The Hospital entrance was decorated ornately and the whine was free flowing. Habitually, opening ceremonies tended to take place during the day, when it would be a short ceremony, attracting the press briefly to have a piece written up in the paper. Miranda wasn’t looking for a brief interlude with the press before work commenced. She was looking to secure funding. People given free drinks always donated. It was a basic, yet unwritten rule.

This new potion department within St Mungo’s was a massive risk for the hospital to take. The journey to this point had been long and difficult for the new Head Healer. It had taken a poison epidemic to finally gain board approval and yet another few months to get to this point. Miranda had now been in charge of St Mungo’s for a year and 2 weeks. It certainly hadn’t been an easy time and perhaps she should have been bursting with pride for this achievement. Instead, she couldn’t shake her father’s words from that morning.

“Your job is resting on this department, Miranda. Fail and the board will make sure you don’t get another healing job in Europe.”

This had only added to the already mounting stress and had played a part in her letting rip at Ignan in response to his complaints about their ‘celebrity’ guest for the evening. She’d quite adamantly told him not to bother coming if it was such a problem and left the house without another word.

Now, with the entrance hall full of guests, press, staff, and possible donators, Miranda put her husband’s jealous ego to the back of her mind and gave her ‘celebrity’ guest a smile as she approached him.

“Thank you for coming, Minister, I know you’re a very busy man now.” It was only for the people around her that she referred to him as such. It was also only for the people around her that Miranda didn’t pull away from the awkward embrace and kiss on the cheek. She could only imagine Ignan’s reaction had he seen.

“We’ll start in a few minutes. Can I get you a glass of whine?”

It had been a challenging couple of months for the new Minister for Magic. He didn’t feel very ‘new’ now. It felt like two years since the start of April, so much had been shoehorned into it. It was a small mercy he didn’t have a wife and family to be neglected as his waking hours were dominated with the affairs of government.

Amongst the important decision making and tedious hours of meetings and red tape, there were events. Some of them were as bland as the dullest moment of the day job, and some were more sociable, appealing to Edwin’s somewhat suppressed need to exercise his eyes over attractive witches. He’d really been on his best behaviour for weeks now. Well, at least in terms of chatting up ladies in the London offices.

Tonight he had accepted the invitation from Miranda Storm, Head Healer of St Mungo’s Hospital, to open a new department. When they had both been nominated as possible ministerial candidates, Edwin had drawn an alliance with Miranda. He had pledged some support to Miranda’s reforms, especially in the wake of the catastrophic contamination of supplies, and in return she had withdrawn her interest in standing. He couldn’t fault her determination to see through plans.

The last time he’d been in the hospital on an evening, surrounded by alcohol agonising from guests’ glassware, it had been the calendar fundraiser. He’d bid enough galleons against Ignan Storm to win Miranda’s company. Tonight he hadn’t spied the Head Healer’s husband, not that she required him. Instead, he greeted Miranda with open arms,
“Miranda,” he greeted her somewhat informally as she reciprocated with Minister before he kissed her gently on the cheek. She smelled of peppermint over a faint haze of cigarettes and the hospital, just as he remembered. “Yes, thank you.” He straightened his cuffs before taking a proffered glass. “Whine again? Does add a certain ambiance, I suppose.” He toasted her politely and sipped, ignoring the alcohol chastising his ruddy face.

“Have you something prepared, or would you like me to say a few words on the hospital’s achievements?” Edwin asked, an authentic offer. It was important this moment went well for both of them, there were several members of the press swarming nearby, and a lot of money in the room. “And it’s just the ‘Potion Department’, yes?” Edwin didn’t need to make a note, he would remember in the short term, he had a good memory, particularly for names and faces.

He was tempted to ask where Professor Storm was, but decided the man would probably appear out of nowhere shortly if he were there that night.
“I met with the Swiss Minister yesterday, he would be very interested to visit, or send a small delegation over next month.” Edwin’s attention remained on Miranda, “I accepted on your behalf,” he told her, corners of his mouth curling.

Lexus stood awkwardly off to the side. It wasn't so much that the socializing made her uncomfortable. She was actually fairly chatty when she wanted to be and the wide array of alcohol certainly helped. Tonight her anxiety was twofold. First she was nervous about her new position, the whole reason they were having this fundraiser. After a gruelling encounter with the Head Healer, she had managed to secure herself a position in the New Potions Department.

Secondly, she was wearing a dress. She hadn't always been adverse to dresses and she wasn't entirely opposed to them now. However it had become quite the task to find something that flattered her figure without laying her arms, shoulders or back bare. The level of scarring was horrendous and was almost always a instant signifier of her affliction. That was a conversation she'd rather not have tonight.

She mossied through the crowd, smiling and laughing where appropriate. She had been stopped a few times to talk about her new role but there wasn't much she could say at this point beyond being excited and thankful for the opportunity. She was simply hoping she could find someone to have a half decent conversation with.

“Whine again? Does add a certain ambiance, I suppose.”
 
“We had a lot left over from last year.” Miranda admitted before giving a somewhat knowing smile. “Besides, it drives the guilt of possible donators.” Miranda had always been a decent manipulator of people. She’d always been expert at using them for her own gains or amusement. The use of whine at their present function was a purposeful move with the innocent excuse of having been purchased by accident the year before.

“Just the potions department.” The witch confirmed before her companion explained his meeting with the Swiss minister. Why ever she would want another visit from a foreign delegation, she didn’t know. But she smiled and nodded, nonetheless.

“That’s rather forward.” Her tone, despite the words, was friendly. If the Swiss minister had deep pockets, she supposed he could be welcomed.

Linking the wizard’s arm, Miranda started to direct them towards the main ‘stage’ area the hospital’s site team had erected for tonight’s event. “I did take the liberty of preparing some prompts for you, Edwin. I’d hate for you to miss anything out.” Her spare hand lifted to her hat and she took a small piece of rolled up parchment from the rim, offering it to the minister.

“That’s rather forward.”
“Your daughter will forward details.” Edwin replied smoothly, smiling respectfully.

“… preparing some prompts for you…”
“How thoughtful, Head Healer,” the Minister agreed, though already sure he would not necessarily use them to the letter that Miranda Storm was hoping he would. Arms linked, they approached the makeshift stage for the evening, erected just ahead of the doors to the new department, which were dressed in green and gold ribbons. It was all terribly cordial, and had she not the most terrible table manners in a restaurant, and a wedding ring, he might have ventured an invitation to the witch.
“Gosh you’re sooo boooring,” his glass of whine complained. He placed it down on an opportune surface and received the parchment from Miranda before they stepped up onto the platform.

Their motion caught the attention of nearby gatherers, and Edwin released Miranda’s arm graciously, straightening his tie, drawing a hand over his balding head and dusting himself down, his back more towards the crowd as he did. Satisfied, he turned and took more assured strides across the platform and looked out upon the sea of faces. Well, sea might have been a rather generous idiom.

The Minister took the tightly rolled parchment in one hand, lifted it and let it unroll. His eyes dropped to see the parchment unroll like a till receipt and glanced sideways to Miranda with a hint of scepticism. There really had been a few things she wanted him to address.

“Good evening,” Edwin greeted. The Daily Prophet reporter in the front row readied his quill and the photographer adjusted focus, “thank you all for coming to support this most worthy and noble cause. St Mungo’s Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries has kept generations of British magical folk healthy for over three-hundred years. Each of us owes a little, or a lot to the hard work and dedication of our national hospital, and the healers who work tirelessly to treat and research the strangest and most deadly of afflictions.” Edwin scanned the faces around him, and was satisfied by the numbers now looking his way, and the hush that had fallen on the entrance, that he had their attention. There were several flashes of light as photographs were taken in preparation.

“St Mungo’s has weathered countless incidents, from epidemics to disasters, taking care of those we hold most dear. They have done this through our unwavering support. Six months ago, they faced their deadliest challenge in living memory. Not all who came through the doors survived, and they shall be remembered. But December’s tragic outcome is but one of many indications that our life is changing, and with that, our hospital changes too. Under Head Healer Storm’s charge,” Edwin gestured to Miranda beside him, "we stand here this evening to open the most radical change in several hundred years. A whole new department, established, recruited, integrated into our hospital in just the space of a few months. The Ministry of Magic is proud to support and advise this new venture, for St Mungo’s to become self-sufficient, as far as possible. Today is the first step achieved on this journey, and tomorrow they shall begin another, without ceasing to deliver outstanding care to all in our community.”

Edwin paused, the notes from Miranda rolling up in his fingertips of their own accord as he drew his walnut wand, raising it in the air. There were more flashes and pops from the camera, quick to capture the moment of ribbon cutting.

“It is my great honour as Minister for Magic of Great Britain, to pronounce the St Mungo’s Potions Department open.”

He drew his wand down in the air at the ribbons behind them, green and gold floating up into stars as the doors gave way smoothly.

Draco walked into the Hospital and briefly thought about turning right around and leaving.  He hadn't been to a big function in years due to his not wanting to be anywhere near anyone who would  use his past against him. He dug out a suit that he hadn't worn in a few months and with slight hesitation, wore his Malfoy ring on his right hand.  Looking around the place, he quickly realized that he didn't want to stand out in the middle, so he made his way over to the wall and stood there. 

He spotted his new boss among the people there and was grateful that she'd given him a chance to do something productive with his time.  He'd always loved potions and now had a chance to do exactly what he liked to do.  If only he could get over the need for him to leave his home and enter a building filled with people.  His slight paranoia making him feel as if they were all silently judging him.

He would overcome it, for now, he would stand her and show support for his boss and his new job and would probably enter into light conversation should the need arise, until then however, he'd lean against the wall with one hand in his pocket and just watch.

Andromeda felt out of place. She did not normally go to stuff like this. She had changed her hair colour deep purple black. She wore a green dress. She looked for someone she knew. She wanted to come because she supported the hospital. She came here to get fixed. Last year she had stayed here to recover. She always made a regular donation. It maybe was not as big as some people but she still donated.

Andie saw Draco Malfoy. He was in the year above her at school. They had been on different sides in the war. But time had passed and now he did good things. He was on his own. Andromeda approached him.
"Hello how are you?" She asked. "You are looking very smart. How are you tied up with this then?"

PS Nuri did polyvore for dobbyswap <333

Awkward wasn't the right word to convey how Henry felt as he entered the large room filled with fellow witches and wizards. He was dressed in his finest robes looking every bit the part of the gallionaire's son he had despised so much. His mother had always made these events look so effortless. His father had taken over after her death though he always imagined Arathorn had done so begrudgingly. Now he was gone as well and carrying on the family's philanthropists activities had fallen to him. Had it not been for his desire to made good with his son, he wouldn't have been caught dead at an event like this. The fake smiles, the eager elbow rubbing, the constant flaunting of social status was the entire reason he had left high society. Sure this was for a good cause, supporting St Mungo's was one of the best causes he could think to support but it was the attitudes behind it that he despised. Look how generous I am, look how thoughtful I am, look at how much of my endless wealth I'm putting into this super important cause that I totally support. Bollocks.

Henry glided through the room, smiling as he went. Pausing every so often as someone from one of the old families gave their condolences on his father's tragic end or offered how good it was to see he wasn't actually dead. Thankfully he was able to get to the refreshment table without much incident. A glass of wine and some hor d'ouvers allowed him to fill his mouth and avoid any more awkward conversation.

He wondered how long he needed to stay. He supposed long enough to hand over a satchel of coins for the good cause then he could sneak off to the nearest pub for a proper pint. He knew coming back to the Wizarding world was going to be difficult but hadn't expected he'd be coming to back to the boring high society work like this benefit.

Throughout the rather lovely things that the minister had to say about the hospital, Miranda Storm stood by his side, hands clasped in front of her, a calm yet polite smile softening her usually somewhat cold expression. Of course, Glass was hitting the right spot, he’d followed some of her script. Some points had been avoided, left off. He wasn’t on her payroll so she couldn’t exactly make demands.

But the mention of the hardships and the speed in her pushing forward a solution were the main points that needed to be pushed to the press and public. Miranda Storm had taken a disaster dealt on her hospital (and herself), and made her hospital better through it. People would not take them down because St Mungo’s would weather anything. She hoped the message had found its way through to the whine drinking guests.

The department was pronounced open, the grand spectacle as the doors opened. Miranda smiled and nodded to her companion on the stage before Miranda pulled her own wand from the pocket of her dress and lifted it to her throat, she whispered the Sonorous charm and began to address her audience.

“Thank you to Minister Glass for those supportive words and of course, your time coming here to tonight. It means a lot for us to have the support of the Ministry of Magic.” Healer Storm never usually spoke publically, she left it for others, usually for a spokesperson. But this was a proud moment. A moment of genuine success.
“St Mungo’s has had a difficult and trying six months. My staff have proven to me, and I hope to you, that they go above and beyond daily to save lives. This new department is a fantastic edition to a hospital that I am already honoured to Head. You’ve all been invited here tonight to share in this prominent and history making moment. But we can’t be a success without public support. I ask you to take a moment this evening to thank one of my members of staff for their hard work and dedication.”

It was during the customary applause that Miranda and Edwin stepped down from the makeshift stage and reclaimed their drinks.

Josie was at the front. Her quill wrote down what the Minister and the Head Healer said. Mr Glass and Mrs Storm looked happy. Josie normally saw people disagree with each other at events. This was good news for everyone. But it was because of bad news. The whine agreed. Josie wrote down the names of people she recognised. Just as the Head Healer stopped talking Josie saw Henry Wentworth in the crowd. He had not been around until recently. Josie had read. She had heard about him too. But now it was time to ask questions. "Head Healer!" Josie bounced towards Miranda Storm. "Congratulations. But why did it take the death of 42 people to get the ball rolling? And how are you going to stop the contamination happening again?"

Sandy stood at the side of the crowd. He chose his smartest healer robes. He was happy that a new department was open. He was glad everyone was here. He hoped they gave lots of money. Once the speeches were over he went to talk to more people. The Wentworths were an old family. The Misslethorpes were too. Henry was a lot younger than Sandy. But Sandy remembered him when he was little.
"My condolences Mr Wentworth." Sandy said. He bowed his head. "It is a pleasure to have you join us tonight. How are things? Would you like a tour of the new department?"

Henry offered a somber smile and a nod to the older Wizard. He looked vaguely familiar but he couldn't place the family name (Unlike Malfoy whom he recognized the instant he walked in) Thankfully he had a bit of food in his mouth at the time and wasn't required to say anything further. He didn't know how many more condolences he could hear before saying something untoward. Henry never had a great love for his father and considering the old man had snapped his wand and disowned him simply for falling in love with a muggle (certainly it had nothing to do with the fact that he was already married and was walking out on a wife and child) he didn't have the nicest of things to say about his passing.

He swallowed and contemplated taking a sip of wine but thought better of it. The last sip had been met with a biting retort from the burgundy liquid, "Everything's doing swell all things considered." All things considered a single emotional response had put his entire life in turmoil. He could have kept himself hidden. Peacefully watch his children graduate and continue on with his comfortable muggle existence. However his emotions had taken hold and he was concerned about how all his sisters would take their father's sudden death. Outing himself as not actually dead was a foreseen consequence. What he hadn't expected was the reporters investigating his peaceful little life and discovering the two children only his father had known about.

He placed down his now empty plate of hor d'oeuvres, "I would love a tour of the new department." He had a sister that was a Healer last he checked, it would be nice to know the Hospital she worked in was being well taken care of. Not to mention he probably should see what his son's money was going toward. He wasn't sure if Xavier would be expecting a report of how the benefit went. His youngest son suddenly had a lot on his plate but he suspected the brooding Slytherin would have no trouble handling it all.

"Head Healer!"
 Miranda had been about to thank Glass and suggest his ‘role’ was finished when she was approached by a younger witch with a highly inappropriate question. The previously calm and content expression Miranda’s features had shown vanished to be replaced by a hard look as her gaze found the witch and narrowed.

She didn’t look angry, she looked displeased, unimpressed at being disturbed.
“You can ask the board of warlocks why it took so long and I believe I’ve already answered your question with the opening of this department.” Mira’s tone was harsh, as if scolding a naughty child. “Forward any further questions to my assistant rather than muddying this evening.”

As if the young reporter had not been dismissed, Miranda turned back to Glass.
“Let me show you what you’ve just opened, Minister.” Her polite smile was back and she took a sip of her whine.

Josie was not put off. She needed answers now. She had read notes from the assistant already. Everyone would use them for news. She wanted real words.
"Are all your potions ingredients now made here? What about the animals? What about disease if it happens here?" She followed the Head Healer and the Minister.

"Splendid. Do come this way." Sandy gestured towards the open doors. "Healer Misslethorpe." Sandy introduced himself. "Sandy Misslethorpe." He smiled. "We will grow most of our herb and plant needs here. There are indoor greenhouses. Each has a different atmosphere. We have boggy marsh to Himalayan mountain top. Experts in magical meteorology helped construct each." Sandy walked beside Henry. "It has meant more jobs here for herbologists." Sandy stopped outside one of the doors. It said Subtropic. "Let me show you this one." He held the door open for Henry.

Inside the indoor greenhouse it was more than comfortably warm. It was filled with rows of different plants. Some climbed trellis and reached for the sun globes. Some trailed down to their feet. There were lots of labels. In the distance a grey cloud was raining on some plants. They were dancing happily. A coastal wind rustled leaves. "This is more pleasant than our alpine habitat." Sandy said.