Author note: Aren't you happy? They talked! WHEE
Chapter 5 Lessons learned
Dinner was spent in cheerful conversation. Most of it came from Nymphadora and Lupin listened silently, adding in the necessary 'oh' and 'wow'. Soon she let out a huge yawn and rubbed her eyes. Lupin got up from the table and started to walk over to Nymphadora's side of the table.
"I think it is time for good little girls to go to bed."
"But, I'm not…" The rest of the sentence got lost in another large yawn.
"Tired? Your not a very good liar. If you come with me not only will I carry you up the stairs but I will also read you to sleep. Sound like a good deal?" Remus extended both his arms to pick Nymphadora up from her chair.
She almost said she was more then fine to walk up the stairs herself, but for some reason she found herself extending her arms to meet his. Nymphadora put her arms around his neck as Remus carried her upstairs to her room. They got to the end of the staircase and she pointed out the door leading to her room.
He put her down and turned to face the door while she changed into her pajamas. Lupin took a match and lit the candle on her night stand giving them light. Nymphadora squirmed under her blankets and told him it was safe to turn around. The blanket from the downstairs chair balled in her fists. It made her feel good and she felt like sleeping with it that night instead of her stuffed bunny.
"Well, what do you want story do you want me to read you?"
Nymphadora hadn't thought about that. She wanted him to finish reading the story he had been reading while she was asleep on the couch. But she couldn't tell him she had took the book without asking. At that moment, all the names of all the books she owned were forgotten. He was a tutor right? Lupin must have brought other books with him.
"Lupin do you have any good books? My mum has read me all of mine."
"All I really have with me are textbooks. Although I did have a novel I was reading downstairs but it mysteriously disappeared. I was looking for it before dinner but I can't seem to find it anywhere. I hope I can find it soon, it was a present from the Queen."
Tears began to form in Nymphadora's eyes as Remus spoke. With a sob, she reached under her pillow and took out the book and walked over to were Lupin was sitting in a rocking chair. He took it from her without the least bit of shock on his face, as if he knew she had been the one who had took it. Sobbing even louder, Nymphadora wiped her face on her sleeve and tried to explain herself.
" I was really…mad and I didn't…l…like you then. I took it to be…m…m, mean. I'm sorry!" and with a finally cry threw her arms around his legs and began to sniff loudly.
"Are you ever going to take anything that doesn't belong to you again, Nymphadora?"
"N…no."
"Did we learn our lesson? To always be honest?"
"Yes, I'm s, sorry."
"Now, now. Dry those tears. I forgive you. Come here." Lupin leaned down and picked up Nymphadora. He took a handkerchief out of his pocket and began to wipe her tears away. Nymphadora gave a little hiccup. Lupin gave a chuckle and giving her a small hug opened the book.
"Now, would you like me to read this book to you?"
Giving a small nod, Nymphadora put her head on his chest and closed her eyes as he read. The soft motion of Lupin's breathing and the small vibrations in his chest from talking, quickly drew Nymphadora into a deep restful slumber.
Closing the book and laying it on the side table beside the rocking chair, Lupin lifted Nymphadora up and put her to bed. Lupin took the blanket Nymphadora had been clutching and threw it over her sleeping form. Giving her a small kiss on the forehead and with a 'good night', Lupin blew out the candle and walked out of her room shutting the door behind him. Nymphadora smiled contently, dreaming of what tomorrow would bring.
OWARI
This chapter went totally the opposite direction I thought it would, not that I mind. I think the muses are trying to mess with me…oh, well! I kind of like it! Good chapter, bad chapter? I want to know! PLEASE REVIEW