The Hunt | Regulus Black

Gringotts

The six of them stood around the table, Regulus, Sirius, James, Lily, Theodora, and Remus. A final review of the plan before the biggest hunt of them all, breaking into Bellatrix's vault will be one of the hardest things they have done so far.

Tension thickening with each breath, an almost tangible weight pressing down on the six of them. No one speaks, but the silence is louder than words - each person lost in their own thoughts, wrestling with the same apprehension about the task ahead. They can feel the nervous energy buzzing between them all, like a current running beneath the surface.

Eyes flicker around the room, making brief contact before darting away, as if looking too long might betray the trepidation each one is trying to hide. Some fidget - hands clenched tightly into fists, fingers tapping nervously against a knee or a table. Others remain unnervingly still, staring off into space, their faces masks of forced calm, though the unease is clear in the small, involuntary movements: the tightening of a jaw, the flicker of an eye.

The weight of what's at stake hangs heavily over everyone, the risks too great to ignore. For some this is life or death, and for everyone it's the weight of the future resting all too heavily on their shoulders.

Theodora's heartbeat seemingly louder than usual, thudding in her chest, a constant reminder of the fear gnawing at the edge of her resolve. Each breath feels shallow, as though the air itself is laced with the anticipation of what's to come.

The gravity of the mission looms large in everyone's mind - failure isn't an option, but success feels like a distant, uncertain thing.

A shared understanding, an unspoken agreement that no one dares to voice - this could go wrong. Very wrong. Yet, despite the apprehension, there's also a quiet determination in the room. Beneath the fear, each of them knows why they're here. They're prepared to face the unknown together, despite the knot of dread twisting in each of their stomachs.

Silence drags on, but it's no longer just a silence - it's the calm before the storm, the breath before they step into the unknown.

"Are we ready?" James asks, his voice laced with apprehension.

Nervous nods surround the table.

"Good luck" Lily smiles softly before placing a gentle kiss on James' cheek.

Her unforeseen pregnancy, causing James to insist on her staying behind and being shielded from the danger.

Placing the box they had found Rowena's lost diadem in, Theodora flicks her wand casting an enchantment on the delicately made box. Once complete the box expands, allowing four of them to step into it. The whisper kerfuffle as the four men arrange themselves inside the object, causing a small laugh to escape Lily and Theodora's lips. With a second flick of her wand the box shrinks.

The silver box is small and exquisitely crafted, glimmering with a soft, ethereal sheen as though it holds a light of its own. The metal surface is smooth, but when you look closely, intricate patterns of delicate vines and swirling filigree are etched across its sides. These fine engravings catch the light, casting subtle, almost dancing reflections as you turn the box in your hands.

Its edges are rounded, each corner softly curved, giving it an elegant, organic shape. The box feels cool to the touch, with a weight that belies its fragile appearance. The lid fits perfectly, so seamlessly that you can barely see where the two pieces meet. A tiny, ornate latch, shaped like a twisting vine, holds the lid shut, and it gives the impression that the contents inside are as precious as the craftsmanship outside.

– – –

Theodora enters Gringotts bank, suppressing her nerves and enveloping herself in that picture perfect facade she is all too familiar with. She straightens her posture, rolling her shoulders back as she approaches the Gringotts goblin. Every step is deliberate, her feet carrying her across the gleaming marble floor with a steady, measured pace.