This was...

Well, okay, Duncan had no idea what he'd expected from a job at the Ministry. But somehow he'd thought it would take itself a little more seriously than this. Instead, it seemed kind of like an office party or something. Even just looking around, somebody just turned into a cat and seemed to attack a colleague. Weren't there supposed to be some kind of regulations attached to being an Animagus?! Well- he didn't know any, to be fair, but somehow he'd always imagined it would be an activity for outside of the workplace.

Feeling more than a little out of place, he decided to have a root through this goody bag which was the only interaction he'd received from his new employers so far. It wasn't immediately obvious what most of the objects had to do with settling into work, though maybe he needed to wear the t shirt as some kind of uniform? Dubiously, he eyed the rest of the room- most of them didn't seem to be wearing the t-shirts, though he could see a couple scattered through the crowd.

Hm. This was all proving rather more challenging than he'd anticipated.

At a loss for what to do, he began to scan the crowd trying to look for name badges or something, maybe like his temporary ID. Hadn't they told him he was supposed to speak to a Head of Department? How was he supposed to find one? Right now, he felt like a bit of an idiot, just standing alone in the middle of the room, self-consciously clutching a t-shirt.

Some things never changed.

Wasn't an Orientation when they took you around the building and showed you were all of the bathrooms and other important places were. Not swag bags and property of t-shirts. Though he did find all of it rather amusing. The department head of Environmental regulation and Protection walked along the line until he got to his departments bags.

Since he had spent plenty of time here since being hired he had met the other heads and all ready had his badge before hand. He figured he would stay around here and meet his team as well as mingle with the others as they passed.

Gid walked through the room towards the new employee check-in. He had four new employees that he knew of should be there. Three were fresh out of school and on the path to auror and one was training to be an officer. He had a pretty good feel for the ones he'd taken on and was excited to get into his second year as head of MLE. Graduating the new aurors would be happening soon after the year began too. Final test for each of them and all.

He spotted Regina and saw her talking with his wife. Sweet! He smiled at the both of them as he approached "Hello. I see you've found the check-in, is there anything you still need here?"

Standing with a drink in his hand Minhyuk frowned slightly at first while watching the drama but later he was barely able to hold his laughter! Well… This he didn’t had expected from the ministry of magic but… It wasn’t boring so THAT was a good thing! Although he wondered WHY the poor man was being attacked by his colleague… Still looking around him he spotted a man who looked a little uncomfortable so Minhyuk decided that this man too must me new here! Still with his drink in his hand he walked over to the unknown man and stopped before him.

“You’re new too?” He spoke, still smiling because, well… Smiling was healthy so why not? It wasn’t bad for anyone’s mood either! “I’m Park Minhyuk” he introduced himself.

Javier wasn't really sure what to expect at this orientation. Would it be like...a school orientation? Because he had attended PLENTY of those after attending university for so many years - even once as a professor, although that was very short lived. He smiled politely at the check in wizards and then gathered his welcome goodie bag - ugh, that t-shirt was atrocious. He DID need a new work out shirt, though...

He straightened his name tag a bit, so it was easily visible when he started to socialize. He'd already changed the name on it so it read "Javi" instead of Javier, his preferred nickname, and eyed the crowd. Where on EARTH should he start? Would any of these people even really CARE that he was here? Was he just supposed to try and find people in his new department and just start...talking?

Maybe he should just leave.

When the woman named Becca reached in and pulled out the t-shirt, Aaron had to do a double-take in bewilderment. Had she read his mind and known he'd already dissed the shirt? Or was she on his side? Like, who was she and if he answered negatively about the shirts, would he get fired before he began? But she HAD asked for his honest opinion...

"Truthfully, I think it's a tad inappropriate. We're employees of the Ministry, yes." Yes, he had some 'Property of Kestral Quidditch Team' shirts, but quidditch was different. "We're not owned by the Ministry. The Ministry is an equal opportunity employer, not an owner." Quidditch teams, however, owned their players, by the contract.

Speaking of quidditch, hearing a woman next to him who had flipped out about her name one minute and then blurted out HIS name, Aaron turned on the spot, trying to determine if he recognized her from anyplace. Not Hogwarts, because there were only two people he knew from there - least once they were grown up and he most certainly wouldn't have recognized anyone from their eleven year old form. Perhaps just a Kestrals fan?

"Yes. Yes, I am. Are you a Kenmare Kestrals fan?" Because if she was, then obvious bonus points for her.

Dark green eyes flickering around the grab-bag area, Aaron had noticed the cat had forced the man and another lady onto the floor. He would have asked if they were okay, but well, there were probably people better trained for that sort of thing. At least that would have been the case on the Quidditch pitch, had someone gotten injured, and the ministry was a high-profile agency, so surely they would have trained professionals?

Squinting at a man nearby, he did notice the guy took the from same area where his department was. New coworker? "I'm sorry, but couldn't help but notice, you take from where the Games and Sports bags were... are you in that department?" And like was he new or seasoned, where he might be able to help him find Mariel? Yes, he knew Mariel - 15 years playing professionally would do that - well, at least he knew of Mariel, he couldn't be sure if he'd ever actually met her.

Bear looked around as he walked in. He was a little nervous... This was his first grown-up job, like, EVER, and he wasn't quite sure what to expect. He'd dressed up for this shindig, which he hadn't been sure about, but seeing the others walking in, he figured he'd made the right decision there.

So. A table full of swag bags. Seemed like it was okay to take one as you walked in without needing to ask anyone first... At least he hoped so. That was what everyone else was doing. Right?! He took the one closest to him and peeked inside.

Okay, some good stuff. But what was this t-shirt? He sure didn't like the idea of being owned by his job, but he tried to keep his expression neutral. Probably not wise on the very first day (or, well, technically the day before the first day) to be opinionated -- especially negatively.

In any case, he sure as heck wasn't going to put it on at the moment. Or ever.

Shaking his head a bit to clear his brain (a habit he'd picked up while studying), he looked around again. He knew he was supposed to grab his temporary ID and some other stuff... So where did he go to do that?

Where...was his temporary badge? The man did not like wasting precious time on something as mundane as looking for someone's ID, when it could have been owled to him a few days before the Orientation. Also, should the event be really this...relaxed? A more formal event could have been done, and just see how well people would act in such environment.

Scratching his brow, Albert tried his best not to roll his eyes when an eager beaver employee approached him, and earnestly tried to have a conversation with the truculent man. Albert stood to his full height of 6'4" and faced the younger employee. "Ah. Good evening, Mister Park Minhyuk." Did he say his name right? It was hard to enunciate all the syllables, especially for names that sounded foreign. "Albert Morgenstern. Division Head for Magical Creatures." the 56 year old stuck his own gloved hand, and shook hands with Minhyuk. "I do look like an old employee," given his receding hairline and all, "But I am a new recruit like yourself." Only better. He thought with a sincere grin. "I was informed that through that door, food and refreshments are being served," he said pointing to the only door on the side, "And there's dancing...if you're up for it." he added looking back at the table of IDs.

He really will tell Antheia later on that applying for the Ministry was a huge mistake. First the IDs, second are the employees, and third...are those mind readers they call legilimens. Albert was smart enough, and trained to detect it, but he did fail to keep his mind shields up, considering that he'd spent most of his time with Durmstrang students the last couple of years. One thing that he was thankful for about his old alma mater, was the fact that they were taught and trained how to stop those pesky mind readers while in a duel. Who would've thought it would come in handy one day, considering that he ventured in the path of Creature studies?

"Obviously. I too, am not a fan of legilimens, considering that it violates my own privacy." Albert enunciated his words carefully, as he put up his shields, ready for whatever prodding this woman would do to his mind. And will he ask for her name? Maybe not. He thought it was a waste of time, nor was he interested.

Becca Yenorin. Ah yes, he received a letter from her, who was...apparently her boss. Albert's expression was neutral at first, and gave the woman a small grin to make him look like he appreciated her concern. "My umbrella isn't just an umbrella, Ma'am." Albert informed the woman, as he hooked the umbrella's handle onto his arm, and clasped both gloved hands together in front of him. "I'm Albert Morgenstern, your new Division Head for Enforcement." the man kept his right hand to himself as he waited for his Department Head to extend her hand first. It was the right etiquette when introducing oneself to a woman, after all.

She’d done it. She had applied and now she was here. She was on her way to becoming the Auror she had wanted to be since she was tiny. Not that there weren’t people who still said Bryony was tiny. She wasn’t exactly short, but she was slender. Her appearance actually, in her opinion, belied her inner strength. Her determination, aka what got her here. She went after what she wanted, and it had paid off. The proof was in the letter she’d received, saying her application had been accepted, and now all she had to do was find the person who sent it.

No matter how certain friends of hers back at university would have thought her outfit was ridiculous, she felt like her boots gave her a certain aura. That and a few extra inches of height, as she’d arrived at the tables holding the temporary IDs and swag bags. The IDs, she’d expected, but gifts had been unexpected. She’d gone in search for her ID first, grateful once she’d found it that it appeared whoever had lettered them had spelled her name right. It saved her from having to fix it, but then she discovered there was something else she needed to fix. She was not going to wear something that said she was property, even though she imagined in a way she was the property of her department now. Either way, she slipped her wand out and pointed it inside her bag, subtly changing the text on the shirt.

Then, she looked up. “Oh!,” she said softly, feeling another burst of pride in her accomplishment. Her department head was right there. She’d done her research before she’d come to London after all. Every good Auror did, and even if she was only a baby Auror in training, she wasn’t going to disappoint. So after that moment of surprise, the blonde walked over to the small group a few feet away from her. “I’m glad to meet you Mr. Yenorin, sir,” she said. She didn’t know what he’d prefer being addressed as, after all. It was simpler to cover her bases until she found out.

How was it that Victoria has just gotten to the ministry event and already had lost her husband? She knew she stopped and talked a lot so maybe he got tired of waiting and already headed inside. Not that she blamed him. Her job made her social and made her get to know many ministry workers. Plus her personality was just that, she loved to get to know people and she loved outings that meant she could be an adult.

With the kids at Bart and Cinna's she knew they had all night and could enjoy the evening. Her first stop was the goody bags. She couldn't wait to see what they had this year. Usually there were a few corney things, but at least one or two good things. So this year she was ready to see what they were. Picking up a bag she opened it and peaked inside. "It's always sweet of the department heads and minister to put this together." She wasn't really talking to anyone, but yet there was a man close to her so she glanced at him. "Do you like what they have in there?" She was curious of course to see what other's thought.

Regina appreciated the help Becca was giving her. "I always like to keep practising my spells whenever I can. I have a soundproof room in my house that allows me to do the spells that are perfect for defence."

When Becca spoke about what people said, Regina felt uncomfortable. "I've had experiences where people pretend to be really nice to me but they're thinking otherwise. You didn't need to be a Legilimens to tell what they were thinking."


Regina saw the man who was going to be her boss. So she was talking to his wife and getting on quite well with her. This was a good start. "Hello, sir. I am fine. Becca has been helping me."

Regina could understand why Albert was annoyed but she was in no mood to have someone being negative. However, civility was key. "I apologise for reading your mind. If I am nervous or upset, I have trouble controlling it. Can we start over? I'm not asking for us to be best friends but we'll act civil to each other."

Cosgrach did feel tired... of things, but he wasn't that rude to go off without letting her know first. He was just fiddling with the cuff buttons of his jacket, one of them was about to fall and he was trying to remember the spell to sew it back. He just happened to halt abruptly, which she mustn't have noticed, and now was behind. What was the spell!? He needed his wife -

Was that... THE Airey Flamsteed? He narrowed his eyes as if trying to see better. And more importantly - was that Quigley - who, upon seeing Airey... oh yeah, Cosgrach approached them with a BIG grin. He knew what Quigley was about to do, and fair enough -

"EHEHE-HEHEHEHEHEH!!!"

CAT!QUIGLEY EVEN LICKED AIREY'S CHEEK!

"HAHAHAHAHAHAH!"

Oh man, he did miss these fellas.

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhoenixRising

Squinting at a man nearby, he did notice the guy took the from same area where his department was. New coworker? "I'm sorry, but couldn't help but notice, you take from where the Games and Sports bags were... are you in that department?" And like was he new or seasoned, where he might be able to help him find Mariel? Yes, he knew Mariel - 15 years playing professionally would do that - well, at least he knew of Mariel, he couldn't be sure if he'd ever actually met her.

Oh Merlin. Here came the small talk. Javi looked up at the man who approached him - looked to be about his age, maybe younger, it was hard to tell, especially since Javi himself looked like he could be anywhere from a new Hogwarts graduate to a middle aged man. It was why he liked the beard - he kind of liked messing with people in that sense. He smiled politely, as was customary, and nodded. "Yes, I am. Just started, actually. Ludicrous Patents Office," he explained. "How about you?" he asked. He assumed he was, since he'd asked and all.

Quote:

Originally Posted by awakemysoul

Bear looked around as he walked in. He was a little nervous... This was his first grown-up job, like, EVER, and he wasn't quite sure what to expect. He'd dressed up for this shindig, which he hadn't been sure about, but seeing the others walking in, he figured he'd made the right decision there.

So. A table full of swag bags. Seemed like it was okay to take one as you walked in without needing to ask anyone first... At least he hoped so. That was what everyone else was doing. Right?! He took the one closest to him and peeked inside.

Okay, some good stuff. But what was this t-shirt? He sure didn't like the idea of being owned by his job, but he tried to keep his expression neutral. Probably not wise on the very first day (or, well, technically the day before the first day) to be opinionated -- especially negatively.

In any case, he sure as heck wasn't going to put it on at the moment. Or ever.

Shaking his head a bit to clear his brain (a habit he'd picked up while studying), he looked around again. He knew he was supposed to grab his temporary ID and some other stuff... So where did he go to do that?

Wondering if maybe he should get a drink, Javi continued to scan the crowd and noticed someone nearby who looked - less than pleased with the shirt in the goodie bag. Javi chuckled to himself. He felt your pain, man. Deciding that this guy seemed decent enough to talk to, he cleared his throat. "T-shirts aren't exactly the most flattering, are they?" he asked softly with a grin, not wanting to insult anyone who was nearby who might have contributed to creating these bags.

It was nice and all but...THAT SHIRT.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bazinga

How was it that Victoria has just gotten to the ministry event and already had lost her husband? She knew she stopped and talked a lot so maybe he got tired of waiting and already headed inside. Not that she blamed him. Her job made her social and made her get to know many ministry workers. Plus her personality was just that, she loved to get to know people and she loved outings that meant she could be an adult.

With the kids at Bart and Cinna's she knew they had all night and could enjoy the evening. Her first stop was the goody bags. She couldn't wait to see what they had this year. Usually there were a few corney things, but at least one or two good things. So this year she was ready to see what they were. Picking up a bag she opened it and peaked inside. "It's always sweet of the department heads and minister to put this together." She wasn't really talking to anyone, but yet there was a man close to her so she glanced at him. "Do you like what they have in there?" She was curious of course to see what other's thought.

Speaking of not wanting to insult people...

Javi looked up and noticed a woman trying to talk to him about the goodie bags. He really shouldn't have camped out here, why was that continuously the topic of conversation?! He should have expected it, really. "Oh yes, it's very nice of them. I've never had a job that throws a party for new hires," he added with a small smile. That wasn't necessarily true - he considered new student orientation a party for new professors, that one time he attended it as a professor.

"I like the mug. I was just thinking about how I needed something now that I have a desk job again," he added, making polite conversation.

Oh yes the mugs were nice, though she had no care for them. The wonderful coffee cart on the seventh floor did their own cups, so she used most of her mugs at home. "Well welcome to the ministry. They do this every year. It's a nice thing to get back into the swing of things at the beginning of the year." She always enjoyed it and now she enjoyed it more with her husband being here.

Speaking of she heard the commotion and eyed the man in the suit. Was the ministry hiring children dressed as men? She couldn't help but look at and roll her eyes at the man who seemed to be upset about.... a cat? Good gracious she hoped he wasn't in creatures or in her department for that matter. Was that, that was her husband laughing over there with the man. What was he doing even associating and then it hit her. That man had been a professor with her husband and a professor when Bart was there. These were the moments she was very glad she removed her son from that school., but her husband associating with such immaturity here. He had almost been minister for goodness sake, she hoped he wouldn't start carrying on like a child as well. If she wanted to be near children she would have stayed home. She wasn't going over, but she did give him a look.


Oh well back to the man near her, "What job did you have before this that wasn't a desk job?" She was always curious as to what people did before coming to the ministry. "I am Victoria Culloden by the way. Manager of the quidditch division."
__________________

"Ah, that's a good idea! Gid and I have kind of made downstairs into a workout, sword skills and spellwork area." Becca nodded. "It's all fun and games in our house." A small laugh escaped, but she gave her an understanding nod at her words. "I understand, I've had that many times."

When Gid came over, Becca glanced at him and resisted the temptation to elbow him hard. She turned to look at him and gave him a sickly sweet smile. "Hi honey! Well, I could do with a drink." She knew he wasn't talking to her, but hey, take the chance while she could! When Regina said that she'd been helping her, Becca smirked at her husband. "See? I didn't hurt anyone from your department. You can relax." When another tiny teeny itty bitty baby MLE person came over, Becca tilted her head at her. She was so cute! Could she pinch her cheeks? Please?



A laugh escaped her when he spoke. "Exactly what I was hoping for!" She started to write down his thoughts on the t-shirt that she had taken from him. "I completely agree and I am hoping that the Minister will listen when I present her with these t-shirts and people's opinions on them." Fingers crossed, apparently Althea was a stubborn woman, but so was Becca! "Thank you very much for your input."



"Oh? Do tell me all of the secrets that your umbrella holds!" Becca exclaimed, looking curious. "And please, please, please don't call me ma'am. I feel old when people say that!" Becca beamed at him as he introduced himself and instantly offered her hand to him for him to shake it. "Delighted to meet you! How would you like me to address you?" She could play nice. Most of the time.

Airey was now in perhaps the move uncomfortable sandwich of his entire existence. On one side he had a feline BEAST attempting to devour his face one lick at a time - HE WAS NOT A BLOODY TOOTSIE POP AND THERE WAS NO COUNTING HOW MANY LICKS IT WOULD TAKE TO GET TO THE CENTER! - and on the other side there was a lady person. A lady person who the astronomer was still not entirely aware of her existence but was aware to some degree that there was SOMETHING under him more than the floor.

"GETOFFGETOFFGETOOOOOOOOOFF!"

Why in the name of Orion was no one doing ANYTHING?! Did no one here work with creatures? SOMEONE DO THEIR RUDDY JOB!

Still flailing about for his wand, Airey pushed down on the ground to hoist himself up when his hand felt something soft...WAY too soft to be ground and ... on sweet SWEET solstice WHY?!

Ears redder than the storm on Jupiter, Airey Flamsteed wanted to just roll under the nearby table and disappear.

Hearing but not yet registering that SOMEONE was laughing at him - hello there Candy Cauldron - the former Astronomer professor finally found his wand and pointed it at the beast on his chest. A brilliant light enveloped the feline and in the next instant the creature - WHO APPARENTLY NO ONE WAS TRAINED TO HANDLE AND DID NOT CARE THAT THERE WAS A RABID BEAST RUNNING RAMPANT - was trapped in an impenetrable bubble and floating a still uncomfortably close distance from the man's suit.

Oh er...right...he ought to move off ....

"Terribly sorry about all that," he said as nonchalantly as he possibly could and certainly NOT looking at where his hand had potentially grabbed moments earlier as he moved off and away. "I've captured the beast and it shall do no one anymore harm." Now he just needed to find his lint roller in his enchanted breast pocket.

And speaking of finding...

OH SWEET SOLSTICE WHERE WAS PEBBLES?!

Heather had come prepared. Prepared for a night of dancing and socializing with her new co-workers. The sight that greeted her, however, as she walked in and over to the table where the temporary IDs were laid out was straight out of Hogwarts. Seriously.

There was her former Head of House (!) on the floor flailing over her boss!cat's form of greeting, while her former Potions professor laughed over head. It was enough to send anyone (err, anyone that had gone to Hogwarts at the same time she had, anyway) looking for the calendar to make sure they hadn't gone back in time. As it was, all she could do was watch the scene play out. Wishing she had some popcorn, of course. Until all of a sudden, her boss was in a bubble, in cat mode, just floating there. In a bubble. That was the moment Heather lost her composure and began to laugh.

Yep, great first day.

Gid was listening and watching everyone around them, smiling kindly at the new employees, both shy and not. It looked like a good group was coming in. Wait....did someone mentioned the tshirts? He blinked as he looked around at those that people were holding up and looking at. Oh nice.....interesting. He looked up as a young woman came close. "Nice to meet you as well" he said smiling at her, "You must be Bryony. Please. Call me Gid or Gidyun." he said taking a step closer to her and offering his hand to shake hers. "It's a pleasure to meet you."



He made sure that Bryony felt free to join them as he listened to Regina "Good. I'm glad you've met my wife. She's unfortunately for me, way better at this than I am." he said softly with a laugh.



He smiled softly nodding in agreement about the workout room in the basement. They did use it often and it was good to have in the house. He grinned though at the comment about the drink "Not a bad idea honestly." Wait....was....

His eyes widened as he heard another new employee saying get off over and over and....on the floor? Did he honestly want to know what that was about? He did snicker a little though, when he noticed the cat on him.

It was going to be an interesting orientation to say the least.

Bear looked up quickly at the voice, surprised, but then relaxed on seeing it was someone agreeing with him about the horrid shirt. He laughed lightly. "Not so much," he answered. "I don't much like the idea of being a slave to my job, but that's the message this seems to send, doesn't it?" After thinking for a brief moment, he continued, "Was I really being that transparent?" with a grin. Either that or he'd just met a legilimens.

"Oh. And I'm Bea-- Theodore," he corrected himself quickly and extended a hand, but he couldn't help the slight wrinkle in his nose at using his formal name. He never went by Theodore. Not even his own mother called him that. It had always been Bear, ever since he was a baby. BUT this was a professional setting, and he figured a childhood nickname wasn't very professional. Being young as he was, he wanted people to respect him, and an evolution of the nickname "Teddy" didn't seem conducive to that.

Still. Theodore. Yuck.

Oh, so she was going to press on with the conversation? It irked Albert that the woman couldn't take a hint. She had been rude, and he definitely wasn't going to entertain such person any further. But then again, there might come a time when he will be needing her...assistance.

With a raised brow, Albert looked down at the woman and locked eyes with her. "Never tell people that you don't have control over your power. They will use it against you." And even if that would be beneficial to her in the end, it still mattered that she kept her weaknesses to herself. What was he now to her then? A confidante? Her surrogate father?

"Apology accepted, miss." Albert tipped his head slightly and considered her further, before continuing. "Albert Morgenstern. In case you're curious about my last name. I am one of the new recruits in Creatures Department. Divison Head for Enforcement." The man momentarily shifted his gaze towards a bag with an 'Morgenstern, Albert' tag on it and the 56 year old used the hook of his umbrella to get his goody bag toward him, and took a nonchalant peek inside it. "And you are?" he asked briefly looking at the young woman as he reached inside to look at a...t-shirt?




Albert gave Becca a pleasant grin, and opted to stay quiet about his umbrella. It wouldn't be a secret anymore if he told her all about it, correct? Albert took her hand, and gently shook it to formally greet her. "The pleasure is all mine, Ms. Yenorin." Ma'am did sound formal, but he would rather address her in a manner he saw fit than say the wrong title. He did want to make a good first impression to his boss. "Albert is fine, considering that I work for you. It's just proper." he added, releasing her hand gently in the process.

He'd love to discuss Creature things with his new boss, when the commotion that was happening far from them finally came to Albert's attention. He'd been ignoring the disturbance until the man in a (nice) suit mentioned the word 'beast'.

Really now? It was just the Orientation and they already have...a beastly situation? Merlin's holy cane. He really should've just turned down the invitation like the rest of the 1% sensible employees of the Ministry.

The cat, which was encased in a bubble floated his way close to his face...and Albert did not think twice about pushing it back with the hook of his umbrella, to the man with the nice suit.

POKE! Thump...thump thump thump.

SHOO. GO AWAY.

"Is it always like this in the Ministry?" Albert called out over his shoulder towards Becca. The woman didn't have to answer that question, as he got the feeling that her answer would be a resounding 'YES.'

Regina was impressed with the design of Gid and Becca's home. She certainly would have her place designed like that if she had the room and finances. Regina smiled slightly at Becca and Gid's banter. "How long have you two been married? Did you meet at work?" she asked the both of them.





Regina laughed softly at Gid's words. "You're doing a very good job sir and I am not saying that because you're my boss. I mean, I'd be the first to inform someone that what they're doing needs work. I don't intend to be horrible but I can be a bit "honest."

Okay, so Regina didn't behave well at the start but she had apologised. He was irked by her because she wanted to say sorry. It was certainly not a long-winded conversion. Regina was not going to let him bother her. When he gave her some advice, her gaze never faltered. It was a tad odd that he was advising her but she did welcome it nonetheless.

"Thank you for your advice. I'll take it into consideration."

Regina smiled a bit when he introduced himself and when he looked inside the goody-bag. "I'm Regina Morstan. I'm an Officer in Training for the Department of Law Enforcement Squad. Be aware of the t-shirt, they don't suit anyone, no matter what their age or rank."

If you'd told Adhemar Ryder that one day he'd be working for the Ministry of Magic, he would've laughed in your face and said you were crazy. Yet here he was! After nearly ten years at the Scamander zoo, the 45-year-old father of four decided it was time for a change of pace. He felt slightly out of place as he joined the others checking in; some of the people here looked about his son's age!

So apparently he was supposed to find his name tag and department head, and oh look! They had goody bags, fun! After picking up his ID, Ad wandered along the table until he came to his own department's bags. He picked one up and looked inside; the 'property of the Ministry of Magic' t-shirt got a laugh from him. Obviously he was no one's property, but it was all in good fun, right? His blue eyes glanced up, and he saw another man with a badge (Noah) standing nearby and assumed this guy must be the department head. "Hello," he said with a smile and a nod, offering him a handshake. "I'm Ad Ryder, senior oceanologist. Nice to meet you!"

What the...?

Ad's head whipped around as he heard someone say something about a beast, and... Was that a cat? In a bubble? Was that the "beast" he heard about? He shook his head. Honestly, it was only a cat, not a manticore! He started to say something but was distracted as the cat floated near him. His eyes scanned the crowd in search of the animal's owner. "WHOSE CAT IS THIS?" he asked everyone within earshot.

Amelia was very suspicious of this whole orientation thing. Why couldn't her first day at work just be a normal first day? Noooo, they had to have a big event with a buffet and a dance floor. Of course they had a dance floor.

She turned to the table right next to the entrance and grabbed one of the DMAC bags. 'Property of the Ministry of Magic'.

Wut.

A coupon for bevegares, meh. Coupon for the gift shop, nah. Muggle pencils, why? Amelia dropped all the items back in the bag and took a quick glance around her. OK, then. She continued down the table and picked up her temporary ID. Good. Ok. Now a Department Head. She wondered what the Department Head of DMAC looked like. Maddox Quigley. Sounded like a boss type of name. She was determined to make a good first imp- Heyyyyy! A floating kitty!

Amelia watched the little cat entrapped in a bubble float away from a man (Albert) who'd bumped it from him. Rude. It floated over towards her and she met the little cat's gaze just when the man next to her (Adhemar) started asking people for the owner. Calm down Mr.

"I don't know, but I'll take him." She cooed. "Adorable." So, she knew it was an animagus. She hadn't missed the whole attack scene in the middle of the room, no one had. But animagus or not, it was still cute. And there was no harm in stating obvious facts. Wasn't like the animagus was a Division or Department Head anyway. They wouldn't float around in a bubble at orientation day. Right?

Maybe someone should set the little kitten free though? She glanced over at the two people still struggling on the floor.

The Ministry of Magic everyone.

Quote:

Originally Posted by awakemysoul

Bear looked around as he walked in. He was a little nervous... This was his first grown-up job, like, EVER, and he wasn't quite sure what to expect. He'd dressed up for this shindig, which he hadn't been sure about, but seeing the others walking in, he figured he'd made the right decision there.

So. A table full of swag bags. Seemed like it was okay to take one as you walked in without needing to ask anyone first... At least he hoped so. That was what everyone else was doing. Right?! He took the one closest to him and peeked inside.

Okay, some good stuff. But what was this t-shirt? He sure didn't like the idea of being owned by his job, but he tried to keep his expression neutral. Probably not wise on the very first day (or, well, technically the day before the first day) to be opinionated -- especially negatively.

In any case, he sure as heck wasn't going to put it on at the moment. Or ever.

Shaking his head a bit to clear his brain (a habit he'd picked up while studying), he looked around again. He knew he was supposed to grab his temporary ID and some other stuff... So where did he go to do that?

Amelia kept an eye on the DMAC section of the table of swag bags. Finally someone (Theodore) made their way over there. Her boss maybe? But nah, way too young. And way too disoriented. She noticed he didn't continue to pick up his ID so she decided to take matters into her own hands. Plus she was bored.

She walked over to the IDs laid out on the table and grabbed two before she headed over to the guy and tapped him on the shoulder twice for him to turn around to face her. Hey, homes.

"You look like a Sam." She said dangling one of the IDs she'd picked up from the DMAC section. "Or a James, maybe?" She mused, dangling the other one.

Daichi had thought about using the tie with multiple ducks printed on it which he had gotten from a former professor during his Hogwarts days because it was a feast after all. In the end, he had decided against him because he had caught his own son laughing at him when he had been looking at himself in the mirror this morning. The little brat.

He arrived at the ministry a bit later than the new employers because he knew there would be a line for the entrance. And he had been right when he saw the people grabbing their goody bags and speaking to one and another.

His dark brown eyes scanned the crowd, hoping he would find some of his own coworkers when his eyes landed on a very familiar and perhaps awkward figure. He looked over at Professor Flamsteed...or ..no he wasn't a professor anymore, who seemed to be ..uh...battling a cat.... Merlin's Beard what was even happening?

Curious, Daichi moved through the crowd until he was at the scene as well just as another employee (amelia) had gotten hold of the cat. "Don't tell me you're still scared of cats, Professor Flamsteed?" he asked with a small grin. He DID recognise him right? It had been 12 years since they last saw each other BUT STILL .

Aaaaaaand there was the unnecessarily loud screeching that had the black cat recoiling. Always the one for the dramatics, eh Airey? Couldn't just be greeted by a cat calmly and tell him how much he missed him. Merlin's beard he supposed he really couldn't have asked for mu--

WHAT THE BLOODY HELL????

Maddox pawed at the bubble he suddenly found himself in, wondering how thick it was and his chancing of popping it with a claw when...hey....hey....HEY WHY WAS HE FLOATING HIGHER????? WHY WAS THE BUBBLE NOT TOUCHING THE FLOOR AND HOOOOOOOOLLLYYYYYY SNITCH WHERE WAS HE FLOATING TO?!?!?!?!

All it took was a glance down at the floor that suddenly seemed MILES away for the cat to start his frantic clawing at the side of the bubble.

PUT HIM DOWN PUT HIM DOWN PUT HIM DOWN!! This was not a good altitude to be on! The movements only seemed to propel him further around the room, hissing and scratching like his 9 nines depended on it--because they kinda did. Maddox Quigley did NOT do heights of ANY sort. As he approached a man (Albert) he tried meowing at him to get him OUT of this death trapped but all it earned him was a nudge in the other direction where his ears were ASSAULTED by the shouts in all direction (Adhemar) and the laughter of....of....Miss Xanthopoulos? Merlin someone save him from this nightma--...........er........no.

No no. No. No one was taking him...he was not adorable. He wanted to be put down. On the ground. Where it wasn't so high up. Maddox leaned to the side of the bubble, away from the woman he recognized as one of his own (Amelia). Again he scratched at the bubble, indicating he would like to be released.

And was that Culloden? Small small world wasn't it? He'd have greeted the man but, y'know, correctly trapped in a bubble. Was NO ONE going to help him?? What had this world come to???