iii: Numbered Days
It's nice in a way, having to stay in the house all the time. There are times when James forgets why they're there - he doesn't have to go to work, which means he can spend more time with Lily and of course Harry, who is becoming more adventurous every day.
"It's a good job we can do magic, isn't it?" Lily says disapprovingly after James's concentration lapses again and he lets Harry crash into the coffee table on his toy broomstick, smashing his third mug of the day.
"Sorry," James says, pointing his wand at the mug and repairing it hastily. But Lily just laughs. She seems much more relaxed than usual.
They put Harry to bed and curl up in the living room in front of the fire. Without Harry there to distract him, the tension returns and James is restless. He needs some air, but going for a walk is out of the question.
Lily rests her head on James's shoulder. It's as if she can read his mind. "It won't be forever," she whispers, lacing her fingers through his. "You'll see. We're going to win, and then everything will be back to normal."
James sighs. He has faith in Dumbledore and the Order - of course he does - but he knows that You-Know-Who won't give up. And he can't explain why, but James just can't shake off the feeling that his days are numbered.
A/N: I just made myself really sad writing this... gah. Anyway. This chapter is also for the Snakes and Ladders Challenge. :)