Courage

-55-

Book: Courage
Chapter 55
Word Count: 6288

One of the best things about the aftermath of the second task was that everybody was very keen to hear details of what had happened down in the lake, which meant that Ron was getting to share Harry's limelight for once. Layla noticed that Ron's version of events changed subtly with every retelling. At first, he gave what seemed to be the truth; it tallied with Layla's and Hermione's stories, anyway, about how Dumbledore had put all the hostages into a bewitched sleep in Professor McGonagall's office. One week later, however, Ron was telling a thrilling tale of kidnap in which he struggled single-handedly against fifty heavily armed merpeople who had to beat him into submission before tying him up.

"But I had my wand hidden up my sleeve," he assured Padma Patil, who seemed to be a lot keener on Ron now that he was getting so much attention and was making a point of talking to him every time they passed in the corridors. "I could've taken those mer-idiots any time I wanted."

"What were you going to do, snore at them?" said Hermione waspishly. People had been teasing her so much about being the thing that Viktor Krum would most miss that she was in a rather tetchy mood.

Layla, however, wasn't being teased for being the thing Cedric missed the most, she was simply getting jealous looks from all of Cedric's female admirers whenever she walked through the halls.

Ron's ears went red at Hermione's words, and thereafter, he reverted back to the bewitched sleep version of events.

As they entered March, the weather became drier, but cruel winds skinned their hands and faces every time they went out onto the grounds. There were delays in the post because the owls kept being blown off course.

On Friday morning at breakfast, Layla was watching the owls fly in with letters and packages when an owl flew towards her with two letters, each with Grimmauld's place on them as the return address, meaning that one letter was from Remus and one was from Sirius. Layla opened her dad's first.

Layla,
I loved your last letter. Thank you for keeping me updated about the tournament. And, of course, about you and Cedric.
Yes, you can stay at his over the summer, but I still expect you to visit me at least twice during the holidays and, of course, weekly letters!
I miss you, honey. The next task is in three months, right? Well, until then, keep me updated about your school work and what you are getting up to, and let me know when you hear anything about the next task. Sirius wants to know immediately so he can give Harrg some tips, but that's our secret.
Love,
Dad x

Layla smiled happily before placing the letter aside and opening Sirius' letter.

Lays,
I can't believe Harry stole my nickname for you!!
This letter will be quick and simple as I think it'd be best if we all talk in person.
Your dad is leaving for the weekend deep into the woods as it is a full moon coming up so I need something to do in the mean time. I was thinking we all could talk. You, me, and Harry, and you can bring Ron and Hermione if you want.
Reply soon if you are up to meeting me, and if you are, Be at stile at end of road out of Hogsmeade (past Dervish and Banges) at two o'clock on Saturday afternoon. I've run out of snacks here and your dad can't go to get more food until after the full moon so please bring me some snacks!
Love,
x

"He hasn't come back to Hogsmeade?" said Ron incredulously.

"It looks like it, doesn't it?" said Hermione.

"I can't believe him," said Harry tensely, reading the letter over Layla's shoulder, flushing a faint red when he saw the first sentence. But as Harry read on, he frowned worriedly. "If he's caught..."