Disclaimer

Obviously, I don't own any of these characters.

I also feel the need to specifically address the fact that these fan fics are based solely on the movie portrayal of the characters. I have not yet read the original novel, since bookstores in my country are literally counted with one hand and most don't even sell anything else than Latin American literature. I will buy and read the novel once I get it from Amazon, but I need currency to do that and I don't have any at the moment.

Once again, these characters do not belong to me and I am writing these stories out of appreciation and fangirlism directed towards the characters. I do not wish to make money out of this, unless it's in the form of cuddles and hugs.

Chapter 1

As I take in a deep breath and stand up straight, the only word I think can describe this year is fiasco. My blood boils to punch anything or anyone. Unthinkable the insolence of some people! If I ever see that little Essex boy I'll rip-

But I can't, it's not proper. It isn't proper. It's never proper. The only proper thing now is to accept reality and work out a way to make up for this disaster. It's my own fault to let such a failure fall upon the university and our team. Fall upon me. Oh, the shame of it!

I find myself arranging my cacti along the windowsill once again. It's necessary both sides get equal amount of sunlight and there's absolutely nothing more relaxing than spending time with plants. Such delicate, little quiet beings. Never asking unnecessary questions, never commenting on anything they haven't been asked. they're the perfect companions. I really needed to occupy my mind with something simple as this.

As I finish making sure all is in its proper place in the flat - stereo off, coasters in their tower, vacuumed rug, shoes in row and facing front - everything is perfect. My rage is finally subsiding after several weeks. Right now I just need to concentrate on my remaining classes, along with next year's challenge, my last as I'm almost done with my postgraduate for good. Four years wasted, my goodness. Intolerable.

I walk briskly through the campus towards my first class. There isn't much to observe now that I've been so long in this place. Same old, same old. Students walking to or from their classes. Others just getting in the way of public peace, taking up space, and polluting the air with their sounds of protests. Seriously, why are they even allowed to do such a riot? Is it not also fair that I reach my destinations without have a bloke shoving a protest paper in my face everytime I go to class?

Finally. The door I seek stares back at me as I make my way up the last stairs. Unfortunately it's closed already, telling me I'm late for this lecture. Oh goodness, the fiasco hasn't affected me more than I suspected, has it? The door's closed. Am I really tardy?

The window at the door shows everyone already seated, taking instructions from the Professor. I don't remember there being this much people enrolled before. As I move my hand to push the door open, a soft face, blocking the view from the inside. She shakes her head softly, frowning slightly, and pushes the door open upon me.

"I'm sorry, but you're awful late for the exam. I must ask you leave," she whispers as she stands in front of the door, barricading it. "We made sure to tell everyone once this door was closed, no one was allowed in."

"But I'm here for normal class. I wasn't informed of this. This is a mistake." I hurry. "This class can't take the right in not letting in the students after class has started, specially when there's so few of us. And I definitely don't recall there being an exam today so early... or whom you are."

Her eyes stare at me with inquiry. Did I not make myself clear?

"Ah... you're probably with Professor Bickens, then," as she softens her expression as her whispers becomes a sultry voice. "We had to change rooms since your group isn't as big as ours and we really needed the space and more time." She's not trying her hardest to sound apologetic.

"Your group?" I ask. I know we're not numerous, but not less important. If anyone could be an engineer, everyone would be.

"Indeed. The History department needed a bigger salon for the incoming freshies and swapped with the Engineering department for this room. I can take you to your room if you'd like." Without further explanation, she turns to her side and starts walking instead of waiting for me to answer.

"Bickens wasn't too enthusiastic about the swap either," she snort, as I follow her through the corridors. "I guess you're a tad difficult too, judging by the way you look. You just scream Tory".

I beg your pardon? And he's called Professor Bickens.

After a short walk going down several stairs, she leads me into a small corridor without windows. At the right is a discolored door. She opens it, light flooding the corridor, popping her head in while leaning on the frame. She didn't even knock before entering!

"Professor, I'm sorry to interrupt, but I think I found your... eighth?" I can hear her joking tone in that last word, as if expecting a humorous reaction. She turns at me with a soft chuckle, probably ashamed at her tasteless joke. She beckons me to enter and I do. I turn around to thank her properly, when she's already walking back down the hall, her dark coat flapping. She didn't even wait for me to thank her, the cheek on her.