Written for Hogwarts - Assignment #2 - Cryptology - Task #2 - Write about an important ring - or set of rings (doesn't have to be wedding/engagements)


It started with a passing comment. One said casually, but to James Potter, it felt like an accusation. His thoughts were spinning with only one thought - she knew.

"James, do you know where my ring went?"

"Which ring?"

He said those words slowly and methodically, begging her not to say what he knew she was going to say.

"You know," she replied, still casual, but he could see the smirk on her face, "My mother's old one? The one with the lily engraved on it?"

There it was. James held back a wince. He knew what she was talking about. He had hoped she forgot about it, but he should've known better. Especially since it was her mother's. Don't get James wrong, he knew he was guilty and that he should've told her, but he didn't know how.

"It's not where it usually is?" he asked, trying to keep his voice steady.

He didn't succeed if the look she gave him was any sign. He held in a curse as he ran a hand through his hair. It was time to come clean.

Just as he opened his mouth, the fireplace blazed with green flames and Sirius stepped out. He was holding Harry, as he had spent the day with his godfather doing… whatever Sirius did with him. James honestly didn't want to know. He sighed in relief though, as they had saved him.

"Padfoot! What good timing," he commented as he stepped towards his friend.

However, before he could take another step, Lily stood in front of him, looking furious.

"You, Mr. Potter, aren't going anywhere," Lily was red in fury and James gulped.

Sirius, the traitor, fled up the stairs, Harry in his arms still. He was an idiot on some days, but he wasn't that stupid. Nobody, not even the stupidest person in the world, would get on Lily's bad side. And he wanted to live, thank you very much.

Meanwhile, James was trying to come up with an excuse. Lily stood in front of him, arms crossed and an eyebrow raised. He gave up.

"Accio Lily's mother's ring," he called out with his wand raised.

The ring flew from the drawer it was in. James caught it and gave it to Lily. She took the ring and to her surprise, it was clean with a chain, turning it into a necklace. She had been meaning to clean it for a while, but she didn't have the time.

"Did you get my ring cleaned and turned into a necklace?" she asked.

James nodded sheepishly. He had meant to surprise her by leaving it in her jewelry box for her to find, but he underestimated her. It was her mother's ring and one of the last things she had of her. It makes sense she would keep track of it.

He figured if the ring was a necklace, she could wear it without interfering with her other jewelry or tasks she had to do.

"Is that why you took it?"

James nodded once again. Lily pulled him into a kiss as thanks and when she pulled back, she hugged him. He wrapped his arms around her as she snuggled into his chest.

"Thank you," she whispered.

"Anything for you, Lily-Flower. Anything for you."