'Yeah, you're right, I could have forgotten...' Holli chuckled, sticking her tongue out.
Holli blushed slightly, before laughing. 'So do you!' she grinned, before following her friends trail to a man and cocking her head to the side. Had Maine brought someone with her...?

"Did you now?" she asked with an almost girlish smile "Another fine profession. Next to teaching, I think that working as an interpreter is the most rewarding. Helping cross communication on a global scale." She swept her hands in front of her, stretching her arms as wide as they could go before bringing them back together and resting them on on her waist. "You must be a very intelligent man to have handled such a post."

Abigail's mouth opened wide enough for a hippogriff to march through, but she quickly covered it with her handkerchief. Gawking was VERY unladylike and rude. "Oh my, I did not know that it was so common a name," she said with a small ladylike laugh. Seemed as though Kim was the American version of Brown of Smith. She had at least six Browns in one of her sub-departments.

Maine shook her head. It wasn't Alan. You're safe. Calm down!

"I thought he was Alan," she whispered. "He can't have found me yet! I've tried so hard to hide!"

Maine was a little scared, she could see people from all over coming there. There were Americans and Koreans and really, it was terrifying to think that they might have invited Alan.

Feeling particularly smug, Ethan stood for a moment just inside the door of the entrance hall. Finally, a party! he thought. This one was going to be good, he could tell, but there was one thing missing: Lights.

Starting with a hop, Ethan began to walk around and scan the room for any sign of his wife's blonde locks. He could only really look for her hair, because he had been strictly forbidden to see her dress before the party. And strictly meant strictly: Lights had put it in the large, empty cupboard in their hall and locked it magically, making sure Ethan couldn't get in.

With the anticipation of finally seeing Lights in her dress, it was no wonder that Ethan froze in his tracks when he did. "Lights!" he called, a huge smile growing on his face.

Holli nodded slowly in understanding. 'I'm sure he won't be here, no one would invite him, I'm sure...' Holli said soothingly, putting a hand on Maine's arm. She knew what it was like to be scared stiff, she had worried when she and Andy had broken up that he would come for her...

After hearing her praise, Alexander did feel overwhelmed by it. He never really thought of it in that way. He knew his job was very much important but he not like how she had described it. He gave her a small bow as a sign of his gratefulness to her. "thank you." he uttered. Now, he's starting to like her for this.

Again "Thank you. I do thrive well when it comes to studying" he gave out a small laugh. Alexander did like studying a lot and even at his age, reading books are still a favored hobby. Well, next to learning Potions but that skill was given to his brother. Alexander is quite the fast learner but his older brother is more skilled when it comes to Potions.

Alexander nodded his head, "yes, very much indeed common" he replied. In fact, it's one of the most common next to Park and Lee (both of which are Korean surnames as well) "have you been to Korea?" he asked her. Well, she did know how to say the common greeting, plus the Korean board game.

Leo spotted Maine almost as soon as he arrived at the ministry. He stepped up beside her, and noticed her scared expression. Instantly on alert he scanned the hall. "What's wrong, love?" he asked softly. He didn't want to let others know something was wrong, but he wanted to make sure she was okay.

Ah yes, the custom of bowing. Abigail had had to go through intensive bowing training in her youth before her first official visit to Asia. She had been a nervous wreck then and to this day STILL did not know the difference between the different angles of bowing. This was why she was pleased as a peach that the handshake was a universal sign of respect. On other occasions, she took more of the monkey-see-monkey-do approach and tried to copy whatever the other did.

"Ah yes, another fine trait," she nodded. "I do wish that my son had been a bit more studious in his youth, a poor habit that I am afraid has rubbed off on my grandson." Perhaps it was simply a boy thing? Her husband had been rather studious, however. It was his mind that had attracted her at first. "Do you have any children of your own?"

Finishing off the rest of her bubbly, Abigail looked for a place to put her empty glass. Where had that waiter gone to? She wanted another of this delicious champagne. "I did have the pleasure once," she answered, still looking for the waiter carrying the bubbly delights. "Afraid I was not able to see very much do to it being a business trip. Seoul was quite a fascinating city, especially since I visited there when I was much younger. Afraid that my old bones might bit overwhelmed with such a fast paced place now."

Okay... Ministry Ball... Fantastic. The evil cult of poltergeist was overthrown and now there's a party... Ben should feel relieved. I mean, he's spent most of the last 5 years of his life dedicated to destroying the organization, and now it's done. Every possibility awaits him yet there's something that still irks him. Could it be that no one knows what the NEW ministry regime will be? That a party is exactly what Lord Borring threw when HE took over? Perhaps now every department would be struggling for power now that everything is hectic. The MLE did their part, but everyone will be wanting credit.

The Detective was paranoid.

His life since the downfall hadn't been empty. He and Dacs were living together for a year now, and they will probably get married. And Ben took up a hobby: Knitting. But, this party...

Where would he go? He didn't invite anyone, except Dacs. But she probably won't show up. So, he guess he would crowd with the MLE people.
Moving through the crowd he hoped to recognize someone, or someone would approach him. He's been quiet for FAR too long...

Miss Nightingale was here! Where were the fireworks?

Oh what a fabulous way it was to celebrate her position as the new department head. Constance was walking on air - yet again. And she was not concerned about the events that had made this ball happen, at all.

She was finally going to meet the other department heads. Important people in their important and amazing clothes.

To say Constance Nightingale was excited was absolutely an understatement.

Katrina walked into the hall in her scarlet ballgown. Balls were something get family held atleast once a month, so this was second nature. She looked around for someone she knew and spotted Gavin leaning against a wall. She walked over to him and copied his stance. "Hey you." she said smiling. She examined what he was wearing and he did a really good job. "You look great. Very handsome." she said. He looked somewhat uncomfortable, though. He obviously was not used to being so dressed up.

Rose just wanted to walk away from the whole situation. It was starting to get way too confusing. She wasn't sure if he wanted to break off the engagement but she definitely didn't want to. But..before she could say anything, Konrad leaned forward and kissed her.

Oh. She pulled away and stared at him. "Konrad! You can't just..what are you.." Rose said, a little flustered. She took a deep breath and continued a little more calmly, "We need to discuss what is actually going on between us." She took a couple of steps back and looked up at him expectantly.

Elizabeth noticed the english accent and smiled. Though she was a full french, she liked the accent better than hers, "Pleasure meeting you Amy, I'm Elizabeth." She laughed at the question, "I'm 8 months." She smiled, "What department are you in, if i may ask?"

"That's hopefully the plan, although I feel as if our Minister wishes to have...my assistance for as long as possible." he was un-to-happy about that but he would do almost anything at this point to just get his job back.

He lowered his tray so the woman with Tim could take a glass and then turned back to him as he introduced her. "Oh pleasure to meet you Tori, Tim here is a fine employee." He nodded.
'Merlin, just pick one WOMAN!' Although he was thinking this in his head, Armen's face kept composure as the older American lady took her sweet time, expressing her dull thoughts aloud and finally picked a champagne flute after he had held out the bloody tray for practically 10 minutes.

"Very well Mrs. Kaufman, enjoy your drink." he was going to float around now. She would probably find him again, she seemed to be found of drink.
"Yes, it is." he said nodding towards the glasses with the rather clear, bubbly liquid. And she was correct again, the stuff had been imported from France for the occasion. The fact that they didn't buy from his family's winery was still a sore spot to add to the rest of his anger.

"Thank you Maine." he said getting a hint of sarcasm at the end of her well wishes. He knew there had been some people within his department that were less than suportitive of him and the Cultists back when they were in power but now wasn't the time to dwell on those things.

"Enjoy your evening."

Siiigh.

A slight murmmering began to erupt through the waves of guests arriving as a couple entered the hall arms interlocked that sent a groan of displeasure through Recard.

The Boles.

Lilyian he could handle, she had been semi-Cult involved and had done him the pleasure of overseeing the re-testing of the MLE employees for their Apparition licenses but Van was a different story.

That man was...horrid. Limping around here like some war veteran, the hero of the people after beating back a group that was going to better the publics' life. Nothing was angering him more than that man.

Armen was still disappointed he wasn't able to curse the man during their duel in the Atrium and 100% of him wished to trip the guy with his own cane.

--------------------------

Standing around the Entrance Hall as more and more guests arrived, service with a snarl smile, Armen carried a large tray of Champagne and Elf Wine Spritzers for the guests to take.

He would have high-tailed it out of there had it not been his job now.

*siiigh*

Oh, this time he really managed to mess up everything. Well done, Konrad.

He couldn't help not feeling annoyed though, whether or not he was actually showing it. She asked what was going on and he answered... in his own way. But there she was, pushing him away. Did she really miss him? He started having doubts about it, but of course he didn't say it out loud. It wasn't exactly the perfect time and place for this.

Closing his eyes for a short moment, only to try and clear his mind, he finally fixed his eyes on her and smiled. "There is nothing to discuss, if you ask me." But of course, she probably didn't want to hear that. "You know how I feel, because nothing's changed for me." He wasn't sure about what she still felt, however.

Kammy noticed from the corner of her eye the tray of drinks. Ah, she thought she would have one! She turned to the man holding the tray. He was wearing a very nice looking butler outfit? Hmm.
"What kind of drink is that?" She asked with a smile. The poor man looked miserable, and Kammy had never seen him before. He did look familiar, thought. The brunette simply smile some more, maybe it would cheer him up!

What was his deal?

Inez shot him a look, her eyebrows pulled down slightly, a look of disapproval appearing on her face. She would not been gauked at like that by a member of the wait-staff. She was single and NOT looking, she had her Nathan to worry about.

She stepped back towards Abagial and away from the creepy waiter man. Inez made a point in her head to ask someone that was from around here about the man.
The woman was kind, yes, but it was apparent that her mind was somewhere else and Inez wasn't the one to pry or wait around for someone to dish what it was that was bothering them.

"Well I hope to see you again before the night is through. Enjoy your evening Mrs. Kaufman." she waved smally and then headed over towards the direction that would lead them into the official ballroom.
Just as she was about to exit the Entrance Hall, Inez's gaze caught the site of an injured, yet strong-willed looking man; the very man she had read about in the letters Minister Greingoth had sent her.

He was partially the reason she had been offered the position here. She must thank him.

Inez repositioned her dress and then clicked her heels over the tiles until she made it infront of the Magiacl Law Enforcement Head and his lady guest. "Evander Bole? Inez Grey, its a pleasure to finally meet you." he said holding out a hand to shake his. He would undoubtedly introduce his partner but she really could care less about her.

Watching as Katina walked into the entrance hall, Gavin took her all in. "Wow..." he murmured, a smile appeared on his lips as she noticed him and walked over leaning against the wall as well. "And you look fantastic." he said softly. He couldn't bring himself to wear a suit coat, so just stuck to everything but the coat. The vest and tie felt tight around him, and made him want to make a face at her compliment, but he kept himself from doing so.

She looked comfortable, much more then he was. "Did you want to go inside?"

Jade nervously stepped into the entrance hall. This would be her first official Ministry event as a MoM employee and she didn't know what to expect.

She was taken back by all the decorations and the lavishness of the place. She definitely didn't expect it to be a huge event which it was. She glanced down at her green muggle-style dress and smoothed out the creases.

Taking a deep breath she continued deeper into the hall.

Wesley and Isobel arrived fashionably late right on time, as far as Wes was concerned, though to him, there really was no time that was appropriate for a tuxedo. Perhaps tuxedos should be limited to weddings and weddings only, because his was annoying him to pieces and he was convinced that the bow tie near his neck was going to be the death of him.

At least the woman on his arm was more than beautiful enough to distract him from continuously tugging at his collar. Wes' eyes swept toward her gorgeous gown, the perfect color to compliment her blonde locks, and he smiled in spite of his discomfort at wearing a tuxedo. "You look stunning," he whispered to her just before they floated through the doors to the ball.

Speaking of doors.... Wesley's Hit Wizard senses were on as usual and he couldn't help noticing the doorman, dressed as a waiter, and looking ever so pleased to be serving all the people he had once thought he controlled. "Evening, Armen," Wes greeted the gopher waiter with a broad smirk. "Aren't you looking dapper tonight."

He clapped a heavy hand on the man's shoulder and flashed his smirk toward Izzy. "May I introduce you to my lovely girlfriend, Isobel Montague?" That's right, Recard, hope you're squirming now, you little worm...

Running a little late, Nathan and his wife Ariella walked into the entrance hall. It wasn't very likely of them to be late, but today for some odd reason they were. As they walked in they were both utterly amazed by all the decorations, but Nathan still thought his wife looked more beautiful. He really had been looking forward to this ball, he knew it had to be one of a kind and he knew how most people were happy about the new leadership.

Linking arms with his wife, Nathan decided to stand in the entrance hall for a while. A lot of people seemed to be standing there and it was a good place for mingling with more people. Nathan put a smile and his wife did the same. They always looked like a perfect couple, no matter what issues were going between the family. Although lately the family had been doing quite well, Ariella was about three months pregnant and his two children Nessie and Juliet were safe and happy at Hogwarts. Life was perfect for the Dixons at the time being.

"It's beautiful isn't it?" Nathan whispered in his wife's ear.

She just smiled and nodded.

Isobel knew that Wesley wasn't feeling that comfortable in his tuxedo. She could see it. He looked pretty hot though. She liked it a lot. Iz really did like having an excuse to dress up, and this ministry ball was a pretty great excuse to get all dressed up. Aww. She smiled at Wes, as he spoke to her. He could be pretty cute at times. "So do you..." She grinned at him, knowing well enough that he was probably going to disagree. But he did look handsome to her. It was just a shame that she knew that she wouldn't be able to get him wearing a suit. It didn't matter that much to her. Not really. Prehaps she'd get a picture of them taken. Then she could have a visual aid to remember how good he looked in a suit.

Ooh. Ooh. Ooh! Look who was all down low and serving now. Smirk. How interesting was this. Isobel had to refrain from giggling, because that was so amusing. She grinned, slipping her hand into Wes'. It seemed that Armen had really fallen from grace, which made her pretty happy. It definetly made up for her not getting to hex him recently. "Good evening Armen.." She smiled at him. Then Wesley introduced her to Armen, like the man had no idea who she was. It made her laugh, and she looked up at her boyfriend smirking. Yeah, she was not going to deny Wes the right to be smug right now at all. Not at all.

Armen had been thinking of all the ways he would hex and curse the dressed up guests who had decided to come over and rub their noses in his misery when a woman stopped infront of him to inquire about the beverages.

"Oh umm the bubbly ones are Champagne and the darker ones," he pointed at those classes situated on the left half of his tray "are Elf Wine Spritzers. Would you like one?" he looked at the brunette for a few seconds, blinking. Hopefully she would and he hadn't just had to say all that for no reason.


On top of all the couples he didn't want to see, including Evander and Lilyian, his ex girlfriend Isobel Montegue was now draped, like a garland on a tree, upon the annoyingly arrogent Wes Ferguson. Oh he hoped she was happy with his lack of personality. "Thank you Wes. You look..." he paused for a moment looking at the man fidgetting in his Tux. "constipated."

-evil smirk-

Oh he thought he was clever introducing him to Isobel, Armen was going to say hello to her but then she was giggling like a she was being tickled by a Niffler. Oh, that's how it was going to be. "Isobel...champagne or Elf Wine Spritzer?" he said shoving the tray her way, lips pursed.

Rafael didn't oppose the occasional ball, even enjoyed them from time to time, but the man's mind was heavy and so his attention elsewhere as he slowly walked into the entrance hall.

It took a moment for the hall and it's occupants to capture his attention, but when they did the Spaniard began moving further into the ball. His eyes sweeping over the crowd to see... well. He'd heard about what happened to Armen, but seeing it was another thing. Shame that.

The other man received a small nod of acknowledgement before he allowed his attention to be pulled else where. Rafa's eyes never stayed on many long past the polite head nod, though drinks did get a lingering look. No. He'd wait for that.

This one looked excited though. He wondered if she was excited by the ball itself or the reason behind the formal party as he greeted her with a incline of his head.

Noah was pulled back to reality when some man spoke to him. He looked up from his feet, he wanted to SIT with him?! That'd mean he would have to talk. To a stranger.

But... Noah had to make friends, that was normal behaviour. And he was normal. He just couldn't keep up a normal conversation.

'S-sure.' He managed a nervous smile. 'I- I'm... N-N-Noah Da- Dawson..'

Oh dear. Noah almost froze when he saw another Ministry employee approach him. A pretty one. He smiled awkwardly, this was going to be painful. She'd most likely walk away once she realised he had trouble talking without stalling at least 10 times.

'Hi..' He managed in a loud whisper.