Author's Note: This flashback, another short one, is from Ch. 13 and takes place a little before Christmas holiday in their sixth year at Hogwarts.

The Necklace

"I've got something for you."

Draco frowned. "I thought we agreed never to give each other things. It's too risky—proof of something that's not supposed to exist. Remember?"

"At least look at it."

"No. You're not—"

"Please, Draco?" She leaned forward and gave him a quick kiss. "Please?"

"Oh, all right," he grumbled.

She smiled.

"You're not pulling that ever again, you got that?" he said sternly.

Hermione laughed. "That's what you said last time."

"I… I did, didn't I?" he said. Then he shook his head. "Oh, shut up. Don't you have something to show me?"

"Yes, I do."

She reached into her pocket and pulled out a thin silver chain. Hanging on it was a small gold charm in the shape of a lion. She held it up to show him.

"You've got to be kidding me," he said. "Honestly, don't you think that'd be a bit too obvious?"

She laughed again. "How thick do you think I am?"

"Not very. That's why I think you're joking."

"Here, hold it."

"I'm not keeping it."

"Just wait, Draco. A little patience, please?"

"Fine," he said, taking the charm from her.

Hermione backed up a step.

"Where are you going?" he asked.

"Just wait," she repeated.

She backed up a few more steps, and then stopped as she saw the charm transforming in his hand. He jumped in surprise, looking down at the changing color and shape. When the charm was motionless again, it had turned into a silver snake.

Hermione started walking back over to Draco, and the charm transformed back into a gold lion.

"Do you like it?" she asked. "It's the only one of its kind."

"Where… where did you find it?"

"It was actually quite easy to find. It was the spell that was tricky."

Draco looked up at her, a small smile on his face. She would never, ever get tired of looking at him.

"Aw, I should have known you could do a spell like this," he said.

"I spent a long time looking for it and then some more time practicing. So don't you dare say that you don't want it."

"I do want it. You couldn't take it back from me if you wanted to," said Draco, smiling.

He put the chain around his neck, and Hermione reached up to finger the small lion charm. Then she tucked it under his shirt—it'd be safer to keep it out of sight, even if it was a snake, just in case they came into contact with other people around.

"Now you'll always know if I'm close by," she whispered.

"I don't think I need a silly necklace to know when you're close to me," he replied.

He pulled her into an embrace and their lips met.

"But I'll wear it, for you."

She smiled. "You'd better."

He smirked. "You'll never see me without it."