Disclaimer: I disclaim

Summary/Spoilers: See prologue

New Notes: All notes from the previous chapters apply.. And yes, Scott Levy is better known as Raven. Adam Copeland, well…that'd be Edge.

Thank you: To the reviewers! You guys are the best!

…………….

While Jason and Paul had been discussing 'important' matters, Amy and Shane were walking around the grounds. Granted, they couldn't really see much of the what they were passing by, but the night air was refreshing.. Or so Shane stated, anyway. The redheaded woman learned that Shane and often times Paul or Jason would accompany him on these evening walks. Shane also informed her that, when given ample time and agreeable weather, they would traverse the grounds by horseback. It was also during the walk, that Shane told Amy all about the box seats and the venues where many of the performances would be taking place. The route they took passed by the recreational hall and ended up with the two sitting near one of the fountains on the grounds. And it was there, that they traded stories about college life, childhood and favorite authors. The two remained at the fountain until Shane reasoned it was time to head back.. What with the 'curfew' of 9:00 p.m. fast approaching. It was on the way back that they encountered John, Randy, Chris, Trish and Lisa…the six running into Paul and Jason just as they were entering the manor. At that point, they split up.. Shane and Paul bidding the students and Jason good night at the staircase. No sooner had they left, did the group of six split up again.. Jason, Amy, Trish and Lisa taking one elevator while John, Randy and Chris took the other.

Lisa sent a curious look to the redhead, "What did you end up doing?"

Amy yawned slightly, "Walking around outside with Shane, actually. He claims the night air is good for your lungs."

Jason chuckled softly, "Paul would be in accordance with that statement. If anything, the evening walks are refreshing.. Though one can not see anything."

Trish nodded, "It still sounds really nice though. Maybe we can do that tomorrow night, instead of hitting the pool."

"I believe that tomorrow evening has already been planned," Jason clasped his hands behind his back. "If not tomorrow night, then I am certain that tomorrow has already been planned."

Lisa raised an eyebrow, "And what's the plan for tomorrow?"

"A bit of sightseeing," he shifted his weight back slightly. "Provided that the weather is agreeable, Paul and I had planned on a few landmarks…perhaps the Museum of London if there is time."

"By foot or what?" Trish tucked a damp strand of hair behind her ear. "I mean, not that it really matters or anything.. Just curious."

"A touch of both," Jason confirmed with a small smile. "Paul will have more information on our tour, tomorrow morning at breakfast. I am certain, though, that both options will be made available."

Amy sent him a curious look, "So that means we're splitting up? I thought that most of our sightseeing stuff would be done together."

"I am unsure as to what Paul has planned, but.. I had intended on taking a walking tour." He paused for thought, "It is with an outside company that the University has deemed trustworthy."

"Seeing what exactly?" Amy swung her arms at her sides, "I doubt it would be possible to see everything in a day so.."

"You are quite correct," Jason turned his attention to the redhead. "The tour I had intended on taking, explores Shakespeare's London. I believe there is another tour offered on Sunday's which explores Shakespeare's and Dickens' London."

Hazel eyes lit up at that, "I don't want to force ya to make any decisions here, but.. The second tour sounds more appealing."

Jason chuckled, "On the contrary, Amy, your input is most appreciated. This academic year was designed to be beneficial for the students, not the faculty advisors."

Trish sent him a curious look, "So you still haven't told us what's planned for tomorrow night.."

He shrugged just a touch, "As I have stated, Paul will discuss this further.." Blue eyes twinkled slightly, "For those who wish to taste the nightlife.. I am in the belief that he has something planned."

Lisa nodded, "And for those of us who don't want to?"

Jason waited until they had exited the elevator, "Shane and myself have arranged for a visit to the London Eye and the Tower Bridge. We will view the city via a black taxi."

Lisa grinned, the four soon standing in the middle of the hallway. "That sounds like fun, actually. Everything that's planned for tomorrow sounds like fun."

Trish nodded her agreement, "It also sounds really busy and we haven't even been here for a week."

Jason nodded in turn, "There is much planned, both here and within every city that we find ourselves in. I am unsure as to how much detailed information you may have received, but we are here in the United Kingdom until the first week of next month."

"The packet said something about two weeks to tour Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Iceland and Finland." Amy bit her lower lip in thought, "I think that's scheduled for mid-November.."

"Correct," Jason threaded a hand through his hair. "We depart the United Kingdom for a tour of France, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Italy, Austria, Switzerland and Belgium. After which we will return here for a week before departing for Sweden."

"And then we're back here for two weeks I think the packet said.." Trish swept her hair from her face, "For the Christmas holiday.. After that, we head to back to the Mediterranean area before we go to Central and Eastern Europe."

Jason nodded, "I need only speak with Paul, Scott and Adam to provide you with a more detailed itinerary. Should you wish for one, anyway."

Lisa and Trish nodded in unison, the raven haired woman speaking first. "That'd be great. I mean, we're not asking for a day by day breakdown, but anything is better then what the packet told us."

"We will do our best to provide you with something sufficient." Jason offered a short lived smile. "Paul and myself need to convene with Scott and Adam anyway, to discuss deadlines for projects and essays."

"About those," Amy eyed him warily, "Just when are we going to have the time? I know you all mentioned something about using breaks in between travel but--"

"Some of the academic sessions will be used for essay writing." Jason interrupted with a gentle smile. "I assure you, there will be adequate time for the academic side of things."

Trish yawned broadly, "Well.. I think I'll call it a night." She offered a smile to the three, one hand resting on the door leading to her quarters. "See you all in the morning."

"Sleep sounds pretty appealing right now," Lisa stretched her arms overhead. "Good night Ames.. Jason."

Jason offered a short bow to the redhead, "It has been a rather tiring day.. Do sleep well, Amy."

"You too, Jason." She reached back to open the door to her quarters, "Good night."

……..

Much like the previous night, Amy and Lisa found sleep hard to come by. But this time around, it didn't have anything to do with their fellow students. Technically it didn't have anything to do with any living being.. Or at least Amy and Lisa thought. The two women had just gotten settled in their respective quarters, when strange things started happening. Originally, Amy had just written it off to the house settling. It was an old house, after all, so these things were bound to happen. A creak of the floorboards now and then was expected. Lisa, on the other hand, wrote off the strange noises to the wind blowing through the trees outside. It wasn't until they actually saw something did they start to worry.. And not but ten minutes after they had gotten settled, did the two find themselves standing back in the hallway.

Lisa eyed her friend cautiously, "Why are you out here?"

Amy took a moment to catch her breath, "I saw something in my room.." She waited a beat: "Why are you out here?"

"I saw something.." Lisa shook her head, "Or maybe it was just my eyes playing tricks on me."

"Could be," Amy replied evenly. "I'm sure that's all it was, right? Even I know, there's no such things as ghosts."

"Right.." Lisa ran her hands through her hair, "I don't know about you, but I'm sleeping with the lights on."

Jason stepped into the hallway, glancing curiously between the two. "Is something wrong?"

Lisa and Amy exchanged a look, the redhead replying: "Everything's fine.."

Doubtfully, he nodded. "Are you quite certain? If there is something amiss, please…it is best that you inform myself, Shane or Paul."

"Honestly, everything is fine." Lisa mustered a smile. "It's probably just lack of sleep." She stepped back towards her quarters, "Good night.. Again."

The redhead leaned back against the wall, "Like Lise said.. Everything is fine."

Jason eyed her evenly, "May I ask then, why exactly are you standing in the hallway dressed in your pajamas?"

She smiled wryly, "You'll probably think I'm losing my mind here.. But, I thought I saw something in my room."

An eyebrow raised in mild curiosity, he repeating carefully. "You saw something.." He put his hands in the pockets of his robe. "What exactly did you see?"

Amy shifted from foot to foot, "I don't know.." She shrugged helplessly, "I think it was a ghost, but--"

Jason held up a hand, "It could be possible.. I confess, that I am not familiar with the particulars of the manor. But I have, on occasion, overheard the house staff speak of such occurrences."

"Oh well that's just great," the redhead muttered dryly. "This place is haunted."

He smiled faintly, "Of course those are just rumors.. Nothing that has factual proof. Only Shane or his father would be able to confirm or deny these supposed sightings."

She nodded slowly, "You probably think I'm insane, don't you.."

"No, I do not." Jason chuckled softly, "Unless you have medical proof that you are insane.."

Amy smiled, "Not that I'm aware of.." hands clasping before her, she shrugged. "I'm sorry for waking you, again."

"It is of no concern, Amy." The blonde man smiled shortly, "I confess, that as much as I do require the rest.. I am finding it hard to come by."

"Is everything okay?" Amy slumped slightly against the wall, "I know it's getting late and all, but if you want to talk or something.."

Jason smiled fully, "It would be most appreciated, but I would not want to keep you from sleep."

She rolled her eyes in spite of it all, "I doubt I'll be sleeping anytime soon. Whether this place is haunted or not.."

"Understood," he made a small gesture with his hand. "Perhaps, Shane and Paul are also up and about."

Amy merely nodded, the two falling silent as they walked down the hallway to reach the elevator.

"Amy… Jason," Adam greeted as the two neared the elevators. "If it is not too bold, may I ask what keeps you awake at this hour?"

Jason smiled thinly, "While the hour is not late, I have found myself pre-occupied." He stepped slightly in front of the redhead, "In Amy's case, it is also a matter of pre-occupation."

The taller man nodded, "I see.. Then perhaps, you can be of some assistance to myself, Scott and Christopher?"

"To the best of my ability," Jason replied shortly. "What are you in need of, at this hour?"

"Late night munchies," Chris spoke up from his spot behind Adam. "John and Randy were here a few minutes ago, but I think they went back to sleep."

Jason gestured to the elevator, "Amy and myself were just heading to the kitchen to acquire chamomile tea. There ought to be leftovers from this evening's meal and if not, the kitchen is well stocked."

Before they could enter the elevator, the door to John's quarters opened. "What's with the meeting in the hallway?"

Chris nodded over to Jason, "He and Amy were heading down to the kitchen to get tea or something. I'm here because I'm still hungry."

The short haired blonde man glanced over to John. "You are more than welcome to join us."

John nodded, stepping further into the hallway. "I appreciate it, thanks."

Scott regarded the lone female curiously, "Are you quite alright, Ms. Dumas? You look as though, something is troubling you."

The redhead nodded as they entered the elevator. "I'm fine, really. And Amy will do, just fine."

"As you wish it then," Scott smiled kindly. "May I ask, Amy.. Where are you originally from?"

"Just outside of New York City," John replied before she could say a word. "Amy, Randy, Trish and I grew up together, but we ended up going to different colleges."

Scott nodded, "I confess that I am not overly familiar with the States. But like most people, I have heard of New York City."

Amy tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, "Where are you from, originally?"

"I was born in Nice, France…which is on the Riviera." Scott clasped his hands before him. "I was educated in Vienna and Paris before attending the University of London."

Amy looked impressed, "Wow. . Just taking a wild guess here, but did you study music at all?"

"You are correct in your presumptions," Scott offered a small smile. "From what I understand, however, Adam is a far more accomplished musician than I. My strength lies within writing."

The redhead nodded, "That's kinda like Lisa. We both like a lot of the same things, but where I favor music.. She favors writing."

Adam turned a curious glance to the redhead, "Any preferences regarding composers or genres?"

"To play, I prefer Baroque, Classical, Romantic.. I like Beethoven, Bach, Handel, Wagner, Mozart, Vivaldi.." Amy trailed off with a shrug. "As for listening, I like rock and punk rock.."

"That is an interesting mix," Adam remarked with a smile. "May I ask, what do you play?"

"Piano and guitar," Amy shifted her weight from foot to foot. "And yourself?"

Jason coughed abruptly, "We have arrived at the main floor.." He indicated for Amy to go first, he exiting shortly after her.

Amy raised an eyebrow, "Are you okay, Jason?"

He smiled reassuringly, "There is no cause for concern, Amy." His smile faltered as he caught Adam's gaze. "Should the need arise, we can discuss it at a later time."

She nodded hesitantly, "That works." The redhead glanced over her shoulder, hazel eyes falling shortly on John. "What do you think of the gym?"

"It's nice.." John shrugged a touch, "In all truth, I like the game room better though."

Amy chuckled, "Jeff's sending my Playstation 2.. I don't know why, but he seems to think I'll need it."

John laughed, "I brought mine with me.. I think Randy brought his too."

Amy rolled her eyes, "Jeff's the only reason I have one of those things, ya know.. After high school, he had no one else to play video games with."

"Yeah well.." John crossed his arms over his chest, "I didn't know where we were going. .didn't know when we'd get back."

"Yeah.." They paused in front of the kitchen door. "You'll have to tell me about that road trip sometime."

…….

John nodded in response, the two entering the kitchen behind Jason and Chris. And just as Jason was anticipating, Shane and Paul were already gathered around the kitchen table. Two loaves of bread, various meats and cheese served as tonight's late night snack; the two inviting Chris, Jason, Scott, Adam, John and Amy to have a seat. Of course, the invitation was extended a bit more warmly to some than it was to others.. But none of the students seemed to pick up on it. And while Amy seated herself between Paul and Shane, Jason took care of getting the hot water ready for tea. The redhead found herself seated across from John and Chris with Scott and Adam opting to stand instead of sitting. That was partly due to the fact that there were no more empty seats, the lone empty chair reserved apparently for Jason. And while she waited for the tea, Amy found herself in conversation with Paul and Shane.

"So.." she glanced between the two on either side of her. "Jason told me, Trish and Lisa earlier that we're sightseeing tomorrow.."

"That is correct," Paul confirmed with a smile. "We shall embark from the manor shortly after breakfast tomorrow morning. It is imperative that we arrive in London no later than 8:30 a.m."

John raised an eyebrow, "Where are we going tomorrow?"

Paul set down his sandwich, "Westminster Abbey, perhaps a viewing of the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, a river cruise on the Thames, the Tower of London and St. Paul's Cathedral."

Chris blinked, "And when are we getting back to the manor?"

Paul lifted his shoulders in a shrug, "The tour ends around 6:00 p.m. We plan on taking the evening meal in London whilst there will be two activities offered afterwards."

Shane cleared his throat, "Jason and myself will be taking a black taxi tour of London, a trip to the Eye of London and to the Tower Bridge. Those who wish to accompany us will return to the manor around 11:00 p.m. if they desire, anyway."

Paul nodded, "And for those who wish to spend a more leisurely night in London, I will be embarking eventually to Soho. I anticipate that we will return to the manor sometime after midnight."

Chris nodded slowly, "So say we choose to go with you and Jason.. Can we meet up with Paul afterwards or what?"

"That is entirely up to whomever is going with myself and Jason." Shane rested his forearms on the table. "We could arrange for everyone to sightsee at night first, then embark to Soho.."

Paul nodded, "We could do that. I suppose it will all depend on the general consensus tomorrow."

Jason set down the sugar pot, "It would not be much of a bother to do so. It is just that, the black taxi's only accommodate five people at a time."

"So if you were to take just one taxi, only three would be able to accompany yourself and Shane." Paul moved from the table to get the creamer, "If you were able to acquire two taxi's, then eight would be able to accompany you."

"Quite right," Jason returned to the stove, "But that also depends on the interest amongst the students. If no one is interested, it will just be myself and Shane."

Paul chuckled, "I doubt there will be a lack of interest, Jason." He glanced between Chris, John and Amy. "And if you do have your doubts, there are three of the six students present at this moment."

Chris shrugged, "I don't really care either way.. It's not like we're leaving tomorrow or anything, so if I don't get the chance to see something tomorrow I'll just try another time."

"I'd be interested," John sat back in his chair, the empty plate before him set aside. "But I don't want to say yes or no until everyone else is here."

Adam cleared his throat, "If it is necessary, Scott and myself can also accompany a group of students throughout the city. It is not as though we are unfamiliar with the area."

Paul smiled shortly, "Should the need arise, we shall take that into consideration. However, I anticipate that your assistance will be necessary with myself."

"I know Trish is pretty eager to taste nightlife over anything else," Amy rested her hands in her lap. "I'm not sure about Lisa, but I'd like to do some more sightseeing."

Jason nodded, setting down a pot holder before the tea pot was placed upon it. "As I had stated previously, Amy, all of this will be discussed over breakfast tomorrow morning." He handed her a tea cup, "Sunday's plans will also be discussed."

Chris took a sip of the iced water in front of him. "And are our weekends always going to be this planned out?"

Paul nodded abruptly, "We are anticipating that yes. Aside from the many outings that have been planned, there are also the balls to take into consideration."

Shane cleared his throat, "Speaking of that.. I believe Father has planned for the welcoming ball to take place within a fortnight. He has already arranged for a dressmaker to come about, though I am unsure where it concerns the gentlemen's attire."

John, Amy and Chris blinked in unison, the blonde man questioning: "Fortnight?"

"Two weeks," Jason explained with an apologetic smile. "Which means, in addition to obtaining proper attire, dance lessons of some sort ought to be scheduled."

Paul nodded, "A standard waltz should be sufficient.. Perhaps scheduling these lessons in place of an athletic period?"

Amy eyed him cautiously, "You make it sound like we'll have to learn more than one type of dance step."

Jason nearly grimaced, "In most cases, no.. a simple waltz will suffice." He glanced between John and Amy. "Where it concerns the two of you, however, simply for the fact that you are the Anthropology majors.."

John shook his head, "Does this mean we're expected to attend more balls and stuff or are we just learning these dance steps for the class?"

"Just for the class," Jason reassured first. "As it has been stated previously, the only balls that you should attend are the welcoming and farewell."

Amy took a sip of her tea, "Just out of curiosity.. When and where would these other balls be scheduled?"

Jason frowned thoughtfully, "Austria, Germany, France, Romania perhaps.." He lifted his shoulders in a slight shrug. "Should you wish for a full schedule, I need only contact the appropriate department at the University."

"There will perhaps be one during the Christmas holiday," Shane spoke up then. "The manor has not seen a grand celebration for the holiday since the passing of my mother and sister."

"And since we're here for the holidays.." Amy nodded, bringing the tea cup closer to her. "Don't get me wrong here, I'm grateful that we'll be able to stay in such a nice place for the holidays but--"

Shane held up a hand, "It is quite understandable, Amy. You can rest assured, however, that my father, myself and the house staff will do everything we can to make the holiday's more comfortable for all of you."

John stretched his arms overhead, glancing first to Chris. "I don't know about you, but I'm ready to go back to sleep."

The blonde man yawned widely, "Sleep sounds good.." he pushed back from the table, taking his plate to the sink first. "Let's just hope we don't get lost."

Paul rose from his spot, "I am certain it would not be a hindrance for Scott and Adam to ensure that you make it back safely." He offered a small smile, "I am also available, if you would like."

Amy was the next to rise, "I'm about ready to turn in too.. Especially with the day planned for tomorrow."

"Paul, you need not trouble yourself.." Jason pushed back from the table, taking his tea cup and Amy's. "It will be no trouble to ensure that Adam, Scott, Christopher and John make it back."

In turn, Paul took the tea cups. "I thank you, Jason." He turned his attention to Amy, John and Chris. "Until tomorrow then.."

Amy, John and Chris nodded in turn, Jason offering a short bow to Paul and Shane before they exited the kitchen. Scott and Adam fell into place behind Chris with Amy finding herself between John and Jason. And though they had been chatty at the kitchen table, conversation was kept to a minimum as they made their way back to the elevators. The subsequent trip to the designated floor was also quiet, the only words spoken when they split in the hallway. Soon enough, Amy and Jason found themselves back in the West wing of the manor; the blonde man bidding the redhead goodnight in the hallway. Amy, in turn, hoped that she wouldn't have any more encounters with ghosts or otherwise.. Keeping the lights on as she crept back into bed.