Henbane Academy

27 November

Apollo Hall

'Incorrect, Miss Cunningham. The answer is Hemlock. Resume your seat. Please.' Professor Norton's tone was clipped, disappointed, unsatisfied. As it had been the past two weeks.

Ever since the Grim's attacks had stopped, no one else had spoken of the subject. It was as if it had never happened.

I wished I could say the same.

'Your essays on poisonous herbs are due tomorrow.' He reminded us as he resumed his place behind the teacher's desk. 'Dismissed.'

'Sir,' I caught William's eye as I limped over to the professor.

'You two.' He looked up. 'Mr. Hawely, you're not in this class. I assume you want something from me?'

'Sir we,' William stopped, clenching his fists in nervousness.

'We'd like to ask a favor.' I stepped in.

'That is a kinder way of saying it. What do you want?'

'We were wondering if you could put in a word for our studies with the headmaster.'

'If it's not too much.' William gave a nervous glance towards me.

'You're leaving.' The same note of disappointment rang with his words. Silence passed through us briefly as he paused to stack his books and straightened his papers. 'There are another two weeks before the end of term. Where are you going?'

'Eurus.'

'Ealdor.' I swallowed. 'They're going to expel us sir. We thought we'd leave before they could blemish our records.'

'Wise choice.' He huffed. 'How soon are you going? I'd like to be informed of my deadline.'

'Two days sir. It's not much time,' William's voice quivered as he spoke. 'So we understand if—'

'It will be done, my boy.' There was a certain warmth in his eyes as they swept over the room. 'It's been a pleasure, detectives. It won't hurt to write a letter once you're on neutral ground.'

'Of course sir.'

'Thank you professor.'

◊◊◊

Henbane Academy Railway

'Thank you.'

'What are you thanking me for?' I asked as he fell in step with me. 'You paid for your own meal and the food was horrible.'

'Yes, but we never go for fun anymore do we?'

'No, we don't.' I frowned at the discovery. 'We should do it more often. At better diners.'

'It's a promise.' Gone was the confident, coy friend of mine. And in its place was the same William Hawely I sat with in the Medical Wing. It was odd to see a side of him that didn't step on my toes or challenge everything I said. 'Well your train is here.' He turned to the locomotive next to us. 'So this is goodbye?'

'I suppose it is. One more for old times sake?' I stuck out my hand. In goodbye, in thanks and in regret to spending our time apart.

'One more.' He shook it and was almost reluctant to let go. 'Uh, this is for you.' He gave me an envelope, sealed with his family's crest. 'Write to me when you can, Elizabeth. The next year is going to be dull without you.'

'Goodbye William.' I called out as I boarded the train. 'Don't do anything stupid.'

'Goodbye,' He waved. 'Or rather, see you soon Cunningham.'

◊◊◊

Dear Cunningham,

If you're reading this, there's a likely chance that you hate me. (If you don't already, you should.) I'm a horrible person. I'm selfish, rude and obnoxious. (I'm sure you've come up with your own extensive list) And I am the most annoying person alive.

I will not apologise because there is nothing I regret.But I will thank you, for everything. The past three years wouldn't be close to what I've gone through without you there. You're an average student who isn't afraid of what she knows about the world.I wouldn't dream of having anyone else by my side.

We've been to hell and back together, Cunningham. You are, without a doubt, the most annoying person I know. Thank you.

I hope I'll see you soon.

William Hawley.

P.S. If you're wondering why you should hate me, it's because I gave Professor Norton your writing to include in the report. I know how much you hate sharing your work, Elizabeth but it's absurd. You should be sharing it with the world.

◊◊◊

9 April

Henbane Academy Railway

'Would you stop that?' I glared at him through the thin veil of patience I had. Clearly travelling with Mr. William Blasted Hawley proved to be a poor choice. Perhaps the city air had adled my brain.

'Stop what exactly?' He grinned in that devilish way of his. 'You'd think that an author would be more specific. Have I got it right or is your head still up in the clouds?'

'You'd think a detective would have more decency to act with.' I countered, eyeing his knee as it knocked noisily against his case.

'You would think, but you can't force something I was never born with.' He studied me for a second before setting down his leather bag. 'So, visiting day. Funny to see you smiling for once.'

Did he not notice the glaring? 'Dunno.' I shrugged. 'But I swear, if you bring up February's incident to Nick, I'll murder you myself.' I sighed at the sight of him beaming. There really is no threatening a Hawley.

'Insane asylums, dissected cadavers. You really know how to woo a man, sister.' Our heads turned to find my brother with his lopsided hair and equally lopsided grin.

'Nick!' I had to stop myself from leaping at him. 'How is everyone? Is Sarah better? Have the Daniels come back?'

'Let him breathe, Cunningham. It's been four months, not years.' William chuckled. 'You might be right Nick. One more death threat and I might go positively mad with want.'

'William,' Nick looked at him. 'You're here.'

'Well it is visiting day.'

'I know, but who are you visiting?'

'Oh good.' A familiar monotone arrived. The man pulled his lab coat tighter around his person as he reached us. 'The two detectives are here. I see nothing's changed.'.

'Nothing at all Professor Norton.' I managed a quick handshake before William started shooting questions at our former teacher. 'Nothing at all.'

'I can't say I'm pleased that you're here, but welcome back.' His eyes focused on the busy station. 'I daresay this visit will be more peaceful... but thank you for coming back.' He smiled for the briefest moment and disappeared into the crowd.

'So, shall we?'      

A/N

Ahhhhhh, we're finished again!! Just a moment of thanks to all of you for sticking with me this far. It has been a journey and I hope you enjoyed it just as much as I did. 

Please, please, please comment your thoughts down there. It always helps, so much. There is no such thing as an insignificant thought on the internet. No matter what you say, I will read it and I will reply. How else are we supposed to improve right?

P.S. I'm doing an aesthetic chapter after this.