this takes place tuesday morning

Su sighed, pushing her hair behind her shoulders. She hated Tuesdays; it was cloudy and everyone was running around like there was an emergency that didn't actually exist. Flooing into work saved her time, but it also made her step directly into the mad hassle of the Atrium. Someone pushed her from behind so she stumbled into the the crowd. Swearing, she steadied herself and shot a look behind her. No one was there. Standing up straight, she pulled her shoulders back and began to walk with the crowd toward the lifts. She had no reason to think she would be able to get one right away, so she was pleasantly surprised when the crowded pushed her toward an open set of the doors that only had one other person in it. She looked before herself, waiting for the mob to follow her. But no one did. She turned to the wizard who was already occupying the lift. "Hello."

Cormac dreaded the lifts as much as any other well-seasoned Ministry employee. This morning, however, was shaping up to be better than most. "Good morning, Miss Li." Cormac greeted Su with a wide grin. "You're looking lovely today," he said, and pushed the 'door close' button. "You're on level five, aren't you?" Seeing Su nod, he pushed the five and two buttons and settled back against the wall of the lift, crossed his arms, and eyed Su appreciatively.

Su shifted under his gaze. It was obvious he was sizing her up, trying to decide if she was worth his time or not. Feeling like stopping him from flirting before he even started, she said, "Mr. Laggen, good morning." She smiled at him innocently, as if she didn't know she had messed up his name.

"It's McLaggen, but you may call me Cormac, if you wish." He smirked and continued, "And it is a good morning, yes."

She resisted the urge to roll her eyes. "I'm sorry, Mr. McLaggen." Su shifted on her feet, looking up at the numbers above the door; small talk was not her area of expertise.

"No need to apologize, I've been called worse." Recently, I'm sure, he added to himself. "So, how's Corner doing? Bumped into him lately?" he said, with what he hoped was not too large of a grin.

Su stopped fidgeting. "Corner? As in Michael Corner? I see him nearly every day. He is my boss, as it is."

"He is, isn't he? Such a fascinating department. I guess with the manner of work in your department, you're probably in very close contact with one another." He grinned. "I can think of worse bosses to have, certainly. Sounds as if you're lucky to have someone like him."

Su nodded. "He's not the worse, but then again, he's certainly not the best either." She mentally groaned, wondering if Michael was still avoiding her. It wasn't a good thing to have your boss, and closest acquaintance in the department, avoiding you like the plague.

Cormac had a moment of inspiration. He was convinced his recent run of bad luck was due to poor karma. And here, right in front of him was a way to fix it-restore the proper balance of the universe by doing a good deed-and maybe he'd finally get some. He smiled. "I don't know, I hear that Corner's one of the best at what he does. And he certainly has some nice things to say about you, Miss Li."

Su smiled sweetly. "I'm sure he says nice things about all of his subordinates; Mr. Corner is a fair man after all."

Cormac caught himself before he smacked his forehead. "I'm sure he does say nice things about everyone, he does seem to be that...type. However, he specifically mentioned your name. Said you are an asset to his department; that you could be very assertive when you needed to be."

"I am assertive, in more ways than one. Yes, I'm sure he's mentioned my name. I am practically his in with the Chinese Minister of Magic." She paused and sighed. "Mr. McLaggen, I appreciate the talk; it's nice to know I'm appreciated within my department, especially if it's coming from my boss. But this is my floor." The doors opened immediately, as if on cue. She grinned. "I suppose I might run into you again soon." She waved slightly as she walked out of the elevator, still pondering his words. I can be assertive? Did it mean I'm a flirt? She bit her lip. Abruptly she grinned to herself, picking up her pace. At least Michael has noticed and cared.

{Summary: Su and Cormac share a lift and a few words.}