"I don't feel miserable" he said shaking his head. He chewed his lip though at her question his eyes sparkling. "Asking about the safety in Hogwarts or if we should be training the kids to do magic and protect themselves well enough first?" he asked trying to keep a straight face. "I understand though, I'll be doing it myself as well. They can't learn too much, even before they attend Hogwarts." Merlin that was coming up soon too...2 more terms at the academy and they'd be first years! He smirked "Oh I'm sure you will."

"Tell your face then." She gave him a serious look, but then smirked. "Well, do you REALLY think I'm going to let my children go to such a dangerous place without being able to look after themselves?" she asked, looking at Gid. "Might even get Garrick to start their animagus training. The sooner they learn, the better." Plus if their animagus was small, they could run. If it was large, they could fight and defend themselves. It made life so much easier. "Mmm, might have to start planning now."

SPOILER!!: Tiffany & Brandon!

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArianaBlack

SPOILER!!: For you both *glomps*

With tugging baby in up-reached arms, Tiffany let out a HUGE sigh of relief when that man confirmed it was, did he say, Aron's, son? Aron or not, She was just glad to hand this thing off. Babies are actually a lot heavier than you'd think. Especially after having to lug this guy around the whole time.

Who taught her how to hold a child? Uhuuum, heeeellloooo, who taught YOU how to watch over a child, sir. Hmph. Tiffany was so ready to reply with a sassy remark, but ugh. She didn't want to prolong this handing off process. Clearly, this man was out of his mind. He LOST his baby for Merlin's sake. So she'd let that one slide. Besides, Tiffany really needed to make a few friends around here. Even those that... dressed... in school robes? Ew. Why.

"Yeah... He's quite the.... explorer," she replied with a smile. Though it was COMPLETELY FAKE AND FORCED. But yeah, a smile nonetheless. At least she didn't have to watch over it anymore. So that was one reason to be happy, yeah? AH, nice lady. And that's how you properly thank a woman for finding your devil of a child. Hmph, who taught you how to hold a child hmphm. She was not going to let that one go. Hmph.

Then, her eyes fell upon the, matching outfits. "Cute, costumes," she said with a more cheerful tone than before. Cough ABSOLUTELY EW COSTUMES ACTUALLY Cough. At least she hoped they were costumes. Because Merlin save them, if they actually wore those on a daily basis. Coco would be so disappointed if she saw that sorry excuse of gala wear. But shhhhh... She's trying to play nice!

Quote:

Originally Posted by WeasleyGirl

SPOILER!!: Aron and Tiffany hehe

Surely she didn't have a baby and shouldn't be thinking of having one. At least Aron found his son, "Be careful, don't lose sight of him again" luckily someone found "Harry Potter" before he could go any farther. The woman seemed to be...mmm...how to put into words? Brandon raised an eyebrow once she commented on Aron and his son's costumes. Somehow the voice tone she used annoyed him, don't know if it had to do with the fact that he was starving and his food was waiting for him. He had to do something about it. "Well, thank you for finding Harry Potter" and turned to face Aron "Do you want to go and find a table so we can eat?" he sounded a bit hurry, but I mean, he hadn't had lunch.

Brandon took a step in the direction of the tables but stopped quickly. Though he could feel that the woman whom he just met could turn out to be a bit annoying or talk about things he probably wasn't interesting, he had to be a gentleman. He turned around, "Sorry, we haven't met. I'm Brandon Knox, Department of Mysteries" he introduced himself. "Do you want to join us?" Aron didn't have a problem with it, right? He wouldn't mind otherwise.

Deciding to hold on to his son instead of putting him back down on the floor, Aron bumped noses with him and sighed. Merlin, he was dressed as the Boy Who Lived, not the Boy Who Got Lost...so let's not wander away again, yeah? He managed a nervous chuckle at Brandon - yeah, not losing him. Got it - he turned towards the woman who had brought his son back.

Yeah, he saw through that smile, but he wasn't going to make any sort of comment about it. His background had taught him a thing or two about how to read people. So he was just going to return it instead and accept the compliment on their choice of costumes. "Thank you. Your attire is quite lovely. I hope my boy didn't do any damage to it." He knew nothing about women's fashion other than it was expensive and anything long and dangly was irresistible to the kid. "I'm Aron, by the way. Aron Ashburry-Hawthorne, Magical Accidents and Catastrophes Department Head."

Holding his son with just his left arm, he grabbed the plate he had piled high with food earlier and nodded to Brandon. "Let's. I'm starving. And you should join us."

SPOILER!!: Everybody

Quote:

Originally Posted by BanaBatGirl

SPOILER!!: bhb and Laila-la and Kat and Deniz and Lisa :3 sorta replied to in a silly order

Introductions were still happening, hey! William had picked a good time to join this group. Of course his ears started turning red as soon as January complimented him, but he looked down at his shoes with a soft, "Thanks." She looked nice too, even with that hair... thang going on. He looked back up. "No costume for me, naaaaah." Willy shook his head cheerfully. "This IS my costume, see. I'm dressed as a very boring Ministry of Magic Employee." Like someone who worked in the Minister's Office.... hehehehehehh. "Who are YOU supposed to be, huh? A medieval woman on a bad hair day?"

He tilted his head at her and her date, who was OBVIOUSLY a knight. A kind of intimidating knight, actually. He'd meet him in a second. "William Williamson," Willy supplied to the pretty lady with the dude who wasn't Vic. Oh, Simon was his name. Yes, Simon. "Nice to meet you both," he smiled at them. He WOULD offer them a hand, but... plate. Food. Couldn't drop that. And besides, Aly was here now aww. "Glad you found me." He slung an arm around her and now he really couldn't shake hands. Thank you, girlfriend.

"I hope she didn't tell you my LIGHTEST secrets too," Willy sort of chuckled at Vic, though his eyes drifted over to January after a moment. "Good to meet you though. I hope we'll get to talk some later." Since he was going off to get some food? Were they all gonna eat? "You can have some of my plate," William mentioned to Alysson, as an aside. "I brought two forks." He'd picked up two by accident but one never knew when one might need a spare fork!

Quote:

Originally Posted by sarahlooo

Text Cut: Y'all know who you are

"It's lovely to meet you too," she said pleasantly to Simon's date, Angelina. Had she said that already to her? Boy, there were a lot of people here in this group now, she couldn't remember. Oh well.

January saw William's ears turn red. Heh. It was funny when that happened. Oh, see he WAS dressed up as a boring Ministry of Magic worker. "Well then, not much different than your normal wear, eh?" She teased. Heheh. At his question, Jan looked down at her own attire, her hair flopping around her head. She pushed it out of the way and looked back at William. "Yes, something like that. Sir Vic's fair maiden, perhaps." And excuuuuse her, her hair was LOVELY.

What she was REALLY looking forward to was that William and Vic were finally getting to meet. With work schedules and whatnot, she hadn't had a chance to introduce her boyfriend to her best friend. But now she could! And look, they were teasing right off the bat. HOW PERFECT. "Oh, don't worry. Only the big, bad ones." January was trying not to grin too much, but it was hard when her two favorite people in the world seemed to get along. Even if they had only known each other for about ten seconds. Yes, yes, they had to talk later. She wanted them to.

When Vic offered to get her something from the table, she just shook her head. "Water is fine for me." She was afraid her hair would get in her food. She had too much hair at the moment.

January was about to scoot closer to William now, with Vic gone for the moment, but suddenly slid in his girlfriend. Op. Hello. January hadn't seen Alysson in a long time. She was beginning to wonder if meeting her three years ago was even real. "Hello, Alysson," she greeted with a smile. "It's nice to see you again." She looked very pretty there, standing next to William. They made a nice looking couple.

Quote:

Originally Posted by StarShine

Their group was certainly getting bigger. Luckily, Angelina was good with names.

"Hello," she greeted the new woman - Alyson. Oh, they were all a bunch of close friends, weren't they? How sweet! But it seemed that Simon and she were the odd ones there. Hmm. Even though it wasn't really her place...

"Excuse us," she shyly but politely said, "we should go check out the buffet." Meaning, leave them alone, since they were friends.

C'mon, boyfriend. Let's go.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magical Soul

Text Cut: before we go to the buffet; Simon + Willy + Jan

It works both ways? Vic arched an eyebrow at Simon, his grin not leaving his face, and smacked the young man on the shoulder all manly-like. "Don't steal my joke, kid." Heh heh.

Back to January's friend whom she didn't share awkward history with. Yet. Should Vic be concerned about that, by the way? Probably nawt. A boring Ministry employee fit his look, though, Vic chuckled at that classic comment and put an arm arooooound January's hair shoulders and answered for her, "She's the beautiful archer that fell for the hot Knight after she was assigned to assassin him." Vic feigned a serious smile.

Lightest secrets, that was funny. Vic laughed. "I shall hope we will." Talk, since he was just going off for a few minutes to fill a plate or three and get right back.

Water was fine for Jan? WATER? "Fish is fine with water." He joked, giving her shoulder a squeeze, the one he had his arm around still, and took a step back. "I'll be right back."



Wait, what. The hit witch was William's date? Vic smiled broadly at the coworker he never interacted with outside work. "Hey hey!"



... aww, the kids were leaving. Vic gave them a Knight-y courtesy before leaving himself to get food for himself.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lislchen

Text Cut: you, all of you. Willy, Angelina and Simon, Vic and January

Hello. Yes she was here.

There was an arm around her shoulders now. Alysson liked it. A lot. "It wasn't too hard. The buffet was the first place I looked." She offered him a grin while leaning against his side some more. And January was there too. "So nice to see you again too." She hadn't seen her since...well, a while back. Of course she'd occasionally caught a glimpse of her around the Ministry but they'd never really spoken. They should remedy that some time.

Simon was talking now though so Alysson looked to her co-worker instead. His girlfriend, wow. "Lovely to meet you, Angelina." Alysson smiled at the other woman, giving her a once over. "I like your dress." It was very...festive. They'd clearly dressed up. Because her costume matched Simon's. How sweet. Did she work at the Ministry too? Before Alysson got the chance to ask, however, the woman announced that they were leaving to check out the buffet.

Alright then.

Vic seemed to be leaving them too it seemed but he had found the time to greet her. "Good to see you." Yes. Not that she knew him very well. Or at all to be honest. He was one of those people she worked with but had never gotten a chance to actually get to know. It was unfortunate really. Maybe this even would bring them all closer together.

Everyone seemed to be talking about food. Which was hardly surprising, seeing as they were right next to the buffet. Alysson glanced at it over her shoulder briefly, only to look back up at William a second later, a smile on her lips. "You did?" Did he actually think of her while filling his plate?

Or had he accidentally got a second fork instead of a knife?

WIlliam Williamson...interesting name. The last member of their party was now clearly identified. And pleasantries had been shared all around if Simon was not mistaken. The auror met Vic's gaze head on as the prosecutor responded to his quip, the young man biting back a chuckle at the smack he received for his words. So this was how good ministry parties were supposed to work? The mood far better than the start of last year.

"Wouldn't dream of it," he returned, knowing he had meerly been testing the man's buttons before. What was a little good-natured banter between coworkers?

He took the hint that Angelina was sending...the desire to leave the rest alone and head off for some dinner. Fine by him, no point in asking twice. Besides, it seemed like the other two couples were intertwined without them making him and Angelina the extra wheels. "Excuse us..." SImon echoed giving a small bow before moving and leading the two of them away from the elder witches and wizards.

Once they were closer to the buffet, he retrieved two plates, offering one to his companion. "Alas...alone," he mused with a smile., absently looking over the offerings.

Thank you for finding, Harry Potter? Oooh DUH! Suddenly the school robes made sense. Okay well in that case, um, it's a more appropriate choice than she first thought. So it wasn't actually that bad. At least he did come in costume. So yeah okay, nod of approval and apologies for misjudging. Maybe she should be more careful next time. Except, this man had lost his baby in the course of a few minutes. So yeah, her judging is TOTES justified. Who loses a baby anyways?! Wouldn't you want to keep your eye on that sort of thing if you actually had one...? Isn't that the sort of thing people with babies do? But mhm, yeah no judging going on here . "Oh, but of course! He's a little cutie," she replied to the second man. Ugh. A cutie who screams and cries and wails and pulls on necklaces.

Then turning back to the father, she smiled. This time it was real. BECAUSE HELLLOOO, her outfit is QUITE LOVELY as in SUPER LOVELY as in totes fashionable. Thank you very much. Mhm. "No, he was fine, so adorbs," she replied sweetly. Except the little brat had done a lot of necklace pulling and dress tugging, which was NOT so adorbs. But no, she'd let that one slide. No real damage had been done anyways. And if she did find any damage, this man could expect a bill sent right to his door within the next week! But pft, no need to talk about that... It is a party after all. "I'm just happy we were able to find you and still be in one piece," Mostly because she just wanted to get away from that thing. So it technically wasn't a lie.

"Aron," she replied, "Nice to meet you," and your annoying baby. Accidents and Catastrophes? See that made sense. But the biggest accident and catastrophe was sitting right in his arms and he hadn't seemed to take care of that one. Isn't a department head supposed to be careful and stuff? You'd think he'd pay more attention to his child... Then she looked back at the other man who started to introduce himself too. Ah, manners. "Pleasure to meet you as well, Brandon," see this one was alright, he didn't own an annoying little monster. "I'm Tiffany Price," Department of Mysteries? Boy, their jobs sounded so intense. Way too intense. "I'm going to be working in the Minister's Office, can't wait to start the new job!" You see, this is what a REAL Tiffany smile is like. Because despite what one may think, she is actually SO SUPER EXCITED to start work. And on top of that, along side Mr. Minister himself. Did he actually work in level one!? Or was he more of a stay at home type? Either way, what more could a girl ask for!?

Food? Yeah no thanks. This dress needs to fit properly for the entire night. She does not have any backups with her. But it seemed like her stomach had other plans. It let out a loud roar and yeah, okay yes food is good. "Oh, excuse me! I think food sounds great," Granted, these are not the people she imagined that she'd be spending time with... But they'd do.

SPOILER!!: You Guys

Quote:

Originally Posted by sarahlooo

"It's lovely to meet you too," she said pleasantly to Simon's date, Angelina. Had she said that already to her? Boy, there were a lot of people here in this group now, she couldn't remember. Oh well.

January saw William's ears turn red. Heh. It was funny when that happened. Oh, see he WAS dressed up as a boring Ministry of Magic worker. "Well then, not much different than your normal wear, eh?" She teased. Heheh. At his question, Jan looked down at her own attire, her hair flopping around her head. She pushed it out of the way and looked back at William. "Yes, something like that. Sir Vic's fair maiden, perhaps." And excuuuuse her, her hair was LOVELY.

What she was REALLY looking forward to was that William and Vic were finally getting to meet. With work schedules and whatnot, she hadn't had a chance to introduce her boyfriend to her best friend. But now she could! And look, they were teasing right off the bat. HOW PERFECT. "Oh, don't worry. Only the big, bad ones." January was trying not to grin too much, but it was hard when her two favorite people in the world seemed to get along. Even if they had only known each other for about ten seconds. Yes, yes, they had to talk later. She wanted them to.

When Vic offered to get her something from the table, she just shook her head. "Water is fine for me." She was afraid her hair would get in her food. She had too much hair at the moment.

January was about to scoot closer to William now, with Vic gone for the moment, but suddenly slid in his girlfriend. Op. Hello. January hadn't seen Alysson in a long time. She was beginning to wonder if meeting her three years ago was even real. "Hello, Alysson," she greeted with a smile. "It's nice to see you again." She looked very pretty there, standing next to William. They made a nice looking couple.

Quote:

Originally Posted by StarShine

Their group was certainly getting bigger. Luckily, Angelina was good with names.

"Hello," she greeted the new woman - Alyson. Oh, they were all a bunch of close friends, weren't they? How sweet! But it seemed that Simon and she were the odd ones there. Hmm. Even though it wasn't really her place...

"Excuse us," she shyly but politely said, "we should go check out the buffet." Meaning, leave them alone, since they were friends.

C'mon, boyfriend. Let's go.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magical Soul

It works both ways? Vic arched an eyebrow at Simon, his grin not leaving his face, and smacked the young man on the shoulder all manly-like. "Don't steal my joke, kid." Heh heh.

Back to January's friend whom she didn't share awkward history with. Yet. Should Vic be concerned about that, by the way? Probably nawt. A boring Ministry employee fit his look, though, Vic chuckled at that classic comment and put an arm arooooound January's hair shoulders and answered for her, "She's the beautiful archer that fell for the hot Knight after she was assigned to assassin him." Vic feigned a serious smile.

Lightest secrets, that was funny. Vic laughed. "I shall hope we will." Talk, since he was just going off for a few minutes to fill a plate or three and get right back.

Water was fine for Jan? WATER? "Fish is fine with water." He joked, giving her shoulder a squeeze, the one he had his arm around still, and took a step back. "I'll be right back."


Wait, what. The hit witch was William's date? Vic smiled broadly at the coworker he never interacted with outside work. "Hey hey!"

... aww, the kids were leaving. Vic gave them a Knight-y courtesy before leaving himself to get food for himself.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lislchen

Hello. Yes she was here.

There was an arm around her shoulders now. Alysson liked it. A lot. "It wasn't too hard. The buffet was the first place I looked." She offered him a grin while leaning against his side some more. And January was there too. "So nice to see you again too." She hadn't seen her since...well, a while back. Of course she'd occasionally caught a glimpse of her around the Ministry but they'd never really spoken. They should remedy that some time.

Simon was talking now though so Alysson looked to her co-worker instead. His girlfriend, wow. "Lovely to meet you, Angelina." Alysson smiled at the other woman, giving her a once over. "I like your dress." It was very...festive. They'd clearly dressed up. Because her costume matched Simon's. How sweet. Did she work at the Ministry too? Before Alysson got the chance to ask, however, the woman announced that they were leaving to check out the buffet.

Alright then.

Vic seemed to be leaving them too it seemed but he had found the time to greet her. "Good to see you." Yes. Not that she knew him very well. Or at all to be honest. He was one of those people she worked with but had never gotten a chance to actually get to know. It was unfortunate really. Maybe this even would bring them all closer together.

Everyone seemed to be talking about food. Which was hardly surprising, seeing as they were right next to the buffet. Alysson glanced at it over her shoulder briefly, only to look back up at William a second later, a smile on her lips. "You did?" Did he actually think of her while filling his plate?

Or had he accidentally got a second fork instead of a knife?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Holmesian Feline

WIlliam Williamson...interesting name. The last member of their party was now clearly identified. And pleasantries had been shared all around if Simon was not mistaken. The auror met Vic's gaze head on as the prosecutor responded to his quip, the young man biting back a chuckle at the smack he received for his words. So this was how good ministry parties were supposed to work? The mood far better than the start of last year.

"Wouldn't dream of it," he returned, knowing he had meerly been testing the man's buttons before. What was a little good-natured banter between coworkers?

He took the hint that Angelina was sending...the desire to leave the rest alone and head off for some dinner. Fine by him, no point in asking twice. Besides, it seemed like the other two couples were intertwined without them making him and Angelina the extra wheels. "Excuse us..." SImon echoed giving a small bow before moving and leading the two of them away from the elder witches and wizards.

Once they were closer to the buffet, he retrieved two plates, offering one to his companion. "Alas...alone," he mused with a smile., absently looking over the offerings.

"I'm never BORING though," William told January with a scoff. "This is just a costume. Don't you believe it." She should know better than to call him BORING pshhhhaw. "A beautiful archer though," he looked at Vic and then back at Jan, "I could believe that one." It made more sense with their costumes. That hair though... he was still trying not to laugh at loud every time he looked at her.

So he looked at his own girlfriend instead. She had a very, very lovely dress on. Had William complimented her on that yet? "Smart AND pretty," he grinned at Alysson. "Good thinking, Aly." Finding him at the buffet. Naturally, where else would he go at a work event? Free food was FREE FOOD. Apparently the other guy and Angelina were going off to get some too.

Yes, he got her a fork and had missed a knife. "Shall we sit, ladies?" Willy could escort one on each arm, except he had a big plate of food and didn't want to stand too close to January because of her hair. So he just led the way over to a table large enough for all of them.

Text Cut: yoouuuu guys

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magical Soul

It works both ways? Vic arched an eyebrow at Simon, his grin not leaving his face, and smacked the young man on the shoulder all manly-like. "Don't steal my joke, kid." Heh heh.

Back to January's friend whom she didn't share awkward history with. Yet. Should Vic be concerned about that, by the way? Probably nawt. A boring Ministry employee fit his look, though, Vic chuckled at that classic comment and put an arm arooooound January's hair shoulders and answered for her, "She's the beautiful archer that fell for the hot Knight after she was assigned to assassin him." Vic feigned a serious smile.

Lightest secrets, that was funny. Vic laughed. "I shall hope we will." Talk, since he was just going off for a few minutes to fill a plate or three and get right back.

Water was fine for Jan? WATER? "Fish is fine with water." He joked, giving her shoulder a squeeze, the one he had his arm around still, and took a step back. "I'll be right back."

Wait, what. The hit witch was William's date? Vic smiled broadly at the coworker he never interacted with outside work. "Hey hey!"

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lislchen

Hello. Yes she was here.

There was an arm around her shoulders now. Alysson liked it. A lot. "It wasn't too hard. The buffet was the first place I looked." She offered him a grin while leaning against his side some more. And January was there too. "So nice to see you again too." She hadn't seen her since...well, a while back. Of course she'd occasionally caught a glimpse of her around the Ministry but they'd never really spoken. They should remedy that some time.

Simon was talking now though so Alysson looked to her co-worker instead. His girlfriend, wow. "Lovely to meet you, Angelina." Alysson smiled at the other woman, giving her a once over. "I like your dress." It was very...festive. They'd clearly dressed up. Because her costume matched Simon's. How sweet. Did she work at the Ministry too? Before Alysson got the chance to ask, however, the woman announced that they were leaving to check out the buffet.

Alright then.

Vic seemed to be leaving them too it seemed but he had found the time to greet her. "Good to see you." Yes. Not that she knew him very well. Or at all to be honest. He was one of those people she worked with but had never gotten a chance to actually get to know. It was unfortunate really. Maybe this even would bring them all closer together.

Everyone seemed to be talking about food. Which was hardly surprising, seeing as they were right next to the buffet. Alysson glanced at it over her shoulder briefly, only to look back up at William a second later, a smile on her lips. "You did?" Did he actually think of her while filling his plate?

Or had he accidentally got a second fork instead of a knife?

Quote:

Originally Posted by BanaBatGirl

"I'm never BORING though," William told January with a scoff. "This is just a costume. Don't you believe it." She should know better than to call him BORING pshhhhaw. "A beautiful archer though," he looked at Vic and then back at Jan, "I could believe that one." It made more sense with their costumes. That hair though... he was still trying not to laugh at loud every time he looked at her.

So he looked at his own girlfriend instead. She had a very, very lovely dress on. Had William complimented her on that yet? "Smart AND pretty," he grinned at Alysson. "Good thinking, Aly." Finding him at the buffet. Naturally, where else would he go at a work event? Free food was FREE FOOD. Apparently the other guy and Angelina were going off to get some too.

Yes, he got her a fork and had missed a knife. "Shall we sit, ladies?" Willy could escort one on each arm, except he had a big plate of food and didn't want to stand too close to January because of her hair. So he just led the way over to a table large enough for all of them.

Beautiful archer that fell in love with the handsome knight she was ordered to assassin. January had to admit, that was quite creative. A rather interesting plot. She might read it if it were a book. Aww, did William just agree that she was beautiful? January grinned. He was too nice. But he WAS right, he was never boring. "Okay, that is true." He was the one that fell into a campfire, you know. Not boring.

January just laughed at Vic's comment before he went off to fill up a plate. Not JUST fish liked water.

Once Vic was gone and William suggested they sit, January followed his lead to the table, hand-signaling Vic at the buffet so he would know where they had gone. Didn't want to lose the boyfriend, after all. Taking a seat, January turned her attention back to the other woman. "How have you been, Alysson? It's been a while." They hadn't chatted in forever and William didn't say ANYTHING about her when they hung out, so she was in the dark.

Angelina happily took the plate and looked at what was offered to them. It was hard to pick. Suddenly, she wasn't that hungry.

"You have so many cool colleagues," she said happily, "that's great."

Actually... "shall we go check the other areas instead of eating?"

Brandon expected (very much) that this girl would have had other plans instead of joining them but that was not the case. Oh well. He nodded in response "Nice to meet you"can we go get a seat? Brandon grabbed his plate and hoped his food wasn't cold. "Are you going to grab food?" he asked Tiffany.

He waited for a moment so she could choose whatever she wanted to eat and then started walking towards the tables.

"So, Aron..." he started "How long have you been in the Ministry?" he would probably know Aron, IF he would only socialize a bit, but you know, he was a man of few words. At least he was trying tonight. Finally he found a table and sat down, waiting for the others to join and kept an eye on Harry Potter, just in case Aron could lose him again. Brandon was starving and he couldn't wait any longer to try his food, "Enjoy your meal" he said and started eating.

Simon picked out a few random items on the buffet, placing one or two on his plate before trying a tempting bite of the last one in his grasp. Hearing Angelina's comment, the auror simply nodded at first, until he had chewed and swallowed. "I tend to think I do," he answered in agreement. Thank goodness they were the good colleagues and Legend was no where to be found to tease him.

Or Mariel for that matter.

"Lead on then..." he said, placing his plate down and holding his arm out straight towards the door to show her to lead. It wasn't as if he knew the museum any more than she did, or he supposed she did.

Allison walked through the buffet looking for anything to drink. Was that butter beer she saw? She walked as fast as her dress permitted her to over to where she thought she saw butter beer. As she approached hopefully she saw it was, oh pumpkin juice. She grab some and looked around for anybody she knew she didn't have many friends only being twenty one. She pursed her lips when she saw no one she knew among the crowd of faces. Stop pursing your lips! she chided herself the worst habit she had ever had was pursing her lips when she got upset. She straightened up put a smile on and decided to make some knew friends.

Jackson wandered into the buffet room. His stomach growled as he saw all the food. He quickly grabbed a plate and placed a few food items onto his plate. He'd almost made it to the end before taking a bite, but as he found the drinks, he couldn't help but stuff some food into his mouth… right in front of someone! He tried to clear his throat. "Mmmm, par'on ma," he said successfully through his roll. He swallowed. "Em, sorry 'bout that. I'm not normally that rude." He hoped she accepted his apology.

Allison laughed as a man about her age approached her. She sized him up and down then deduced, oh deduced oh she loved that word, he was about her age. She smiled and said "Oh sorry am I in your way?" she moved over so the young man could get to the drinks. Allison felt a aura of happiness and fun coming of him or was it her, she let out a small laugh at the thought. As he apologized she said hurriedly "No need to apologize I would have stuffed my mouth to!" She looked at him and realized who he was. "Are you Jackson Frenchie?" She had a recollection of him from Hogwarts. "I'm Allison Tharp I was a Ravenclaw at Hogwarts" Well well maybe she did have friends.

Jackson racked his mind for that woman in his memory, but he couldn't remember ever seeing her in his life. "Oh, that's right! I met you at Hogwarts!" he said quickly, hoping she wouldn't press on too many incidents he couldn't remember. Then she said his name. Frenchie. He tried to keep a smile. "I prefer to be called 'Jackson' or 'Jack', but I guess 'Frenchie's good. 'Cause my last name is French and all, yeh?" He smiled goofily at the girl and took another bite on his roll. "Would you like to go find some seats, Miss Allie," he said to her, taking a guess at a nickname. He just hoped she approved of it.

She watched him get that, I'm trying really hard to remember you but I can't look. She screamed internally he was the guy she had a crush on for ages! And kind of still did, go figure. She decided to steer clear of Hogwarts then. "I'm not suprised you sort of don't remember me I was the quiet one in the back of the classroom reading books." She smiled mischievously at him and laughed " And don't give me the NO I remember you thing. Your face gave it away." She hoped her accent made the words more, alive, her parents told her Scottish accents keep things alive. As he suggested seats she smiled "Of course Mister Frenchie." She laughed lightly and happily as she said it grabbed him and whirled off to find seats.

Jackson walked over to the nearest empty table and took a seat. "Sorry I don't remember you. I was normally up front," he told her. Maybe she looked a little familiar? Nope. He picked up his fork and knife and began to cut up his food. "May I assume that since you haven't slapped me yet Allie is a good nickname? Or would you prefer Al?" His face throbbed as he thought of the last time he came up with a nickname. Come on! William, Billy. It came with the name. He began stuffing more food into his eager mouth. Why wasn't she eating?

As she sat down she listened closely the way he said and chose his words were... particular. " Oh I knew that I was quiet the obedient Ravenclaw buried myself in studies and stuff." She studied him and just stared at him he was quiet handsome he still kept that look of, she couldn't find the word hmmmmm. Oh the nickname she thought it over " No ones called me Allie since my mu-." Allison Tharp! she almost slapped herself we NEVER mention mum. " Ummmmm I guess Allie is fine." she mumbled becoming quiet and sullen pursing her lips. She had lost her appetite she silently pushed away the food she had gotten. "Anyways what department are you from? I haven't met anyone else."

Jackson looked down slightly. "Sorry 'bout your mum," he said quietly. He didn't know she'd lost her mother. He ate his food silently. "Would you rather me called you Ally with a y?" he asked. Then he quickly changed the topic. "Are you hungry?" he asked. He reached his hand out to her, but then took it back quickly. Maybe he did remember her! Yes, she was the girl who always sat by the fire in the common room! He patted her on the back. Awkwardly. Very awkward. "Oh, I work in the Department of Specialties, or something. I'm an architect." Where do you work?" He gave her his best smile.

Was he mentioning her mum? How dare he! He didn't know at all! She breathed calming her temper that was rising. "Um thanks I guess." As anger turned to sadness she sucked it up in a vacuum of I don't care I am happiness and smiled. "If you ever imply that you will call me Ally with a y again I will get up and walk away." She said this very seriously then laughed with good natured humor. Oh hungry? She wasn't planning on eating. As she started her reply she noticed a hand reaching out and looked slightly startled. The hand was taken back quickly and she looked up at him. Was that recognition she saw in his eyes for the most fleeting of seconds? She hoped so maybe she could finally be known as a friend. She felt and hand patting her back and looked up eyebrows raised the awkward in the air so thick she could touch it. " The Department of Specialties? I hope it's nice there. I work in the Department of Mysteries." She said hoping her job sounded intriguing to him. "Anyways we are on the same floor as the food court maybe we could get lunch or something together some time?" She hoped she didn't sound over eager but she couldn't help herself! She pursed her lips and waited for his reply.

Jackson laughed. "Sorry, ALLY," he said. He felt kinda bad for her 'cause of her mum, but it was still fun to joke around. "But you were the one who started it by calling me Frenchie, which by the way, never call me that. Ever." He smiled again. He tried to regain his confidence since the handonherbacksupperawkwardly incident. "So, the Department of Mysteries, ay? Is that fun?" he asked. He nodded his head. "I'd love to have lunch with you! I mean I'd love to have lunch, 'cause food's food, and if you happened to stop by then, well, that would be great! Because of the food, not you. But I'll be happy to see you and all, but I'll be going for the food." Great. Now he sounded like a complete fool. Lovely.

So maybe this whole going stag thing wasn't the best choice that Ainsley had ever made. People were nice and the ball was stunning, but there was only so much small talk you could do when everybody was paired off. She was beginning to think that she was the only one who decided to come stag. Would anybody even notice is she slipped off? No, she couldn't do that.

Deciding to take a seat to kind of blend in she made her way over to the banquet area. The tables were flawless, and for lack of something better to do she played with the tablecloth. Everybody was immersed in conversation and she didn't really see that many familiar faces. She needed to get out there and meet more people.

Edward walked into the ball. He didn't know what he'd do. He wasn't too sure on what type of costume he'd like, but he decided on something simple. He went with a nice royal outfit he'd seen in a costume shop.

As he walked in, he looked around for anyone he might know. He figured there wouldn't be many, but his eyes lit up when he saw Ainsley. He walked over and leaned down and whispered in her ear, Shouldn't you be doing something to make the minister look good?

The blonde was startled by the sudden whisper in her ear, but she played it off pretty well. The voice was familiar and she beamed as she turned her head in Edward's direction. "I figured I could take the night off. He should be able to fare okay without me for one night." Of course she did need to at least say hello, but there was plenty enough time for that. She was going to enjoy the downtime while she could.

"Don't you look dashing." she gushed. Ainsley wished that she had gotten herself a costume, but she didn't get a chance to. Thankfully it seemed that not everybody was in costumes so she didn't stick out like a sore thumb.

Edward gave her a quick peck on the cheek as he listened to her explanation. I'm sure you're right. He probably would likely enjoy an opportunity to enjoy himself without worrying about complete protocol and such.

He smiled at her compliment and did a quick spin before taking a seat next to her. Your dress is lovely. It complements you well. Of course I'm sure you look lovely in any color.

Edward was good at catching her off guard, and the kiss was no exception. This time however she was not so quick on her feet, and the blush appeared on her cheeks. She hated that her emotions were so transparent. Ainsley couldn't help but to wonder if that was something that would ever go away. "I hope he has those same feelings." This was a ball. There shouldn't be any damage control that she would need to take part in. She made a mental note to check in with him in an hour or so just to be sure.

A giggle escaped her lips as he twirled. "I should have dressed up."Next time she would have made sure that she fit the part. Time was something that she didn't have an abundance of. "Thank you." Somehow she managed not to blush at his compliment. "I'm so glad to see you here."