Mercedes did love these orientation things. This was her fourth ministry orientation. It was hard to believe that this would be her fourth year working here. Mostly because of the food. Who didn't enjoy the food at these things? The blonde grabbed a plate, and got her a bite to eat. And a drink of course.

She looked around, seeing if she seen anyone from her department. Or anyone she knew. She didn't know many outside of her department. There was Mariel and Victoria both looked busy with talking right now, so she found a empty table. Okay Mrs. Phillips time to meet some new people. Oh yummy! These stuffed pepper things were delicious.

Food. It had been her first priority after checking in, she'd made the mistake of not eating before heading out of the house and now she was drop dead starving, a fact evidenced by the grumbling of her stomach. Tala made her way over to the table, plate in hand, she was trying to think what she wanted, the peppers sounded good, but was that what she wanted? "Merlin, it's impossible to decide anything when you're hungry." Tala said to herself, tucking back a strand of long blonde hair.

Maybe she needed a drink first. Tapping her wand on the table Tala asked it for a sparkling water with lemon and, lo and behold, she was given just that. This was a seriously impressive bit of magic, Tala was now standing about and wondering idly how it worked when she caught sight of another witch nearby that she had seen, but never spoke to.

Now being the outgoing and slightlyimpulsive young woman that she was, Tala's first idea was to walk up to the woman and introduce herself, so she did just that. "Hi, I'm Tala." She said, holding out her hand for the other woman.

Almost everyone looked at least vaguely familiar, save for the new ones of course. But Cassie had never spoken to them. She'd never really felt the need to speak to anyone outside of her office unless she needed something from them. That was the point of gatherings like this, she supposed. To build a sense of community around the ministry as a whole. That was a sensible enough goal.

She noticed the young woman head toward the food. Also noticed that she seemed to be talking to herself. Considering the statement had not been directed toward her, Cassie did not feel the need to respond. She would have simply ignored the woman and gone back to people watching while sipping her coffee had she not been addressed directly. As it was, she didn't mind mingling.

"Good morning." She gave the woman a friendly smile. It was still morning, wasn't it? She was fairly positive that noon had not come yet. Not unless Cassie had dramatically lost track of time. Cassie shook the woman's offered hand. She was sure she'd seen her around before, even if they'd never been introduced. "Cassie. Pleasure to meet you Tala. What department are you?"

"No, not at all." Manners, Charles. Sigh. "Charles. Pleasure to meet you. I have not, I am merely attempting to be seen by the people who insist I am here and avoid the group activities." Assassins Creed-like games for a man who was over 50. Really. "I assume they're a delight to eat." Otherwise why would he have said anything? Charles merely glanced at the next occupant of the table and just watched him with slightly raised eyebrows.

Mojito. Right. Because you totally expected a table to provide you with a mojito. Not that anyone in their right mind would drink that minty end of days liquid. Ew. Charles had nearly expired when he'd tried it and he actually liked mint. He could eat at least three pieces of extra ice gum and drink ice cold water and be comfortable. A small flicker of surprise showed when the deadly clear drink that was decorated and infused with mint leaves and limes appeared out of the table. Amusement replaced the surprise when the guy was coughing.

Uncle? Obviously this was a family affair and the man who had just joined the table was a department head from the response he'd given the boy. He sounded like a politician or someone who was reciting a textbook, and what was the difference really? Ha! He'd have been better off at home with his language books.

"That's good," Mariel nodded as Simon began an answer to her inquiry. She chose a buttered roll for her plate then looked up curiously as he continued. "Oh?" Did he not get along well with his in-laws? She couldn't quite tell if it was just a humorous remark or if it had actually been a tedious event. She supposed she was lucky that she got along well with Jorge's family as she knew it could be worse.

"I'm glad to hear you fared well then," she chuckled. "What are the holidays without family though, right?" Good and bad, even she had her share of disagreements with her sisters and their families but she wouldn't trade them for anything. "Oh, my holiday was lovely, thank you." She smiled softly remembering it well. "We spent the month in Brazil. And it was Alejandro's first Christmas so it was extra special." Of course it was special for Regina too. Christmas seemed to take on a new meaning with young children around. Spotting Victoria in line, she returned the woman's wave with a nod before glancing down at her plate. Not much room left, but maybe she could squeeze in a little salad.

This was so exciting and wonderful, also new!! Eeeek! Talullah was so happy to be here. She was actually in the Ministry of Magic and she was going to be working here! It was so amazing. The blonde was up for anything new. New meant exciting. She didn't know what she wanted to do first at the orientation. Well she wanted to meet some co-workers from her department and her boss but she didn't know anyone right now. She would just go around introducing herself to people but she had an idea that some of the sports fans would know who she is.

Talullah looked around and thought it would be a great time to start making some friends. The blonde noticed a make (Mercedes) The woman walked up to him and smiled brightly. "Hello." She said in a cheerful tone. She wondered if there were any workers from her department here. The woman hadn't met anyone from her department yet. Maybe some of them didn't want to show up?

She glanced at the food, hmm chocolate brownies, well that sounded actually very good. The 39 year old reached to get one. "Caramel you say? Well isn't that a nice combination." She just had to try them now.

Oh he was new, she gave him a bigger smile "Well welcome then. I hope you like the ministry as much as I do." She had been here for years and had watched so many come and go. "The minister's office can be very exciting. I've been there for a few meetings. Sherman is a very good man." She hadn't had too much interaction with the minister since he took office, but what she knew of him she knew he was a nice guy.

A drink sounded just lovely, "Yes I would love one. So tell me what did you do before coming here?" She headed to the bar with him.



She had just finished talking when she noticed her cowoker, as she headed towards Mercedes. Oh and someone else had stopped to greet her, well maybe she shouldn't interrupt, but she was already on her way. So she figured she'd just introduce herself to the new person and then speak to Mercedes for a moment. She felt practically family with the woman because of her son.

"Hello Mercedes, how was your break?" She smiled at both of them and turned to the woman she did not know. "Hello, I'm Victoria Culloden, Manager of the Quidditch Division. Are you knew to the ministry?" It was a lucky guess, but Vic had been there so long many faces looked familiar, but her's was not one of them.

Orientation wasn't work. It wasn't like last year where she was stuck on wand weighing duty where she could at least terrorize the newcomers if she ran out of things to do or got restless. Likewise, it wasn't like a regular work day where she could take all her things and head down to the Evidence Pensieve until she was needed for Training. All viable options for surviving this being robbed from her and her inclination to mingle being all but non-existent, the only clear alternative was food so that's where she headed.

At the very least, she could stuff her face and pretend to be too preoccupied with chewing to actually engage anyone. At the table, Lex grabbed two plates and began filling them as she moved along the large buffet table. A little bit of this in both plates....some of that--but only in one of the two....not sure what this was but it looked nice so into both plates it went.

The YATI continued down the line, stacking both plates (which she intended to eat on her own then maybe have thirds) when she found herself running into her sort of boss with his rolled up sleeves. Helloooooooo. "Aron! Fancy running into you here." Her stacking stopped, replaced by her leaning against the table right next to him. "Thought you'd be off making sure the YATI don't terrorize your people again this year." Where WAS Bug Eyes anyway??

Galen made his way over to the food area he wasn't real hungry but he could really use a cup of coffee for sure and maybe a couple of those stuffed peppers. He picked up a plate placed a couple of the peppers on it; before he headed over to the beverage table [b]" New Orleans Dark Roast coffee." he said as he taped the table top and waited a moment for his cup of coffee. He scanned the room and spotted an empty table. Galen made his way over to it and set his cup of coffee down while me munched on one of the peppers.

Charles rolled his eyes again when Kang used his least favourite nickname to address him while carefully picked a selection of nicely decorated club sandwiches to put on his plate."I'm not grumpy..."he muttered under his breath. Festive? Wait...wasn't this supposed to be an orientation gathering for the newcomers. What was so festive about this? He didn't get it.

What was wrong being calories aware? Charles didn't stop the man from rambling on and on about it.""Merlin...he talked too much." However, his attention was soon diverted onto his plate because he didn't like how his food was being displayed.His slightly OCD-self wouldn't allow it Charles quickly rectify it by separating the club sandwiches from touching each other.He felt a hand on his shoulder and turned to look at it for a moment before finally looking up at Kang,"I appreciate your opinion for that matter, even though I find that truly gender biased.Yes, well I preferred to go running outdoors than in the gym..." he forced a smile, trying not to appear he mind Kang touching his brand new suit.

Hold on...raising an eyebrow,what was Kang thinking of doing with the two glasses of wine? He watched as his colleague went over to the two mewcomer ladies. Oh no... he couldn't help but feel embarrassed for his DMAC 'partner'. Please...pleasee...don't include him into this. He better turned away now...oh merlin...

"Pleasure to meet you too Charles, in what department do you work?" Logan asked before taking a sip of his sparkling cider glass. What the man said next caused him to furrow his brows in confusion but he attempted to understand as he cocked his head to the side regarding the older man as he spoke."You're here because its mandatory but not because you want to and that is why you're not going to participate in the activities? You don't like getting to know new people?" Realizing what he had just said Logan blushed saying "Forgive me. I let my mind run away with my mouth sometimes."

Focusing on his peppers for a moment or two Logan turned his attention to his uncle again. "I just like to know that there are valid reasons for doing the activities that's all. And that speed dating one scare me to be honest. Mum and Hazel have sent me on too many blind dates." Shudder. Most of them weren't exactly pleasant memories. "But I am going to do them if it makes you happy uncle?"

It had been difficult leaving, but Amethyst trusted her brother to keep track of Jemma, and she knew he’d call Gran if he had trouble with Julia. If she’d thought it would be welcome, she might have brought Julia with her, yet she hadn’t known what to expect from orientation this year. Aside from the fact she wasn’t required to help out with check-in, anything could have happened. She’d been to enough of them by now that she knew that she couldn’t expect anything. Just as she also knew that Gregory was likely around somewhere, also explaining why Léo was babysitting. Either way, she had decided that she was going to see what she could find out on her own, use this to speak with new people. She knew of most employees here, but she’d only truly spoken to what seemed like a handful, at least of those still around.

The first place she’d stopped upon entering the orientation, however, was the buffet. Not necessarily because she was starving, but it seemed safer than the strange speed dating type situation going on elsewhere. Even if she’d intended on meeting more people, she’d rather do it on her own. She did help herself to a selection of finger foods, though. Food was never turned down, especially now that she had two kids to take care of. She’d been about to order some water, as well, but she turned at the sound of a voice nearby to see the Creatures department head with a Tupperware container. “Don’t you trust the food here?,” she asked softly, a hint of curiosity in her voice. No one seemed to be having trouble with the food, but she held back on eating just in case.

Mercedes kept an eye out for anyone else who she might know. There really seemed to be a lot of people here which was good. More people to get to know. She'd love to get more people in her department, really in games and sports everyone was pretty close even when some left it was nice place to work. As she took a sip of her drink, she had a blonde join her. "Hey. Enjoying yourself? Mercedes Phillips. I'm the Quidditch public relations officer for games and sport." The woman didn't look familiar, so she could be new or not.

Mercedes looked up when she heard a familiar voice. Giving her manager a small smile, "Hello, Victoria. It was great. Spend plenty of time with my family and my little princess." Who was quickly getting not so little. Which made her sad. "How was your break?" Probably like hers, filled with family and her babies. It was nice to have Victoria around. They had gotten close both in the office and outside the office.

The young man chuckled when she repeated the one thing that he knew draws the attention to this chocolate pastry. "Yes, madam it does have some caramel surprise in between. You have to eat it, it's absolutely delicious." nodding at the lady beside him. She sounds really nice and charming at the same time. Thomas is already enjoying this new environment. "Thank you very much. I hope so too. It's my first time to be a Ministry Scribe so i hope i'll do a good job at it" he chuckles lightly.

He knew he was going to learn a lot from asking this woman some question around. Since he is knew he barely knows a lot of things. "I'm used to the Norway ministry more, i will have to be working twice as hard as the others." he took a big deep breath. Of course he is nervous at his new job. "So what is it like in the Games and Sports department?" he asked.

He nodded to her once more and walked towards the bar to get them some orange juice for now. Bringing it back to the tall tables and smiles "I used to work in the Department of Mysteries in Norway. Well you know about us, we're not allowed to tell that much about the work we do inside that department." he then took a small sip of orange juice.

Food. There was food. Why wouldn't there be food? This was a buffet and a little meet and greet of sorts. The blonde really couldn't say meet and greet all that much. This was more like co-workers getting to know one another. Talullah was used to real meet and greets, with fans and such. She really need to put her current Quidditch state of mind out of her head right now but she had retired during the season and now she was here doing something exciting and new. She really wanted food right now but it was best to go out and make some friends. "Hello." The Irishwoman said with a smile.

Tallie looked at the woman that she had just said 'hello' to. "I am, very much. Are you new here too?" There's she goes giving it away that she was new but she didn't want to put on an act and pretend to be someone she's not. "I'm Talullah Whitehall." She smiled. "It's lovely to meet you, Ms. Phillips." Once again all proper and such. She felt like she didn't know some people well enough to call them by their first name.

Talullah looked around, a big smile was on her face. She couldn't think of anything more fun than this. Well actually she could but this was really on top for her. She was so happy and excited to meet everyone. This was a change for her but this was a change that she was very much willing to make. Now her father would approve of having a proper job. Her father really didn't mind to much about her career choice. She was sure he didn't mind about her sister Magnolia's career choice either. The blonde looked around when she heard a woman's voice. "Hello, hello!" She said cheerfully. "Oh goodness! It's so lovely to meet you, Mrs. Culloden." Lullah nodded as she spoke to the woman. "I am new here. I'm Talullah Whitehall." she smiled and stuck out her hand as she introduced herself.

Food..........that was Kai's favorite part of this whole thing. Despite her slender frame , she really did eat quite a bit. Thank you raging metabolism and surfing. She might not have had much for curves, but the girl could get away with eating a whole pan of brownies without gaining a pound. In her opinion, that was better anyways.

What did she want? Way too much there to pick only one or two things, so she was determined to try a taste of everything. She might need more than one plate for this.....only one bite of each thing. That was the only way that she could conquer this , she was pretty sure. Take only one bite sized piece... Yup her inner fat kid was going full force still.

She wondered if Demetri had made his way over too. Maybe he'd really be bothered by her outfit this year. She looked like a butterfly or pixie honestly, sunset orange , flowing dress with gold ombre and yellow tones. Color streaks in her hair , pulled back with ribbons and tulle. Bright and colorful.

"Trust the-" Oh! Harmony laughed softly, piece of bread dipped in her homemade hummus in hand as realization of what the woman had meant dawned on her. "I do trust the food, yes! It's just that I'm a bit picky when it comes to what I put into my body." She smiled a bit sheepishly and then gestured to the hummus. "Also, I found this amazing new recipe and thought to myself: how can I not share this?" She was that confident that others would enjoy it, okay?

"Feel free to give it a try, if you're interested!"

That would be Galen's luck about the time he puts food in his mouth someone says hello. He finished chewing and swallowed before he returned the greeting. "Hello," he gave the woman a polite smile there was something oddly famillar but he couldn't quite place it which was odd considering her had only been in London three days.He shrugged it off mentally he had probably crossed paths in a shop or something, Possibly even seen here while he was here at the ministry having his interview. " Galen Asahworth," He introduced as he extended his hand to her. " Have you been working at the Ministry long?"

She hadn’t expected her question to confuse the woman, but as the department head had laughed, Amethyst had relaxed a little. So it wasn’t a matter of distrust, not exactly. Perhaps she’d been around picky eaters much too often, yet she understood exactly what Harmony was saying. She certainly knew that Jemma was awfully particular about what she liked to eat. “Oh, I can understand that. I had to be rather particular for a while myself,” she replied, setting her plate on the table across from the other woman. “It’s always nice when you find something new and it turns out.” Although she rarely did a lot of cooking herself. Most of what she knew was either French or Scottish, anyhow. Certainly not what Harmony had in her container.

That didn’t stop her from smiling a little at the offer. “Thank you,” she replied, taking a small piece of bread from her plate and dipping it into the hummus. Sharing was always nice, and though she hadn’t expected to necessarily like it, she found herself pleasantly surprised. “It’s so light.” Different from most of what she was used to.

In the meanwhile exchange and response, Jasper had time to clear his throat and assure that each form of matter went down it's proper tube. Air through to the trachea and liquid down ye good olde hatch. He wiped at his hands and his mouth with his napkin and glanced at present company. The older man to whom his nephew had been talking was making faces. First disapproving then what seemed to be surprise. Perhaps he had not seen such a spell in recent times. He must've been new to the Ministry. In anycase, Jasper hadn't remember meeting him and now was as good a time as any.

"Oh, I was going to suggest the speed dating one, nephew." He responded to Logan. "It'll help you get to know more people. Besides, it's not as if it's romantic. I'll be trying it myself in a few."

"Forgive my rudeness." He said, turning his attention toward the other gentleman who appeared to be around his age. "Jasper Mitterbill. Department of Mysteries." He said, extending a hand towards grumpy little Charles.

Megan closed her eyes briefly, savouring the deliciousness of the tiny sandwich she had popped into her mouth. Food was definitely something she had neglected after what had happened those months ago. She opened her eyes as she became aware of the voice. "Hi.'' She smiled sweetly at the pretty girl. No, she wasn't going to hit on her. She had Yuna, after all.

"Zhenya. What an unusual and wonderful name.'' Megan had never heard of that name before. "I'm new here, actually.'' She was about to point out her department and job description when they were interrupted by a man who was obviously on the flirtatious side. She raised an eyebrow. "Hello, Kang. I'm Megan Baines.'' She smiled again. "It's lovely to meet both of you,'' she said to Zhenya and Kang. "Urgent Response Officer, Potion Accident Response Team.'' Hence she was a part of the Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes, too.

Could Amethyst tell how pleased Harmony was that she'd enjoyed the hummus? Probably, considering the silly grin she was now wearing. Complimented her outfit, that smile did. "Isn't it? I find it to be the perfect snack and I never feel guilty about eating it!" Simple, healthy ingredients made for a happy Harmony and a healthy body, okay?

"If you're interested, I've put together a whole recipe book filled with lovely mixes like this one. You can drop by my office any time and have a look, copy the ones you find intriguing!" The department head welcomed visitors and it was always nice to have a break from the constant ring of paperwork that seemed to filter through her office.

The woman looked around at all of the food. Maybe some socializing and some food. Hmm. She wasn't sure she could do those two things at once because FOOOOOD! The blonde smiled as the man returned a 'hello' she wasn't sure about some people would do that when they were around food, though it seemed that he had just started eating. "Oh goodness! I'm sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt you." She had a slightly worried look on her face. Then a soft smiled shown on her face when he introduced himself. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mister Asahworth." She said and shook his hand. "I'm Talullah Whitehall." She smiled at him.

Zhenya smiled at her name compliment. Yes, unusual and wonderful, but probably only in England. "Oh me too!" She said, about to ask about department, but then... that other thing happened.

Zhenya bit her tongue so as to not let out a giggle. She saw Megan, as she said her name was, raise an eyebrow, which made Zhenya want to giggle more. She nodded, yes she was new here. "I'm Zhenya Burton," she added, after Megan introduced herself. "Nice to meet you Kang."

And then she listened to BOTH of them say that they were working in Accidents and Catastrophes too! And what's more, Megan and she shared job descriptions. "No way! I'm a new Urgent Response officer within the Potion Accident Response Team." How crazy!? Big smile.

"It's no problem really, honestly I was just going for a cup of coffee but those peppers really looked tempting. The pleasure is mine." he responded as they shook hands, And Please Just Galen is fine. Usually when I here Mr. Ashworth I look around for my father. Whitehall? That's a name I'm familiar with." He admitted with a light laugh before he took another sip of his coffee. "Looking forward to working at the ministry?" he asked casually as he subconsciously rubbed above the scar on his right eye as if he had an itch. Galen was one with a respect for privacy so he left the fact that he had finally placed her as the retired quidditch player Tallulah Whitehall alone. There was plenty about him he didn't broadcast besides her was pretty sure she was likely tired of discussing her choice to leave quidditch.