Disclaimer: I still don't own anything!
A/N: Hello, everyone. I'd first like to thank all of those wonderful people who reviewed so far. Your reviews are really appreciated! After many requests for A romance, I have decided to make this story officially Sherlock/Kathryn. Unfortunately, that meant changing the plot as I had planned, which explains the delay [plus the fact that I'm just flooded with work ;-)]
Ahem, well, without further ado, HERE'S Chapter 3!
Chapter 3
"There," stated the nurse confidently as she bandaged up Kathryn's burn once again the next morning. "That is about all I can do for the wound, Miss Granger. Since the injury was a deep one, there will probably be some scar tissue remaining once it has healed, and your left hand will always be sensitive to injuries."
"Thank you, madam," said Kathryn gratefully.
"My name is Mrs. Fletcher, but please call me Helen," corrected the nurse.
"Thank you, Helen," prompted Kathryn. "I'll be sure to come back tomorrow."
Kathryn slipped down from the bed she was sitting on and walked out of the room with Holmes in tow.
"Thank you for accompanying me to the infirmary, Mr. Holmes," said Kathryn gratefully as they walked out of the small building and stepped down through the bustling street.
"It was the least I could do," Holmes piped. The two turned the corner of the street and walked through a small square with a bronze fountain statue depicting the famous mythical battle of the lion and the unicorn fighting for the crown, scattering pigeons and sending them flapping into the cloudless sky. As the two came up to a tall stone building Kathryn turned to Holmes and said, "Well, I've got to go to my English literature class."
"Are you sure you don't need anything else?" Holmes asked, almost timidly.
"I'll be fine. I've been through much worse, and I can manage a simple burn on the hand," replied Kathryn confidently. "See you later."
With that, Kathryn and Holmes parted ways, the former entering the large building and hurrying to class and the latter slowly continuing to stroll down the street toward a small garden beside the square.
Holmes walked through the lush garden slowly, savouring the cool shade from the midday sun provided by the large sycamore trees that line the path. His physics class was going to begin in half an hour but he was unusually apathetic about the impending lesson.
His thoughts once again drifted to his new classmate, Kathryn Granger. Holmes was at his wit's end trying to determine who Kathryn really was. He could deduce little from her, apart from the fact that she had seen much hardship in her childhood from her work-hardened hands, and that she had stayed in Edinburgh for some time from her slightly Scottish accent. She had so far still been unresponsive towards his gentle prodding of questions about her past and did little to satisfy his immense curiosity about her enigmatic childhood.
Holmes mentally shook himself. 'Why am I thinking so much about her? She is, after all, only another classmate. Yet there is something about her that spurs on my curiosity and I will not rest until I find out at least something about where she came from,' he thought to himself. He then realised with surprise that it was the first time he found himself thinking continually about anyone from the fairer sex since is older sister, Leona, died many years ago. Holmes sighed for the first time in many days and glanced at the gleaming silver pocket watch he had taken out.
"Oh no! I'm late for class!" he exclaimed aloud, before running off through the garden as if he was being chased by the devil himself
"Class, we have two new students joining our English Literature class today: Miss Kathryn Granger and Miss Anne Finnegan. Miss Granger, Miss Finnegan, my name is Professor Bell. I hope that you will find this class challenging and interesting enough to keep your eyes open for the entire two and a half hours. Please, take a seat, and we will begin."
Kathryn and Anne took seats beside each other near the front of the class as the Professor began his lecture.
"We will begin now our unit on the analysis of mystery stories. There are relatively few such stories from which we must gather our information, as it is a comparatively contemporary genre of literature. The first real detective story, The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins, was actually written in this century."
The professor went on to discuss the basic pattern apparent in most mysteries and used examples from Edgar Alan Poe stories and from The Moonstone.
"One of the more singular common traits mysteries is that there is always a companion to the main protagonist. For many of these stories, the authors write in first person using the point of view of the companion. The companion is usually less intelligent than the person who solves the crime is. This allows the author to incorporate mush more suspense and emotion into the story, without giving away too many clues to the climax until he or she wants to.
"You may want to try writing a story in which the companion falls in love with the main protagonist, or even the antagonist. In any case, romance is often included in a mystery, as well as action and adventure, angst, and horror. One may even go as far as to write a mystery with a fantasy setting. As you can see, the mystery allows for much flexibility in writing, and with some creativity, can become very complex and incorporate all other genres.
"On page 57 of your textbooks, you will find the basic outline of the plot of a typical mystery story, along with other facts for writing a story. Homework will be to write a mystery at least ten pages long, with at least one other genre of writing included. You may use the remainder of the class time to start brainstorming."
The class then separated into several groups before the buzzing sound of whispering and talking filled the room. Kathryn flipped her book to the mystery section and was about to start her brainstorming, when a quiet voice interrupted her.
"So you're new here too, eh, Kathryn? I just arrived this morning, haven't even been to my lodgings yet. My name's Anne, by the way, but you already knew that."
Kathryn slowly looked up into the blue eyed, rosy-cheeked face framed with fiery red hair of her new classmate.
"Hello, Anne," she replied cheerfully. "It's nice to meet you. I am also a new student at this school, so I'm afraid I won't be able to show you around the grounds. I only arrived two days ago, actually."
"Really? Well, I hope that we will become fast friends," whispered Anne vivaciously. "This is a big school, after all, and this is our last year of university. If you ask me, we have a lot of catching up to do."
Kathryn nodded before turning back to do her work.
"What are you going to write your mystery about?" asked Anne energetically.
"I'm not sure yet," replied Kathryn honestly, skillfully hiding her slight annoyance at being interrupted again. "I'll find out as I go, I suppose."
"Hmm, I'm like that too, I suppose we should get to work now, eh?" asked Anne quickly before quickly turning to her book and scribbling on her paper. Kathryn surreptitiously shook her head with an amused smile before turning to her own work.
"So do you have the key to your lodgings yet, Anne?" asked Kathryn as the two walked among the streets of the school after class had ended, each carrying one of Anne's large, bulky trunks.
"Yes, and I have already circled where it is located," replied Anne, stopping to take out her map of the campus and show to Kathryn. "Here it is," she continued, pointing at a circled building close to the left edge of the paper.
"Why, that's where I stay!" exclaimed Kathryn with surprise. "It looks like we're going to be roommates, Anne."
"How brilliant!" exclaimed Anne. "I was worried about not knowing who I was going to live with. Father always tells me to make as many friends who I can trust, but I haven't exactly been very popular among my classmates, and it's always hard to find someone to live with whom I can trust."
"Hmm," Kathryn assented, nodding slightly, not really knowing what to say. The two continued down the cobbled path, each preoccupied with her own thoughts.
"Here we are," said Kathryn suddenly, bringing both of them out of their reveries after they had turned a corner. "Welcome to your new home."
She showed Anne into the comfortably furnished building, turning up the stairs before showing her to the bright living room.
"That is the door my bedroom," said Kathryn, waving in the direction of an oak door on the left side of the room, "and this is your room," she continued, opening up an adjoining door of glazed pine into a small, cosy room with a large four-poster bed with sapphire curtains.
"Thank you so much for all of your help; you've been very kind," said Anne gratefully as Kathryn helped her to unpack her belongings.
"My pleasure," assured Kathryn kindly. "I know what you mean, and it's always nice to have a friend."
"So have you met any nice people so far?" asked Anne.
"Well I've just met you haven't I?" returned Kathryn with a sparkle in her eye, causing Anne to smile widely. "I've also met a very charming gentleman named Sherlock Holmes. I bumped into him on my first day here and found out that he shares some of my classes. We can call on him, if you'd like to meet the man in person."
"That would be really wonderful," replied Anne enthusiastically. "So tell me, what's he like? Is he handsome?"
"He's a quiet fellow," replied Kathryn with a chuckle, "but he's very intelligent, and as polite and kind as any other that you're bound to meet here."
"Sounds interesting. Let's go to see what he's really like."
With that, the two stepped outside once again into the bustling streets below. As they walked through the school grounds, Kathryn paused to show Anne the various places of interest around the school grounds. They walked past the old wooden bridge, which had the reputation of giving Cambridge its famous name.
As they emerged from a small courtyard fringed with fragrant roses, Kathryn paused for a second, before pointing at a row of dun coloured dormitories, saying, "That's where Holmes lives."
"It's a wonderful house!" exclaimed Anne enthusiastically, before running towards the building, leaving Kathryn to catch up with her. The two were politely shown in by the landlady, who was already on friendly terms with Kathryn.
"It's nice to see you again, Miss Granger," she said as she opened the front door welcoming the two inside. "Perhaps you can pull Mr. Holmes out of the strange mood that he's in today. He's been doing nothing but pacing around his room since he returned, and I heard that he was late for his physics class for the first time in all his years here."
"Thank you for telling me," replied Kathryn, slightly bemused, "I'll see what I can do."
With that, Kathryn made her way up the stairs, closely followed by Anne, who appeared to be in her most vivacious mood. Kathryn went up to the door to Holmes's lodgings, and quietly opened it revealing the man himself swiftly pacing his circular sitting room with his eyebrows closely knit and his chin sunk upon his chest, apparently in deep thought. He did not appear to have heard the two ladies' entrance, and only looked up when Anne closed the door somewhat noisily.
"Miss Granger! What a pleasant surprise!" he exclaimed, instantly coming out of his sombre mood as he strode across the room to shake her hand. "I see that you've brought a new friend here who is also new to this school. My, we do seem to be getting a lot of those nowadays, now don't we?"
"Yes, it seems so," Kathryn conceded with a smile as she saw Anne out of the corner of her eye mouth 'how did her know that?'
"Holmes," she continued, "please allow me to introduce you to Anne Finnegan, who is in my English literature class. Anne, this is Sherlock Holmes, who is in my chemistry class."
"It's a pleasure meeting you!" said Anne cheerily, "Kathryn's told me so much about you!"
"Nothing bad I hope," replied Holmes with a small smile directed towards Kathryn as he motioned the others to seats by the large, elegant fireplace. "Finnegan.I believe I've heard that name before. I believe that your father is a member of parliament."
"Why yes, Mr. Holmes," said Anne, clearly astonished. "How on Earth do you find out all these things?"
"I have my ways," replied Holmes enigmatically as he smiled even larger. "So how do you like Cambridge so far?"
"It's very nice here," mused Anne, "The grounds are just absolutely spectacular. It's nothing like my old school. There was one small courtyard with no trees whatsoever."
"That's a shame," stated Holmes. "I've spent many a day sitting under a cherry tree close to here doing my homework. Please, have a seat."
The three of them took their respective chairs around a crackling fireplace, seeing that the autumn weather had already started to become quite chilly later on in the day.
"So, what classes are you taking this year, Miss Finnegan?" asked Holmes politely
"Oh, please call me Anne; it makes me seem old when I have peers calling me 'Miss Finnegan,'" stated Anne earnestly. "In answer to your question, I suppose that I'm taking mostly courses having to do with language and art. You must already know that I have English literature with Kathryn here. In addition to this, I also have World history, European history, French, music, and I am thinking about trying to convince Kathryn over here to take the drawing and painting class with me."
"Really?" asked Kathryn in surprise. "Whatever for?"
"Well, I knew that you have artistic talent as soon as I set eyes on you. I may not be psychic like you, Mr. Holmes, but I know creative talent when I see it. You've got a lot of potential, Katie."
Holmes suddenly stood up from his seat, took three steps to arrive in front of Kathryn's chair, and started to peer at her with mock deliberation.
"Hmm. Yes, yes I see it now. Granger, I see you becoming an artist in some very few years, become world renowned, go to America to make a fortune off your art, and leave us all behind here in dreary old England."
"If you say so," replied Kathryn with an amused smile and a raised eyebrow.
"But really, Holmes. How on Earth did you find out about me?" asked Anne with renewed curiosity.
"Well, it's all done with a wee bit of magic, you know; it's quite simple, actually."
Kathryn snorted and murmured, "A little pinch of logic, more like it."
"Oh come on, Granger, I was only having a bit of fun," replied Holmes. He was just about to open his mouth to give a full, long-winded explanation of his processes when Kathryn interrupted him, saying:
"The mere fact that I came here with a companion signifies the two main points. Firstly, the fact that companion is new and the fact that she a new acquaintance with whom I am on amicable terms. Secondly, the fact that she is a new student, since it is plain that I am showing her the school grounds, which is evident from the various colored mud stains on that appear on both of our shoes. This second point is further confirmed by the map in her dress pocket."
Holmes smiled at Kathryn warmly, before turning to a speechless Anne, who had her jaw loosely hanging from the rest of her face. "Right on every point, Miss Granger. It seems I have some competition in the field of observational and deductive prowess."
Kathryn returned his smile as Anne stood up between the two and exclaimed, "Well! I never knew that I could get friends as clever as you two. I think that you'll be at each other's throats by the end of the year with all your brains and competitiveness."
"My blushes, Miss Finnegan. I am honored by your high opinion of us," returned Holmes, while Kathryn grinned sheepishly. "Have you two any classes to attend this afternoon? If you are free, then I would like to show you one of my favorite places on the grounds. It will take a while to reach the place, but the view is worth it."
"Well, I'm free for the afternoon," Anne offered. "What about you, Katie?"
Kathryn took out a small, elegant silver watch from the pocket of her long, dark skirt and glanced at it, before saying, "I have a theology class in two hours, so I'm afraid I won't be able to join you." "Well, perhaps we can do this another time," replied Holmes quickly, while Anne nodded fervently in agreement.
"Oh no, you two should go without me. I would never want to be the reason for a wasted afternoon such as this. The sun is shining outside for the first time in weeks! It's the perfect time to explore the grounds."
"Are you sure, Katie?" asked Anne meekly.
"Of course! Have a nice time, both of you!"
"Alright then. You too! Enjoy your theology."
With that, Kathryn stood up and bade goodbye to her friends, before turning to make her way out of the room. On her way down the stairs, she met the aged, stately landlady.
"How is Mr. Holmes?" the old woman asked curiously.
"I do believe that Mr. Holmes is feeling much better," Kathryn replied with a smile.
A/N: Ok, hope you enjoyed the chapter!
Please R/R!
A/N: Hello, everyone. I'd first like to thank all of those wonderful people who reviewed so far. Your reviews are really appreciated! After many requests for A romance, I have decided to make this story officially Sherlock/Kathryn. Unfortunately, that meant changing the plot as I had planned, which explains the delay [plus the fact that I'm just flooded with work ;-)]
Ahem, well, without further ado, HERE'S Chapter 3!
Chapter 3
"There," stated the nurse confidently as she bandaged up Kathryn's burn once again the next morning. "That is about all I can do for the wound, Miss Granger. Since the injury was a deep one, there will probably be some scar tissue remaining once it has healed, and your left hand will always be sensitive to injuries."
"Thank you, madam," said Kathryn gratefully.
"My name is Mrs. Fletcher, but please call me Helen," corrected the nurse.
"Thank you, Helen," prompted Kathryn. "I'll be sure to come back tomorrow."
Kathryn slipped down from the bed she was sitting on and walked out of the room with Holmes in tow.
"Thank you for accompanying me to the infirmary, Mr. Holmes," said Kathryn gratefully as they walked out of the small building and stepped down through the bustling street.
"It was the least I could do," Holmes piped. The two turned the corner of the street and walked through a small square with a bronze fountain statue depicting the famous mythical battle of the lion and the unicorn fighting for the crown, scattering pigeons and sending them flapping into the cloudless sky. As the two came up to a tall stone building Kathryn turned to Holmes and said, "Well, I've got to go to my English literature class."
"Are you sure you don't need anything else?" Holmes asked, almost timidly.
"I'll be fine. I've been through much worse, and I can manage a simple burn on the hand," replied Kathryn confidently. "See you later."
With that, Kathryn and Holmes parted ways, the former entering the large building and hurrying to class and the latter slowly continuing to stroll down the street toward a small garden beside the square.
Holmes walked through the lush garden slowly, savouring the cool shade from the midday sun provided by the large sycamore trees that line the path. His physics class was going to begin in half an hour but he was unusually apathetic about the impending lesson.
His thoughts once again drifted to his new classmate, Kathryn Granger. Holmes was at his wit's end trying to determine who Kathryn really was. He could deduce little from her, apart from the fact that she had seen much hardship in her childhood from her work-hardened hands, and that she had stayed in Edinburgh for some time from her slightly Scottish accent. She had so far still been unresponsive towards his gentle prodding of questions about her past and did little to satisfy his immense curiosity about her enigmatic childhood.
Holmes mentally shook himself. 'Why am I thinking so much about her? She is, after all, only another classmate. Yet there is something about her that spurs on my curiosity and I will not rest until I find out at least something about where she came from,' he thought to himself. He then realised with surprise that it was the first time he found himself thinking continually about anyone from the fairer sex since is older sister, Leona, died many years ago. Holmes sighed for the first time in many days and glanced at the gleaming silver pocket watch he had taken out.
"Oh no! I'm late for class!" he exclaimed aloud, before running off through the garden as if he was being chased by the devil himself
"Class, we have two new students joining our English Literature class today: Miss Kathryn Granger and Miss Anne Finnegan. Miss Granger, Miss Finnegan, my name is Professor Bell. I hope that you will find this class challenging and interesting enough to keep your eyes open for the entire two and a half hours. Please, take a seat, and we will begin."
Kathryn and Anne took seats beside each other near the front of the class as the Professor began his lecture.
"We will begin now our unit on the analysis of mystery stories. There are relatively few such stories from which we must gather our information, as it is a comparatively contemporary genre of literature. The first real detective story, The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins, was actually written in this century."
The professor went on to discuss the basic pattern apparent in most mysteries and used examples from Edgar Alan Poe stories and from The Moonstone.
"One of the more singular common traits mysteries is that there is always a companion to the main protagonist. For many of these stories, the authors write in first person using the point of view of the companion. The companion is usually less intelligent than the person who solves the crime is. This allows the author to incorporate mush more suspense and emotion into the story, without giving away too many clues to the climax until he or she wants to.
"You may want to try writing a story in which the companion falls in love with the main protagonist, or even the antagonist. In any case, romance is often included in a mystery, as well as action and adventure, angst, and horror. One may even go as far as to write a mystery with a fantasy setting. As you can see, the mystery allows for much flexibility in writing, and with some creativity, can become very complex and incorporate all other genres.
"On page 57 of your textbooks, you will find the basic outline of the plot of a typical mystery story, along with other facts for writing a story. Homework will be to write a mystery at least ten pages long, with at least one other genre of writing included. You may use the remainder of the class time to start brainstorming."
The class then separated into several groups before the buzzing sound of whispering and talking filled the room. Kathryn flipped her book to the mystery section and was about to start her brainstorming, when a quiet voice interrupted her.
"So you're new here too, eh, Kathryn? I just arrived this morning, haven't even been to my lodgings yet. My name's Anne, by the way, but you already knew that."
Kathryn slowly looked up into the blue eyed, rosy-cheeked face framed with fiery red hair of her new classmate.
"Hello, Anne," she replied cheerfully. "It's nice to meet you. I am also a new student at this school, so I'm afraid I won't be able to show you around the grounds. I only arrived two days ago, actually."
"Really? Well, I hope that we will become fast friends," whispered Anne vivaciously. "This is a big school, after all, and this is our last year of university. If you ask me, we have a lot of catching up to do."
Kathryn nodded before turning back to do her work.
"What are you going to write your mystery about?" asked Anne energetically.
"I'm not sure yet," replied Kathryn honestly, skillfully hiding her slight annoyance at being interrupted again. "I'll find out as I go, I suppose."
"Hmm, I'm like that too, I suppose we should get to work now, eh?" asked Anne quickly before quickly turning to her book and scribbling on her paper. Kathryn surreptitiously shook her head with an amused smile before turning to her own work.
"So do you have the key to your lodgings yet, Anne?" asked Kathryn as the two walked among the streets of the school after class had ended, each carrying one of Anne's large, bulky trunks.
"Yes, and I have already circled where it is located," replied Anne, stopping to take out her map of the campus and show to Kathryn. "Here it is," she continued, pointing at a circled building close to the left edge of the paper.
"Why, that's where I stay!" exclaimed Kathryn with surprise. "It looks like we're going to be roommates, Anne."
"How brilliant!" exclaimed Anne. "I was worried about not knowing who I was going to live with. Father always tells me to make as many friends who I can trust, but I haven't exactly been very popular among my classmates, and it's always hard to find someone to live with whom I can trust."
"Hmm," Kathryn assented, nodding slightly, not really knowing what to say. The two continued down the cobbled path, each preoccupied with her own thoughts.
"Here we are," said Kathryn suddenly, bringing both of them out of their reveries after they had turned a corner. "Welcome to your new home."
She showed Anne into the comfortably furnished building, turning up the stairs before showing her to the bright living room.
"That is the door my bedroom," said Kathryn, waving in the direction of an oak door on the left side of the room, "and this is your room," she continued, opening up an adjoining door of glazed pine into a small, cosy room with a large four-poster bed with sapphire curtains.
"Thank you so much for all of your help; you've been very kind," said Anne gratefully as Kathryn helped her to unpack her belongings.
"My pleasure," assured Kathryn kindly. "I know what you mean, and it's always nice to have a friend."
"So have you met any nice people so far?" asked Anne.
"Well I've just met you haven't I?" returned Kathryn with a sparkle in her eye, causing Anne to smile widely. "I've also met a very charming gentleman named Sherlock Holmes. I bumped into him on my first day here and found out that he shares some of my classes. We can call on him, if you'd like to meet the man in person."
"That would be really wonderful," replied Anne enthusiastically. "So tell me, what's he like? Is he handsome?"
"He's a quiet fellow," replied Kathryn with a chuckle, "but he's very intelligent, and as polite and kind as any other that you're bound to meet here."
"Sounds interesting. Let's go to see what he's really like."
With that, the two stepped outside once again into the bustling streets below. As they walked through the school grounds, Kathryn paused to show Anne the various places of interest around the school grounds. They walked past the old wooden bridge, which had the reputation of giving Cambridge its famous name.
As they emerged from a small courtyard fringed with fragrant roses, Kathryn paused for a second, before pointing at a row of dun coloured dormitories, saying, "That's where Holmes lives."
"It's a wonderful house!" exclaimed Anne enthusiastically, before running towards the building, leaving Kathryn to catch up with her. The two were politely shown in by the landlady, who was already on friendly terms with Kathryn.
"It's nice to see you again, Miss Granger," she said as she opened the front door welcoming the two inside. "Perhaps you can pull Mr. Holmes out of the strange mood that he's in today. He's been doing nothing but pacing around his room since he returned, and I heard that he was late for his physics class for the first time in all his years here."
"Thank you for telling me," replied Kathryn, slightly bemused, "I'll see what I can do."
With that, Kathryn made her way up the stairs, closely followed by Anne, who appeared to be in her most vivacious mood. Kathryn went up to the door to Holmes's lodgings, and quietly opened it revealing the man himself swiftly pacing his circular sitting room with his eyebrows closely knit and his chin sunk upon his chest, apparently in deep thought. He did not appear to have heard the two ladies' entrance, and only looked up when Anne closed the door somewhat noisily.
"Miss Granger! What a pleasant surprise!" he exclaimed, instantly coming out of his sombre mood as he strode across the room to shake her hand. "I see that you've brought a new friend here who is also new to this school. My, we do seem to be getting a lot of those nowadays, now don't we?"
"Yes, it seems so," Kathryn conceded with a smile as she saw Anne out of the corner of her eye mouth 'how did her know that?'
"Holmes," she continued, "please allow me to introduce you to Anne Finnegan, who is in my English literature class. Anne, this is Sherlock Holmes, who is in my chemistry class."
"It's a pleasure meeting you!" said Anne cheerily, "Kathryn's told me so much about you!"
"Nothing bad I hope," replied Holmes with a small smile directed towards Kathryn as he motioned the others to seats by the large, elegant fireplace. "Finnegan.I believe I've heard that name before. I believe that your father is a member of parliament."
"Why yes, Mr. Holmes," said Anne, clearly astonished. "How on Earth do you find out all these things?"
"I have my ways," replied Holmes enigmatically as he smiled even larger. "So how do you like Cambridge so far?"
"It's very nice here," mused Anne, "The grounds are just absolutely spectacular. It's nothing like my old school. There was one small courtyard with no trees whatsoever."
"That's a shame," stated Holmes. "I've spent many a day sitting under a cherry tree close to here doing my homework. Please, have a seat."
The three of them took their respective chairs around a crackling fireplace, seeing that the autumn weather had already started to become quite chilly later on in the day.
"So, what classes are you taking this year, Miss Finnegan?" asked Holmes politely
"Oh, please call me Anne; it makes me seem old when I have peers calling me 'Miss Finnegan,'" stated Anne earnestly. "In answer to your question, I suppose that I'm taking mostly courses having to do with language and art. You must already know that I have English literature with Kathryn here. In addition to this, I also have World history, European history, French, music, and I am thinking about trying to convince Kathryn over here to take the drawing and painting class with me."
"Really?" asked Kathryn in surprise. "Whatever for?"
"Well, I knew that you have artistic talent as soon as I set eyes on you. I may not be psychic like you, Mr. Holmes, but I know creative talent when I see it. You've got a lot of potential, Katie."
Holmes suddenly stood up from his seat, took three steps to arrive in front of Kathryn's chair, and started to peer at her with mock deliberation.
"Hmm. Yes, yes I see it now. Granger, I see you becoming an artist in some very few years, become world renowned, go to America to make a fortune off your art, and leave us all behind here in dreary old England."
"If you say so," replied Kathryn with an amused smile and a raised eyebrow.
"But really, Holmes. How on Earth did you find out about me?" asked Anne with renewed curiosity.
"Well, it's all done with a wee bit of magic, you know; it's quite simple, actually."
Kathryn snorted and murmured, "A little pinch of logic, more like it."
"Oh come on, Granger, I was only having a bit of fun," replied Holmes. He was just about to open his mouth to give a full, long-winded explanation of his processes when Kathryn interrupted him, saying:
"The mere fact that I came here with a companion signifies the two main points. Firstly, the fact that companion is new and the fact that she a new acquaintance with whom I am on amicable terms. Secondly, the fact that she is a new student, since it is plain that I am showing her the school grounds, which is evident from the various colored mud stains on that appear on both of our shoes. This second point is further confirmed by the map in her dress pocket."
Holmes smiled at Kathryn warmly, before turning to a speechless Anne, who had her jaw loosely hanging from the rest of her face. "Right on every point, Miss Granger. It seems I have some competition in the field of observational and deductive prowess."
Kathryn returned his smile as Anne stood up between the two and exclaimed, "Well! I never knew that I could get friends as clever as you two. I think that you'll be at each other's throats by the end of the year with all your brains and competitiveness."
"My blushes, Miss Finnegan. I am honored by your high opinion of us," returned Holmes, while Kathryn grinned sheepishly. "Have you two any classes to attend this afternoon? If you are free, then I would like to show you one of my favorite places on the grounds. It will take a while to reach the place, but the view is worth it."
"Well, I'm free for the afternoon," Anne offered. "What about you, Katie?"
Kathryn took out a small, elegant silver watch from the pocket of her long, dark skirt and glanced at it, before saying, "I have a theology class in two hours, so I'm afraid I won't be able to join you." "Well, perhaps we can do this another time," replied Holmes quickly, while Anne nodded fervently in agreement.
"Oh no, you two should go without me. I would never want to be the reason for a wasted afternoon such as this. The sun is shining outside for the first time in weeks! It's the perfect time to explore the grounds."
"Are you sure, Katie?" asked Anne meekly.
"Of course! Have a nice time, both of you!"
"Alright then. You too! Enjoy your theology."
With that, Kathryn stood up and bade goodbye to her friends, before turning to make her way out of the room. On her way down the stairs, she met the aged, stately landlady.
"How is Mr. Holmes?" the old woman asked curiously.
"I do believe that Mr. Holmes is feeling much better," Kathryn replied with a smile.
A/N: Ok, hope you enjoyed the chapter!
Please R/R!