clears his throat You know, it’s terribly distracting.

looks up from the book What is?

nods at her hand That. It keeps… glowing.

glances at her own hand, a small smile playing on her lips I hadn’t noticed.

pushes off the shelf, walking closer, his grey eyes fixed on the stone It’s like having a tiny, sapphire sun in my library. It’s impossible to concentrate.

closes the book, setting it aside Maybe you should stop staring at it, then.

stops a few feet away, his gaze lifting to her face Can’t help it. It’s… mesmerizing.

tilts her head, the ring shifting to a brighter, clearer blue Is that so?

smirks It’s also incredibly useful. Tells me exactly how you’re feeling. Like right now, for instance… you’re very pleased with yourself.

laughs softly I’m reading about betrothal rituals, Draco. It’s fascinating. There’s a whole chapter on the history of the truth ring. Apparently, it used to be a curse.

raises an eyebrow A curse?

nods If the wearer lied about their feelings, the ring would—she pauses, making a face—well, it would strangle them. Slowly.

winces Charming. My ancestors were delightful.

looks down at the ring, her smile softening But the magic was reworked. Now it just… shows the truth. No strangling.

takes a step closer, now just over an arm’s length away Seems a bit redundant, doesn’t it? I already know you’re head over heels for me.

the stone flickers, shifting to a murky, mud-brown color Oh, do you now?

his confident smirk falters, a flicker of panic in his eyes Hey! What was that? That was brown! It was brown!

grins, the ring shifting back to a bright, luminous blue Just testing a theory.

groans, pinching the bridge of his nose You’re going to be the death of me, you know that?

stands, moving toward him That’s the plan.