And there she'd been hoping she'd wind up carrying him out. Ah well!

Nix grins at him, switching the torch off and handing it back to its owner. "That's what she said. 'ow much, Ottaline?"

The shopkeeper checks the inside cover. "A fiver, but I'll give y' discount for buying in bulk. Call it four."

"Deal," Nix says cheerfully, counting out the extra coins before picking up the bag of books. "Ta very much, but now I think we'd best be off."

Ottaline nods, smiling as she puts the returned torch away. "You can bring y' friend back any time you want - but preferab'ly with more money." Reid is included in her smile. "Nice to meet you, luv. Merry Christmas!"