Sabel couldn't help but chuckle a little. "A social anti-socialist." He gave her hand a firm shake, smiling a little more at hearing she was in the same department. "Pleasure to meet you Miss Malfoy."

One eyebrow quirked up as he drew his hand back into his pocket. "I've never really understood what the Wizengamot does. Maybe one day you can explain it to me?" It'd be good to expand his friend base throughout the ministry. Even those she was in the same department, it was a start. "I promise, no formal attire will be required." He gave her a sympathetic glance as if he too felt her pain. Which, he did. Right around the nape of his neck.

"Yes. I guess you could classify me as a contradiction. I'm that way with most everything." Heather gave him another smile which turned into a slight grimace. "It's a pleasure to meet you as well, but please call me Heather." Miss Malfoy just seemed so formal and she wasn't really one for having formality directed towards her.

Heather chuckled, she actually chuckled. It had been so long since someone was able to make her chuckle. "Well then, since there is no formal attire required I don't see why not." She was actually counting down until she was able to be out of the dress she was in. She looked around again, "So do you not have a date?" A man as handsome as he should surely have a woman at his side. How old was he anyway?

"Heather, then." He gave a nod of acknowledgement and apology all rolled into one. While he wasn't thrilled to be at the ball without his immediate friends, he was slowly starting to enjoy himself. If just a tiny bit. "Contradictions aren't always a bad thing. They can keep things very interesting." He gave her another side glance, as his head tipped slightly towards the interior of the room. "Keeps people on their toes as well." Which, seemed to be a prerequisite of being a part of the Ministry.

The smile faded a little for a blink of surprise. He was tempted to look around and eye the space beside him in indication that there was no one attached to him and thus no date, but he figured that would be a bit of a rude hit. Dates could wander off as well. He let out a small sigh and shook his head. He wished he had his date with him, even if she did wander off. "She couldn't make it."

While he was trying to guard his words and his expressions better, to keep a Damien-face as it were, there was no mistaking the disappointment in his tone. When it came to Arya, it was hard to hide anything.

"Well yes, I do try to make sure things aren't too boring around me." Heather was always about excitement. However she could have gone into the boring story about living with muggles for a year without magic but this was neither the time nor place for stories as such. "Well one must always be prepared for the unexpected. It can be a crazy world sometimes." And didn't she know it.

"I am sorry she couldn't make it," she said feeling guilty for have asking because if she had known it was going to bring that tone of disappointment from him she would've never asked. However that did clear one thing up, he wasn't completely unattached.

"If it'll make you feel any better I am completely dateless. I didn't even have a date that couldn't make it." She was trying to lighten the mood. No need to make things worse than what they already were.

The small smile returned to his lips as he gave a nod. Life need to be kept interesting, but it could get loopy. Very loopy. That was a matter he wouldn't convey his sentiments on for the time, given his last voice seemed to have set her in a rather apologetic mood.

No matter if he had wanted to stop the sweep of his eyes or not, he wouldn't have been able to. They did a quick once-over of the woman beside him, stopping finally on her eyes in deep consideration. Really, he didn't see why she didn't have a date. She was, admittedly, very beautiful and from the small discussion they had shared, seemed to be both inside and out. His arched eyebrow conveyed his disbelief though his tone was sympathetic towards her situation. "It doesn't really, but thank you."

Tilting his head a little, he gave her another moments consideration before looking out over the crowd. "Well, I can't say that I can properly offer to be your 'date', as it were, but I can offer myself as a partner in company for the length of the event." A lopsided smile touched the corner of his lips, lengthening the small scar on his cheek. "Then we can count down the hours till freedom from formal confines together. Maybe run barefoot through the fountain." Which, did it have it's head back yet? He'd have to remember to check when he got closer. "Or, I can offer to help you find a proper date for the night."

What was a party without a bit of fun, after all?

Heather's eyes had landed him and she watched him look her over and his look of disbelief made her laugh. She couldn't see it but she felt her eyes light up just a little. She nodded at his sympathetic tone and said, "It's understandable." Everyone gave her that disbelieving look when they realized she was unattached.

"I think I would enjoy that very much. Your company would be appreciated." She laughed again feeling her shoulders drop as she relaxed some, it didn't help the uncomfortable dress situation, but it did help her bundle of nerves. "I think running barefoot through the fountain would be an interesting thing. A great way to make a first impression." Ah, a proper date. "Would it be possible to find a proper date this late in the evening?"

She was afraid that all the men were already claimed, plus why find a proper date when she could have the company of someone who she was already comfortable being around. She was already starting to drop her defenses around him.

He was going to ask for clarification on which part of his suggestion she liked, but she beat him to it. He couldn't help but grin. All three. It seemed like perhaps tonight wouldn't be the night he had thought it would be. Mischief sparkled in his eyes as he straightened his back and looked purposefully towards the center of the ball. The wheels in his head were already turning.

"I'm sure it is possible." He scanned the seating area. The banquet tables. The main dias. "It might be difficult, depending on your ideals of 'proper'." And if she was with him and he was helping her, then there would be some high bars for that fellow to meet the standards of. "But what good ever comes from that which is easy?"

His grin returned to her as he drew his hand out of his pocket and offered it to her. "I think running through the fountain would be a perfect way to start off introductions." He chuckled to himself. "Might even get us out of formalities a lot sooner than we expected." And if the head was on the statue of the fountain, Evander might just drop it right down on top of him for such a childish display.

She watched as his eye lit up and she came to the conclusion that, despite the clothes and not really knowing anyone, this night was turning out to be something she was going to remember. She followed his line of sight and looked at all the other people she had yet to associate with.

"Well I don't think I would want a date who is a stick in the mud and doesn't know how to let loose just a little," she said clarifying what she considered as being proper. She didn't want someone who would rather sit than to get up and dance just a little. Live just a little.

She took her offered hand and smiled, "Oh, yes I could see it now." Someone coming up to her demanding why she was acting so childish. To play in the fountain. In her opinion it wouldn't be childish, just a way to loosen up and have a little fun. "True it would get use out of formalities sooner." There was always a positive side to stirring up just a little trouble, but she would just have to wait and see how the night turned out.

He was slowly starting to learn, and be amazed, that one could meet the strangest and most wonderful people at the least expected times. Just when he thought his day had been done for good, he found himself smiling again. It looked like he wouldn't be going home to curl up on the couch as early as he thought.

With the mischievous glint still in his eyes, he drew his other, bandaged hand, out of his pocket and made a wide sweep of the Ministry atrium. "Where would you like to start?" He took a step forward, to test gently to see if she would follow him, take the lead or walk right beside him. He was there for support, and would fall into whichever pace she needed him to be in.

She looked down and then looked back up at him and the twinkle in her eyes remain. She felt like she was taking a big leap back into the world and was glad she had someone to go with her. She walked with him and looked at all that he gestured to with a wide sweep of his hand. "Wherever you want to go I'll be right beside you." It was as simple as that for she was never a follower but wasn't ready just yet to step up and be a leader. She was about to mention the bandaged hand and the scar, but she decided it against it. This night was about having fun They had time for stories another day. They were in the same department after all.

Heh. Look at that kid, getting all... blushy or something with Wes' praise. He tossed a wink toward Izzy and reached out to ruffle Legend's hair.

"You're all right, Chosen, I don't care what the others say about you." Wes let out another guffaw and then gave the ladies a respectful nod, intent on getting out of the entrance hall at last.

"A picture, Van, a picture. We need a picture of our department looking spiffy and healthy for once, at least while it lasts." He eyed his friend, noting the smirk that was doubtless came at his expense, and muttered a, "Sure," in regards to telling Lily.

He was trying to get inside too, ya know.

"OI, LILYAN BOLE!" Wes shouted over his shoulder. "VAN'S INSIDE NOW. WANTED YOU TO KNOW." He smirked over at Izzy and the gestured for her to lead the way into the ballroom.

Chuckling a little bit, Sabel shook his head. He didn't say anything in response because there wasn't really anything that needed to be said. Instead, he steered them towards the dance floor. Not because he was interested in dancing; he still had two left feet the last time he had checked, but the display did seem interesting. And what other way was there to find a potential date than to set two people twirling across a polished floor?

He thought it a brilliant idea. Of course, brilliant ideas often had their downfalls.

Whether the speech had actually been under three minutes, Atticus wasn't sure. He hadn't really timed it after all. But he decided not to point that out. He could definitely relate to the "not an expert on galas" part though, as well as not having much interaction with the Cult itself (though Atticus hadn't been off on any assignments), and so he nodded briefly to that, as if to say that they were basically in the same boat. Then - truffles?

Atticus glanced into the ballroom, looking over at the buffet tables, but couldn't make out much of what was on it. "I suppose it's possible. We'll have to go over there to find out though." Did the man want to go in?

Just when he was about to ask, the man suddenly put his hand over his face. Hm? "Something wrong?"

Mr. Aldredge? "Just Atticus is fine," he replied. He was sure he went over this before, but it seemed he might be doing this for awhile. He didn't really mind, though, mostly because he really didn't like being called "Mr. Aldredge." He'd correct other people as long as he had to. "I'm glad to hear you're doing wonderful as well." He nodded in agreement when she said the ball was impressive - it certainly was.

Then...they were on the subject of the Cult. How did he react? Atticus had to take a few moments to ponder that before responding. "I was relieved, I suppose. Relieved that we had so many people who were willing and able to bring it down." He didn't know a great deal about all the details regarding the Cult of Walpurgis, but what he did know didn't make him sorry to see them fall. Plus Borr had been removed from the position of Minister of Magic, and that was definitely a relief. Their new Minister would be far, far better than him. "What about you?"

It was like magic or something - once he started talking to people, he suddenly began seeing more that he actually knew, like the woman who had just entered. "Miss Silvermoon," Atticus said, giving her a polite nod and smile.

Violet was shaken out of her slightly incredulous musings about the room as someone said her name. Or a very formal version of it anyway. She smiled and waved at Atticus. "I've told you before, you can call me Violet," she replied. "But it's nice to see you!"

Yes, Tagren thought, his hand still over his face. Yes, my mother gave birth to a moron, and he hasn't changed a bit. He pressed his fingers hard into his temple, willing himself to come up with some kind of witty, face-saving comment. "Ummm. . . uhhh. . ."

There was none.

Luckily, he was saved by the arrival of another guest-- one much more glamorous and well-mannered, thank goodness. Perhaps she could distract the Head while Tag made a getaway.


"You can call me Tag!," Tagren blurted out suddenly, interrupting the both of them. "No need to use last names around here, right? Practically family! Heheheh!" He laughed nervously. Okay, you can officially shoot me now. This whole thing is going downhill on grease.

George walked nervously into the Ministry. His first time here. Everything looked so...fancy. And everyone seemed to know what they were doing. He blinked at all the decorations. The minister seemed to be on the stage at that moment. He got a good hold of his walking stick, entering further. He might just've been the oldest one in there, but probably the newest, too. This was embarassing. He was standing in the middle of the entrance, alone, with a bright red face. This was not the best experience he'd ever had. But not the worst, either. That was when the old man compared it to the times he found really dangerous creatures, like dragons. But still, it was pretty awful.

Violet looked around as an unfamiliar voice interrupted her conversation. Was that directed at her? She smiled at the man, slightly vaguely but still friendly. It was a sort-of invitation to join the conversation if he so wished. It seemed from the way he was looking at the department Head that this man had been talking to Atticus before Violet. He seemed a little...nervous? Or maybe just awkward. Still, Violet was glad for every opportunity to make new friends.

Violet's eye was distrsacted yet again by a newcomer. Not just a newcomer to the ball...it looked like a new newcomer. Or at least no one she'd ever seen before. She smiled at him from her place. "Hey," she called. "You look a little lost. I'm Violet!"

Oh. Right. He did remember that now. "Of course. My apologies," Atticus said with a slight, apologetic nod. "It's nice to see you as well, Violet." And he might've said more...

...but the man he had been speaking to caught his attention once more. What in Merlin's name was wrong? He had been fine just a minute ago and now he seemed incapable of speech. Atticus might've questioned him further, but suddenly the man found his voice. Yet, still, Atticus thought he was acting strange - or at least, since he didn't know him well enough to know whether this was normal, he was acting quite differently from a few minutes ago.

"Right," he replied, deciding to go along with it for now. "Practically family. That's a good way to think about it." It was. Atticus just hoped none of the people in this "family" were like his older brother.

George squinted his eyes. A woman. OK. "Hello," he greeted, going towards her. "Yes, I am. I've never been in the ministry before. I'll be starting work soon," the old man smiled. "I'm George," he added, remembering introductions. They were sort of...important.

The lady watched her companion closely as her compliment took him off guard, and his words were tainted with that signature awkwardness that, coming from him, simply made it... cute. A weird word to describe it, but an adequate one.

"It happens more often than you think," she replied softly with a raise of her eyebrows, giving him an almost pointed look to emphasize what she had just implied. But she quickly softened her expression again... Too many compliments in a short amount of time... Not the best idea when someone hasn't heard them often... Which was a shame. A real shame.

"Thank you," she responded to his compliment, before glancing towards the seating area. "Yes, sir," she agreed lightly, taking his arm once more, so as to not be separated, and gestured for him to lead he way.

Parties were not much of a favorite for Roderigo, but with nothing else to do on this evening, and having been just appointed his Ministry position in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, he wanted to socialize and possibly establish some networking throughout the ministry. He walked into the Entrance Hall, sporting a starched white button up shirt with crimson dress robes. His freshly polished shoes squeaked on the shiny floor as he tentatively wandered around. He was completely and utterly new to the Ministry; he could count the number of times he had been inside it on one hand. He stood in the hall, contemplating his strategy before heading into the actual ball. Hopefully he wasn't going to make a fool of himself.

Violet shrugged. "Oh, that's all right," she said with a small laugh. "Happens all the time, honestly." She was going to keep going when Atticus seemed to notice the other man. She watched this musing with interest. He seemed confused. Maybe the man's nervousness came and went?

She nodded. "Family sounds...good to me, I guess," she said hesitantly. "But without all the embarrassing stories, and fighting, and such, I hope."

She smiled at him. "Oh! You're really new, then. What department will you be working in?" she asked curiously. "It's nice to meet you, George!"