News of the attack had spread quickly, and by the time Wendy arrived at Grimmauld Place, the others were already gathered in the kitchen. She had just now been able to get away from the Ministry. Everyone there was in full cover-up mode after Arthur's attack, and she had done her part to keep the truth hidden.
Kingsley was heading up the meeting since Minerva and Albus were both at Hogwarts. They were all thankful that Arthur was going to recover, but disheartened that he had been attacked in the Ministry. "Obviously, someone within the Ministry had to let the snake in. We don't know who it is. Those of us who work in the Ministry need to be more aware of what our coworkers are doing. I know that we don't have people in all the departments so we'll have to do the best we can.
"Severus has agreed to provide those of you going on night watches with a Revivifying Potion to help you remain alert. We must keep You-Know-Who from gaining access to the Department of Mysteries at all cost. We've all been given a taste of what that cost could be," he said soberly.
Kingsley continued, "Now, the Weasleys will be staying here, probably for the duration of the Christmas holidays, so we will need to be careful about what we say outside this room. Albus wants the children as isolated from all this as possible."
As the meeting broke up, he pulled Wendy off to the side. He handed her a roll of parchment. "Dumbledore sent private instructions for you."
"Thanks." She took the parchment and moved toward the corner.
I wish I could discuss this in person, but circumstances prevent my leaving. We know that someone in the Ministry must be responsible for this. I know that at one time you were close friends with many suspected Death Eaters. I do not enjoy asking you to renew those old friendships, but I fear I must. The New Year's Ball at the Ministry would be an excellent opportunity for you to do so. I know that you have sporadically attended this affair over the years, so your presence this year should not garner the wrong sort of attention.
I know this will be difficult for you given your strained relationship with your brother, but I trust the Westin name still carries some weight amongst your old classmates. Do what you can to earn their trust. Severus still provides us with excellent information, but he is a limited resource during the school year. Even so, do not place yourself in undue danger.
She crumpled the letter and incinerated it.
Remus had been watching from the other side of the room. Once he saw her burn the letter and lean her head against the wall, he moved over to her side and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Anything you want to talk about?"
"Looks like I won't be spending New Year's with you. Albus wants me to go to the Ministry Ball and try to renew some old acquaintances," she replied sadly.
He would be lying if he said he wasn't disappointed. They had been planning a quiet celebration at her house. "We both knew there would be sacrifices."
"True, but I'm not looking forward to this." That was an understatement. There had been a reason she had distanced herself from those people. She had long ago lost interest in playing all the little games the aristocrats played.
"Perfectly understandable," he reassured.
She didn't think he did understand. How could he? He was a Gryffindor. What she thought Albus was asking of her was not something that would naturally come to him. But was Albus really asking that of her? She was almost positive he was. That was the way to earn the close confidence of those they were investigating. Should she try to explain it to Remus? It wasn't likely he would understand. She would wait until she knew whether or not they would accept her back into their circle. After all, she was not a twenty-something tart anymore. It wasn't a guarantee that she would catch anyone's interest at thirty-seven.
"I'll take the thirty-first off. Do you think you could arrange to spend it with me?" she asked.
He tried to sound optimistic, "Of course. I can think of no better way to spend the day since your evening will be occupied with that stuffy old ball."
"Thank you," she replied, holding him tight.
There was something about the way she was behaving that bothered him. He knew that she didn't normally associate with any of her former schoolmates, but she seemed especially upset over the prospect of having to contact them again. Was she afraid her brother would do something to make her life difficult? She had never hinted that she was forbidden from socializing with her old friends.
New Year's Eve came far too quickly for Remus' taste. He hadn't had as much time to spend with Wendy as he would have liked; between escort duties for Harry and the others going to visit Arthur and trying to help the werewolf that he met in Arthur's ward, his days had been rather full. Remus had been bitten so young that he hardly remembered his life before being changed, so he had a hard time understanding the anger, but he could certainly understand the fear that was hidden beneath that anger.
Thankfully, Wendy had been supportive and not begrudged him the time he spent trying to help the new werewolf. Or course, the Aurors had been busy conducting the investigation into the attack, and she had not been home much anyway. Now, he was lying in bed with his arms wrapped around her. She would have to get ready for the Ball soon. He found himself wishing that he were the one escorting her to the Ball, but it would not be proper for her to show up with a date, especially a known werewolf, and a social inferior at that.
She traced her finger through the hair on his chest. "I have to get up now," she said reluctantly.
"I know," he replied sadly.
"I'll save the first kiss of the New Year for you," she said as she kissed his chest.
"Than I shall be eagerly awaiting your return." He gave her a quick squeeze before reluctantly releasing her.
She kissed him and slipped out of bed. The next thing he heard was the water running in the shower. After about twenty minutes, she emerged wearing the most amazing dress. It was iridescent, shifting color with the light. "If you put some clothes on, I'll give you the first dance of the evening," she said.
That was all the motivation he needed to get out of bed. As he threw on his shirt and trousers, he watched her select her jewelry to complete the effect. She stood and twirled. "Absolutely stunning. Every man will be staring at you, and I will be truly jealous." All he could think was, She is truly out of my league, but still she wants me.
"Thank you," she replied as she blushed. "Now, if you would be so kind as to escort me downstairs, I'll let you have that dance," she said as she offered him her hand.
Remus enjoyed dancing with her. He closed his eyes and, for a few brief moments, he could almost believe he was at the Ball. It made him wish even more that he were her escort tonight. He could easily imagine having her in his arms all night long.
"What are you thinking?" she asked, when she saw that his eyes were closed.
"I'm thinking how lucky I am, and how much I would love to take you to the Ball tonight," he replied wistfully.
"Well, tell you what, once the Dark Lord is defeated, you can escort me to the Ball, and you can dance every dance with me."
"I'll hold you to that promise," he replied as he spun her gracefully around.
"I look forward to it." She wanted nothing more than to be able to take him out into polite society. He had cleaned up quite nicely, and now that he was eating regular meals, he looked a bit healthier, though she suspected he would never look completely well around the wake of the full moon.
"I think you'd best be on your way before I take you upstairs and rip those clothes off you," he said reluctantly as the music stopped.
She kissed him quickly. "I'll see you after the ball."
He watched her leave, already dreading the lonely night he faced.
Wendy arrived at the Ball and immediately wanted nothing more than to crawl into a corner. Naturally, her brother and Elena were there, along with most of the other pureblood wizards of good standing. All the senior Ministry officials were present, dressed in their very best finery. There were a few lower level officials, like her, in attendance. A quick glance around the room showed that she was one of only a few Aurors present.
Thinking she might as well make the best of bad situation, she helped herself to a glass of wine from a passing waiter and tried to decide the best place to start her mingling. While it would be easy to hang out with her Auror friends, she knew that was not why she was here. Deciding the best place to start was with her department head, she walked up to Amelia Bones. "They decorations are lovely, aren't they?" she asked.
"Wendy? I hadn't expected to see you here. I thought it was another couple years before your next appearance at the Ball," replied Amelia.
They both laughed at this joke. "Well, I decided I didn't have anything better to do and, since I participate in so few social functions, I figured this would be as good a chance as any to scope out some eligible bachelors."
Amelia took in Wendy's attire. "You've definitely dressed to attract attention."
"Thank you. I guess all that's left is to conveniently forget to mention my profession." She scanned the room quickly, as if searching out a potential match. In actuality, she was trying to see which of her old school chums was nearest.
Lucius Malfoy was circulating through the room. Narcissa and her friends were going over the latest gossip, and she generally took little interest in his behavior, leaving him free to mingle. His first goal was to be political and socialize with those in power at the Ministry. He had just left a rather boring conversation with Cornelius Fudge and was trying to decide who would be next. He grabbed a glass of champagne from the nearest waiter, hoping to dull the pain of the tedium.
Scanning the room, he saw Amelia Bones talking to an attractive woman wearing an almost scandalous dress. He smirked and decided Amelia would be his next victim so he could talk to that vixen. "Amelia, how good to see you this evening." He shifted his gaze to her companion. "Would you intro…Wendy? Is that you?"
She tried to smile pleasantly. She had hoped to put off meeting with Lucius until later in the evening. "Yes, Lucius. Good to see you again. It's been too long, hasn't it?" She offered him her right hand.
He kissed the back of her hand. "Indeed. Forgive me, Amelia, Wendy and I are old friends." For a few minutes, he politely kept the conversation to something that would interest Amelia, playing the political game he knew so well. "I hate to be rude, Amelia, but would you mind terribly if I stole Wendy away so we could reminisce about old times?"
"Not at all, Lucius." She was actually glad for an excuse to get away from him, though she did feel bad about leaving Wendy alone with him.
"How is life as an Auror?" he asked once Amelia had left.
"Very busy, but it keeps me focused." She smiled softly at him, still ready to play the same game all aristocrats played. "Of course, there are certain perks to the job," she hinted as her grin turned into a mischievous smirk.
He sipped his champagne. "Mmm, yes. I had heard that you were a bit…unorthodox, shall we say?" He smiled back at her.
Oh, how she had missed that self-confident grin of his. Like a fine wine, he had aged well, becoming even more handsome. "I've found that as long as I get the desired results, and don't leave any evidence, no one asks too many questions." That should pique his interest.
"Have you thought of retiring? I know that Edgar left you quite well off, and you've already been marred once." He gently traced the scar on her cheek. "You do look quite lovely and deserve much more than running around Britain chasing down petty criminals."
She laughed softly, "Thank you, but I do need something to fill my days. Timor has gone out of his way to see that I am no longer welcome in polite society." She looked away and sipped her wine. Damn his charm, she thought, even though this was the reason she was here.
"That could be changed. You may not know this, but Timor has made some bad business decisions lately and his influence is waning." His voice was smooth and hinted at promises for a better future.
"Is that so? I hadn't heard." She did try to keep abreast of her brother's dealings to ensure that Andorra was looked after properly. Of course, it was entirely possible that Lucius was not telling the whole truth or was willing to engineer these bad business decisions based on her response.
Out of the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of Narcissa watching him with a disapproving look on her face. "As much as I'm enjoying this conversation, I fear I must move on. It's good politics to mingle. You will save a dance for me later, won't you? Perhaps we can find time to meet for tea and continue this conversation?"
"Of course," she replied. He was suave and had that silky smooth voice that left reason a useless puddle. She finished off her wine and looked for a waiter to get a replacement. She had almost finished that glass when she heard a familiar voice.
"Wotcher, Wendy," said Tonks.
"Tonks, nice to see you." She was somewhat relieved to see that her colleague had chosen a fairly normal appearance, though the red hair was bordering on outlandishness. "I didn't know you did stuff like this."
"Every year. I'm surprised to see you here." She had expected Wendy would be with Remus.
"I normally put in an appearance every three or four years if I have nothing else to do. This year's a little different, though."
Tonks knew something was up, but she wasn't sure what and figured that Wendy probably couldn't tell her any more than that. "Right. Me, I like the fact I don't have to cook." The two women laughed at that. "I just wish more of the younger people came. It's always a bunch of old fogies."
"Hey, now, I resemble that remark," Wendy replied with mock indignation.
"You don't count, you're still one of us. Besides, looking like that, I don't think anyone would lump you in that category. I don't know if you've noticed, but an awful lot of the guys can't keep their eyes off you. Speaking of which." She nodded toward an approaching gentleman.
"May I offer you a drink?" he asked, indicating Wendy's empty glass. "I'm Tom Wilkins."
She accepted the drink and took his hand in hers. "Good to see you again, Tom. It's Wendy Westin."
He didn't completely hide the surprise when she introduced herself. "Wendy? You look marvelous."
Tonks could tell that she was going to be excluded from this conversation. "Wendy, catch you later."
Now that she was getting back into her old habits, she found that socializing with her old friends was coming much easier. The one thing she didn't like was answering the same questions over and over. As usual, she received disapproving stares from the wives. When she was speaking with Narcissa's group, they were polite, but Wendy had always been closer to Bella. The other girls had not really approved of her playing Quidditch, but they were always happy to celebrate the victories. Secretly, she thought they were jealous of the time she got to spend with the boys.
As she was walking away from the latest boring conversation, Lucius slipped beside her, took her glass from her hand and placed it on a passing tray. "Now, about that dance?" he asked smoothly.
She absolutely melted under his smile. "Of course." With practiced grace, he led her around the dance floor. Feeling his touch, she found her body remembering days past and reacting as it had then. She got lost in his grey eyes. At times they could be icy cold, but now, they were warm and inviting.
"You know, I was quite distraught over what happened to poor Edgar, and I tried to see you in the months following his arrest, but your brother claimed you were refusing all visitors. I did miss seeing you." His voice was pure silk.
"I wasn't in a state to see anyone at the time. Could we talk about something else? That's an ugly period of my life," she replied uncomfortably.
"Of course, my dear. I didn't mean to upset you. I only wanted you to know that I hadn't forgotten about you. And it's now been far too long since I've seen you. I do wish that you hadn't ignored me after you came out of seclusion." He tried to sound hurt.
"I figured that if I was going to make a go of things at the Ministry, I should do it on my own. Besides, no one in that circle associates with an Auror," she replied apologetically.
He replied smoothly, "For you, I shall make an exception." He pulled her close, letting her feel his arousal. "If you would prefer to not have to do field work, I'm sure I could find a supervisory position for you."
"That's a wonderful offer, Lucius, but I truly don't mind the field work. It gives me a chance to work out any frustrations I might have." This was moving much more quickly than she had anticipated. She had thought that after all these years, Lucius would have forgotten about her. Obviously, she had been wrong.
"I can think of better ways to do that," he purred seductively. "Meet me for tea the day after tomorrow. I have business here at the Ministry, and Narcissa won't miss me." It was less of a request and more of an order.
She was both attracted and repulsed by his behavior. Knowing this was what Albus wanted, she replied, "Of course. I'll do what I can to get away." Could it really be this easy? Would Lucius just take her back, no questions asked?
"I look forward to it. Now, if you will excuse me, I must dance with my wife." His tone suggested this was a burden; something he did to keep up appearances. She knew their marriage was for political and business reasons, not for love, as were almost all marriages amongst her peers.
She found she had no shortage of dance partners, including the Minister of Magic. It was very easy for her to slip into her old aristocratic ways. She was actually enjoying the evening until she found herself face to face with her brother.
"Well, well, well. Little sister, what a distasteful surprise to see you here. I had thought you had abandoned all pretenses of your breeding," he said sardonically.
"No thanks to you, I might add," she replied coldly. She had hoped to finish up the evening without having to deal with him.
"Your career choice did prove a bit of an embarrassment for the family. I had no choice. A lady of breeding does not take a common job of an Auror. Had you remained with the Department of International Magical Cooperation, I could have arranged a suitable marriage for you. You could have avoided all this," he said dryly.
"Oh, yes, we know that Father did a excellent job choosing Edgar," she replied sarcastically.
Anger tinged his voice, though he kept the volume level down so only she could hear what he was saying. "I would have done better than Father. You've wasted your life. What do you have to show for it, an Order of Merlin, Third Class? Is that really all you want to be known for?" He stared at her in silence for several long seconds. "Why did you bother to come tonight?" he spat.
"I was lonely, dear brother. I figured I had a chance of meeting a respectable gentleman tonight." She gave him a self-satisfied smirk, hoping it would drive him away.
He replied dryly, "So I've noticed. You've danced with just about everyone here, eligible or not. Does this mean I can expect to see more of you?"
"Perhaps. I haven't decided yet." She scanned the room. "There are a few interesting bachelors out there." She grinned at him in an attempt to infuriate him.
He moved closer and spoke in a hoarse whisper. "Just remember your place. Do not embarrass the family further."
She watched him leave and knew that there was really nothing he could do to her. She had little concern about her social standing, and she had always been more powerful magically. "Of course, big brother," she whispered before mingling with the crowd again.
It was nearly two in the morning before she returned home, still somewhat inebriated. It had not occurred to her to take her sobriety potion. She could see a light coming from the library and wondered if Remus was still awake. When she entered the library, she saw him lying asleep on the couch, one arm hanging off the side, the other resting on a book on his chest. She smiled at how adorable he looked.
Gently, she placed the book on the table and draped herself across him. She kissed him gently to wake him. Once he started stirring, she said, "Happy New Year, darling."
"Happy New Year to you as well. What time is it?" he asked groggily.
"Very late," she continued to kiss him.
He could think of much worse ways to be woken up and pulled her close for a passionate kiss. "Did you enjoy your evening?"
She ran her fingers through his hair. "Not really. I would have much rather spent it with you. We can talk about it in the morning." She unbuttoned his shirt and kissed his chest after she undid each button. When she reached his trousers, she undid them as well, and coaxed him to hardness before taking him in her mouth.
He gasped in surprise. This was definitely a very good way to be woken up. He gripped the edge of the couch as she brought him to orgasm. He watched her lick her lips as she looked up at him. "You can wake me up like that anytime you like," he said as he reached out to pull her on top of him.
"I thought you might like that," she purred as she caressed his chest.
"I'll have to take you upstairs and repay the favor." He shifted her around so he could carry her upstairs. "I've wanted to get you out of that dress all evening," he said as he set her on the bed.
"I have an idea." She stood and pushed him onto the bed. Crossing the room to the record player, she selected the perfect song. With a wave of her wand, she moved her vanity chair to the center of the room.
Remus watched with interest as she started stripping for him. He licked his lips as she unbuttoned her dress and then turned her back on him as she slowly pushed the sleeves down her arms. She shook her hips back and forth as she wiggled out of her dress. He had not been aware that she was wearing such sexy undergarments.
Once she had slipped out of her dress, she danced in time with the music, running her hands along her body. This was quite possibly one of the most erotic things he had experienced. He couldn't take it any longer when she put her foot on his knee and slowly pushed her stocking down. He grabbed her and threw her onto the bed. "Do you have any idea what that does to me?" he asked before devouring her mouth in a passionate kiss.
She smiled seductively at him. "Absolutely."
Wendy had completely forgotten her agreement to meet Lucius for tea. She wasn't entirely sure he had been serious at the Ball, but it appeared he was when a memo showed up in her inbox, asking if she would still be available. Of course, she had no reason to turn him down and every reason to accept. Because of their past, she hoped to get him to confide in her. Of course, there was also the chance that her past would come back to haunt her.
Due to work, she was running about fifteen minutes. She had briefly considered wearing her Auror's robes, but quickly decided against it. Lucius was waiting for her in the tearoom of an upscale wizarding hotel, one they had been in numerous times. Unless she was mistaken, he maintained an extravagant suite at this hotel.
"Lucius, forgive me for running late. I had a few last minute memos to deal with," she said apologetically as she joined him at his table.
He rose and exhibited his usual polite, public persona. "I completely sympathize with you, though I was beginning to wonder if you had stood me up," he tried to sound hurt.
She tried to smile warmly. He was playing his usual games, and she decided to do the same. "You know I would never do that," she reassured. "May I first apologize for ignoring you years ago? I was an awful mess then."
"I find that hard to believe," he said smoothly. He oozed charm from his every pore.
She laughed softly. "Oh, but I was. I spent the better part of a year hiding in my room, and when I finally emerged… Well, I was still an emotional mess. It was years before I was ready to be with a man again." She thought this excuse should be enough to placate his ego.
He took a sip of his tea. "And are you fully recovered now?"
"I have been for a while, but I was disowned at that point, and Timor had made it clear that I was not to associate with my old friends." It was the truth and a very plausible excuse. If Lucius didn't know all the details, there was no reason to enlighten him.
He reached out and placed a sympathetic hand on hers for a brief moment. "I wish you had contacted me. I've never been much for obeying your brother's wishes. He has an over-inflated sense of self-worth. The Leah family is not as powerful as he likes to imagine."
"No, it's not." She tried to sound ashamed, hoping to draw a sympathetic reaction from him. Her family's standing was one of the reasons she had not married Lucius.
"It's nothing against you, my dear. You can't help the family you were born into. Personally, I have always had a very high opinion of you. But I think you already knew that." He flashed a charming smile at her.
"Why thank you," she replied. He had always been so good at flattery.
They chatted pleasantly for the next half an hour. She listened to, what she suspected, were exaggerated reports on Draco and, of course, his difficulties with the Ministry. She said the right things to encourage his belief she was sympathetic to his cause.
As she was finishing her second cup of tea, she asked, "As much as I enjoy catching up with you, I am curious as to why you invited me to tea? It must look strange for you to be seen with common Auror."
He gave her his trademark smirk. "Well, yes, that is unusual, but, as I said, I will make an exception for you. I have a proposition for you."
"Oh? Do tell," she prompted, trying to sound eager.
"Meet me in my suite," he said quietly before rising and walking out of the parlor.
She had a very good idea what he wanted, but she could be wrong. After all, the Ministry was still conducting raids, looking for Dark Artifacts. He might very well be looking for protection, as unlikely as it was. It wouldn't hurt to talk with him.