Chapter Eight
Department of Mysteries
The next morning Lex woke up feeling extremely exhausted. The night of sleep had been anything but restful. As she headed downstairs she smelled something lovely emanating from the kitchen. She wandered down and saw a tall old man standing near the stove.
"Dumbledore?" asked Lex.
He looked up, his half moon glasses sparkling in the sunlight coming in the window.
"Well good morning, Alexia," he said as he waved his wand and the pancakes on the stove flipped.
"Morning..." she said, looking shocked, but happier still.
"I thought that a nice breakfast night help considering you are being expected at the Ministry this afternoon for your first day on the job." Said Dumbledore as the pancakes and sausage floated over to the plates on the table.
Lex sat down and began to eat. She hadn't realized how hungry she was, but luckily Dumbledore was a considerable good chef.
They talked for about an hour as they ate the breakfast. Lex explained to him how much she hated the tiny house and the lack of good company.
"It's very understandable that someone as sociable as you would hate to be stuck here alone," said Dumbledore, "But you know it's for the best."
Lex nodded and looked down at her plate.
"I just hate it here," she said, looking back up.
Dumbledore gave her a small smile.
"I know, but there isn't much any of us can do without risking your safety," he said, "Now c'mon, let's get you to the Ministry."
Lex quickly threw on her old teaching robes that she had gotten at the beginning of the year. They still smelled like the old room she had occupied at Hogwarts. She sighed.
"That's behind me," she said, looking at her reflection in the mirror.
She pushed her hair behind her ears and she noticed how thin and pale she had become. She forced a smile onto her face.
"It's for the best," she repeated over and over in her head.
Once she was downstairs, Dumbledore looked her over.
"Excellent," he said, "We're just going to apparate, is that okay with you?"
Lex nodded and with a crack Dumbledore disappeared and she was shortly behind him.
The next thing she knew she was inside the Atrium at the ministry. She hadn't been here in so long it almost came as a shock to see how it hadn't changed. She noticed the witches and wizards moving across the beautiful wood floors and coming and going as they pleased. She wandered over to the desk, where someone familiar met her eyes.
"Daniel?" asked Lex, "Dan Hatter?"
The man looked up and his crystal blue eyes met hers. His mouth dropped open and they were frozen there for just a moment.
"Lex?" muttered Dan, "Lex Malfoy?"
A sincere grin crossed her face and she looked at him. He had come a long way from the awkward boy she had once known. He no longer had glasses and he seemed to have reduced the number of freckles that spotted his face. He had grown more and definitely filled out along the years. Now he was rather attractive, though he seemed embarrassed at his job.
"How are you?" Lex asked.
Dan shrugged.
"Oh, you know how it is, I'm just struggling to make a living," he said, "What about you?"
"Dumbledore got me a job here," said Lex.
Daniel shifted his glance and smiled.
"Good ole Dumbledore," he said.
"Good morning, Daniel," Dumbledore said, smiling.
Daniel took their wands and registered them and said good-bye to them both as they made their way to the lifts.
"I would have never thought I'd see him working here," she said, smiling.
"You may find you know a lot of those who work here," said Dumbledore as the lift started to move.
After several stops they finally reached the 9th floor, which held the Department of Mysteries. Dumbledore led the way down the corridor and through the door where a man greeted them, who apparently knew Dumbledore.
"Well, well, Albus," he said, "It's a surprise to see you here. Where is this new worker you've got for me?"
"She's right behind me, William," said Dumbledore, as Lex caught up with him.
Lex looked at William as he looked her over. He was shorter than she was and rather stocky. His thin black hair was slicked back against his scalp and revealed his rather large forehead. He had thin eyebrows and cold brown eyes that seemed very stern. Despite the fact that he wore normal robes, he looked like he could be a businessman.
"Hello," said Lex timidly.
William seemed to winch and being addressed without speaking first.
"What's your name," he said, but it was more like a command than a question.
"Alexia Malfoy," she answered, "It's a pleasure to meet you."
William looked at her longer and finally he extended his hand and shook hers.
"My name is William Benson. I suppose I can give you a try at a desk job," he said, "You're Brent Malfoy's daughter, aren't you?"
She nodded and she could see William's expression soften considerably.
"You're father was a good man," said William, "If you are as hard a worker as he was than you should be here for a long time."
Lex nodded.
"Thank you, sir," she said.
William and Lex said good-bye to Dumbledore and then she was taken to her desk. According to William, her job was to organize all the information that the other people in the department were recording. She was going to be recording information for someone, who she would meet later that day. William told her for now she could just settle there and get to know those around her. Apparently it was a slow day.
Lex sat down and looked around. Everyone else seemed quite preoccupied with whatever they were doing. One witch was reading a book, another was playing a game of what looked like, to Lex, Exploding Snap. Lex felt terribly out of place and decided she could walk around a bit and maybe meet some people.
She walked down the short hall and passed all the desks. At one point, she heard someone called her "Red head". She spun around, ready to nail the person in the face, but found herself face to face with another old friend.
"I knew it was you!" the woman said, a sound of triumph in her voice, "Lex, I can't believe it's you!"
The woman, who shorter than Lex was, hugged her around the middle and seemed ecstatic.
"Geeze, Venefica, I didn't know you cared so much!" Lex said, laughing slightly, "How have you been?"
"Eh, surviving," she said, "Working a desk job here isn't as exciting as it looks. Course it all depends who you're working for."
"Yeah, I haven't figured that out yet," said Lex, looking rather embarrassed.
"Well, Matt is the only one who doesn't have a secretary yet..." said Venefica, and then her eyes went wide like a sickle, "Ooooo! You'll be working with Matt!"
Lex smiled.
"Who's Matt?" she asked.
"Matt Helmer, he's been with the ministry a few years. He's a hard worker," Venefica said, "And he's cute too."
Lex rolled her eyes and looked around.
"So, anyone else work here who I may know?" she asked, "I already saw Daniel Hatter at the wand check."
"Yeah," said Venefica as they walked down the hall, "Poor Dan's been working his tail off but can never keep a job. Damn shame too. He's really good but his heart is somewhere else."
They walked and they reached another desk where a tall, thin girl with long black hair was frantically working with large piles of papers all around. Lex tried to recognize the girl, but she didn't ring a bell.
"Hey Verity," said Venefica, "Look who just started working here."
The woman froze and glared up at Venefica.
"Vene, Jason wanted this death information done two days ago and I'm not finished. I don't have..." she said as she looked up at saw Lex standing there.
Her quill dropped to the floor and Lex and Verity exchanged shocked glances. Verity had definitely changed from a teenager to an adult. She wore glasses now and her hair was pulled back into a bun, but Lex did now recognize her because of her stunning blue eyes.
"Lex Malfoy," Verity muttered, "Can it really be you?"
Lex grinned and Verity hugged her.
"You haven't changed a bit," Verity said.
Lex looked at Verity.
"Look at you," said Lex, "You're all grown up."
"Well, that is what getting married and all that will do to you," said Verity.
"You got married?" asked Lex.
"Yep, we've even got a little girl named Eva," said Verity.
At that moment a tall man came storming down the hall.
"VERITY!" he yelled, "I NEED THAT REPORT ON MY RESEARCH OTHERWISE I'LL HAVE YOUR JOB!"
Verity jumped back behind the desk and began to work again.
"We'll be back," muttered Venefica as her and Lex made a quick exit.
They spirited down the hall and reached Lex's desk, where they stopped and sat down.
"So, Matt hasn't stopped by yet has he?" asked Venefica.
Lex shrugged when a tall man appeared behind Venefica.
He was, in Lex's opinion shockingly handsome. He had slightly shaggy brown hair that had a bit of a curl to it. He was slightly tanned and his amber eyes twinkled with happiness. His face looked young and smooth, and Lex guessed her couldn't be more than 30 years old.
"He's been too busy," the man said, looking at Lex, "You must be my new secretary."
Lex nodded and stood up. They shook hands.
"Matthew Helmer," he said.
"Alexia Malfoy...well...you can just call me Lex," she said, smiling.
"It's very nice to meet you Lex," said Matt, "I don't think I'll need you to do anything today, so just take it easy."
Lex smiled as Matt walked away and Venefica took her to wander around the Ministry some more.
At one point, they found themselves in the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts area of the Ministry. The place looked extremely amusing to Lex, who had grown up knowing and loving all of this Muggle stuff. Venefica pulled Lex on a little further and they came to a desk that had a toaster, small, busted radio and a rubber duck. Behind the desk sat a woman with brown hair that was pulled back into a braid and she seemed to be scribbling frantically over a piece of paper. She looked up and flashed her hazel eyes at Lex and Venefica and sighed.
"Vene, I'm insanely busy right now!" the woman said with a sigh, "Can't you come back later?"
"Lore, there is someone here I wanted you to see," said Venefica.
She pushed Lex forward; who was watching the woman carefully. She definitely looked familiar but she couldn't put her finger on it.
"Who is it..." the woman looked up and her mouth dropped open slightly, "Oh my lord."
A smile cracked across her face and suddenly Lex remembered.
"Lorelei?" Lex asked, "No way...how are you?"
Lorelei moved from behind the desk and hugged Lex tightly; the same memorable smile still cracked across her face.
"Just fine," said Lorelei, "Busy but fine. How about you?"
"Well, could be better, but I guess we can't get everything we want," Lex said, "So how long have you worked here?"
"A little over a year," said Lorelei, "You just start?"
"Yep," said Venefica, chiming in, "She's going to be Matt's secretary."
Lorelei raised an eyebrow.
"Really?" she asked, "Nice."
Lex rolled her eyes and Lorelei grinned.
"I need to get back to work, but we need to get together sometime, all right?" she asked.
"Definitely," said Lex as she and Venefica left.
The rest of the day was rather uneventful, but Lex hadn't expected any different. When it came time for her to return home, she said good-bye to Venefica.
"I'll see you tomorrow, all right?" she asked.
"Sure thing, Vene," said Lex.
She stepped away from the crowd slightly and disappeared with a pop. Seconds later she reappeared back at her tiny house. She flopped back on the couch and sighed. It had been on hell of a day.
The next morning Lex woke up feeling extremely exhausted. The night of sleep had been anything but restful. As she headed downstairs she smelled something lovely emanating from the kitchen. She wandered down and saw a tall old man standing near the stove.
"Dumbledore?" asked Lex.
He looked up, his half moon glasses sparkling in the sunlight coming in the window.
"Well good morning, Alexia," he said as he waved his wand and the pancakes on the stove flipped.
"Morning..." she said, looking shocked, but happier still.
"I thought that a nice breakfast night help considering you are being expected at the Ministry this afternoon for your first day on the job." Said Dumbledore as the pancakes and sausage floated over to the plates on the table.
Lex sat down and began to eat. She hadn't realized how hungry she was, but luckily Dumbledore was a considerable good chef.
They talked for about an hour as they ate the breakfast. Lex explained to him how much she hated the tiny house and the lack of good company.
"It's very understandable that someone as sociable as you would hate to be stuck here alone," said Dumbledore, "But you know it's for the best."
Lex nodded and looked down at her plate.
"I just hate it here," she said, looking back up.
Dumbledore gave her a small smile.
"I know, but there isn't much any of us can do without risking your safety," he said, "Now c'mon, let's get you to the Ministry."
Lex quickly threw on her old teaching robes that she had gotten at the beginning of the year. They still smelled like the old room she had occupied at Hogwarts. She sighed.
"That's behind me," she said, looking at her reflection in the mirror.
She pushed her hair behind her ears and she noticed how thin and pale she had become. She forced a smile onto her face.
"It's for the best," she repeated over and over in her head.
Once she was downstairs, Dumbledore looked her over.
"Excellent," he said, "We're just going to apparate, is that okay with you?"
Lex nodded and with a crack Dumbledore disappeared and she was shortly behind him.
The next thing she knew she was inside the Atrium at the ministry. She hadn't been here in so long it almost came as a shock to see how it hadn't changed. She noticed the witches and wizards moving across the beautiful wood floors and coming and going as they pleased. She wandered over to the desk, where someone familiar met her eyes.
"Daniel?" asked Lex, "Dan Hatter?"
The man looked up and his crystal blue eyes met hers. His mouth dropped open and they were frozen there for just a moment.
"Lex?" muttered Dan, "Lex Malfoy?"
A sincere grin crossed her face and she looked at him. He had come a long way from the awkward boy she had once known. He no longer had glasses and he seemed to have reduced the number of freckles that spotted his face. He had grown more and definitely filled out along the years. Now he was rather attractive, though he seemed embarrassed at his job.
"How are you?" Lex asked.
Dan shrugged.
"Oh, you know how it is, I'm just struggling to make a living," he said, "What about you?"
"Dumbledore got me a job here," said Lex.
Daniel shifted his glance and smiled.
"Good ole Dumbledore," he said.
"Good morning, Daniel," Dumbledore said, smiling.
Daniel took their wands and registered them and said good-bye to them both as they made their way to the lifts.
"I would have never thought I'd see him working here," she said, smiling.
"You may find you know a lot of those who work here," said Dumbledore as the lift started to move.
After several stops they finally reached the 9th floor, which held the Department of Mysteries. Dumbledore led the way down the corridor and through the door where a man greeted them, who apparently knew Dumbledore.
"Well, well, Albus," he said, "It's a surprise to see you here. Where is this new worker you've got for me?"
"She's right behind me, William," said Dumbledore, as Lex caught up with him.
Lex looked at William as he looked her over. He was shorter than she was and rather stocky. His thin black hair was slicked back against his scalp and revealed his rather large forehead. He had thin eyebrows and cold brown eyes that seemed very stern. Despite the fact that he wore normal robes, he looked like he could be a businessman.
"Hello," said Lex timidly.
William seemed to winch and being addressed without speaking first.
"What's your name," he said, but it was more like a command than a question.
"Alexia Malfoy," she answered, "It's a pleasure to meet you."
William looked at her longer and finally he extended his hand and shook hers.
"My name is William Benson. I suppose I can give you a try at a desk job," he said, "You're Brent Malfoy's daughter, aren't you?"
She nodded and she could see William's expression soften considerably.
"You're father was a good man," said William, "If you are as hard a worker as he was than you should be here for a long time."
Lex nodded.
"Thank you, sir," she said.
William and Lex said good-bye to Dumbledore and then she was taken to her desk. According to William, her job was to organize all the information that the other people in the department were recording. She was going to be recording information for someone, who she would meet later that day. William told her for now she could just settle there and get to know those around her. Apparently it was a slow day.
Lex sat down and looked around. Everyone else seemed quite preoccupied with whatever they were doing. One witch was reading a book, another was playing a game of what looked like, to Lex, Exploding Snap. Lex felt terribly out of place and decided she could walk around a bit and maybe meet some people.
She walked down the short hall and passed all the desks. At one point, she heard someone called her "Red head". She spun around, ready to nail the person in the face, but found herself face to face with another old friend.
"I knew it was you!" the woman said, a sound of triumph in her voice, "Lex, I can't believe it's you!"
The woman, who shorter than Lex was, hugged her around the middle and seemed ecstatic.
"Geeze, Venefica, I didn't know you cared so much!" Lex said, laughing slightly, "How have you been?"
"Eh, surviving," she said, "Working a desk job here isn't as exciting as it looks. Course it all depends who you're working for."
"Yeah, I haven't figured that out yet," said Lex, looking rather embarrassed.
"Well, Matt is the only one who doesn't have a secretary yet..." said Venefica, and then her eyes went wide like a sickle, "Ooooo! You'll be working with Matt!"
Lex smiled.
"Who's Matt?" she asked.
"Matt Helmer, he's been with the ministry a few years. He's a hard worker," Venefica said, "And he's cute too."
Lex rolled her eyes and looked around.
"So, anyone else work here who I may know?" she asked, "I already saw Daniel Hatter at the wand check."
"Yeah," said Venefica as they walked down the hall, "Poor Dan's been working his tail off but can never keep a job. Damn shame too. He's really good but his heart is somewhere else."
They walked and they reached another desk where a tall, thin girl with long black hair was frantically working with large piles of papers all around. Lex tried to recognize the girl, but she didn't ring a bell.
"Hey Verity," said Venefica, "Look who just started working here."
The woman froze and glared up at Venefica.
"Vene, Jason wanted this death information done two days ago and I'm not finished. I don't have..." she said as she looked up at saw Lex standing there.
Her quill dropped to the floor and Lex and Verity exchanged shocked glances. Verity had definitely changed from a teenager to an adult. She wore glasses now and her hair was pulled back into a bun, but Lex did now recognize her because of her stunning blue eyes.
"Lex Malfoy," Verity muttered, "Can it really be you?"
Lex grinned and Verity hugged her.
"You haven't changed a bit," Verity said.
Lex looked at Verity.
"Look at you," said Lex, "You're all grown up."
"Well, that is what getting married and all that will do to you," said Verity.
"You got married?" asked Lex.
"Yep, we've even got a little girl named Eva," said Verity.
At that moment a tall man came storming down the hall.
"VERITY!" he yelled, "I NEED THAT REPORT ON MY RESEARCH OTHERWISE I'LL HAVE YOUR JOB!"
Verity jumped back behind the desk and began to work again.
"We'll be back," muttered Venefica as her and Lex made a quick exit.
They spirited down the hall and reached Lex's desk, where they stopped and sat down.
"So, Matt hasn't stopped by yet has he?" asked Venefica.
Lex shrugged when a tall man appeared behind Venefica.
He was, in Lex's opinion shockingly handsome. He had slightly shaggy brown hair that had a bit of a curl to it. He was slightly tanned and his amber eyes twinkled with happiness. His face looked young and smooth, and Lex guessed her couldn't be more than 30 years old.
"He's been too busy," the man said, looking at Lex, "You must be my new secretary."
Lex nodded and stood up. They shook hands.
"Matthew Helmer," he said.
"Alexia Malfoy...well...you can just call me Lex," she said, smiling.
"It's very nice to meet you Lex," said Matt, "I don't think I'll need you to do anything today, so just take it easy."
Lex smiled as Matt walked away and Venefica took her to wander around the Ministry some more.
At one point, they found themselves in the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts area of the Ministry. The place looked extremely amusing to Lex, who had grown up knowing and loving all of this Muggle stuff. Venefica pulled Lex on a little further and they came to a desk that had a toaster, small, busted radio and a rubber duck. Behind the desk sat a woman with brown hair that was pulled back into a braid and she seemed to be scribbling frantically over a piece of paper. She looked up and flashed her hazel eyes at Lex and Venefica and sighed.
"Vene, I'm insanely busy right now!" the woman said with a sigh, "Can't you come back later?"
"Lore, there is someone here I wanted you to see," said Venefica.
She pushed Lex forward; who was watching the woman carefully. She definitely looked familiar but she couldn't put her finger on it.
"Who is it..." the woman looked up and her mouth dropped open slightly, "Oh my lord."
A smile cracked across her face and suddenly Lex remembered.
"Lorelei?" Lex asked, "No way...how are you?"
Lorelei moved from behind the desk and hugged Lex tightly; the same memorable smile still cracked across her face.
"Just fine," said Lorelei, "Busy but fine. How about you?"
"Well, could be better, but I guess we can't get everything we want," Lex said, "So how long have you worked here?"
"A little over a year," said Lorelei, "You just start?"
"Yep," said Venefica, chiming in, "She's going to be Matt's secretary."
Lorelei raised an eyebrow.
"Really?" she asked, "Nice."
Lex rolled her eyes and Lorelei grinned.
"I need to get back to work, but we need to get together sometime, all right?" she asked.
"Definitely," said Lex as she and Venefica left.
The rest of the day was rather uneventful, but Lex hadn't expected any different. When it came time for her to return home, she said good-bye to Venefica.
"I'll see you tomorrow, all right?" she asked.
"Sure thing, Vene," said Lex.
She stepped away from the crowd slightly and disappeared with a pop. Seconds later she reappeared back at her tiny house. She flopped back on the couch and sighed. It had been on hell of a day.