ivy! → james potter

vii. the danger that lies ahead

⋆☆.* ✧✰ .✦⋆*☆

"THAT WAS CLOSE—FAR TOO CLOSE for my liking," grumbled Moody, leaning into his palms, which were flat against the kitchen table. It was still early, which meant they were all able to gather for an unofficial meeting before work hours began, and Lucy wasted no time in telling the others what happened the night before.

"He couldn't have beaten me there by more than thirty seconds," she said, still wondering how the hell everything happened the way it did.
"Either he got lucky by choosing the right door on the first try, or—" Sirius finished her thought for her from where he sat, leaning back in his chair and wearing a look of immense concern.

"Or he's an Unspeakable and has access."

"Wouldn't be the first time," said Remus with a sigh, sitting down beside Sirius.
"Augustus Rookwood was a Death Eater during the first war, and he was an Unspeakable. And with the Minister's stance on Voldemort's return, there could be Death Eaters across all ranks of the Ministry and he'd be none the wiser."

"And I'm sure there are," Lucy added. She took a long sip of her coffee before setting the mug on the table. She had a feeling she wouldn't be picking it up again, for she really had no craving for much of anything at the moment.
"I can see it, the way some people look at us who are doing our best to fight this thing...it's clear they don't want us to succeed."

"And it's getting worse every day," agreed Kingsley, his deep voice resounding through the room even with his quiet words, bringing attention to him for the first time that morning.
"The Ministry's rotting from the inside out and the Minister doesn't even realize it."

"More injuries every day, too." Lucy turned her attention to James, both comforted by the reminder of his presence and heartbroken by the resigned and saddened tone he spoke with.
"St. Mungo's has been understaffed for years, but this is ridiculous."

"People are putting themselves in danger for simply trying to do their jobs—including you lot," Sirius chimed in, gesturing to the group of Aurors who were all grouped near the center of the table.
"They're all over us, we know that. It's only a matter of time before they start to escalate and the Death Eaters start coming out of the shadows."

"It's already begun," sighed Lucy.
"But they're being more methodical this time—which is to say, of course, that Voldemort is being more methodical this time. He won't let his greed and haste get in the way, not after all these years of planning."

"At least we'll be ready." Lucy looked to James again, the corners of her mouth turning up just slightly at his optimistic declaration, even if she knew he was trying to convince himself just as much as he was everyone else.

Conversation died down as Molly served them breakfast (because while they were all willing and able to help, she wanted—no, needed—something to make her feel useful), and it wasn't until everyone was preparing to leave that the pair found each other again. James caught Lucy's eye as she was pulling her robe on over her button-down shirt and slacks, and the two found each other in a quiet corner of the kitchen.

"Sirius has a point," he told her quietly, concern present in his gaze.
"It's bad enough you have to worry about yourself out in the field, but now you have to worry about staying safe in the office, too."

"They wouldn't be so bold as to harm someone on Ministry grounds." Her words were meant to be comforting, but she quickly saw they hadn't had the desired effect. Her gaze softened.
"I'll be careful." He nodded, seemingly satisfied with her amended statement.