Disclaimer: I don't claim to own the characters from the Infernal Devices or the Mortal Instruments, neither do I claim to own/have created any other books/songs/places unless I specifically say otherwise.

"Bring me back a hot, british guy when you come back for summer, 'kay Tessa?" That's what Clary had asked her at the airport, earning a glare from Jace. Despite the light-hearted joke, the goodbye had been tearful, and now, waiting alone in the alien bustle of Heathrow airport, Theresa Gray missed her friends back in New York more than ever.

Her Aunt had died, leaving Tessa's brother Nate her guardian. Nate lived in the UK , and so her school, the New York Institue, had made the descision to transfer her to one of its partner schools: the London Institute. Tessa hated the fact that she could not have made her own decisions: the NYI did have boarding dorms – and Jocelyn, Clary's mum had said herself that Tessa was welcome to stay over the holidays. But no. Nate, being her legal guardian, had requested she be brought to England. Under any other circumstances, Tessa would likely have been overjoyed at the opportunity. Her favourite books were set in Britain: she could go to Yorkshire and pretend she was Cathy Earnshaw, or visit grand houses – like Chatsworth (though she would always think of it as Pemberley). Unfortunately, she would be boarding at the London Institute – and, not being able to drive, sightseeing outside London would be near impossible.

In fact, if whomever was going to pick her up didn't appear soon (this possibility was becoming more and more likely to Tessa), she'd be unable to sightsee outside of Heathrow.

"Theresa Gray?" a voice called out. Tessa turned to find the source of the voice. Two older women stood slightly away from the crowds of people, holding a sign with Tessa's name on it. She wheeled her trolley around, and made her way to them.

They were quite frightening. Everything about them seemed devoid of colour – from their grey, liver-spotted skin, to their tufts of white hair. Smears of red lipstick looked like blood, feathering out in the wrinkles on their skin. They introduced themselves as Mrs. Black and Mrs. Dark (the Dark Sisters, Tessa thought). She felt, somehow, that this wasn't what had been planned – the names weren't familiar to her. But they knew her name, her details – and so Tessa, tired already from her early start to the day, and long trip, blindly followed them out the airport.

That is, until another person called to her. "Theresa Gray!"

For the second time that day, Tessa was looking for a person she'd never met, who knew her name. The Dark Sisters weren't paying attention to her, not really. She mumbled something about needing the toilet, and power-walked away. As calmly, and non-suspiciously as possible. It wasn't that she didn't like the Dark Sisters (of course, she did dislike them, but that was irrelevant). She had, in the time it took to get from Arrivals to one of the many doors out, managed to read the note that she had been given, specifying what'd happen once she'd arrived in England. Not once did the names Mrs. Black or Mrs. Dark appear – she was to be picked up by a couple called the Branwells, supposedly. The fact the Dark Sisters knew her name scared her, and she tried to find an excuse to leave – but they clung to her, like the annoying residue left from a price tag on a book.

A hand landed on her arm, and, thinking it was one of the Dark Sisters', Tessa screamed. It was (thankfully) cut short when Tessa saw her assailant. She was struck by his height at first – he practically towered over her, and at five-foot-eight, Tessa wasn't exactly short. His skin was a striking contrast against his (intentionally?) stylishly messed hair and his eyes were a colour Tessa was sure only existed in Disney animations – such a deep, clear blue, she'd never seen before.

"So Benedict Cumberbatch and Tom Hiddleston aren't a limited representation. All british guys are hopelessly attractive." Tessa had said this before she could stop herself – but to her surprise, he replied with a smirk. "Oh, Benedict Cumberbatch and Tom Hiddleston have nothing on me."

He was exactly like Jace.

"They have manners."

This boy riled Tessa – but she couldn't quite figure out why.

"I have manners Tess."

"I... Well obviously you don't. You haven't told me how-" but Tessa was cut off by Mrs Dark, who had materialised with her sister.

"Now, Miss Gray. Didn't we tell you not to go wandering off?" They had said no such thing, but Tessa thought it best not to reply.

"Come along now – our driver has been waiting far too long."

"What do you want with Theresa?" The blue eyed boy had butted into the admittedly one-sided conversation.

Mrs. Dark and Mrs. Black looked at him curiously. "We've been instructed to collect Miss Theresa Gray and take her to her new home."

"How funny," the boy said, "Because that's exactly what I've been told to do, and we can't both be right."

Tessa sighed, and was about to speak when he grabbed her shoulder and whispered "Run!"

He pulled her and her trolley through crowds of people, until they were fully outside, and the Dark Sisters were nowhere to be seen. Breathing heavily, Tessa leant against the railings of the trolley rack. "You still haven't told me your name, or how you know mine." She said.

"Oh, how rude of me." He used the kind of sarcasm that sounded completely sincere, but was evidently mocking – Tessa's least favourite kind. "William Herondale, at your service, my Lady." He took her hand, and kissed it. The gesture almost made Tessa giggle. Almost. "And on a similar note, I feel I require thanks for saving you. I accept declarations of love and offers of marriage."

"What?"

"Well, don't damsels in distress always fall in love with their rescuers?" Will asked, innocently.

"Not if they have Stockholm Syndrome, and I was hardly in distress. And you still haven't told me how you know my name."

"Firstly, I'm sure you don't have Stockholm Syndrome though, secondly, you seemed pretty distressed back there, and finally, I'm here to welcome you to our beautiful country of tea drinkers and elitist snobs."

Tessa stared at him, arms folded.

"Okay, so I came with Charlotte and Henry - Branwell, and we couldn't find you. Charlotte suggested we split up, and that was when I found you. This is the rendezvous point. There they are now." He pointed to a young couple (this surprised Tessa - she'd thought that the Branwells would be much older), walking towards them. Charlotte was very small, and Henry very tall, but they were both beaming at Tessa.

"It's lovely to finally meet you sweetheart!" Charlotte skipped a handshake, and pulled Tessa straight into a hug. "I'm Charlotte, and this is Henry, my husband – but you probably already know that. We run the dormitories at the Institute. We'll help you get settled – and Will is going to show you around the school, when it starts. If we're lucky, he'll even do it civilly." Will shot her a dirty look, which she ignored. "The bus is just making it's way around. There's not much point in finding another... Thingy." She gestured to the trolley rack, absently. "Ah, here it is. Henry will help with your bags, won't you darling?"

"Of course, love." A harried Henry lifted Tessa's three cases into the back of the bus. He sat towards the front with Charlotte, and Tessa and Will sat next to each other, further back. Not wanting to talk, Tessa pulled 'A Tale of Two Cities' from her backpack. She opened it, and began to read.

'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...'

"Are you really reading 'A Tale of Two Cities'?"

Herondale.

"No."Tessa said. "It's actually 'Pride and Prejudice', but I had it recovered for the specific purpose of confusing people like you."

Will rolled his eyes at her sharp reaction. "Lucie shouldn't have chosen Charles."

"Sydney died and redeemed himself through love – it's-"

"Ridiculous. I think-"

"I don't care what you think, William Herondale. It's my favourite book, and I shan't change my opinion." And Tessa resolutely stuck her nose back in the book until they reached the Institute.

Charlotte, who, it seemed was a motherly figure to the students – even though she did also teach (modern and classic foreign languages), forced Will to accompany her in showing Tessa where she would sleep. The dormitories were actually very separate to the main school. They were in an old Georgian manor, a ten minute walk through the city from the classrooms. It was a house in its own right. Students could eat there, but it also boasted an impressive garden, music room and huge library (Tessa nearly screamed).

Tessa's dorm was on the third floor - it was beautifully sized; not too large or small, and as she didn't have to share, she could paint and furnish it as she wished (provided she pay herself). She had a wonderful view of the rose garden ("It's almost as famous as Kew!" – Will, the tour guide) Her bags were already there, as well as her boxes of books.

Thanking Charlotte (and Will, just to see the confusion and suspicion on his face), Tessa changed into her pyjamas and threw herself of the surprisingly comfortable bed. She'd unpack tomorrow; today had tired her far too much, and school didn't start until the second of September, a week away.

Yay! Hello people of the TID/Wessa fandom! I am fanfic author I live and breathe words and I think it's time to address a few things.

1. Wessa is and unimaginative ship name – I suggest Graydale, or Herongray. Just a suggestion.

2. I have seen many 'high-school' AUs, and, while wonderful (and my soul-food), there are some set in the UK, which don't fit with the British education system.

3. I decided to fix that.

If you're reading this, chances are you know the drill. R&R and I'll love you for longer than forever. And maybe get my bum moving in updating.

–Word Breather