Courage

-99-

Book: Courage
Chapter 99
Word Count: 5260

As soon as Layla woke up, she got ready and hurried down the stairs. She spotted Harry opening his birthday presents and immediately ran up to him, hugging him tightly.

"Happy birthday, Harry!"

"Thanks, Lays," Harry hugged the brunette back just as tight. As soon as Layla pulled away, she glanced towards the back door and nodded towards it. Harry got the hint and glanced at Mrs Weasley. "It's a bit hot in here. Layla and I are going to step outside for some fresh air. We'll be back in a minute." Before Mrs Weasley was able to say anything, the two teenagers were stepping outside. Harry glanced at Layla. "So, what did you need?"

"I, um, got you a little something," said Layla. She held out a present that she'd kept in her hand. Harry hadn't noticed it as it was so small that it was hidden within Layla's clenched fist. "I know it's not much. I haven't had the time to go shopping. But—"

"I'm sure I'll love it either way," said Harry with a grin. He opened the small gift, revealing a bracelet. The bracelet was made with black beads, with two white beads on it. One of the white beads had a black 'H' on it while the other one just had a heart.

"I made it myself," said Layla. "We're matching now, see?"

She held out her wrist, revealing a bracelet. Her bracelet was made with white beads, with two black beads on it. One of the black beads had a white 'L' on it, while the other one just had a heart, too.

"I love it," said Harry truthfully. "It's amazing, thank you."

"Happy seventeenth, Harry," said Layla, her voice coming out quieter than she expected it to.

"Yeah... thanks," Harry whispered just as soft. He was staring so fiercely at Layla, it was like he was trying to stare into her soul. Like he was trying to figure her heart, decipher what her next move was.

So, Layla showed him her next move. She wasn't entirely sure what came over her. It was like an invisible rope was pulling her forward and forward... until her lips connected with his. She was kissing him as she had never kissed him before, and Harry was kissing her back, and it was blissful oblivion better than firewhisky. Harry had never felt so at peace than in that moment. She was the only real thing in the world, Layla, the feel of her, one hand at her back and one in her long, sweet-smelling hair—

The back door banged open behind them and they jumped apart.

"Oh," said Ron pointedly. "Sorry."

"Ron!" Hermione was just behind him, slightly out of breath. There was a strained silence, then Layla awkwardly cleared her throat.

"Um... well, have a good birthday, Harry."

"Yeah, thank you, Lays," said Harry awkwardly, his face growing red.

Ron's ears were scarlet; Hermione looked nervous. Harry wanted to slam the door in their faces, but it felt as though a cold drain had entered the garden when the back door appeared, and his shining moment had popped like a soap bubble.

Layla shot Harry a look, a look that he knew immediately, a look telling him to forget about what happened. But he didn't want to forget. He just wanted her back.

Ron shoved past the two and marched further into the yard, and Hermione hurried to catch up with him. Layla and Harry exchanged a look before following the two.

Once Ron reached the seclusion of the freshly mown lawn, he rounded on Layla.

"He ditched you, Lay! He's just messing you around now!"