If you've chosen to turn right and venture down the first floor corridor, you'll eventually come upon the offices which house the Minister of Magic, Undersecretaries, Support Staff, and Administration. Two, wooden double doors are closed in front of you, and upon opening them you enter into a large lobby area.

You'll first need to proceed forward and visit the front desks, where a member of the Administration team will greet you and point you in the right direction. Sometimes, if the person you've come to see is unavailable, you'll be asked to wait in the lobby area. The lobby area serves as a waiting room and is full of several chairs lining the walls, a few coffee tables with wizarding magazines scattered across them, and a couple of plants decorating the corners of the room.

Expecting others to follow but not waiting to see, Mariel headed into the lobby area, her wand in front of her and her eyes constantly searching for anything out of the ordinary. This place was a mess. Not the mess that she had just come from with all the rubble from the explosion, but a different kind of mess entirely. The decorative plants were knocked over, the magazines that she would presume were placed there for reading whilst waiting were scattered all over the floor, torn and ripped.. Did reverberations of their initial explosion above the other space cause this? She didn't really think so.

Upon closer inspection, Mariel could see the chairs and tables appeared to be scratched up.. or maybe even chewed. Strange. And what was that on the floor? Ugh.. She wasn't sure she wanted to know. "Just what is in here?" she mused aloud as she made her way further through the lobby. At least going by the size of what she was suspecting to be animal droppings, it was nothing large, but it didn't appear to be anything she was thrilled about either.

So Alex had only half been following along as the others tried to brainstorm regarding the toilet, but to no avail. Nonetheless she followed absently along when the patronus had arrived depicting the blasting a hole had been of great effect.

When they split up though ... she wasn't going meandering off to the different levels; not level three or two, at least. Nope, she was content to stay right here and search around some more... So instead she followed Mariel through the doorway towards the front desk area.

More furniture scratches. And was that? Wrinkling her nose in disgust, she dreaded suddenly thinking what her own level might look like. Unless of course whatever it was that destroyed this level, didn't make it to level four. "You don't suppose ... there's dead creatures around, do you?" she asked hoarsely, reaching into her pocket to grip her wand slightly.

Mariel paused her steps a moment, her wand still gripped tightly in her hand as a precaution, and crouched down slightly next to one of the chairs where it was scratched or chewed. It was reminiscent of what had happened before they were locked out, at least on her level. She had had much opportunity to visit this particular level, but surely they had cleaned it up before the break?

Green eyes glanced over at what appeared to be animal droppings and she wrinkled her nose in disdain. She didn't feel the need to examine that more closely and she straightened up, turning just as she heard a voice behind her. Alex. Good, someone was assisting in her assessment of Level One. An assessment she didn't expect to last long as she was still eager to head south. And with assistance, they could make quick work of things.

"Dead creatures?" Green eyes swept the immediate area again. She hadn't thought about the mortality of what might or might not be in here, but she supposed that was a legitimate question. "I don't know," she said as she headed towards the reception desk. "It appears something is - or was - in here though. Maybe we should see if we can locate whatever caused.. that." She made a gesture towards the damage and mess. Too bad someone from Creatures wasn't with them. This wasn't her thing at all.

She headed further through the level, heading towards the stairwell, as her eyes continually searched for.. something. To be honest, her mind was still on her own level and its possible condition.

If it wasn't dead creatures here then ... well there must be something present someplace ... which could explain the absence of all things magical...

Homenum was for human bodies, but something told Alex that these were no human feces. "If there's nothing dead, well, they must have a hiding spot then. A breeding spot, perhaps. I wonder if just a generic revelio charm would be effective at revealing something...." she muttered aloud.

Edward followed the lady who appeared to have some measure of confidence in what she was going to do. He wasn't sure what would lie ahead but saw another woman joining as well.

He listened to their conversation and was surprised to imagine dead creatures here. He wasn't sure what kind of strange things they did in the magical creatures division, but he could see that something had destroyed things in a somewhat animalistic fashion. He'd seen this type of thing from big cats and other large mammals in South America, but not to this level. Additionally, what could suck all the magic out of the ministry? There were centuries of magical levels added here and it was all gone...at least as far as he could see. He looked to the other two for some indication of what should be done.

Nuria had flown patiently along with Furmgoat, accustomed to the younger owl's sulking. And while other owls would fly ahead or behind him for fear of having their wings nipped or getting sulky owl looks, she flew beside him.

Very few owls dared to mess with one of the elder owls.

She slowed when she entered the ministry, parting from him and hooing quietly as she passed the humans wandering about. It took her no time at all to find the minister's level, but Nuri didn't go far in. This place did not look how she was used to it appearing, and it had a smell. A smell that bothered even the old owl.

With the letter attached to her leg though, she couldn't leave and so continued to fly around the room, searching for either the person this letter was for or a safe place to land.

Realizing that standing there staring at the hole was not going to be helpful in any way shape or form, Ainsley gracefully jumped in the hole. The impact wasn't that bad and she managed not to get a scratch on her in the process so that was a good thing. People seemed to be going off in the on directions and naturally Ainsley wanted to check on her own level.

As she walked she could hear tid bits of different information and couldn't help but to wonder what they were going to walk in to. She heard something about a creature, but thought surely that she must have misheard them. Upon entering what was once her pristine lobby Ainsley noticed dust and upon closer inspection bite marks. She was making her way closer when she accidentally bumped into someone. "I'm terribly sorry." She looked up to see who she was apologizing to and realized that it was none other than Edward. "Hello there Edward. It's nice to see you again." She couldn't help but to light up a bit even given the current circumstances.

As she was about to strike up a conversation she noticed an owl flutter in with a note. Not waiting for anybody else to see what it said, the blonde scooped it up in her hands. Her eyes bulged a bit and she handed it to Edward. "What in the name of merlin is going on here?" she wondered out loud. Who was going to die?

Hmm ... so no thoughts on whether or not revelio would work? And where did that guy come from ? He looked familiar - oh right, she'd seen him at that dumb muggle evasion workshop thing they had in the gymnasium ... He was quiet. A listener no doubt.

Before she could comment more on the disarray of the level or on ideas for the cause though, her thoughts were interrupted with the flight of an owl and ... the disappearance of Mariel? Awkward.

The owl seemed to just hover though ... stunned by the disarray as they were. Frowning, she blinked in surprise at it didn't seem to be holding out its letter for anyone of them. BUT then, from nowhere, it seemed, a newcomer arrived, bumping into the male - who was apparently named Edward (amazing how she found out this stuff). The newcomer though didn't waste anytime with waiting to see who the letter was for; instead she just took it and read it... Alex frowned more.

"What's wrong?" Alex asked. "What's it say?" Impatiently, she reached for the parchment to glance at it. Quidditch. School. In particular, one school was all she could think of: the one her sister taught at. Her sister would probably be thrilled though if they quit quidditch and focused on school.

"I think ... we need to get this to the games and sports department, but ..." her thoughts trailed off again. "Do you think the lifts are in working condition or ... probably stairs might be safer?"

Where was Gavin? Shouldn't he be here on his floor? She was shocked with what was in the letter and she didn't really know what needed to be done other than tracking down her elusive boss. While she waited for Edward to respond she noticed another woman, one she had never met before. Her manners took over at once. "Hello, I'm Ainsley Scarsdale." she said offering her hand. It was important to know who everybody was and she hoped that the lady would introduce herself.

She watched the woman's face as she read the letter trying to decipher what was going on in her head. Ainsley wondered if she was at all shook up because she didn't seem to look it. Quidditch wasn't that big of a deal, but the death threat obviously was. Then the unfamiliar woman actually came up with a decent idea. "That sounds like a good plan." They were the department over that kind of thing. The whole death threat though. "Should we alert the Ms. Browne about the death threat and all?" She was over the law department and it wouldn't hurt in her opinion. "I think maybe we should take the stairs just in case. We don't know what all has happened here." She would rather be safe than sorry. Plus, she did not want to get herself stuck in the elevator for hours on end.

Edward continued to watch and was surprised at the arrival of an owl that appeared to be mature. As he was staring at the owl, he was bumped into. He flipped around, a little jumpy and pointed his wand at....Ainsley. He lowered his wand and smiled. Nice to see you as well, though I'm a little surprised. One to be here, and two to bump into you. I've not been in this part of the ministry. It was then he realized a bit his rudeness.

He strode to the other woman who remained and introduced himself. My apologies. I hadn't even thought to introduce myself. I'm Edward. Edward Lennox, newly hired member of the Department of Ministries, though I've worked elsewhere in the ministry before. He extended his hand and then listened to the conversation that occurred after Ainsley took the note from the owl.

Ainsley was a bit taken aback with the whole wand in her face thing, but she couldn't blame him really. Given everything that has gone on recently she was just glad that she hadn't been accidentally hexed. "Welcome to my neck of the woods." Her eyes scanned the mess. "Of course I wish you could have seen it on better terms."

She waited patiently while Edward and the woman introduced themselves. The blonde really did need to get out and about more and put names to these faces and you never knew when a certain somebody might come in handy. Ainsley walked around to see if there was anything else out of the ordinary that might give them any clues while she waited to see what it was that the others wanted to do.

He looked a little sheepish at her response to his defensive posture. Well, as I haven't even seen my own work area yet, I've nothing to compare it too. Granted, it looks a bit disheveled, but nothing one wouldn't expect after having had to blow our way in.

Oh well that was dumb and impolite of her, honestly. Alex would just chalk it up to the disarray of the room; it made one forget basic mannerisms if you didn't know someone. Taking the woman's hand, she nodded. "Nice to meet you, Ainsley. I'm Hadley, Alex Hadley. I work in Environmental Protection." Which given the state of the environment, was probably not a good thing to brag about.... Hmm, good idea. Death threat should probably be alerted to Law Enforcement. "I reckon so. We could send a patronus off to pass the message on though... might be better?"

And then the other guy formally introduced himself, as a member of her old department too. "How mysteriously odd; I used to work there up until about a year or so ago. I missed the human interaction, to be honest." Not that she didn't like level nine and the work she did there; it was just ... she's definitely met way more people since being on level four. "But Hadley. Alex Hadley. Nice to meet you." She introduced to him as well, shaking his hand.

"So .... games and sports, it is?" she nodded in confirmation, glancing around for the stairwell(s)

Edward had a good point. "Welcome to the ministry." And what a welcome he got. It didn't even dawn on her that he hadn't even been able to see his own work station before the ministry got themselves in this mess.

Ainsley turned her attention back to Alex. "It's a pleasure to meet you as well." Oops. She didn't mention what department she was, but her "neck of the woods" comment was pretty self explanatory no? Still, she just had to tell her. Ainsley couldn't do anything that may come off as rude. "Please forgive me for not saying earlier, but I work here at the minister's office." As a media liaison, but there was no need to go into specifics at the moment.

"A patronus sounds lovely. Shall I?" She didn't actually want to go bombard the head of law enforcement without treats. She had met the woman before and that was pretty much the only way to approach her.

"Yes. I think so." She could lead the way. "After you dear." Manners, she could never shake them.

He smiled as the introductions were complete. I'm interested to see how I'll work out there. Not sure what to expect to be honest. I suppose that's why they call it the department of mysteries.

He wondered if the magic of a patronus would even sustain itself if the other magic around here seemed to have disappeared. A patronus would work, if there's not some magic sucking force lying in wait for it. I haven't seen anyone attempt it in here to this point. Then the idea to head to games and sports was brought in. He piped up, I'll have to follow, as I'm not as familiar with the layout of the ministry as I once was. I can guard the rear as we go, if that will suit.

So at least one of them got to see their workspace; which got Alex wondering if the rest of the ministry was in the same magic-less disarray ... Edward's comment about it being the department of mysteries got a smile though from her.

"Oh good call about the Patronus. Yes, go ahead and attempt it, but like Edward pointed out, it may or may not work. Kind of makes me wonder if even basic charms would work..." she trailed off, fingering her wand.

Whoever it was who ransacked the Ministry certainly did a decent job. Were secure files even still secure? Alright then. She was leading the way... Alex nodded at them and turned and headed out into the corridor. "Perhaps, if your patronus has no effect, we'll swing in and leave a note for Miss Browne along our way." It was only one level down.

Edward listened to all that Alex had to say. He nodded and prepared to move. He looked around one more time to make sure he understood the lay of the land. He readied his wand once again and prepared to move out. When he saw Alex move, he waited for Ainsley to go and then he would follow.

"You guys are most likely right about the patronus, but I figure that if I am not able to produce one then we will be more aware of what we are dealing with."Like absolutely no magic at all and that would be a total bummer. Plus, it was easier this way and would cut down on time if she was able to make it happen. Sometimes it was the simplest of things that proved to be the most informative.

She cleared her throat and gave it a go, and wasn't too surprised with absolutely nothing happened. "The good thing is that we know what to expect." Even though deep down she was sure that they all thought it, but it was confirmed now. They needed to get a move on considering that they now had to accomplish tasks the muggle way. Not that it was a bad thing, but it sure would slow them down.

"A note it is then." Ainsley had no sweet treats on her, but surely Ms. Browne would be forgiving this time considering the mess they were all in. She followed Alex and Edward out into the corridor.

Edward watched with a little hope as Ainsley tried to summon the patronus. It didn't seem to have worked though as she appeared a little defeated. Might as well put away his wand if that was the case. He moved forward, trying to keep an eye out. He wished he'd brought his walking stick. It had gotten him out of a few scrapes when he hadn't been able to use magic during his travels.

Victoria had been on the lifts to head to her department, but instead of the things going down they went up. Sighing as they reached level one, she stepped out. Had she ever been on this level before? Vic really didn't think she had. Well why not explore a bit. Getting out of the lift she ventured towards the Lobby.

What if someone would stop her asking if she needed help, what would she tell them? She had worked at the ministry for five years going on six now, there was no way she'd be able to say she was lost. No that just wouldn't do, maybe she'd say she was there to speak with the minster of magic, but why would she need to speak to the minister. Well she'd have to think of something if she was going to run into someone. Didn't Gavin work on Level one, maybe she'd just say she was visiting him. Though saying she was there to visit the minister could be a little more interesting.

What a lovely start to the new year it was. Ainlsey had met all of her new colleagues, and they all seemed wonderful. She couldn't wait to get to work with them. Deciding that she was in need of some coffee she made her way into the lobby in search of a full coffee pot.

Looking down at her watch to make sure that she still had enough time before her meeting, she looked up just in time to avoid a collision. "I'm terribly sorry. I should pay better attention to where I am going." Ainsley was normally alert, but she so much going on that even stopping to check the time was becoming dangerous to her.

The woman that she nearly knocked off didn't look familiar to her, and it was Ainsley's personal goal to put a name with every face at the ministry. "I'm Ainsley Scarsdale by the way." Cue incessant beaming.

[spoiler As she looked around, Vic just happened to catch out of the corner of her eye someone coming at her. Stepping away, but not needing to, since the young lady avoided the collision she smiled, "Oh it's fine. I get in my own head at times as well. So I understand." Honestly she was in her head more than she was out most days and all this added work it was even harder to focus on anything but work thoughts.

She was introducing herself, well maybe she was needing to figure out who Victoria was, which was fine of course. "Hello, Victoria Maroon. Nice to meet you Ainsley. Do you work on this level?" Maybe she worked with Gavin, which was most likely if she was on this floor.

Her brain was working though on what her reason for being on the floor was still. Was she there to see Gavin or should she say the minister. What business could she have with the man. Did it even matter if she had business here or not? Victoria was not one to lie about anything, so maybe she would simple say the truth.

Thankfully the woman whom she had almost ran into was pleasant. For the most part everybody that Ainsley had met seemed nice enough. There were still plenty of people that she hadn't met yet though. "Oh good." She was sure that the woman standing before her could relate. Anybody that had a job most likely knew where she was coming from.

"The pleasure is all mine Victoria." she extended her hand for good measure. She would go around giving hugs, but apparently that was frowned upon. "I do. I am a media liaison." She was curious and couldn't help but to ask. "What level do you work on? If you don't mind me asking of course." Ainsley really wanted to know her job title too, but didn't want to seem pushy. It was a innocent question though. The blonde just liked knowing everybody.

Maybe Victoria needed help, and Ainsley was just running her mouth. "Did you need help with something?" She should have asked sooner, but needing to know names and job titles jumped to the front of her brain.

It was probably good that they had not run into each other. How embarrassing for both women to have fallen. Plus Victoria wasn't really feeling the getting back up in heels and a skirt. No it worked out better this way.

She was very nice and Vic was grateful for this. She didn't need to randomly be on a floor and find someone that wished she wasn't there at all or maybe even think she wasn't suppose to be there. Taking the woman's hand Vic smiled "Media Liaison, that sounds very interesting." It was always fun to find out what others did. She had done Gobstone work in Australia and then went into quidditch work here. So thinking of doing something else wasn't something she did much. "Oh no I don't mind. I'm the Quidditch Division Manager for Level Seven, Magical Games and Sports." Her smile grew at the title. She really wasn't one to boast about herself, but she was proud to have that position.

The question she was hoping wouldn't be asked, her brown eyes moved around the floor a bit, "Oh no, not really. My friend Gavin Isaacs actually works up here and when the lift took me the wrong way, I just figured maybe I'd venture out and see a new floor for once." Did that make sense at all? She hoped so at least.