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24th December

The next day Harry came into work early, hoping to finally find the book he was searching for the previous morning. However, a startling (yet perfectly gorgeous) sight met his eyes. Nikki was lying, curled up on the sofas outside the lab. She had her coat draped over her, and was in a deep sleep.

He decided not to wake her, and walked past- desperately trying not to disturb her. As he look behind once more to check she was okay, he walked into the damn Christmas Tree Leo had insisted in putting up. He walked straight into it, and baubles and lights fell down with a clatter. Cursing, he rubbed his head and looked to see if Nikki had slept through the noise.

Of course she hadn't, and was now sitting up- rubbing the sleep out of her eyes. Harry came over, and sat with her. They sat there for a while, Nikki immersed in thought and Harry trying to decipher what was on her mind.

"I trust you still have a functioning bed at home..."

"Don't be stupid Harry."

"As hard as that may be, I will try my best"

Nikki couldn't help but smile a little at that. How come he could always make her feel that little bit better, even when the rest of her world felt as though it was splitting at the seams?

She decided that maybe she should tell him, but then again- she couldn't. It would be selfish if she did; selfish to wrap him up in this twisted web of lies as well. There needn't be any more deaths. And not Harry. He couldn't be harmed.

This thought sent her head spinning, the room with the fallen Christmas tree whirled around. She closed her eyes, pitching forward slightly.

"Nikki. NIKKI!" Harry was alarmed at her swaying, she looked as though she was about to pass out.

At the sound of her name, she was bought sharply back to reality. She saw Harry looking at her, smiling reassuringly. He was so lovely and so, so good to her. So good in fact, everything was momentarily forgotten. Then it all came flooding back and she broke down. Tears streaming down her face, she fell into Harry's arms and cried as though her heart was breaking. Rocking her gently, Harry murmured to her- telling her everything would be alright, and wondering how on earth she could still look so completely lovely with tear-stained cheeks.