It’s lunch hour at the Ministry. Usually, no one approaches Jаmеs at that time. Sirius might pop in if he’s in the neighborhood. Or, occasionally, some brave new intern will ask to have lunch with him. James is sure the middle-grade Aurors actually dare interns to ask him. Everyone knows that James is an animal when he’s hungry. It’s best not to touch him between 12 and 1 p.m.—he’s probably gonna eat the unlucky bastard with his lunch.

So it’s safe to say that James is surprised (unpleasantly so) when he hears a knock on his office door at 12:04 on a Tuesday.

“Merlin, seriously, Wesley, if it’s—” he starts grumbling, only to realise who is standing on the doorstep of his office. “Oh, darling, why didn’t you tell me you were coming?” The way his whole demeanour softens raises a few heads.

“Darling!?” Wesley looks up from his paperwork, eyes widening when he notices you. “Told ya!” Louise snickers. “Oh, you owe me so much money, Wes!” Grant laughs, looking smug.

James looks behind you at the three of his subordinates. His jaw clenches for a split second. “One second, darling,” he mutters.

“Oi, you three,” he calls out. “Out. Take a long lunch and shut up.”

The three young Aurors giggle and rush out of the office, murmuring something about James being a softie. Ugh. Now that’s a rumour he doesn’t want to deal with.

“Anyway,” he turns his attention back to you as the door closes, “what are you doing here, lovely?” He looks down at the boxes in your hands. “Oh, you brought me lunch?” He immediately brightens.