Located on one end the pitch is a large, eye-catching white tent. Once you pull back the flap and step inside, however, you find yourself walking through a space set aside to highlight an often forgotten but integral group of people to wizarding history. This pop-up museum was carefully crafted to lift up the unique perspective of squibs, inspire participants to listen, and empower people to share their stories and thoughts. Non-moving portraits squibs who helped change the course of history and squib activists in elegant frames can be found in this space. Before each portrait is a mini biography and accompanying artifact resting upon a simple wooden pedestal. Angus Buchanan and the signed rugby ball he scored with when leading his country's team to victory in the first-ever international rugby match between Scotland and England. Moccasins and a cornhusk doll belonging to Martha Steward. Arabella Figg's hairnet, tartan carpet slippers, and a 1995 issue of Kneazle Frilly. Argus Filch's broom and copy of Learn Magic Fast with Kwikspell. These are among some of the name and artifacts you will find here. Located at the end of the maze of faces and descriptions is a mirror in a simple wooden frame with a pedestal before it housing a pen and journal for visitors to reflect upon what they have seen and felt.

Did he care about squib history? Eh........probably not. Very likely he didn't but suffice to say the man cared even less to be trampled during the festivities.

Rugby wasn't his thing, sports and movement and being active--anything outside a nap really--just wasn't his thing. The fact his colleagues had chosen this as the theme for the orientation was enough reason for the man to show his face then find a corner to disappear into until it was time for him to go around rubbing elbows with the rest.

As it happened, the squib historical room was the perfect place for that. Not much foot traffic, quieter than out by the food table and if he wasn't mistaken, just a little warmer too.

Not thinking twice about it, the man removed an artifact from its pedestal, moving it to share with another before shrinking into the form of a black cat and hopping onto the now free space. If anyone needed to know, he could be part of the displays. Some squibs cat or another, he really didn't care as long as it got him some rest. Maddox spun two turns before settling down, head slumped slightly over the edge, drifting to the thoughts of milk and belly rubs.

The evening was one that rather hit close to home for Airey, not that he would be partaking in these sentiments with anyone this evening, so he for one was somewhat grateful that his first orientation as a Department Head had a bit of weight to it. While he had no real need to bid on any of the items - although perhaps he would end up doing so later for something to bring home to Medea and the kids outside of the wares in his little Ministry provided goodie bag - he had made a bit of a sizable donation before heading over to take a peek inside the historical room.

Of course.

"You know," the astronomer began as he casually strolled over to the pedestal with scroungy looking black cat sleeping atop it. "You would be far more convincing if you had selected the pedestal in front of Arabella Figg's display. One would have perhaps thought you were part of the scenery."

But since his friend and colleague was electing to shed all over the place...Airey removed from his enchanted breast pocket his lint roller and began rolling it all over the cat and pedestal.

Gone were the days of being afraid of you as a feline, Maddox. For the most part.

Javier was actually sort of excited to see this Squib museum thing. He thought back to that meeting they had had about Squib rights and all that, and the fact that it had gotten kind of heated...and then that had him thinking about those dumb protestors at the Environmental conference, and he was getting grumpy again. So he just reminded himself that all that nonsense was in the past, and they had obviously not won, because look how COOL all this stuff was!

It really was a shame Squibs had not gotten the proper recognition they deserved until recently here. Huh. Who'd have thought he, Javier Hernandez, would be so invested in Squib rights?

He began to peruse the exhibit, scanning all the items and reading about them on the little plaques provided for the exhibit. It was nice and quiet in here too, and the perfect place for him to wait for the crowds to die down a bit...

With his usual confident stride, Kevin entered a different area called the Squib Historical Room. As a very new employee at the Ministry, he did not get why there was a room for Squibs in the first place which was why his interest had been piqued.

As he walked through the exhibit, stopping once in a while to read the tags next to some objects and the further he went, the more confused he got on why this was here. Perhaps he needed to find that out soon to keep up to date when his job officially started.

Continueing on to the next glass case, Kevin stepped beside a man probably reading the plaque. He didn't say anything and instead simply waited his turn so that he could read what was on it.

Despite the fact that she enjoyed her freelance work and her time as a mother and writer, Josephina was thrilled when she received a job offer from the Ministry of Magic. Curse Reversal Specialist. It sounded so fancy. She even recognized the name of her department head; while she didn't personally know him due to a few years age difference, she had heard about him as he was hired as a Hogwarts Professor just a year after she had stepped down. What she was NOT thrilled about was the fact that her orientation seemed to center a sporting event. Even if she had grown appreciation for sports due to the likes of Ellie and Treyen and some other notables, even trying her hand as a Keeper during a student versus staff match one year, but it was not her preference. Her saving grace? The fact that it was a semi-formal event. And that there was a historical room.

Entering the room, she glanced around, taking it all in before she took note of the people present. A cat? Airey Flamsteed, whom she hadn't spoken to in almost a decade, despite being table buddies at the staff dais for many years. And two 'young' gentlemen, who she definitely recalled their faces as her former students. Merlin, students working at the Ministry. Perhaps she should have remained a freelancer, because she was feeling rather old about now.

Sigh.

He should have known.

The approaching footsteps he'd been so keen to ignore had been the universe--fitting given his current assailant--telling him he wasn't going to continue enjoying his nap. Could he even be surprised? By now? No. Airey always found some way of showing up just when he'd managed to drift far enough into sleep that it made a difference.

Reluctantly, yellow eyes were pried open, settling on the former astronut who clearly didn't have anyone else to keep awake.

It started with a hiss, then another, before the cat whirled around, gripping tightly to the lint roller with both claws and teeth. He was keeping this.

For now, the others in the room didn't register to him because come hell or high water, he was destroying this thing TODAY.

Gid walked through the hall watching for his new employees as well as those he knew were technically on duty as security. He smiled and nodded to those he passed but didn't really pause as he moved around people. He wasn't really busy just keeping moving rather than staying in one spot too long.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaniDiNardo

Sigh.

He should have known.

The approaching footsteps he'd been so keen to ignore had been the universe--fitting given his current assailant--telling him he wasn't going to continue enjoying his nap. Could he even be surprised? By now? No. Airey always found some way of showing up just when he'd managed to drift far enough into sleep that it made a difference.

Reluctantly, yellow eyes were pried open, settling on the former astronut who clearly didn't have anyone else to keep awake.

It started with a hiss, then another, before the cat whirled around, gripping tightly to the lint roller with both claws and teeth. He was keeping this.

For now, the others in the room didn't register to him because come hell or high water, he was destroying this thing TODAY.

Perhaps the the past Airey would have found the hissing unnerving and just as terrifying as a certain former Headmistress' eye contact, but NOT today. No. Airey Flamsteed was a grown man who was now a professional at changing diapers and NOT having panic attacks when pureed carrots and peas were flung on to his suits. Granted, he had now charmed his entire collection to be immune to it all - one needed to with the little trio of high energy misfits on the cosmic frontier back home. So no, the hissing was merely met with a subtle smirk.

He barely registered the others who had found their way here (although the sight of a certain Mr Kevin Hirase DID peek his interest for a moment) and soon his undivided attention was on his lint roller that was now under siege. "Maddox!" he barked at the cat, trying to pull the lint roller free with some haphazard shaking. "I will declaw you."

Just don't let Medea know he said that. She had looked as though the universe were about to collapse upon itself when he had suggested them doing that to their cat and kneazle menagerie back home.

Erec, of course, made his way to the squib artifacts. He had been working very hard on this project that past few years and it made him proud to know how much was getting done. The meetings had been a bit rocky, to begin with, but they now had support groups going and numbers rising on attendance and this fundraiser was going to be great for the museum. He hoped the previous minister would be happy about what was all going on.

As the department head walked through the area he had seen the others. The new mysterious department head and the accidental department head a nod, he would socialize with them later, for now, he just wanted to look around. Stopping to read an information card he glanced over to see yet another department head, "This seems like a very popular place for all of us this evening." He half wondered if most were just trying to hide while the rest of the things were going on.

Javi hadn't really been paying attention to what else was going on in the room - he was blissfully unaware of the two former professors feuding a few feet away, mostly because he was a former student and wanted NOTHING to do with former teachers of his. Shudder. He had gotten very good of pretty much blocking them out.

ANYWAYS.

He did notice, however, someone standing nearby, waiting for him to move. He looked up and cleared his throat. "Oh, sorry about that! I'm in the way, aren't I?" he chuckled awkwardly before stepping backwards - AND right in to someone.

Oh Merlin. ANOTHER former professor? This was a living nightmare.

"OH, sorry! Professor. I MEAN, um, m'am..." he stuttered. Oh GEEZ. Why was the sight of his former teachers so...paralyzing?!

Oh, the cat was Maddox. Maddox as in ... Maddox Quigley? Her department head? For some reason her research as to him hadn't mentioned anything about him being an animagus? Her brown eyes stared a moment between the interactions of Airey and the Maddox!Cat, watching with great intensity.

And if she hadn't been watching the pair battle about a ... lint roller? Perhaps she'd have been more aware when someone backed right into her. But alas, she wasn't aware and she was wearing heels - like usual - which made her balance even more off. Thus caught off guard, the former professor found herself stumbling back, and grasping at the young gentleman's arm to keep from falling on her bum.

"Mr Hernandez....." Sorry, he called her professor, so it was habit?

Listen, Angelo was all for squib rights, his own family did plenty to provide for squib employment even if it was work that was sometimes of a somewhat questionable nature. But a historical exhibit room? He was doubtful there'd actually be anything interesting to see. Possibly it would even come across as a little sad, and highlight what the squibs actually lacked rather than embracing what was potentially good about them, or about what they had contributed to society. And if they hadn't contributed then what was the point of an exhibit? That was like creating an exhibit of every day items from every day people that anyone at all could just pick up at the nearest store. And if they were items that showed contribution to muggle culture and history, Angelo felt they would be better shown in a muggle museum. He felt, personally, that normalizing squibs was fine, but condescending to them was not the way forward.

So the young auror wouldn't be writing anything in the.... visitor book, that was for certain. He wasn't overly impressed at all, though he could see the effort that had been put in to the collection. Nevertheless, he walked around the tent, hands folded behind his back, and inspected what was on show.

At least he could say he was giving it a chance.

Not a chance. No way he was letting go of this lint roller until Airey promised he'd forever keep it away from him. What cat would honestly like the feeling of having its fur yanked at and tugged? No self respecting cat, that's who.

The threat wouldn't see the cat!man relenting. For the briefest moment he released the instrument, aiming those claws Airey seemed to like making threats towards, right at his face. If the man spoke cat, he would have distinctly heard the moment when Maddox meowed "declaw THIS" before pouncing back to the lint roller and sinking those sharp claws into it again.

There had to be an easier way for them to run into each other at these things. This was fast becoming a pattern and he'd be lying if he said he didn't miss the says where he could sleep through an event without consequence.

Still, he didn't process the others in the room, hell bent on getting his friend to release what was quickly becoming the bane of his ministry existence.

LET GO!

It should be noted that Kevin was aware of the other people around him. He probably wouldn't have been accepted in to the Law Enforcement department if he hadn't had that natural constant vigilance. Law Enforcement... It still sounded odd in his mind. Who would have thought that the boy who defied the Law all the time would be working for it as an adult?

So yes, he did see his former Head of House, the one who had signed for his expulsion back in his fourth year at Hogwarts, fighting with...was that a cat? Maddox, funny name for a cat. Was Flamsteed its owner? Interesting...last time he remembered the man had been terrified of cats but he knew from personal experience that people could change so... Anyways, The reason why he hadn't walked up to the man was because A. He seemed to be busy with whatever he was doing with that cat. And B. His own pride. Which was stupid, he knew because his expulsion had probably been the best thing that had happened to him in a odd way. It had made him realise what a jerk he had been and that if he wouldn't change, he would either be on the streets, in Azkaban or dead. But admitting to that was a huge step he wanted to take his time with it, wait for the perfect moment to say thank you to the man and inside a Squib exhibit tent was not the right time.

He turned his head to look at the man next to him and he shrugged his shoulders "No problem" he said and he was about to read what was written when he heard him apologise. At first, Kevin thought he was apologising to him which he found odd because he had just done that so as his curiousity kicked in he turned back around to see what had happened.

Oh! He knew that woman. She had definitely been one of his professors at school. Geez, 2 3 former professors in one place. At least he wasn't stuttering like how that Mr.Hernandez had. It had been 6 or 7 years ago since he had last seen anyone he knew from school apart from Zander and Puck so he stayed behind and waited for a name to drop and pretend he had known all along because he had forgotten hers. Professor Harvey...Haley...Hadley?? No that wasn't right , or was it?

A room dedicated to squibs' history and contributions? Of course that would be the first thing Cosgrach would check out today, given that one of his daughters... maybe he could find something interesting to show her. He hoped so. Victoria was already donating some money and socialising. He walked in, not really looking at who was here, because he was here on a mission for his daughter.

Many years had been needed for Simon to be at one of these events and not be full-on-job mode. Granted, he was still highly observant in his role as security head. He did have that responsibility as a ministry worker at a ministry event and could hardly leave it all to his employees. He had been taking in various parts of the gathering since he arrived, the overall atmosphere and people present that is given he’d already done a perusal or two in both planning the security and prepping the evening. Stepping into the room meant to showcase squibs and their history, the security man was a mix of welcoming and on guard, exchanging nods and good evenings to people.

Some stood out, like co-workers including Gid, Angelo, and a newbie if memory served from his background check, department heads such as Erec and the A+C head who insisted on preferring his animangus form, and familiar faces. Former Professor Hadley topped that list and caught his attention, Simon politely smiling at her. However, his attention was drawn to another, a man he knew was personally invested in tonight’s benefits. “Good evening, Cosgrach,” he greeted the older man with a friendly grin.

It was her second year at the Ministry, so Kendra wasn't exactly sure why she was required to attend yet another orientation. She had gotten accustomed to the Ministry enough as it was, and any new employees to her department would be easily acquainted with at a department meeting. It seemed much more efficient that way.

But she would simply consider it a social event, though the choice of location was an interesting one. Certainly she thought that squibs deserved recognition and respect, but she couldn't quite figure out why they were having this orientation at a rugby field. She wasn't exactly dressed for kicking a ball around either.

The white tent had caught her attention, though she didn't know what to expect. A pop-up museum? Hopefully that would prove interesting... But none of the artifacts seemed all that extraordinary as she slowly walked through the exhibit. Until her eyes fell on a particular book.

"Are they serious..." she said aloud, addressing no one in particular. "Pardon me," she said to the young man who had been walking just in front of her as she reached around him to pick up the copy of Learn Magic Fast with Kwikspell. It didn't really occur to her that maybe she shouldn't touch the artifacts; she was just in disbelief that a book used to take advantage of those without magic would be part of a celebrated display.