To be perfectly honest, a fishing float was the last thing Svetlana Jespersen had been expecting to use as a portkey. It was utterly mundane. But there was absolutely nothing she could do about this, of course. She was already there, and there was no point in complaining about it. Actually, there was, for it would made her feel better; complaining was one of Svetlana's biggest talents--one of the many talents she possesed, mind you.

Now she would only had to wait for Cooper to make an appearance... she had a few things to say about that hideous thing they had forced her poor, fragile, and delicate hands to touch and use portkey. Britons...

... And judging by the way the room around her was looking, they were not only thoughtless. They were ostentatious, as well. Large turquoise eyes set on the overly sized fireplaces. Definitely Ostentatious.

Nose wrinkled, one slender and small hand reached for her hair, and gingerly touched some of the platinum curls that fell lightly on her shoulders. Done with this, the Norwegian Minister of Magic proceed to make her way with flourished and determined movements towards the chairs.

The forty-two year old woman's deep turquoise eyes opened wide in shock, just as her snowy-white and rather round face went from perfectly smooth --though slightly critical-- to shock that was quickly replaced by horror, and then to solemn. All these facial expressions changed lasted only three seconds, for Svetlana soon smoothed her expression.

Of all the nerve! Did they not know who she was? Jespersen had most definitely not been expecting this. Forcing her to take seat on the third and last row. Svetlana Jespersen did not sit on the last row. It was inconceivable. Outrageous. A complete heresy.

Yes, Svetlana was indeed very offended.

Eyes narrowed, and glaring furiously at the first row of perfectly cushioned chairs, the petite woman took seat on her chair, and waited for the rest of the Ministers to arrive.

With a bright flash Valeria Nikolvna arrived at the International conference. She found it rather amusing that the Brits would use a kalpak as her portkey. Her dark hair was in tight pin curls around her face and cascading down her pure white fun hat. She snow was falling her homeland and she thought to dress as such.

Her porcelain face took in her surrounding. The wealth of the British Ministry was displayed. Not even her office was outfitted to regally, it made her smile. She hoped to change that. Bulgaria had more going for it than its Quidditch players.

She noticed another Minister was already there and seated, but she did not look happy. Never the matter, Valeria needed to make contacts for her country. She found her seat with her name and her country. She was lad her parents had insisted upon her learning English. She turned to the woman. "Good afternoon Madame Minister," She said with a slight accent.

A turban. So stereotypical, these British, the Indian Minister of Magic thought to himself as he arrived at the conference. True, he did wear a turban, and he dressed in the traditional dhoti kurta of his people. But it annoyed him that the British minister would presume that an 'ordinary object' worthy of portkey would be a turban, like they left them lying around in the street. Really, now. He breathed deeply to calm himself- it wasn't worth unbalancing his chakra over; besides, he had business to tend to.

He looked around and saw a small welcoming sign with a note to be seated at the designated white and gold chair for his country. He strode over and sat down gently, glancing at the others around him. It would not be harmful to make acquaintanceships...

"Namaste... Er... Hello. My name is to be Bhanuprasad Balasubramanium, I am minister of magic for my country which is being India. I am pleasuring your acquaintances.... " he said to the nearby delegates, hoping someone would be friendly.

Yoshi Ishikawa examined his portkey, a robotic quill and wondered briefly why there wasn't an appropriate receptacle for the used portkey. It would be awkward to hang on to the thing and so, Yoshi Ishikawa, Minister of Magic for Japan; banished his used portkey without another thought.

Next he examined the seating arrangement. Japan tucked away in the corner?
Easier to escape, not being boxed in by all the others. He drew his robes around him and decided he would stand for now.

He did not register the oppulence of the chamber, although in truth if he had, he would have preferred something a little more...spartan. Norway and Bulgaria had already arrived and his attention was diverted to those ministers.

He issued a low bow in respectful greeting to his contemporaries, but did not say a word.

Jose arrived on his portkey, with his usual aplomb. He hoped that they weren't required to turn in their portkeys...he rather admired the bracelet...so much that he put it on his wrist.

Jose glanced around, blinding everyone with his smile. This was going to be fun...

Tap, tap, tap. The stiletto heels of her right shoe knocked lightly on the floor, just for something to do. Unpunctual people. She had been there for hours, already! Okay, maybe not for hours, maybe for only ten minutes... But that was beside the point. Point was, they were all late. No wonder why they were all gathered there to solve some issues... No wonder why the Wizarding World seemed to be falling apart.

... Hmph.

Thankfully --and finally, too-- the rest of the people started arrive. Or at least a one of them certainly did. Large turquoise eyes examined the woman critically for a moment. Bulgarian, no doubt; the woman's accent had revealed Svetlana that much. "Good afternoon," replied Svetlana with a slight nod, speaking English almost perfectly, but not quite; her accent showed up a tad on every word she spoke.

About to take her eyes off from the woman, someone else arrived, thus catching Jespersen's attention at once. "Good afternoon Mister Balasubramanium," said the woman fluidly, quite proud of herself for having pronounced the man's complex --or at least it was complex for her-- correctly and without hesitating. "Svetlana Jespersen. Norwegian Minister of Magic, at your service." Not really--don't ask for any favours.

Flashing the Indian Minister a polite smile, Svetlana proceed to nod in acknowledgement to the two newly arrived Ministers, and waited for the rest of the people to honour them --please note the sarcasm-- with their presence.

When Brian arrived the area, there were already six foreign ministers, seated perfectly in their recomanded seats. Well..less work. He straightend himself and made sure of his decent appearance before briskly walked down to the slightly elevated area. He cleared his throat without making noise before speak, "Welcome Everyone!!" he stretched his hands a bit wide to greet everyone with a warm smile on his face. "We're glad to have you all in our place for this important conference. Our Ministry is arranging each and everything in perfect, to hold this Conference," he paused.

"I'm Brian Lee from the Minister's Office. I'm assigned here for your service." he gently nodded his head and looked up at their faces.

"So feel at home and expect your friends.." he said politely and looking forward to greet other foriegn ministers. He took out the planner parchment, gone through another time quickly, standing there as a respresentative of the whole Ministry.

Bhanuprasad Balasubramanium stood and bowed low. "Excusing for me, Mister Brianlee. I am Bhanuprasad Balasubramanium, I am minister of magic for my country which is being India. As my esteem-ed colleagues are undoubtedly feeling, I would like to know how much longer before conference is to commence, as I am having many important other matters I could be attending if you are giving us access to secretarial assistance and facilities during our waiting?" Bhanuprasad Balasubramanium smiled politely at Lee, waiting for his response.

Cambell exited the lifts with the two Security she had gained from the Law Enforcement Offices. She couldnt help but smile when she saw all the Ministers that were there. She never thought that she would actually be involved in the conference. Maybe putting files together about her education department, but never would she think that she would be greeting Magical Ministers from all over the world.
She saw Brian and went to stand by his side, her robes flowing out behind her. She said a quick, "Hello." and "Thank you!" to him in a hushed whisper.
She noticed that a Minister was requiring his attention at the moment so she didnt interupt and gave the Indian Minister a smile, that was undoubtedly filled with excitement. She couldnt hide it.
She decided to wait till they were finished to introduce herself to everyone.

Brian turned his attention to one of the foriegn Minister with the beautiful attire, who represents India, asking him about the time and some assistance. He smiled, "Sure Mr. Balasubramanium. Our Minister is at his office, ready, but we're in the position to wait for other Ministers," he said, quickly looking at the fireplace to see if anyone was popped up. "If you specify, what kind of assistance do you expect, I'll make the arrangement to give as soon as possible," he calmly but authoratively.

He saw Cambell hurried inside the area and standing by his side, whispered. "Hi! No problem...after all it's my job" he said with his usual smile, giving her time to settle down.

Cambell, reasured by Brian's easy going smile, relaxed a bit. She turned and looked at each Minister, studying them silently. She wondered if she should introduce herself. Of course that would be the polite thing to do, and there wasnt much going on. There were still a lot of Ministers that hadnt shown up.
"Hello everyone!" She said with her sweet voice, but it was loud enough to call attention throughout the room. "Im Cambell Robinson, from the Ministers Cffice! We are very pleased to have you here and are excited about what we can learn more of all of your succesful Ministries! Thank you for being patient as everyone arrives! Im sure it wont take too much longer!" She said in her most reasurring voice.
The 20 year old, odd as it seemed, suddenly felt more comfortable in this beautiful room full of very important people. She wasnt sure what had caused this sudden relief, but she was greatful for it.

Once Cambell was introduced herself to the visitors, Brian looked at her who seemed bit relaxed now. "Cool," he said and asked, "So..I wonder is there anything in the plan to offer something to them..I mean food or beverages?" The planner papers were sitting in his hand in an organized manner. Still he didnt have the slightest idea about that one.

Cambell turned to Brian and nodded. "I think we could get them beverages if they request some, but Im not sure if we will be here much longer." She said. At least she hoped the other Minister would get here soon.

Yoshi Ishikawa; still standing as was his preference, approached the aids and cleared his throat, bowing low.

"Excuse me, Sir. Could I trouble you for some refreshment?" He really didn't mind waiting, but his throat was slightly parched. "Water would be sufficient."

Yoshi examined those present and muttered under his breath slightly at the revelation of who was missing.

He reached into his volumnous robes and pulled out a sheet of parchment, which he began to frown over to pass the time.

Luc Beniot landed in the room with a soft thud, the Tour de France key ring portkey looped around one knobby, wrinkled finger. Why the British ministry had picked a key ring to begin with was beyond him. It seemed like it would be much too vulnerable to Muggles; it was the sort of thing that could easily just be picked up by an ignorant Muggle and carried off. Something a bit more common, a bit more dull would have been a good idea; but that was beside the point. That hadn't happened, and he had arrived. No point in holding them up any longer by dwelling on it.

He walked slowly, yet gracefully, towards the rows of chairs reserved for the foreign ministers, relying on his carved wooden cane for balance. Perched upon the head of the cane was an intricate metal cockatrice that stared about the room blankly with eerie, unblinking eyes. The French Minister was a very frail, elderly man, only rising to about 5'9" and certainly showing his age in all his features. Despite this, however, he had a kind look to him, especially in his dark green eyes; like he was the great, great grandfather you never knew you had.

"Bonjour, mademoiselle," he said kindly to the first person he approached (Cambell), who seemed to be one of the main representatives there. "I am Luc Beniot, French Minister of Magic. I must apologize for ze lateness of my arrival... my 'ouse elf had misplaced ze portkey wiz'out my knowledge. I am 'oping I 'ave not kept you from proceeding in ze meeting with my absence?" he asked, bowing and smiling politely at her.

"Okay..but the things moves in snail pace, we should be here for long time, atleast i guess..." he said. He looked over both at the entrance and fire place often.

Brain noticed the Japanese foreign minister was still standing and asked him some refreshment with their traditional bow. How great!! He admired their customs and habbits to himself. "Definetely Mr. Ishikawa.." he said before conjured a goblet of fresh water. Politely handed over the goblet to him, bowed. It was a great opportunity to see them all in one place and know something new about them. He was enjoying the job...sharing the responsibility with his fellow satff.

Cambell was looking around the room; suddenly the thought of walking up to each of them and asking them about their stories crossed her mind. She knew they had many. She wished to ask them things like how they became Minister and what were they most proud of in their journey to get there. But, she was being silly, wanting to ask for stories, she lightly laughed at herself.
Cambell turned slightly when she felt the presence of someone beside her. "Welcome Minister Benoit!" She said cheerfully to his thick French accent. "Your not late at all, of course not!" Cambell said truthfully. I mean, what could we do if they didnt show up? There wouldnt be a meeting at all, so it all depended on the Ministers arrivals. Cambell took in his appearance, a few inches shorter than herself, his cane, his kind green eyes. He definately seemed a person who had been through many great stories! She gave him another bright smile and pointed in the direction of his seat. "You may take a seat if you wish, there are still a few Ministers we are waiting on." She said. "Would you like me to get you anything?" She asked before he could answer.

Cambell was thoughtful. "Yes, I guess your right. These things do usually move slowly around here." She said with a nod as a man asked for water.

Jose gazed around the room...it appeared that not all of the Ministers had arrived yet. His eyes fell on a young witch who appeared to be on the welcoming committee.

'Perdon, Senorita...ah, excuse me lovely young lady' Jose said with his usual charm and blinding smile. 'Could a trouble you for something to drink? It is thirsty business traveling...yes?'

Cambell watched as another Minister showed up in the large room. He walked over to her and she smiled. "Of course!" She did the same spell Brian had and gave the man the goblet. "If you need anything else, my name is Cambell." She said giving the man a bright smile. "Welcome!" She added thoughtfully.

'Gracias Cambell.' The Peruvian Minister said with a slight bow. 'I am very enchanted to meet you...and to be in your lovely country.'

"Your very welcome!" Cambell returned, suddenly feeling very happy at his word choices. Enchanted, nice.
"We are very pleased to have you here!" She said, a very big smile returning on her lips.

Elwood walked up to the Indian Minister of Magic, "Hello sir, my name is Elwood, I'll be your security for the conference." he said looking around at all the people, he hated parties.

"Please, it is Mr. BalaSOOObraMAN-EEyoom. And I am to be needing a secretary for which to take a letter, if you please. And one with which to arrange a meeting change." Balasubramanium bowed politely and smiled.

Suddenly a flash of light shines from within one of the Floo Fireplaces! A piece of scrolled parchment wrapped in a navy-colored ribbon and marked with the seal of the Australian Ministry of Magic lands within, with a tag attached to it that reads:

Quote:

To the British Ministry of Magic: Urgent