he said''Um,Do you mind I think I've got this.''He said back to her.He turned heraround and said to Tori''Hey speaking about Family have you been in contact wit hRyan or James.''He said knowing what the answer would be.

"Australia? Cool. We went there on holiday, didn't we Max?" she tried to smile, still annoyed with her brother, but trying to keep the conversation going. "I love your dress, by the way, Tori. It's lovely. Were you the only one in the family in a different house?" Becky asked. Like Hayley, she thought to herself, glumly.

"Yeah, we did. It's fine," he sighed. Now Max's sister had got them whispering. Maybe they had family buisness, too? Probably not as bad as theirs, though. Hayley was somewhere in Paris, right now. He hadn't actually told his sister, though. "Hayley's in the North of Paris, somewhere now," Max whispered. Seeing her face, he added: "Sorry I didn't tell, you, but mum didn't want you to go chasing after the traitor. You won't tell her I told you, will you?" he asked, anxiously.

Alexander was looking around the place and his eyes were gazing upon the beautiful decorations when suddenly he heard someone speaking in his own language. His head turned to the person and saw a familiar person. Alexander didn't live under a rock.

He smiled with her American accent and trying to speak the 'hello' in Korean "Very well said, Madame Kaufman" he greeted. Well isn't this a surprise, even the American Ministry is here to visit their own little gathering after the downfall of the cult. Great celebration. "Alexander Kim" he gestured his hand for a handshake.

''Lovely.''He said smiling.''Thanks,My Father bought it for me.''He said grinning.Turning her attention back to Tim she said''No,James is to busy being King and Ryan just doesn't want to talk to us but hten again I don't blaime him.''She said frowning.

Tim just stared into darkness as Tori Spoke.''I've got to call someone.''He said frowning.And walked over to where there was no one.

Eliza halted, stared at the decorations around as she entered the Entrance Hall for the Celebration Ball of the Ministry. It was such a marvelous sight to behold and everyone inside looked simply stunning with their fantastic wardrobes.

Hmmm..Where's the food here? She thought. It would be most delicious, she would bet on that. But first, time to search the area for those people whom she knew. And she was talking about her co-employees in the Magical Transportation Department. While searching, she settled herself near the entrance door and rested her back on the wall.

"Are we interuppting?" Becky asked politely. "Come on Max, we'll go and sit down in the seating area," she pulled her brother along to sit down.

"Yeah, we probably are," he went with Becky. "Hey! No need to drag me! I'm perfectly capable of walking," Max pulled his arm away from his dizzy sister.

Kammy laughed. That was....weird. she hadnt talked to Aunt Josey in...a few years. She just wasnt the same after she got married. She didn't even come around the family...it was probably all Uncle Darius' doing.
"How like my aunt...she's so friendly. She was my favorite aunt when I was younger," she commented casually. "How was she? I haven't really seen them in awhile..." She asked, genuinely curious. She was also fairly certain her cousin was at hogwarts? Ah, she wasn't sure.

''No your not.''Tori said forcing a smile.''We'll see your there then.''She said smiling.He quickly turned around to see Tim on the Phone having a massive argument with someone.She walked over and said''Who is it.''

As Tim hung up the phone he said''It was James.''He said frowning.Noticing her face he said''I'll explain later.''But then he paused and said''Did you know Mum's getting real Sick and is most likely going to die soon.''He said frowning.''

Tori looked down at her feet and said''I knew how much you liked herso much so we swore we wouldn't tell you.''She said frowning.

And at those words Tim walked to the tables with Tori following.

Abigail smiled and accepted the man's handshake. "Lovely to meet you, Mr. Kim," she said, hoping that she hadn't embarrassed herself too much just now. "Or, is it that we have met before and my old age has caused me to forget?"

This was entirely possible. Abigail did pride herself on having a good memory, but it had been wavering a bit recently which was the exact reason why she had to write her speech on note cards, just to make sure that she didn't miss a beat. Those note cards were now in some ridiculous order in her bag.

Rose stood walked into the entrance hall, feeling quite confident. She hadn't really planned on attending this ball but she realized that she hadn't had any fun in ages. The past few months had been quite busy and this was a welcome break.

Although, she was feeling a little apprehensive about the fact that Konrad might be there as well..which was a little ridiculous since he was her fiance but, she honestly didn't know..anything. They hadn't met in a really long time and she was starting to get the feeling that things were over between them.

She shook her head and proceeded down the hall when she spotted him standing nearby looking..wow. He looked amazing in a suit. Um, anyway. Rose gave a small gulp before she turned around. What was she going to say to him? o_O.

Holli grinned and bounded in, looking for Maine, leaving poor Rupert back somewhere. She pulled her green dress down, and felt a strand of hair come out of the messy bun she had made. Ugh. Oh, well, it'd have to survive. She hadn't brought anyone, all her family were here, Allie worked for the Ministry, as did Rupert, so she was coming with him. She looked around until she found Maine and hugged her, beaming. 'Hai!' she said, grinning.

Strangers.

Konrad was surrounded by people he did not know, and he was starting to feel sorry that he decided to attend the ball. What was he thinking, anyway, coming like than on his own? He might as well have brought a date, but he couldn't bring himself to do it.

But, with one more look around the hall before stepping into the seating area and looking for an empty place to stay, he saw her, wearing that dress matching his outfit that looked wonderful on her. Quickly running a hand through his hair, he bit his lower lip and decided to approach her, although he had a feeling that she was ignoring him, but he just couldn't stay away anymore. It has been too long.

"Rose?" He cleared his throat, finding out that his voice sounded slightly shaky. Great. That was exactly what he needed.

Lily had attempted to dispel the Healer instincts and worries, just for tonight, but that had not worked. So now, she was working on not letting Van notice her Healer instincts and worries, which she felt she was doing a rather good job at.

Her eyes swept the beginnings of a crowd instead of glancing at Van's knee. La la la. Distractions.

...Was that? Heh.

She nudged Van lightly and inclined her head towards Armen Recard and his snazzy uniform. The look that she gave him said it all.

Lilyan Moretti Bole was AMUSED.

Lily was not in the least bit surprised when she heard someone calling out to Van, and in fact, many someone's saying hello as they passed. A few of them she'd recognized as MLE employees, one or two who had been at their wedding just a few months ago.

"Oh, good evening." She smiled at the woman, "Not a problem." This was a woman she had NOT met. Nice woman, though. Maybe Van knew her? Lily wondered briefly who she was, when her eyes caught sight of champagne. Ooooh. Yummy. She would be requiring some of that soon.

Rose cringed when she heard his all too familiar voice say her name out aloud. Why couldn't he have just ignored her? Sigh. She forced herself to give a faint smile before she turned around to look at him.

Gosh, it pained her so much to even look at him. "Hi Konrad!" Rose said, hoping that she sounded a little cheerful. "How have you been?" Honestly, this felt so stupid. She couldn't believe the fact that she was greeting her fiance like some kind of a friend..but she didn't know what else to say. Everything was weird.

"Pleasure" he nodded.

Alexander Kim does a lot of reading of newspaper wherever he goes and plus he has been very much interested about the ministry of each country since he was a student maybe that's why he is wishing that his son would follow his steps someday when he graduate at Hogwarts too. "I'm afraid not. This would be the first time we're finally acquainted" he replied.

To say that he expected that...

... that would be a big, fat lie.

He knew Rose well enough to tell that she wasn't as cheerful as she tried to be at the sight of him. Maybe he should have just done the same and ignore her, as if he still didn't love her; as if they weren't still engaged, for Merlin's sake! Or... were they still? That he did not know.

Instead of blurting out a "fine" answer to her question, Konrad went for something else, knowing he was about to cross the line. "I missed you." A lot, actually, but he didn't have to go deep into details.

Couldn't he just do something for everything to go back to normal so they could enjoy their evening?

"Mrs. Kaufman. We're honoured to have you grace us with your presence." Van slowed and then stopped, doing his best to move out of the way of the influx of people, though generally the crowds tended to part around him. It was just that it wouldn't do to have someone accidentally walk into him or something.

"Allow me to introduce you to my wife." Hehe that was never going to get old. "Lilyan Bole." And yes, he looked pretty darned proud of himself.

Dorian got a nod and a pleased smile in return. He looked like he was distracted. That man was always half in his own head, but Van approved of him regardless. Good type to have on one's side, and surprisingly good company, really.


"Really Laurie, how many times do I need to tell you? Van is fine. Or Evander if you must." She got a quick smile but of course most of Van's attention went right on back to Lilyan.

You know, except for that inner MLE!Paranoid part that was subconsciously sweeping over everyone and everything.


He was actually getting pretty GOOD at walking with this cane. The best part? It had a trophy of sorts inside. Gevrik's wand. Current prized possession second only to Lilyan. He turned to eye Recard for a moment and then smirked to himself. Once Alexander had a moment to spare away from all the congratulations and whatnot, he'd have to give the man a high five.

In front of Armen so that the man would know it was because of him.

"Lily, this is Abigail Kaufman, Head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation for the American Ministry of Magic." So, Gina's counterpart. "We've been in communication for some time regarding Ministry concerns." It was much better to speak in person than via a fireplace though.

Rose didn't what to expect. Was he just going to look at coldly and walk away or was he going to yell at her? However, she definitely didn't expect him to say that he missed her. She looked up at him, trying not to let the tears fall. "I really missed you too."

She still had no idea if they were still engaged or whether they were meant to be together but..she did miss him. A lot. She tucked a strand of her hair behind a ear and came straight to the point. "Um..so, what is this between us?" Yeah, it might have been a little too blunt a question to put across but she needed to know immediately.

How lovely. It was always nice to know that all the cogs were still turning and screws were still tight. Abigail nodded her head politely once more to Mr. Kim. "Well then this certainly is a pleasure," she said with a smile. However, there was something still strangely familiar about his name. Perhaps they had at one point in time corresponded with one another over some sort of international issue? "Mr. Kim, did you by any chance happen to work for the Korean Ministry of Magic? I seem to recall writing to either you or your supervisor over a rather ghastly incident involving some cursed Yut." Oh, she did hope that she had said that properly.


"Lovely to meet you dear," Abigail replied as she delicately shook Lily's hand. Weren't they a handsome couple? Reminded her of her and her huband many moons ago, all wide-eyed and bushy tailed like rabbits in spring time. "I must say, if it is not too bold of me to do so in front of your wife, that you are much handsomer in person than you are in my fireplace. I am afraid soot and ash do not suit you, Mr. Bole." Really, they didn't and Abigail despised using Floo Networks as a mean to communicate. They were messy and the image of a head in her fireplace was rather frightening.

Abigail took a look at the man and sort of made a soft tisk tisk noise. He shouldn't be up and about like that, leaning on a cane and all. "Perhaps you should sit down and relax," she offered, gesturing rather gracefully towards the seating area. "I do believe you have earned yourself the right."

She missed him as well. That was a start.

As for her next question, he didn't quite know what to say. What was between them? He had something in mind, but he only hoped he was not about to ruin everything.

Approaching her, he forced a smile on his face. "If you ask me..." Leaving his sentence like that, he leaned in closer and closer until he caressed her lips with his own, cupping her cheeks with his slightly trembling hands. It made him feel much better, feeling her soft skin under his rough palms, although he half expected her to push away.

But why shouldn't he be positive? He got his kiss and there still was a chance that she would not shove him away from her.

Maine smiled, straightening an imaginary wrinkle on her dress before turning away from Armen to bbe hugged from behind. Laughing, she hugged Holli back.

"Holli! I was beginning to think you wouldn't make it!" she smiled. Twirling, she showed off her purple dress. "What do you think?" she asked. Honestly, Maine loved it.

'Of course I'd make it, how could I miss it?' Holli grinned. Well. Maybe she could have forgotten, too busy thinking about her pregnancy, but Rupert reminded her! 'Oh, it's lovely!' she beamed, before twirling in her own dark green dress. It was one of the only colours that went with ginger hair... *le sigh*

Alexander smiled wider when she asked further questions about him working for the Korean ministry "I used to work there years ago as the Minister's Interpreter." he replied but he was a bit puzzled with the cursed Yut. He did know what a Yut is. It's a traditional game, board game to be exact played in Korea.

"And perhaps, you must know" quite an information as well "60-70% of the country has the same family name as mine." which is Kim. He gave another smile at Abigail. But Alexander wasn't quite sure too himself about the cursed Yut incident. He has heard of it and had tons of letter to translate before giving it to the minister. Has his memory failed him this time perhaps? To think, he only worked there for 3 years.

"I don't know..." Maine trailed off, implying that she could have forgotten. "Oh, well."

"Holli, you look beautiful!" she smiled. Just then, she spotted a head of sandy blonde hair that looked suspiciously like Alan's.

"Is that him?" she whispered fearfully. Thankfully, the man turned around to reveal sparkling blue eyes and a very different face. "It's not. Thank Merlin!" she exclaimed.