What’s that amazing smell, you ask? It’s likely coming from the large buffet table where a spread of mouthwatering hors d'oeuvres is just begging to be consumed. Grab a plate and a napkin and dig in, your choices ranging from cheese and crackers to roasted fairy eggs. From the magical to the mundane, this tasty display is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

Once your plate is full, find a seat on one of the many sofas and low chairs situated in small clusters around the room. You’ll certainly be relaxing in comfort and style while enjoying your food. Small coffee tables situated here and there amongst the seats offer a place for you to rest your drink and plate while you get lost in conversation with those around you. Or perhaps you’ll find yourself lost in the soft jazz music playing overhead. In any case, you’ll find that this lounge style setup encourages you to take it easy.

And be sure to keep your eyes on the small podium situated just to the side of the buffet while you're enjoying the atmosphere. A lectern has been placed there and the candidates may use this area to step up and address the crowd. Surely you're curious to see what they have to say.

OOC: Candidates, please title the top of your post as "Podium Post" if you're going to make use of the lectern! This will make it easier for people to keep track of the candidates and their introductions! Thanks and enjoy!

Preston entered the party, hands clasped behind his back. Head high, he scanned the room for somewhere to position himself, deciding on a spot near the buffet. That should give him ample opportunity to engage with those in attendance. He would, himself, forgo food for the moment.

The official beginning to the election process. How he wished that Eleanor could be part of this. He adjusted his tie and centered himself. He was ready. Everything had built to this.

First impressions were everything.

He, of course, knew better than to go for the food first. It looked very self-serving, a trait one running for the position of Minister of Magic wouldn't want to display. But there was barely anyone to talk to in the Leaky this early in the party, save for the man located right next to the buffet.

So Sherman wheeled over there. For the man. For conversation.

Not for the delicious, scrumptious, mouthwatering, yummy looking hors d'oeuvres that made his mouth water like Niagara Fa-

"Hello. " Ahem. Do not look at the food. Do not. Do not.

Oh. Oh dear. Preston saw the man coming out of the corner of his eye and required every bit of his fortitude not to visibly react to the jacket that the man was wearing. Clearly the man lacked a campaign staff. And possibly a mirror.

Composing himself internally, Preston smiled at the man's greeting. "Hello," he replied, offering his hand for a shake. "Preston Kingsley. Pleased to meet you, Mister Clark, is it?" Preston had read the candidate announcement article several times to learn of the rest of the candidates and Sherman Clark was... a distinct individual.

Quite aware of his need to look down to speak with the man, Preston raised his eyes and spotted some nearby tables. "Would you like to chat over at a table, rather than subject ourselves to the food we won't yet eat?" He smiled at that last bit, hoping it was a reasonable enough excuse for them to sit, rather than make it about the wheelchair.

"Oh, yes! A fellow candidate! It's a pleasure to meet you as well, Mr. Kingsley." Sherman took the extended hand and shook it heartily, his grasp strong for a frail looking individual like himself. No looking hesitant; he needed to appear SURE and CONFIDENT. And such.

A table, though? Did the man notice his apparent need for the food? He didn't require Preston's assistance in curbing his appetite, thanks, he was perfectly fine at the table. Did he doubt his ability to resist inhaling the whole buffet? Sherman took offense. Very much so.

"I'm quite alright here. Unless you'd prefer to move to one?" If they moved, it would be the OTHER man's weak stomach that caused it.

Not his. Never.

It was feast time!

Not time for the buffet, yet, but time for the reporter to feast upon the highly quotable candidates all ripe for the picking nearby the buffet. Tori was one of the first to arrive at this happy hour, and she was most happy to recognize two Minister for Magic candidates greeting each other.

"Hellllllo," the redhead greeted the pair somewhat breathlessly. She had just swept into the room, of course her voice was going to be a bit husky. Even as she spoke, her hands were busy digging out her reporter notepad and quill while her hazel eyes remained firmly on the male duo. "How are you today, Misters... Clark and....?" Obviously Clark was the recognizable one, as he was the eldest candidate in the running. And he had a wheelchair. "I'm a reporter from the Daily Prophet, care to spare a quote, either of you?"

She had to move quickly with these things if she was going to beat Jorge to get a story out. FOR ONCE, JUST ONCE Tori would like all her factmongering and ministrystalking to produce something.

Preston admired the man's handshake. Good. Strong. Firm. "It looks as though this will be a lovely evening." Hm, but the offer of the table went untaken. Preston certainly would not push the matter, leaving the man's preferred location for conversation up to him. Preston would just need to take special care to both pay adequate attention to Mister Clark and also look up and around the room from time to time.

"Here is quite fine, if that's what suits you," he said, cordially. He looked up at that moment, to see someone striding their way.

Preston thought to extend a hand to greet her, but saw that she was otherwise occupied. Ah. A reporter. "Kingsley. Preston Kingsley," he offered, completing her sentence. Offering her a smile, he immediately responded, casting only a quick glance at Sherman Clark to see if he'd be jumping in first.

"I think this gathering is a lovely opportunity for the candidates to be visible and available at the start of the campaign. Really get a chance to meet their constituents and hear from voters. My compliments to the planners."

He watched the reporter for a moment. "Will that meet your needs, Miss....?" he trailed off, wondering at her name.

Meeting and Greeting.

A place to see who your next boss was, which was in a way what it was. The Minister of Magic was in a way the overseer of all who worked in the ministry besides leading the wizarding world as a whole. So Simon had deemed attending the event as something that might prove useful. At least to him who was trained to try and read people.

Taking a stroll through the familiar surroundings fancied up for the evening, the auror made his way towards what appeared the main area. Food laid out at one side while comfy spots resided all around the rest. Looking around for familiar faces...and unfamiliar ones as well, he noticed Sherman first. The man pretty recognizable. And then others around until his eyes landed on Miss Bunbury.

Of course SHE or probably THEY would be here.

Simon would just be staying away given his feelings for the Prophet in general and certain reporters specifically.

So she was there husbandless, she was hoping he could get out of whatever he needed to do at that castle for the evening and make it. He said he'd see, but she was sure he'd be busy. So Victoria did what she always did at ministry functions, went alone. Taking forever to get ready, because she just had to look perfect, she finally arrived. Looking around she smiled at the people as she passed, hoping Mariel would be there so she had some support, but knowing with a new baby it might not happen.

Finding herself in the Buffet area she looked at the food. It smelled good and spending all day at the office making sure it was running smoothly she had just a little lunch. So food would happen before the evening was out, but something else caught her eyes. Yes, the podium and she felt her stomach turned in knots. She had seen that Daily Prophet article and how it showed she hadn't been at the ministry as long as the other candidates, so now she had to really prove herself more.

Looking around she figured she would just get it over with and walked straight up to it.

"Good Evening, My name is Victoria Culloden and I am one of your Minster Candidates. I've been with the ministry for six years now, I've been part of an amazing group and have been able to lead in many ways. I've seen the ministry go through many things in my time there and feel that Minster Kettleborn has done a great job and I thank him for his service. I do feel that going forward I would make a good minister. I have many ideas on ways to change things, such as bringing more ministry involvement to the community with things like community service days. I would like to see the Board of Governors, Headmistress, and ministry work closer together and bringing a work program for seventh years to get a feel and experience of what jobs in the ministry are really like. These are just a few of my ideas and I am excited to share more with you as the campaigning seasons goes on. I hope you have a wonderful time tonight and thank you."


She stepped away from the podium and took a deep breath. Her nerves making her heart race, but that part was over and she could possibly get some food. Making her way over to the Buffet she looked to decide what she wanted.

Alicia was pleased with herself. She had done a quick check for things on her dress and hadn’t noticed anything sure, she felt nervous about leaving the kids with a sitter…even if she was family. She knew Elena would take good care of the girls as she had heard from cousin was it? That Elena had tackled sitting for the infamous Melon.

She grinned to herself as she looked at the food, the people, the podium…oh god this was real she had actually signed up to be a candidate. She gulped a back her nerves and glanced around. Now whom did she know? She wondered as she finally spotted the other candidates…and oh hey…maybe she should have told Kyleigh not to come with her? She thought as she sent a quick nod and smile to her former coworker.

Oh look…the daily prophet, she grinned at the Prophet reporter and made her way over toward the group. “Hello,” she grinned at her fellow candidates…wait, they were opponents right? Who cared she was just going to be her kind bubbly self to them. “Mr. Clark, it’s a pleasure to see you again? I believe the last time I saw you was ages ago though at Mr. and Mrs. Furguson’s wedding.” She smiled as that had been a while ago, it was before she had had her own kids...and she hadn't been married at the time either.

He had noticed the podium when first taking a perusal of the room, however Simon hadn't expected something to come so soon since there wasn't much going on just yet as it was still early. Yet sure enough a voice began to speak grabbing their attention and the auror turned to spot Victoria from Games and Sports up there speaking. She was one of the candidates he was considering supporting since she seemed like she could do much from what he knew of her.

Simon listened with attention as she spoke, clapping once she was finished to show both acknowledgement and support. It was then that he noticed a smile and nod sent his way by another familiar face and candidate. Coincidentally the other he might consider. He returned the nod with small smile of his own, briefly wondering if Kyle was in her aunt's...her stepmothers...in Alicia's wake.

Geez that would be awkward tonight.

He barely had time to respond to Mr. Kingsley before a young reporter- oh dear, had she been running? Sherman hadn't thought to bring an inhaler- segued up to them. It seemed as if Preston had been prepared, immediately supplying the girl with a quote, and the elderly man nodded along to everything his opponent said.

"I agree with Mr. Kingsley wholeheartedly! I don't think the Minister's job should take off when he or she comes into office but at the beginning of the election process. It is my duty to make myself available to voters and hear out other candidates from now on, and that is what today is all about. A great start!"

Oh, and also, "My compliments to the planners as well. These*hors d'oeuvres look lovely. Soooo lovely.

Giving another toothy grin to the reporter lady, Sherman turned to the next person that appeared at his side. Hm... wait, he knew the face from the papers. Tanner? Something? "My, that was a while ago! You must have quite the memory to recall me from back then." .... who was she, though? Er...

And there was a candidate at the podium! Turning in his wheelchair, the elderly man positioned himself so he was facing the speaker. He remembered HER from the papers as well. Quidditch Division Manager, wasn't she? Thought he didn't recall her name either (he was nearly 70, it was excusable), but at least she had the mind to say it.

Phoenix quill and notebook floating along side him, Basil clicked his tongue as he moved through the crowd and scanned the food. Roasted fairy eggs sounded rather appealing right now, but he was just a tad afraid of adding anything to the contents of his stomach seeing as his pants were already feeling a bit too snug. He quickly took note of one of his own reporters already on the scene in the area - and he had seen Jorge off elsewhere - so he tried his best not to meander towards the red head as she went about her business.

Although, the elderly gentleman in all the plaid looked like the sort of bloke that he wanted to get to know. Not to mention that he was a candidate and therefore needed interviewed. But, no, Victoria was already handling that so he would just look longingly towards his fellow plaid enthusiast.

His quill moved furiously over the notebook when Victoria, the other non-Daily Prophet one, went up to speak. First candidate to do so of the night, which got a little mention along with some other observations. He gave the woman a polite golf clap and returned his eyes to the food once again. Merlin he could really go for a fairy egg right now....

Erica had put her name down for candidacy cautiously. She knew she was perfectly capable and she had the right quantity of experience but still that didn’t help the slight nervousness that hid in the pit of her stomach as she headed towards the Leaky Cauldron. The blonde always appeared a confident, strong woman whenever she spoke to someone. Despite her four-foot-eleven stature she held her airs and graces and she never let others intimidate her. That was how she was hoping to stand today. To appear friendly and gracious but ever the leader that she was. To not be arrogant or cocky yet portray all her successes in her body language and speech. Erica wanted this but judging by the standards of many of the candidates she was entirely unsure of how much of a chance she really had. A former Professor? He would be popular amongst the mothers. An old man whom had worked in a ministry setting for longer years than she had lived? The competition was tough and she had to try her hardest. For herself and for her children.

She took a deep inward breath as she stood outside the public house before stepping over the threshold with a smile on her face. Not too cheesy but not appearing fake or false either. She was dressed in a brown tunic to her knees, her coat was wrapped around her although she removed it and placed it in an appropriate spot before continuing on. Her accessories appeared to reflect her former school house but that was entirely unintentional on her behalf, they just happened to be colours that suited her. There was a buffet on one side and a podium she assumed for the candidates to voice their starting matters. The venue was already starting to fill up and she wove her way in an out of the seats and groups of people to find someone of interest.

Or someone who wanted to talk to her.

She picked up a drink almost immediately and took a gracious sip from the beverage. Not bad. The Leaky Cauldron did always like to impress, didn’t it? She did not even spare a glance at the food yet. That would be kept until later. Her attention was drawn instead to the man salivating over the delicacies on offer. “You appear as if you’d like to devour that entire plate” she chuckled approaching him from behind. “Go ahead, I’m sure no one is stopping you.” Or judging. Maybe a few were’ judging’, the MLE lot especially.

Alicia grinned to Sherman, “Oh I d try to remember people” she grinned at the older man. “It’s a pleasure to meet you again Mr. Clark, I’m Alicia Tanner fellow candidate for minister” she grinned. “I wanted to wish you luck in this campaign” she smiled before looking to find someone else to talk to.

Alicia ran her hand through her hair and grinned over to the other candidates in the area. She sent Victoria a kind smile as she stood there.



Stepping into the room wasn’t bad. Well if you discount the whole holding the bottom of her dress in place bit. No one will notice, just act normal she thought to herself but she had to be here for Alicia. She was standing there awkwardly pulling her blazer more tightly against her and was she whimpering? Maybe. Maybe that was because she saw her ex giving her…giving Alicia a nod and this was crazy.

Jax had already grumbled at her about what she was wearing….but no, Chelsea had been a pain and changed ALL of her clothes into even smaller clothes and only Chels could end the stupid spell. She gave Ed a look as she wrapped her arms around her stomach and tried to slip behind him…he’d let her right? She wasn’t sure honestly.

“Ed, Dad can I ugh steal your jackets?” She asked as she obviously was going to button them together and make a very awkward dress out of them. Because having a candidate's stepdaughter look like an escaped mental patient was perfectly acceptable and normal.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AmbiguouslyMe

Preston thought to extend a hand to greet her, but saw that she was otherwise occupied. Ah. A reporter. "Kingsley. Preston Kingsley," he offered, completing her sentence. Offering her a smile, he immediately responded, casting only a quick glance at Sherman Clark to see if he'd be jumping in first.

"I think this gathering is a lovely opportunity for the candidates to be visible and available at the start of the campaign. Really get a chance to meet their constituents and hear from voters. My compliments to the planners."

He watched the reporter for a moment. "Will that meet your needs, Miss....?" he trailed off, wondering at her name.

"Miss Bunbury is my name," the redhead replied cheerfully, setting her quill onto her notepad and quickly working the spell to get it writing on its own. Once it was all set, she charmed the entire setup to float by her side (just like Basil was doing, AHA, great minds) so that she could talk to the candidates hands-free.

And now she was able to offer Mr. KINGSLEY a handshake in addition to her smile. "How do you do, Mr. Kingsley? You're the former professor, is that correct? What have you been up to since resigning --- or was it retiring? ---- from Hogwarts?"

In case he hadn't figured it out by now, that brief and BLAH quote would not do. Ahem.

Text Cut: Ali

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bazinga

"Good Evening, My name is Victoria Culloden and I am one of your Minster Candidates. I've been with the ministry for six years now, I've been part of an amazing group and have been able to lead in many ways. I've seen the ministry go through many things in my time there and feel that Minster Kettleborn has done a great job and I thank him for his service. I do feel that going forward I would make a good minister. I have many ideas on ways to change things, such as bringing more ministry involvement to the community with things like community service days. I would like to see the Board of Governors, Headmistress, and ministry work closer together and bringing a work program for seventh years to get a feel and experience of what jobs in the ministry are really like. These are just a few of my ideas and I am excited to share more with you as the campaigning seasons goes on. I hope you have a wonderful time tonight and thank you."

Tori pivoted slightly as one of the other candidates got up the gumption to speak. Aha, that was a pleasant start... "No mud-flinging yet I see," she murmured with a small chuckle to the other two candidates nearby.

Hopefully Basil would go interview that woman with the ExCELLeNT first name. Tori was quite preoccupied over here.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Optimist

Oh look…the daily prophet, she grinned at the Prophet reporter and made her way over toward the group. “Hello,” she grinned at her fellow candidates…wait, they were opponents right? Who cared she was just going to be her kind bubbly self to them. “Mr. Clark, it’s a pleasure to see you again? I believe the last time I saw you was ages ago though at Mr. and Mrs. Furguson’s wedding.” She smiled as that had been a while ago, it was before she had had her own kids...and she hadn't been married at the time either.

"Hello, Miss Tanner, you're a candidate as well?" the redhead jumped right to it with this one. She knew she was, why else would she be approaching her competition? "Victoria Bunbury, Daily Prophet Reporter," the redhead added with quite a direct handshake being aimed for the new woman's arm. "Tell me, what do you think of this cocktail hour set-up? Is it fair? Equitable to all candidates? Too close for comfort? Is the Ministry providing any campaign funds or managers for the candidates?"

Quote:

Originally Posted by lemon

"I agree with Mr. Kingsley wholeheartedly! I don't think the Minister's job should take off when he or she comes into office but at the beginning of the election process. It is my duty to make myself available to voters and hear out other candidates from now on, and that is what today is all about. A great start!"

Oh, and also, "My compliments to the planners as well. These*hors d'oeuvres look lovely. Soooo lovely.

Giving another toothy grin to the reporter lady, Sherman turned to the next person that appeared at his side. Hm... wait, he knew the face from the papers. Tanner? Something? "My, that was a while ago! You must have quite the memory to recall me from back then." .... who was she, though? Er....

Blah, that quote had BLAH written ALL OVER IT! Too nice, these candidates were all TOO NICE so far. Tori needed to shake things up a bit...

"Sooooooo, Mr. Clark," she interjected even as her quill made a slight scratching sound with all its writing, "are you saying that you already think of yourself as the Minister? Is this because you have been working for the Ministry longer than some candidates have been alive, and couldn't see anyone else doing the job? Do tell!"

Honestly, Jaxton couldn't believe he had let Kyleigh leave the house in the dress she was wearing - but as his son had so eloquently pointed out, she was an adult now. However, seeing how awkward she felt already, he really did feel like he knew what was better for her. Which, in turn caused a small smirk to spread across his features; honestly that was a nice feeling. He had missed so much of their lives it was nice to feel included now.

"I would, sweetheart..." Jaxton started, "But it would be much too big on you and you would look even more out of place." It was a parents job to be honest, right?. He smiled, and took one of her hands, pulling it into the crook of his arm as he led her through the crowd; Ed on her other side. They would get through this as a family - besides, they were all used to being in a Ministry or two... They could easily do this.

As he looked around the room he spotted a few faces that he recognised, his face lighting up even brighter as he noticed Alicia standing across the room with a gentleman he recognised from a good few years ago. His face scrunched up slightly before he placed the man's face to Wes and Izzy's wedding. Heh, that had been a great day.


"Besides," Ed told her, his accent lilted due to his own French accent, "It's nice to see you letting your skin breathe." It wasn't so much that he liked seeing his sister in a dress - but it wwas nice to see her out of her usual seventy-five million layers and frumpy clothes.

He smirked at his own thoughts, looking around the room. He doubted that he would know anyone here other than his immediate family... and Legend, obviously - though he might as well be family by blood by now. He sighed, but grinned, waving as they spotted his step-mother across the room. She looked beautiful in her navy dress... even if it was an unusual colour to see the French woman in. "Heading to see our future Minister?" He asked his twin sister and his Father, with a chuckle.

Sure enough, not long after he exchanged wordless greetings with Alicia SImon spotted Kyle. A quite DIFFERENT Kyle. A Kyle that made him stop and stare at his ex but more in surprise rather than in the 'my ex looks weird but somehow nice' stare. The auror couldn't help but wonder what had brought on the dress and the look she had attempted by her outfit. Especially when the presence of not only Jax but Ed was added into the mix. Perhaps it was time for him to move towards someone to mingle and distract himself.

Maybe he needed a drink.

Oh and why hadn't he brought Angelina to this thing? At least she would offer an entirely friendly and supportive face. With an idea, he wandered over towards Victoria. She still was friendly to him...right? "That was a nice speech," he complimented with a polite smile, using it as a way to start a conversation.

Alicia grinned to the young blond reporter. She smiled to the younger woman and took the extended hand and shook it. “And yes, I am a candidate, I’m Alicia Tanner it is a pleasure to meet you Miss Bunbury” Ali smiled.

“Oh, honestly I think it is a refreshing idea” get it? “Though I really don’t partake in drinking, I’m a mother tonight is a great relief as it gives me time to relax and meet the people” she smiled. “Oh, no no I’m French originally I don’t believe that this is too close for comfort…too close for comfort is when you take a train in Mexico City and can taste the body odor of the person sitting next to you” she laughed…had that happened to her? Well, once while she worked for the International Cooperation department. “I’m not aware if any funds are being provided actually, I personally do not have a campaign manager as of yet – though I feel that I act as one in my own home most of the time seeing that I have a five year old daughter, and triplet two year old sons” she admitted with a laugh.

“Honestly if you have any questions for me as far as how I plan to be as a minister please feel free to ask, really ask me anything you would like” she grinned. Alicia was about to send Victoria Bunbury another nice comment a compliment on her outfit as she did like what she had worn to this event but a voice had distracted her. “Jaxton!” She grinned, “Miss Bunbury I would love for you to meet my dear supporting husband Jaxton Tanner, and our…his children? My niece and nephew and adopted children its complicated really Kyleigh and Eduard Tanner” she grinned. “You should have told me they were coming missy” she laughed pointing her finger at Kyleigh momentarily.



Kyleigh groaned as she heard what Jax was saying. “Oh c’mon I don’t care if I look out of place,” she groaned at her father and sighed as he started to lead her through the crowd. She wasn’t finished. She was getting that jacket by the end of the night.

Ed’s comment got him a heated glare. “Seriously Ed? It breathes all the time I don’t…I…” she hesitated as she spotted Simon she wasn’t quite sure where he was looking but quickly threw a glance behind her to see that well…it was most likely her that he was staring at. Gosh. It wasn’t that shocking was it? Her in a dress.

She was going to give Chelsea some words later. STRONG WORDS….but she knew why Chelsea had done it she was trying to help. “Ed c’mon Ali will be happy to see us” she grinned and started to try to keep pace with Jax and Ed. In a hush of a whisper she turned to Ed….or tried to as she was speaking leaning past Jax to say it. “Ed…I really am not happy with Chelsea right now, I know she’s family but what in merlins head did she think she was doing? My ex work at the ministry I’m probably going to get the whole you changed a lot what happened to you talk…because guess what we probably have to work together on that broom-thing I told you about” as she had told Ed and Jax about that obviously.

She glanced back to where Simon had been and he wasn't there...what? Oh he was talking to Victoria...right. Maybe she could possibly....no she wasn't asking her ex if she could borrow his jacket that was just weird.

She had heard the claps and gave everyone she passed a smile and nod. Her heart a little lighter, though still heavy without her family there. Her parents were in the other room she did at least see them.It was nice to have them there her dad former MLE seemed very proud of her move to try to become the next minister. Nodding to two reporter looking people she passed the on the way to the buffet, though the man stood closer looking at possibly the food. "It all looks good, I'm not sure what to try first." Was that the problem he was having as well?

Hearing someone come to the other side of her she turned. "Simon, thank you. I didn't sound too nervous, did I?" She worried about that. She wanted to sound confident and ready. "How are you? How's MLE?" She hadn't visited in awhile, Emily always seemed so busy when she did, that she figured she'd leave her friend alone and maybe catch her after work one day.

"I hope you are having a good time. It seems like a pretty good turnout." She knew he worked many of these events, but she did hope they got a chance to have fun as well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lottiepot

....

She picked up a drink almost immediately and took a gracious sip from the beverage. Not bad. The Leaky Cauldron did always like to impress, didn’t it? She did not even spare a glance at the food yet. That would be kept until later. Her attention was drawn instead to the man salivating over the delicacies on offer. “You appear as if you’d like to devour that entire plate” she chuckled approaching him from behind. “Go ahead, I’m sure no one is stopping you.” Or judging. Maybe a few were’ judging’, the MLE lot especially.

Fairy eggs were VERY tantalizing...but there were more than a few concerns Basil had with actually picking up a plate a selecting a few of them to enjoy. For one, he had not seen who and how they had been prepared. Another was there was no telling just who had been near them since they had been placed out here and just who may have stuck their sticky fingers in them as well. And he wasn't even going to get started on the plates and silverware.

So...no. He would refrain with his cheese sandwich he had tucked away in his bag should he actually need nourishment. He had made sure to eat before coming so food and drink were not an added distraction. Although he hadn't counted on fairy eggs...

"Huh? What? Oh," he said, subconsciously wiping his mouth and chin with a red handkerchief he had pulled from his pocket. "No, it's quite alright. I'm here for business and not pleasure." Work first. Always work first.

Like right now. And yes, Victoria, he caught the subtle eye communication - if one could call it such - and would be sure to make his way over to the other woman.

"Erica Radley, correct?" he asked, quill already wiggling in eager anticipation. He also appreciated that she did not loom over him and therefore further hurt his already bruised ego. Which was only made worse this evening as he had completely forgotten to stuff old issues of the Prophet in his shoes. "Basil Skeeter, Editor-in-Chief of the Daily Prophet. Thank you for your cooperation with one of my staff. How does it feel now that your intentions are public to the entire wizarding world?"

Concerns? Regrets?

And it would make things MUCH easier if these women would all socialize in the general same area.

HARK! There she was now. This made things a bit easier.

"Can't go wrong with fairy eggs," he replied to the other Victoria, giving a nod in their direction. He wouldn't be having any, however. He paused for a moment, eyes darting between the two female candidates as he contemplated his next move. "So, Victoria Culloden," he said, using her full name for his quill's benefit. "Quite keen on the Ministry having a heavy hand in the affairs at Hogwarts I take it? From your speech just now. Why is that?" And yoooooooou...Erica Radley with the mother platform...don't go anywhere.

The quill was waaaaaaaaaaaaiting...

Her turning to him and thanking him was certainly a good sign. "You're welcome," Simon said before shaking his head at her question. "Nope...I'd say just the right about." Really, anyone going for the role should be concerned with some worries and nerves. It was the overconfident ones whom you had to watch out for. The ones who thought themselves way better than the rest. The quidditch head was surely not one of those candidates but more down to earth.

"I'm good, and the MLE is...alright." he answered as truthfully as he could. Same old same old pretty much. Sure there was the incident with Genevieve and Peverall but Simon wasn't spreading that around. And even if he was willing to share even the smallest details, there were too many prying ears and quills around. As for having a good time, well, "So far, so good," was all he could remark with a small smile.

Remembering her changing in name, he was about to speak up and offer congradulation when they were joined by a reporter with one od said quills. Correction...head of the Prophet...which Simon supposed was somewhat better than the redhead reporter or Merlin forbid...Jorge. The last thing the auror needed was memories of more drama, the main staying quiet as questions were asked of Victoria.

After excusing herself from the bar, mixology table, whatever they wanted to call it, Roxanne made her way around the room. Once she reached the buffet, the smells that reached her nose started to make her hungry. But she was determined not to eat until she'd made her speech. Didn't want to risk spilling and then having to go to the podium with a stain on her clothes. Talk about embarrassing! The food was hard to resist, though, and she looked around to see who else might be headed for the blasted speech stand. Seeing no one, she decided to go ahead get over with because food.

Stepping up to the podium, Roxanne tapped on it in that special way that causes that annoying screeching feedback sound. Heh. Playing it off as an accident, of course, she muttered oops with a slight laugh. "Now that I have your attention," she began with a smile and a hint of a laugh in her voice, "I would like to share with everyone a few of my plans for if I'm elected your next Minister for Magic."

"For starters, I very much agree that there needs to be a better relationship between the Ministry and Hogwarts. Not necessarily complete butting in, but a relationship where the leaders of Hogwarts trust the Ministry enough to come to us for help before things over there get completely out of hand.

Another thing I'd like to work on is Ministry spending. It is notorious for being out of control amongst the other countries. In fact, there's a joke about it in France, but I won't bore you with it here." Not that they'd appreciate it anyway. "Britain can do better than having conventions for flying carpets that people here can't even use anyway, since they're banned. Or Meet-the-Quidditch-players that the league should really be hosting on their own. Under my plan, Department Heads would have to justify any spending verbally on the spot. If they can't, they don't get the money.

Also, I would like to work more on department unity, not just Ministry-wide but within individual departments as well. It is my experience that people who know and trust each other better work better together. To that end, each department would hold monthly training sessions in which they would stay together in a barracks, military style. A boot camp, if you will. Because, in my experience, the only group that's as close as a family is an army.

Thank you for listening and enjoy the rest of your night!

And with that, Roxanne stepped away from the podium and towards the FOOD!

Althea was not impressed.

But then if she'd had any particular impression of Roxanne Carter before running against her (and winning, for the record) during the elections for the Hogwarts Board of Governors, it hadn't at all been improved on over time. A better relationship between the Ministry and Hogwarts? While Althea wasn't against that in theory, it amused her in practice. So, Roxanne, having failed to be elected in that race, was trying another method to meddle in the affairs of the beleaguered school?

That Maroon woman at least had had a more concrete idea regarding the working relationship between Hogwarts and the Ministry, and Althea certainly supported that as a current governor, and as someone who had worked as a Hogwarts professor and as a department head herself. She was positioned to have a unique view on the situation really. Indeed that was what the charitable organization she helped run was in the business of doing, focusing on education and on furthering said education to provide more opportunity for school-aged graduates, so that they did not simply stop after gaining their NEWT level qualifications, and she was certainly a fan of internships, such as those that Diagon Alley ran during summers, and also the entry level training programs such as the YATI program which she believed MLE still ran. However she would have liked to have heard a little more detail. And as for the working relationship... well. That was on the Headmistress.

As for departmental spending, Althea as a former head herself (who had used her budget on necessary renovations, employee upskilling, and general improvements to the structure of A&C) found Roxanne to be blind to the bigger picture. Either one of the department heads who had hosted the particular events the woman had mentioned would obviously be able to justify said events 'on the spot'. It was a ridiculous way to take measure of the circumstances. The woman's financial acuity was clearly as faulty as her political one.

And the military style boot camp? Never mind the fact that employee training was a department-internal process, and those on level 2 and 3 (at least, she wouldn't speak directly for any other departments, but then apparently Roxanne wasn't in the business of actually consulting any department heads on what systems they may or may not have in place already) periodically undertook rigorous training, she wanted to waste money on trust exercises and warm fuzzies whilst simultaneously attempting (attempting because Althea had zero faith in the woman's ability to do so in any real or efficient way) to turn Wizarding Britain into a police state with a military-style government? The woman was, as usual, talking out of her--

"Thank you, Dash." She said, taking the drink from her husband as he returned to her side. She glanced toward the podium again but thankfully Roxanne had finished blathering on.

.... and what the hell was Sherman wearing? Who had he hired to manage his campaign? Did she need to step in? Merlin be.

Never mind. She was still supporting him at this point of the race. And he could still take Roxanne Carter.

You know, Again.

Preston extended his hand for a proper shake. "Pleasure to make your acquaintance," he said with a nod, listening intently to her question. He took a moment before answering, as was his custom, to consider his words carefully.

"It was a resignation, yes, in order to attend to a family matter that required my presence." Which, Preston supposed, was a matter of public record, seeming to recall that his sister's obituary some years later had mentioned his role as caretaker. "It was a great sadness to do so, as I greatly value education and teaching. I resumed my tutoring practice for a while, before returning to the legal and legislative realms as a consultant and advisor, a field, I might add, where I began my career, prior to teaching." And a fact that the recent article in the Prophet had so neatly omitted.

Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted a candidate (Victoria) approached the podium. "Excuse me a moment, Miss Bunbury, I would like to listen to this." Turning to face to woman as she spoke, Preston's face remained quite neutral, though, had he been in a less public venue, he would have certainly raised an eyebrow. He'd gotten no sense of the woman, though, looking around the room, he suspected many may at least be familiar with her as a current Ministry employee. This was one of Preston's challenges. He entered the field a virtual unknown except to those who had directly worked with him, or been taught by him. Advisors and consultants were rarely seen, even if they were often the driving force behind a particular initiative.

Clapping politely, Preston turned back to the group, pleased to see Sherman in conversation with another candidate. Preston nodded a greeting to the woman (Alicia) though he attention was momentarily caught by another man (Basil) in an outfit almost as outlandish as Sherman Clark. With a slow blink, he returned to Miss Bunbury, having taken note of the rather... leading question she'd asked Sherman. He wondered how saavy the man was and waited eagerly for his response.

Meanwhile, Roxanne Carter had taken the stage and Preston found himself crossing his arms as she spoke. He'd been fortunate - or that was what he'd been told - that he had not been made to work with Miss Carter during his time at the French Ministry. And from her speech, he could see why. Brow furrowed, he extracted his own speech from his breast pocket and set about making tiny notes in the margin with a muggle pen.