The professor had to admit that his curiosity had, once again, gotten the better of him. A new book shop had opened up near the university, and under the pretence of going with Luke to the local sweet shop, he decided to pop in. After all, who knew what marvellous things lay inside? Once Luke had obtained his favourite chocolate bar, they made their way towards the shop and entered. The familiar smell of books and paper greeted them as the door creaked shut behind them, and the Professor felt oddly at home.

"Professor, are you looking for anything?" Luke asked eyes wide as he took in the shelves upon shelves of books, old and new, small and large.

"No my boy, but it never hurts to expand one's knowledge", the professor smiled at his young apprentice, who had already spotted a particular book on animals that had tickled his fancy. "And a man is as only as good as his wit."

"Uh-huh..." Luke replied, now completely absorbed in the book. He went to perch on a chair, and Layton smiled as he realised his feet didn't quite reach the floor.

How long would his apprentice remain just that? He didn't know, and for the moment, it didn't worry him, but the day would come when the boy's feet would touch the ground when he sat at the table, and he would be a young man. For now, he had to enjoy the boy's appetite for knowledge, and help him grow into a respectable young gentleman.

The Professor tried to shake these thoughts off, and began browsing the many books sitting in front of him, fingers poised ready to pick one that caught his attention. This was where he was at home... all he could think about was all the secrets these books held... now which one to start with...

He rounded a corner and began to check another shelf. Ancient architecture... perhaps...but today he was in the mood for something more fanciful...perhaps myths? Yes, he decided, mythology was today's medicine.

"Excuse me madam, but could you point me in the direction of the mythology books?" He asked a nearby assistant. She stopped reaching up to shelve a book and turned to smile up at him.

"Of course sir, we have the mythology over here in History", she answered, gesturing for him to follow her towards the section.

"Thank you very much."

As the assistant left him to peruse the selection of books on mythology, and he quite happily picked one before settling in a nearby armchair and sinking happily into it and the book. Yet, the attention he paid the book was rather short lived when he heard Luke's young, high pitched giggle. He looked up, curious to what could have caused Luke to laugh.

"Oh! Do they really do that? How strange!" He heard Luke cry with amusement.

His question was aimed at the girl, or rather, young woman sitting next to him, an animal book balanced on her lap carefully so that the both of them could read it comfortably. He presumed that she worked for the shop, as a small duster was tucked into the belt loops of the skirt she was wearing, and a small pile of books sat waiting at her feet, all mismatched and pristine, as if they were fresh from boxes. Luke then pointed at something in the book causing the girl to giggle, bright, wide eyes creasing slightly with her smile.

"Well, I wonder if animals think some of the things we do are strange too?" The girl asked, causing Luke to nod enthusiastically at her question.

The professor couldn't help but notice how pretty the girl was when she smiled. Or, to be brutally honest, even when she wasn't smiling. It wasn't in the traditional sense, but she just seemed so charming, almost like the fabled English Rose type; pale skin, light grey eyes and a dark caramel hair that fell loose in unruly curls despite her attempt to tie it back. Luke seemed to adore her at any rate, running off to find another book before returning to her, and settling beside her again so she could read with him. His attention now rest upon her as she took the new book Luke offered her, and began reading it out loud, her smile radiating through the prose whilst she animatedly impersonated the voices of the various characters. It seemed Luke's second choice for a book had been some fairy tale sort of affair, and the story was familiar and worn on the professor, but somehow, told by this girl, he found himself entranced by it once again.

Soon, their story had finished, and once again Luke had wandered off to find another book. The professor took this opportunity to introduce himself, as would be the proper conduct of an English gentleman.

"You do seem to have a knack for telling stories. I never thought I would find myself gripped to a fairy tale again," He smiled, and she chuckled lightly, slightly uncomfortable at his compliment. "I don't believe I've had the pleasure. Allow me to introduce myself, I am Hershel Layton. I work at the University a little into the town as a Professor. "

"It's nice to meet you, I've heard lots about you. You are quite the celebrity Professor!" She allowed her smile to form a slight grin. "Though I must say, I always imagined the Professor Layton to be somewhat of a nomad with wild hair. And bad clothes."

Layton didn't quite know how to react to her joke, faltering for a reply. "I'm sorry I do not live up to your- I mean-". His stuttering earned him an apologetic smile.

"No, no, I apologise. I did not mean to be rude at all. I'm pleasantly surprised, rather. Its just after all the stories of treasure hunting and adventures – I thought..."

"Oh no, please forgive me, I am not used to such a reception! It is refreshing to meet someone with such a vivid imagination as yours, miss...?" He paused, prompting her to introduce herself.

"Er, Perritt. Miss Perritt," she stated bluntly, her soft expression suddenly searching.

"Well Miss Perritt, I'm afraid that I am not quite the rugged adventurer that the tabloids like to paint me as. I'm afraid, I'm rather too fond of a cup of tea to be off trekking through jungles."

He gave her a wink, and her expression softened once again, now that she had been reassured that he wasn't willing to intrude any further than polite introductions. Perritt... It was a simply ordinary name that he hadn't quite expected to hear, and the name sounded strange from her lips, but he supposed that he was letting his imagination get the better of him, just as she had done. Perhaps her first name would be a more revealing reflection of someone who seemed a little out of place in this quiet part of London, so he decided to ask for it. Before he could do so, he was interrupted by Luke's return.

"What do you think of Sherlock Holmes?" He grinned up at her.

The Professor gave a small sigh and a slight smile, and settled into his chair to listen as Miss Perritt took the book from Luke who looked feverish with anticipation.

"It is wonderful. I love mysteries."