The gilded invitation sat obtrusively on her dresser, well the invitation was by no means obtrusive but rather the little silver note pinned to it. There on the innocent looking stationery in her mother’s perfect script was a nice little reminder: Sofia do make an attempt to show up – We must support our kind after all. Bring that American fellow if you must. The American. Dillan had made a much better impression on Edward than the rest of the family it seemed, but whether ‘the American’ was coming was beyond her knowledge. Contrary to popular belief they were not dating, merely going on a series of amicable outing together. Or so she liked to tell her family. Anyway she was sure Dillan would disown her if she asked him out on another…date…thing.

With a final flick of her wand the last tendrils of hair were nicely wrapped away. Two black heels and one clasped string of pearls later she was out the door and on her way to the gala, to do her part and give the ‘glorious’ pureblood owned publication Robards support.

Three turns around the ice sculpture later Sofia was board out of her mind and feeling rather displeased with the quality of the champagne. Keeping an eye out for one of three things (James Edwards, Hard Liquor, and Dillan Wentworth/Anyone else she knew) Sofia proceeded to ignore her natural inclination to just abandon the party and smile pleasantly as some older man proceeded to lecture her on the corruption he believe he had found evidence of in the MLE.

Was this Magic Mirror just another shoddy newspaper out to print conspiracy theories with little to no facts? That didn’t sound like something her mother would want her to support. Thankfully object one of her list of things to find came into view. However there were now two obstacles, the old talkative man and the fact that Mr. Edwards had managed to disappear into the crowd once his announcement had been made.

“I’ll be sure to ask the department head for a record of his nefarious transactions in the morning. Now if you would please excuse me.” The man made no move to stop her, shooting the spot she had been standing in a rather befuddled expression.

With obstacle A taken care of, she was now onto tackling obstacle b, better known as tracking down Edwards and giving him some the Robards trust your paper to be of a certain persuasion, if it is owl here if you ever need a benefactress, speech before heading home to cuddle with a nice book. Perhaps the evening wouldn’t be a waste after all. With narrow-minded determination Sofia glided through the crowds hoping that either Edwards would recognize her a potential pureblood backer or someone would kindly offer to pass on the message. Which ever got her to the man fastest. Though the unexpected arrival of Wen... Dillan wouldn't upset her plans too much. Or that Cal Sadist fellow. Heck even the Irish woman would at least help her pass the time till she located James Edwards.

Ronald Weasley, like many others he expected, were contemplating exactly what was the reason why they had received the invitation to the gala for Edward's new newspaper. He was from a pure-blood family of course, but had never made it much of a point to support or be affiliated with those that supported the 'cause'. However, he didn't have anything better to do, and it would give him an opportunity to see the cross-section of the wizarding community that had been invited. Plus, it might be a little fun to be someplace where he could drink and not be the center of attention.

He apparated there in some his best clothes and traveling cloak, which he had not the opportunity or event to wear in some time. Her quickly displayed his invitation and entered. The place was quite bustling already, and James was just in the process of finishing his prepared remarks. Good ..... he thought to himself ..... I'm just fashionably late. There were enough important personages there that, not even with is shock of red hair, was Ron bringing much attention to himself.

However, just ahead of him was Sofia Robards, who was trying to extricate herself from some older gentleman, passing on some conspiracy theories about the MLE, and Ron stepped forward. "A good put-off line there Robards," he whispered. "I will make sure that I pursue the issue with all the diligence it deserves," Ron managed to say to the gentleman with a straight face. "Now, Robards, are you here alone? I understood from the grapevine that you were seeing someone, " he smiled slightly. "I had no idea that gatherings like this interested you."

Somewhere out there her ancestors were cackling wickedly. When she said she would take anyone, even the Irish woman, she didn’t mean it. Merlin help her there were purebloods and then there were purebloods. The man who was currently accosting her fell into the blood traitor category. If these were the sorts Edwards was inviting maybe her mother wouldn’t be so inclined to support the man. Oh well it was more of a pity for Edwards than herself. Now she had to deal with the Weasley and then find Edwards.

"Now, Robards, are you here alone? I understood from the grapevine that you were seeing someone.”

She was seeing someone and he had heard it through the grapevine? Dillan had never mentioned anything of the sort to her, they were lunch buddies for heavens sake! Lunch buddies that also shared the occasional dinner…Finding the source of this leak on the grapevine could become a fun objective, and torturing out the information from the hail bringer would be even more fun, an activity approved of by her mother no doubt… Luckily for Ronald Weasley he was her superior in the work world and thus safe from any interrogation. “Indeed Mr. Weasley I am seeing someone – the very same person as you actually. I find that my work is my life partner at times.” She smiled prettily, eyes scanning the crowd for Edwards. Where had that man run off to?

“I had no idea that gatherings like this interested you."

That’s because you are a Weasley and we don’t travel in the same social circles dear man. You would never be invited to half the events I attend.

Rather than saying the first of what were likely many pleasant thoughts to come Sofia went for a safer, more polite route. She wasn’t known for being one of the most polite Aurors for any old reason. “My family has always taken an active interest in the arts Mr. Weasley, by attending these things we show our support for the growing advancements in the community. I dare say its more you who the surprise here. Not working tonight?” She asked, taking another sip from her champagne flute, hoping that Dillan would taken on superhero properties, locate her, and then whisk her away to some dark enclave…

Ron had always recognized that there was a natural tension between himself and Robards. He thought that he might just be thick to recognize what the problem was, but at least it didn't appear to manifest itself in outright dislike. The more he thought about it the more frustrated he became over the issue, so he just gave up thinking about it, since he got no closer to a resolution, so it was a waste of time trying to figure it out.

Of course, Sofia, I have always known that your ambitions within Level 2 have guided your actions, and your extreme work habits. Its one reason, why, for 20 years Harry and I always kept an eye on purebloods who believed in that groups special place, he thought to himself. "Its always been reassuring to know, Ms. Robards, the high regard you place on your work and the protection of the wizarding community. I am sure that you will go far, as you continue to fulfil your duties with .... such determination. I am sorry if I was wrong in my suppositions .... I guess I should have verified the intelligence," he smiled. "However, you are apparently looking for someone. I apologize for interfering in your evening.

"Yes, it has always been good to appreciate how your family, and others, have sought to acknowledge and support these types of developments. It is unfortunate that simpletons such as myself don't have the creativity, intelligence, or appreciation, to fully understand the significance of these segments of our wizarding community. Despite those deficienceies, though, I still do try," he smiled again. "Ah .... work ..... Ms. Robards. I discovered some time ago that my contributions to Level 2 and the Ministry, are not nearly so significant as the ones that people like yourself make."

"My work is found in the mounds of paper these days. If it is not completed tonight .... it will be tended to in the morning. Even though I do work most nights, its not as if my work is as essential as yours, correct?" Ron knew that she had her eye on the highest of positions, either in Level 2 or higher in the Ministry, and he had no doubt that she would have the focus to achieve many of the goals he thought she had. At one time he had had goals, but those times were gone. "Well Sofia, I have detained you for too long. I am sure that you have much more interesting persons to talk with at a gathering like this ..... enjoy yourself .... and don't work too hard," he winked and walked away, taking a fresh drink from a tray as he moved through the crowd.

Ronald Weasley assumed to much. The smug blood traitor could barely even deliver an insult, probably why his family had gone against blood in the first place. Couldn't survive in more darwin minded waters no doubt. Simpletons indeed. Though truth be told it was always nice to hear some acknowledge what they truly were, even if it was in jest. After smiling and nodding her way through the bland insinuating conversation miraculously held afloat by the man she was free. Somehow against all odds, the Weasley was walking away and taking a glass of flat champagne with him!

Not wanting to test if this was just some lazy ploy to have her lower her guard and actually instantiate more conversation Sofia gave another smile and waved him away, before quickly disappearing into the nearest crowd. So intent was she was making sure that neither Weasley nor the elderly gentleman found her again Sofia momentarily gave up her quest to find James Edwards. As in most cases, once she finally stopped looking for Edwards there he was, standing miraculously alone, next to... a rather large carnivorous looking potted plant?

Sofia wasn't going to question it. Maybe it ate unwelcome guest or acted as a body guard. That was no matter however for she had found found her target, and Weasley was no where in sight. What mattered now was her entrance. First impressions were always hard to make - on second thought... Sofia narrow her eyes, looking past the tailored suit. Of course! That James Edwards! Why hadn't she recognized him sooner? It was the formal attire, it had to be. But as matters stood she knew this former Ravenclaw - another one of the few who had accidently missed the memo that all pureblood children were to be funneled into Slytherin. There was no need to worry about making first impressions, she was sure that had been done long ago. But first, she needed to find out if her memory was playing tricks on her.

"Edwards? James Edwards? Who would have thought you would be running your own newspaper so soon!" Don't be a fool Sofia go on an introduce yourself. He might not remember you either. "Its a pleasure to see you again. I'm Sofia Robards." Her smile was less strained than it had been the entire night and the vague notion that the Magic Mirror Gala could be fun after all slowly was reborn.

James had been mingling with his guests for a while, carefully avoiding one Ronald Weasley (the stupid blood traitor that he was) who had, for some reason, decided to attend the opening gala of a purist newspaper.

Didn't the man have any sense? Well, the answer to that was obvious - he had married a Mudblood, after all - but surely someone could have told him to stay away from a gathering of most of the British Purebloods. He was practically committing suicide by attending, the fool of man that he was.

So James had avoided him, much like he usually avoided the riff-raff that inhabited and shopped in Diagon Alley. Just at that moment, however, his attention had been called by one Sofia Robards - a decidedly spirited auror in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement - whose family had lent their funds to his fledgling newspaper.

"Who would have thought, indeed," said James somewhat quietly, and more to himself than Sofia, "It's a pleasure to see you here," he said. "Give my regards to your mother," he said, assuming that the matriarch of the Robards family would be in attendence.

Ron thought that he had pulled off his disengagement with Robards fairly well. He simply could not resist the temptation to rattle her cage a bit, even though it could have easily blown what he was trying to do this night. Ron knew that he was quite recognizeable, and that most here thought that it would was quite silly, if not suicidal to be in such a group of purebloods. However, Ron felt as safe here as he did anywhere. Nobody would make an attempt to take him out here. There would be be too much of a risk that the Ministry would come down hard on anybody who might perpetrate such an act, and Edwards fledgling piece of journalistic tripe would undoubtedly get shut down. Therefore, Ron felt he was quite safe, at least in the better-lit portiions of this facility.

Ron had determined that he should take on a new, if not formalized role, within Level 2. He felt that it was an unstated responsibility of his to keep abreast of what was going on in the wizarding community at-large, which meant most prominently, the more active among the pure-bloods. If there was going to be an internal threat to their world it would come from the 'purists'. They were even more of a potential threat when one considered how many of the Aurors in Level 2 were actually purebloods, like Robards over there. So, keeping abreast of these folks would be a good opportunity for Ron to freelance, especially since there was no Harry Potter to watch over the store.

So Ron, clutching his Champagne began to melt into the crowd and began to practice what he had been trained to do those many years ago as a young Auror, to observe. He thought that it was interesting that Robards had given the older gentleman and himself such a rapid brush-off. It had seemed that she had been looking for someone. Ron had assumed that she was looking for her date for the evening, but obviously he had been mistaken, since she had quickly zeroed in on their host for the evening, Mr. James Edwards himself. This could get quite interesting. Ron thought that he would wait first to see if they just exchanged mild pleasantries. If it appeared that the conversation was going into deeper and more extended waters, Ron would meander over and see if he could throw them off-balance, he smiled to himself. It would be interesting to see how Robards would react, with Ron interrupting a conversation with a leading pure-blood. Would it be shock or a anger or a mixture of the two. Yes, Ron thought, it was bound to be an entertaining evening after all.

How nice it was to associate with someone who at least understood the ways things were supposed to work, and understood when he was wanted. Someone of decidedly better blood than her last acquaintance.

"It's a pleasure to see you here," he said. "Give my regards to your mother."

Mother... where was mother? Sofia mentally re-read the note she had recieved in her head, noting that James would find it rather peculiar that the head of the Robards family could not make it to the opening gala of a publication she was patronizing if she couldn't tell him where her mother was. For some reason Edward seemed to come to mind.

Right, she was having an emergency meeting with William, her eldest brother and the family lawyer, to get her other older bother out of trouble again.

"It will be the first thing I mention when I see her next. Family matters sadly detained her from making an appearance today. You understand?"

Sofia's back tensed, years of training, both as an auror and as a member of high society, told her that eyes had been on her for longer than necessary. She casually turned her head and caught sight of a red boar amongst some of the most elegant of society, or rather a bright red head amongst the more prevalent brunettes and blonds. Seems as though she hadn't lost the brut. Unluckily for him and whatever thoughts he had about their being 'friends' he couldn't blend with those around him, thus giving her plenty of time to plan.

"My dear James, if you don't mind my saying it seems as though we might have to suffer the presence of another if we don't retreat to a more private location." She titled her head in the general direction of the red head. James was a big boy he could figure out to whom she was referring. "I was rather hoping to discuss more private matters without interruptions and unless your plant acts as a guard..." She trailed off with a shrug that more than explained her annoyance to the other man.

As Sofia explained why her mother was unable to attend, James understood completely. Blood was thicker than water - even (or especially) in high society - and that was something every Pureblood was raised to understand.

Well. With the exception of blood traitor families like the Weasleys and Longbottoms (and even the Potters, though Harry had made some progress by marrying a Pureblood girl and restoring the Potter family line to its Pureblood status), every Pureblood family held the idea that blood was thicker than water.

Family was always, always first - and it would always be so, if James had any say in it.

"Of course," he replied, "family matters are more important than trivial things such as my paper," he said, smiling. It wouldn't do to alienate his biggest investors, after all, even though he did understand her reasons for not attending.

"Weasley?" he said, frowning. "Yes, I'm not sure why he decided to come; he certainly isn't wanted. Come," he said, "let's go upstairs," he said, "as my dear plant is currently under severe limitations to be allowed into the country."

There was something in the way he smiled that gave Sofia a feeling of instant dislike. A mutual hatred of the Weasleys, and blood traitors in general, was a lovely way to start off a friendship, or business partnership. That paired with an instant understanding of family matters was more than she could ask for in any of her mother's projects. Interacting with this one would be more than tolerable. Much better than the painter the senior most Robards had taken a fancy to.

"Pity about your plant." She commented absently as they made their way up the flight of stairs into what could be considered a strictly pureblood area. A place were they could talk about his plans for the newspaper and how much funding he might be in need of. The latter bit all depended on his plans of course. A certain bias was expected amongst her mother's projects.

"You'll excuse me for having hardly any tact by jumping straight into business won't you? I would never presume of detaining the host of the party from his guest for any longer than necessary. I just wanted to hear a bit more of about your plans for the paper. My mother has seen its potential and is eager to help support a budding publication." Making propositions was more William's forte than Sofia's. She was only the one left to making this due to everyone else being 'called away'. Hopefully Edwards would understand what she was getting at and give her some sort of confirmation that this was to be a newspaper that even purebloods could love after which she could hand him a nice check.

(occ: do wizards have checks? If not then replace that with large sum of money or something. By the way sorry about the delay!)