Friday the 19th, around 8:00, on the fourth floor of the Ministry. Plot discussion here.


The trays of food were out. The floating candles lit. And the doors of the Department of the RCMC stood open. Fauna Blake looked lost in the middle of the room, trying to calm her racing heart.

What if no one came? No, that was silly, because the SAWS members were sure to be there, and Covadonga Gertrudis had posted those notices around the Ministry and in safehouses. Fauna still had this fear that even though they'd spread the word, not one soul would peek in, so the trays of hors d'oeuvres would go untouched, and the stage would remain empty. After fifteen minutes, then a half an hour of waiting, the culinary staff would shake their heads, pack up the food, and leave.

But then someone walked in the door, and her eyes lit up. It wasn't anybody she knew, but it was a person, and though this person looked hesitant, she ventured further in and offered a smile in Fauna's direction. Fauna smiled back. Another - two people! -walked in.

Everything would be okay.

She fidgeted with her tiny silver visitor's badge, attached to the front of her festive blue dress. Now that the guests had begun to arrive, other worries crowded her thoughts, and she tried to think if she'd put up enough signs in the Atrium pointing to the fourth floor, or if there were enough places to sit, or staff milling about with trays of food and drinks. But Miss Gertrudis understood the space well, and had planned for every possibility, it seemed. Fauna felt grateful to her, and knew she was around here somewhere.

Fauna hoped Astrid would arrive soon, along with the other SAWS members, and kept glancing at the doors anxiously. She'd planned a short speech, but she was terrified of public speaking, and didn't look forward to blushing and stuttering in front of everyone. Perhaps someone else would want to introduce the werewolf speakers, and Fauna would happily stay in the background.

However, this was a mixer. A mixer where folks gathered and... mixed. She could be social at the very least, she told herself, squaring her shoulders and moving towards the few people who had trickled in.

Johs was one of the first to turn up. he was dressed in red dress robes, with his visitor's badge pinned to the front of them.Looking around, he was impressed.  His father followed him into the room. " Impressive, isn't it dad?" Josh said, more than asked to his father. Josh looked around again, and saw Fauna. " Hi Fauna" he said, walking towards her.

The Gear

There was no way that Josh would be the only SAWS member to arrive to support the cause.  Was Chance Ryker really expected to continue showing commitment like this on a prolonged basis?  Had his lifestyle and his very way of thinking become altered by one simple inspirational gesture by Professor Levartian?  It seemed change was definitely in the air...and blowing in like a crisp late autumn breeze was none other than the aforementioned Irishman.  Chance was decked out...and dressed "to the nines."  Smooth black suit, vest, tie, and even square toed dress shoes.  And there was a light blue dress shirt underneath just to add a little color.  Chance checked his watch and noted that he was still a little early to the mixer.  He smiled he eased on inside and allowed his unnaturally green eyes to scan about until finding a familiar face.  Chance immediately saw two, though he was approaching from the rear entrance apparently...He drew up behind Fauna and placed a hand on the small of her back as to not startle her when he spoke and extended his other hand toward Josh.

"You lot clean up nicely!  Josh-good t'see y'made it, lad!  An' yer father too.  Well done, well done.  All studied up fer th' big tests an' all that?"

Chance tilted his head to Fauna, who by now would likely be turning to face him moreso.

"An' how're y'holdin' up so far, lass?  Givvus a smile, wouldja?"

He grinned to her reassuringly, patted her back softly, and nodded understandingly.

"Y'don't 'aveta worry 'bout a ruddy thing.  Ya've got friends 'ere who care 'boutcha an' we'll support ya.  Th' only people with aught against ya've got a screw loose anyhow, so nothin' t'worry 'bout!"

Chance was definitely there in more of an emotional support role than anything else, though he was also trying to think of this mixer as a learning experience and an opportunity in general.

Fauna had just approached the early arrivals and managed to introduce herself with a nervous smile, when she caught a glimpse of a familiar face. Joshua was dressed nicely in red robes, and Fauna assumed the older man next to him was his father, Samuel, who she'd never met but heard he was an Auror.

"Hi Josh," she greeted him, relief clear on her face. The first fellow SAWS member had arrived! Though she didn't always agree with everything Josh suggested at meetings, she appreciated his dependability and willingness to offer ideas.

Fauna smiled in Samuel's direction, unsure if he planned on joining them, and glanced back when she felt a light touch on her back. Chance was here now, too! Her smile widened into a genuine grin before he even commented on it.

And he cleaned up nice as well! She blinked at the suit for a moment before quickly glancing away, hoping he hadn't caught her blushing over his compliment.

"Hi," she finally greeted him, shrugging when he asked how she was holding up. "It's, well, you know... it's all really happening!" Fauna just hadn't expected that this kind of thing would work out. She'd thought the day of the mixer would get changed without warning. Or that the Ministry would outright say no. Or that they wouldn't have enough staff to help or Magical Law Enforcement around just in case. But here they were, 8:00 on Friday, actually doing this, and no one had burned down the building or made a scene. Yet.

Chance reassured her that they were there for her, and she suddenly felt very glad that they'd become friends. Between the egg project and SAWS, it was hard not to be.

"Thanks," she said softly. "And thanks for coming, both of you," she glanced at the two of them, still nervous about the event but not as much as she'd been earlier. Whatever happened tonight, they were all in this together.



(OOC Note: I'm going to give everyone at least until this weekend to make their entrances, and then I plan on introducing the werewolf speakers. Please let me know if you would like your RCMC staff character, SAWS member, or werewolf character to speak in front of everyone! Thanks!)

The mixer was going against everything she was telling herself to do, she was going to be out in public and she was going to be front and center. Astrid would probably have to speak, and it wasn’t stage fright that got her into this mindset. It was the fact that after all these months of trying to hide away, go under the radar, she was going to put herself out there and on display. In hopes of blending in and being neutral she had decide to sport a simple outfit, a major change from the eccentric dress everyone used to know and expect. Astrid was here for the cause and not to make a statement, or a scene. As always though Astrid came armed with her book bag, which held the infamous notebook, or at least one of the many. The last thing Astrid needed was one of her seer episodes tonight.

Astrid could not have been prouder of Fauna, or the efforts that she was putting in. Fauna was a great girl to have on her side, and took the reigns in supporting the organization when Astrid’s body wasn’t going to let her. Astrid had not realized that the small seer episodes she once had were going to become so intense as she came of age. Perhaps the intensity of her visions was paired with the stress levels of the outside world, there was conflict and Astrid was very aware of it.

Upon arriving to the fourth floor of the Ministry, Astrid took a deep breath. She was going to make a very strong effort to remain calm all evening, and not wish to gag any of the speakers or SAWS members for the evening. All people were entitled to have opinions and she couldn’t fault people for their strong views as much as they couldn’t fault her for hers. Astrid also had on her agenda not to have an episode, which was going to take a fair bit of concentration if she felt one approaching. That was an upside she had learnt as of late, she was getting better at acknowledging when a vision would arrive and was slowly getting better at postponing them.

With a final deep breath, Astrid walked into the room and plastered a smile upon her face. She made way towards Fauna, “Hello Fauna.” She cast a glance towards Josh and Chance. “Hello you two, glad you could make it.” Astrid only hoped that her presences was going to bring a calming effect on Fauna, and not make her stress or over think anything.

Outfit

It was good to see Fauna smile and it brought Chance genuine satisfaction to see her happy.  She was such a kind, gentle, modest breath of fresh air.  Even at Hogwart's, it seemed people like Fauna were a rare breed.  He knew Fauna was nervous, but hopefully her confidence would be reassured when she saw the support group that she had right there standing behind her.  This was a new cause for Chance and he didn't consider himself an expert by any means, but his heart was in the right place and he was trying to do what he could for SAWS.

" ''ey, if anybody can do it...th' Fauninator can!"

Of course there was always room for the unexpected.  Tragedy could always strike and that's why deep down, Chance was far more focused than per usual.  If someone was going to pull something, then they'd have to go through the Irish Gryffindor.

"Isn' a place I'd rather be right now."

Chance smiled, but as he considered his words...his thoughts couldn't help but flicker to Myrni.  But as kind and inspiring as she'd been to him, he had to realize this was where he was wanted.  This was where he was needed.  And then came the entrance of Astrid.  Chance smiled. 

"S'good t'see ya out an' about, Astrid.  How're y'feelin'?"

Chance knew that Astrid was deep, had been through a lot, and she seemed troubled tonight.  Though he was only beginning to get to know the SAWS members, he respected Astrid and was concerned for her well being.

Knox had been through it twice now and wondered at what point he'd stop counting, at what point it'd feel normal.  The books all had encouraging things to say, but reality? He couldn't nail it down.  Despite the constant, tiring internal dialog going on in his head, he arrived at the fourth floor smiling.

He'd trimmed his thick black beard back some, perhaps shorter than most had seen it in awhile, hoping for a less... feral look.  He'd been told earlier that week by one of his squinting aunties that he might need to see to that thing on your face or people will be dousing you with Wolfsbane. 

And there, near the candles was a cluster of his former students.  "Astrid! Fauna! And here's Chance and Josh!"  He beamed and opened his arms wide.

"You all look healthy.  Barely recognize you outside your school robes.  This is a strange gathering isn't it?"  He hushed his voice some on the last comment and looked around.  There were people he'd knew from before, and people he'd met in the last two months, poking around.  As far as office parties go, Knox didn't really understand this one. He didn't realize that the S.A.W.S. students present might be among those who'd put the party together.

When Ollie got the invitation to come to the mixer and speak she couldn’t pass up the opportunity. As was classic Ollie, she wanted to make Fauna and Astrid proud, even if Astrid was a new found friend through this entire disaster that was her expulsion. What was surprising was the fact she didn’t completely fault Headmistress Snark, sure at the beginning she had nothing but filthy words for the lady, but now she understood it was fear or at least she hoped it was. Ollie wanted to believe the best in the woman she didn’t really know.  Of course Ollie accepted she could be wrong, but she would rather think it was fear that caused her current academic dilemma. Ollie was having to be home schooled, which was a right pain in the rear-end as she wasn’t focused enough. She was always sneaking out rather than studying to wander Diagon Alley or loaf about in the fields near her home.

Tonight was a legitimate excuse to duck out of her educational agenda. Ollie was going to a mixer, and boy was she excited to see some of the folk from school. Who thought you could miss some of them so much? She was curious if Devlin was going to be there? Course he ought to since he was with Fauna now. At first that stung, but it wasn’t like she was in the picture anyway. Didn’t stop the thumping heart when she saw him, but her affection as of late her drifted to one of her own “kind”.

Speaking of own kind, Ollie’s eyes landed upon Knox Greyfrair. Sure the view was from behind, but there was no mistaking the form or stature. With a big grin, she pulled up her knee-highs, adjusted her skirt and went running. With a bit of a leap and an animal like call of “Knox!” Olivia made contact from behind giving the old man a big hug. “Hi!” She said cheerfully with her cheek smooshed against his back.

Outfit

This entire idea was incredibly irrational and dangerous. What possessed students and that horrid woman from the creature department to think that having a mixer was a good idea? Werewolves were dangerous individuals, and even though it wasn't close to a full moon, Ackerly fully believed the monster that lived inside of those people was never fully dormant. And not only was the mixer ridiculous and stupid, but he was on detail there...

Granted, he had volunteered but it was to keep the public and the children safe. And (apparently) to spy on that SAWS group. Undercover, Ackerly had been told. Sans robes, and due to the type of event, he had decided to drag a rarely used suit out of the back of the closet. The last time he had been so dressed up was when he was on his break from the force- back when he and his ex-wife were going on dates all the time. In his line of work, suits just were not practical. His wand was tucked very safely on the inside pocket, and he was ready to deal with anything that was thrown his way that night.

When Ackerly arrived, the only other adult in sight was Knox Greyfriar. It was still a tragedy he had been turned into one of them. The man was well liked and well respected for the most part, but Ackerly couldn't say he disagreed with having Analiza Snark running the school instead. A shcool couldn't have a headmaster who was out of commission a few days a month, or who had the propensity to harm the children- even if it was "accidentally". (Though in Ackerly's mind, anyone who was a werewolf never did anything in their beast form by accident; as humans they were fully aware what they were capable of and many just did nothing to try and save themselves from the fate.)

Naturally, he did not approach the group that was gathered together. Instead he found a place to stand that gave him a good view of the rest of the room. He would remain quiet and hope that he wasn't noticed after more people began to filter in.

Several familiar faces arrived and each lifted her spirits. Fauna greeted Astrid with a warm smile, glad that the awkwardness she'd felt around her a few weeks ago had seemed to pass. They'd found a way to split up SAWS duties, with Fauna feeling more comfortable talking to individuals like Covadonga and the reporter from the Prophet, and Astrid remaining an excellent public speaker. She hoped Astrid was truly alright with doing the bulk of the speaking tonight, because Fauna knew that Astrid's visions were tiring and didn't want to add more stress to the pile.

"Greyfriar!" Fauna beamed at him, hugging him lightly, and then stepping back to give others a shot. When Ollie sneaked up behind the former professor and threw her arms around him, Fauna laughed, moving forward to hug her when (or if!) she let go of Greyfriar. It had been way too long, a few months at least, since she'd seen her last.

"So good to see you," Fauna told her. "You sure you're up for speaking tonight?" She'd been floored but grateful when Ollie had volunteered in one of her letters.

It was a strange gathering indeed. Fauna scanned the room, pleased that more people had begun to trickle in, and interested in how they interacted with each other. Some followed around the trays of appetizers and drinks, others stuck in small groups of two or three, and still others stood off to the side alone, observing.

One of the staffers, partially obscured by the large tray she carried, paused by them and Fauna started to reach for a cocktail, then changed her mind at the last second and grabbed a water with a lemon in it instead. She sipped at it. Though nervous, she wanted to be clearheaded. She kept looking around, hoping Devlin would show up, even though she knew how awkward this mixer could be with Greyfriar, his father, here.

She checked her watch. It was about ten minutes after eight.

"Five more minutes and then... you think we should go up there?" Fauna asked Astrid, eyeing the stage as if it were her own personal boggart.

Chance was actually shocked when he saw Knox Greyfriar enter.  However, the stunned expression gradually curved into a smile.  Sure it was surprise, but definitely a pleasant one!  How long had it been since Chance had seen the rather bearded ex-headmaster?  Chance strode forward and extended a hand to shake Knox's hand, before patting his arm with the free hand.

"S'good t'see ya, sur!  Y'look good.  Slim, trim.  Been hittin' th' weights eh?"

Chance truly had mastered the art of social ice breaking if anyone ever had.  It must have been awkward on some level for the former headmaster to see all these old faces.  Surely not all of tonight's interactions would be pleasant.  Not even someone so optimistic as Chance thought that.  But wow!  Then seeing Olivia Foley practically pounce the big man.  These were two of the most talked about people at Hogwart's.  It agitated Chance a great deal to hear gossip, especially the slanderous type.  But these two had earned Chance's respect and he thought highly of them both.  Chance tilted his head, leaning to a side as he offered a grin toward Ollie.  He spoke to Knox, while referencing Ollie.

"Ya got somethin' on yer shoulder there?"

The Irishman smiled gently to Olivia.

"S'good t'see ya, lass."

On the other hand...aurors had always made Chance nervous.  Perhaps Chance was out of line in feeling uneasy around aurors, but he felt like the group as a whole was just waiting for an excuse to jump anyone.  Surely some aurors were in the building by now...This had Chance's unusually green eyes patrolling his surroundings.

"Pumpkin juice anyone?"

Chance began to set off to collect some drinks for his little crew.

Knox returned Fauna's hug warmly beamed down at her.  She looked so grown-up in her dress-up clothes.  He cocked an eyebrow at Chance, who Knox had had plenty of time to get to know in the lad's six years at Hogwarts. 

"We'll see if you say the same after a drink.  I -"  He'd been about to say something about how he was accused of many things and being trim was never among them.  But he got a jostle.

"Op!" Properly tackled from behind, Knox raised his arms like people do in hip-deap water and he looked from side to side to find his attacker.  It was Olivia Foley, the Hufflepuff student Headmistress Analiza Snark had expelled for being a werewolf, nevermind she'd existed quite murder-free for all those five years.  She had become a symbol for the S.A.W.S. kids, and the opposing side as well, long after the battle to get her back in school had gone cole.  Hogwarts autonomy was a charm and a curse.

He twisted around in her hug and put a large hand on her small shoulder.

"Hi, yourself!" he responded with an ivory-white smile.  He pulled her around in a side-hug and looked down.  She looked good! But she always did at this time of the lunar cycle.  They'd transformed a week ago, so this was their healthiest, brightest time.

Tulojow wasn't one prone to being late but, this evening, it had seemed inevitable.  Attending the mixer at the Ministry was a given and Tulojow was very much looking forward to it.  SAWS was, and in Tulojow's mind needed to remain, a student-fueled organization but she'd been present, at least in some capacity, at every one of the meetings at the Hospital Hut.  She'd supervised the meetings, kept any eye out for any reason for concern but, most of the time, it had been unnecessary.  The meetings ran as smoothly and productively as one might hope for.  No, for all practical purposes, Tulojow was content to ensure the meetings had a healthy supply of refreshments: fruit pies, cobblers, cookies, tea and, of course, cocoa. 

The afternoon of the seventeenth, Tulojow had received a last minute invitation home from her younger brother, Albert.  Her nieces and nephews had thrown together a surprise seventy-third birthday party and, as Al was a tribal council member, the party had morphed into a full tribal affair.  It had been a wonderful trip home; her youngest niece had recently given birth to their second daughter and it had been good to see her brother. 

It was equally as nice to return to the warmth of London, despite the neverending questions about when Tulojow was going to return to her side of the Atlantic.  It was remarkable how readily one forgot the bitterness of a North Dakota winter.  Without not enough time to change, Tulojow saw Dilly back to the farm outside of Hogsmeade before flooing to the Ministry of Magic.  As she stepped in the room, she cast a quick, curious glance in the Auror's direction but moved off to greet Fauna and her guests after a nod in his direction. 

"How are you doing, my dear," she offered Fauna, warmly, resting a gentle hand on her shoulder.  She nodded in greeting to Knox who was, in turn, greeting Olivia.  "You've got quite the turnout - strong work," she added approvingly.  "Anything I can help out with? Anything you need?"

outfit

Astrid looked around, watching as the turnout grew; she could never have done this without Fauna. Had Astrid been all there, had the seer aspect of her life not reared its nasty head so forcefully this year, she doubted she could have done this without the help of Fauna. Astrid had the voice, she had the push to get things done, but with the extra help things were moving faster than she had ever anticipated. There of course were some hiccups along the way, which was to be expected after all.

“Yeah, I am fine Chance.” Astrid was thankful for his concern, but that was what she wanted to avoid. Nobody really understood what she was adjusting too. She had changed the stand out factors of herself to blend in, unfortunately becoming really involved with SAWS again was going to make her back in the public eye. She was going to have to get used to answer questions as to if she was okay or not.

A smile appeared upon her lips ever so lightly as previous headmaster Greyfrair appeared upon the scene. It was great that he was here, and willing to speak. This is what they needed, people to speak up and tell their stories. Astrid could understand the element of fear around werewolves, but Astrid still believed they deserved to have better rights considering they were human more often than they were animal. Heck in the case of some, their transformations were quite tame if using the right precautions, which any registered and legal werewolf should. The right Astrid was fighting for were the ones that belonged to the registered and conscious werewolf.

The big smile upon Olivia Foley’s arrival could not be helped. She was such a great spirit, and she had managed five years at Hogwats without a single bad situation, which Astrid would have to say was impressive. Had she not been expelled so rashly, man probably wouldn’t know she was a werewolf. Not everyone could put together the clues, as many would not even think to expect and look for it.

“Hello Ollie, Greyfrair.” She figured, what with Ollie being meshed with Greyfrair at the moment why not address both at once. She smiled as she waved awkwardly, only hoping to get the ball rolling on this evening. So there was a wave of relief when Fauna mentioned heading up on to stage soon. Normally people didn’t feel relief when they would have to stand before people and speak. Astrid would rather speak while she felt strong enough to ward off any visions that might decide right now was a good idea to be seen. “Sounds great Fauna. Just let me know when you want me to give my little speech.”

He was dressed nicely -- or, at least, as nicely as anyone would ever see Hector King dress. He wore black slacks and scuffed black shoes; his white dress shirt was unbuttoned at the top and only partially tucked in, and he wore no tie and no jacket, as though he'd forgotten what he was doing halfway through getting dressed. He was, however, wearing a pair of red suspenders, and he occasionally fidgeted with them -- running his thumbs beneath them, stretching them out, pulling them off his shoulders and then back on again, snapping them into place.

Werewolf rights might not be on his list of priorities, but if there was one thing that everyone knew about Hector King, it was that he never missed a party. And this one, well -- it needed work, he thought, scanning the room, but there were pretty girls and plenty of food. A man sure could do worse. And if there was one thing girls loved, it was compassion. A few well-placed comments, some clapping, shiny eyes at just the right moment...

He'd pull tonight for sure.

Anyway, ulterior motives aside, Hector had nothing against werewolves. He'd been called an animal often enough himself, hadn't he? He reckoned there was nothing wrong with them going to Hogwarts, so long as they kept to themselves at that time of the month. But the same could be said about half of the castle's population, and Hector wasn't one to judge. Still, it wasn't something he'd be campaigning for anytime soon. Hector wasn't the crusading sort.

Spotting a few of his fellow seventh years, among others -- hey, Greyfriar was here! -- Hector made his way over, grinning widely. "Evening, Ladies and Gents!" he greeted the group cheerily, swiping a goblet of pumpkin juice from a passing tray and drinking deeply. Surely there would be speculation about his presence here -- it was no secret that Hector loved causing trouble -- but it didn't seem to dampen his mood a bit. "Break a leg, yeah?" he added, directing this bit at Fauna and Astrid. Surprisingly, he was looking forward to the speeches; werewolf rights was a controversial topic, and he was no stranger to controversy. Perhaps there'd be some life at this party yet.