Mandy looked up from the secretary's book when she heard her name being called. Her surname, that was, which sounded very odd. Almost like she was back at Hogwarts. "Oh, hello! Yes, that's me, but please call me Mandy. You must be... the person I'm going to see!" The brunette grinned and held out a hand for him to shake.

Surely the interview wouldn't be there so Mandy waited for him to show her the way, smile still on her face.

Seems like he was right in thinking the young woman in front of him was the one he was looking for. "Hello," Simon greeted back with a friendly smile before nodding at her request of name. 'Alright...Mandy," he said, giving in as he accepted her offered hand and gave it a polite shake. No harm would be done by going informal with this type of thing. It wasn't like he was interrogating her for court.

"Yes...that would be me...Simon Bennett." He exchanged his own introduction, unsure of the way he should represent himself. In the end he decided to leave it out seeing as he was filling in. And it might be ackward for her of she knew his full training. "If you would come with me please," he instructed before turning and heading to the door to the department proper. He took the time to hold it open for her before leading to the correct office.

Oh, goodie! The guy didn't make a big fuss out of her request for him to call her just 'Mandy'. Great! She already approved of this Ministry worker even though her worked in the Ministry.

Seemed like there weren't just boring office rats there after all.

The brunette nodded her head when he told her his name. "Alright, Simon, good to see you." She gave him a firm hand shake. He wouldn't mind her calling him that, surely. If he did...... well, too bad, heh.

"Absolutely." Mandy followed him after waving goodbye to the quiet yet nice receptionist.

It had been years since Mariel had taken the lifts in the Ministry and she wasn't about to change that habit. Not when the reason why had been a slightly traumatic one and she currently had an inner emotional turmoil bubbling just below the surface. And it did not matter to her that there had been no further incident. Once her trust was broken, it was difficult to be repaired. Besides, taking the stairs gave her time to be alone with her thoughts, especially when she had to travel all the way up to Level Two.

She may have been an emotional mess on the inside, but her stoic outward appearance gave no indication of that. She simply would not permit herself to unravel here, that was never her way. As she made her way onto Level Two, Mariel's eyes focused on the woman at the reception desk as she approached. She had met her once before to know that her name was similar to her own, so much so that she had been called that several times when she was in school. And she had always hated that.

Stopping in front of the desk, Mariel gave Muriel the briefest of nods. She did not care to fill out any paperwork nor did she want to talk to any random rookie. "I require speaking to Simon Bennett, please. As soon as possible, it's urgent." That meant now, but it was her way of being polite. And she didn't feel it necessary to leave a name.. people in this Ministry knew who she was, yes?

Quote:

Originally Posted by emjay

It had been years since Mariel had taken the lifts in the Ministry and she wasn't about to change that habit. Not when the reason why had been a slightly traumatic one and she currently had an inner emotional turmoil bubbling just below the surface. And it did not matter to her that there had been no further incident. Once her trust was broken, it was difficult to be repaired. Besides, taking the stairs gave her time to be alone with her thoughts, especially when she had to travel all the way up to Level Two.

She may have been an emotional mess on the inside, but her stoic outward appearance gave no indication of that. She simply would not permit herself to unravel here, that was never her way. As she made her way onto Level Two, Mariel's eyes focused on the woman at the reception desk as she approached. She had met her once before to know that her name was similar to her own, so much so that she had been called that several times when she was in school. And she had always hated that.

Stopping in front of the desk, Mariel gave Muriel the briefest of nods. She did not care to fill out any paperwork nor did she want to talk to any random rookie. "I require speaking to Simon Bennett, please. As soon as possible, it's urgent." That meant now, but it was her way of being polite. And she didn't feel it necessary to leave a name.. people in this Ministry knew who she was, yes?

It was an uncommon thing for Simon to be requested out at reception, especially personally by name. Even more rare was the act being done by someone the message sent his way had dubbed a department head. Usually he was one to go to them for something, not them coming to him and it being urgent. The security man didn't hesitate however, getting up from his desk and the corresponding paperwork to head out of the office to the area in question to see what it was all about.

He knew the woman standing on the other side of the desk. Simon briefly wondered if he had done something wrong. Had she noticed him on rounds on Level 7 and talking with Victoria and not been pleased? The former auror slipped into his training and trying to decipher the message of her presence. "Hello," he greeted with a polite nod as he walked out towards her. "What can I do for you, Mariel?"

Mariel made no attempt at small talk with Muriel nor did she feel the need to take a seat. She really wasn't in the mood for pleasantries and, she was pleased to see, the department was rather efficient today as she was not made to wait very long. Turning her green eyes towards the man as he headed into the reception area, she gave him a brief nod in return.

"Simon.. thank you for being so prompt." He had to wonder why she had personally requested him and she looked at him a moment to try to gauge his reaction. She'd like to think that any animosity they may have previously had between them was behind them now. At least it was for her and she did not dwell on it any longer. "I.." She took a deep breath to make sure she was composed before she continued. "I need to report a crime and I don't wish to speak to anyone else about it." At least not any other MLE. Somehow she felt she had enough history with him that he was the one she could trust in this department. She hoped that he could be unbiased though when he heard what it was about. "Could we go somewhere to speak a little more privately?"

Quote:

Originally Posted by emjay

Mariel made no attempt at small talk with Muriel nor did she feel the need to take a seat. She really wasn't in the mood for pleasantries and, she was pleased to see, the department was rather efficient today as she was not made to wait very long. Turning her green eyes towards the man as he headed into the reception area, she gave him a brief nod in return.

"Simon.. thank you for being so prompt." He had to wonder why she had personally requested him and she looked at him a moment to try to gauge his reaction. She'd like to think that any animosity they may have previously had between them was behind them now. At least it was for her and she did not dwell on it any longer. "I.." She took a deep breath to make sure she was composed before she continued. "I need to report a crime and I don't wish to speak to anyone else about it." At least not any other MLE. Somehow she felt she had enough history with him that he was the one she could trust in this department. She hoped that he could be unbiased though when he heard what it was about. "Could we go somewhere to speak a little more privately?"

"You're welcome...I was told it was urgent." Not that he wouldn't have come promptly regardless. A request for his presence was a request for his presence and Simon had a responsibility to do what he could with whatever it was she might need of him...within reason of course.

His eyebrow, and curiousity raised as she started to speak and then paused after one one-letter word. What was going on here? When she continued it was only particly revealed and Simon went even more alert at the progression of words. A crime...in the ministry? Or within the realm he technically wasn't working in. Regardless, the woman had expressed her desire only to speak with him and he nodded again.
As for a private place to talk...

"Um...of course," he said mentally going over options. "Follow me," he instructed almost redundantly as he turned to head into the department proper.

It didn't seem like much had changed here in the years since she'd been gone. Not really sure rather that was a good thing or not. But one thing was certain: the coffee still smelled terrible, making Roxanne glad that she'd stopped by the cafe down the street for a cup before coming up here.

Taking a seat in one of the chairs, the blonde woman crossed her legs at the ankle, waiting for.....well someone. If there was anyone in the office.

Hearing that an ex-staff member was loitering in the waiting room, Elliot had ceased his rounds of checking in with his employees and made his way to greet the woman. Buttoning his jacket singlehandedly, he gave Muriel a polite nod in thank you for her notification and approached the onlooker.

"Most people check in upon arriving, your loitering has earned my attention," greeted the Irishman - in his own particular way. He extended a hand to Roxanne, should she choose to engage in pleasantries. "What brings you back?"

Of course he came bearing gifts. Chocolatey gifts. Yeah, Fox knew what he was about. Wizarding Britain's newest larger-than-life radio personality had sent a message not long ago to let a certain someone know he was popping by to see her (since for all he knew she could otherwise be out arresting some poor sod and putting magical restraints to use in a less fun way than how his imagination preferred), and he sauntered up just now with a covered box of sticky, delicious, mini devils food cupcakes, each glazed with a chocolate and wine frosting.

Hmmmm.... not the most welcoming of waiting areas was it?

Lex did get the message, loud and clear, right in the middle of training shortly before a knock-back jinx sent her flying into the concrete wall. Not the best way to find out Fox was stopping by--proper inconvenient actually, considering she could have blocked if the silvery-blue figure hadn't shown up and thrown off her concentration but that was all behind her now as she made her way from the training arena. Sure she was sore but she was now also looking forward to a treat.

Why? Because there was a very VERY slim chance, he'd show up empty handed. She'd be willing to bet her last chocolate frog on it.

Entering the reception area, Lex caught sight of just the guy she was looking for. "Glad to see you decided to turn yourself in." A sort of greeting as the young woman made her way over to him. "We're a little booked out over in the cells but I reckon we can make room for fancy famous types like you."

"Mhmm, so what's my punishment?" Important question, clearly. What WOULD his auror friend do to teach him a thing or two? Intriguing.

He winked at her.

"And can you make room for a treat or two?" Fox offered her the box of cupcakes and a grin. "Have you been listening in? I'm not really the famous one you know, its the people I have to interview." Was that... was that Fox Janvier being humble? Maybe to the casual eavesdropper, but Lex probably knew better.

"Busy day?"

"If I told you, you wouldn't be nearly as surprised. The shock value would be lost and you'd go around with the idea the MLE's got no flair." Lex leaned against the Receptionist's desk, her gaze more focused on the box he had than the woman who obviously found their conversation more interesting in comparison to the documents set before her.

The fact there was that subtle hint of chocolate wafting around in their vicinity only held her attention more firmly. Add the whole question about treats and you had one Alexa Cambridge nicking the box when it was offered, plopping it on the desk and popping the lid off. "Always. There will never, ever be a time when I don't have room for a treat," Hazel eyes drifted over to him. "...or two." He counted as a treat in some respect.

Only took one look inside the box to have a wide grin spread across her face. Aches and pains from training? What were those? Right now she was in heaven. Mmm. It even tasted like heaven. Lex took to her leaning possession again, cupcake in hand while she regarded him. The amusement was evident. "I think we've found the one thing that doesn't suit you well." A humble Fox was like a Lex that turned down chocolate. "But I have been listening every now and then. My kneazle approves." She might have too but she could only give him so much in one day.

She gave a small shrug. "Hardly busy around here today. Most action I got was the last two hours of training. Walked by the gift shop and caught your voice playing over the radio they got down there. Thought you took a later slot or something." Hence some amount of surprise hearing he was stopping by.

Treats. Sure.

"Only two?" Fox was quick to respond, one eyebrow going up to punctuate a wicked smile. "Expect more." He suggested, leaning forward slightly. "I'm feeling generous." As always. Once wasn't enough, twice was only acceptable if one was in a hurry. Did she follow or did he need to spell out where his mind was going now?

"Listen to you full of compliments today." He said, smiling both at her amusement and her instant claim of the chocolate cupcakes. Fox listened to her and nodded, all attentively as she answered him.

"I've done a few interviews that get some replay, so that's probably why you heard me during daylight hours." Lucky her, clearly.

Hmm. And two hours wasn't enough action in his books. "Can I steal you away for a little while?" Or.... they could stay here. Fox didn't mind one bit. He kept his expression relatively innocent, but the look in his eyes gave it well away.

"I always do." Not just with him--though she'd come to find he was full of surprises--but in general. It only became a problem when people and things couldn't produce more. Truly disappointing. Where she hoped he was going with this? Much less disappointing.

Lex polished off the cupcake, only detecting the hints of wine after. It blended well. "You know what they say, one good turn deserves another." And a gesture toward the box of cupcakes he'd brought her. Compliments could be handed out, he'd already made her a very happy YATI for the day and now there was something else to munch on while she completed her paperwork a little later today.

His explanation put everything in the right perspective for her, while leading her to one conclusion. "It's odd hearing you on daytime radio." Must have been because she knew him in the capacity of a night owl and had mostly heard him at times she should have been sleeping. "Ever caught yourself in a rebroadcast?" She could only imagine how odd it would be walking down the street and suddenly hearing your voice coming through a shop window.

Alexa glanced between the oh so innocent face of Fox Janvier and the clock mounted on the wall. "Just so happens I'm on break now. Don't reckon I've got any other lunch plans so..." They were going, yes? Yes. The box was closed once more, an indication she was ready whenever he was.

"Glad to hear it." Fox said. Sometimes though, she gave off the impression that she wasn't used to actually having anyone meet those expectations. Except him, clearly.

It was simple actually, the reason he liked to bring her treats and indulge her in other ways; Fox was a hedonist and one of the things that fortunately pleased him was seeing others have that moment of savouring something too, especially when they were as responsive as Alexa.

"Every now and then. I like to put a fake voice on and say very loudly to anyone in earshot how amazing I sound." This may have been a joke. Fox winked, but it was also entirely possible that he'd done exactly this once or twice, just to see if he could fool anyone, and so he could amuse those who were in the know.

"Perfect. What timing." Breaks and all. "Is there anywhere particular we can go to get a little privacy around here or will I have to whisk you away outside the Ministry?"

As much as he sounded like he was joking, Lex wouldn't have put it pass him to actually go about with a fake voice giving himself compliments. It seemed perfectly in line with something he would do so yes, she was shaking her head even if she couldn't shake the look of amusement. "You are something else entirely." A good something else? A bad something else? Lex was still making up her mind about that.

Also...on a scale of one to ten, HOW irresponsible would it be to suggest a stroll through Mysteries? They wouldn't get very far--even if she knew her way by now--but the point wasn't to get inside, it was all the empty corridors that led nowhere.

Ten. It was a full ten, wasn't it? Lex sighed, rolling her eyes at the realization, both because it'd be terrible if they got caught and because it was HIGHLY likely they would get caught. Fox Janvier was not worth losing a badge she hadn't yet earned. No one was. "Between the YATI and Security crawling around this place on constant patrol, there's no such thing as privacy." She stuffed the box into her magically extended candy bag then took hold of his hand. "Outside works better."

She liked that about him though, didn't she? He was REFRESHING compared to the people that usually buzzed around her like flies, RIGHT? Yeahh he was. Fox watched the expressions track over her face as she made the call about where they might go, his expression sliding into an easy, if somewhat wicked grin at the eye roll and her eventual explanation of the patrols.

"Outside is just fine by me. Lets go, dollface." He squeezed her hand and started toward the lifts and wondered if they would be conveniently empty.

As trained as her expression was, there was nothing to be done about the colour creeping over her ears as she gave the reception area a once over. While she'd grown far too accustomed to him calling her that, it wasn't nearly as common place in the middle of Magical Law Enforcement. With some luck only the Receptionist was around. Damage control was doable.

"Let's not call me that ever again while we're within 500 ft of the Ministry." The last thing she needed was anyone around the office thinking it was okay. Fox could be the exception that made it work because of that wicked grin until he made himself no longer the exception. "I've hexed people for less." And would again if she had to.

Oh there was the lift. Brilliant timing. No need to stick around her any longer.

Whitney was nervous, to say the least. She had made an appointment with the Department Head of the Magical Law Enforcement for the afternoon after her last exam. This was something that needed her time and attention, and that was something she hadn’t had too much of for the past three weeks while she had focused on her exams and final presentations. Now, though, she was free until September when she started her third year at WADA.

So… that meant she had plenty of time for this.

Stepping out of the lift, her heart beat fast as she even just looked around the department reception. How on earth did her cousin Hazel work in the Ministry on a daily basis… she felt more nervous than she had doing her classical exam last week. Giving the receptionist her name, she informed her that she was here to meet Miss Browne and then proceeded to sit down where she was told. She focused on breathing as she twirled her engagement ring.

With the Animagi Registrar's busy handling an influx of Unregistered Animagi reports, Emily had decided to take it upon herself to get this registration underway and finalised... it would require her signature eventually regardless, so why bother double handling the document when it wasn't necessary? At any rate, it was a welcome distraction to her earlier work.

Emily arrived in the reception area after receiving notice from Muriel that the woman was present for her appointment. At least she wasn't tardy. That was a good start.

"Ms Hart I presume?" she asked with a polite smile as she approached the seated woman. "I'm Emily Browne, I'll be assisting you with your registration." Her hand was extended to shake the woman's, a gesture she was long accustomed to. "This shouldn't take too long, did you bring your forms and I.D?" Once it was established the woman came prepared, then and only then would she be invited into her office. Making time-wasters comfortable was not on her agenda for the day.

Whitney tried not to jump in shock as someone spoke to her. She had been in a daze trying to memorise her music for the upcoming WADA showcase and her pieces were still taunting her every waking moment. She had been humming a particularly tricky and vigourous section when the woman had asked her for her name and her brain went blank; so she nodded while she stood up and gulped to compose herself.

”Hello. Yes, Whitney Hart.” She repeated, berating herself mentally for how stupid she sounded. She knew what she was doing and she was proud of what she had achieved - why was she so darn nervous?

”It is lovely to meet you, Ms Browne.” She said with a calmer, genuine smile as she held her own hand out to shake the Department Head’s, suddenly aware of how much damage she had caused her hands over the years from playing her guitars without a pick… though she knew that wasn’t the only reason, just one of a few.

Picking a button close folder up from beside where she had been sitting, she nodded. ”Yes. I have completed them too… as instructed I mean.” She sent the woman a soft smile, holding the folder out for her to take. ”And my ID is in the folder as well so that you can take a copy if you need too.” She bite the inside of her lip gently, willing herself to shut up and just. stop. rambling.

Lynley had a file to deliver to the MLE head, and she wanted to to just drop it right off and go back to her office.

Miss Purcell had been in a foul mood for about a week now. And nothing seemed to be bringing her out of her. Her poor, poor employees. She felt no remorse about it, more...miserable. At the end of the day, she couldn't wait to go home and crawl into her bed. She felt like a teenager going through depression all over again.

Merlin.

She needed to get herself together!

Peeking around the reception area, she loosened her hold on the file and ALL of the papers fell to the ground, scattering everywhere.

"Oh SH--AAAAAPPLE!" she said, quickly catching herself in this...public environment. Professional and all.

Ugh.

SPOILER!!: Lynley

Lynley had a file to deliver to the MLE head, and she wanted to to just drop it right off and go back to her office.

Miss Purcell had been in a foul mood for about a week now. And nothing seemed to be bringing her out of her. Her poor, poor employees. She felt no remorse about it, more...miserable. At the end of the day, she couldn't wait to go home and crawl into her bed. She felt like a teenager going through depression all over again.

Merlin.

She needed to get herself together!

Peeking around the reception area, she loosened her hold on the file and ALL of the papers fell to the ground, scattering everywhere.

"Oh SH--AAAAAPPLE!" she said, quickly catching herself in this...public environment. Professional and all.

Ugh.

Seb twirled his wand in his hand as he walked, whistling as he made his way around Level Two. This was his job, strolling around the Ministry, or as Miss Browne called it, patrolling.

Seb threw the Cedar into the air, before catching it again. Nothing interesting ever happened here, MLE usually kept to themselves, always working on a new case or training.

So it was quite the surprise when he heard an unfamiliar voice 'cursing' from the Reception Area. Seb rounded the corner and his eyes immediately darted towards the paper-ridded floor. Merlin.

"Here, let me help you." he said to the exasperated-looking woman. He pocketed his wand before sinking to his knees, fingers picking at the pieces of parchment. A chuckle escaped his lips as he looked at the woman, "Sh-apple?" She didn't look like a very affable woman from his angle on the floor.

When he had every leaf of paper, he rose back to his feet and held them out to her, "Don't drop these again, Miss. . . " Seb titled his head to the side, as if silently asking her for her name.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nc.Ap.

Seb twirled his wand in his hand as he walked, whistling as he made his way around Level Two. This was his job, strolling around the Ministry, or as Miss Browne called it, patrolling.

Seb threw the Cedar into the air, before catching it again. Nothing interesting ever happened here, MLE usually kept to themselves, always working on a new case or training.

So it was quite the surprise when he heard an unfamiliar voice 'cursing' from the Reception Area. Seb rounded the corner and his eyes immediately darted towards the paper-ridded floor. Merlin.

"Here, let me help you." he said to the exasperated-looking woman. He pocketed his wand before sinking to his knees, fingers picking at the pieces of parchment. A chuckle escaped his lips as he looked at the woman, "Sh-apple?" She didn't look like a very affable woman from his angle on the floor.

When he had every leaf of paper, he rose back to his feet and held them out to her, "Don't drop these again, Miss. . . " Seb titled his head to the side, as if silently asking her for her name.

Lynley WOULD let him help, thank you very much. She took the papers he handed over to her and tried to flip through...they were ALL out of order now. Well just great. Bloody great. This was honestly the last thing she needed right now. She stood and began to organize the papers on the receptionist's desk, not really caring if that was rude.

She had THINGS to get back to, thank you.

"Shapple...you know..." she said, slightly amused for a second before he TOLD HER NOT TO DROP HER PAPERS AGAIN. Well that was IT for Miss Purcell. "Oh, I am SO sorry my papers HAPPENED to fall all over the floor--excuuuuuuuuuuuuuse me!" she snapped. "Because people can TOTALLY control when they DROP things--" Why did this make her so angry?

Because everything made her angry right now.