Sherlock: The Next Generation

Chapter 27

Chapter 27

"You definitely have everything? Laptop? Phone? Assortment of instruments?" Martin nodded to John's continuous, worried questioning. It wasn't like it mattered as they were already in a car (borrowed from Uncle Mycroft) on their way there. The school was in Scotland so it was at least a nine hour drive down there. Molly had been left with Aunt Molly but Hamish had insisted on coming with Martin and their dads. Sherlock, John and Hamish were going to stay in the small town nearby overnight before travelling back up to London because the journey was so long. Hamish didn't go back to school for another few days so it was no problem.

Martin could have, of course, got the train down. The school sorted out train journeys completely for the pupils to the school. It was how most people got there. But it was Martin's first year and Sherlock and John had no wish to send their son off to boarding school on a train. Sherlock himself had gone to boarding school... Though it had been for completely different reasons.

"Have you finished your sketches?" Hamish asked curiously, leaning over to look at what his twin was drawing. He, Martin and John all sat in the three back seats while Sherlock was forced to sit up front with the driver.

"Yes," Martin replied quietly with a smile. He stopped shading the apple he had been drawing and flicked back a few pages. He showed the portraits to Hamish whose eyes just widened.

"They're amazing, Marti!" Martin blushed slightly at the that.

"And I've got frames for all of them," he murmured, closing his sketchbook. He suddenly didn't feel like drawing. he was incredibly worried and nervous at the same time. He was really looking forward to it but he would miss everyone. What if he didn't make friends?

The majority of the journey was made in silence, with a stop for lunch on the way. Martin and Hamish both ended up falling asleep lying against each other for the last few hours of the journey. John gently shook them awake as the car pulled into the small school car park.

Martin got out with a yawn that quickly turned to a gasp as he saw the school. It was reasonably small and rather nice looking, made of some sort of red stone (probably sand stone). There were three floors and to buildings off to the side could be seen. These had two floors and were smaller, made of the same material. They were probably the dormitory buildings then.

The car park seemed to pretty much be empty. Then again they were rather early. Hamish insisted on taking Martin's suitcase and John and Sherlock took an instrument each, leaving Martin with nothing to carry as they walked up the small flight of steps and into the school. There was a small entrance foyer but no clear reception. Two teachers, both female, were standing at the bottom the steps. One, tall and rather prim looking, was holding a clipboard which seemed to have an almost register on it. The family headed over to these two women.

Sherlock pushed Martin slightly in front while saying, "Martin Watson-Holmes."

The prim looking woman scanned her list before ticking something off. "Ah, Martin. You are the first boy in your year to arrive. There are four others. I am Mrs Williams and I am in charge of the first to third year dormitory building, which is the one you are in."  Martin was slightly confused. What year was he in? In England it would be year eight... But he guessed that in Scotland it was different. So he was a first year. Or something. "This is Miss Walker, one of the matrons." She nodded in the direction of the slightly younger looking woman standing at her side who smiled at Martin. "Now, some rules." She glanced at Sherlock and John. "No mobile phones are allowed during the week. If really necessary Martin will be allowed the use of the landline during the week. If you wish to contact him please do so through the school's number. Personal laptops are allowed without internet." Martin was perfectly fine with that. He had only brought it for drawing with his graphics tablet. "Lights are turned out in the dormitory at ten and the bell to wake up is at ten." She frowned slightly. "I think that is all. Now, Martin, if you will say goodbye to your parents and... brother and then I can take you to your dormitory." Martin blinked slightly. He hadn't expected his family to be sent off so quickly. He turned around and was instantly pulled into a massive hug, sandwiched between John and Sherlock.