Satine looked at the Headmaster with a blank look after he answered her question...without realizing it her head shook right and left slightly as she tried to figure out what someone would think her interest would be today...and then she remembered being nice to Ikenna and she knew that must've been why she was invited...way to go Satine....

She glanced back at the Headmaster, "Well, sir, I have to admit I'm a little nervous about tonite...I'm actually here against my rents request...they said I could make my own decision, but my mom said that this event was a little fishy and she really thought it might be a trap or something...." she paused and swallowed hard as she glanced around the room trying to figure out what she could've meant..."and my mom is not the conspiracy, cautious type so I'm wondering what other people outside of the Ministry feel about this shindig as well..." she really wandered how the Headmaster felt about the situation but she was sure by just glancing at his face she could tell he wasn't fond about it either. "But my curiosity got the best of me....and I chose to come and find out... she glanced over at the table covered in gift bags and shook her head at his question...that was interesting as well...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Macavity

Simon watched as the man took a seat on the other side of Kurumi a touch of protectiveness hiting the captain. The questioning comments he posed invocted curiousity but certainly aimed at his housemate not himself and she had already shown nervousness around them. Apparently he wasn't the only one for Riley joined them stepping up and asking for the man's identity to which the man remained elusive. He almost pressed for an answer to the other boy's question when Kurumi finally seemed to reconize the man, quickly opening the CD case in response.

Sure enough Simon could see over his friend's shoulder that the man in front of them was one of the members of the band confirming one of his original thoughts as to his identity and why he carried signed CDs around. "So you decided to come talk to her especting her to know? After how long?" he remarked still a little wary.

Kaishu smiled and felt like giving the strapping young man a pat on the back for being an overprotective boyfriend to Kurumi. Merlin knew the poor thing needed some of it, especially with her father taking on this ridiculous assignment. His best mate better now blow his cover at this party, or try and talk to Kurumi, or pull out the countless pictures the man kept in his wallet of his little princess. Kaishu had already stopped him once, so he was concerned.

Pushing those thoughts away for the moment, his chocolate eyes smiled at the young man sitting before him. “I can hardly expect her to remember me when it is I who hardly recognized her,” he said with a sway. “She was merely two when we last met, you see, but her father always sends me pictures and updates now and again.” Kaishu paused for a moment not wanting to bring up his surprise visit when Kurumi was around 8-years-old that had ended with her mother chasing him out of the house with a broom all because he had charmed a teddy bear to walk around. Instead, he had left a note for little Kurumi saying ‘Happy Birthday’ and that had been it. Yukie never wanted to see him again. It was a shame really, seeing as he was an intricate part of Kurumi’s life should anything happen to her parents.


Kurumi sat in silence as she watched the three boys stare down each other. Perhaps it was time for her to slip off somewhere? Deciding instead to scoot a bit closer to Headmaster Tate, Kurumi set the box of cookies down on the table. "I wouldn't say I am enjoying myself yet," she smiled nervously glancing down at the t-shirt that she had been forced to take. She wrinkled her nose at it. "I wonder when Lord Borr will make his appearance. I-I baked him some cookies in thanks for the invitation."

Tucking his invitation back into his inside pocket, Jake headed straight over to the table set aside from the students and parked himself in a chair a few spaces away from the headmaster, where there was nobody either side of him.

Sighing ever so softly, Jake took a ring off of the ring finger on his right hand, leaned forwards and span it. He did this a few times before remembering the name 'Gevrik' being on the invite.

"Headmaster," Jake called to the man, not TOO loud, but so he could hear him. He rolled the, quite frankly ordinary, ring between his palms. "Gevrik said he was writing to someone in the Ministry about me. Would... that person be here? I mean, is it likely? He said it was his friend or something?"

The details were fuzzeh.

Jake looked around to see if he could see Mr. Gevrik himself, but his range of vision was poor for some reason.

Iris smiled at Satine as she sat down. "Ahh, there must've been some good reason. You're smart, and charismatic and fantastic. Borr probably wants to try and get you into some kind of Ministry internship." With this, Iris gave the girl a look that said 'DO NOT ever consider that! You're so much more talented than that!'

As the purple haired girl said she didn't know any of the others, Iris chuckled. "Well... here's the perfect time to get to know them!" she said, with a smile.

Iris watched as the headmaster came over. T-shirt still in her hand, Iris looked over the table at him. "Professor Tate? Do we really have to wear these?"

Pleeeaaase say no.

Charley sat down at one of the many chairs in the area designated for Hogwarts students, heeding her almost skin-tight -but not quite- black, blue and yellow dress as she lowered herself into it. Its black sleeves came to her wrists, the upper part of it, which had a slight v-neck that ended a couple inches below her collarbones, was a dull blue, and the skirt, which stopped just above her knees, was a pastel yellow, one layer of cotton with thread of the same yellow sewn into it all over, as if to cover it with lace. There was a green lace hem at the bottom of the skirt, and the upper and lower parts of the dress were met with a slender red belt which held them together. She wore navy tights under the dress, a red hair ribbon, and a pair of extremely clean black boots. It seemed an odd combination in theory; she had been very sceptical when her mother told her about it, but Charley found that it was quite an attractive ensemble. That is, before the top was hidden by the complimentary tee shirt she'd accepted at security.
She didn't see anyone she knew, either from school or her mother's department in the Ministry, so she got her book out again and kept reading. If anyone wanted to talk to her, they would. If they didn't they would not. Simple concept, really.

Of course her first round would bring her to the students visiting from Hogwarts. Alysson was going to try to stay near that part of the party for the time being, like she had promised her brother. Besides, there were enough of them running around to make sure all the other seating areas etc. were secure. So she could just keep an eye on the students.

Approaching the seating area with a friendly smile on her lips she turned to the nearest students. "Hello everyone. I'm Alysson. I'm one of the people responsible for security here so if there's anything weird going on...or you just need somebody to talk to or whatever, I'm here." Then with an almost smirk-like grin she added, "Oh, and don't worry. I'm not handing out any of those T-shirts." Oh, hang on, what if they actually LIKED the T-shirts?

No, they couldn't. They were hideous.

Charley looked up from her book as a woman began talking to her and the students around their area.
"Thank you, ma'am. Or would you like us to call you Alysson?"
It seemed reasonable to check; the only adult she'd called by their first name was Henry.

Kurumi turned her attention away from creepy sunglass man and to the new face that had appeared. She was pretty sure that she recognized her from one of the many pictures that Walnut had knocked over in Professor Zookara's office, but she didn't want to make the same mistake she had at Jake's party in thinking that Professor Bishop was his mother.

She still blushed with embarrassment whenever she thought about that. Looking at the girl, she was pretty sure that she was not his mother - unless she was using some sort of aging potion - so there really was only one other option.

Rising from her seat she bowed to greet the woman. "Hello, my name is Kurumi," she said bowing again. "Are you Professor Zookara's wife?"

Did that girl just call her "ma'am"?! How did Jeremy deal with those kids every day? Did they call him "Sir"? Somehow the thought of that amused her and took a lot to keep herself from bursting out laughing right then. Weren't they just adorable? Maybe Jer could allow her to watch one of his lessons some time...probably not though.

"Yes, please do call me Alysson. Or Al. Whichever you prefer really." She explained to the girl with a grin before adding, "I'm way too young to be called ma'am, I think. Okay, actually I doubt I'll ever be old enough for that..." She trailed off, considering this for a moment before shaking her head slowly.

Alysson watched the second girl who had got out of her seat to address her curiously. Was this normal at Hogwarts to ma'am and bow to adults? Maybe it was. Right now she genuinely regretted not having asked more questions about the common courtesy in Hogwarts. Oh well, she was going to have to assume...and improvise.

Hang on...was she supposed to bow back? Whatever. With a grin Alysson glanced at the girl for a moment before bowing her head slightly. That would do. "Nice to meet you, Kur-umi. Hey, I've heard about you!" She gestured at the girl excitedly as she tried to remember what Jeremy had told her about the little girl. He had definitely mentioned h-

"What?!" This time she couldn't suppress the giggles that had been building up inside of her. "His wife? No, not at all." Did they think he was married?! "I'm his sister." But...how had Kurumi figured out that she was related to Jer? "Why? How do you know I know Jeremy?" Yes, hmmmmm???

Zookara, whut?

Jake heard the kinda familiar name, and found himself half turning towards whoever was saying it. That... ladyperson. Well, okay then.

...

...

Yeah, these surroundings had already confused him, now everything else was a blur. Jake gave a small nod in greeting, his voice abandoning him for now.

Kurumi's eyes nearly bugged out of her head. She had gone and done it again. Her cheeks turned bright red and she hoped that her hair wasn't doing it as well. Checking some of the whisps that had fallen in front of her face, she saw that there was a slight pink tinge to them, but nothing that would really be all that noticable. At least she had managed to control that much of her emotions for now.

Feeling ashamed of her mistake, Kurumi began bowing over...and over...and over again. "I'm so sorry! Sorry!" She should offer her one of her cookies, but her mother would be furious if she knew Kurumi was giving the gift she had brought to Lord Borr to a total stranger. No, bowing in apology would have to due for now. She could bake some cookies and give them to Professor Zookara to send to his SISTER later. "I was in Professor Zookara's office and my cat, Walnut, jumped around on practically everything...and heknockedoversomephotoframeswhereIsawapictureofyou and him."

Flustered much?

"Ok, ma'am-I mean, Alysson." Charley blushed. "I just wanted to make sure; my brother's just out of school and his girlfriend prefers to be called ma'am by people who aren't close to her age."

Lexi simply gave the HM Hottie a LOOK and frowned at him a bit. Ikenna was totes awesomeness and Lexi did not like that he seemed so displeased with her friend. Tate wasn't helping her with nonverbals! Ikenna was. So FEH.

Noticing Iris come into the area, Lexi smiled and waved like mad at the Prefect. She was aces as far as Lex was concerned. Mhm.

"Jakers... come sit with me?" Lexi called out and gave a POUTY face before cracking a small smile. She was BORED. Needed entertainment. Seriously. She wasn't sure where Ikenna was to talk to, so Jakers would dooooo.

Aaaaaaaaand that was his name. Right.

Right-o.

Jake blinked slightly as turned to see Lexi. Was she... pouting? Well okay then. The young man glanced at Tate again and moved around the table to go sit by the Gryffindor girl. Luckily, all the seats seemed to be in conversation range (however loud-ish) of any other spaces around the table.

"You hollered?" he smiled at Lexi, pulling out the chair beside her and taking a seat.

Lexi began to chuckle as Jake spoke. "Yes well, needed to get your attention, eh. Figured it rude to throw dinner rolls at your head or somefink," she replied with a shrug.

"Are you as bloody bored of this as I am?" she asked him in a softer tone.

"My dad does that," Jake replied, eyeing the girl warily. Yeah... he wouldn't put it past her to launch a dinner roll at his head while he sat there like NOW.

Heh.

She was... very forward like that, as was his dad.

The young man shrugggggged. "I dunno. I definitely think we need more sweets..."

MOAR.

"It's not really started I guess. I can't wait to watch Borr interact when he
gets here."

As long as, you know... he stayed over THERE. Jake gave a half smile, half grimace as he SPAN the ring on the table again.

Simon listened to the man describe how it had been when he and Kurumi had last seen each other, the boy nodding in understanding now. He could certainly understand how it would have been a challenge to decipher whether a 12 yr old was the same girl one knew at age 2. Thinking of his friend, he turned back to where he thought she still sat only to spot her as she moved towards Headmaster Tate, the captain unable to keep from smiling as he heard mention of her making cookies for Gevrik.

Freaky controlling guy and gentle Kurumi still was nice enough to the ministry official.

He was trying to think of something more to say to the musician when he was saved by a woman introducing herself to the staff and students. "Hello," Simon greeted back in return glad to see there was at least people on security watch that weren't making him feel suspecious. Though he to admit most would probably have kept a watch on the group without making their identity known.

The reasoning for the friendly introduction was given just minutes later as the ever curious second year asked if she was Professor Zookara's wife only to have Alysson admit she was the man's sister and send Kurumi into appologetics . Huh...what?! the captain mused looking at the woman again and having to admit there was some possible similarities. "That silly Walnut, " he remarked offering a chuckle and smile and using both as an attempt to help reassure his flustered friend.

Ooooh the mention of HOT DADDY LAWSON made Lexi blush a TINY bit. Wow, she had ALWAYS had a crush on that man. For reals. "How is Mr. Lawson?" Lexi asked in a slightly dreamy voice. "You two... you know... talking and stuff?" she asked in a quiet tone as she reached out and patted his arm.

WERE THERE ANY DINNER ROLLS AROUND TO LIGHTEN THE MOOD? Tossing one at his head would be entertaining indeed. Mhm.

Wait...

Lexi put on her serious face and leaned closer to the boy, nearly nose to nose with him. "Jakers Morgan... have you been eating SUGAR?" she demanded. Merlin help them all if he... you know what... forget it!

Hopping up suddenly she grabbed his arm and tried to start tugging him out of his seat. "Let's go see if there is anything sweet at the buffet... why not eat too much sugar, climb a tent post and make fools of ourselves?" she said excitedly.

"Oh... and Borr... I am sure he will hit somoene with his cane, shout, spit, and pass wind... quite a bit. As per usual and all. Now let's go... I want chocolate and berries," she said as she bounced a bit.

After schmoozing catching up with a certain Department Head at the check-in, Lilyan Moretti eventually made her way over to where the students were sitting, and took up a seat at one of the tables, even though she'd heard mentions of the fact that she was actually meant to be sitting in the reserved seating.

But, for now, she was content to hang with the Hogwarts crowd.

Oh good! Another distraction from sunglasses man. "Good day, Professor Moretti," Kurumi said bowing her head. Just then, Kurumi's stomach growled. Perhaps she should go get something to eat. That, and she really needed to drop off the cookies she brought for Lord Borr.

"Your face is a little pink," Jake pointed out, ever the oblivious MASTER of tact. Heh. "And yeah... we're talking. Went to stay with him for Christmas and I'll be going on tour with him and the band he manages when I leave Hogwarts. Doing a university course on the road and everything," he smiled.

Oh.

Too much info?

But yeah, he held back from pointing out it was his mother he was now staying away from, most of the time.

ANDWOAHHHHHWHUT.

Jake's eyes went wide and his face went all 'itwuzzntme' when Lexi was all up in his GRILL. He smiled in an almost 'hehe?' way before...

... he was being dragged off.

"But... but my answer..." Jake flailed slightly and LOOKED at Tate, as if to say 'I'll be back for words... GOODDAYTOYOUSIR!' and gave in to Lexi.

VERY WELL. "Seeing as you insist... let's go see if they have CANDY."

MRAWRR.

Satine smiled at her friend, "Thanks...I guess...I hope he doesn't want to like brainwash me or anything..." she said with big eyes and then she laughed...that man was crazy but surely not that crazy.

Satine glanced up and down the table and shook her head at Iris' comment....she did have a point. "Well, I guess you are right......" then a thought hit her, "Are Aaron or Fallon coming?" she asked glancing back at Iris.

Oh, now Kurumi was embarrassed. And a lot it seemed. Her cheeks were flushed scarlet and she looked like she had never done anything as embarrassing in her whole life. Even though it wasn't that bad actually. She hadn't said anything offensive or something. "N'aww, don't worry about it. Serious- Hey! Did your hair just change color?!" Alysson stopped mid-sentence, staring at the girl's head in amazement.

"That is so cool!" She muttered, a grin on her lips, her eyes still on the girl's hair. It hadn't just been her eyes playing tricks on her, no, the girl's hair HAD changed color. She was quite sure of that. Alysson's attention was caught by what Kurumi said next though, causing her to giggle once again. "Hang on, did you just say that your cat was on Jer's desk?!" Oh she would have loved to see that scene. Her brother must have FREAKED!



Alysson simply smiled as the girl corrected herself, this time addressing her by her first name. Good girl. "What a weird girlfriend your brother has." She commented before she could stop herself. Not that she would have wanted to. It WAS weird. Why would a presumably around 20-year-old want to be called Ma'am?!

Weirdo.

She...knew this woman from somewhere. Hmm. She seemed to be with the students though so presumably she was a Hogwarts Profess- Oh, wasn't she Evander's girlfriend?! She certainly looked like her. Well either way...

"Hello, I was just telling the students that if they needed anything I'll be around. And I'm Alysson...Zookara." Alysson added the last part to emphasize the fact that she was not just random Ministry worker responsible for security but that she was actually here to make sure the students were safe.

"Oh, hello Kurumi." Lily smiled at the young Gryffindor, and tilted her head the child's way, "Are you enjoying yourself?" She was fairly sure that children did not like sitting around all day with a bunch of Ministry employees. Didn't children prefer to... play?

Well, Lily's son did, at any rate. It would have been a trial getting him to sit still here for any length of time.

Lily lifted her eyes from the girl, towards the other voice. The woman. She seemed to be getting a vibe from the woman, and at her name, she knew who she was, "Oh, you're Jeremy's sister?" She offered up a smile, "Lilyan Moretti, the school Healer." She gestured to herself, although it was obvious who she was speaking about. Manners. She had them. "Are you MLE?" Hmmmmm?

Hehe. Alysson Zookara MLE employee, meet Lilyan Moretti, MLE Widow.

Bingo! At least she knew she wasn't his...wife or something. Though, that had been quite amusing. She should have said yes and have the rumor spread at Hogwarts. Crap! Why hadn't she?! Now it was too late.

"I am...and yes, MLE." Which was the only reason she was here. She didn't voice that thought, however, since it seemed that Lilyan was here for a reason seeing as she had been invited. Probably. "How come only so few of you are here?" Alysson let her hazel eyes scan the Seating area for a moment, before letting them rest on Lilyan again with a innocent smile on her lips.