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Post by Fate on Jul 8, 2011 16:39:33 GMT -5
Welcome to the Annual Wizengamot Ball!
As you enter the grand Atrium Hall, the first thing to catch your eye is the millions of floating faerie lights, glimmering orbs of golden and white, drifting here and there, illuminating the vaulted ceiling and turning the entire hall into a magnificent ballroom.
The theme is Midsummer, and the Office of Ministry Events has outdone itself.
Tall trees line the walls, their soft green leaves lit by golden strings of lights tracing their branches. Enchanted ivy clings to the walls, and there are garlands everywhere. Even real faeries dart here and there, resting on leaves and flowers or flitting by overhead.
A section of the Atrium has been designated as the dining area, with small round tables set with candles as the seating arrangement. The main area, on the other side of the grand Ministry statue, is the ballroom.
The black marble floor has been polished to a mirror finish, reflecting the floating lights above. The walls on all sides have been enchanted to look like tall mirrors, so the dancers spin 'round for eternity in their reflections. On the far side of the hall an orchestra fills the hall with a soft waltz, beckoning you to enter the Atrium. All of the offices, lifts, and floo fireplaces (except for the two large ones behind you) have been cordoned off by trees and hanging garlands. For those who have to work on this night, a single lift has been left open.
Come in and enjoy the night, mingle with your fellow wizards and witches, and celebrate another year of prosperity and peace. Lift your glasses to toast the Ministry and its success!
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Post by Arianna Blackthorn on Jul 8, 2011 22:52:04 GMT -5
Off in a corner and half hidden by a large arrangement of fresh flowers, stood a young woman in pale blue cotton who gazed longingly at the only open lift. Arianna Blackthorn yearned to be down below, tucked away in the department of mysteries instead of forced to make polite conversation with strangers. While not necessarily a shy person she did not enjoy large gatherings, at least not fully participating. Sometimes, watching was interesting but even she could be spotted in her little corner. But her orders were to not stand on the sidelines and watch, but actually make the rounds and get to know people. According to her boss this was one of the most important nights for her department, a chance for people to see the researchers and unspeakables as human and not insane mystics. It was going to be a very long night but she would make the best of it. Maybe she could sneak away with Curse for a bit. They hadn't arrived together because they were keeping the new status of their relationship quite. Bloody Damskar and his threats. If he didn't hold a grudge against Curse, then he would be by her side and not lost somewhere in the crowd. Ari bit back a sigh, and lifted up one side of her long dress, as she walked out of the shadow of the flowers. She really did feel a bit like a princess in her one shouldered dress. It was simple but pretty.
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Post by Nuriko Elsywth on Jul 10, 2011 23:19:17 GMT -5
Reece Elswyth was in her element.
Even as a hitwizard, she had loved the crowd-mingling part of her job. Often, her task had been to occupy the curious at the scene of a crime. This was what she had been known for, presenting a smiling face to the world, engaging the nosy reporter in time-consuming conversation.
Behind the scenes, she was a keen investigator and her quick wit was just as valuable as her gift of gab. She had served the Ministry for fourteen long years before moving to America shortly after the birth of her daughter.
Now the cop-turned-scientist was dressed in an elegant, long gown of dark blue, of a cut and style that suited her age and temperament well. She was getting reacquainted with some old friends she hadn’t seen in years, meeting sons and daughters of people she’d known then. The ball was packed.
Although, she hadn’t planned on nearly running over a young woman in a light blue gown. Reece pulled up short, applying the brakes in fine style, and even managing not to lose her drink in the near catastrophe. The liquid steadied in the glass as she smiled up at the younger woman. “Oh, I’m so sorry dear. Are you alright?”
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Post by Siara Brightweather on Jul 11, 2011 23:14:56 GMT -5
Siara Brightweather usually enjoyed a good ball or social event, but one hosted by the Ministry was bound to not be just the pleasant celebration it was advertised as. Politics ran like an undercurrent to the seemingly pleasant surface of the party. And she was up to her neck in it, being the new Headmistress of Hogwarts. Despite her standing in the Wizengamot, and Order of Merlin First Class, she was a relatively unknown face among the wizarding world's elite.
But she was here to change that.
Perhaps other Headmasters before her were content to let their title do the work for them, but Siara was going to change that. No longer was Hogwarts going to be pushed to the back of the Ministry's collective mind. Siara was here to make sure that they would know her face from now on, and her stand on matters. She was going to shake hands, make friends, and let it be known that the new Headmistress was a force to be reckoned with.
And the first thing at a ball such as this, was making an appearance. In a deep purple (almost black) gown with a sleeveless, high collared bodice that flowed into an elegant full skirt, Siara made a striking sight. Elbow-length black gloves accented her arms, and the entire look made her height and lean frame even more apparent. Tiny silver stars made of crystal were sewn into the velvety fabric, making her shimmer like a night sky with every movement. The most striking part about her, however, was her spiked silver hair and yellow hawk eyes.
Entering the Atrium, Headmistress Brightweather did not falter to stare or gawk, but she made her way purposefully into the midst of the crowd. The first man she happened upon was the Head of Magical Games and Sports department. She introduced herself, made a bit of small talk, and then moved on.
In this manner she floated through the crowd, sometimes merely smiling and nodding, other times addressing some important business. She was here to make herself known.
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Post by Curse Kameren on Jul 12, 2011 8:20:42 GMT -5
The trouble with being an honored, awarded, noted member of the Wizard Elite was that you had to act like it. Curse Kameren pulled uncomfortably at the collar of his black and white dress robes; social functions in this fashion were one of Curse's nightmares. He hated parties, and tended to close himself off in groups any larger than the classes he taught. It didn't help that a good portion of those in attendance would have preferred it if he'd never left the mental ward. He had had to avoid Arianna for that very reason; the rumor mill was at full strength tonight, and he had already received several mentions of his ex-fiance-secret-girlfriend from curious strangers. He didn't want the wrong ears hearing about their relationship, however, so tonight they were apart. The curious stares and whispers were bolder than ever tonight, however, and Curse tried to ignore it. He wondered briefly how his paranoia was considered abnormal after living in an environment like this for so long.
And he couldn't even drink.
The ex-auror wondered briefly if Alex was here. Did aurors have to be present at this rubbish? Curse had to as a Senior and obviously as the Head Auror, but he couldn't remember if he was required to attend when he was simply an auror. He didn't see any other tall Kameren forms looming over the crowds, so either he was correct or Alex was just hiding somewhere. Probably the latter, clever bastard. Curse wanted to duck out quietly, but there were people here who would notice if he did. Hopefully he and Arianna would find an excuse to 'excuse' themselves together later in the night.
A half-grin crossed Curse's pale face as he managed to find her in the crowd. She looked absolutely stunning. Merlin, she was too good for him, with his jagged scars and messy hair. He bit his lip and looked away; best not to get caught staring. He turned away, just in time to nearly trip over Headmistress Brightweather's dress. He jumped back, careful not to hurt the dark fabric of her gown. Dresses. Where was the practicality there? He couldn't understand it.
He smiled warmly as he met the woman's sharp gaze. He gasped in mock surprise, speaking lowly so only she could hear. "What's this? A real, live human being, at a Ministry Event? You must be lost," He laughed, bowing customarily to his new Headmistress with a sly smile. "Evening, Miss Brightweather."
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Post by Arianna Blackthorn on Jul 14, 2011 22:31:42 GMT -5
As soon as Arianna left her little sanctuary she was nearly accosted by a middle aged witch dressed in a well cut dark blue gown. It seemed that the cheerful lady was in a mad dash to speak with someone, or maybe everyone. Ari had seen the lady work the room and with one glance, Ari knew she was with a master. for this woman, talking was a sport. She also had a steady hand. For a second, Ari was sure her dress would be stained by the liquid in her glass and all before Curse Kameren could see her in it. With a little vanity she thanked fate that the woman was able to prevent the spillage of liquid. While a wand was useful in getting out stains, the fabric would never be the same.
“Oh, I’m so sorry dear. Are you alright?”
Ari was about to reply when her attention was captured by the appearance of a certain wizard who made a fine picture in dress robes. Then she remembered that someone had asked her question. With a twinge of regret, Ari pulled her attention off Curse Kameren and focused instead on the woman in front of her.
"Yes, thank you. It is quite the party isn't it?" She offered half heartedly. Ari was not much of a party person. Give her a small get together any day.
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Post by Pherick Essin on Jul 15, 2011 20:52:50 GMT -5
"It's nice," the old wizard said, turning over the rosy length in his hands, "fine craftsmanship. And the core is..." he quieted then and leaned in slightly, "it's really what you said?"
Pherick gave a small grin and a nod of his head. "You can feel that chill yourself, no? I think it's familiar enough to you that you know what it is. It'll curse with the best of them, and your Patronus will never be quite so satisfying as cast through one of these."
With another glance along the wand's slender form, Assistant Administrator O'Doul of Azkaban handed it back to the young artificer and took up his wine again.
"I might be interested," said the old wizard, "although my concern is in the... the harvesting of the necessary item."
"I'm sure that all of Azkaban won't take notice that there's one less chill shade lurking in the dark...." Pherick trailed off as he spotted a figure in the crowd, rapidly approaching, and he could recognize the device in her dainty hand as soon as he knew her for what she was: a joker, a wildcard slipped into his carefully stacked deck.
He turned the man a bit further away, and began to move as if at the head of a leisurely stroll, passing a hand over the black silk of his dress-robes, letting the green and gold embroidery shimmer in the candlelight.
"But I think that's hardly the conversation we should be having among such esteemed company," Pherick continued, "you have my card. I'm sure we'll be in touch soon and can work out the finer details."
Working hard not to seem too abrupt, the young artificer strolled a bit away toward the crowd, hoping to get out of earshot before the storm of chaos arrived, without giving the impression that anything was amiss. He found a place to settle and ride out the worst of it beside a glittering archway. He took up his glass and sipped, pretending to watch the nearby dancers.
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Post by Nuriko Elsywth on Jul 16, 2011 22:05:10 GMT -5
Nuriko’s hair was more subdued than usual for the ministry event, instead of imitating an electric blue whirlwind, it flowed smoothly to her shoulders and was its natural black. However, she hadn’t been able to resist a thin braid that twisted in her house colours. She’d added it after her mother had approved of her style for the evening. Reece Elswyth had definite opinions on what one wore to an official ministry ball.
Her short, stocky frame was made nearly elegant in a dark orange frock that flowed and swirled around her legs. Occasionally she would twirl just for the effect. Riko lived to be dramatic, and she loved long flowing skirts. She liked to twirl in them. She didn’t worry about looking like she was acting a lot younger than she was.
“PHERICK.” She descended on the unfortunate Gryffindor with a determined expression, shouting across the ballroom with no qualms. She tracked her prey with the precision of a well-trained beater as he sidled away. She came upon him, either hiding (poor place to) or perhaps resigned to his fate. She was known to be determined.
“Hey Pherick.” She shook the object in her hand at him, trying to keep a straight face, but failing as traces of a smile slipped through. “What’s this? Your thingermabobber broke again. I think.” She brought it up to eye level, peering at it. “At least, its not being cooperative.”
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Post by Pherick Essin on Jul 16, 2011 23:07:32 GMT -5
Stifling a sigh, Pherick finished his sip of wine in foppish affectation. Hopefully, his potential dupe in the Azkaban administration would continue to show interest in his handiwork, perhaps giving him the ever forlorn moment to find the prison records he sought. With the Hogwarts potion-master so perversely silent on the matter (if, in fact, he knew anything at all,) this recent lead seemed to be the only reasonable path to take.
And he was just about to seal the arrangement when this meddlesome little half-breed threatened to ruin everything. At least Pherick managed to minimize the damage of her boisterous complaints; Assistant Administrator O'Doul was already nervous enough about shipping one of the prison's terrors to a private citizen. Pherick didn't need him doubting the quality of his work as well.
"My darling Ms. Elswyth," he said, forcing a pristine calm as he met her dusky stare, "I feared we wouldn't meet again before the start of term."
The fist-sized globe clutched in the girl's hand was a detector of hidden things; snares, secret passages, buried treasures, and the like. It was not unlike a muggle metal-detector in application. The girl's request had been maddeningly vague, but the price was right, and he'd done his best to at least make something that would amuse her. A few months later, she'd come complaining to him; small trinkets and bits of jewelry were disappearing from her dormitory and she was dead certain that his device was to blame. He took it for a re-tuning, but couldn't find any real issue with the thing, so gave its brass bits a polish and returned it, hoping the problem would clear away on its own.
But she'd come back just in time to chase away another client, the one that might lead him finally to the truth. He wanted to be done with the damn thing, already, maybe just relieve her of the machine and himself of her recurring presence.
"We can come to some agreement, I'm sure. After this much time, I don't think I can refund you entirely, but the cost of the parts..." he paused, peering at the machine's far side. There was something jammed between the copper plates, a bit of quill, perhaps.
"What, exactly have you been doing with it, love?"
A spark jumped from the orb with a moderate pop that caught the attention of at least one nearby Auror.
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Post by Theo Bowre on Jul 17, 2011 17:53:44 GMT -5
"Theo Bowre."
The Ministry intern attending to the door consulted her clipboard of invitees with a level of cheer that seemed to mock Theo's sombre mood. She had a large silver quill - the type that was popular amongst witches in their teens - and the impeccable way she wore her hair and gown suggested she spent more time on her appearance than reviewing the list and its manner of assortment.
"God I can never find anything on this list! I mean, I'm sorry, but I think I would have AT LEAST tried to alphabetize them. I mean, Patrick, Henry, Agatha...where's the reasoning?"
Theo smiled gently at the young witch.
"Um, I, I think they're listed alphabetically by the surname."
She looked at him quizzically.
"By the last name. Abernathy. Applewood. Astra."
It took another few seconds.
"OH! There you are. Theo Bowre. Oh, you're a beater!"
"Yes."
"Well, Mr. Beater. You're all set. Have a lovely evening. Oh, and if you're lucky, you might get a chance to meet the Minister of Magic! He's SO amazing. I've met him. I know, right. Totally. Hey, are you single?"
"Thank you." Theo stepped past the intern with a kind nod and took immediate shelter in the outskirts of the ball. He was terrible in crowds and it took every ounce of self-discipline to step outside of his flat and make the journey to London. In his best-case-scenario, he would have a brief chat with Jack, whom he hadn't seen in ages, and then leave. He'd have made his requisite appearance and that would be that. His worst-case-scenario involved dancing, lengthy conversation, and a run in with...well, a run in.
Theo accepted a glass of champagne and scanned the crowd from the shadows.
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Post by Nuriko Elsywth on Jul 18, 2011 19:15:22 GMT -5
Nuriko eyed the Gryffindor a little peevishly. It was clear he intended on acting superior to her once again, a habit she found immensely irritating. Unlike many she interacted with, this boy grated on her nerves. Usually it didn’t bother her too terribly. Purebloods. Most of them were annoyingly foppish.
"My darling Ms. Elswyth," he said, forcing a pristine calm as he met her dusky stare, "I feared we wouldn't meet again before the start of term."
“My darling Pherick.” She simpered with obvious insincerity, her gaze sharpening as she lowered the globe. She’d tried to be nice. Oh well. “If you intend on treating me like a simpleton again--”
“We can come to some agreement, I'm sure. After this much time, I don't think I can refund you entirely, but the cost of the parts..."
“I’m not looking for a refund, Essin.” She took an aggressive stance, narrowing her gaze. “Last time, you just polished it up.” She pointed a finger as he started to speak, platitudes or protests, most likely. “Don’t think you can fool me, lion-boy.”
"What, exactly have you been doing with it, love?"
“I’m not your love-- ” The American started to say, but there was a pop as the spark burst like a bubble. For a moment she stared at the globe, blue eyes quizzical. If only she knew how the thing worked! It was as much a thorn in her side, the fact that she didn’t know its inner workings, as well as the fact that it seemed to be disappearing small trinkets from her room.
She brought her face closer, then pulled back suddenly as clockwork parts whirred, clicking into place… there was a bright flash of light--
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Post by Pherick Essin on Jul 19, 2011 4:31:55 GMT -5
ooc: At this point, there's a bright flash of light and Pherick and Nuri disappear with it. Their story continues here.
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Post by Nuriko Elsywth on Jul 20, 2011 20:36:16 GMT -5
Reece caught a glimpse of her daughter through the crowd, sighing when she saw the multicoloured braid in the girl’s hair. Really, she couldn’t get the girl to conform to proper dress code for one night. She wasn’t sure if she should take this as a sign or not.
"Yes, thank you. It is quite the party isn't it?"
“The Ministry seems to have tried to go all out this year.” Reece agreed, smoothing her dress with one hand as she took a sip from the goblet to wet her parched mouth. It was dry from all the talking. It was quite a rush, to meet so many old friends at once. “I’m Reece, by the way.” She held out her hand for a polite shake.
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Post by Arianna Blackthorn on Jul 20, 2011 22:02:02 GMT -5
“The Ministry seems to have tried to go all out this year.”
No doubt it was because it wanted to appear stronger than it was. Really, it seemed a frivolous waste of money. Who needed unique ice sculptors that would eventually met? Or thousands of sparkling fairies holding candles? It was horrendous, especially when the funds to host this party could have been used to fund research, or charities or keep the budget in check. She wouldn't begrudge them their ball, but why couldn't they spend less money? A few magical flowers, and floating candles would have been sufficient right?
“I’m Reece, by the way.” "Arianna. Why are you here, enjoying this expensive frivolity ?" She asked curious to know another's perspective. Ariannna was forced.
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Post by Siara Brightweather on Jul 21, 2011 2:06:29 GMT -5
Siara chuckled as Curse's levity lifted her from the normal buzz of conversation to someone a bit more interesting. "Cheek, Kameren?" She winked one yellow eye. "Not sure if I count as a full human being. Part poultry, maybe."
Her twinkling eyes showed she was joking around. Normally Siara made no allusions to her strange (and unexplained - at least to those newly acquainted with her) appearance. But she was feeling jovial and relaxed.
"It's good to see some of our staff here, you included. Do you like big fancy parties like this, or prefer less grand occasions? I'm taking notes for our staff meetings."
As she spoke, her gaze floated about the room, returning to focus on the Potions Professor, then back to scanning the crowd, looking for any familiar faces. A man entered, it was Theodore Bowre, she recognized him from the Black Watch meeting. But he quickly blended in with the shadows at one end of the room, and Siara wasn't sure if he was in a sociable mood or not.
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