Ryden nodded along. “And did you know that it reduces the risk of having dementia?” The younger man chirped in, fascinated by the studies made by their muggle counterparts. “Apart from it being fun, it does make one realize how much we lack as a person. In fact, during my Hogwarts days, I was a very happy-go lucky Ravenclaw. That changed…or should I say, I evolved into a better man when I met my wife and learned all about her culture.” Maiya’s life was built in discipline and respect; and Ryden realized how much he lacked in those areas. “What language are you learning, if I may ask? I’m trying my hands on Mandarin Chinese as of the moment.” He hasn’t made any progress yet, but maybe if he was given enough time then he’d be more conversational with it.

The younger employee flashed a rather proud smile as he and Charles delved deeper into their conversation. “We’re happily married for 25 years,” he said as he subconsciously adjusted his wedding ring on his finger. “Our parents thought we were crazy for marrying each other so young, but it worked out. We have a decent home here and abroad, two happy children…and we’re both enjoying the fruits of our hard labour.” The Reeds may not be awfully rich, but they are very happy as a family. “How about you, Mr. Taylor?” he asked, honestly curious if he’s happily married and have kids…or?

Ryden simply shook his head in disbelief, brows furrowing in the process. “Yes, that poltergeist. He’s found a girlfriend…a female counterpart. There’s now two of them creating havoc.” He said tapping the table with his index finger. Quickly he snatched a piece of parchment from his pocket with Jace’s handwriting in Japanese. “Mifii.” Ryden supplied, and pronounced the name with the correct Japanese intonation. “That’s Miffy, in English.” He said, stuffing back the letter in his pocket. “How Peeves managed to get a girlfriend, I don’t have the slightest idea.” The man continued as he sat back on his chair, and took the opportunity to look around and tried to spot Gidyun.

“Tough man, and woman then. I suppose they’re a match bound by destiny.” Ryden chuckled at the thought of Gidyun being bossed around by his wife. “I do wish him well though. It’s not going to be an easy task, that I am sure of.” He’s been to enough International Conventions, and being part of the organizing committee, logistics and security are the worst.

“Well, I expect there will be a meeting tomorrow? Though, I would love to meet Mr. Delacroix now, without the added pressure, if you know what I mean.” Ryden smiled and nodded along. “Some are forgiving, but the strictest on my list are the Japanese and Germans. The French are very vocal about it.” And thanks to his past jobs, being late is not in his vocabulary. He also has a wife that keeps reminding him that it is very rude to be late. “’Thirty minutes early is on time, on-time is late.’ If I may quote my wife.”

Coming back was a good decision. Or, at least that's what Saul had been telling himself since he stepped back into the Ministry for a third time as a new hire. He was lucky the new MLE Department Head let him retain his old Division Head position in the IUMO office. He had worked hard to gain that position while under Emily.

Now he was back. He had tried a different path for himself with an old Hogwarts Friend, Derek Meriwether. They had attempted a Private Investigators Office, unfortunately it never got off the ground no matter how hard they tried. Most cases were small and they did not take in much money. Then things happened with the Family. His father passed on, his Brother Julien just had twins from another mother, and is working through a divorce. Then his Eldest Brother Vance asked him to take on Head of the Household duties after their Father's passing. He also agreed to take on his Nephew Torrance though his Wife did not like how he handled it without her opinion first.

That's why coming back to the Ministry was his best possible option. The Extra Head in his House, and being the New Family Head. This was all a lot for him to Handle and a poor Private Investigations company was not going to help him one bit.

He felt it was good as well that Derek would be returning. Maybe he'd spot his Best Mate around these parts?

No matter. Not wanting to go on the Dance Floor. Saul moved along to the Seating area and found a spot to sit along side another Gentleman who also looked to be alone. "You mind if I take a spot beside you?" He asked.

Erec was enjoying his meal quietly at the table. No one seemed to really have noticed him, but with all the new employees he most likely just blended in. Maybe he'd find his cousin and have a little chat with her in a bit, but first he might have to go get seconds. This food was very good. Though since divorcing and being on his own he might not have been the best at cooking and keeping food in the house. Eating out was more his style.

Just as he was about to put another bite in his mouth he heard his name and his eyes moved to where it was coming from. Wiping his lips with his napkin and standing he made his way over toward the two, "Hello, I think I might have heard my name. I am Erec Delacroix."



Seconds... why not.

Erec had went back up and filled his plate. Mingling a bit as he walked to and from the buffet. He was pleasantly surprised to see his table had not been taken over. This was a nice spot to have, he could hear and see many people. He noticed all the different accents as he moved along and wondered how many employees were on work visas. He would have to glance at those files later on. It was always nice to see where employees were from so they could help them have a better experience.

His thoughts always on his work, Erec was lost in thoughts until he heard a voice near him. Looking up he gave a nod, "Please I was starting to believe I smelled or came off as a jerk. " Gesturing with his hand for the man to take a seat. There were plenty around him. "Nice function, but unless you have a date it seems the seating and the eating is the best part." He joked of course, but he hoped all were having a good time. It was nice of the ministry to put on each year.


"Erec Delacroix, new Department head for International Cooperation."

"It does?" Charles didn't know that! "We should have a national day of learning for people to start discovering other cultures." Yeah, it would be fun, medically helpful and people would learn stuff! When Ryden reminisced, Charles nodded. "We do adjust to make our lives easier by learning new things." He could understand Ryden learning and changing because the Japanese were an amazing people. "Language? Oh, Punjabi has been my language this time." He nodded. "I always try to learn a new language every year."

Wait, HOW long? "That's amazing!" he exclaimed, looking surprised. "I'm so pleased for you. Congratulations!" Yeah! "Myself?" Charles pulled a face. People rarely asked about him. "I live alone, have no family and no-one to distract me in my personal life." Yeah... He was still pining after someone he couldn't have. He'd now accepted that he was destined to be alone. "My last... romantic attachment was in Sweden. Unfortunately, she didn't feel the same way and married somebody else."

That darn Peeves was so unbelievable! "I can't understand how anyone would willingly spend time with him! Is she a ghost too?" At least he could sort of understand that... maybe the person had been dead so long that they'd gone crazy. It could happen. He just gave the man a look of 'what?' when he spoke about Mifii. What on earth was he going on about?

"Oh, they must be. She's not a person to be trifled with." Charles had been on her bad side once. And ONLY once. "I know he'll be okay with it, if he struggles, I'm sure his wife will kick him in the right direction." Yeah, he couldn't see any failure happening there.

A meeting? "I would assume so." Charles shrugged. "It would be nice to meet him before, I agree." Walking into a meeting and already knowing the guy would be helpful. Charles didn't want to seem like he was born yesterday or that he was a fool. "Most definitely. Danish people are awful for turning up on time though." He rolled his eyes a little. It was hard working with those people. "Your wife is a very clever lady." He was nodding and looking like he was sort of staring into space, but looked up at a voice from over their shoulders. "Oh, you are our new Department Head?" Charles greeted him. "I'm Charles Taylor, one of your division heads. It's nice to meet you." Aaaaand he'd let Ryden introduce himself.

Sleater didn't expect her to say yes, but obviously he still hoped for it. "I only want to dance with you..." He mumbled quietly. Sigh. He turned around in his seat to look at her, tucking his hair behind his ear. "Do you want something to drink? Water? Pumpkin juice?"

Sleater stood up, sticking his hands back into his jeans, waiting for her answer. This was awkward. He shouldn't have asked her. She probably feels sorry for him or something.

Ryden was all for learning. The 44 year old nodded enthusiastically as he and Charles hit a wonderful idea for the department. “We can utilize our department’s classroom for that too.” Teaching culture was something that Ryden had been thinking of lately, and it would be wonderful to tap embassies around Wizarding Britian if they’re interested in participating. “Perhaps, we should pitch this idea to our new boss? Maybe he could start it off too…granted that he’s not British? I’m sure we’ll be learning more about our French brethren. It might even strengthen the relationship of our government with them through it.” Ryden’s eyes twinkled at the idea, hoping they’d get a chance to develop it. And Punjabi? “Now that, I haven’t even thought of learning. How are you faring?” if Charles were to ask him, he’s failing miserably in Mandarin Chinese. How could three characters be a full-blown poetry? How?

“Oh, thank you very much, Mr. Taylor. We have our lifetimes ahead however, so it may be too soon to congratulate us.” Ryden chuckled at the thought, but in reality he is very optimistic that they’re marriage will last as long as Gingko trees. The chuckling died down quickly however, as the man before him had unexpectedly opened up to the former Ravenclaw. “To each his own, Mr. Taylor. One can find happiness in solitude.” He said, not sure if Charles was a happy man. “So you’ve decided to just be single from then on?” Ryden thought Charles was wasting himself living alone. Perhaps he could find a woman who shares the same interest? And really, age isn’t an issue, is it? There are women who like silver foxes like Mr. Charles Taylor so he isn’t totally a lost cause.

“We’re talking about a female poltergeist here, Mr. Taylor. Miffy is her name.” He said shaking his head in disbelief. Even Ryden was skeptical the moment he heard of it from his youngest. He even thought Jace may have lost his marbles because of his accident. “I hope to hear from the school soon. There have been other accidents, but my son’s was the worst.” Ryden continued massaging his forehead. If the issue continues, he might be forced to transfer Jace back to Mahoutokoro.

The 44 year old looked up at Charles with an amused grin on his face. “She’s that tough?” Ryden couldn’t imagine himself married to a woman like that. Sure, Maiya can get feisty, but he can still see her vulnerability. It was something that Ryden vowed to protect until the very end. “Gidyun still has us. I do hope he’s aware of that.” The man had been his boss for a very short time, but certainly he had formed some sort of brotherhood with him. Hopefully, he could also form the same bond with Charles.

Ryden let a laugh escape his mouth at the mention of the Danes. “Do they? Ah, well. The world isn’t perfect after all, Mr. Taylor.” He said scratching the stubble on his chin. He too was lost in his own thoughts for a moment, trying to remember if he had any encounter similar to Mr. Taylor’s when a distinct voice graced their conversation.

Upon hearing his name, Ryden gracefully stood up and offered a seat to their new Department Head. “Just the man we wanted to meet. It’s my pleasure to finally meet you, Monsieur Delacroix. Ryden Reed, one of your consuls-general.” he said offering his hand to shake. Once done with the pleasantries, Ryden sat back down on his chair. “How was your trip going here, Monsieur Delacroix? A pleasant one, I hope?” Did he, like Ryden, took an international apparition too?

Ellie made a bee line for an empty seat, a plate of salad in her perfectly manicured hand, orange juice in the other. She was nothing if not healthy.

She looked around the room, realising that a lot of people seemed to know each other. Everyone seemed to be talking to someone, anyway. It wasn't like she hadn't tried - it wasn't her fault the wet-haired woman had dismissed her so coldly. Seriously. If she showed up with wet hair and a make-up mess she might have expected some judgment. And Ellie had wanted to help.

Since that went down so badly, though, she wasn't sure she wanted to talk to more people. Or at least, perhaps not to start with. It might be easier to just wait and see if anyone wanted to talk to her.

She took a sip of orange juice and started on her salad.

Steffie knew she wasn't going to be a huge fan of the food that was being served here, so she'd had a rather big lunch before heading out. Still, that hadn't stopped her from grabbing a couple of snacks to eat as she prepared to mingle with the crowd - veggies and hummus, and cheese and crackers were her snacks of choice tonight. Classics.

Despite her outgoing personality, Stef had to admit she found this whole thing very...intimidating. There were SO MANY adults around here! True - SHE was an adult now, but they all seemed to know each other, and there seemed to be SO MANY people of all ages. Who should she start with?! This was practically impossible!

Nibbling at her cheese, she decided to take a seat and scope out the crowd for a few moments. Just a few, while she enjoyed her snacks - then she'd find someone to chat with. Hopefully.

This whole shyness thing was new and she was NOT a fan.

Jasmine made her way from the buffet to the seating area. She wasn't a big fan of crowds and this co worker maybe? Maybe she could have been a co worker. She didn't seem to be a fan either. There was something in common right there. She smirked to herself and wondered if she should make conversation. Eh why not? What is the worst that could happen. I mean she could just ignore her which she was used to. She cleared her throat and took a sip of her water. She didn't want to sound straggly in her voice. "Not liking the crowds of people I see?" she stated out loud for this woman to hear. "It's okay neither do I..." she sighed. "Personally I prefer to cuddle on my couch than socialize with people sometimes.." She noticed how anxious this woman was. She needed to chill out.

This place wasn't that bad compared to the parties her mother made her go to. All the rich and snotty folk.

The man walked around. Not only was he trying his hand at something he had never done before but with the same knowledge that he had for a previous job, not even a month before he had just turned thirty years old. He was more worried about the new job here than how old he was. "I really hope I do." The Alabama native said as he looked at Arielle. "Isn't she a Quidditch player or something for the French league?" He knew very little about Logan's girlfriend.

His green eyes scanned the room to see if there was anyone that he knew. He only knew Logan and Arielle. Or that's what he thought for now. He turned towards Arielle when he had heard her speaking to someone. He thought that she was speaking to him at first. He saw someone walk over to them. He smiled at the woman. "Hello." He said with a warm friendly smile at the woman.

"Yes, I believe that does make me your Department Head. It is a pleasure to meet you both." One of his division heads, "Yes, I was told you would be a good source to help with transitions. You know the level pretty well and have been around for quite sometime." He hoped they'd work well together, because from what he had been told, Charles would be a good second in command if ever needed.

Looking at Ryden he smiled and shook the man's hand. "The trip here wasn't bad. I have been a few times with immigration things, but the moving that is always exhausting." He had lived in the same house since his exwife and he were married, so this move was something he wasn't prepared for. "How long have you been in the department?" Both names sounded familiar, but he didn't have everything fully memorized yet.


As he sat quietly Erec couldn't help but notice someone off alone. Not one to like seeing employees alone and seeming out of place he got up from his seat and strolled over. He hoped his assumption was correct with her being new and now just an employee that liked being alone.


"Good evening, are you enjoying yourself?" He'd start out that way to see if maybe he was correct or not. "I'm Erec Delacroix the new Department Head for level five." He gave a smile and offered to take her hand in greeting.

Oh yes, that would be a wonderful idea! Charles nodded at Ryden, impressed. "I will definitely put together a pitch. You're welcome to help." Yeah! Hopefully that would be another good idea for getting rid of cultural ignorance. "Oh, that would be wonderful." To have a good relationship with the French! They could do something that even the muggles hadn't managed yet! "I'm doing fairly well, thank you. I seem to take to new languages very easily, so I can't say it's all skill. Some of it is just a natural aptitude and most of it is pure luck." And LOTS of studying.

A very small smile appeared at Ryden's words and the old, wise-beyond-his-years brown eyed man patted Ryden's arm. "I'm congratulating you on your time so far and wishing you all the best for the times to come." Yep, he did like seeing people happy! Now for him, solitude wasn't so much a choice as what had just happened. Charles nodded at Ryden's question, leaning back in his seat. "I never found anyone who could handle my love for working and determination to do something new constantly." Not that he'd really been looking. Heh.

"Well, I suppose once you've been dead long enough, you go a little bit crazy. That is the only explanation I can think of." Yeah... no one would CHOOSE to spend time with Peeves. Not even the most mischievous of people would do that! "I hope they contact you soon. It's not nice to hear about your children being hurt." Not that Charles knew that feeling himself, but he'd heard things.

"She is." Charles nodded, straightening his tie. "I hope to avoid her temper and stay on her good side. Assuming there are enough spaces on the limited list." Ugh, he really disliked the woman. "I assured Gidyun before he left that he was welcome to enlist our help anytime and that we are always willing to give him a hand if we can." Hopefully he knew Charles had spoken for the whole department.

"They're awful for timing. If you tell them what to do, they won't do it. If you suggest they do something, then they might think about it and go in about half an hour." Charles shook his head. Those types of people were the hardest to wrangle.

When Ryden stood up and offered his seat, Charles glanced at the empty seats at the table, but said nothing. Maybe Ryden just wanted to make a good impression. It didn't seem like the department head was going to take the seat though. Hmmmm. Charles nodded to himself as Ryden sat back down, but looked back to the Department Head that had presented himself. His brown eyes lit up a little as Erec said he already knew about him and he finally started to get his work brain turned on. "I do, I was informed by the former head of what to pass on and I assured him I would help you through working the place out." Why they'd chosen a stranger to head up the department, Charles would never know. He'd been there long enough and knew it well enough to do the job himself. Glossing over the reply to Ryden, Charles tried to work out the answer to Erec's question. "Er... Ten years, I think?" He couldn't keep up anymore. "Maybe eleven."

Ellie was just finishing her salad off when someone approached her. And as the man introduced himself, his name clicked in her head - her new boss!

"Hi, I'm Ellie Bloom," she shook the preferred hand with a smile, doing her best to hide her nervousness. This was her boss, after all. "I'm just starting in Level 5, actually, so I guess I work for you," she added, though she as pretty sure he would already know that. Although, perhaps if he wasn't the one picking people, and he was new too, and there was a bunch of applicants... maybe not?

"Yes, thank you, it's a lovely evening," she nodded to his query, though truth be told she was feeling a bit lost. This was the first person to talk to her all evening, not counting the wet-haired woman fiasco.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lady Marmalade

Gwen could tell that he was just as confused as she was. Friends? Was he about to say friends before he changed it to acquaints? Fifteen years was an awfully long to just be acquainted, which means they had to be friends at some point. There were so many questions racing through her head that she wanted to ask, but she didn’t want to seem too eager like she needed to find answers. Up until now she was content with possible never regaining any memories prior to five years ago, but just maybe it was possible.

She bit down on her lip trying to think of what to say first. It was probably best to just sum everything up in one quick explanation to clear up all confusion, but it was incredibly hard to say because only a hand full of people knew her secret. “I should explain.” She finally replied, swiped a lock of curls from her face as she looked up at Gideon. “I lost my memory so I can’t remember anything pass five years ago. I’m sorry for not remembering you.” Gwen added, feeling as though she should apologize especially if they were indeed friends. "I can't even remember your name."

Gideon didn’t do all that well with uncertainty and confusion. And he had no real clue as to how to handle a friend who seemingly didn’t know him. And NOT just to be rude to him for distancing himself away from her. Honestly not knowing him for nothing and appearing sorry about it. But then the bomb was dropped and the potions expert could feel the reaction he had written all over his face. And her face didn’t read as if it was all a ploy. “Dear Merlin…” he said as it was all he could get out at the moment as he tried to come to terms with what she was saying.

If it was true…

…it certainly explained why she hadn’t attempted further contact with him.

“Gideon,” he added, supplying his name in this awkward set of introductions. “Um…how about we sit down if that’s okay,” Gideon suggested, offering his arm to lead her to a free table in the area so maybe they could talk. There was enough drama involved already then to create more in public out in the open. And that wasn’t even considering the fact that she was here on her first appearance at the Ministry.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Expecto-Penguin

Jasmine made her way from the buffet to the seating area. She wasn't a big fan of crowds and this co worker maybe? Maybe she could have been a co worker. She didn't seem to be a fan either. There was something in common right there. She smirked to herself and wondered if she should make conversation. Eh why not? What is the worst that could happen. I mean she could just ignore her which she was used to. She cleared her throat and took a sip of her water. She didn't want to sound straggly in her voice. "Not liking the crowds of people I see?" she stated out loud for this woman to hear. "It's okay neither do I..." she sighed. "Personally I prefer to cuddle on my couch than socialize with people sometimes.." She noticed how anxious this woman was. She needed to chill out.

This place wasn't that bad compared to the parties her mother made her go to. All the rich and snotty folk.

Ah, finally someone had approached her! Stef smiled at the woman who approached her and scooted her chair over a bit so she could make room for her. "I like crowds, and socializing, I just...don't know where to begin," she giggled. "It's all a bit overwhelming," she explained. Stef appreciated how nice this woman was being, but if she thought Stephanie Dodd was shy - she was mistaken.

"I'm Stephanie, but please, call me Steffie," she told the woman, holding out a hand for a shake. "I'm in Accidents and Catastrophes, how about you?" she asked. It would be nice to go into her first day of work already knowing a friendly face!

Quote:

Originally Posted by MuggleDinosaur

The man walked around. Not only was he trying his hand at something he had never done before but with the same knowledge that he had for a previous job, not even a month before he had just turned thirty years old. He was more worried about the new job here than how old he was. "I really hope I do." The Alabama native said as he looked at Arielle. "Isn't she a Quidditch player or something for the French league?" He knew very little about Logan's girlfriend.

His green eyes scanned the room to see if there was anyone that he knew. He only knew Logan and Arielle. Or that's what he thought for now. He turned towards Arielle when he had heard her speaking to someone. He thought that she was speaking to him at first. He saw someone walk over to them. He smiled at the woman. "Hello." He said with a warm friendly smile at the woman.

Nodding, Arielle thought that it was just a matter of getting used to the change of vocation and then Warren would feel a lot better about things. At least he would still be doing the kind of thing that he was passionate about. The man sure loved his dragons; it was rather sweet watching him talk about them because he did get so excited. Not to mention that the creatures were incredible in and of themselves. So much DANGER and POWER. It was very impressive in her eyes.

The thought of catching up with her brother and Seraphina was appealing for more reasons than putting Warren at ease. Honestly she just wanted to talk to people even though she didn't work at the Ministry. This was not the kind of work that she enjoyed doing though she could definitely see how it would appeal to others. Arielle was much happier as a journalist than she would be doing any other career. To here there was nothing like getting out into the world and talking to different people about exciting things that she could write about. "I think so. I don't follow Quidditch really." Logan talked about her a lot but that Quidditch stuff went in one ear and out the other.

Anyway. "I'm kind of hungry. How about we get something to eat and then go looking for them?" Really he should try to eat something even if he was nervous.