47 | UCPB | Gryffindor 1855-1862 | Reputation 8 | ISTJ
Head of the Muggle Liaison Office
Colleagues - Ned's been at the ministry for nearly 30 years at this point, so he's practically part of the furniture. He started at the Department of International Magical Co-Operation but was transferred to his current office in 1882. I'd expect him to know a lot a people, though he's also horrible at networking and considering his lack of success in rising through the ranks certain types would definitely view him as not worth their time. Ned likes to stick to the rules and do things by the book, and that would be something that is especially reflected in his work persona.[/i]
Other long-term acquaintances - Anyone close to his age/standing! Whether they'd view him positively or negatively would probably depend on how much stock they put on reputation. Ned's generally a likeable person (if a bit on the blunt/sarcastic side), but I'd expect most people in his social circle to be aware of the scandals with his brother (who was forced to resign from the Ministry in 1868 after fathering a bastard), his wife (who ran away with another woman in 1879) and his daughter (who was confirmed a squib in 1881). Until 1877 the Oakbys lived near Wales so any UC character from that direction could be family friends. Nowdays they reside in Wellingtonshire, and are in need of neighbours.
Romance - Ned is a lonely single dad - ultimately, I'd love for him to find his one true love, have a whirlwind romance for the ages, and blossom into the poetic soul I know he is deep down. At this point I'd also be happy for less serious interactions, since for a married man Ned is ridiculously clueless about romance and even innocent flirting will probably rattle him to his core - if he even realises what is happening. He also has trust issues (obviously). (EDIT: Someone with scandals of their own, either personal or family, secret or in the open, would be 10/10.)
Misc - Ned currenly lives in Hogsmeade with his mother and daughters, so all connections there would make sense. His older brother has gotten mixed up with seedier parts of the society, and I could see this continuing to haunt Ned as well (the brother's current whereabouts are murky, but he's sure to have left behind unpaid debts, unsettled scores etc.). Finally, Ned does have two unmarried daughters, and it'd be hilarious to have him try to find them husbands. In general, Ned's my first character here so I'm open to any and all ideas!
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EDIT: Family - Ned has two daughters (aged 22 and 20, up for grabs on the canon list), a disaster brother (b. around 1838) and a respectable sister (b. around 1839). The sister in particular could be tweaked to do double duty as another existing character/NPC, so if your character happens to have e.g. a pure-blooded mother of appropriate age and you're interested in making a familial connection with Ned, let me know! The brother might have bastard children running around, so if your orphan character is looking for a father he's definitely an option.