Chev sat forward in the chair,his back stiff and straight with his hands grasping at his knees. It wasn't comfortable, but it wasn't the floor.

Blondie-Long-Legs wanted to be civil NOW? She still was just DYING to get his name.

"I'm wondering," Chev responded after a labored breath, "is it Ministry protocol to hex first and ask questions after? What I was doing hardly matters anymore."

Chev tried to raise a leg, but ended up just breathing like he'd climbed Mt. Everest. "Why don't you two children run along and leave me be? With some of my dignity still in place?" Not that Chev's dignity was actually hurt. Mostly, he just wanted them to run along so he could take the rest of the day off.

And make a claim with a wizarding lawyer that would get him lots of days off.

She'd forgotten.

You know, how it was to have to deal with idiot men, or men being idiots --either of those things-- on a regular basis. It was times like this that she was appreciative that there were more women in her department. Not by a lot mind, but enough that the sheer ridiculousness that men often brought to a situation was diminished by an appreciable level.

"Yes, he's a thief, but he's hurt." She explained patiently. "And we're trying to have a discussion. Its easier to do that, I find, when someone isn't on their knees in front of you." Don't be fooled; just because the blonde had a tendency to bring men to their knees, it didn't mean that she preferred them there.

She ignored that last question and went ahead and did 'next'.

"No, it still matters." She said briskly. "Your name and an explanation Now."

... children? Althea narrowed her eyes. "You can have your dignity once you give a little respect." She HAD had him helped into a chair, had she not?

"Last chance." And then she would drag him to level 2 and let Wesley deal with him.

Even after all the time he'd worked in level 9 he'd never gone down to the courtrooms but after getting the memo for a meeting in courtroom 7 Gavin had headed down a little bit early. When he arrived he saw the room was empty and just went in taking a seat to wait for the others to join him. He hadn't had anyone on his level that would have helped benefit figuring this issue out. Though he had considered bringing Dimitri or Dart, but figured the others had seen enough of that and didn't need to be briefed on what was happening around the ministry.

After receiving the note in her office, Ella had set everything aside and made her way down to the courtrooms. She hadn't ever been down there before, so she had to make sure she didn't get lost. Ella was pleased that they were having a meeting about the suspicious illness that was floating around, but she didn't have anyone on her level that had significant information on the issue, so she came alone.

As she stepped inside, she was surprised to see that there was only one other person in there. "Gavin," she greeted with a small smile and a nod. She then took a seat a few feet from her fellow department head and straightened her skirt as she waited for the rest of them to arrive.

Immediately after receiving the purple paper airplane that held the letter from Minister Alexander, Lulu went straight away to Courtroom 7. Well, yes she did look her office. Nobody is getting inside there without her permission. Apparently, Lulu was getting scared about this 'illness' some of the employees were suffering. The woman did not want it to infect anybody else, so she was really glad about this meeting. Even if she had to cancel some of her other meetings. This was more important than the rest. She brought along her new employee, Victoria Maroon. She thought maybe Ms. Maroon needed a bit of time out since she's been working so hard for the new game schedule. This was just a sign or appreciation for her. And Victoria did notice the weirdness of some of the employees during the Orientation, right? Hopefully.

Ok, that lift ride was not good for her stomach. But Lulu could handle it, duh. Stepping inside the courtroom, she placed on her smile. There were only two people inside, for now. Which was totally weird. "Hello," she greeted the two other department heads who were already there. Gosh, did she look ok? Was her skirt alright, or was her hair not puffing? Merlin.

Oh, she hoped Victoria wouldn't feel awkward. They were asked to bring at least one employee, right?

Victoria walked nervously behind her boss to the courtroom. She felt two emotions for being asked to attend this meetings, one gratitude that the boss would want her to be there even as a new employee and anxiety hoping she did not completely seem dumb or unprofessional infront of other workers for the ministry. As she walked she tried to remember everything that had gone on at the orientation. Ms. Black had mentioned the strange things and she was growled about by a man that seemed all he cared for was the food. If that wasn't strange then she wasn't sure she was in the right place.

Once in the courtroom she looked around and smiled at the others. She wasn't sure whether to speak or whether to just be Lulu's sidekick so she opted for sidekick for the moment and a smile was her greeting. Taking the seat next to her boss she took a deep breath to try and relax her nerves. Seeing department heads all around her was enough to make a new employee just a bit jumpy.

The memo folded up in her pocket Isobel had made her way towards the courtrooms, deciding to take the stairs instead of the lifts. It was only one floor down from her department, so she didn't really see the point in using the lifts. It would only take her longer. Once down in level 10 she made her way towards to courtroom 7. She'd been down here a couple of times whilst she'd been working in MLE, but not for a while. She wandered into the courtroom, noticing that not that many people were here yet. Glancing down at her watch, she did see that she was a little bit early. That was okay, better than being late. She didn't really have any excuse either if she had been late, she did work on the level above after all.

"Good afternoon." She smiled at the few people present, before taking a seat. This was going to be an interesting meeting. She had noticed a few odd things going on, like Demetrius drooling that one time before christmas. Hmm. She'd have to go check on him once the meeting was finished.

Wes walked into the meeting with the memo still in his hand and a lot still on his mind. He paused just at the door to take note of who was present, and who had yet to arrive, and then slipped into the seat beside his wife.

"Afternoon, Gavin," whom he needed to speak to later, "Ella, Lulu," that was her name, right? "and others." People he didn't know he was just going to assume were regular employees, brought along either as evidence (as he was doing with his employees) or as evidence...collectors (which he was also doing).

He leaned over to give Izzy a peck on the lips and a whispered, "Hi," since they were sitting next to each other and saw each other all the time. Then the MLE head proceeded to tear his memo into thirds so that he could reserve the three seats directly beside his for his employees...

...who should be showing up soon, and hopefully before the Minister arrived. He didn't want the department to look like a load of hobgoblins who couldn't tell time, after all. Wes glanced at his watch out of habit and muttered to Iz, "This thing begins at one o'clock, right?"

Dacs walked into the court room. She scanned the room quickly and realized that department heads had taken a few employees and that her boss had chosen a seat next to his wife. She hadn't seen Izzy much since the wedding and since she came back. But this was no time to catch up.

Hand in one pocket, Dacs held her black bag pack that she always had with her hanging from one shoulder and headed down to where Wes was sitting.

"Hey." she said to him and before she leaned back she said,"Hey Izzy." Leaning back she rested the bag at her boot clad feet and waited for the meeting to start.

Zach sighed before entering the Courtroom 7. It was a short notice for him to have invited to attend the meeting. He looked around to see who he knows was there.

A few face he did recognize. Department Heads from since two years ago. It's been so long since then. He smiled and looked for the Minister. He is not here yet. Oh well, might as well pick the perfect spot near the front for the meeting. After all he needs to take some notes for Alexander.

He walked to the front, not sure if he wanted to mingle just yet. First day of work from 2 years away, first day of work as the Junior Undersecretary and it is going to be exciting.

Armen Recard made his usual fashionably late entrance, swaggering into the plushy courtroom with the air of someone who could care less about being there. But upon entering the room he noticed that Alexander wasn't even there to see this attitude so he just made his way to an empty chair away from the other people.

Looking up and around at the other humans in the room, he noticed that neither Slyvie or Ryan were present yet. He was going to wring their necks if they left him here alone with the likes of his ex, her deplorable husband, and the newbs.

To the revolting couple Armen spoke first. "Afternoon Fergusons. What trouble have you caused for us to look at today Wesley?" he sneered at his joke. He thought it was clever actually since he did infact have an inkling as to why they really were there but still it was fun.

And then he turned to the man and the woman present that he knew were also Department Heads, he just hadn't officially met them. "Hello you two, Armen Recard, Magical Transportation." And he just looked at the various gathered employees, recognizing the Dacosta woman instantly.

Alright, to get this done and over with. Zach walked towards the Department Heads. He sighed, cleared his throat and said, "Good afternoon, Mr. Recard." he said addressing the person he knew from since then.

"I don't know if you still remember me, I am Zacharias McMillan. Used to be an Advisor." he said now looking at the other Department heads as well. He knew them very well, he is just not sure if they know who he is.

Him being away for a couple of years might've made him an obsolete face around.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't the gopher. How was that Recard?" she said, coldly. As she watched him sneer at her boss. Loyalty was a thing MLE had more than enough of. Besides, she still hadn't forgotten the insult she had to endure with this man a few years back. She still wanted blood for it.

"Yeah, he's been promoted to Junior Undersecretary." Ian said patting Zach's back "How did you like your office, mate? Did you bring your broom?" He said pointing at the guy. He then turned to the rest and waved at them, "Hello everyone! Nice to see you all again..." Was anyone a beater? For the conference room scrimmage he had planned...

Zach was startled. He chuckled as the Senior Undersecretary explained to everyone his new position.

He then looked at him and nodded with enthusiasm, "It needs a bit of a work but it looks great" he said with a teasing tone.

And speaking of broom, he forgot to take it off his bag. Well, he might have to do that after the meeting has ended. He sure hope it starts soon.

Rylan had been a bit perplexed when he got the invintation from his boss that he was needed in courtroom seven. And if he had known sooner he would have wore a better outfit, not ...this.. The ex-hufflepuff looked down at his clothes let out a soft sigh.

He pushed the door open and immediately took note of the light in the room and again he was surprised. He had thought that courtroom 7 was creepy and dungeon-y but he guessed he had been wrong.

"Hello everyone" he greeted in general, not in the mood to go to everyone and say hi. He spotted Armen though as he made his way to his place. He nodded his head while saying a "Hello Mr.Recard" and took a seat as well.

So, what was he supposed to do here? mweh guess he would figure that out soon enough when the Minister came. Yes he had seen that the man wasn't in the room yet. Rylan had met the Minister before during that special occassion. Odd man, seemed to be more interested in the brooms they were selling...

After having been called into the Head Cabbage's office, Aron had gone into his locker so he could put on his fancy jeans. A meeting with the Minister? Why yes, this called for fancy jeans and not his usual work jeans. Suit pants were reserved only for weddings. He still had his lab coat on over his nice shirt, so that made him look professional, right? Just don't mind the boots.

"Afternoon," he said, nodding his head at everyone present as he entered and slid into a seat near Wes while setting the cooler with the samples he had with him on the floor by his chair. Anyone in this meeting willing to offer up some control drool? Any of them eat in the cafeteria? Hmmm?

Early of course. Althea Schirmer was NEVER late. She took a seat, ensuring that there was space for Jade and Derek to join her, and looked about for Abi. Well if she wasn't yet here, Althea would save a seat for her cousin too. Her eyes came to rest on Isobel and Thea gave the other woman a tentative smile.

Ahem.

Yes.

She arranged her notes in front of her, readied her quill to take its notes on its own, and waited, sitting primly and not engaging in any sort of conversation.

After getting Althea's request that she join her and Derek in Courtroom Seven, Jade hurried to freshen up and gather her things and get there as soon as possible. She really didn't want to be late to this particular meeting.

As she arrived in Courtroom Seven, she looked around to see that not many people had arrived just yet.

She noticed her boss Althea Schirmer sitting quietly by herself near a couple of empty seats. Jade made her way towards her.

"Good Afternoon, Althea." Jade said as she took her seat putting her things down beside her.

Derek was really nervous. The Courtroom Seven meeting meant that he would have to face - and probably speak to - many people. He did not like that one bit.

At all. He did not like that. No.

Trying his best to look calm, the former Gryffindor walked in and quickly scanned the room, looking for his Head of Department. Once he spotted her, he made his way to take a seat. "Good afternoon." Derek nodded at Althea as he sat down and put his slightly trembling hands on his pockets. One could never tell, but there were a lot of things inside his pockets that day.

You never knew...

Wes gave brief nods to Aron and Dacs as they came in and settled down. He was just toying with the scrap of a memo that was still reserving a seat for his third employee when the scum of the earth worked his way on in.

"Recard," Wes' upper lip curled into a snarl. "You mean what trouble of yours have I dug up this time? Does your founding the Brotherhood of Idiots count as trouble? Because if so, you'd better just weasel out of this meeting the same way you oozed in."

As a gopher, as Dacs had said. Ah it was horrid to see him again. Why couldn't Magical Transportation be in a separate annex from the rest of the Ministry so Wesley would literally never have to see Armen's face??? He was like a piece of Drooble's one accidentally stepped on and then NEVER got off his shoe ever again.

Ahh. Wesley was here now. Isobel had known he would be here, of course he would be, he was a department head himself after all. "Hello dear." She smiled at him. She'd ask him how his day was going later, now wasn't really the time to be discussing their personal lives. Actually she kind of couldn't remember what she had intended to say to him now, and sort of gazed off behind him for a few more moments, as if she found the wall of the courtroom very interesting. A few seconds her eyes came back into focus, and she smiled at him, before turning her attention back to the actual meeting, that hadn't started as of yet. Ahh Dacs was here. "Hi Dacs." She smiled, noting to talk to the woma later. Maybe she'd just head up to 2 after wards.

She bit on her lip a little as Althea arrived. Things were still awkward between them. She did offer her best friend a smile back though. They might not have properly talked for a couple of months but Isobel knew Thea would probably always be the female she was closest too. Her attention was there drawn too Armen, and she rolled her eyes. "Good afternoon Recard." She drawled, before not saying anything else to him. At all.

Jade looked up as someone came towards her and Althea. It was Derek looking very nervous. She pitied him since she knew that he absolutely hated crowds and having to stand up and talk in front of them.

"Hey, Derek." She said as she smiled at him taking his seat. She leaned over to him and whispered, "Don't worry-- it will be okay."

She might give him a tough time when they worked together but when they were representing the department in meetings like this one--she always had his back.

Trailing behind one of the employees invited by another department head, one that was unknown to him, Rafael entered the courtroom, hands deep in pockets. And alone. His workers had nothing of importance to provide to this meeting, but he had invited some to gather more information that could help them with their responsibilities in all this mess.

Greeting everyone with a small nod, and a few spoken hellos for those he was familiar with, he made his way over to Ella and took a seat beside his co-level head. "Afternoon, Ella."

As more people filed in, Ella greeted most of them with small nods or small smiles, depending on who they were. She had only met some of them, a few of the department heads unofficially. She didn't know most of the employees, however, so all they got was a nod. Armen, however, only got a LOOK and an intrigued stare as he strutted into the courtroom. She had never met him officially. He was... interesting... Yeah, she would just stick with that description for now.

Ella waited silently and patiently, curiously watching the bickering going on between Wesley and Armen. Lovely. She checked the small watch on her wrist and looked over at the door just in time to see Rafael come through the door. Ella smiled as he took the seat next to her. "Long time no see," she replied with an amused smile. A joke, of course.

Now they were only missing a couple people, so hopefully they could get this meeting started soon.