Chapter Text
I can't remember exactly when it was that this incident occurred. But I do remember it was during those endless days at the University of Oxford.
As my carriage door opened at the entrance of the great university, I felt just a slight shiver run down my spine. As I walked across the majestic corridors, all the thoughts of self-doubt seemed to haunt me. What was I, a poor country boy, doing here? I had accidentally stumbled on the prestigious house where knowledge flows through each and every young mind present there.
I entered the posh, drafty office of the headmaster of the University. I politely knocked on the door, frantically trying to steady my nerves, as I was let in. The headmaster, Mr. Pumphrey, was a short fellow, chubby man. A shiny bald head gleamed under the lights, and tiny blue eyes under thick unruly brows, which shone intelligence. He wore a rather tight fitting suit, undoubtedly made to give the impression of a slender man. Although, I can hardly say it worked.
"Hamish?" he said, looking up from my report
"Pardon, sir?" I winced at the name I detested being used in public.
He ignored my question, "Your university shut down, eh?"
"Yes, sir, it shut down due to lack of funds," I nodded politely.
"Very well," he looked up once again, as the door to his office opened with a creak. A stunning girl with luxurious flowing dark hair and rosy cheeks stepped inside.
"Ah. yes, come in dear" he said as she walked in. He then turned to me "Young man, This is Miss Violet May, your student guide and ambassador."
I set my eyes on a pair of perfectly magnificent violet eyes, and the words seemed to be caught in my throat as I extended my hand to shake hers.
The warm contact of our touch seemed to melt away any self-confidence I had managed to gather. I felt the heat creep up to my neck, as I caught a tinge of red on my cheeks in my reflection.
Violet was very cheerful and talkative, but occasionally she could be quite rude. Overall, the experience was pleasant, but not very adventurous as we would spend most of our time in the garden chatting away lazily. As the days passed, our bond grew, although I noted with much regret that we never managed to become more than mere friends.
I remember it was during the summer in June, when the heat was almost unbearable. Both of us once again found ourselves in the garden, seated under the blissfully cool shade of the trees. When a boy I seldom see, but I know he is in my class, passed us. A boy who always preferred to live in the shadows, with not a soul around him save for the equipment present in the laboratory. The mystery of his identity sparked my curiosity to life. I leaned forward to whisper in Violet's ear, my breath hot on her skin.
" Who is that chap there?"
She turned to look at the dark curly haired boy who was sitting under the shade of the Willow tree, his long limbs stretched out on the green grass below him. As he sat reading a book in blissful peace.
"That's William, don't let his composure fool you . he's quite a dangerous man. Take my advice, and stay clear of him."
"Why is he so dangerous?"
"You ask many questions Hamish"
"That's the only way of knowing"
"Quite true. William has a record for murder and petty thefts."
I went aghast. The thought of professional criminal lurking in our corridors made my blood curdle up. I swallowed the huge lump that was starting to form at the back of my throat."Dangerous?" I repeated "Who could even imagine such a silent boy to kill anyone"
"Oh, but he has! Elizabeth and Victor Trevor both were found dead. Well, Trevor was never found, but Elizabeth was found with a bullet gone through her and William had blood on his attire."
I glanced back at the boy who lay peacefully in the cool, soft shade of the Willow tree, deeply invested in his book.
"How do you know it's true? Have you ever talked to him?"
"Would you not fear talking to a person who wields a revolver or a blade? Would you talk to the devil himself? I think not!" She stuck her nose up in defiance
I considered. He didn't look evil, but from experience I have known that evil can take the look of normal. It was then that I decided not to cross paths with the lone man who sat in the shadows. But, little did I know that this man would alter my life forever.