Edward suddenly reappeared and she flashed a warm smile to him. If only he had been here mere minutes sooner. Looking at Alex while she spoke, she could tell that something was going on, but Ainsley chalked it up to the fact that they were speaking to Emily, and thought nothing more about it.

Everybody was in agreement that all was well, and they could leave now. The media liaison watched as Ms. Browne walked away from them and lamely called behind her. "Good day to you too Ms. Browne." Looking at the group assembled with her now she decided that it was best to get a move on as well. "Shall we?"

Victoria had been working really hard and working long days trying to make sure everything was running smoothly in her part of the department. She had come in and done most of her work for the day and decided maybe a little break was needed. Since she had seen Gavin not to long ago Vic wondered how Emily was doing.

So a cup a coffee from level seven in hand she made her way down to MLE. She had never actually been down to the department and wasn't even sure how to find her friend, but hopefully someone would be helpful. Walking into the Reception area she looked around. Well she could ask the receptionist now couldn't she? So that's what she did made her way towards someone who might know their way around/

Despite being quick to get to the MLE department, she was slow in entering the reception area. Very slow. Didn't even make it passed the entrance really, but instead, leaned against it with her arms crossed. Even with that extra hour of sleep that morning, the walk from level nine to level one felt rather long. Tiring even. No doubt part of why she was in a grumbly mood. Not to mention the smell of coffee was...nauseating. But even so, her expression was neutral.

Was she at the point where she could just go through to the auror work area? Hmm?

Didn't particularly feel like waiting every time.

Finishing up on one of his rounds of the lower levels, Simon stepped from the lift he had opted to ride on and into the reception area of Level 2. He still preferred the department as his home base, despite having access to the office in the atrium. Walking through the area, he spotted a woman from behind waiting for someone and the auror took the moment to approach to see if he could help. "Can I help y--" he started to say before reconizing who it was.

"Evelyn!" he exclaimed with a smile.

Staring at the woman sitting at the receptionist desk, the young woman slightly squinted her eyes, trying to remember if that woman had worked here before. Apparently she hadn't paid much attention to these little details, which was unusual. However, hearing a voice behind her, she pushed away from the doorframe and glanced behind to see, "Simon!" Oh he was so much better to talk to than whoever it was who was sitting at the receptionist desk.

"How are you?" she smiled, all ready to receive an expected hug. "And where is my dear husband if you don't mind me asking."

Was that a distinct change in the woman's demeanor? From neutral to her version of happy at his presence. "I'm quite good," he said giving his friend a hug. "And yourself?" he said absently taking her in as they separated. He had been given the good news after all.

"Well I can't be all too certain since I've been out and about myself. But either the office or out on patrols would be my guess. " Turning to the receptionist, Simon got Muriel off the hook. "I'll take her in," he said before motioning for Evelyn to follow him. "Let's check option number one, shall we..." the auror mused, holding open the door to the main department for her.

There was that hug she was looking for. "I'm doing fine." she replied, not missing the look she'd received after they parted. Ahem, she didn't look too different already did she? The thought of another pair of twins, or more, was rather unsettling to say the least. And thank goodness Simon had arrived when he did. Very easy and less hassle to go through. Plus he was such a gentleman, holding the door open for her and all.

A small smile played on her lips as she entered through, sincerely hoping that Josh wasn't out on patrol already.

It had been a pleasant day thus far, an industrious one, but not overbearingly so. Returning from her lunch break, her nose already in a file, Emily meandered through the reception area to Muriel's desk. "I need two certified copies of this document, one to my office, one to Azkaban and the original to archives please," she noted leaving the document in its folder with the capable receptionist.

Though she was aware that there was another being present in her waiting area, she hadn't thought to look to see who it was until now. Work was work.. it was at the top of her list of priorities, people... were much further down that list. As it so happened, this person, was a familiar one.

"Vic, what brings you to level two?" she asked, sparing the blonde a small smile. Had Mariel sent her with more info?

There was the person she was hoping to find. As she made eye contact with the Department Head, Victoria lifted the cup of coffee and smiled. "Special Delivery from level seven" Walking closer she stretched out her hand with the cup. "I needed a break and haven't seen you in awhile so I thought I'd stretch my legs a little bit and bring you some coffee. Unless you are busy?" She didn't want to interrupt.

She knew what busy was, their department was more hectic than she had ever seen it in the past five years. It was wonderful, she couldn't be happier with all the work they had at the moment. "So why have you been a stranger? I saw Gavin the other day with his niece and have decided that it's been too long since I've caught up with my favorite couple." She did like seeing them together, there was no denying that.

At the mention of a special delivery, she couldn't help but raise a brow in curiosity... only to have her unspoken question answered. Coffee. "You know the best coffee's on level ten, right?" she mused, closing the gap and accepting the coffee mouthing the words thank you, despite having just come from lunch and an exceptionally delicious coffee. Gavin couldn't know about this. She was supposed to be on the water now. As for being busy... HA. "Always busy... but come walk with me, we can talk in my office." That way she could assess how much her in-tray had grown since she went to lunch. Extended break of sorts? Yeah, sure, she could spare fifteen minutes.

One thing she didn't quite understand, was how people had expectations of seeing her. She was hardly sociable and between work, training and the homely life she didn't have much time to spare for anyone else. "Being a stranger is a talent of mine," she informed truthfully. And on that note, if Gavin had mentioned their meeting to her, then she hadn't thought much of it, but at any rate, she could play along with conversation... or at least try. She opted to ignore the favourite couple comment, those words were too foreign and unnatural to her ear. "Did you just? And how did that go?"

Emily led the way past the reception desk into the corridors which led to her office, gesturing for Vic to follow suit. No point dawdling by reception now was there?

Victoria just looked at Emily, “You mean that cauldron coffee I came across about a month ago? That’s actually edible?” Hmm she’d have to tell Adam that you could actually drink it. She shrugged off her own thoughts, “Well I find level seven to just be convenient and enjoyable.” She was biased maybe being her floor, but she had always loved that coffee cart and wasn’t changing anytime soon. She nodded at the thank you. “Sure.. sure I don’t want to keep you from your work. I know you probably are swamped.” Maybe she should have sent an in office notice to see if it was alright to visit.

Emily always had a way with words. She laughed, “Oh I don’t know if I’d call it a talent. You shouldn’t try to hide from friends.” Unless she didn’t consider the thirty five year old a friend anymore. Oh no that was ridiculous, wasn’t it? Vic went a little silent thinking about this. She assumed it might not be that far off really. Emily, Gavin, and even Mariel have all had major changes since meeting them they weren’t really all at the same level anymore, it wasn’t all that far off. Her thoughts interrupted by she glanced back at Emily, “Yes at the ice cream parlor one day after I was taking Alana to the Healer. It was nice to catch up.” She kept herself busy with work for reasons, but she didn’t want to just neglect her friends either.

Seeing the office she kept her pace with the Department Head as they headed to her office.

Ember bounded towards Level Two, the LEVEL THAT WAS THE SCARIEST. Mostly because these people tended to be so moody and grumpy all the time. Ember TRIIIIIED to wave at the MLE'ers...some of them....waved back. Some...didn't. AHEM.

But here she was because Penelope Greenwell said she was a YATI and Ember wanted to give her COOOOOKIES. So here she was. Yes. Yes yes YES. Her lavender eyes glanced around the reception--and she wondered if she would be....MOCKED here? Her hair DID draw quite the attention, usually. And as BRAVE as Ember was...she was...a badger at heart, and she couldn't help but tip-toe in the MLE area.

HMPH. Maybe she would...set these here..with a note..that only Penelope could touch...but..then..WHAT IF NO ONE LISTENED TO SAID NOTE AND ATE ALL THE COOKIES. Ember would be sad. So she decided she would just STICK IT OUT and see...if the younger woman would show up.

After getting herself settled in the department, Penelope needed to grab a quick bite to eat since she'd gotten up a little earlier than usual to make sure she arrived early. Didn't wanna be late or even cutting it close on her first day. Or any day really, but ESPECIALLY not her first official day of work.

So yeah, because of that and because she'd been a tiny bit nervous, she hadn't eaten breakfast or brought any snacks. So she was obviously super hungry, yeah? Who wouldn't be?

But as she entered the reception area to head for the lifts, she spotted a familiar face. And COOKIES. FOOD. YES.

"Hey, Ember!" She grinned. "Those look amazing." Seriously. She could've stuffed all those in her mouth right then and there, but she restrained herself.

SPOILER!!: PENELOPE

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlwaysSnapesGirl

After getting herself settled in the department, Penelope needed to grab a quick bite to eat since she'd gotten up a little earlier than usual to make sure she arrived early. Didn't wanna be late or even cutting it close on her first day. Or any day really, but ESPECIALLY not her first official day of work.

So yeah, because of that and because she'd been a tiny bit nervous, she hadn't eaten breakfast or brought any snacks. So she was obviously super hungry, yeah? Who wouldn't be?

But as she entered the reception area to head for the lifts, she spotted a familiar face. And COOKIES. FOOD. YES.

"Hey, Ember!" She grinned. "Those look amazing." Seriously. She could've stuffed all those in her mouth right then and there, but she restrained herself.

Ember spotted the younger woman AS SOON as she was in view. HI HI HI HIIIIII. She bounced up and down a bit and gave Penelope a HUUUUUGE HUG. "Are you excited for you first day?! HEre--they're alllll for you--" she BEAMED and seemed more excited for Penelope's first day than Penelope was! OOPS?

"Ahh! I AM JUST. You're going to do SO well--" she said with a nod. "I KNOW we don't know each other well BUUUUUT--" she twirled around a bit and hummed. "YOU'LL BE WONDERFUL. You have such a good vibe--a POSITIVE vibe--and you'll be the BEST auror ever one day..I AM SURE." She clapped her hands a bit as she handed the delicious cookies over...yep..."I mean--I made them for you to share--mostly--but if you don't WANT to share, that is PERFECTLY okay as well, all riiiight?" she said as she stepped back and bounced on the balls of her feet once more, biting her lip and chuckling.

FRIENDS.

Penelope was prepared for the hug, grinning once she'd pulled away. "Thanks! I am, yeah." Very excited. Although it looked like Ember was loads more excited than she was, but that wasn't too surprising really.

It was particularly evident as Ember continued speaking, and it made Penelope smile even more. "Thank you. That's...really nice of you to say." She knew there were quite a few people who believed that and thought she'd do well, but it was really nice to be reminded, yeah? And it was nice to know Ember was one of those people too.

Then she laughed. "M'sure I'll share them. Some of them, at least." Her co-workers seemed pretty nice and stuff so far, so she didn't mind sharing with them today. "But I'll probably eat most of them." She grinned. 'Cause they were hers and she was really hungry.

Ember smiiiiiled and sighed. "I started just a year ago--and I remember how NERVOUS I was--but they put us into the right departments--you'll fit riiight in. And adults are easier to deal with than...well, NON adults." she said with a wave at the door. Because Ember was such an adult...right..

She placed a hand on her shoulder..."You're very welcome. You should stop by Level Four at some point. We're all such hams over there--" she laughed away and brushed some hair from her forehead. "OH OH! Penelope!" she cried...suddenly. "DO YOU LIKE YOGA?" She asked, eyes WIDE at her. PLEASE LET HER LIKE YOGA. Had she asked the girl already? She felt like she might have...OH WELL. Maybe she had changed her mind from the LAST time she had asked her?!

"Goooood. Share them and SPREAD THE LOVE, okaaay?!" she bounced on the word LOVE and produced her wand, giving it a little wave and letting flower petals BURST into the air all around them....

Right.

There were flower petals strawn across the floor, now, But Ember thought it just DARLING okay? DARLING. She giggled, putting a hand over her moouth, and kicking some around them...

Was Ember an ACTUAL adult? Yes. She did adulting. She adulted...at her JOB, okay? HER YOUTHFUL SOUL WOULD NOT BE STOPPED.

"I have a hard time picturing you nervous about anything," Penelope admitted with a grin. She was used to seeing Ember so cheerful and happy, so it was strange to picture her as anything except that at all times. Even though that was probably unrealistic. "But yeah, I agree. Though some non-adults are easier to get along with than some adults." Not too often of course, but sometimes it happened.

She nodded. "I will." It'd be cool to check out some of the other levels after all. But then...random subject change. "Yeah, I guess so. Haven't done it in awhile though." Not since she was at Hogwarts. Which seriously felt like ages ago already.

Right, spread the love....

...and flower petals?

"Well that really brightens up the place," she said, brushing off a flower petal that had landed on a cookie.

SPOILER!!: Wheeeee

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlwaysSnapesGirl

"I have a hard time picturing you nervous about anything," Penelope admitted with a grin. She was used to seeing Ember so cheerful and happy, so it was strange to picture her as anything except that at all times. Even though that was probably unrealistic. "But yeah, I agree. Though some non-adults are easier to get along with than some adults." Not too often of course, but sometimes it happened.

She nodded. "I will." It'd be cool to check out some of the other levels after all. But then...random subject change. "Yeah, I guess so. Haven't done it in awhile though." Not since she was at Hogwarts. Which seriously felt like ages ago already.

Right, spread the love....

...and flower petals?

"Well that really brightens up the place," she said, brushing off a flower petal that had landed on a cookie.

Ember grinned at that. "I..I get nervous a lot. I just try not to show it because..well..don't they always say that confidence is key and stuff?" she shrugged a little. "But you don't seem terribly nervous, Penelope--" she beamed at her and patted her shoulder. "You seem juuuust fine. Oh gosh--" her mouth suddenly made an O. "You're an auror in training--MY OH MY. You MUST be--like--BRAVE and aweeeesome with the REFLEXES." Yeah?! Ember admired aurors! So tough ad brave and ready to stick their necks on the line--not that Ember wasn't! She was just VERY bad at hurting people--even if they were hurting her. She even got more snappy with people who were mean to animals and creatures rather than people who were rude to her..or her family.

Aaaand Penelope had a point. "I think we can call learn some valuable things from children--they're precious creatures. And innocent--and they see things clearer than we do, sometimes." She said an airy-tone to her voice, now. Wow. Ember wanted to kids. She just needed to work on....the husband thing first, yes. That was the harder part. She tried not to think of Dmitry--because no--but his face DID drift through her mind-----oops.

"OH OH! Harmony--my BOSS--and I--we WANT TO START A YOGA CLUB HERE AT THE MINISTRY!" she cried, and she bounced a lot and made.....more flower petals erupt from the end of her wand---lots of them everywhere--and she just....ahem..oops. She quickly put her wand back in her holster before that accident..happened again.

OOPS?

Penelope considered that for a second then nodded. "Yeah, I guess that's true." And she supposed she sort of applied that pretty often, or at least tried to, even though she didn't always think of it like that. Then she laughed a little. "I try to be, yeah." Brave and all that other stuff. She'd been a Gryffindor so she at least had the bravery part down. Sort of. Most of the time.

She wouldn't have worded it exactly like that, like the 'precious creatures' part and all that, but she nodded. "Yeah. And sometimes they're more honest about what they see and think than adults." Which was one thing she did like about children, she supposed...but generally she still preferred adults over them. Less annoying most of the time.

Yoga club? "That'd be cool. Just let me know when I can sign up." Assuming those hadn't started yet if only Ember and her boss were supporting it so far. Though...really, how many people would it need to be official? Maybe three was enough, Penelope didn't know.

Aaand more petals...would those need to be cleaned up later? Or maybe they'd just disappear on their own eventually. That'd be easier.

SPOILER!!: Penelope

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlwaysSnapesGirl

Penelope considered that for a second then nodded. "Yeah, I guess that's true." And she supposed she sort of applied that pretty often, or at least tried to, even though she didn't always think of it like that. Then she laughed a little. "I try to be, yeah." Brave and all that other stuff. She'd been a Gryffindor so she at least had the bravery part down. Sort of. Most of the time.

She wouldn't have worded it exactly like that, like the 'precious creatures' part and all that, but she nodded. "Yeah. And sometimes they're more honest about what they see and think than adults." Which was one thing she did like about children, she supposed...but generally she still preferred adults over them. Less annoying most of the time.

Yoga club? "That'd be cool. Just let me know when I can sign up." Assuming those hadn't started yet if only Ember and her boss were supporting it so far. Though...really, how many people would it need to be official? Maybe three was enough, Penelope didn't know.

Aaand more petals...would those need to be cleaned up later? Or maybe they'd just disappear on their own eventually. That'd be easier.

Ember thought it was suuuuch a good mindset to have. That, and being POSITIVE so that you could spread POSITIVE vibes EVERYWHERE. Hehe. "Well claps for you for being a FUTURE super hero!" she said and she saluted her. Because aurors were super heroes! They were! Ember had always got that impression of them since she was younger.

"More blunt, yes." Merlin knew Ember had an issue with giving her TRUE opinion sometimes if it meant hurting someone's feelings. Ember was not about that 'blunt' life. NOPE. "But that sometimes makes them wonderful. Especially if you're unsure if an outfit makes you look fat--" she laughed a little and glanced at her watch. Well then. Ember didn't have that problem though--she was TOO thin--and she doubted Penelope had that issue, either.

WHOOH.

THey had someone INTERESTED. Ember suddenly FLUUUUUNG her arms around the girl and HUGGED her so tight. "HAHAAHEDHFH! Peeeenelope!" she cried, and she could have squished her more but she let go and BEAMED at her.

Penelope laughed again. "Thanks. Gonna have to start working on my superhero name though." No idea what it would actually be though if she was actually a superhero. Maybe something food or cat related or something? Besides Catwoman since that name was already taken.

Bluntness, yeah. That was something Penelope liked, so she nodded. "Yeah." Though honesty and bluntness were more important in things other than just if something didn't look good or whatever, but she figured that was obvious.

Aaand another hug. Another laugh escaped her even as she was being squished. "Someone's excited," she teased with a grin once she was finally released.

SPOILER!!: Wrapping up

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlwaysSnapesGhost

Penelope laughed again. "Thanks. Gonna have to start working on my superhero name though." No idea what it would actually be though if she was actually a superhero. Maybe something food or cat related or something? Besides Catwoman since that name was already taken.

Bluntness, yeah. That was something Penelope liked, so she nodded. "Yeah." Though honesty and bluntness were more important in things other than just if something didn't look good or whatever, but she figured that was obvious.

Aaand another hug. Another laugh escaped her even as she was being squished. "Someone's excited," she teased with a grin once she was finally released.

Ember laughed. "I'll think of one, too." She said with a nod. "If I had one...I think I'd be...SUUUUUNSHINE GIRL!" and she stood all tall and straight and put her hands on her hips and tried to look all HEROIC. But she probably just looked silly, ehheehe.

"I am excited--for you but-" she glanced down at her watch--MERLIN. She had to jet! "Well this was fun Penelope-but I am due back to work SOON--PAPERWOOORK." She rolled her eyes, though, and patted the girl's head a bit before making her way for the door. "I'll DEFINITELY see you around, OKAY?" and with a wave and a BIG smile--and ONE last slew of rose petals--Ember Brighten left.

Penelope laughed again. "Very fitting." Definitely made sense for that to be Ember's superhero name. Though what would her superpower be? Hmm.

Oh right, work. They both should probably get back to doing that stuff. The head pat wasn't really necessary, but Penelope didn't protest for now. "Definitely! See you." She waved back and then headed back into the level.

After going through secuty and all that jazzzzzzz, Mandy was finally on level 2, looking as confident as ever as she walked into the reception and waiting area.

"Mandy Macmillan, I have an appointment." The 30 year-old smiled to the secretary. "Uh well, maybe it says 'Amanda' there or whatever." The brunette waved a dismissive hand in front of her.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hey Ju

After going through secuty and all that jazzzzzzz, Mandy was finally on level 2, looking as confident as ever as she walked into the reception and waiting area.

"Mandy Macmillan, I have an appointment." The 30 year-old smiled to the secretary. "Uh well, maybe it says 'Amanda' there or whatever." The brunette waved a dismissive hand in front of her.

Simon had scheduled a day to spend entirely up in the office. Not that it was out of the ordinary now that most if not all of the department was also doing rounds that he surely couldn't duplicate all the time. He really should speak to the department head about that. But regardless, he was up on Level two and had gotten recruited in helping the Improper Use of Magic Office when they had found themselves a little short-handed to cover a scheduled meeting

An Animangus interview...interesting.

The auror-turned security man had to admit he had felt the need to research a few things to prepare himself as it had never come up in his actual training. When Simon looked up at the clock, he found it was almost time for the appointment and headed out to the reception area. A woman was already there speaking with Muriel. "Ms Macmillan?"