From across the way, Alexander caught sight of Vindictus, and he, too raised a glass in the man's direction. Noting that the Games and Sports head was in mid-conversation with someone else (although, just who that was he couldn't tell due to the thickening crowd), Alexander gave the man a sharp nod then turned as he heard his name.

Giving her a playful smile, Alexander backed up a bit and tugged his jacket down with his hands. Looking up at her in a manner that showed he was displaying his outfit of choice, he asked, "I did alright, hmm? You were busy getting ready for the new school year, but I'd intended to ask you how it looked beforehand." He fussed with his tie for a bit, having unfortunately worn the one tie he had that refused to stay put, and then turned his attention back to her.

"Leave you?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. "I just got you. You think I'm leaving you?" He nodded toward the dance floor. "What do you say? A little while later, hmm?" He linked arms with her and surveyed the crowd. "I've got a presentation sometime later, but it won't be long. The night's yours." He passed Recard a smirk as his fiancee spoke to him. "Fired," he whispered to Hecate. "Just the other day. He works on level one now as an assistant. Tonight, he's assisting with serving duties."

"Ah, Miss Kaufman," he said, passing the woman a grin. Looking at his fiancee, he added, "Abigail Kauffman is the head of International Magical Cooperation in America. She'd been asked to officiate the event tonight." Looking back up, he shook his head at their visitor. "Of course you aren't interrupting. We're pleased to have you here tonight and glad you could make it on such short notice." He held out a hand for the woman to shake. "Miss Kaufman, this is my fiancee, Hecate Lafay. She's the professor of Potions at Hogwarts." Looking toward Hecate, he added, "...and this is Abigail Kaufman, the officiator I mentioned."

"I would hope not." he said taking a drink from his tray and draining it quickly. He was going to need a drink to get through this night and they had plenty to go around anyways. Hopefully Gabriela didn't mind.

She had attended Hogwarts too? "That's good to hear, Hogwarts really is a great school. I was a Ravenclaw while I attended the place." She seemed a few years younger than he was so odds are they weren't there together. Then she mentioned her husband....

oh.

Wait she didn't have a husband now? Well that was good news to him, well not really good news but yeah. The other man she was with didn't seem to be too close to her aswell. "I'm sorry to hear that Gabriela, do you mind me asking what happened?" It didn't sound rude to him, even though it may not be perfect ball talk but he wasn't a guest.
"Thank you sir." he said calmly as he felt the man patting his back. Here he was acting as if they were chums infront of all the other Ministry employees. Siigh. He had to keep up a good image though. Watching as he took two glasses, Armen's eyebrow shot up, curiousity getting at him to find out who his 'lady' was.

O______o

"Madame Lafay?" he asked shocked to see that she was practically hanging onto the Minister calling him....Captain. *shiver*

Pulling himself together quickly he addressed her once more. "Sorry about that I just...didn't expect to see you here. I had no idea you were with Minister Greingoth here." he said forcing a smile onto his face. He grinned painfully again at the mention of him being an Errand Boy again. "I do what I am told, what can I say?" he played it off as politeness but he could tell that was a jab.

Did Greingoth know what all this woman had pawned out of her kitchen in the past?
Just as Armen was engulfed in the awkward presence of the Minister and the once dark witch he delivered shady items for in his first Cultist days, he noticed two other women joining the small group. He extended the tray to the older one who had spoken to the Minister and then to the lady who was standing slightly behind her, as if she wasn't keen on joining them.
"My job is of no concern to you Rex." he said shortly. He hadn't really liked the man even before he had rejoined the Cult, it was probably his ego. Armen didn't like other men who thought they were better than he was. But alas Recard had an ego problem too.

His head dropping slightly as Gina scolded him on his choice of teams Armen sighed and spoke quietly. "I know. They tricked me into joining up again." He whispered so only she could hear. "I would really like to talk to you about all of this soon, if you wouldn't mind." He hoped she would agree.

Now back to Lafay talk. "Yes, she's been a Professor for quite awhile now about 5 or 6 terms now. And apparently she is dating the Minister." that bit was news even to him.

Maine stepped in, her hair done up and looking a little different compared to the usual. Her eye bags were gone and her eyes shone with happiness. Gabby was out with her friends which left Maine almost three hours to get ready.

The first thing she saw, though, was her former boss. Or what looked like him. Maine was pretty convinced that he wasn't.

"Mr. Recard?" she asked in disbelief. That couldn't possibly be him, in a waiter's suit.

Kammy entered the entrance hall feeling a tad...well, out of place. She had almost been back in England for a whole year, yet she still felt very isolated. Drew was busy in California right now, and neither of her parents felt up to coming. Eh,but she had gotten all dressed up, and she felt pretty. So the night wasn't completely lost...yet!

Rex laughed. "Enough of that woman. Do you see anyone else we should know?"

He could always rely in Gina to keep everyone informed on who they should or shouldn't mingle with.


He saw Alexander return the silent greeting. "Perhaps we should make our way towards the Minister," he said to Gina and took a sip from his champagne flute.

"Dreadful is a bit of an understatement I'm afraid," she replied with a slight laugh. "But, we mustn't dwell on the past now. Two eyes always looking forward." Both metaphorically and physically, especially when this lady was concerned. Her poor note cards...

Right, no lingering on the past. "Abigail Kaufman, pleasure to make your acquaintance Ms. Grey."
"Oh, how do you do?" Abigail said with the slightest hint of being flustered in her tone. Fiancee, wasn't that...lovely. "Well the, congratulations are in order first." She clapped her hands together in a polite golf clap for the two. "And thank you for that lovely introduction. I just thought it would be proper for me to thank you for allowing me the honor of being here this evening. If the decor is any indication, then I do believe that the Ministry is in very good hands." They were very impressive.

She then turned her crystal gaze on the woman beside him, she really was a terrifying beauty. No wonder she had caught the attention of Mr. Greingoth. "A professor, why that is a very fine profession," Abigail said with a twinkle of pride in her eye. "The youth of today become the great minds of tomorrow. You must find the job very rewarding." She herself had considered teaching as a profession at one point, but politics had caught her attention right after graduation from school.
Abigail's eyes flew to the tray that had appeared before her and she covered her mouth to hide the gasp of surprise. It would be very rude and unlady like to gasp in front of the new Ministry of Magic now, wouldn't it. "Oh, don't these look lovely...what is this bubbly concoction?" she asked the gentleman holding the tray.

Gabi paused while she saw numerous other employees come up and talk to Armen, mostly to poke fun at him for having to be a waiter at the event. Well THAT was not very nice at all. How RUDE. Almost as rude as Ian. Speaking of him, she had to track down her date at some point, who knew what trouble he was getting into right now...

"The best," she nodded in agreement. "Best 7 years of my life. That's part of the reason I moved back as well, I refuse to allow my young Tucker to go anywhere else when he comes of age," she added. Yeah, she had a child too. She knew it was shocking, she'd actually LOST weight after her pregnancy. That's what eating a strict diet of bagels and coffee would do for you!

She finished the rest of her drink and handed her empty glass to him. "Brain aneurism," she said. "Not much you can really do about that," she added with a shrug. No use continuing to mourn over it now. It had been nearly 7 years now and she was still healing.

Erik having been stopped at the door for a second, finally caught up with Kenzie at the entrance and placed his hand against her back. "I don't know how I managed ta let ye talk meh inta comin' here," he whispered with a smile as he kissed her cheek. His eyes scanned the crowd to see if he could find anyone he knew. It'd been a few years though it was quite possible that there wouldn't be anyone he knew her still. Not likely, but possible.



Laurie walked into the hall dressed in her best and frowned as she saw all the people milling about. She was only here because she had to be and that was that. She had no interest in dancing...or anything going on here especially with the stack of paperwork on her desk that never seemed to go away. Especially since she hadn't heard from..him...in awhile. UGH men. She should have stuck to her guns and kept her head in her work. But noooooooo instead.... sigh. Enough of that. She would just make sure nothing went wrong here and leave, hopefully early. That was that.

A smile appeared on her face as Erik came up behind her placing his hand on her back. "Oh, you know you wanted to come." she teased lightly. She had a feeling they both did, just to see how things had and had not changed. She'd love to go check out her old department but knew that wasn't possible.

So far she'd not recognized anyone around them, so many new employees there. "Do you see anyone you know yet?" Oh! She did see one at least, that was Rex. "Well Rex is still here." No one else though that she saw. "Do you want to go in?"

Thalia pulled slightly at the dress as she walked. Sighing she gave up, not caring anymore. Scanning the room she looked for someone she knew... oh who was she kidding she basically knew no one! Perhaps she could meet someone who worked within the ministry while she was here... it was a good thought! Smiling, she was now determined to make a friend during this ball.

Ryuu smoothed down his tie as he entered into the Entrance Hall. He'd been away for some time and figured that this ball would be an excellent way of easing back into England. He'd been in Romania for so long, he found it a miracle that he still knew the English language.

Hmm, where to begin? It wasn't like he had made a lot of friends. Perhaps now would be a good time to start...after a drink, of course.

Hecate smiled at Alexander. "He's a good Arrand Boy... He is good at doing what he's told. He may be happier in this position..." Maybe not happier... oh well.

Woman. Approaching the Captain. And just as she was about to get her claws out when Alexander introduced her. Hecate's face softened and she offered her hand to the woman. "Pleased to meet you, Ms. Kaufman."

"Yes." She said growing rather annoyed at the woman. "Rewarding, indeed." Great minds of tomorrow... Rubbish...

"Not that it's any of your business, but Alexander and I were best friends in school." She said and looked up at him. "We were on the Quidditch team..." Strong bonds...

"You can say what you wish... but you could have fought back Armen, I did. Rex did." She said and then nodded. "My door is always open if you wish to talk."

"I'll go where you wish me to, Sexy Rexy," She said and giggled. She hung on his arm and then whispered, "Lead the way."

"I know no such thing," Erik teased back with a smirk. Well besides being stuck at home with a little one...maaaaybe she was right. But that wasn't the point. "No I don't see anyone. Not like I 'xpected ta. Didn't get out much when I was here 'nyway." Tugging at his jacket he sighed and gave up by sticking his hands in his slack pants. He hated dressing up. HATED IT. Oh well. He was here.

Rex? He'd only seen the bloke like once or twice while he was here and never remembered speaking to him. "Lead the way and I'll go wherever ye so desire," he said bowing slightly toward her with a smirk.

Adele slowly walked forward, arm in arm with her husband. "Why hello there, Kammy right? I've heard so much about you and your work! I'm Adele by the way, Misuse of Muggle Artefacts Coordinator." She said smiling cheerfully as she introduced herself. Her warm brown eyes looking the woman over.

"So are you enjoying the party so far?" She asked politely.

Thalia saw a man walk in, also by himself. Smiling to herself she walked over to him. "Hello" she said, holding her hand out for him to shake it. "I'm Thalia, what's your name?"

Sophie arrived at the venue, feeling a bit apprehensive and kind of isolated.. She didn't really like these kinds of formal parties. But oh well, it had the perks for sure. Because she loved to dress up! Well who doesn't? But she wasn't really in the mood to party after the recent mini-battle in her department.

Smoothing her dress, she entered and felt suddenly unfamiliar among the large well dressed and seemingly polite crowd. Being a recent employee meant she didn't know anyone much. She looked around for some familiar faces...

Tim walked in with a proud Smile on his face.He had his arms locked with his beautiful sister,Tori.He looked around and noticed there was Mister Armen Recard.He stood there shocked at it was him.

Tori stood there shocked at the Lights and eveyrhting about the Hall.She looked at his rother and said''What is it.''She asked.

Tim turned his attention back to Tori and said''Long Sotry but come with me.''He walked over to the man and said''Sir,Is that really you.''He asked.

Kammy stopped in her tracks...who was this lady? She didn't look familiar at all! And she poked older than her. But she smile pleasantly and stuck out a newly manicured hand.
"Er, nice to meet you, Mrs. Adele. Not to be...rude, but how do you know me? I only started Herr about a year ago..." She said wth a nervous chuckle. Maybe the lady knew her mother? Or her aunt Josey? Hmm

Seeing his smirk she had a mind to poke him, but just laughed lightly instead shaking her head. "Of course not love." Hehe, yep he was either in his office or out with her, when he was here. He looked fantastic and knew because of that he wanted to take off the jacket and tie, and hated being dressed that way, but knew he was protective of her too, so knew very well he wouldn't leave until she did. Leaning up she kissed him on the cheek "We won't stay more then a few hours." she said softly.

"Oh really? Like the dance floor?" she said teasing him with laughter in her eyes. Curtsying she lifted her hand daintily in his direction, before heading towards the ballroom.

Meanwhile in the halls of the level there stood Ruby Bell looking once again her finest, despite her feelings.

I will make it through tonight-I will make it through tonight-I will make it through tonight- I... Oh heavens, just one more sip! *Gulp gulp* There! Draining her last juice box before discarding it into the bin. Ruby has arrived looking her best! Her date, is her most beloved, one who ranks higher than the delicatable Juice itself! Yes.. He was so sweet to her. ONLY HE UNDERSTOOD THE MEANING OF LIFE!
"Dear," Ruby whispered. "I look fine right?" Showing off her nice pearls in inspection of juice stains. Not waiting for his response she proceeded to perform a quick cleaning charm on her teeth just incase. "I am ready now!" Followed by the clicky noises of her heels that sounded as she and Dennis entered.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DancingwithRainbows

Thalia saw a man walk in, also by himself. Smiling to herself she walked over to him. "Hello" she said, holding her hand out for him to shake it. "I'm Thalia, what's your name?"

He had been mid-drink when a lady approached him. Well, that was easy. "Mm, hello," he replied, taking her offered hand and shaking it. "Nice to meet you, Thalia. I'm Ryuu. Ryuu Andrei. I work in the Minister's Office...What about yourself?"

Inez continued to stand just out of the way from the Minister of Magic, her new boss, and the woman who she had just met. Apparently she was going to be giving a speech tonight and was an honored guest. Well she learned a lot of things from standing off to the side, did she not?
"Yes, two eyes looking forward." Inez smiled again and looked at the woman's face. She seemed genuinely enthused to be here and in the middle of things, a true politician. Grey couldn't help but wonder what had made her want to say that little line all the time though.

"A pleaure to meet you aswell. I look forward to hearing your speech later this evening."
Oh they had waiters at the British Ministry? They were pretty well off. Hmm.

Inez reached forward and took a glass from the man's tray and nodded politely. "Thank you very much." he seemed a bit put off having to serve them tonight but perhaps he was just having a bad day. No need to call him out on it.

"Oh! Of course! I heard word of you from your Aunt Josey! She and I went to school together years ago at Hogwarts! So silly of me to neglect to mention that important detail!" Adele chuckled.

Geesh. Pregnant brains these days...

"Magical games and sports" she replied, also getting herself a drink. Water... like she always did... "Did you come with anyone?" Thalia asked him, it was possible that friends or family of his were going to join him later... or that they were caught up elsewhere...

Turning at the sound of his name, Armen saw Maine one of his favorite employees from level six. Oh tonight was going to be a long parade of having to face the people who once respected him, and hopefully still did. That was Minister Greingoth's plan wasn't it?

"Good evening Maine, beverage?" he said holding the tray up and then sighing. "I'm sorry, you did see my notice on the Announcements Board right?" He hoped she had, it had explained everything. "I should be back soon, I just need to prove to our Minister that I am worthy to take my job back." How long that would take he hadn't the foggiest.
"Champagne ma'am." he said shortly but then realized that she was definately someone of importance. He certainly hadn't seen her around the Ministry before but after hearing the short conversation between her and Greingoth and then from the Minister to Lafay he was certain she was important.

"I mean some are champagne and then these right here are Elf wine spritzers. Would you like to try one Madame Kaufman, is it?" he had picked it up from the conversation obviously.
The second woman to take a drink seemed like she was trying to cheer him up a bit. He appreciated the effort but wasn't much impressed. "You're welcome." he bowed his head slightly.

Something was odd about her though, she looked very nice in her purple gown but something was off. He hadn't seen her before and although she was trailing the Kaufman woman, she didn't appear to be part of her entorouge. He would have to find that out in a bit surely.
Trying to ignore that fact that she had noticed some of the heat he was getting from a few other Ministry workers he picked up on her conversation to try and sway her from thinking something was wrong.

"Oh you have a son? That's very interesting indeed. I don't have any children." he pursed his lips. He had wanted to settle down much earlier in his life; get married and have kids but it just hadn't worked out. Then there was the whole Isobel stint. "I want them eventually though. How old is...Tucker you said?"

That was horrible. Death was not something that was ever to be taken easily in families or marriages. He could tell there was some pain still in her through the emotion in her expression. "I am still sorry though." he nodded slowly at her.
The whispering between Lafay and Greingoth was making Armen fidget even more in his stupid wiater's uniform. The whole couple thing with the two of them was very unsettling to him and surely the majority of the Wizarding World.

They had known each other long? Well that was just...weird. "Oh very nice. Young bonds grown strong and prosperous." he grinned at the Potions Mistress.

"Good." he said with a small smile playing on the corners of his lips when Gina mentioned that her door was always open for him to come and talk to her.

Now Rex and Gina were going to go and mingle with others which would give Armen a much needed break for humiliation. He enjoyed their company but...yeah.

"Enjoy your evening Gina...and Rex." he muttered the man's name.

Another one of his employees, a newer one at that. "Oh hello Tim, yes I assume you saw my notice on the Announcement Board? I will be working directly under our fine Minister for a whlile until he allows me to return to leading Magical Transportation. I will need you guys to continue working hard in my absence ok?" he said with a quite and kind voice.

"Champagne or Elf Wine Spritzer?" he offered him and the woman he was with.