Pequod Café and Bakery
 

Kat/Simon
 

Cynthia came into the Café. She wouldn't normally have eaten at a restaurant, but after an incident with the Ministry toilet entrances, her lunch was soaked. The thing was, Cynthia had a little bit of a fear of restaurants. She always made her own food because you never know when something could be baked in peanut oil or have made cross-contamination with peanuts, which would make her go into anaphylactic shock and die. TMI, she thought to herself.
She was still surveying the menu as the waiter came.
"What can I get you, ma'am?" he asked.
"Do your tuna sandwiches have anything with peanuts?" She doubted it, but she had to make sure.
"No, they have tuna, lettuce, mayonnaise, and bread."
"Okay, I'll get that, then."
"Would ya like a drink with that?"
"No thank you."

Perhaps the best thing to have come out of today thus far, was an appointment cancellation. This effectively left a forty minute gap in her schedule for the day, and provided her with enough time to surface from the underground and grab herself some much needed sustenance. She had always anticipated a hectic and full start to the New Year, but with the lock out among other things, her time was scarce and more limited than before - if that were even possible. She'd considered a stop-in at the Ministers Office, but for such a short excursion, without food, well.. it'd have to wait, again.

Entering the cafe, Emily immediately approached the counter, knowing full well what she wanted. With a cinnamon scroll and a double shot latte, Emily turned to survey the space. She needed a seat, because there was no way she was going to go back to her hole in the ground just yet, a bit of vitamin D would do her wonders. It was then that she picked out a familiar face in the crowd.
"Mariel, mind if I join you?" she asked the woman upon her approach, she hadn't had the opportunity to congratulate the woman on her promotion, this might be that opportunity now.

There was no hesitancy in claiming the seat the moment Mariel greeted her. "Thanks," it was appreciated, cue reciprocated smile. Placing her glass down, Emily proceeded by pulling out the seat and plopping herself on it, setting her pastry in front of her. It didn't look nearly as filling as Mariel's order, but it was the cinnamon she craved more than anything else.

Company was not something Emily usually did, no, she preferred to avoid people at all cost, but today she'd make an exception - especially for a fellow Head. Her neck of the woods? Emily sipped at her latte before shaking her head side to side in thought. "It could be worse," she concluded, "I mean, it's hardly ideal, but we're settling into a routine." Needless to say they didn't have a great deal to work on, which seemed to pose a problem for some. Honestly, did they not have any initiative when it came to adapting to situations out of the norm?

...

...

"How about yourself? ... not the best of timing for you, and, congratulations by the way." If she hadn't stepped into the role last year, she'd have had a much harder time wrangling her employees into line and setting them on task, so she could appreciate how Mariel must have been feeling, all things considered. Lockouts were exhausting in that sense. With any luck they'd make some headway with that soon enough.

The waitress arrived minutes later with Sophie’s scones and coffee. Grabbing a scone she engrossed herself in reading an article about a new fashion designer perfectly calm that her enchantment on her bags and magazine was solid. She knew this was a muggle locale and the chatter around her also prove that since people were discussing football rather than quidditch.

Sophie was just about to turn a page when a familiar voice addressed her. Tilting her dark brown haired head around, she exclaimed in happy surprise. "Simon?" Giving her fellow ex- Gryffindor a hug she smiled. "How have you been?"

He was right...it was her. The former Gryffindor housemate turning to him in response to his calling her name, smiling and hugging him in response. Simon returned it in kind, smiling at the coincidence. The auror hadn't seen her in ages, not since graduation really and here they run into each other and in muggle London no less. He did notice the not-so-unmagical periodical in her possession but didn't comment. It wasn't like anyone else would really notice.

"I've been alright," he answered, debating a move and finally joining by sitting across from her. "Busy actually. " Boy had it been busy these past few years. "And yourself?" Simon added, being polite and returning the favor on her.

Cynthia wasn't sure, but she thought she recognized some people from the Ministry. She was overwhelmed by all the muggles. Normally she wouldn't have, but she was also wearing robes, which probably meant they'd recognize her eventually anyway, so she made her way to sit down with two witches she barely knew. Blech, this was uncomfortable.
As she was coming to the other table, the waitress arrived.
"Bring it over here," Cynthia said, motioning to where she was headed. She plopped down at the table, and once the waitress had left, began to speak.
"I'm Cynthia de la Rosa," she introduced herself stiffly. "I work in the IMC department. And you two?"

Mariel gave a short nod as Emily took the offered seat and green eyes fell curiously over the other woman's order. A cinnamon scroll sounded good as well, at least as something to take home for later. She had needed something more substantial for her own lunch and was rather pleased with her tuna croissant. She'd keep this location in the back of her mind for future lunch options. Maybe Vic would want to accompany her sometime and a light frown fell over her face at the thought of their seemingly strained relationship. She quickly pushed the thought out of her mind and focused on the company at her table.

She listened to the MLE speak of her own experiences regarding the new arrangements and she nodded a bit in understanding as she sipped on her latte. She seemed to be remaining as positive as one could in such a situation and Mariel certainly knew the feeling. "Routine is crucial especially when things are so.. out of the ordinary," she mused aloud, agreeing with a thoughtful nod. An organized chaos perhaps, but she felt it lent some stability to being thrust into their less than ideal environments.

Green eyes found their way to Emily again as she offered her congratulations and Mariel could not help the small smile to cross her lips. She was rather happy with her appointment, no matter how dire the circumstances. "Well, thank you," she said with a small, appreciative bow of the head. "Certainly not the best of timing, no," she added with a shrug. She thought it difficult enough to slide into the managerial role without the added stress of relocating to a falling apart Muggle building. "Though I've always loved a challenge." She grinned a little at the thought, that indeed it was. "It does add considerably to the workload though, what with the cleaning, getting appropriate protection into place, and just keeping up worker morale." In addition to other things.

She took another sip of her latte as she considered the woman in front of her. She hadn't been a Department Head long either and had any of her own challenges, she was sure she could relate. "Have you found any difficulty in moving from being a peer among your co-workers to becoming their supervisor?" Just hypothetical, from one Head to another.

As she was talking to Emily, Mariel became acutely aware of a woman approaching with another trailing behind. She supposed it was fairly inherent for her to be attuned to her surroundings and green eyes drifted away from the table as they followed the two women, one of whom Mariel soon understood to be the server here.

She raised an inquisitive eyebrow as the woman unceremoniously seated herself at their table, then shot a questioning glance at Emily. Friend of hers? But apparently not as the woman introduced herself to both of them, asking them the same rather abruptly. She was a little taken aback by the woman's boldness and simply gave her a side-long glance as she considered things. "Mariel Morgan.. Games and Sports," she finally answered, still watching her carefully. She supposed the woman recognized them from the Ministry though Mariel certainly couldn't place her. But it might do her well to be a little more careful in a Muggle establishment.

Tucking into her scroll, Emily teared away strips of pastry, essentially undoing the tight pastry coil to reveal the heavenly cinnamon sugar within. She didn't think it rude to eat with her fingers, and the thought hadn't even crossed her mind that it may be off-putting to her company. It was food. It was pastry. Cutlery only served to be an inconvenience in such circumstances. Raising a finger to her lips, Emily sucked off the sticky icing glaze that had clung to her fingertip.

Emily nod her head in agreement. Out of the ordinary, that was one way of putting it. "It will work for now, until they get restless..." which was possible considering how tightly strung most of them were. Taking a sip of her latte to wash down the pastry, Emily listened, curious to hear how Games and Sports were faring and how Mariel was finding her time as Head. Her lips curled in both amusement and understanding as Mariel conveyed her experiences. It wasn't easy, and it was certainly a heavier work load, especially now. "I completely understand where you're coming from," she mused, picking at her scroll again.

As for how she handled her promotion. Well that was going back some time. Though it was only a year, she felt it'd been a life time, the experience was certainly ageing her in that respect. "My views on life are skewed, apparently," she started, giving Mariel fair warning, "so I would assume my definition of difficulty is too." She didn't seem to see challenges in the same way that others did. Her smile extending to her hazel eyes, Emily continued. "I'll admit, it wasn't easy stepping up when I did, all things considered. And criticism was always to be expected regardless of my age or experience..." The whole de Talone and Ferguson was certainly put a spanner in the works for her from the word go. Picking up the department as it had been was not an easy task, and to think they had just been getting back on track when this all went south, again. At least it wasn't her fault, or at least, she didn't think it was. "However, I'm fortunate enough to have some great staff, so I can't say it was all that difficult. There have always been challenges, these ones are just different to what I was used to at the time." It was just one of those things. If she wasn't a workaholic to begin with, then she'd have had a hellish time, but it was nothing new to her. Her years of service and unparalleled work ethic had paid off in the end -- even if she missed being an active Auror.

....

........

Oh?

Emily exchanged a look with Mariel, it seemed this one wasn't hers which left her sitting and staring blankly. She knew muggles were weird creatures, but surely even they had their limits, no?

It wasn't until the woman introduced herself and her department that she blinked. IMC? ... Righto then.
"Emily Browne, Law Enforcement..." she supplied after Mariel's introduction.

...

Well this wasn't the least bit awkward. Emily popped some more scroll in her mouth and raised her glass to her lips, downing a considerable portion of her latte. Welcome to the party?

How many years had gone since she last saw Simon? Sophie tried to count but gave up. It was a nice coincidence though to run into Simon, here in London at the new bakery. Sliding back into the booth Sophie gathered up her witch weekly and pushed it down into one of her shopping bags.

Taking a sip of her coffee as Simon sat down across from her she smiled. "I've been okay too." This Cafe full of muggles probably wasn’t the best venue to drag up all her family drama. “And busy, I work at St Mungos now.”

"So where do you work? Do you still keep in touch with any of the old housemates from School?" Sophie asked curiously her words almost bouncing over each other.

Quoting Mariel and Emily...
 

Cynthia was feeling like a daredevil just for going over. These two women, she was pretty sure, were department heads. Where did she fit in? But the regret of her infrequent bout of sociableness didn't show on her face as she bit into her tuna sandwich.
"I'm new," she explained, though they could maybe tell, "and so far it's hectic. How are your departments dealing with...you know...the problem." She jerked her head toward the regular entrances to the Ministry.
Cynthia was surprised at her own new nature. She guessed it was out of curiosity. The witch really wanted to know more about the blocked-Ministry situation.

It warmed her heart to know that Simon approved of what she worked with. Most of her friends from Hogwarts that Sophie still kept in touch with had just thought her choice of profession was odd and that she should have chosen something else. She disagreed. She didn’t want to work at the ministry.
And apparently the last place Sophie wanted to work at this point in her life was just where Simon worked. She could almost giggle at the funny coincidence but kept it to herself. She didn’t want to potentially offend him.

"So why law enforcement? Why not quidditch? I seem to remember that you were pretty apt at quidditch when we were in school." Sophie asked curiously as she took another coffee sip.

Simon had caught the waitress and managed to get himself his own drink without causing commotion. A slight but almost natural pause in the conversation between the two former classmates as the young man awaited a reaction from Sophie. And when it came he almost laughed, catching himself in time given he had just taken a sip from his hot tea. That was an accident just barely avoided and he was glad of that and keeping himself from a scalding burn.

"You actually wouldn't be the first one to ask that of me." It might have been Jacob, the Ravenclaw captain who had been majorly surprised by his choice or could even have been from someone earlier than that. "But to be honest I've always wanted to be an auror." Okay so he was gonna use it since she used quidditch and no one seemed the wiser. "And it seemed a better use of my academic and physical skills then just playing professionally."

Nibbling at a scone and drinking some coffee as the waitress served Simon his drink of choice gave place for a natural pause in the conversation between them. They were sitting in a heavily frequented muggle cafe after all so it was best Sophie concluded to not talk about ‘wizard’ stuff in front of the waitress. It would be embarrassing to have to send a patronus for an obliviator to erase the poor waitress memory.

"Oh, really? Who asked first? Someone I know?" Sophie queried curiously. Drinking some more coffee as Simon revealed that his dream had always been to become an auror not to play quidditch professionally. "I suppose we both chose wisely then given our academic and physical skills. So do you like your job? Is it how you imagined it to be?" Sophie was actually genuinely interested because her parents never spoke of their jobs in law enforcement much if any.

Grace under fire...

That was one way of looking at it. Emily could see how it seemed that way, so she couldn't argue against it, but it wasn't something she would openly want or need to acknowledge. She just did what she did best, she got on with things. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes. Indulging in a bit more cinnamon scroll - pausing between small bites to suck the sugar off her fingers, Emily nod her head. Yeah. Grace, under fire, all that jazz.
"When it's called for, we do what's necessary to progress." Unless your fight or flight reflex was broken and you were the type to opt to flee, then no, hardly progressive. But those were minor details and completely irrelevant to her.

In the silence that followed, Emily contentedly finished off her scroll, washing it down with a bit more latte before engaging with her company again. Solitude was still her preference, even if people were somewhat more tolerable. Mariel of course, was different to people in general. School, Quidditch and now work was seeing to that. No complaints here but...

Newbies...



This newbie still had her attention. It was a little uncouth of her to simply make herself welcome at their table. Emily herself had at least had the decency to ask if the seat was available. Not simply helping herself to it like this one had.

Being new, was hardly an excuse for her behaviour... but it was done now, so she would live.

Mariel seemed more the conversationalist in the group, and Emily was more than happy to let them do the talking while she sat and watched and perhaps pretended for a moment that she was sociable. Sitting with people counted, right? Maybe. It was only after a short moment that she figured she could make an effort.
"We're dealing..." was her contribution. Not seeing any need to elaborate on the fact, or discuss locations, nope. No need for details. But indeeedddd, how were IMC holding up? Emily leaned forward in her seat, a hand cradling what was left of her latte.

"Oh, well it seems better than yours. Nice offices, but it's a bit risky, what with having to share them with muggles." Cynthia couldn't believe the other places the Ministry had set up. A haunted asylum? No, thank you! She supposed she was lucky. "We've had a few, ah, close calls." Muggles tended to wander where magic could be uncovered. They were bound to notice something fishy.


Cynthia now thought maybe she wasn't welcome, especially to Emily, yet her curiosity still urged her on. She began, "Oh, that's good." The other witch didn't seem to provide much, so why should she? "So are we, as far as I can tell. We're working hard, but getting anywhere? Not quite yet..."

She chomped on her tuna sandwich with determination. Surely she could get something out of these women. Mariel seemed the more likely choice. They were both Heads, so they would know things Cynthia wouldn't.

Jorgeeeeee
 

Jorge had made his way over to the muggle part of London, not that he wasn't use to it. His flat wasn't to far from here. Taking his time he looked around half wondering where the hanger was located, maybe he'd swing by there and surprise a certain department head once he was done meeting Tori for lunch. He was wondering what his coworker might have up her sleeve. He usually always worked more alone in his stories, but he was coming to find that she had his knack of being in the right places.

So when he made his way into the cafe the first thing the man did was pull his hat down a bit, usually he'd take it off, but he had caught a glimpse of Simon with some girl not Angelina which to him meant that maybe some MLE things would come around during their lunch. This was a good idea. Without paying much attention to anyone else in the cafe he spotted who he was looking for and walked over to her grinning.

"Tori" he greeted with a nod as he sat down. "I think you pick a perfect place to have lunch." Oh yes with Simon here he might be able to find out a few things. Maybe some MLE news as well as what was he doing with another woman when it was clear New Years Eve he had eyes for Jorge's cute little friend.

He chuckled at her, this one was worth keeping a friendship with. "It's a very interesting way to go about things, but I like it." He wouldn't deny an excellent thing when he saw it. She could flirt her way into any situation he assumed and who couldn't admire that. It was his game he had played for years. It was almost as if he was looking at himself, but a chick. She had the looks to pull it off too. He would certainly give her that as well.

His brown eyes glanced back towards Simon wondering who the woman was. What was he doing. It could be an innocent coworker lunch break, or was it more? There seemed to be something big between Angelina and him at that ball for the way he stormed out, but maybe Jorge misjudged, but who was he kidding that rarely happened. Eyes focusing on Emily and Mariel he got a little lost in his thoughts, but came back as Tori spoke.

Pastry? Yes that would probably be a good idea. "Sure thing" He turned to order a coffee for himself and a sandwich, plus two pastries for them. Automatically he thought about ordering something to have sent over to Mariel and Emily, but he was conflicted. It was a no win situation for him at the moment. He had to think what was best with Mariel and keeping a low profile from her so Emily wouldn't flip was probably the best, so he didn't order for them, just him and Tori.

Turning back to Tori he looked down at the paper. Sighing a bit he tried to figure out the best way to put it. A smile crossed him at your brunette. She was his brunette. He wrote as he talked:

Quote:

Yes Simon is the blond. He's MLE. I thought he was dating a friend of mine, but now I'm not so sure. I have no clue who is with him. Her name is Mariel Morgan. She's the new sports and games department head and she is very off limits, because she's my girlfriend.

There was that clear enough for her. The rest of the Ministry they could have a field day. Bring down and point fingers at whatever they wanted, but he wished to leave Sports and Games alone, unless something huge that was out of his control happened.

After sliding the notes back her way he leaned back sipping his coffee. "Younger while the students are getting older." His brain was working quickly and he leaned closer to Tori without even thinking. " I wrote the article for the De Talone Case. This sounds way to close. Though those kids were some what frozen in time. Do you think the professor has something to do with it?" He liked pointing fingers so why not start pointing. He had his sights set on that feisty headmistress he kept hearing about, but if Tori had another angle he was sure to listen.

"Do you have his name?" He needed names.

Now that she was sitting, and she was engaged in conversation, Emily wasn't in as great a hurry to rush back to her hole in the ground - and that left her considering another snack before returning. Networking is what she was doing at the minute... with Mariel at least, the other woman was an unknown entity at this stage, but perhaps she could prove to be of some use - maybe. Mariel was at least as tolerable as she remembered, and more to the point, perhaps even welcome company. Either way, there would be times where they'd need to work closely on matters of security, so developing this relationship was in their best interest. Emily nod her head, a satisfied smile on her lips, "It's hard to go wrong where sugar's involved..." not to mention all the butter and cinnamon and vanilla that was involved. "But I have a rather active sweet tooth, so consider me biased." Food was food to her, once it went in, it all ended up in the same place regardless.

Her smile didn't falter at Mariel's continued flattery, but she was squirming on the inside. Compliments were rarely well received, she simply didn't know what to do with them, or how to respond. Busying herself with a sip of her latte, Emily hid a smirk. Modesty was something she had in abundance, it wasn't the first time it had come up in conversation. "Thanks," she started awkwardly, wanting to elaborate on the point but eventually she opted not to. Oddly enough, the thought of insisting she was too modest, didn't sound modest at all and this was something she wasn't comfortable with. "Anyone can step into the role, it's what they do with it that matters," she pointed out, refusing to accept that stepping into a position even under poor circumstances was worth a pat on the back. It wasn't, not in her book.

It was a strange day, she was only just deciding that. Randomly catching up with Mariel was one thing, the random that joined them was another entirely... but she couldn't shake the feeling she was being watched, that they were being watched. It wasn't something she was concerned about. Emily wasn't in the habit of stating things out loud in public that she wouldn't feel comfortable announcing to the media. And on that note... the media. She didn't have to turn in her seat, or glance around as if scoping out the place, no, she could be subtle - and in that, it was difficult to miss the egotistical journalist, Jorge. Wonderful.

Her attention was still focused on her present company, and she couldn't help but arch a brow at the mention of muggles. The term itself wouldn't raise much of any suspicion with the muggles themselves, but Mariel wasn't wrong to warn the woman off it. The close calls part though... Merlin. This is why they all needed muggle evasion training. Those just-in-case moments.

As for the working hard and getting nowhere part... well that was full of promise. "Should start picking up momentum sooner or later," she mused, her attempt at sounding conversational, even if she didn't have anything to add to the topic of conversation. Especially not with a journalist listening in.

*rubs hands together*
 

"Well thank you," Tori giggled a little. She liked Jorge too, thought she could learn a lot from him, and NOT just how to flirt information out of folks. He was one smooth operator though. Just look at the way his sneaky reporter eyes were darting around the café, even now! She mimicked his sneaky eyeing of people but was pretty sure as soon as she turned away, they were all eyeing her back.

Hmmph. So she stole another peek at their written conversation while he ordered.

Quote:

So it looks like we could have a gossip article (even if it's not for the DP, if you catch my drift) AND a daily news piece. Interesting. Nice catch you got there.

His little girlfriend. She smirked, but didn't comment on it. The Hogwarts story was much more interesting. "The old one was named....Shir....S...hold on, I wrote it down." Tori flipped back a few pages in her notebook. "Sherman! And the young one, the one I think was a professor, was Abraham." She nodded. Yes, she was sure that was their names.

"But listen, Jorge, you're not going to make my cousin out to be the bad guy in all this, right? I can understand interviewing her and whatever.... but if my family were to find out I contributed to this article in any way..." They'd think of her as more of a black sheep than they already did.

Quoting Mariel and Emily...
 

"Oh!" Cynthia gasped. How could she be so stupid? "Right..." That was the disadvantage, she tended to believe, to being pureblood. You never quite got used to being around muggles.

"Yeah, close calls," she began again, eager to move on to another topic. "Well, they just go about their business, but every once in a while, they'll bump into us and you know... They're mostly just confused by us and our vocabulary, and I hope it stays at that level. The receptionist especially puts us at this risk."

She too eyed Emily's cinnamon roll. Sugar was not for her as much as coffee, but it looked delicious. This café had very excellent reviews, and she'd chosen it over the other restaurant on the street. But she was only there for a light lunch, nothing else. She finished off the first half of her sandwich with satisfaction.

He looked up from his sandwich with the giggle and couldn't help but laugh. Tori was different than the usual coworkers he had. They either kept to themselves, were different, or just if a chick on the only deals with fashion and gossip, but she really seemed to know her stuff and he liked that. "So how long have you been at the Prophet again?" She had been there before he had started or well he thought at least. Taking another bite he figured getting to know her better would be a good idea.

Sipping at his coffee he glanced at the notebook. The words made him scowl a bit. He liked to have information such as Simon and Angelina, but a gossip column he really wasn't impressed with. He liked to use that type of info to get to people or to have leverage to get what he wanted. His eyes watching Simon for a few moments. If he was dating Angelina Jorge could use this a leverage so his friend wouldn't find out her boyfriend was getting cozy with someone else. He really wanted to find out who this woman was and what if anything was going on.

Quote:

You can do what you want with it, but gossip really isn't my thing. I like this information for leverage, get what I need using it. I'm more interested if with all these random buildings is security even up to par and how's the ministers 'office' compared to the rest of the dumps. I'm not using her for my own benefit if that's what you're getting at. We've been on and off since before she was department head. .

He glanced over at Emily and Mariel with a smile across his face. She was a great catch. He wanted to go over to her, but staying where he was was more important for both of them at the moment. He did wonder who the other one was though. His thought interrupted as he heard Tori again. "Sherman and Abraham got it. I'm going to head to a match this weekend to have a look around." He wanted to see first hand talk to some of the students even.

His eyes met her and shock went over him, "Wait? Your cousin is hat headmistress? The one that keeps letting all those things happen at that school." Where was all his notes, maybe he could get some info from Tori about some of this stuff. "You know I'm working on another piece about the odd things that happen there an now one being held accountable, maybe you can find some inside information for me." You know he won't make the headmistress look that bad if she could help. "Don't worry they won't find out you helped me unless you want them too." He'd give her credit if she helped, but only if she wanted it.

Jacob, Ravenclaw Captain?

The name didn't ring a bell or make a face pop out her. Legend however was more familiar. Nodding she smiled. "You're right. I didn’t know Jacob very well but definitely Legend. We had many prefect patrols of the halls and corridors together." After Patroclus sadly, had had to leave Hogwarts. Sophie wondered what had happened to her ex-fellow prefect after he had left school. She knew he hadn’t come back to Hogwarts to finish his last two years of school at least. "Did you keep in touch with Patroclus after he left school?"

Taking another sip of her coffee Sophie gestured to the scone tray. "Feel free to take a scone if you're hungry. I can't eat all of them, anyway." It would be a shame if they went to waste since the scones were quite yummy. "It's has its up and downs definitely. What I like though is that every new patient I see has a different reason for seeking healer assistance. That makes it interesting and exciting." Hopefully that didn’t make her crazy in Simon eyes?

A feeling had come over her while she talked to Simon. Sophie was probably imagining it. Most people didn’t pay much attention to other people when they were out in a public so why did she have the instinct feeling of being watched? Had the coffee gone to her head?

Brother?

Patroclus had a brother?

Sophie was about to ask how Simon knew Patroclus had a brother when he provided her with an explanation. Apparently Patroclus’s brother had worked for MLE when Simon had started there after graduating from Hogwarts. "I haven’t run into Patroclus either." Sophie wondered if she’d even recognize him if she saw him again.

Taking another coffee sip she picked up and nibbled on her scone again as Simon succumbed and did the same even if he seemed reluctant, causing her to ask. "Don't you like scones?" Or was there something else behind the reluctance? Sophie had some ideas spurred by her healer instincts but she kept them to herself. Nodding she responded. "Definitely, I can't see myself doing something where nothing unexpected ever happened. I need change. It's the same for you right? I bet your job isn't the same day in and day out?" It seemed unlikely since criminals always came up with new enterprising ways to cause trouble.

Seeing Simon look over at another of the cafe's customers she asked with a small hand gesture towards Mariel. "Do you know that woman?"

At least the creepy feeling of being watched was gone.

The fact that the two women had eyed her choice of pastry didn't go unnoticed. Nope. And considering they had both gone with the more filling options on the cafe menu, she felt as though the roles perhaps ought to have been reversed. Perhaps. "Cinnamon scrolls are my favoruites ... anything with cinnamon is, really," and look at that, she was exposing her weakness to a stranger and Mariel who she didn't know all too well -- all things considered. She shrugged, the recommendation was the least of her worries for the day.


Emily listened as Cynthia spoke of IMC's muggle woes, and agreed with Mariel's response. It was an innate thing. People.. were people... and they tended to get in the way of things, inserting their presence where it wasn't welcome. Was it any wonder she didn't do the whole social thing very well? Nevertheless, she was managing this lunch meeting thing that had happened to her. "Suppose it could be worse," she noted. For the most part terminology could be shrugged off, so long as the offending witch or wizard wasn't stupid enough to let something obvious slip... but who knew. And ew, muggle receptionist? No thanks, it was a good thing she still had Muriel, the woman was easy to please and downright fierce in her own way. "I take it you're not expecting any visiting delegates any time soon?" she asked, curious. From security's perspective she's not heard of anything, then again she was no longer heading the division, she was free to focus on her other duties now.

Inspecting her watch, Emily figured it was about time to head back, she could only afford a few more minutes before she started feeling lazy -- something she couldn't tolerate unless it was a weekend with little work to actually plough through. "I could do with another too, to go," she mused, fishing out a muggle bill from her pocket. "Would you mind?" ... because she'd taken her question as a legitimate offer, thus saving her from leaving her own seat for the time being.

oh we're still watching you lot. STILL WATCHING. *watches* :D
 

A year, Jorge thought about this. That would have been after he had started. Did he not realize this or had it just seemed she had been there. "I'm really surprised our paths haven't crossed more really." She was hot, young, but hot so how hadn't he noticed her. She had to be hiding or so into her fashion articles she wasn't around the office much, but her second statement gave him another reason. Part time so she might not have been in when he was. That seemed more reasonable. "Oh I've been there about a year and a half. Moved here from Spain once I had the position."

As he spoke he had read what she wrote and forgetting about a gossip column was a sure thing. Maybe he could teach her how to use information like cheating boyfriends to her benefit. There could be a good story that comes out of it really. MLE employee more worried about his next girlfriend than worrying about the ministry being safe or even finding criminals still on the loose. Wasn't he on that Talone case? Hmm Jorge's mind started questioning somethings as he glanced over to the two. Sipping on his coffee he wrote a little in the notebook.

Quote:

Snooping sounds like a great idea actually. I think I might try to start with a random department. Mysterious or Creature? Maybe we both should try different places. See if some are better than others. See which places the ministry finds more important. She's a lot more than just her looks believe me she can keep you on your toes.

He grinned writing the last part. He knew Mariel could hold her own pretty well and even if Tori didn't listen and went snooping for something in Mariel's department it wouldn't be just him at her. He had already put the department head through a lot with the Maria stuff and the curses against him, he didn't want to be the reason she had issues as a brand new department head even with his feelings towards all ministry's.

"Sure I will, but I might be coming to you for more info since you have some sources being not from the area I'm still trying to build some acquaintances in all areas." That was coming a little slower than he would like, but he'd continue to work on the needed 'friends'. "Well I didn't know her maiden name not living around here before." He had to eye her and one of his signature smirks leaning closer. "and what would that be? What does Tori want?" This was interesting to him. He always liked these type of things though his reasoning behind them had changed a bit, his eyes shifted towards his girlfriend who seemed to still not know he was there. It really as for the best that she didn't. Brown eyes back to Tori he waited for the answer.

Crisscrossed? Well that got a laugh, "If we had crisscrossed any paths I think I would know. I don't forget pretty faces." That was an honest answer. Jorge neither missed them nor forgot them. He liked to know where they were and how easy they were to work with. The ladies always seemed to give him what he wanted and were the best for sources, so if they would have crossed he would have remembered. Unless it was just at a staff meeting or something. Then yes he might not have even been looking up all that much. "Well our paths have met now that's all that counts."

He was really beginning to think this was a good idea. Coming here and not just for the people around, but to get to know this coworker. She was interesting and he felt he had found someone maybe as equal to him when it came to the ways he liked to do his job. "The office does what it needs to do, but I agree this is a little more interesting." He nodded in agreement "Yes we will have to hangout more." Hangout, was that the word. He thought for a moment before pushing it off.

He kept noticing her glances towards the women and tried to read her. He was really good at reading people, but Tori he wasn't so sure just yet. Which woman was she glancing at and what did she know that kept her there. He glanced at the notebook and thought a moment.

Quote:

I've had way worse than anything mysterious could dish out. Plus they aren't at the ministry they are in muggle buildings. Can't be all that bad. I have a connection at the ministry office, so owl if you do end up there and get into any trouble. I can be of help using him.

He did want to trust her, but trust wasn't something he handed out, so for now he'd take her word, but would see about the trust. He glanced seeing Mariel get up. Was she leaving? He than realized who Tori was really focusing on and reached for the notebook again.

Quote:

Don't stare at Emily too much. She probably will know. She can be rather feisty and is one of the only women I've come across that doesn't take to me.

He chuckled as he wrote the last part browns eyes looking back to Tori, "Usually one of my stronger areas." finishing his paper thoughts with words so it wasn't to much of an awkward silence between them. [b] "It usually works nicely with the job, but I assume you know this." She was pretty and seemed to be so much like him. She had to bat her eye lashes to get what she wanted here and there. Hell she seemed to be doing it to him right now.

She wanted money, well if she wanted it she'd really have to give him some good leads and information. He wasn't going to just hand money over, but that didn't concern him at all. Money really wasn't something he worried about, though he should try to keep better track at times.

His grin grew even bigger when she said about a favor. His eyes locked on her forgetting about the others for a moment. He was interested. Not in her per say in that way, but interested in what the offer might be. "A favor? Well what kind of favor. Maybe we can work something out." He was always up for a you scratch my back I'll scratch yours type of thing.

Mention of Mariel too :P
 

So that was a no-go for seeing their former classmate from either of them. Patroclus seemed to have vanished, at least from the British Isles where their circles ran. But then seeing as he wasn't a native of the area, it was likely that both siblings were staying around their native lands or somewhere else entirely.

Huh...he didn't like scones? "No...I do. Its not that. I'm just trying not to overstay my break." He glanced briefly at his watch to check the time, looking relieved not too much time had elapsed since he had entered the cafe. "Still have some work to handle today, but I'm good for now." The bakery and cafe wasn't that far from both the Underground and his designated area, the ship. And it certainly gave him a better feeling then the ship which Simon still had some issue with. Bloody pirates. "Right," he said in agreement towards non-boring and simplistic jobs as he took another sip. "It certainly has a way of surprising you."

He paused in taking another bite from the scone he had already broken off when Sophie questioned him. The auror hadn't meant to have his look to the familiar woman to be obvious, but the angle had been tight. "We've met at functions a few times. She works at the ministry." But the question was...was Mariel the reason he felt like he was being watched?

Nope there was something else. He just needed to work out finding out without being too open and not making Sophie uncomfortable. Simon had joined her, interrupting her alone time.

mhm, we see you, little spies
 

Oh. Simon was afraid of overstaying his break. Sophie almost let out a giggle. And here she had been thinking up allergies or something as a cause for Simon’s reluctance towards sharing a scone with her. Her healer brain needed to take a break. Taking another coffee sip Sophie swallowed before responding. "I of course don't want to make you late getting back to work. Is your boss strict?"

"I suppose your job is confidential but have you been in anything extra scary since you’ve started working in MLE?" Sophie asked curiously. It was fine if Simon evaded the question but it was something she had wondered about. How much truth was it to the stories she read in the Daily Prophet? Had there really been a disease at the ministry some years ago that had quarantined people for the own safety?

Sophie only gave the brunette ministry worker a brief glance before focusing on her coffee again. When Simon stood up and excused himself Sophie nodded. "Sure, I'm not going anywhere." Taking up her magazine again she watched how Simon walked over to talk to the brunette. Opening her magazine Sophie engrossed herself in an article about some new scientific discovery.

Whelp.. Let the games begin!
 

"Pffffft, all you have to do is buy her a latte and a croissant and boom, her lips are moving." Tori gestured to her own little pastry, which was eaten by now, and her nearly-empty coffee cup. She raised her eyebrows. "I'm going to take that as a compliment, Señor." Because she always liked to look on the brightside, unlike some Greingoths people.

"Agreed, agreed," the ginger nodded and finished off her coffee. Mmhmmm, kick it while it's down. She liked his Slytherin spirit, and her hazel eyes once again landed on that Emily character. Jorge's charm never worked on her? Was he saying she didn't LIKE attractive men? "I'll have to see what I can do," Tori murmured, more to herself than to the reporter across from her.

Op, and now things were getting exciting. Excellent. Tori couldn't help the devilish smirk that appeared upon her lips, and as the scene began to unfold, she rested her wand arm on her notebook and pen. At her touch, the pen just happened to turn into a recording device pointed at Jorge, his girlfriend, and the blonde MLEr. Hum de dummmm.

With permission from Jorge's keeper
 

ahem you lot
 

Cynthia noticed Emily sneak in a pitying look at her. She realized she wasn't supposed to have seen that, but it wasn't her fault. The witch was very talented at reading facial expressions. A thing that came in handy, she thought.

At any rate, she was not used to being pitied, nor did she enjoy it. Her spine stiffened more, if that was possible.
"Right, then," she said. Now that Mariel was talking to Simon, the conversation had come to an abrupt halt. Emily didn't say much. Indeed, she was more like Cynthia, socially. And two socially inept individuals equals, well, not much to say. But she'd try. "Did you like your food?"

Cynthia had never had a boyfriend, thank you very much. As was her motto, romance was a distraction from more important topics, such as work. It seemed like a whole bunch of drama. Especially when it involved bailing said boyfriend from jail.

If she were to have a boyfriend, he would not be one who would need to be bailed from jail. She was not clear on why Jorge needed bailing, but that was Mariel's problem. The Head and her boyfriend must have their reasons, and because Cynthia hadn't totally been listening, she didn't know. She kept quiet and listened in.

"I'll have a coffee... just a flat white please... and a sausage roll heated up." Rusty made his order and peered into the display case, "And I'll get a scone... and a cupcake. One of those ones with the pink icing. Can I have the cupcake to go, please?" He paid with his Muggle plastic card, the one he had to sign for, and took one of the metal things with a number so that they'd know where to bring what he'd ordered when his coffee was ready.

He really WAS just keeping to himself. And besides, it was safe here... or so he'd thought right up until the moment where some lady spoke to him.

....... in a way that made it ENTIRELY clear that she was no muggle. Rustin blinked and turned to look at her, having a fight or flight moment but ending up settling for neither. She got a sheepish grin instead. "That'd be me."

Not that he would call himself a SAP but... he did feel reasonably poorly about the whole situation. It was terribly awkward.

And away we go
 

Simon rolled his eyes as Jorge continued to speak out and trying to play coy even when his physical fight seemed to have left him. He might have understood only half of it since the journalist was switching between English and spanish but still it was enough to annoy him even a little. Even him trying to put words in his mouth to go with the whispered ones the auror had given to an act of anger. However he was trying to remain mostly cool himself to see if the man even bothered to stop when it appeared as if his taunts weren't working or continue on regardless.

The sooner they got away the better. After a while, Simon wasn't even waiting on the others since Emily had opted to stay behind with the other two women. Fine by him.

He couldn't help smirk though when Jorge's words were finally cut off by his spell. What...what was that he was trying to say? Nothing he cared to know about and instead he disarmed the man and reached into a pocket for a reserve portkey he had stashed there as a precaution. Hadn't exactly planned on arresting anyone today but then deTalone and her lawyer were still out so it seemed a worthy idea. Activating it, the auror waited with one hand holding it as the other had a firm grasp on the journalist leaning in his hold

One trip to the MLE holding cells...coming up.

To the Cells

Anita!Em and Ali!Jorge and MJ!Mariel
 

*declones*
 

And ugh..........

In her way, she was.

Emily's flat expression was enough to show her distaste in the woman's exuberance. Get the preppy redhead out of her way, nowwwww.
"You're welcome to check yourself in at our reception desk, my staff will ensure you go through the proper channels." If she indeed was his attorney, then this would be of little news to her. What kind of attorney didn't know protocol? And she surely knew how to get to the DMLE, no? "Now if you'll excuse me, I have matters to attend to."

Side stepping the woman, Emily continued on her way.

welllllllp we're leaving too :D PS EMJAY READ THIS POST :D
 

Drama, suspense, action...keep it for the TV shows. Cynthia enjoyed her telenovela, but when it made its way into real life? No thank you! And it didn't help that the drama kept increasing.

She still wasn't sure why this reporter was being arrested in the first place. She'd rather focus all her energy on Emily, who seemed to be the only person not also ingaged in the chaos. Mariel then gave her a "sorry-for-your-trouble-gotta-deal-with-this" kind of look, so to speak.

Emily seemed to be saying goodbye. That was slightly embarrassing to Cynthia, but she understood. She would do the same in her position. Whatever happened to a quietly awkward lunch with Ministry strangers?

"Goodbye. Nice to meet you, too." She half-offered her hand out, but quickly put it back down as Emily left.

What?

Put himself up for that? No WAY. "If I had, I'd have used a better picture. And maybe made it sound less..." What was the word? Desperate. Yeah. That. "... less... what it was."

And... he could make his excuses and go back to the plans of the day? Or did he still have to make small talk? Because he was done paying. That was awkward. Ahem. And that one there looked uncomfortable and Rustin hardly wished to make anyone feel such.

He glanced between the talking one, and the robot one, and gave a polite nod. "I had best find myself a table." He looked around and then back at the two women. "Ladies." Another nod and he headed over to the tables, finding one and putting the little stand that had his order number down so that the waitress would be able to see it and know where to bring the food.

Eyes still very much on the counter, Kiera began to trace random patterns with her finger over her sister's leather coat while she listened to their conversation. Her eyes briefly glanced towards him, however, but her gaze never met his and instead landed somewhere around his shoulder. "I didn't think the picture was so horrible...." she mumbled.

Shrugging her shoulder to get her sister's fingers off her jacket, Daphne met his eyes head on and tried not to look to amused by the whole situation. Wizarding London's Bachelor of the Month was a reluctant one, it was laughable really. "Desperate?" she replied, her lips still curled up in an amused smirk. "Those things always come across that way regardless of how they are written." Wasn't the title enough of an indication?

Merlin knew her sister probably would have owled the Prophet for a possible set up had it not been for certain circumstances. Not something she would personally recommend anyone do. Kiera was too high maintenance.

Both of them returned his nod, although Kiera's was much more subtle, and then it was up to Daphne to place their lunch order of a garden salad and iced tea for her and a pesto chicken sandwich and fizzy something for Kiera.

Kiera had watched his shoes leave and once she had the stand with their order number on it in place she gave Daphne a sweet but pleading smile. "We should go sit near him while he waits." Surely Daphne was just a little intrigued by Rustin Killick, no?

So with a gentle tug, she began to lead the way towards an empty table near his.

Well perhaps not horrible, but to him it had appeared like a mugshot, which was hardly appropriate for a dating profile.

... Merlin, not that he'd bloody well put it together himself or... well it wasn't much of a dating profile either, was it? He just had to grin and bear it or something, keep his head down until it was over. Surely there wouldn't be anyone trying to contact the Prophet to get a date with him.

Which was embarrassing in itself.

Desperate. Sigh. "I assure you, I'm not desperate. I'm perfectly content with my lot in life." With his daughter being the only little lady in his life. Rusty mussed his hair up and then settled himself at his chosen table...

... only to find he was being followed. Sort of. Nearish. Awkward. It was like saying goodbye to someone only to discover you were heading in the same direction.

It'd be rude not to say something, wouldn't it?

"You can both join me if you like." And if not he'd just put his head down, drink his coffee, and be on his way and hope nobody else around Muggle London recognised him.

Legend Chosen half expected it to be raining. He really did. How else would the fantastic London weather welcome his return. Although it wasn't. Bright and sunny, Legend almost thought that he had arrived in a different place all together. It hadn't taken him that long to track his friends down. After all he knew where all of them lived, it was just finding out if they were at home. For some reason Legend's brain simply notified him to find Lando first, which was a good thing. As soon as he got closer to the man-boy's house he noticed him leaving.

So of course Legend just followed, making a note to himself to remind Lando to ALWAYS look behind him.

Pushing the door to the bakery open, Legend watched as Orlando went up to the counter before tapping him on his shoulder. "So what's good here?"

Yep. It was him.

Orlando grinned hearing him and immediately pulled the older guy in a hug.

Orlando patted Legend's back before pulling back. "What are you doing here?" So what if they hadn't met in a while, he was here now. 'More importantly, where were you!?"

Gladly accepting the hug Legend gave Lando two hard pats on the back. Heh. Manly and stuff. As the other man let go, Legend raised his brows as though he thought it were obvious. "I'm back. Duh." Really? Why else would he be here? As for the second question...well.

His eyes drifted up to the menu. "Do they have good coffee here?" Because you know, that was very important. Pushing his hands into his pocket and turning his eyes back to Lando, Legend's smile had somewhat faded. The last year was not a good one. It was tough, it was hard. The only thing that he was happy about was that he was still alive and that he hadn't loss any limbs.

And his hair was good.

"The U, S, of A." Hmm. "'Murica" he said roughly, in his best American accent possible. Which he had gotten pretty good at. "Last undercover mission and it was a big one. Couldn't tell anyone though, it was way to dangerous, and it could have meant spoiling my cover."

"I think so, yeah," Orlando replied, ordering up two coffees and placing the list he was suppose to be getting in front of the guy behind the counter. He could pick it after he was done catching up with his best friend. Picking up their coffees, the former Gryffindor headed toward an empty booth.

"Wow," was the only thing Orlando could say as he sat down. "I am glad you are okay, Legend," he said, his expression somber. After what had happened to his own brother last year, he wasn't sure how to feel about these undercover missions anymore. And by the look of Legend, it didn't seem like he was all that thrilled either.

"But you are back now .. " he continued, "hopefully for good?"

Taking a sip of his coffee, Orlando took a moment to disregard any and all awkward, meeting-ruining questions he had. "So you have to come back home with me, Mum would be thrilled to see you," he added, smiling.

Free coffee? He knew Lando was his best friend for a reason. Taking the coffee with a thankful nod, Legend just had time to put some milk and sugar in before Lando was already walking away to find them somewhere to sit. "Why wouldn't I be okay? Lando, i'm a Lion. We're always okay." Strong like a lion, quick, smart, all that.

Gryffindors ruled.

"Actually...." So...why not have fun with his best bud? "I have to leave again in about twenty minutes. Another undercover mission. Just followed you a bit to say hi before I'm back out again." Legend sighed, as if it were such a sad sad life.

Gryffindor, yes. Orlando smiled that smile of his - eyes closing, teeth showing. Legend did usually have that effect on him.

All that smile got wiped off though, when he spoke next. What. He was leaving already?

"But you can't!" he blurted out. "You just got back," he said, panicking slightly. "KT would kill you, if she knew about this!"

No. Nope. He can't leave. FLAIL. How was he suppose to stop him?

Needing a bit of fresh air in the middle of the work day, Mariel took a walk down the street, slowing her footsteps as she neared the cafe. The one and only time she had been in there was a terrible experience, one she'd rather forget, and she probably should have kept walking. But she remembered the promise of cinnamon rolls and red velvet cupcakes that she had been unable to purchase and thought maybe she could stop in quickly. She knew someone who might appreciate the cupcakes anyway.

Smiling lightly at that thought, the brunette pushed open the door and walked through, heading straight for the counter to order. She knew exactly what she wanted to order and could care less about who was already here. If someone witness to previous events was present, so be it. She wasn't one to run and hide at the first sign of conflict.

But, as she waited, she couldn't help but let her eyes drift to the people at the tables, lingering on one person in particular. A very familiar one at that. What was she doing here? Mariel couldn't help but notice what the woman was reading - the Quibbler. What a joke, though she couldn't say she was surprised even if she couldn't help the slight wrinkle of her nose in distaste. Sigh.. she supposed she should at least go over and say hello. Once she was waited on of course. Once every few years was about all she could take.