Various mentions in here, If I’ve missed someone, please poke me.
 

The room was getting more and more crowded which meant Cole was getting more and more uncomfortable as the minutes ticked on. Even despite the glass of wine in his hand and even the few sips he had taken, gatherings were very much not his thing and at the moment he was trying to see if he could edge his way to the back of the room and perhaps move away from the crush of people.

Of course he greeted the new Minister with a soft hello and a smile, having already met the man earlier he didn’t feel the need to fully converse, though a soft “I shall try the sandwiches.” was sent the ministers way before the man was on his way and Cole was trying to breathe a sigh of relief.

A nod was sent to his co-head as she appeared and he tried to muster up a little smile, but instead the tall blonde man just managed a gentle raising of the corner of one side of his mouth. “Olly.” He said softly as he looked away for a moment onto to be greeted by someone else. “It’s nice to meet you Alexa Cambridge I’m Cole Kennedy.” His voice was soft and quiet as he returned her form handshake, with a nod he excused himself and departed over to the wine once more to catch his breath.

His wife had always been so much better at these things and it was easy to stand next to her and to let her do the talking, now though, he was alone.

Not for long it seemed as someone else had come up to him. “Is it? I’ll have to try, I’m enjoying some Chardonnay at the moment. ” He said softly.

Open post - mildly paranoid Undersecretary over here | also... Angelo
 

January had been there, of course, since the start of the party. She had also been in her office before hand, making sure all was in order before the Ministry opened the following morning. She had a lot on her mind and a lot on her checklist, but things were finally falling into place, thanks to the persistence and dedication of her fellow department heads and their new Minister for Magic, who was, thankfully, totally sane.

Walking through the room, January offered greetings to her coworkers and nodded at Charles with a small smile. "Minister," she greeted with a tiny glisten in her eye because it was HIS big night and she was just very, very happy that they had a new Minister.

She didn't near the food table, however, nor did she grab a drink. She had no fear of the Minister slipping things into the food, but... recent letters from angry witches and wizards and guidance from of the aurors in the Law Enforcement had suggested that she should just be cautious.

The cautiousness was also translating into mild paranoia, however, and January was quite tense. Her eyes moved frequently to the two young aurors she had posted. They of course, were here to enjoy the party, but also to just.. keep an eye out. She trusted them.

But for now she, was just.. standing. Alone. Hands clasped protectively in front of her. Trying to look as comfortable and confident as she was supposed to be.


------

Evangeline had arrived with her date and partner by her side. She did enjoy these little party things, for some reason. The orientations were never the most exciting things in the world, but they at least gave her a reason to dress up. Evangeline loved to dress up.

But tonight she wasn't here to party. She still dressed up and it was still a party, but she was on duty. But the point was to look like she wasn't on duty, which was why she was in a high slit dress and stilettos.

And yes, she could still kick trash in a dress and stilettos.

She wasn't touching the food either, but that was pretty typical of Evangeline and, well, most aurors. Never trust the food or drink at a party, no matter whose party it was. Unfortunately for her, food must have slipped her mind before she had gotten ready for the evening. She leaned over to whisper in Angelo's ear.

"Can we get some curry after this?"

Val is free ^)^
 

Val arrived at the Food Court for the yearly return, he could spot the newer employees or at least some of the folks he had never seen before from previous functions. He saw the familiar folks as well, his Head specially and the new Minister who everyone was crowding around. Rather than follow the trend, he took a drink and settled by the sides.

If you had asked Dara a mere months ago the thought on joining the Ministry was far from her mind. But times changed, along with many things in her life. Good things. It was a time to settle, she would have to let Art know how things went tonight, of course, but she remained optimistic about everything. She saw the Minister looked fairly preoccupied with everyone so she gave him a smile incase they made eye contact. They would run into each other again fairly soon, she imagined.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sangeetha (Post 12364728) Everyone seemed to know each other. She was beginning to feel a little isolated out there, her introvert nature was coming out. Taking a deep breath, she quietly reassured herself. She tried to mask her nervousness with a smile as she walked in, wearing navy blue robes. 'Hello Minister, I'm Laila..new employee..Quidditch Division..' she said. 'Hey y'all!,' she added, smiling politely at everyone.

Oh, was she new too? Dara had to start networking somehow. "Hello.. I'm Dara, International Cooperation." Extending a hand out for her, "What department are you in?" If not in the same department then this would be a start.

Mentions throughout , of course ;)
 

Open for anybody!
 

Bear stopped to straighten his tie one last time before entering the event. He was feeling a little out of place already. He had only been back from a year-long sabbatical teaching at the University of Edinburgh for a few weeks when the Ministry had closed, and he hadn't felt reintegrated yet. Going a few more months without being there didn't help that feeling, like he didn't quite belong. He supposed this was a fresh start, what with the reopening and all, but... He was nervous. As per usual, really. It seemed like "nervous" was his default inner setting, regardless of how cool he may look on the outside. (And he usually did.)

Walking in, he noticed a few of the others from Accidents & Catastrophes, including his Department Head, but he didn't greet anybody quite yet. He wanted to get his bearings first. Heading toward the refreshment table, he quietly poured himself a glass of wine -- a Riesling of some sort -- and moved toward the wall, wanting to stay out of the way of the mingling crowd.

Remind him why he was here again?

oh hello there don't mind us
 

both laurel and jacob are open to anyone who wants them...
 

Flying tarot card’s was this going to be the night when she was just going to run into former students that she now had to view as adults? How was she going to wrap her head around that change? They could even call her Laurel if they worked in Mysteries with her. It’d be so weird. As if on queue too Laurel spotted Ronan Carter as he came into the food court to mingle. Laurel returned his greeting to her with a nod and a wave before she focused on the juice in her glass. It was going to be a long night.




Laurel was sipping on her sparkling juice and watching the people around her as an ex student of her’s approached to introduce himself to the Minister and then saw her. Owen had grown own out of his shy and slightly chubby body into a grown man. Over her glass Laurel smiled sweetly. "It’s lovely to see you too Owen! What have you been up to since leaving Hogwarts?" She could admit internally that she had scryed for the boy’s future at least once when he was her student but she hadn’t seen him working for the ministry but nothing was absolute.



After taking another sip of juice Laurel turned her eyes and attention to Ursula again as she considered the younger woman’s question. "If you don’t feel akward about it then yes you may call me Laurel from now. I will be working in the Mysteries department. And you’ll be in Accidents & Catastrophes?" When would she be comfortable with working around her old students? It was something she’d have to ask her prized crystal ball about later that evening.



Forming??? The minister mean former right? Laurel wondered for a second as her attention went to Mr Hollingberry as he adressed her. Nodding she confirmed his statement. "Yes, I taught Divination and was head of Slytherin when i worked at Hogwarts. I left my positions there some months ago." At then mention of James Rasting, the minister’s grandson it took Laurel a few minutes before she got a picture in her head of the boy in question. Slowly she said "Ah James, he doesn’t enjoy Divination very much does he? I got the impression that he had a very weak connection with his Inner Eye." Sad, you need that to excel in the subject. It wasn’t like history that you could just learn facts to show your apptitude.




It was one thing to drink juice, it was another to just drink it without something to eat together with it. When there was a lull in the conversation Laurel quietly excused herself from the grup that was forming around Mr Hollingberry to head over towards the snacks where she found herself stopping next to another former student, it was that kind of night. Smiling at the blond beside her Laurel said as she picked up an olive or two. "My, my hello Dylan! How are things? I didn’t expect to see you here working for the ministry, didn’t you have other plans?"



Munching on her snack olives, Laurel let her eyes drift over the other food available and it was then that she spotted Val, standing off to the side. Beckoning him to come over she greeted with a smile. "Good evening Val, do you like these kind of mingling events?" It seemed like an easy and simple way to get the conversation started.



Jacob had after much debating with himself in front of his wardrobe picked out a pair of leather like black jeans, a white shirt and a brown leather jacket on top to wear to the night’s event. Why he had to go mingle in the food court with hundred’s of other employees. Most of whom which were completley foreign to him, but attending was obligatory. Entering the food court Jacob picked up a sandwich and a glass of coke before he spotted his department head. Approaching her he greeted, opting for a happy tone of voice. "Good evening Mrs Culloden, can we start working from out of the offices again tomorrow?" As in was the ministry fixed up?

Minister, Ryder, Ronan, Owen and Chloe
 

Notice anything in particular?

Simon had become aware of a presence before him, but hadn’t glanced at him until the question. The older man in question was new to him in person but he had had some heads up. He took his job as head of security and thus made a point to be aware of new employees, especially those in high places like his new boss. “Nothing that raises red flags,” he remarked, something that gave him a bit of relief on the matter of the evening.

It was just then when he heard his name being bellowed across the room and in front of the entire assembled staff. It was just enough warning for his attention to be drawn back to the minister before said man caught him in a tight hug, nearly lifting him up off the ground with its intensity. Not an easy task for her despite Simon being on the willowy size. The security man did his best not to react too wildly at the surprising reaction to his presence. No doubt Hollingberry had made sure that everyone in a certain radius was now fully paying attention to the two of them.

The center of attention…not where Simon liked to be.

“Good evening, Minister,” he greeted when he could get a word in. “Um…sixteen,” he mused, trying to think back to the time in question with him and Kurumi before catching the next statement and winching at the topic. Uggg ghost possessions were still very much his least favorite memory of growing up. Simon simply nodded, not even paying attention to the strapping question, then grateful for the more pleasant topic of children that the older man had switched to in his familiar ramblings. “Two actually.”

His and Angelina’s happy brood.

His eyes briefly darted to the young man who had joined the fray, talking to Ryder while he was occupied with the Minister. Ah….so Carter had made an appearance, Simon just a tad skeptical about the new YATI given who his mother was. No one quite got under his skin like one Roxanne Carter and the way Ronan’s words about his relationship to Minister Hollingberry came out, the security man had a feeling the younger Carter wouldn’t be much better.

Tart?
Cassie turned at the voice, realizing she was being offered said tart from someone around his age holding a plate of them out to her. “Um…thanks,” she said, offering a polite smile as she took one from the plate. “Cassie…Portkey Manufacturing.” Did she know this Owen…the Ravenclaw trying to place name and face.

Oh look…there was a friendly face, the young woman spotting Chloe across the room. At least she was another transportation person here at the cocktail party.

Cole didn't look all too comfortable about being here. Not that she could blame him, to be honest. The prospect of having to make smalltalk with people she didn't know - or want to know - still horrified her too to a certain extent. But she'd come to realize that yes, it was simply part of the job. And even more so now. Also she had faith that she'd get through it without getting too annoyed simply because she knew what was waiting for her when she got back home.

Also if everything else failed with regard to her smalltalk attempts, she could always show them photos of Evie. That was a good plan, right?

Giving Cole a small smile, Olly was about to say something when Lex joined her. "Hey!" She raised her glass towards her, smiling. "...thanks, yeah." That. She WAS excited about the new position but also hated to be reminded of it in a way. Which probably didn't make a whole lot of sense but it was what it was. Taking a sip of her wine, Olly's eyes had wandered around the room for a moment but quickly fell back on Alexa when she spoke. "Belladonna?" She replied, a hint of an amused smirk on her lips.

Kidding of course. Sort of.

....and here was one of her new employees. Well, old employees but newly returned.

"Yes." Of course she knew who she was. "Welcome back." She smiled at her, then motioned towards the bottle of wine Olly had set down behind her. "Wine?" They could all use some to get through this evening, no?

Also why was the new Minister so LOUD?!

Olly happened to be looking the way of the entrance when the woman walked in so consequently she also heard her greeting. Not that she was anywhere close to her own department, she gave her a polite smile anyway. Making people feel welcome and all.

That was part of their new job description, wasn't it?



As for the next couple to join them, Olly knew them quite well. Or at least she knew Archer from working with him. Once she was sure he was sort of looking her way, she lifted her wine glass in greeting. Hello. They should probably talk later too. Later though. Right now she was standing over here. Where the drinks and food were.

The former Ravenclaw snickered despite herself at the Head Auror’s comment. It seemed like the girl hasn’t changed. She could remember how she and her then co-Prefects would secretly look forward to the new trouble this former lioness caused; they sometimes even had betting games as to how long it would take for the girl to be in detention again. ”Oh, Lexa…” But she was very proud, all the same. Being Head Auror was certainly no easy feat. And from the news she heard, the girl was doing quite a good job at it. ”A very, very late congratulations then.” For mostly not offing the former Head.

As for her, ”I’ve actually been in the Environmental Department for a while now.” Was it almost seven years now? ”But I had a long-term overseas assignment for the past years so I’m sort of taking this,” said Beatrice, gesturing around, ”as my welcome back party as well.” Beam!

Turning back to her now Department Head, Beatrice nodded, grabbed a glass of her own and went to pour herself a small amount of wine. She wasn’t that good at holding her own liquor. ”Thank you.”

”Do you know the Minister personally, Miss Olly?” Or did the woman prefer being addressed by her surname only? Beatrice wasn’t sure. Exchanging letters was hardly a way to figure out what the other party preferred in personal.

~~~~~

”You’re welcome, Ursula!” Did she say she worked at Accidents and Catastrophes? ”That’s an awesome department to work in. Do you have a specialty?” If he was any better with his magic, he would’ve applied for that department.

Pausing, Owen picked a tart from his plate and took a bite off it before replying to Cassie...who, now that he was getting a good look at her, looked familiar as well. ”Cassie?” He canted his head to the side. ”...McNally?” He wasn’t sureif it was her. He got rather preoccupied with a lot of stuff his last few years at the school but if she was, then this was basically a Hogwarts reunion.

Speaking of reunions, this one right here was a hard one to miss.

Grinning, the ex-badger stood up a little straighter. He wasn’t very good at Divination but Professor Vance made the subject bearable. ”You too, maa’m.” No more Professor, maa’m this time, right? ”I went directly to university. I think my ravenclaw side emerged then because I’ve been taking classes during summers to finish my course in advance.” He chuckled. He really did study much harder when he was at the University more than he was at Hogwarts. ”How about you, maa’m? I don’t think I know which department you’re working for.” Although, he had a good guess. She was a former Divination Professor after all.

Janis then spotted fellow Department of Magical Games and Sports worker, Javier and smiled and waved at him. She hoped that this year would be better for him.

Janis smiled at Laila. "Hello. I'm Janis. I work in Gobstones Public Relations in the Department of Magical Games and Sports. I look forward to working with you."

Ursula gave a small smile to her department boss and thanked him for being so welcoming.

Ursula nodded at Laurel's question. "I am working in Accidents and Catastrophes as a Memory Restoration Specialist. I am really looking forward to it."

Ursula's eyes sparkled as she answered Owen's question. "I am going to be working as a Memory Restoration Specialist in Accidents and Catastrophes."

All you people!!
 

Laila turned around as she heard someone's voice. 'Oh hi...Laila...nice to meet you,' she said, extending her hand. 'Oh good..I'm new here,' she said, smiling nervously.



Laila smiled. Friendly people, oh good! 'Heyo Dara..Laila..Games and Sports..so nice to meet you,' she said, shaking her hand. Was she new here as well? 'If you don't mind me asking..are you new as well?,' she asked, somewhat hesitantly.



As she passed by to get a refilling, she saw a woman who smiled at her. She smiled back. Should she initiate a conversation? Should she not? She should be making friends, eh? She decided to do something in between and mouthed a 'hi' to the woman.



Laila beamed at the woman. 'Hey Janis..I work in PR too..in the Quidditch division!..I mean..I've just been assigned there..,' she said.

Sam’s eyes hadn’t looked this shifty since her first day at the Ministry, but for an entire different reason these days. Yes, they had eliminated the source of the issues… Their very own Minister, but it hadn’t made Sam any less paranoid. She took notes of the changes (had it changed or had it just been that long??), and proceeded forward. She COULD NOT BE HAPPIER to not be a flamingo anymore. Sam could feel herself getting a little more paranoid as she entered the food court, since this had been where all of their shenanigans had started all those months ago. She went to the tables and helped herself to a little sandwich and the fullest glass of wine she could manage without getting side-eyed. She took a seat and began the scanning/smiling/cheers-ing of her coworkers.



Ava felt like she had barely started at the Ministry when the hubbub became more than anyone could handle apparently. How they had managed to let someone sit in the Minister’s Office with that… that… well, however you would describe Mr. Ex-Minister. Ava graced the room and couldn’t hide her negative feelings toward having wine at a Ministry event. Had they not learned about people’s lack of self-control? Ava wished it was different, but all she could see were possible events stemming from poor decision making here. With a sigh, she took a seat. Hoping something informative would be happening soon.

Sam, Bear, Eliora
 

If there was one good thing that came out of the debacle that was the impeachment of Nickels, Kendra would say that it was her promotion to Department Head of Magical Transportation. To be fair though, she knew the two weren’t technically related and she had fully expected to rise through the ranks during her time at the Ministry regardless. And now that she had, she was eager to get started in her new role.

And today's order of business would be to mingle at the cocktail hour and perhaps put a few names with faces that she hadn't done before. She knew how beneficial networking could be, even if these Ministry functions weren't always her favorite. She could make do for one night and put on a professional face though.

She found herself a drink, nodding to the younger woman (Sam) getting her own champagne. Something about her made her pause and look at her a moment, but the young woman was heading off before she could say anything. She soon made her own way through the crowd, her glass in one hand. Kendra wasn't looking for anyone in particular, even if she was hoping to get a jump start on introducing herself to her employees. Taking a sip of wine, she slowed her gait as she neared a man (Bear) standing alone and off by one of the walls, and she gave him a small but friendly smile. "Not into these meet and greets either?"


Cocktail hour was the perfect Ministry orientation or beginning of the year event or whatever you wanted to call it, if you asked Milo. He enjoyed being social, and this seemed more like a casual get-together than some boring meeting or overblown getaway.

He spotted some of his co-workers and lifted his hand in greeting as he strode past. He'd say hello to them later; right now he was interested in food and drink. Wine would do just fine and he grabbed himself a glass.

"Pardon me, Miss," he nodded to the woman (Eliora) he recognized vaguely as an employee in a different department before reaching past her. He prided himself on minding his manners. "Oh... are all of these sandwiches vegan?" He mentioned aloud to no one really in particular as he helped himself to a few of the mini sandwiches marked with that description. Not that he minded that much, but he often found that option to be somewhat tasteless.

Open to anyone.
 

Melody was dressed professionally to impress. She wanted to make a good impression on her new boss, & co-workers. She was attending to meet new people. Also to enjoy the food as well. She grabbed herself some sparkling white grape juice. Then sat at a table by herself.

”Quite busy, isn’t it?” he asked noncommittally. You’d think someone with Conley’s experience, would be better at small talk. But he wasn’t. That was probably why he was so bad at making friends. He did note the other man’s quietness and wondered if the man would rather be left alone. ”How is the Chardonnay?” he asked. It was a simple question and one that would allow the man to further the conversation as he wanted. Besides, Conley didn’t fancy much, but he did enjoy a good bottle of wine and was always interested in other people’s feedback.

He took another sip of wine as someone squealed in excitement of someone’s arrival. ”It’s amazing how loud people can get,” He said without thinking. At least the comment wasn’t aimed at anyone directly.
Tap
Tap
Tappity
Tap

Support cane tapping away as Adam shuffled through the room. His black hair was a wee bit orange around the edges and left eyebrow was missing behind his big over-sized purple sunglasses. Perhaps he should have stayed home. Surely he would have been less likely to knock things over and hit people with his cane, but Adam, was, if anything, a joiner. He and he did enjoy a good soirée! Especially if there was food involved.

Ahead there were tables, or so he thought. His impaired vision only allowed him to see what was right in front of him, hence why he was still using the support cane.

Tap.
Tap.
Whack.

Hmmm…that didn’t feel hard. What had he hit? He'd learned over the last year that people didn't like to be whacked by sticks, even if it was by a visually impaired person. ”Zorry!“ he said in his heavy German accent. Better to be safe than sorry right?

Eliora was still on the coffee hunt and presumably getting in the way of anyone who was looking for food. She had a mission and she was not afraid to take people down whilst doing so. Given all that, Eliora was not quite listening to what was happening around her and hadn't made herself fully aware of anyone here that she knew. If they knew her well enough, they'd come and find her. She only realised that the comment she had overheard was directed at her when she made eye contact with its speaker. "Why? Did you fart?"

Pardon, y'know..?

She took a step back, letting him past but only after checking his hands out for coffee. If someone had some...she was taking it!!

"Whatcha want with vegan sandwiches?" Lame lame lame.

Bear started as someone began to talk to him, breaking him out of his thoughts. "Ah," he looked around a bit nervously, "no, I suppose you could say that. You're in the same boat?"

He pulled at his tie absentmindedly, a habit that dated back to his days as a first-year at Hogwarts, where he'd been the most anxious Gryffindor around. He supposed there must be some part of him that was bold or courageous, but it seemed that it was buried very, very deep. (In fact, he wondered some days if the Sorting Hat hadn't made a mistake with him. Oh, well.)

As Laila was strolling around the food and drinks corner, she noticed a young woman all by herself. 'Hi..I'm Laila,' she said, with her usual lopsided smile.

There were enough new faces that Angelo was kept fairly busy with scanning the crowd, mentally matching faces to the new employee files that he'd read. Nothing salacious, for the record, and going through stacks of paperwork in order to flag anyone who was potentially suspicious wasn't his idea of a good time. Necessary, but not at all exciting. He was not a gossip so the appeal of reading personal files was minimal for him.

He had also mastered the art of appearing relaxed and not as if he was playing bodyguard. There were some people he'd found you could always pick out of a crowd because of how much they were watching the crowd without being part of it, but Angelo's upbringing, the fact that gatherings like this one were so common as to be supremely mundane and casual, worked to his favour here. He belonged. He fit. The champagne glass in his hand appeared a natural fit, never mind that he'd actually charmed it to empty itself whenever he brought it to his lips so he'd not have to sip any of it. It was all very discreet. All very second nature. And it had a purpose today.

January Bones had been receiving concerning letters. Threatening letters. He and Evangeline had been assigned to keep an eye on the Minister's Office Department Head, and to intervene if necessary. It was fine, he didn't mind the assignment given he got to work closely with his partner (who happened to have that label both professionally and personally), but it was a little odd when his own family actually employed bodyguards... and now here he was serving as one.

He was keeping an eye on January and noting who approached her, and who clocked her. And he was close enough that he could be at her side in a moment if needed, but they would stay back unless something happened.

When Evie leaned over and whispered to him, Angelo cracked a little smile, reached into his jacket, and pulled out a muesli bar, which he passed to her quietly.

To tide her over until the curry that he'd definitely take her for later.

lots of mentions and heavily rearranged :3
 

Charles was acutely aware of Ryder off to his side, but the man's attention was almost entirely on his pseudo-son being affectionately squished in his arms. And yes, he WAS quite chumming with Bennet - we see you too, young man. But yes, he would be letting go of the Head of Security now. Well, once he put the young lad back on the ground that is. "TWO!" he cheered, even offering a small round of applause before nudging him with his elbow. "Attaboy!" He was going to have to hear all the fine details later - birthdays and such - so he could prepare accordingly. And it was taking the man ALL of his self restraint not to pull out his leather photo album from his breast pocket to show Simon aaaaaaaaaaaall the marvelous pictures of his grandchildren. "We will have to have a proper chat later." Lunch perhaps, but for now he needed to continue to mingle amongst his employees and get to know - at least on a basic level - with whom he would be leading and working along side. "Enjoy the rest of your evening and try to relax a bit. We will be in touch."

His people would contact Simon or perhaps he would swing by Level Two himself for a surprise inspection and visit one day. He preferred to keep people on their toes, after all.

Offering the occasional grin and unsolicited plug for the cucumber sandwiches to anyone who he happened to pass by, the Minister for Magic offered Cole an approving nod. Yes, he ought to try the sandwiches...and perhaps do something about that long face of his. Not the way he would like for one of his department heads to start the working year off with - looking a bit down in the dumps. Hmmmm. Perhaps he was reading a bit too much into it...or perhaps he ought to touch base with him.

"Ah THERE is my right hand," he GRINNED upon seeing January and those charming rosy cheeks of hers. He could pinch them and cause another scene but he knew better. He was unaware as to anything in particular being off in regards to her private life and was a bit too caught up in the evening to notice any sort of hesitation in her movements. She was, and always had been in his company, quite poised. Nor was he aware of the duo of Aurors carefully observing her. "I trust I can count on you to offer a few words after my toast?"

This was him being considerate and alerting her that she WOULD be required to say a few words. You're welcome.

"Laila, charmed to meet you," he greeted the new Games and Sports employee with a delicate shake of the hand. "Welcome to the Ministry of Magic. You'll find that Mrs. Culloden is quite the passionate leader and I can personally guarantee that she has some outstanding work planned out for the department this coming year." So he would be quite keen to see just how she fit in with the already well established level.

Grabbing himself a bubbly to sip, he turned his attention back to one Laurel Vance. "No I do not believe he does. Takes after his mother in that regard." His darling little chestnut had never quite found an interest in the subject, not that him himself care all that much for it either. "He takes more after his father when it comes to academia, Potions and Alchemy being of particular interest, though he does put his full effort into whatever subject he is studying." He grandson was so terribly bright. Brighter than he was at that age.

He was pleased to see Kendra making SOME effort. He had things to discuss with her as well - it was difficult not to go over the check list every time he saw a department head - and namely matters with the revision of Apparition instruction. He offered her a polite smile before setting down his now empty glass of bubbly and grabbing another.

"Hmm...ought to get this toast together then," he mused to himself upon glancing at his wrist watch. Just...needed to meander himself over to the front of the room and on to the platform there...

☆━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━☆

Sweet solstice. Had there always been so many former students of his at the Ministry? It was starting to feel like the Arches Cluster over here.

Tugging on his tie a bit - but NOT loosening it because that would look sloppy - he grabbed a drink and looked to Maddox (after catching Miss Cambridge's look as well and returning a salute of his own). Or rather, his attention was FORCE there seeing as his colleague had his paws around his shoulders...and on his suit. The man didn't have any stray hairs clinging to his clothes...did he? Had he been staying out of that feline form since the meeting? "Yes, seems the man is inclined towards the physical forms of affection," he noted while taking a rigid sip from his glass. Orion help him if the Minister made any attempt to hug the astronomer. As for the loud, well, Airey could hardly comment to that. He was rather robust himself. "I would rather like to avoid ALL four legged things for as long as possible," noted rather pointedly as he rubbed the back of his neck and felt something cold and slimy there. "Bloody h---" he grumbled, bringing his hand around in front of his face. "I'm going to have to get a team in to check out the Thought Chamber. Have anyone in your department up to the task? Solid in potions and a firm background in charmswork."

The tap tap of a cane drew Airey's attention. Adam, that poor bloke could never seem to catch a break when it came to the Department of Mysteries. "Remind me to give that fellow a raise."

Olly didn't have any wine at home out of solidarity to Schuyler (wasn't she just the best wife?) so she was quite happy to get the chance to have a glass here. Absently watching Beatrice pour herself a glass, she tried to come up with more things to say. They should have gotten a list with some smalltalk topics of conversation along with their new job description.

That would make things so much easier.

"Hmm?" Oh, Beatrice had said something. "Yeah. I mean not closely but...he did offer me the position so we've met before." Was that what she was asking? "Do you?" Apparently that was an interesting thing to talk about.

....Olly wasn't entirely sure what to do with that 'hi'.

Had they met before? Or was the woman just being friendly. Taking another sip of her wine, Olly lifted her glass towards her. Hi back? Was she one of her employees? But no, she'd seen them all, if not in person that at least their pictures in their files. Hmm.

Uh-oh. This was awkward, Laila could just see it from the woman's face. She was probably wondering why she mouthed a hi to a complete stranger. Maybe she should make a conversation? Or should she? She decided to go for it. 'Hey..I'm Laila...PR, Quidditch division..,' she said. 'I'm new here...so just..getting to know people,' she added, as an explanation.

Open to Anyone else too.
 

The questioning repeat of her name…the head tilt.

And then the supply of her last name that she hadn’t shared made Cass believe they might in fact know each other. At least at Hogwarts at the same time. Please let him not be a Ravenclaw housemate that she had forgotten since graduation. She’d feel terrible. “Yeah…that’s me,” she answered, confirming his guess at who she was. Now they just had to fill in the blanks. The former Ravenclaw couldn’t help but hope it wasn’t related to her possession her final year.


Oh goody…he was back securely in the ground in a less embarrassing position. Simon would much rather talk of his kids than feel like a big kid himself at the moment. Otherwise the attention on him would be at the level of his rumored cult involvement. Though despite the minister being clearly pleased of his family news, they both were apparently aware that there was a better time and place to swap personal news and stories. As the Minister, the older man was no doubt a busy man needing to meet and greet so many others.

“Of course,” he agreed with a nod. Both for that personal catch up and covering all sorts of security topics. No doubt there would be plenty of meet-ups on both their schedules. “And you as well, Minister.” The night was still young and mingling was supposed to happen around the crowds so Simon moved on as Hollingberry did.