On the field in one of the few sections there is where the food can be found. The food here at the Twickenham Stadium is buffet style with as many options as one could hope for; if you're into meat and protein, we've got you covered! There are delectable sandwiches of all sorts to choose from as well as a large selection of cheeses. There are salads, pastas, and some hot soups available. Vegan and vegetarian options are included with savory tofu and other veggie based dishes!

Got a sweet tooth? Don't worry. We didn't forget dessert. There's an enormous cake celebrating the Ministry of Magic with a giant emblem on the cake's buttercream icing. There are fruit cups, chocolate mousses, and cauldron cakes galore. There are even some experiment Bertie Bott's cupcakes that might attract the bold and the brave.

After eating, you might want to dance all those calories off, or just let loose. Don't be afraid to, because there is a jamming dance floor with some pretty up to date music playing in the background. Dance and be merry!

There was only ever one place you would find her during these....orientation events. The food table. Save the year they actually got to do something by providing security for the night, there was never anything for her to do...or anything she wanted to do for that matter. Lex supposed she should have thanked them for removing the need for her to wear heels and a dress but at the same time...she had work to do.

It was the same every year, stay working while most of the Ministry was on break then have to break from that work just to watch the lot of them come back. At what point would they be able to start skipping this altogether? Mass crisis in downtown Manchester? Because....because she had a few friends who might have be able to make that happen....it wouldn't even have to be big, just something to do until this...whatever this was, was over.

It took everything in her not to simply pile her plate high with food and head to Level two--everything and her plus one.

Another thing she could cross off her non-existent list, Fox Janvier in the Ministry. Sure he might've popped in once or twice but tonight he belonged here and it was a little....odd.

"How put out d'you think the boss man would be if I just went off to re-write expired arrest warrants instead?" She idly asked...mostly joking...sorta...kinda...no, actually it sounded like an all around better idea.

Another year, another ministry orientation, another fight with the babysitter for the evening. Benzi had decided long ago that he had enough people in his life to not warrant hiring anyone Emma didn't already know, but his resolve was definitely tested every once in a while, and tonight was no different. With everything going on in his life at present time, he really hadn't been paying much attention to the theme of this year's orientation. Quinn Chambers, rather regretfully, had.

It really wasn't his fault that Evie was busy, she worked here. And yes it was a little bit his fault that Paige was, but honestly Paige needed a night out more than Q. Especially when said night out for Q just meant she could sneer at magic folk sucking up to her people the entire evening. Staying at home was much better for the squib's ego. Also better for his job, if he was being honest. Paige had definitely been the smarter choice of companion, no question about it.

"Do you want something to drink?" he asked her as they walked into the food area, following his nose as always. He nodded at Alexa with a smile, making a note to go ask her about Emmerson later, and looked around for any more fellow MLE'ers.

He felt no particular way about squibs and he'd been at the Ministry for more than a year now, thus orientations made little to no sense at all, to him. He supposed this was ultimately more about the mingling and networking than anything else, and neither option appealed to him in the slightest. But he thought there had been a little bit more than mere suggestion when Flamsteed mentioned the orientation and so here he was, piling his plate with food, his usual scowl already in place.

"Get a second plate, Zoe," He more or less ordered at his friend, not that he was likely to ever call her that to her face. Her head would explode, or worse--she might be inclined to hug him, if anything because she would know it would drive him bonkers. "I want more cauldron cakes."

Finally.. It was time to get back to work.. Tempest couldn't help thinking about work since the ministry had closed. It was nice to head home and see her family and of course Rod was always distracting from the things she would rather not think about .. But this would be nice. Getting back to things. She had a lot to think about with the whole Portkey thing. Honestly she hadn't stopped thinking about it at all.

The Murder Board in her apartment was a place she liked the stand, Chewie was starting to get jealous. Not that the puppy was at all neglected.

Had she eaten yet? Nope, didn't think so. Time to do that.

Dear, Merlin's beard. This was not a place Elise would have ever thought she'd be. For a guy no less. But this was Cypress. Her Boyfriend. Which was still odd to think about.. Maybe she needed a job?
Not for money. No, Money wasn't something she needed at all. But boredom was very very real. She had plenty of hobbies and sure, Joey was a lot to handle. But she was finding that she didn't know what to do with herself lately.

Now where was that boyfriend of hers?

Completely forgetting all about orientation--she was in the middle of redecorating her (well, Payton's, really) room, and didn't have time to just come to the ministry all willy-nilly whenever they had an inclination to celebrate things--Zoe did her best to not appear too upset at having to attend. She'd already forgotten most of her coworkers names over the holidays and chose to keep it that way.

She'd wanted to be picky but since she was here with Brighton, she couldn't. Instead, she piled food onto her plate, gagging internally as she counted the calories in her head. "A second one??" Her eyes widened at the suggestion, and she whispered loudly, "do you want everyone to think I eat this much?" How rude. Still, she did as she was told, and grabbed a second plate, filling that one as well. "Is Payton not coming?"

Quote:

Originally Posted by Schroyers

Dear, Merlin's beard. This was not a place Elise would have ever thought she'd be. For a guy no less. But this was Cypress. Her Boyfriend. Which was still odd to think about.. Maybe she needed a job?
Not for money. No, Money wasn't something she needed at all. But boredom was very very real. She had plenty of hobbies and sure, Joey was a lot to handle. But she was finding that she didn't know what to do with herself lately.

Now where was that boyfriend of hers?

Cypress smoothly hooked arms with Elise as he met at her side. He kissed her cheek and eyed the food buffet. "Look, there's food. I'm surprised at the.....location of this thing this year. Usually it's somewhere more stuffy." He shook his shoulders out and smirked, all lopsided at her. "I'm glad it's not." And he eyed her dress. He had helped pick OUT her dress. She had tried on three different ones, and this one...was the clear winner in his mind.

She looked like a million galleons.

"Come on---food---" he pulled her along, knowing he'd be fussed at any minute for his rough treatment of her arm. "You look stunning, by the way, truly. That red lipstick looks classy with that black..." Cypress did know a bit about clothes, all right? He had a best friend sister woman - when HAD she turned into a woman?! - and Elise got moooooore cheek kisses.

He was feeling affectionate tonight.

Quote:

Originally Posted by thekraken

Completely forgetting all about orientation--she was in the middle of redecorating her (well, Payton's, really) room, and didn't have time to just come to the ministry all willy-nilly whenever they had an inclination to celebrate things--Zoe did her best to not appear too upset at having to attend. She'd already forgotten most of her coworkers names over the holidays and chose to keep it that way.

She'd wanted to be picky but since she was here with Brighton, she couldn't. Instead, she piled food onto her plate, gagging internally as she counted the calories in her head. "A second one??" Her eyes widened at the suggestion, and she whispered loudly, "do you want everyone to think I eat this much?" How rude. Still, she did as she was told, and grabbed a second plate, filling that one as well. "Is Payton not coming?"

Before heading off to a find a table for the two of them, Brighton picked a grape from one of the bowls and shoved it in his mouth. Of course, that was also at the same time Zoe decided to talk and if he rolled his eyes even further, the possibilities of them popping right out of the sockets would be quite high, indeed.

He swallowed the grape, making a face because, no, it was not in fact without seeds. "I had no idea you concerned yourself with opinions outside of yours, mine and Payton's," He said, casually, though shooting her a sharp glance. Zoe could be a very disappointing person, as far as Brighton was concerned, but worrying over what others thought of her, well--he never thought that was one of her shortcomings, too. How unfortunate.

Anyway. "How should I know that?" He found a table, set down his plate. "I am not his keeper." At least, one time out of a hundred he was not. This seemed to be one of those.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daemon

Another year, another ministry orientation, another fight with the babysitter for the evening. Benzi had decided long ago that he had enough people in his life to not warrant hiring anyone Emma didn't already know, but his resolve was definitely tested every once in a while, and tonight was no different. With everything going on in his life at present time, he really hadn't been paying much attention to the theme of this year's orientation. Quinn Chambers, rather regretfully, had.

It really wasn't his fault that Evie was busy, she worked here. And yes it was a little bit his fault that Paige was, but honestly Paige needed a night out more than Q. Especially when said night out for Q just meant she could sneer at magic folk sucking up to her people the entire evening. Staying at home was much better for the squib's ego. Also better for his job, if he was being honest. Paige had definitely been the smarter choice of companion, no question about it.

"Do you want something to drink?" he asked her as they walked into the food area, following his nose as always. He nodded at Alexa with a smile, making a note to go ask her about Emmerson later, and looked around for any more fellow MLE'ers.

Hesitant at first for a multitude of reasons, Paige could admit that getting out and away from her textbooks and mountain of flashcards for the evening was, in fact, a good idea. Although she could not leave everything Benzi was hoping to distract her from back in her small apartment, and she was still a tiny bit on edge despite some discussions prior to departure this evening, all the new and buzzing energies of the event were enough to keep her thoughts occupied and attention drawn elsewhere.

Arm gently woven around Benzi's as they walked, Paige's eyes lit up a bit seeing the spread. The Ministry certainly went all out for these festivities, didn't they? "Sure," she smiled, a bit more brightly than usual and less wearily. She had actually gotten a decent night's sleep the night before. "What would you like?" she asked, arm already unsnaking from around his to grab two cups - although the Auror was sure to fuss at her. Her own attention was drawn to two other familiar faces while she scanned the options for herself, one she had fully expected to see this evening and another quite the opposite.

Particularly the manner in which she was being seen in being showered with cheek kisses. Smiling, hoping to catch Elise's eye subtly so as not to disturb her, Paige's gaze shifted to Brighton who was looking as displeased as ever. Perhaps today he would see it in him not to banish half of his perfectly fine salad? She offered the Unspeakable a polite wave seeing as he too was occupied with other company. "I've run into him a few times during my sessions in the Department of Mysteries," she explained to Benzi as she filled one of the glasses with some punch and offered it to him.

Filling up her own, Paige lightly drummed her fingers on the sides and offered the area another quick glance around in case she caught sight of Evie and Cassius. "Cheers too...." she smiled, looking back at Benzi and raising her glass in the air.

The rudeness of Brighton Brown was not lost on Zoe; she'd had her fair share of his theatrics--and yes, he could be theatrical when he wanted to--and she was not having it today. "Don't," she said sternly, the small shreds of mirth she'd had previously dissipated upon the arrival of Brighton's unnecessary comment. She frowned deeply, though fixed her face rather quickly, adopting a blasé sort of demeanor right after.

"If I wasn't shopping around, I'd cause a scene," she said mostly to herself, but loud enough for Brighton to hear. If he knew better he'd understand precisely what she meant by "shopping around." There were plenty of things that Zoe had no problems explaining, but this wasn't one of them.

Zoe followed her disrespectful companion over to the table and placed the plates down, and sat--again, why Brighton couldn't have gotten his own plate was beyond Zoe, but she occasionally followed his directives without much complaint. "You aren't?" The woman inspected a grape before chewing on one carefully. "I was under the impression that you had custody of him this week."

As per usual, Chloe found herself wandering over to the food table, half-expecting like usual to see a very limited selection of vegetarian options. She'd grown used to eating before these orientations due to the limited options available. And yet, as the redhead approached the table, she was pleasantly surprised by the options.

She wondered vaguely what the new year would bring, as she deliberated on what to try first.

Noah couldn’t be happier that work was starting back soon. Orientation was just a sign that it was closer to time get back to the office and the Holidays were over. It wasn’t that he didn’t like having the holidays off and spending time with his family… mostly. But he didn’t have enough fingers and toes to count the times his mother had asked him when he was going to settle down, get married and have her some grandkids to spoil. Luckily it just wasn’t him, his mother also nagged his brother and sister just as much.

So yes it was good to be back. And Noah was strived by all the socializing and stuff he had done so far. Off to the food he went, thank Merlin they had a buffet. He had worked up appetite. He grabbed a few sandwiches, cheese, crackers and fruit.




Now that Mercedes was eating for two again, not that you could tell that or not that anyone else knew yet. The buffet dinner was perfect for her. She had followed her nose to the food not long after she had gotten there.

She had lost Chris at point already. He was probably enjoying himself as he did every year. It was always a guaranteed date night for them. Which date nights had gotten rare for them now with three kids.

She was thinking about all of this as she was standing in line for food. She was holding the line up while she was trying to decide what to get. So many choices, finally she grabbed a few pieces of vegetables and spooned up some ranch dressing to dip them in. Now what else did she want, as she made her way on down the line.

Dorian had taken it upon himself to do an entire loop around the building, scoping out all the people he would be working with, before finding himself at the buffet. He was not one for sports, so this was the only area that truly interested him and brought a smile upon his face. He got in line behind a red-head lady (Chloe), who seemed to be eyeballing the vegetarian items. "Are you vegetarian too?" He inquired as he placed some celery upon his place.

Let's be real, he was not particularly fond of being vegetarian, but he was trying to better his lifestyle since he was getting older. Older not old.

He was about to reach for some cheese when another person's hand (Noah) reached for the same slice he was going for. "Pardon me." He reached for some cheddar cheese instead.

Leon was liking this orientation much better than the last one, that was for sure. Rugby sounded super fun, not to mention there were no activists, and decent things to eat, which was always a plus in his book.

But the most important thing of all was that his fiance was here with him. The smile hadn't left Leon's face since Juno had gotten accepted as a YATI, he was so thrilled to not only see her attain her dream, but to be working on his dream right beside her!

Also, working with her was going to be amazing. The grey-eyed twenty year old straightened out his jacket and adjusted his tie before heading over to the food.

Merlin it all looked amazing, and withing a few seconds, the former Ravenclaw had his plate piled to the top with delicious yumminess, with some of it threatening to spill over.

He tilted his head as he eyed his plate and then the rest of the buffet. Well, he could come back. The dark haired man bopped his head to the music a bit as he walked back to the table that him and Juno had claimed..

"I think they need bigger plates." Leon said with a grin and he slid into a chair next to his fiance.

One thing that Chloe decided that would never change was the fact that all the guys (and girls) here seemed to be like twice her age. Or her parent's age, who were almost twice her age. Nevermind the fact that she was a mother and almost a quarter of a century old. But it did make her pickings slim, unless she wanted someone older than her father. Absently placing some tofu stir-fry thing on her plate, she glanced to her side to see someone donned in all green (Noah) and she did have to smile at his bravery. Men who wore coloured suits and could pull it off seemed to be few and far between. Reminded her of her head of house, whom she recalled from previous orientations, was working at the Ministry now. She'd have to see if she could find him later, give him minor heart attacks about his students being all grown adults now.

It was when someone asked are you vegetarian too? That for a moment, Chloe's heart skipped a beat. Until she noticed the graying hair. But she would be happy to discuss vegetarianism with the older population and educate them that there was more to it than just celery, she mused noticing his plate. "Since I was like thirteen or fourteen," Chloe answered simply. "Try this." She scooped some of the stir-fry onto his plate. "You look new to this lifestyle?"

"If you get really bored, let me know, I'll commit a crime and you can arrest me and take me away from questioning." Fox said quite amiably. He didn't feel one bit out of place, but then he never did, regardless of where he found himself. And where he found himself right now was in the best sort of company.

He gave Lex a little pinch and looked around, inspecting the food, the people, and everything in between. "It could be worse."

Oh look, there was Benzi. She liked him, he was an interesting one and as it happened, not one of them she could only tolerate in short bursts. She nodded a greeting in his direction, making a mental note to speak with him later just before those words caught her ears. Say what now? Crime and questioning? Well then.

"I'm bored, please go commit a crime and let me arrest you--nothing over the top or all the adrenaline craving vultures will swoop in looking to grab some of the action and you already know I'm shoddy at sharing." It was very hard not to appreciate the man when he went making offers like that. Didn't matter if it wouldn't work, he still got how to make her feel better.

Of course he was right about the likelihood of it being worse. They could've been forced to listen to opening speeches on the economy and direction of the Ministry for the coming year. Her attention span wouldn't hold up through something like that.

The pinch, she gave very little of any reaction to but she did lean a little. "Heard you could get some serious jail time for attacking a law officer like that. I'm open to bribes though."

Oh but the possibilities were endless weren't they? Too bad Nicky wasn't here with him, though if he was then probably the pair would get banned from all Ministry events for life, even if he was sort of somethinging the head auror. Or this head auror anyway. There were two now, and while Fox would probably something the both of them if he had the option, this particular one was about as much his as he was inclined to allow anyone to be.

"Really? Tell me more." He could come up with other ways to attack her if she really wanted. And he wasn't under the false assumption that he would be able to attack her in any way that she didn't want. Tough customer, this Alexa Cambridge. "I'm good at bribes, you know. I wonder if the champagne is any good." He snagged a glass and held it up to the light.

"Are there any exclusive backstage type areas I can use my press credentials to get to?" He had those. Radio host and all. Not that he ever used them for news hounding reasons because who cared. Only for... entertainment reasons. For curiosity, and just because then he could say he did a thing and tick it off the bucket list that was constantly updating herself in a moment.

Yes, his bucket list was a she.

"Oh yeah, we're talking maximum security lockdown in far away countries you've probably never heard off." The best places to be in her opinion. "Long sentences, the kind that put you out a few hundred galleons of work.....reckon it might border on a hostage situation." As if this would daunt him. Lex was pretty sure that if she packed them a suitcase and told him they were disappearing for a week, he wouldn't have nearly as many qualms as her--and it'd have been her idea.

That was probably one of her favourite things about him, if she was being honest. If he could help it, he found the time for her. She didn't have to beg--which...never gonna happen--and she didn't have to pull teeth with him. It was...nice.

"Repeat offenders have it way worse. Poor blokes, probably never get to see the light of day again." Fair warning.

Lex watched him take the glass, waiting for his verdict before deciding whether she'd have any of her own. He was the wine expert afterall. But on the press angle..."None. This place is more apt to keep secrets than expose them to the press. You'd have a better chance, sneaking off and hoping Security's decided to be lax tonight." But it was Simon Bennett...so....unlikely.

Dorian was estimating the girl to be in her late 20's, give or take a few years. He was prepared to work amongst children, per say, but it would be a new experience for him. Since he had been an Ambassador for a decade, he was use to working amongst older people. People his age. Maybe working among the younger generation would bring out the youth in him? He still has yet to hit his midlife crisis, which he knew would be happening within the next few years.

"I'm not that -" He stopped and looked down at the stir-fry on his plate. "I can make some amazing vegetable stir-fry." Thank you very much. Cooking was something he was actually great at. "I just wasn't all that hungry." Since it was on his plate now though, he might as well give it a try. "It's a temporary lifestyle until my health gets better," he replied. Vegetables were great, but so was beef.... and chicken. He could eat some fried chicken right about now - or friend shrimp. Either, or.

Evangeline arrived at the eating area after having just escaped excused herself from the rugby field. She was going to let Cassius and Ryu.. warm up. Perhaps actually learn how to play the game? She was going to say hello to a couple coworkers, maybe grab a sweet and then take drinks back down to her plus-one. Not Ryu, though, because he didn't deserve one.

As she walked, she saw the back of a familiar disappear into the squib historical display, but then refocused on her mission at hand. Grabbing herself a drink, Evie watched Benzi and Paige and quietly, subtly checked the liquid in her cup for anything awry (you could never be too careful). Finding nothing out of the ordinary, she sipped her punch and coworker-watched.

The Ministry just kept finding new ways to put her off. Last year, it had been the whole egg thing. Then the ridiculousness with the squibs. And now, they seemed intent on continuing with the squibs, only with the new ridiculous twist of having them in their formal (or semi-formal) wear in the middle of a rugby field. At least they weren't forcing that stupid school down their throats anymore.

"I know the Ministry seems to have lost their collective minds lately, but I seriously doubt they would go so far as to poison their employees." Sky remarked to the younger woman checking her drink at the refreshments table. Ha! They didn't even have enough guts to tell the squib activists to shove it and take a hike! Poisoning employees would take a whole lot more chutzpah.

Oh, look, they had meat this time! She grabbed a plate and loaded it up with some chicken alfredo.

Merlin, Cypress was very kissy tonight... But Elise partially didn't mind. It was cute, even if it was very silly and unprofessional. This was a work event wasn't it? For his job?

"Why are you pulling me?" They annoyance in her voice was very clear. She wasn't angry though. "I'm perfectly capable of walking with you." Elise noticed Paige looking her way just a moment later and made sure to smile back.

Did everyone she went to Hogwarts with start working for the ministry? Was she the only one who wasn't some kind of government stooge? Thank Merlin for her horrible father and his money for once in her life. She couldn't stand te idea of working for the government. .... No offense to her boyfriend or whatever he happened to do in the Department of Mysteries.

Claudette headed straight for the food section when she arrived at the Twickenham Stadium for this year's Orientation party. She was technically on maternity leave after giving birth to her beautiful baby girl Lia just before the holiday break, but her parents had ushered her and Luc to go to this ministry function. They needed a fun evening out they had insisted.

So the blond immigration officer was in high spirits as she clickety-clacked her way up to the buffet table on her high-heeled sandals that accompanied her dark blue dress for the evening. Eyeing the selection she muttered out loud to herself and anyone within earshot "Will I be seen as too strange if I eat a piece of cake and then a sandwich?" Like eating everything in reverse order. That was that Claudy felt like doing right now since she had no idea where Luc had disappeared off to.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Schroyers

Merlin, Cypress was very kissy tonight... But Elise partially didn't mind. It was cute, even if it was very silly and unprofessional. This was a work event wasn't it? For his job?

"Why are you pulling me?" They annoyance in her voice was very clear. She wasn't angry though. "I'm perfectly capable of walking with you." Elise noticed Paige looking her way just a moment later and made sure to smile back.

Did everyone she went to Hogwarts with start working for the ministry? Was she the only one who wasn't some kind of government stooge? Thank Merlin for her horrible father and his money for once in her life. She couldn't stand te idea of working for the government. .... No offense to her boyfriend or whatever he happened to do in the Department of Mysteries.

"Why NOT pull you?" he asked cheekily, sending her a smirk, but loosening his grip on her so she could walk all of her own, as it was. "I know you are. That's not why I was pulling you," he quipped back quickly. Dealing with Elise was like dealing with a very angry cat; sometimes, the cat wanted your attention, and so you gave it, and other times, it was best left alone. And the cat always got its way, right? Cypress was used to dealing with Elise and her many persnickety attributes.

He followed her smile and raised an eyebrow. "Who's that?" he asked about the recipient of Elise's smile. "You know her?" He didn't recognize her, but then again, he didn't know anyone who worked outside his level, sans a few....including but not limited to Angelo. Where WAS Angelo, anyway? "My cousin's round here somewhere. An auror." He said in explanation.