So it begins (Open)

The day started out wonderfully for Nick. Only a few wispy clouds in the sky, a light breeze to keep the worst of the humidity at bay, and birds singing merrily. So of course, Nick hadn't expected anything less than a perfectly wondrous day. As luck would have it, that's exactly what he got. There were only a few papers to fill out on his desk, and he managed to find places for the various decorations he possessed. All the same, once everything was done, he was left sitting in his chair waiting for someone or something to come along and entertain him.

With a sigh, he glanced at the clock and grinned when it displayed an appropriate time for lunch. Perfect. Lunch-time was the perfect time to meet his new co-workers. He rose from his chair and sauntered from the room, intent on his mission to know everyone of importance within this massive place. Connections could only make things easier.

The cafeteria wasn't overly crowded, it seemed most people were still working, but that was to be expected. Nick browsed his options then selected turkey sandwich and an apple. He wasn't all that hungry, to be honest; he preferred to munch and nibble on things throughout the day rather than having a few large meals, which is why he planned to keep various snacks in his office. All the same, lunch was a great time to meet people. Hopefully, this would prove fruitful.

Dylan was exhausted. All he wanted to do was go home and cuddle up to Aimme, but it was barely noon. Looking down at the amount of paperwork he had, he frowned. He grabbed his lunch tote and headed down to the cafeteria. The rest of the day would be a drag, he was sure of it, especially because this was the only break he'd get, other than to relieve himself if duties called. When he got to the cafeteria, he sat down at a table with another Ministry worker. Looking around, he noticed that barely anyone was there and with a sigh, he pulled out his lunch; roast beef on a hoagie, some crisps, a Coca~Cola and a small orange.

He loved Aimee, he really did, but she needed to provide some variety to his lunches. At one point, he'd offered to take over for her, but she insisted that it was her job, especially now that it was summer. She'd be home all summer since she worked at Hogwarts, but he had work to do, preparing for the new school term and helping her make sure her lessons were appropriate for the school.

What would get him through the rest of the day was the thought of her long blonde hair, sprawled out over him as they snuggled on the couch watching sappy love movies. He'd rub her belly, and speak to his child, though it couldn't hear him just yet. They'd get ready for bed together, work a little on the nurser and then lay down in their bed, talking about their day until they both fell asleep. He smiled at the though. The thought of them performing their nightly routine, the thought of her wearing one of his shirts for bed, the though of her living with him and growing his baby and the thought of leaving this place.

He loosened the tie around his neck a little and nodded to the guy who was also eating a sandwich. He smiled his familiar curled lip smile and held up his sandwich, "Roast beef....again." Might as well try to talk to someone here, may make his day a little brighter.

Nick was munching on his apple when a man took the seat across from him. He nodded in greeting and watched as the man unpacked his lunch. His nose wrinkled in disgust when he flashed his roast beef sandwich. There was just something Nick found entirely unpleasant about roast beef. In all honesty, he found most forms of beef rather disgusting, the exceptions being few and far between. "Can't stomach the stuff myself," he replied, but to each their own, he supposed.

The man was young, early twenties, if Nick had to guess. It'd be beneficial to befriend the young ones. Merlin, was he really that old? To think, twenty years is now half his age--well, almost. He was still in his prime, though, so there really wasn't anything to complain about just yet. "So, what department do you work in?" he asked as he finished his apple and moved on to his sandwich. All the same, he rather missed being that young, still a little baby-faced and so sure of himself. Of course, he was still sure of himself, but he'd lost the baby-face some years ago. Though, he's been told he looks much younger than he is.

The man was eating an apple he usually wasn't a big fan of, but it actually looked better than today's meal. He watched the guys face wrinkly in disgust and then replied back, "It's getting pretty unbearable." He shrugged, Aimee love him, he knew, but he was just going to start buying a sandwich from the cafeteria and tossing the roast beef sandwich out.

The guy was noticeably older, probably not by much, but definitely by some.  Dylan dropped the sandwich and replied, "I'm the Head of the Department for the Care and Regulation of Magical Creatures," such a mouthful, "You?" He opened the bag of crisps and began to peel the orange and he took a swig of his drink. It wasn't as refreshing as he had hoped, especially after having been in this hellhole all day.

The Ministry was dull and he would listen to no one that tried to convince him otherwise. He grimaced at the thought of work each day, the thought of being there from sunrise to sunset and working his butt off. It was a man's job, providing for his family, but couldn't his job provide a bit more entertainment. Maybe he could be an Auror or an Obliviator, though Aimee wouldn't like it because it'd be more risk of harm to him.

Nick chuckled when the man called it unbearable. Probably had a girlfriend or wife who packed it for him each day. It'd be nice to have that, even if they did pack the same thing every day. Still, Nick enjoyed his freedom.

So, he was one one of the animal rights people, then? Not that there was anything wrong with it, Nick hastily reminded himself. Every department played an integral part in the running of the British Wizarding community. "Me?" he sighed. His department had one of the longer names, and there was no way to properly abbreviate it. But then, all departments had rather long names. "I'm head of the Department for the Improper use of Magic. Exciting business, writing letters to parents of students using magic outside of school," he commented wryly. He was well aware that most parents hardly cared that their children used magic outside of school, as long as it wasn't illegal.

They were more strict about Muggleborns, of course, considering most of them lived in Muggle neighborhoods. But everyone else was more or less ignored, save or the obligatory letter that was sent. Now that it was summer, he was sure he'd end up with mountains of paperwork to look over.