"Yeah, that's true, I suppose."

Even Jared could see he hit something in Pandora, he didn't know what, oblivious as he was, but it was best anyway, to change the subject. He cocked his head to the side, thoughtfully, glancing at Pandora. "Were you born in England?" He asked, sincere with curiosity, opposed to being awkward with changing the subject. Jared, it seemed, didn't notice a thing wrong with Pandora.

"You'll always have reason to if I'm around, I'm just so funny." He teased, his eyes sparkling. "Anywhere you want to go."

Pandora was enormously relieved when he changed the subject. Gathering her self control, she smiled briefly, "Yes, I was born in the cottage where I live now, apart from Hogwarts, I haven't lived anywhere else." She didn't say anything else about it and instead asked "How about you, your accent is so... mixed. I must admit that I can't quite pin it down."

When he said that he was funny, she arched an eyebrow. "Let me know when you get started won't you?" The corners of her mouth twitched as she struggled to smother her smile. "Was that supposed to be your idea of asking me if I want to join you on one of your fun-packed fridays?" She couldn't believe how young he seemed. He could only be four or five years younger than her but he was so laid back... perhaps being as controlled as she was wasn't actually doing her any good.

"Ah, nice. I'm just in a flat." He shrugged lightly. "Oh, me? A fair few places." He chuckled. "I was born in France, and I've pretty much lived there, Liverpool or Hogwarts." He said. "When I started this job I'd just got back from France, I went there after graduating school." Jared said. "This is probably the most serious job I've had, I'm sure you can't tell. I'm just so mature, and grown up, don't you think?" He chuckled, because he was anything but that. "I've been around a few other places, but just traveling, you know." This was all very normal to him, he was quite used to it.

"Oh, ha, ha. You're amusing, Pandora." He noted with sarcasm. "Sure, why not? What's your idea of fun, though, just so we're clear."

Pandora glanced at him when he said that he lived in a flat. "Well that must be easy to look after." She could just picture it; a collection of shambolic rooms, dirty clothes on the floor, quidditch magazines strewn around, pots, pans and plates stacked up in the sink waiting to be washed. She twitched her nose slightly, perhaps she was being unfair, she still hadn't finished all the repairs that needed to be done in the cottage, that's why half of the rooms were still locked a year after the incident that had caused all the damage.

"So, you're a French Scouser? There can't be too many people can claim that about themselves." The idea amused her for some reason, but she couldn't tell you what it was. "Have you travelled much? Apart from between France and Liverpool?"

She glanced at him over her coffee cup. "Yes, in addition to being hilarious, you're definitely one of the most mature men I know." She told him in a deadpan voice.

"Oh-ho, no no no! This is one of your fun-packed fridays. You need to teach me how to have fun apparently, so I am more than willing to be your pupil." There it was again, that attitude, the forwardness that was quite uncharacteristic. He was having an effect on her. She would have to wait and see if it would be a good one.

"Yeah, I suppose." Okay, so maybe Jared was a little messy, but not that much, for his standards, at least. "So, you live in a cottage?"

Jared laughed. "You could say that, certainly." He paused for a moment at her next question. "Well, in Europe, a bit, and a few other places in England." He said. It didn't seem like all that much to him, but he supposed it was.

"Of course." He stated with mock seriousness that didn't last long. "If you insist," Jared agreed. You want to meet somewhere?" He asked, knowing how the question sounded, though he didn't really care all that much. "I don't know, I reckon you could be fun if you wanted to be." He said.

Pandora adopted her expressionless mask again when he asked about the cottage. "Yes, it's called Mill Cottage and it was, well it was a mill cottage. There's a beck that runs at the side. It's just me there now." She was struggling again, she was usually so upfront about her life but she was hiding it from him. She just didn't trust him enough to tell him.

He didn't ask her if she had travelled and that was fine. She had travelled extensively to study magical creatures, never for more than three weeks at a time though.

She wondered vaguely why he was making arranging a night out such a protracted affair. She gave a small laugh, "Come on Mr Friday Night, you must know all the best places to go." When he said that he thought that could be fun if she wanted she smiled genuinely. "I can be fun, we'll just have to find out if we have the same idea of what constitutes fun." She drained her coffee cup. "Mmmm, that was so good, I think I'll have another. Would you like one?"

"Huh." He said, listening to Pandora as she spoke, interested because he hadn't been to much cottages.

"Lets meet in Diagon Alley and get a drink, if that's fun enough for you." He teased. She was right, as so much as simply playing sports was a fun thing to do. But he liked doing plenty of other things, too. "So, first, are you a very girly girl?" He asked, smiling.

Pandora smiled wryly at him. "The Leaky is a good enough place to start, I suppose." She took a moment to consider her answer. As a child she had been a tom boy, having a twin brother like Prometheus would do that to a girl. If anything she was a bookworm. "I'm not interested in pink, fluffy, sparkly things if that's what you mean by a girly girl. I still consider myself to be feminine." She may not have been able to control her hair all the time but she did take pride in her appearance. She stood up and walked away from Jared, her long wavy hair still slightly frizzy. She poured herself another cup of coffee and added a large spoonful of honey. "Do you want one or not?" She asked him over her shoulder. "We should probably get back to the office, I don't know about you but I've got loads to do."

"Excellent," Jared grinned at Pandora. "So that cancels my plans, I was so looking forward to buying some new perfume." He sighed dramatically. "Well, another day, I suppose." He joked. "Yeah, I'll have one." Jared said, leaning back in his seat. "Yes, I think it's safe to say you've done enough storming out for one day."

Katalin walked into the break room and now she was Mrs J.J Starr. She saw Pandora and someone she didn't know, she got herself a cup of coffee and sat down.

Pandora rolled her eyes. "That's a real shame. You could use some. I'm sure the very pink woman in Primpernelle's would be more than happy to help you find something girly enough for you." A smile flittered across her lips for the briefest of moments.

She gave Katalin a little wave. "Congratulations." She said genuinely.

She poured him a cup of coffee and passed it to him. When he said she had done enough storming out her eyes narrowed momentarily. "You know Jared, when you turn the charm on like that, I really can't be in the same room as you for fear I'll be over come with the urge to ravish you." Giving him a false, sarcastic smile she picked up her cup of coffee and began to walk away.

She saw Pandora wave and congratulation her, she smiled and walked over "Thanks Pandora, we had a great time in Egypt".

As Rinatta entered the breakroom she saw three figures. One she recognized as Miss Fortunea though she seemed in a better mood today. She was glad to she her happier than when she was yelling at Mister Stryker. The second was a young man with whom she was discoursing with, that Rinatta did not recognise. I wonder if he is from our division as well? There was also the young witch that Rinatta remembered as having a wedding. She had been so thrilled about it and Rinatta was happy for her.

She walked in with a smile "Hello everyone" , and walked over to the coffee machine. She apparated a mug and began to make herself a cup. Turning around she smiled warmly at the young witch. " Congratulations on your wedding dear ,may your marriage be blessed." Upon raising her mug she said "Prost", with that same smile. She smiled at the young man that she didn't know," Salutations" . She sipped her coffee and then smiled at Pandora," Hello Miss Fortunea, how are you?". She had hoped that the answer would be well and that she could get to know Pandora she was certain that she wasn't just the way she had been with Chad.

She saw Rinatta walk into the break down, "Hey Rinatta, thanks I have just got back from Egypt."

Katalin had addressed her by her first name which surprised Rin a little as she hadn't really spoken to her much. Rinatta smiled though, Katalin was young and seemed quite sweet. She always found it more strange to be called Miss Cross all the time anyway. After all she Miss Cross sounded kind of strange. It either sounded too formal or as though she had a bad disposition. Which of course she had a very pleasant disposition.

Rin smiled again " Ah what a lovely place for a honeymoon. The majesty of the desert and pyramids. It can be a very romantic place, I have been there. Where in Egypt did you go dear? It is Mrs. Starr now correct?". It is nice to get to know the people in your department. It is always good politically as well.

"Cairco, we went to the sphinix and the pyramids! Yes it is Mrs Starr now" she smiled at the woman.

Pandora paused between the work surface and the door and looked at Katalin. "That's lovely. I'm sorry that I couldn't attend your wedding. I would have sent an owl, but I had no idea where to send it. Kalee said it was a beautiful day." Her tone was neutral, her face as impassive as ever. She would be involved in Dora's wedding because it seemed to mean so much to her but she would really rather not have anything to do with weddings.

Pandora saw a young woman from her department enter the break room. She had never had cause to work with her and wasn't sure that they had been introduced. She wondered if the woman had worked in the department when they had gone into the forbidden forest. Before she could work it out the woman was talking to her. Perhaps she had mistaken Pandora's sarcastic smile for a genuine one. With her face as inscrutable as ever looked at the young woman who was now smiling. "I'm fine, thank you. I'm sorry, I don't think we've been properly introduced. I'm Pandora." She didn't offer the woman her hand, and her neutral tone bordered on being cold. There was little doubt in her mind that this woman was one of the ones who had been gossiping about her. She looked at Jared. "Are you drinking that coffee or nursing it? We've got something that we need to discuss in the office." There was a touch of asperity in her voice, but she felt that Jared was probably intelligent enough to know that he was not the cause of it.

Rinatta could tell that Pandora's mood had not improved as much as she had hoped. Pandora seemed to be a naturally defensive person, her eyes were cold ,clear and expressionless pools. She wore her poker face well and it was something that Rinatta admired. She wondered if she had a hard life, that was usually how people acquire such eyes.

I wonder how hard it will be to get through the iron exterior and get to know Miss Fortunea.

" I am very sad to say that we have not been properly introduced. I am Rinatta Ravenna Cross. I am very pleased to meet you , Miss Pandora." , Rin gave Pandora a warm honest smile and a graceful bow. She really hoped that she could get to know the young woman. After all, so few really honestly regarded werewolves the way that she did and Pandora seemed to.

" Miss Pandora , I say this honestly without any offense to you intended. I admire that you stood so boldly for your beliefs.", Rin was being very honest. She could tell that she would be very fond of Pandora if she could get to know her." I want to let you know that you are not alone. I very strongly agree with what you believe and I hope that we have a chance to work together soon. You are an inspiring young witch Miss Fortunea." Rinatta stood strongly by what she meant.

The other two women that were outside Mr. Stryker's office had gravely overstepped what was acceptable, but Pandora had not been that bad. Pandora had been a little brusque with Mr. Strkyer ,but Rinatta understood how easy it was for emotions to take control. Especially with that topic as she could get a little riled about it herself.


She smiled sweetly at Katalin, " How lovely dear. Cairo is very romantic particularly on a summer's night. The Sphinx is very charming and the Valley of the Kings is breathtaking. I am very happy for you Mrs. Starr."

She couldn't help but smile at Pandora again. I hope that she will allow me to befriend her. It would make this ministry much more bearable.

Pandora was slightly startled when the woman bowed to her. She was still calling her Miss as well which grated. Pandora knew that she looked terrible due a lack of sleep, but she didn't look that old.

She was just about to say it was a pleasure when Rinatta ploughed on. She couldn't help but raise a sceptical eyebrow despite the woman's honest and warm expression. She was not used to people being so... upfront about agreeing with her view point. "Hmm, it certainly felt very lonely when I was trying to reason with Miss Mayes." She said dryly, "In fact it felt like I was the only person in the room. I was certainly on my own when I had to see Rex Vindictus and he was trotting out his nasty little views about freaky creatures. Yes, that felt very lonely." She glanced at Jared to see if he was laughing.

When her colleague said that she was an inspiring young witch, she winced, she couldn't help it. It sounded so false. Her voice was cold now. "I was simply trying to do my job. As I have said, what feels like hundred times before, that policy could make our jobs almost untenable. If the goblins mobilise..." She raised her hands in a gesture of defeat. She wanted to avoid that at all costs and needed to work on a way to repair the damage.

She glanced again at Jared. "Well? Are you finished? There are some documents I want to review with you before the end of the day." There was definite impatience in her voice now. She just wanted to get as far away from this conversation as possible.

"I know, I know, I've run out. It's terrible." Jared shook his head. "Yes, she is helpful, the many times I've been there." He laughed.

"Thanks," he said, smiling as he took the coffee. He took a sip, and looked back at Pandora, smirking, not worried, nor really paying attention to the fact that she seemed momentarily annoyed. "Oh, but of course. I am so charming and ravishing." Even Jared knew he couldn't be called either. If he was charming, usually he ruined it anyway.

Jared saw another person walk in, and nodded to them. "Hey."

Jared was sort of half listening to Pandora's conversation. He smiled slightly at Pandora saying 'freaky creatures'. He ran his hand through his brown hair. He didn't really notice her change in mood.

"Yeah, I'm finished." He said, noticing now the she was, say, snappy. "Okay, if they're so important."

Pandora simply rolled her eyes when he said that he had been to the shop many times before. "I don't doubt it, the shop keeper is very pretty." and probably just your type. She thought derisively.

"Of course you are, of course you are." She muttered, pulling the door open. "Well? Before we're old!" She was getting really bored of this situation and wanted to be away from the patronising woman. They may have to share an office, but that didn't mean that Pandora had to waste time with idle chit chat with the woman. She jerked her head to hurry Jared through the door and into the corridor.

Jared laughed. "Yes, of course." He said jokingly, even though in reality, he'd only been in the shop once, and it hadn't been by choice.

He walked through the door, smirking at Pandora."Oh, I know." He teased. He noticed her impatience, as it seemed to him. "Okay, okay, I'm going." Once they were out in the corridor, he looked at Pandora with raised eyebrows. "So, documents you want to review with me?"

Pandora inwardly breathed a sigh of relief as she followed Jared through the door. When he raised his eyebrows at her she pursed her lips and all but hissed "Not here, they might hear you." She swept past him in her usual imperious manner and headed into the office.

"It was a beautiful day, the wedding was at our italian villa" she tolds her, she was friends with Pandora she wondered how they could be friends again.

Rinatta politely smiled back as the young man greeted her and inclined her head towards him. Rinatta couldn't help herself as a little half smirk smile crept across her face. So she wants to be that way, ok I can play hardball. You may think that you're really tough ,but you're nothing on a dragon sweetie. Pandora huffed out with the young man and Rinatta could tell that for the moment Pandora disliked her. She assumed that Pandora thought that she was lying or making fun of her in some way, but she would show her that she wasn't. She guessed that Pandora had never had a real friend, which wouldn't be surprising given her attitude, and that might be part of her problem too.

She was trying to immerse herself into her new ministry. Pandora did not seem to want to make this easy on her though. She could see that Pandora would be a very difficult person to get along with, no matter she would suceed evntually.

If being here doesn't drive me batty first. Sigh.....Take it easy you haven't even been here a month. You can handle it Dad is counting on you............but I just wanna go home to Uigher

She smiled back at Katalin, " Simply lovely dear" and finiched her coffee. " Ciao, my dear hope to see you soon", Rin said still smiling and left. Time to get back to work.