(This thread is absolutely open! In fifteen minutes or so, the Ministry will be on lock-down and we'd love to have some chaos to fix.)

January 2
8:45 am

Last night the Auror Corps had inducted a couple of new Trainees.  It had been the same traditional pomp and circumstance what with dress robes, stuffy speeches, finger food and applause applause applause.  The fresh greenies looking no older than Zora's teenage daughter.  Zora had been there, with her wife, to participate in the induction and they'd gone home early joking about which of them would actually last.   An Auror's life was difficult, and Zora's little family had suffered for it.  But her wife and daughter were as strong as he was.

But whatever kind of mettle Zora had accrued in her years on the Corps, she was dreading work today.   She'd been owled early from work that Head of the Auror Corps Tamis Raynor had assigned her to work with one of the new ones: Blackstone.

Zora sighed and shifted her weight.  She was wearing the daily duty varient of the crimson Auror's robes, her wild black hair loose for the moment, big dark sunglasses still over her face.  She was short, in her 40s, and looked very, very bored. Today was going to suck. She was going to meet the little whipper-snapper in the Atrium and take him on the rounds.  He'd been training for three years - they all had - but your first day on the job was entirely different.  After they made sure his paperwork was sorted and he had his mittens tied on with strings, they'd get their assignments and get out on the street.

She turned around slowly on the spot, watching the fireplaces, looking for the young wizard she assumed she'd recognize from the ceremony last night.  All sorts of Ministry workers were popping out and getting on their way, but so far, no bushy-tailed Auror-pup.

What a night last night. Everett had been training for three years, working his ass off to impress his superiors and excel in every aspect of that training. His hard work had paid off as he was finally, officially inducted into the Auror Corps as a bona-fide Auror. He was a rookie, this was true. But he had come a long way from being an eleven year old student in Salem who was always looked down upon for being a "mudblood" as the other students loved calling him. This was a proud day for Everett, he was officially an Auror and had proved to all of his peers in Salem how much they were bigots and, most certainly how better skilled he was as a wizard.

Everett walked into the atrium. He had a look of confidence about him that was borderline cocky and impulsive. He wore a less traditional outfit with a leather jacket, jeans, and combat boots under his wizard's cloak. He continued walking and made his way further into the Atrium, stopping at one of the fireplaces. The surroundings were quite busy as wizards and Ministry personnel scurried back and forth as if it was their daily routine because they navigated the crowds like clockwork. A few wizards had bumped into Everett on accident. They nodded at him and gave their apologies respectively. Everett brushed off his clothes each time a mindless wizard or witch had bumped into him. Vain much?

He was to meet the person showing him the ropes today. He was told that his superior meeting him today was a witch named Zora Roh. He was also told that he should recognize her because she attended his graduation ceremony last night but, to be perfectly honest, there were so many older Aurors there that Everett paid most of them no mind. He had no clue who this Zora Roh was or what she looked like. So, Everett logically decided to stand next to the fireplace. He assumed that Zora Roh would find him soon enough. He could always wait for the rush hour to die down and crowd to disperse if that wasn't the case though.

The Atrium was still in full swing.  The couple of hours between 7am and 10am were always like a sea of people.  Flashes of green fire gave the room a living, breathing feel on top of the rush of people.  Realizing it might not be as easy to spot the new guy, she started walking down the long, chasm-like room, passing the double rows of giant fireplaces.

Raynor was mad to do this, but it was probably some sort of punishment for being rough on that suspect last month.  She'd taken the Obviously Abusive Force reprimand, but apparently she had more coming.  Although, perhaps Tamis Raynor had noticed that Zora had managed to avoid this specific duty for the past four years.  It was just her time.

That's when she spotted him, in his red robes.  He was tall, but clean and fresh.  And standing around like he had nothing better to be doing.  She did recognize him from the ceremony and she repeated his name in her head - Everett Blackstone - and then tried to remember anything about him from last night.  Some of the new Aurors had some award or story or another, but she couldn't place him.  She'd know soon enough.

She approached him, coming to a halt ten feet away.  "Oi! Blackstone!"

Zora flipped up her sunglasses on top of her head and nodded her head towards her way, beckoning him to get a move on.

"You awake? Let's go! We've got alot of shit to do, haven't we."

Everett turned as someone called his name. He saw an older woman in red Auror robes and she was motioning with her head to follow. "You awake? Let's go! We've got shit to do, haven't we?" She said.

Everett silently shook his head in amusement and followed whom he assumed was Zora Roh. She certainly didn't look impressive with her short stature, goofy sunglasses, and squeaky voice. Though, I guess all Brits have a humorous, squeaky voice don't they? That's what Everett was thinking as he followed Zora as they walked through the atrium. He had no trouble keeping pace with her as he was taller and had much longer legs. His long strides made it easy to keep pace and he could even out walk her if he wanted to. Everett and Zora continued to make their way through the atrium, their red robes shifting in the wind with each step they took.

Of all the Aurors for Everett to work with on his first day he is stuck with the short woman with a Napoleon complex and a bad attitude.

"Where are we going anyway?"

Everett asked as he continued to walk along side Zora. This was his first day of work and he wanted to learn everything he could from this older Auror. Even if it meant annoying her with stupid questions. Okay, maybe Everett's just annoying her on purpose because she has a bad attitude. Was that a bad thing? Everett certainly found humor in it.

He came along, so Zora was pleased about that, but his expression, his saunter - it screamed over-confidence.  He thought training was hard? Wait until he had to stay late and do paperwork.  Then he'd learn what it meant to have a head of nails.

But at least they were rolling.  She looked up at him when he spoke.  On first listen, she had no idea what he said, but a moment later her brain caught up.  He was the American one! Yes the one with the thick American accent from last night.  A student of one of their own ex-Aurors.  She couldn't help but smile a little, wryly.  This kid was out of his league.

She shook her head and didn't answer immediately.

"Going to get the red tape out our way so we can get out in the streets soon as possible," she said as they joined the steadily moving queue past wand check.

"I'm on the St. Mungo's case, and we've got to have a few more chats with some of the staff there.  Firm up some details.  Do your best not to ruin anything," she said bruskly, assuming he'd know what she was talking about.

"Probably best if you don't say anything on your first day," she added, wrinkling her nose in a patronizing wink.

"Right. Wouldn't want me saying something stupid and embarrassing you now would we?" Everett said with an annoyed tone in his voice. Can you believe this woman? Where's the high horse at so I can kick her off of it? He thought to himself.

Everett continued to walk along side her as they made their way past wand check and further through the eighth floor toward their destination, wherever that might be. He played Zora's comments over in his head and calculated the best way to annoy her. He concluded than more stupid questions should be acceptable. He would ask her questions that he really didn't need nor want the answers to. She was just too bitchy for his tastes.

"What's the most effective tactic, that you employ, to apprehend a suspect?" He asked in his American accent, hoping to annoy her until she broke.

Much like Roh & some others in the various Ministry departments, Gabrielle Murray had actually gone to the Auror "soiree" the previous evening. It had been interesting yet horrendously droll at moments as well. It was like some frat boy induction, only without the rowdiness & certainly without the drunkard stupors. Hm. She was currently out of her office, her flats clanking against the Atrium floor while she felt as though the three piece suit (well, the jacket actually) was a bit much. The diplomat from Argentina was going to be here in five minutes (the enchanted clock said 8:55) & dammit, she was running late. Like usual - oiy.

"OIY! Hurry up, will ya Matheson!? We've a date with Destiny!" she teased about the diplomat's wife with her latest secretary (he was a bit dense, but a hardworker)  - real classy, yeah? It was then that she soon saw Zora. She found the woman who happened to be a year her junior a wonderful person, not to mention an Auror who she knew would defend her life and Gabie the same. She noticed a newbie... poor thing.

"Mornin' Roh - enjoy the holidays or were you under constant vigilance?" she remarked with a smile before sobering up a bit about her comment. "I did hear about Mungo's a little, as well as about the Schlagenweit boy & the mixer. Shame on about all three; I'm here 'caue Alberto & Destiny are heading our way from Argentina..."

Gabie noticed Matheson looking at Zora (those retro geeked glasses (she loved them already) with a blush. "Rowan Matheson, Zora Roh. He's my new one - who's yours?" she said with a grin. "Enchante. I'm Gabrielle Murray, head of the IMC." Now the games were to begin.

Zora nearly told Blackstone that a slap in the mouth and a swift kick in the jollies was her tactic of choice.  His own smug grin made her consider a demonstration, but their dismal first day was saved by the golden appearance of Madam Murray-Harker from International Cooperation.  She was carting along some bespectacled young wizard she was calling Matheson.

It was hard to keep up with Gabs, but he seemed to be trying hard.  She smirked at the Dept Head's remark about constant vigilance and then piped back, "Holiday? What's that?"

They paused a moment in the morning craziness, Zora all ready to introduce Everett Blackstone to a witch he'd do well to get to know.  Level Two didn't have scads of work with Harker's department, but when you needed something from abroad or something smoothed over in Burkina Faso, being on the nice nice with Gabrielle was essential. 

"This is Blackstone.  You remember him from last night? He was he one who-"  The rest of what she was saying was drowned out by an unusually loud and crackling announcement blared through the Atrium.

"All Ministry personnel, attention. Do not be alarmed by this alarm.  Follow the instructions from the Aurors and Hitwizards.  This alarm is no cause for alarm.  Do not draw your wands.  Do not attempt to leave the Ministry...."

And it kept going.

What the hell? Zora flipped out her pocket watch to see if there'd been an alert issued, but the enchanted hands gave no clue.  Follow the instructions from the Aurors...? Well, what the hell were those supposed to be?  Immediately the Atrium had flown into a panic and the steady flow of people had turned into angry clumpings and shouts.

"Today? Honestly?" she shouted over the din.  They'd have to get in touch up at Level Two.

"What the hell is going on?"

Having decided at the tender age of seven she was going to be an Auror to be just like her father,  Kit had visited the Ministry many times over school breaks to hang out with Mr. Branwell, who had since moved to the Department of  Mysteries, but would always be an Auror in Kit's heart. Mr. Branwell also would tell the seven-year old story differently- something silly like Kit using the phrase 'superhero just like Daddy!' which of course Kit denied. Vehemently. 

But that was neither here nor there. Here was the Atrium, wearing one of her favourite dresses and a pocket watch her father gave her tucked into the pocket of her half-length cape.

Apparently there had been some new Auror induction just yesterday, and Kit was curious to see how the 'fresh meat' look and how she currently measured up against them.

It seemed like she had only just arrived when an alarm sounded. She hadn't even made it out of the Atrium (probably because she had spent the better part of tend minutes cleaning her clothing and face with a cleaning pen and disinfecting wipes). 

Lockdown? They couldn't possibly be serious. They couldn't at least warn senior members to in turn tell their families so fifteen year old daughters wouldn't be caught in the lockdown? How long would this go for? What was even involved? Searches? Questioning? And what-

Oomph

Panic had begun to set in to the crowd and Kit found herself being pushed and shoved about like some rag doll. Someone get her out of here. Where was her father? Kit took a deep breath and closed her eyes, feeling a little claustrophobic. 

Kit started to push back, struggling against the crowd. Martial arts and fencing nothing- she was short and delicate-looking. She physically didn't have the mass to do much against a pushing, panicking crowd. 

Finally, by some miracle,  pushing her way out and nearly stumbling into woman Auror with dark hair. She lost her balance and ended up dropping to her knees in a very undignified manner.

"I apologize," Kit said hastily, quickly regaining her feet and dusting her clothes. Someone had scuffed her tights. Ug. "I don't suppose you know the details of the lock down?"

Samuel had given the Security Desk the lockdown order, and was now searching for the suspect. then he saw Auror Roh. Pushing through the crowd, he reached her just after what Sam thought was Branwell's kid spoke. " "Known Auror Killer sent a package up to Raynor. Hawkins delivered it, it made Raynor order a lockdown. Raynor said the guy we're looking for is male, average height, bronw hair and eyes, irish but possibly without an accent. Hawkins might know more, but I odnlt know if he's still at Level two or if he has gone from there. I just bet he's going to have left already." Samuel said, mostly towards Roh, but also to Branwell's daughter.

Everett silently watched as an older, female Auror walked up with a younger Auror and started talking to Zora. Zora and this other Auror, Gabrielle, were exchanging words back and forth. The topic of discussion appeared to be about their 'fresh meat' as the senior Aurors liked to call the rookie Aurors. Everett just ignored what Zora said as she told the other Auror about him but, he did overhear the name of the other Auror. It was Rowan. Odd name. Everett thought to himself.

As he began to further drown out Zora and Gabrielle's voice with his mind, an alarm sounded and a grabbed Everett's attention. The alarm stated that the Ministry was under lockdown and for everyone to ask the Aurors for intructions. Aurors? That's us. I don't know what the hell is going on. He thought to himself and glanced at Zora, who had a very confused look on her face. I guess she doesn't know anything either. He thought to himself. Everett became a tad bit anxious as the crowd erupted into mass hysteria and panic. His eyes darted back and forth as he watched the crowd resort to pushing  their way around. If one of those idiot's so much  as bumps into me, I'll have them on the ground so fast it will make their head spin. That's what was racing through his mind as the crowd continued to act like fools. Suddenly, the body of a young girl emerged out of the crowd at Zora's feet. The girl was young and had to be a student at that one school, what was it? Hogwarts. Ya, that's what Everett remembered.

Just as Everett was about to say something to the girl, a man in red robes runs up to Zora. Another Auror. The man was breathing heavily, he must have been running. Ignoring everyone else but Zora and the young girl, the Auror began talking and briefed them on why the lockdown had taken place. Apparently, a known Auror killer was in the ministry. Everett listed as the other Auror gave a description of the criminal and, that was all the other Auror said. That's it? That description was horrible. He thought to himself.

"What is this man wearing? Certainly you have a better description than an average looking Irishman." Everett said in his American accent with a hint of cocky, sarcasm in his voice.

One of the first things to happen after the alarm was a bunch of shoving and a small collision with a petite teenage witch.  Zora looked down to see a girl she vaguely recognized, and when she spoke, the name came back.  She had a very particular way about her, always had and she was frequently at functions.  Branwell's daughter, Kit.  Zora's daughter knew her from school and Zora had always liked her.  She was one of those young people who could talk to adults without being obnoxious.  Very poised, very mature. 

Zora didn't sense much anxiety from her, but it would only be a matter of time.  She helped Kit up as she said, "Nothing, just that this isn't a drill and it wasn't planned."

Zora was annoyed, but her heart was already racing with anticipation.  The doldrums of new Auror orientation was clearly going to be tabled in favor of some action.  Zora Roh was much better at that part anyway. 

Thank the fates for Sam Harcroft (not something Zora predicted she'd ever say again)! So it was a manhunt.  Aurors did many things, but the thing they did best - what they trained for, their original purpose was to hunt down dark wizards and make them quit their evil. 

"Well, there you have it.  Let's get this under control.  I'll leave the official business to you Harcroft - whatever you need to do to seal the Ministry.  Blackstone - you're with me, eh?"

Her wand was out and she rolled up her sleeves, already beginning to scan the crowd for a man on that description.

"Do not attempt to leave the Ministry.  Thank you for your attention.  The lifts are restricted to essential personnel only for the duration of this exercise.  All personnel, attention.  Do not be alarmed by this alarm..."[/b]

"That description with have to do...," she told Blackstone, her annoyed look agreeing with his evaluation. "Let's work our way through the room and get everyone to calm down.  Think you can handle that, Blackstone? How's that for your first day?"

She looked down at Kit - leaving her on a bench seemed... inadequate.  "Stay close to me."

Ah, bloody knuts & of all days to  have this occur. Alberto & Destiny were about to be redirected likely to the Lucky Cauldron or... Gabrielle earnestly hoped that they wouldn't end up in some muggle establishment as they had once in the past. The voice kept on blaring across the speakers & it was only causing more sheer panic for those around them. She looked to Matheson - white as a ghost. Great, just great. Sam Harcroft was amongst them too as was Kit Branwell - strength in numbers, right? "M-ma-Madame Murray?" came the stutter from Matheson; her eyes looked over to him.

"First of all, shoulda have given you fair warning that this could happen, Matheson, but rest assured Roh, Harcroft & Blackstone are professionals at this. Also, if you're about to pass out or a hernia is to occur, for your safety & my own sanity, take a seat next to Miss Branwell. I assure you she's a nice girl," she stated, giving a smile to Kit before standing next to the Aurors. Even if she wasn't one, Gabie had a few tricks up her sleeves.

Matheson took the seat next to Kit, his smile very faint as his complexion was whitening by the second, his hands shaking like as if he'd faint any moment. Stress was bad for him & well, this instance only seemed to amplify it. "H-hello... Third day here & this b-bloody occurs. Is this even normal?" He took a few breaths as he looked to Kit, the color in his face returning to normal. His boss was smirking, completely amused by his words but luckily, he couldn't see it.

"What the hell do you mean, you're takin' me into custody?!"

Even amidst the chaos that was quickly building in the Atrium, the snarled challenge cut through the worried murmurs and the ongoing drone of the magical announcer.  Kurby Bagnold was standing nose-to-nose with a pair of Hitwizards, looking furious as he drew himself up to full height, his hand hovering over his wand as if he were about to launch an attack.

The elder of the two Hitwizards, a woman with short-cropped blond hair who was obviously the senior member of the duo, did not look particularly put-off by the werewolf hunter's fury.  "Like I said," she repeated calmly, her expression far too amused than it ought to be, considering that she was standing in the midst of an anarchic lockdown.  "Everyone's got to show ID.  If you don't have any, we're taking you into custody."

A low growl rose in the back of Kurby's throat as he glared at the woman, his hands clenching at his sides as if he wanted to throttle her.  "I've worked here," he snarled, forcing each word out through permanently gritted teeth, "for fourteen years!  Who the hell carries their Merlin-cursed Ministry identification with them everywhere they go?!"

The woman smirked.  "Everyone who follows protocol," she replied, holding out her hand expectantly.  "Hand over your wand, Bagnold.  You know the rules."

Clearly exasperated, Kurby threw his arms up into the air.  "Follow protocol, my arse!" he snapped.  "This is about four months ago, isn't it then?  You know exactly who the bleedin' hell I am, Rutkowski," he growled, not waiting to find out whether this indeed had anything to do with whatever had happened four months ago or not as he glowered at the witch.  "I've got work to do.  I don't have time for rigmarole!"

"Neither do we," Rutkowski replied, eyebrows arching as she placed her hands back on her hips, sizing him up.  "Matches the description, doesn't he?" she asked the other Hitwizard with her.  "Brown hair, brown eyes.  Average height.  Possibly Irish.  You know, this will really go better for you if you just cooperate," she informed Kurby, still smirking as she shifted to put her own hand on her wand.  "I thought I saw Roh rushing about.  Rumor has it that the last time she arrested a suspect, she got an O.A.F. for strangling him with her pinky."

Kurby shot her the nastiest look he could muster and then whirled on his heel, turning away from the two Hitwizards.  "Let her bleedin' well try," he snapped, a furious expression on his face as he stomped off towards the lifts.

Kit was grateful that f all the Aurors to run into (literally) it was one she already knew by name.

"Thank you," she said as Roh helped her up.

Yes, coming to the Ministry often to see her father definitely had it's advantages. Some of the staff and members o the Auror Department already knew who she was and she was grateful to Harcroft for obviously including her in the discussion when he gave his report, however incomplete it was.

Kit of course, said nothing on that. As a student, she didn't have the authority to scold a trainee, much less a full grown Auror. So she just nodded to the man.

Others didn't seem to have Kit's reservations, including some American Kit did not recognize. He must be knew. Surely she would know of any Americans. Kit rather disliked his tone, but it might be the accent. It was hard to say. Kit found American accents rather harsh in comparison to what she was used to.

However, the lackluster first impression quickly faded to the back of her mind when their group was joined  by several others, a blonde woman Kit thought looked vaguely familiar and a stuttering man who took a seat next to Kit. The poor man seemed to be on the verge of loosing it completely.

"No, it's not normal," Kit assured him. "I've made frequent trips to the Ministry for years and I've never seen anything like this."

Kit couldn't help but be pleased when Roh told Kit to stay with her. Of course, it was probably safest for her to be with an Auror right now, just as the announcement had said, but Roh could have easily left Kit on the bench with some newbie (like the American for instance) to stand guard.

Kit nodded and pulled her wand from her purse. If there was someone suspicious lurking about, Kit wanted to already have a weapon drawn and ready.

"I will," she promised, falling in a step behind Roh, fully intending to follow whatever instructions the Auror gave her.