The new Minister, Sherman Clark, deserves a place of honour at this grand occasion! At the head of the ballroom, a long table stretches, very similar to the Staff Table at Hogwarts. The table is covered with a purple tablecloth with gold embellishments, with Clark's seat being slightly raised in the middle. There are more chairs on either side of the Minister, enough for each Department Head to take their place as well as the Senior Undersecretary. Come on up and introduce yourself to the new Minister as well as the old and new Department Heads when you take a break from dancing!

Unlike many from his Department, he came to these functions frequently. Not to mingle, not for the people by any stretch of the imagination, but for the drinks and food. As a result it was no surprise that Elliot found himself seated promptly with his first spoils for the evening - because there would be seconds, at least.

Shoving his cutlery away with the knuckles of his closed fist, Elliot peered up from his plate to see if anyone was watching him. He disliked people watching him feast. It was rude.

The Irishman, satisfied knowing that everyone was too busy to notice him, picked up a kofta thing with drizzle on it, and engulfed it with his mouth. Drizzle? Could they not be more generous and dollop instead? What was the world coming to?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hera

Unlike many from his Department, he came to these functions frequently. Not to mingle, not for the people by any stretch of the imagination, but for the drinks and food. As a result it was no surprise that Elliot found himself seated promptly with his first spoils for the evening - because there would be seconds, at least.

Shoving his cutlery away with the knuckles of his closed fist, Elliot peered up from his plate to see if anyone was watching him. He disliked people watching him feast. It was rude.

The Irishman, satisfied knowing that everyone was too busy to notice him, picked up a kofta thing with drizzle on it, and engulfed it with his mouth. Drizzle? Could they not be more generous and dollop instead? What was the world coming to?

Gabriela Recard was looking flawless, as usual. Her blonde hair was styled to perfection, she was pretty sure her red lips had never been done this smoothly, and her gown fit like a glove - perfectly fitting for her triumphant return as Department Head!

She hadn't thought she'd be here again...she was just as shocked as anyone that she had been called back into her old position. She really had thought she'd packed it in for good, ready to start a new life with Armen in France - and yet, they just seemed to never get enough of her. And who was she to ignore their need for brilliant leadership?

As she approached the table, looking for the new Minister, she didn't find him - but she did find a man eating his food like a barbarian. She didn't recognize him, so he had to have been new as well...she hadn't been gone more than a year and a half, yet half the people she knew in her department were gone and it seemed many of the Department Heads were as well.

"Hello - I'm Gabriela Recard, Magical Transportation," she said with a smile, taking a seat next to him and extending a hand for a greeting. She was going to ask who he was replacing, but since she truthfully had no idea if this man was NEW new or new since she had left, she didn't want to insult him. Really, she should have brushed up on the Department Head lineup before attending tonight. She'd been too excited about this dress to worry about that - THINK Gabi! Get your head back in the game!

Firewhiskey and humble plate of just salmon vol...vol...volophants? Whatever these fancy fish cakes were called. And speaking of fancy, his wife selected attire of the evening was incredibly uncomfortable. What he would give for his boots, jeans, and standard white shirt right now...

Strolling up to the table, frowning slightly that Sherman was not yet here to rub elbows with, he set his plate down at his place beside the stuffy looking bloke eating like some ravenous flesh eating shrub. Maybe if he got some of that food all over his tux he could use that as an excuse to change into his standard work clothing? Knowing Seren, however, she had probably charmed his suit to repel stains so he didn't have the excuse.

"Gabriela," he said, extending his hand that was not holding his firewhiskey towards the blonde. "Good to see you again." He assumed. Was not too sure about that if he was being entirely honest. "And you must be Elliot Rainey," he continued, turning his attention towards the bloke and - not minding a bit of meat juice on his hands - offered his for a proper handshake. "Aron Ashburry-Hawthorne, Magical Accidents & Catastrophes. Congratulations on the promotion."

SPOILER!!: Gabi

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lissy Longbottom

Gabriela Recard was looking flawless, as usual. Her blonde hair was styled to perfection, she was pretty sure her red lips had never been done this smoothly, and her gown fit like a glove - perfectly fitting for her triumphant return as Department Head!

She hadn't thought she'd be here again...she was just as shocked as anyone that she had been called back into her old position. She really had thought she'd packed it in for good, ready to start a new life with Armen in France - and yet, they just seemed to never get enough of her. And who was she to ignore their need for brilliant leadership?

As she approached the table, looking for the new Minister, she didn't find him - but she did find a man eating his food like a barbarian. She didn't recognize him, so he had to have been new as well...she hadn't been gone more than a year and a half, yet half the people she knew in her department were gone and it seemed many of the Department Heads were as well.

"Hello - I'm Gabriela Recard, Magical Transportation," she said with a smile, taking a seat next to him and extending a hand for a greeting. She was going to ask who he was replacing, but since she truthfully had no idea if this man was NEW new or new since she had left, she didn't want to insult him. Really, she should have brushed up on the Department Head lineup before attending tonight. She'd been too excited about this dress to worry about that - THINK Gabi! Get your head back in the game!

People were approaching, the room was filling. Why did this have to happen? His ambiance was being ruined. Though, the blonde was somewhat appetising, dressed like a fancy pants corn cob. HA! And she had a name.

Elliot swallowed his mouthful, dropping what was left of his kofta onto his plate. Eating in front of others was awfully uncomfortable, so his spoils could wait. The lady however, was rather dishy herself. "Well hello, Gabriela," the Irishman cooed, cupping the woman's hand between both of his - never mind the meat juice and oils trickling down his fingers, or the mushiness of the tzatziki blooming' drizzle under his nails. "Elliot Rainey, Magical Law Enforcement," he said all this in a low husky voice he saved for the ladies (or on the occasion when he was politely threatening options for daft criminals).

Holding the woman's hand between his own was not the least bit uncomfortable, and had there not been somebody arriving at his back, he would have held on a little longer.

But more people. Ruining his ambiance.

SPOILER!!: Aron

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetpinkpixie

Firewhiskey and humble plate of just salmon vol...vol...volophants? Whatever these fancy fish cakes were called. And speaking of fancy, his wife selected attire of the evening was incredibly uncomfortable. What he would give for his boots, jeans, and standard white shirt right now...

Strolling up to the table, frowning slightly that Sherman was not yet here to rub elbows with, he set his plate down at his place beside the stuffy looking bloke eating like some ravenous flesh eating shrub. Maybe if he got some of that food all over his tux he could use that as an excuse to change into his standard work clothing? Knowing Seren, however, she had probably charmed his suit to repel stains so he didn't have the excuse.

"Gabriela," he said, extending his hand that was not holding his firewhiskey towards the blonde. "Good to see you again." He assumed. Was not too sure about that if he was being entirely honest. "And you must be Elliot Rainey," he continued, turning his attention towards the bloke and - not minding a bit of meat juice on his hands - offered his for a proper handshake. "Aron Ashburry-Hawthorne, Magical Accidents & Catastrophes. Congratulations on the promotion."

Turning in his seat, stiffly, Elliot observed the peacock adorned in niceties. Some took this fancy-dress thing rather seriously, did they not? Ashburry-Hawthorne, at last they would meet, proper. Browne had always spoken of him highly, but that meant little to him.

"I am," he acknowledged accepting the man's hand and giving it a crushing shake. "Nice te meet you," he replied before chuckling darkly. "Thought I'd have to wait for the girl to fall of her perch before I could have a go, but now it's mine all the same." It was a long time coming. A long time coming.


And since people resulted in his appetite being ruined, he picked up his napkin from the table and dabbed his hands on it. Not particularly well, but well enough.

Right. Department Heads up at the front, with the Minister. How long had she even known she'd landed the job? Merlin. Emmalee held her clutch a little tighter than was necessary as she stood just a bit away from the table. She'd wanted the job. She was qualified for the job. She knew she could do the job. And yet, something about joining the head table had her feeling a bit of an impostor, even as she saw other new faces already there. Or, at least, faces new to her.

Taking a deep breath, Emmalee smiled and approached the table, setting her clutch down at an empty place. She'd not yet gone to get food, but wanted to claim her seat while she could. She chose to sit near those already gathered and she addressed the one person that she recognized. "Aron," she said with a bit of a nod and extending her hand. "Good to see you." Had he heard about her promotion?

Looking to the others, she took the opportunity to introduce herself, partially out of just good manners, but also in part to assert her right to sit at the table, however irrational that may have been. "Emmalee Quinn," she said, extending her hand. "New Head in Environmental." The words still felt strange in her mouth, no matter how many times she said them.

OOOOH it was Aron! Gabi liked Aron - he was such a nice guy. A little TOO nice in her opinion, but then again, she had to remind herself that not everyone had as much of an ambitious streak as she did. Armen had been good at reminding her of that. She was getting better at that whole 'putting-yourself-in-other-people's-shoes thing, but it was still hard. It was just so much EASIER to put herself first, ya know?

"So good to see you too, Aron," she said with a genuine smile. "I have to thank you for being so good to my Tucker this past year. He absolutely LOVED working on the level with you and said you were fantastic in helping him get adjusted to his first job out of school," she told him. She was sure Aron felt the same way about Tucker - because who DIDN'T love that kid? He was absolutely perfect!

Ew.

He couldn't even wipe his hands off before grabbing her hands? And how uncomfortable...Gabi had the strange, sudden urge to make a show of tucking her hair behind her ear with her ring hand to flaunt her newly married status. Or maybe this man was just harmlessly trying to flatter her...Aron's greeting to the man confirmed her suspicions, that he was a new replacement. He could just be trying to puff himself up for his new colleagues...

Wait...LAW ENFORCEMENT? So Emily Browne was gone!? Such a shame, she was one of the few Department Heads that Gabi felt was actually on her level...but maybe a new change of pace would be nice. She had to admit, as she overheard the new Head's remarks to Aron, she didn't think Emily would ever give up her spot either - but you had to know when it was time to quit. Something she herself, apparently, had not fully grasped just yet...she wondered if Emily too would be back sometime. Hmmm.

"Ah, so you're taking over Law Enforcement, congratulations," she told the man politely with a smile. "Were you on Level Two before your promotion as well?" she asked, making some polite small talk. She was kind of curious - this man seemed to have tough guy Auror written all over him, but you never COULD know.

When he turned to talk to Aron, she grabbed the cloth napkin nearby and wiped her hands quickly before he could turn around. YUCK.

Oh look another lady! Gabi turned to her and smiled, taking her hand in hers as she shook her hand and introduced herself. "So nice to meet you, Emmalee - Gabriela Recard, Magical Transportation," she told her. Environmental? Props to her. Gabi could never do that in a million years. Plants were boring.

She did a quick scan of the woman and could tell she was nervous. Probably just first day jitters - at least, Gabi hoped that's what it was. Jittery people didn't often last long in this position. "So, are you ready to get started?! Department Head is a very exciting position," she said to the girl with a broad smile. She wanted to try and get the girl to relax a bit, especially with these intimidating guys around. Ladies had to look out for each other here!

Ah yes, the eager bouncing bulb of a young man. It was a pity that he had left the Ministry already. Aron had been interested in seeing how the young man would mature over time. "Glad to hear it," he nodded after raising his glass to her. "I hope he is doing well at his new post." Wherever it was the young man had gone bouncing off to.

Gabriela he could handle...but this Rainey...

His eyes narrowed curiously at the bloke at his choice of words. Curious ones, coming from a Hit Wizard. "Right," he nodded as the man took his hand and quite literally crushed it. Snapped his bones like they were nothing more than twigs. "Oi!" he barked, slapping the man's arm with his other hand and, in the process, splashing him with the remainder of his firewhiskey. "What are you playin' at, you bloomin' dill?" He looked down at his hand and noted the swelling - not to mention his now empty glass which meant he would need to mourn the waste of beverage in a moment or two - and curled his lip into a snarl.

He didn't even have time to appreciate Emmalee's appearance - let alone congratulate her on her promotion - his full attention on the fact that Mr. Devil's Snare over there had felt it entirely necessary to crush his hand on a first meeting.

SPOILER!!: Gabi

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lissy Longbottom

Ew.

He couldn't even wipe his hands off before grabbing her hands? And how uncomfortable...Gabi had the strange, sudden urge to make a show of tucking her hair behind her ear with her ring hand to flaunt her newly married status. Or maybe this man was just harmlessly trying to flatter her...Aron's greeting to the man confirmed her suspicions, that he was a new replacement. He could just be trying to puff himself up for his new colleagues...

Wait...LAW ENFORCEMENT? So Emily Browne was gone!? Such a shame, she was one of the few Department Heads that Gabi felt was actually on her level...but maybe a new change of pace would be nice. She had to admit, as she overheard the new Head's remarks to Aron, she didn't think Emily would ever give up her spot either - but you had to know when it was time to quit. Something she herself, apparently, had not fully grasped just yet...she wondered if Emily too would be back sometime. Hmmm.

"Ah, so you're taking over Law Enforcement, congratulations," she told the man politely with a smile. "Were you on Level Two before your promotion as well?" she asked, making some polite small talk. She was kind of curious - this man seemed to have tough guy Auror written all over him, but you never COULD know.

When he turned to talk to Aron, she grabbed the cloth napkin nearby and wiped her hands quickly before he could turn around. YUCK.

Wasn't she just a darling? Elliot smiled and though it was a crooked smile, the gesture was well intended. Genuine liking... or rather, appreciating. It was hardly his fault he'd had his face rearranged a few times. All part and parcel with the job.

Was he taking over? Yes, yes he supposed he was, and this fact made him smile more smugly. "Thank you, thank you," he mused lightly, reaching for his crystal goblet of something dark and fruity. Orange or blood orange, or something like it. He wasn't one to judge where free beverages were concerned. "I was, I've been with the department since '68... so it's been a while." And finally some recognition for his experience and expertise. The Ministry was heading in the right direction at last.

SPOILER!!: Aron

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetpinkpixie

Ah yes, the eager bouncing bulb of a young man. It was a pity that he had left the Ministry already. Aron had been interested in seeing how the young man would mature over time. "Glad to hear it," he nodded after raising his glass to her. "I hope he is doing well at his new post." Wherever it was the young man had gone bouncing off to.

Gabriela he could handle...but this Rainey...

His eyes narrowed curiously at the bloke at his choice of words. Curious ones, coming from a Hit Wizard. "Right," he nodded as the man took his hand and quite literally crushed it. Snapped his bones like they were nothing more than twigs. "Oi!" he barked, slapping the man's arm with his other hand and, in the process, splashing him with the remainder of his firewhiskey. "What are you playin' at, you bloomin' dill?" He looked down at his hand and noted the swelling - not to mention his now empty glass which meant he would need to mourn the waste of beverage in a moment or two - and curled his lip into a snarl.

He didn't even have time to appreciate Emmalee's appearance - let alone congratulate her on her promotion - his full attention on the fact that Mr. Devil's Snare over there had felt it entirely necessary to crush his hand on a first meeting.

It was difficult not to notice the fact that the man had soft hands. Soft, pansy hands. Elliot grinned, his lips split on a crooked angle to reveal his teeth. Accidents and Catastrophes man, this one he'd need to work with fairly closely - the nature of the work considered.

All too quickly though, there was barking and slapping and there was drink on him! Sheeeesh! Aron needed to keep his skirt on! "What?! What?!" he barked in return, brows narrowing defensively. He licked some idle droplets of amber liquid from his sleeve before the fabric could absorb it, drops like this were a shame to waste.

What was he playing at? Blloming dill?

Elliot leaned forward in his seat toward Aron. Did he want to repeat that? "Come again?"

"Should I be offended? What's got your panties in a knot?" he retorted gruffly, blue eyes locked on the mans snarl.

But oh hey, hello.

SPOILER!!: Emmalee

Quote:

Originally Posted by AmbiguouslyMe

Right. Department Heads up at the front, with the Minister. How long had she even known she'd landed the job? Merlin. Emmalee held her clutch a little tighter than was necessary as she stood just a bit away from the table. She'd wanted the job. She was qualified for the job. She knew she could do the job. And yet, something about joining the head table had her feeling a bit of an impostor, even as she saw other new faces already there. Or, at least, faces new to her.

Taking a deep breath, Emmalee smiled and approached the table, setting her clutch down at an empty place. She'd not yet gone to get food, but wanted to claim her seat while she could. She chose to sit near those already gathered and she addressed the one person that she recognized. "Aron," she said with a bit of a nod and extending her hand. "Good to see you." Had he heard about her promotion?

Looking to the others, she took the opportunity to introduce herself, partially out of just good manners, but also in part to assert her right to sit at the table, however irrational that may have been. "Emmalee Quinn," she said, extending her hand. "New Head in Environmental." The words still felt strange in her mouth, no matter how many times she said them.

The pretty red head could no go unnoticed, despite the circumstances.

"Evening, ma'am," he replied a quick flash of a smile before slapping Aron on the back in a playful manner. Nothing to see here. Jovial manly bonding. Move along.

It had been the perfect plan. The guy seemed in a good enough mood which would make conversation EASY. See? Perfect plan, until the next guy over--wasn't that Bentley's husband--went and spilled his drink all over the guy. hjsbvziufytw. HOW WAS SHE MEANT TO HAVE A DECENT CONVERSATION NOW and especially with all the yelling back and forth between the two?? It was just her luck, ugh.

Lex thought to approach at a later time in the evening but then....what if the man was now in need of a distraction ? She could be a distraction while she made that whole lasting impression thing and just maybe the guy would prefer talking to anyone but the one next to him so in the end it was GOOD thing the man spilled the drink on him. Fancy that.

"Good evening Sirs." Both of them because just maybe she'd need a reason to check out Accidents and Catastrophes later. "D'you need another drink?" She could get one...or get someone to get one. Merlin she needed to know more people. This do it yourself business was hard when you were trying to suck up. Her eyes locked on her new boss. "The name's Alexa Cambridge, you might not see why you need to know that but you will soon because I'm gonna be your new Head Auror once I'm done with YATI training. We're gonna need to start discussing my case loads and such. All official fancy business of course." And a solemn nod. Believe it or not, she was dead serious.

The mediteranean vegetable quiche was just delightful and Harmony was on her second dish when she finally made her way to the head table. Where was that adorable new minister of theirs, anyway? The red head was ever so eager to see what kind of aura the man had. Important thing to know, that was. You could tell a lot about a person from their aura, though not everyone was as skilled as she at spotting the colors.

Speaking of auras, two at this particular table were pulsating a nasty shade of muddied red. Oh Merlin, anger. The creatures department head would've turned around right there had it not been for her desire to get some face time with the new minister. But fighting already? Didn't they know the bad vibes that would create?

Clearing her throat, Harmony glanced at those at the table and smiled. A smile could do wonders to lighten the mood. "Hello everyone! Lovely to be back here, isn't it?" She gave Emmalee a curious look before turning her attention to the young woman who seemed to be doing a good job of distracting the newest department head. Thank Merlin.

Turning her attention to Aron, the red head gave him a once over. "Everything alright, Aron?"

So eventhough he was not a Head of a Department, it couldn't hurt saying hello and introduce himself to the people who he had to work for later, right? Since his new job required talking to every department heads in the Ministry. He was nervous though as he kept biting his lower lip and before he knew it was he was up on that platform. Oh boy oh boy oh boy....just breathe Daichi breeeeathe!

Wait... how should he begin?! "Eehm..." wow great start Katharos! He cleared his throat, kind of to get attention but also to calm his nerves. "Good evening everyone" oh! that didn't sound so bad. HE COULD DO THIS! "My name is Daichi Katharos and i'm a new employee at the..uhm..minister's office" could they tell he was nervous? he hoped not. "Uhm.." DON'T UHM! He bowed because he didn't know what else to say and when he got back up he heard a name.

Alexa Cambridge...Alexa..oh! Alexa! He looked to his side and watched her talking so easily to the HEAD OF DEPARTMENTS! HOOOW?! So she was in the law enforcement? it suited her, the action and all that. He had a smile on his face as he watched her and then remembered that he was standing at the Head table. Should he move away now? or should he wait to be dismissed? BEING NEW WAS HORRIBLE!

Gabi smiled at Aron and pushed a piece of blonde hair behind her ear. "He's working in wand making, now," she told her son's former department head. "He's always been very interested in charms and how wands actually work - he's interning with a firm that harvests the wood from the wand trees. In fact, I think the Minister's son is the one he's shadowing...Alexander Greingoth," she told him with a proud smile. If there was one thing Gabi had gotten right in this world, it was her son. Even if he WAS a Hufflepuff.

Alright, she would stop bragging now - this was SHERMAN'S big day, after all. Focus on others, Gabi, you can do this...

And then, suddenly...chaos. The new Department Head seemed to have caused great distress to Aron, squeezing his hand like he wanted to grind his bones into dust. MERLIN. Was the man really that unaware of how strong his grip was, or was he trying to put on some kind of show like a peacock? UGH. Men. Whatever the reason for it was, she did NOT often see Aron get upset so he must have really been hurting.

"Are you alright, Aron?" she asked him. "Do you need me to call a Healer?" she asked him. She hoped to Merlin Elliot didn't have some SUPER human strength that could actually BREAK his hand - if he did, she was staying far, far, FAR away from him.

But first...WHO WAS THIS CHILD? Some young girl who had decided to interrupt their discussion, making grand declarations of being the next Head Auror, not even caring that Level 3's Department Head might be in SERIOUS AGONY. GLARES to you, young girl. ALL THE GLARES.

"Gabriela," Emmalee repeated, committing the woman's name to memory as they shook hands. "Pleasure to meet you." Emmalee didn't think she recognized the woman, but over the last year or so, she had had, well, some tunnel vision around her work. Somedays the only time she spent not in the greenhouse were the brief minutes in the lift on her way in and on her way out. So, for all she knew, Gabriela had been at the ministry for years.

Emmalee nodded in response to her question. "Absolutely. It's a great opportunity." Emmalee could hold her own with the boys, just as soon at it really settled in for her that she belonged here. "Truthfully," she added, "I only just found out I got the job. I'm still getting used to the idea."

"Any advice?"



But Merlin, what was happening over there. Emmalee glanced over at the two men, a bit concerned but unsure of what was happening between them. And despite him having smiled, and something about it made her uneasy but she couldn't quite place it, she still have no idea who he was.

Looking between the two of them, she had a thought. "Aron, at some point, I'd love to hear how those mutants are doing." Hopefully, that gave the man an exit, should he need it.

Another year, another party! The previous year has seen a lot of busy times since the former Minister decided that he will be retiring and the preparations for the elections was hectic. Right after the election Zach decided to get away from the hustle and bustle of the workplace and spend the holidays with his parents in Australia.

He received a letter notifying him of two things, the new Minister of Magic, Mr Sherman Clark. And another, the resignation of his old boss and the reinstatement of a new one.

Before he starts his merriment, Zach decided he should introduce himself to the new Minister of Magic. He came up and saw all the Department Heads and tried to acknowledge them as much as he can.

He then approached the Minister and said, "Good day, Sir! I am Zacharias McMillan. I haven't had a chance to congratulate you and I am looking forward to working with you." he said with a smile as he extended his hand to shake the Minister's.

Lucia had INSISTED on a complete and utter lack of plaid in Sherman's attire for this event, which was saddening but understood. The elderly man's fashion statements were a bit eccentric for someone in his new position, and he understood he had to look more... becoming.

So the plaid could wait until his first day in office. Yes.

Instead, he (read: his wife) opted for something more subtle and formal— a simple black suit and tie. Disappointing, right? Still, Sherman wheeled up to the table with a figurative bounce in his wheels, and.... er... how was he supposed to get into that seat again? QUITE high, that was.

"Hello, everyone! Sherman Clark. Pleased to make your acquaintance!" He'd seen them all around during work, especially Aron (who seemed to be having hand issues..? Wasn't going to interfere with THAT, no), but it was good to introduce himself anyway. Seemed like a youngin was up there too, one he was sure he'd seen at his house a few times. Friend of Alice's? Maybe her name would ring a bell once he got an earful of it.

While speaking, he had pulled the cane from the back of his wheelchair and hoisted himself up to hobble over to the prestigious seat someone had arranged for him. And he left the wheelchair behind it.

Oh, within a moment of being seated, he already had a visitor! How nice and welcoming people still were surprised him to no end. "Hello, Mr. McMillan! It's lovely to meet you. I'm Sherman Clark." Once again, introductions just for the sake of it. Never hurt a soul. "Thank you! I look forward to working with you as well. What do you do here at the Ministry?"

Probably something important. Their Ministry had good workers, it did.

Oakey came up to this table not entirely sure with himself as per usual Was he here to get to know his Boss better? Probably, but Oakey had ulterior motives as well yes, even him With his new job he was really looking forward to trying to go back somewhere he was previously denied access too because he had no official title while he took a year off, and his previous Boss never listened to him. Maybe his new one will. He came forward and watched some altercation between two gentlemen at the Table and he looked to his side to see that someone else was butting into it by making some insane demands....Ah Alexa Cambridge! Did she start working at the Ministry!? AUROR!?! WHY!!?! He blinked at her then moved his attention forward...How was he supposed to grab his Boss' attention. Not like Alexa, no.... "Um...uh." Right that was him yeah?

Maybe this was poor timing on his part. Yeah, yeah! Probably better to just come back to him later. Besides how could he possibly top Alexa
besides he can just see the guy when he starts his first day. It'll be a lot more fun to see if he can spot any of his former classmates instead

No no he could totally talk to the guy while the poor man's hand was throbbing in pain! Do it Oakey don't back down! "H-Hello!"

NO STUPID TOO LOUD! "Gah, I mean Hello..." Seriously too quiet now!? "...I'm Oakey..." LAST NAME! "...Gunter! just thought I'd stop by to introduce myself." He nodded quickly "Accidents and Catastrophes' Curse Removal Specialist." Was that part truly necessary?

The Minister was there. The new Minister.

Derek didn't like to talk much, but hey, it was the new Minister, so he reckoned he should. He would. He was already up there, how did that happen?

"Sir, con-haa-mm-haa-hello." The lab technician looked a mix of extremely tired and slightly amused as he held out his hand for the Minister to shake. "Good job."

Zach smiled as he took the man's hand and shook it. "The pleasure is all mine, Minister Clark!" he said as a response to the kind words of the man.

Zach smiled as he said, "I am your Junior Undersecretary, Sir" he said politely as he can be. He does not expect the Minister to recognise him straight away specially since he was away for a long time even before the announcement of the winner of the Elections.

"Getting ready for the start of the year, sir?" he added so as to release a tense mood, that may or may not have been present...

Getting back to his own drink - and ignoring the fact that he was still wearing one, Rainey tipped his head back, downing his goblet of punch. Refills, he needed refills. And when one had needs, lackey's came to fulfil them, how convenient. Blue eyes settling on a small lady in front of their table, Rainey raised his empty goblet. "Aye, by all means, fill er up!" He wouldn't be complaining. It really was a good evening.

And just when he thought the evening was good enough, it just got better. The lady had guts. She was hilarious, but she had guts.

Rainey chuckled, showing teeth in doing so. Truly funny.

"Cambridge did you say?" he mused, wondering whether or not to commit the name to memory. He supposed he did know who worked for him, to some extent. At least he wasn't about to forget the face. "How about I make yer a deal?" he offered, leaning forward a smidgen and lacing his fingers together, hands on table. "I'll see to it that you get the promotion you deserve, at the conclusion of your training of course, if you successfully manage and complete a series of challenges that I will personally set for you?"

Note that he didn't say how many, nor did he say of what nature... but the opportunity was legitimate in every other way.



Throat clearing was a sure-fire sign that somebody wanted his attention, and so they had it. The vision he was met with was just something other, though he wondered why Pansy Hands received preferential treatment over himself.

"Indeed, good evening Ms. Skylark," he replied to her nonetheless, and my, a magical creature she was herself. He offered out his hand to shake, by now there was little in the way of food on them, Pansy Hands more of less took care of that.



Then there was more throat clearing, but somehow he didn't imagine this lad wanted his attention, did he? An eyebrow raised, Elliot observed the boy, a smirk playing on his lips.

The Minister's Office was going to have a good time with this one, or so he could imagine. "Welcome to the real world, kid," he said with a nod. Either he'd be in for a rude awakening, or he'd flounder until he learned to swim. It was almost sad that he wouldn't be able to watch.



And it was a shame that little miss vixen wasn't interested in continuing their conversation, though he supposed he was growing bored. Perhaps a turn on that dance floor was in order, something to stretch his legs at least.

Though again... the pity party for Pansy Hands was just all too much.

"He doesn't need a healer," he interjected waving her off.



And here he was, the man of the hour. Rainey raised his crystal goblet to the man - though it was still empty, and such a shame that was. "Good evening, Minister," he greeted before letting the man enjoy his few hours of limelight. After this it would be all work and no fun, something which didn't apply to himself.

DID SOMEONE CALL FOR THE NEW SENIOR UNDERSECRETARY?

No? Well okay she wAS HERE ANYWAYS OKAY? Okay.

Breaaaaaaaathing exercises had been happening which explained why the woman had arrived a little later than intended. OOPS. The usual ball of jumpy, nervous energy that was the thirty one year old flattened out her dress and readjusted the many rings that adorned her fingers before entering the ballroom. A BALLROOM! Her first orientation and technically, first day on the job and it was held in a BALLROOM! The Ministry sure did know how to go all out.

Oh was that her table up there? GOODY. Delphine wiggled through the crowd, giving some people accidental hip!bumps along the way -- what a way to introduce yourself, eh? -- until she arrived right at the Head Table. A crowded Head Table, too. Someone was POPULAR over here. "HEEEEELLO! Hi!" Everybody could hear and see her yes? GOOD. That was the desired protocol. "Delphine Cavanagh, here! New Senior Undersecretary." Yes yes, it was a BIG job and one that worked directly with the new Minister of Magic and the woman couldn't be happier.

Speaking of, she plopped herself down on a seat right near the Minister's himself. PLOP! HELLO, MINISTER.

Eyeing his puffed like a Calliandra haematocephala-esque hand, he only glanced at the new MLE head out of the corner of his eye. "You heard me the first time," he snorted. Unless the man was hard of hearing.

And who was he to tell the man whether or not to be offended? Although his choice of words were a bit more colorful than that.

And wasn't it just his luck that Harmony would show up now. Couldn't she tell by whatever color his so-called aura was pulsating right now that things were not okay? It was incredibly difficult not to throw some sarcastic remark back at the woman, but it was hardly her fault that their new colleague decided crush his hand.

"Things are going just swimmingly," he said as he tossed his head in her directed and held his broken hand up with his still fully mobile one. And then cue the appearance of one of the new YATI recruits. She best keep her hands herself around this bloke. "And a Healer while you're at it," he nodded at her. Hey, she was offering to bring him a new drink. Two fwoopers with one stone as far as he was concerned.

He simply nodded his head at the new Minister's Office employee - not someone he needed to make small talk with, surely? And he was just shooting Gabriela a look. Was there an echo in here....or was it just him? Hmmm?

And who was this stuttering....oooooooooh bloody hell. One of his? Of course, after a moment, Aron recognized the young man - even had a story or two pop to mind thanks to Seren - but he was hardly in the mood for socially awkward employees at the moment. Still, he swallowed his annoyance and bowed his head politely towards him. "Pleasure to meet you in person, Oakey," he said. "My wife has spoken of you often."

Speaking of socially awkward...what in Altjira's name was up with Derek? Saying more than three words on a first impression? Were their nifflers flying outside? He watched in awe as the lab technician offered to shake Sherman's hand - which Aron would have done as well were it not for the fact that his was THROBBING at the moment - and was thankful for the well timed distractions from Emmalee. He may be without Emily and Gavin, the only two on the team that he had felt he could really banter and get on with properly, but the new DERP head wasn't too bad.

"Doing quite well last I checked," he nodded. Which had been a few days ago when he had stopped by the office to make sure things were in check. "That cure you and Derek concocted has really worked miracles." Save for the shedding that they all were doing. The one especially fuzzy mutant had seemingly shed its weight in fur.

…….Seemed like no one paid attention to him. On one hand that was good but on the other hand that meant he had to introduce himself again when work officially started. He sighed but then realised that a man was looking at him. Kid? “I’m not a kid , sir” he smiled. He hated being called a kid when he had worked in the fashion industry in the muggle world. Because he was twenty two , not twelve. “though I already worked in the real world before, three years actually so I hope I won’t be called a kid all the time all over again, mr….uhm…sir?” mr. sir? Lol way the go KID. And he did realise that he had been rude so he quickly bowed again. “I’m sorry! I didn’t mean it like that, I mean, I don’t even know , I’m a bit nervous and….” Breatheee.

SAVED BY THE …really old Minister… Daichi felt kind of bad for him that he had to use a wheelchair and cane. “Hello mister minister sir!” could he tell he was nervous? Because this was horrible! “I wanted to congratulate you on your new position, my name is Daichi Katharos and I’ll be working at your department” he smiled, flashing teeth.

And then a rather excited female walked towards the table and when he caught the name it did ring a bell but from wheeeerreee…OH! Wasn’t she the one who had given him the invitation to this feast? Yes, she was. Which meant that she was his Department Head. With one last bow towards the Minister for Magic , he walked to the woman as she sat down. “Ehm..hello, I heard your name and I realised that you’ll be my boss so”..another bow… man he had to stop bowing and shake hands! “Can’t wait to start working” SMIIIIILE~!

Oh. Oh, his Junior Undersecretary. Well, that was the kind of stuff he'd learn as soon as he got into office, huh? At least there was a familiar face to look forward to now that Mr. McMillan had introduced himself. "That's wonderful! We'll likely be seeing quite a bit of each other, then."

He nodded in response to the next question. "Yes! But all the work is worth it. Everyone seems to be very excited."

And enthusiastic employees were always good!

And more visitors! This one might not have known of Sherman, but the elderly man sure knew of HIM. They were in the same department, didn't he remember? He even recalled the lad's surname, which was no ordinary feat for someone of his age.

"Mr. Meriwether! Thank you so much." Taking Derek's hand, he gave it a hearty shake. "Looking forward to the new year?"

And, of course, he said nothing of the stuttering.

Here came another one! Merlin, a lot of these workers looked quite young. Was no one a veteran like him? "Hello Mr. Katharos! I'm Sherman Clark. It'll be a pleasure working with you, I'm sure."

And he was ABOUT to say more, but it seemed like Daichi was heading off to talk to....

.... her.

She was... loud, yes? But also VERY happy, which was something Sherman strongly advocated, of course. What fun would working be without someone cheerful to keep the atmosphere light? He'd already known Gavin, but this woman seemed like she was an anthropomorphized rainbow.

"Hello, Ms. Cavanagh!" He got to sit by her too! "I'm Sherman Clark." He tried his best to extend a hand without toppling from his seat.

He still wasn't quite used to the title, so Sherman paused for a few moments before realizing the man meant him. Him? Him!

Hehe, this was fun.

"Good evening, sir!" No name? That was fine, he'd learn it eventually!

"I'm so glad to hear it," Emmalee responded. Truthfully, Aron was really the only other Department Head she felt like she knew, given the situation with the mutants as well as their shared interest in herbology. If nothing else, he was at least a colleague that she felt comfortable with. She smiled a bit. "I won't keep you," she nodded, glancing at his hand. "But at some point, I'd appreciate your thoughts on my notes from the experiment." Another set of eyes would be useful, given how it has really be a shot in the dark and a bit of a prayer that she'd picked the right plants.

Turning, she caught Harmony's glance and debated briefly whether she should head over. Emmalee didn't need the woman to like her... but she did need to be able to work with her and the two women had not exactly had the greatest of introductions. Well, it was a party and who wasn't in a good mood at a party? Well, that rather gruff gentleman aside. Stepping over, Emmalee smiled. "Harmony, hi," she said, willing a little cheer. "Was your break a good one?"

She glanced over at Minister Clark, debating whether she should go introduce herself, though the man looked positively besieged by people wanting some face time with the man.