Hey guys! I am really sorry I took so long uploading… Again. :p I went out of town for a while, then my laptop decided to die on my, so I had to get all of my stuff back, which took hours. Anyway, other than that, I had a really good time. I went to California with my Chamber Orchestra, and competed down in Anaheim, then went to Disneyland for the award ceremony. We won! I still can't get over my excitement. (Btw, I did bring my laptop, but I wasn't on that much.) Anyway, how've you all been? (assuming that you have lives other than obsessing over my awesome 3 chapter story… ;) )


Tessa's P.O.V.

It just doesn't make any sense. Why would someone do this? What does it even mean? Tessa paces the length of the library for perhaps the hundredth time, clasping her hands nervously behind her back. She walks over to Will, who is sitting in the same armchair as the night before, and plucks the stone from his hand. Just smaller than Tessa's fist, she closes her hand around it, feeling its smooth, cool surface pressed against her skin. She turns it over in her hand, trying to make sense of it. Someone had thrown it through the library window about an hour ago, smashing the beautiful stained-glass, (Which Tessa is heartbroken about), but no one can understand why. The only clue is that there is an M and an H carved into the stone in small lettering.

"Tess, sit down. Aren't you getting tired? You must've been at that pacing for at least forty minutes." Will gazes at her, his piercing blue eyes meeting hers. He gestures to the seat across from him, and she obliges, plopping herself onto the soft cushion of the velvet green chair very un-gracefully while his eyes follow her.

"So… you have been silent for quite a long time… Did you figure anything out during your intense thinking session?" He inquires, leaning forward to take her hand, making little circles with his thumb.

"NO, I didn't!" She snaps in frustration, her voice coming out harsher than she meant it to. Will looks at her with a slightly startled expression, and Tessa groans quietly, rubbing her face with her free hand.

"I'm sorry, Will. It's just… It makes no sense." She mutters, "I don't understand who would do this other than Mortmain… But what does it mean?" Will shakes his head and his black hair falls partly over his eyes. He brushes it back impatiently.

"I just don't know. HH? What on earth could that stand for? I don't know anyone whose initials are M.H… The name of a company, perhaps?"

"Possibly… Do you think that it's connected with the symbol?"

"I don't know. It's likely I suppose, but until we have more evidence…" He doesn't need to finish the sentence for Tessa to understand. They don't have enough information to launch a proper investigation, and unless they get more, no one can do anything. She nods her head slowly, and stares at the floor worriedly.

"Will… I know that you meant what you said earlier, about you all protecting me, but… Well What if something does happen?" Will leaves his chair and kneels on the floor in front of her, clasping her hand tightly. He gazes up into her face and strokes her cheek reassuringly, making her heart flutter.

"Tessa… I can't promise that nothing will happen, but if it does, just know that we will fight as long and hard as we can." He smiles a little, and Tessa realizes how lucky she is to have him: to be able to see this side of him that no one else, except for perhaps Jem, has ever seen.

She pulls herself onto the floor next to Will, and rests her back against the plush armchair, heaving a great sigh.

"All of this is so frustrating… I just wish that… That this whole mess hadn't happened. It's not fair…" She pauses as Will ducks his head slightly.

"I'm sorry… I realize that sounds whiny and childish, and I know that complaining never fixes things, but-" Will breaks her off, holding up his hand.

"Tess, it's alright. We all wish that things were different. If I could change things I would. But if none of this had happened, I might not have met you."

He pulls her into a tight embrace, and she nuzzles her face into his shoulder.

"Will… Who am I?" She murmurs softly, "What am I?" She feels Will exhale and they sit in silence for a few moments before he replies.

"You are my Tessa. You are the brave, fierce, passionate, vase-throwing lover of books with whom I fell deeply in love with." Tessa laughs and kisses him lightly on the cheek, making him smile.

A harsh creak fills the room and they spring apart just as Jem walks in. He studies them with a confused expression for a moment, seeing them sprawled on the floor, and Tessa jumps up and brushes off her dress.

"Um… Need I ask?" Jem asks with a smirk, raising his eyebrows. She shakes her head vigorously.

"No, I just tripped and Will attempted to catch me. I wasn't paying attention to where I was pacing." She crosses her arms and glances at Will out of the corner of her eyes. He pulls himself up and walks over to Jem.

"Yes. It didn't end well. She really gets into her thinking…" He gestures at the floor as Tessa blushes lightly. Jem just laughs.

"Yes, well Charlotte is summoning you two to lunch; there is a man there who is asking to see Tessa. So you'd better come. Right now it looks as if she might murder someone… I really wouldn't push it." Will gasps in exaggerated surprise and clutches his hand to his chest over-dramatically.

"Charlotte? murder someone? That's atrocious; I think I may faint!" Jem chuckles and shakes his head, backing out of the room. They follow him into the corridor, and make their way to the dining hall, and Tessa's thoughts are buzzing. Who on earth would want to see me? I can't think of anyone…


Two minutes later, they finally come to the heavy oak doors. They can hear an argument going on inside, and they pause for a moment before they enter, Will raising his eyebrows, listening. Charlotte's voice wafts through the heavy oak doors, impatient and stern.

"That would be correct, Consul. But I assure you, she is completely safe. She would never harm anyone! There is no need to interrogate her."

"Mrs. Branwell, as much as I would like to believe you, I must do this for the safety of the institute." Replied a rough, grim voice. "If she is what I suspect her to be, then we need to send her away as quickly as possible. We will do it by force if necessary if she is found to be guilty."

"But Consul-"

"Charlotte, I know you have become fond of Miss. Gray, and that this will be hard for you. However, she could shift at any moment. She could easily be disguising herself, pretending to be friendly. But as soon as you show any weakness at all, she might strike. We have had too many incidents with this, and we must take extra precautions for the safety of everyone." At this, Tessa begins to become angry, balling her fists. This is absurd! Why would I want to hurt the people who have only helped me?

Tessa looks at Will, and he brushes his hand against hers lightly, their eyes meeting. She is alarmed to see a fierce anger raging in his eyes, and she shakes her head at him, warning him against doing anything foolish. Instead, she pushes the doors open and walks in, to reveal Charlotte glaring at a tall, thin, well-aged man in a black suit. There is a fine patch of grey stubble where a beard might have been, and he has piercing grey eyes. This must be the Consul.

Charlotte turns and tries for a smile, completely oblivious that Tessa had just overheard part of the conversation.

"Ah, here you are!" She chides, as Will and Jem stand behind Tessa protectively. Charlotte hurries over and takes her arm lightly, guiding her across the room.

"Tessa, this is Consul Wayland," Tessa curtsies, but is returned with a cold stare, "He would like to ask you some questions in private for a few minutes. Is that alright?" She nods, but Will quickly steps forward.

"Charlotte, I would like to sit in on this… Questioning…" The Consul glares at him.

"Absolutely not, Mr. Herondale! This is to be a private conversation." The Consul's voice is annoyed and gruff, but Tessa cuts in.

"Consul, I am sure that nothing we discuss will be so private that Mr. Herondale cannot hear it. I would feel more comfortable if he came in with us-"

"No, my word is final. If everyone would be so kind as to leave us alone, I would be very grateful." He and Will have a glaring battle for a few seconds, and Will finally gives in, stalking out of the room after throwing her an apologetic look. The Consul ambles over to the table and pulls a chair, offering it to Tessa. Well, even if he is a horrible old man, at least he has some manners. She thinks, haughtily. She walks over and takes a seat, following the consul with her eyes as he takes his own seat across from her.

"Now then, Miss. Gray. As Charlotte informed you, I do have just a few questions to ask you. I need you to answer each one honestly and willingly. Shall we begin?" Tessa nods her head slightly.

"Yes."

"Alright. First off, I have heard rumors that you can… Shape-shift. Is this true?"

"Yes, although I prefer the term "Change" over "Shape –shift.""

"Interesting… would you mind giving me a brief demonstration of this unique talent?" Tessa obliges, and the familiar tingly sensation ripples through her body; blonde locks tumble down her shoulders and her face becomes rounder as she transforms into Jessamine. When her vision adjusts, she sees the consul looking shocked, his mouth hanging open slightly. As if he could read her mind, he snapped it shut and his face returned to its usual cold self. Tessa quickly changes back into herself, and stares at the white lace tablecloth.

"Well, Miss. Gray. I must say that was quite impressive. How long have you had this ability, would you say?" Tessa shakes her head.

"To be honest, I don't know. I only discovered it when the Black Sisters captured me and forced me to do it. It was just as much a shock to me as it was to them." The consul stroked his chin, leaning forward slightly.

"Hmm… I see. And may I ask, are your parents' downworlders, or have any type of downworlder blood in them?"

"Well, my parents died when I was a child, and I don't have hardly a memory of them, being raised by my aunt. But as far as I know, they do not."

"I see… Hmm… Have you ever, or are currently, having an affair with a downworlder, or demon, or any other thing but Nephilim?" Tessa gapes slightly. Is he really asking me this?

"Sir! That is of my own business. It is atrocious that you should ask a women such a private question!" He raises his eyebrows and sits up straighter.

"Miss. Gray, you said you would answer all questions honestly, or I will have to assume that your answer is yes." She glares at him for a few seconds.

"Very well, if you must know, I have never had any such affairs; nor any affairs at all. It is insulting that you would assume that I would sleep around like an animal. I am a lady, and do in fact have morals and standards that I go by." She tilts her head slightly sideways looking him directly in the eyes.

"Well, thank you for that answer, and I apologize. It's just that people of your general… Type… Don't have hardly any moral standards and tend to get around quite a lot." Tessa clenches her teeth, trying to stay calm.

"People of "My type"? So you assume that I am just like all of the others, without even knowing me at all. So what do you classify as "My type"?"

"I was referring to Warlocks and other things." He drawls, "Fairies, possibly." Tessa rolls her eyes in frustration.

"Next question: What crimes, assaults, or along the lines of it, have you ever been convicted of? And what about your parents or guardians? "

"None that I am aware of. I am not a criminal, nor a caveman; and neither is my family! I daresay, Consul that it is very impertinent of you to automatically assume that I would ever behave in that manner without knowing me nearly at all!"

"I am sorry Miss. Gray, but I- and many of the other high ranking members of the clave- have come to the conclusion that you are a possible threat; a danger to the nephilim who might have participated in the murder last night. We must confirm this to be true before we can take any further actions; it is our duty to oversee the safety of our kind." Tessa's eyes widen and she stands up, letting out a cry of remorse.

"I see. You have already classified me as low-class scum, and are planning on getting rid of me as soon as possible. However, you can't do it without evidence. This interview is unfair and unjust, and I refuse to participate willingly from now on!" She turns and makes to leave as a knot begins to form in her throat, but the Consul is quicker and dives around the table grabbing her arm.

"Miss. Gray, I am afraid this… interview… is not yet over." He roughly guides, her, protesting, back to the chair and faces her, not bothering to sit.

"Have you any marks on your body that are unusual, or non- human in any way?" Tessa glowers at him, refusing to speak for a few moments.

"…Once more, that this private information."

"Well then I shall have you put through a full body examination in a few days."

"Excuse me? You cannot do that! It would be intruding on all of my personal rights! Tessa glares up at him, disbelief raging in her eyes. This man is horrid! So much for the nice manners I thought he had.

"Ah, but I can, Miss Gray. It is necessary. You see, you have been deemed a suspect of last night's murder." A tight knot has started to form in her throat, and she shakes her head in disbelief.

"But… But that's impossible! I was here the whole time. I haven't left the institute in a week. And besides, I would never murder anyone. Why would I? This notion is ridiculous."

"Yes, but you might have participated in the scheme. Your case is very unique already, so I don't think it would come as a surprise to anyone if you had taken part in this." The lumps in her throat is growing tighter as she takes in his words.

Tessa covers her mouth with her hand as she blinks back tears; all the events of the day overwhelming her. No, I cannot cry in front of the Consul; the last thing I need is to show signs of weakness. Instead she springs up and bids good day to the consul, before storming out of the room, barely able to contain herself.


Tessa dashes down the hall clutching her skirts in her hand, now letting the tears flow freely down her face. She barely notices as she passes Will and Charlotte in her attempt to get as far away from the horrid man as possible. She ignores their calls; the Consuls words echoing in her mind. You are a threat, a danger to the Nephilim. This is not true, cannot be. And yet…

She doesn't know where she is going, and she just walks around blindly, turning corner after corner, until she finally decides to enter a small room to her left. It happens to have a book shelf, and she grabs Jane Eyre before slumping to the floor, pulling her knees to her chest. She opens the book to a random page and starts reading, not taking in any of the words; just hoping that someone will find her.

Yeah, I know, this was kind of a boring chapter… Sorry… I hope that you enjoyed it though! I promise, I am going somewhere with it. Really! Anyway, please R&R, and let me know if I could do anything better, (I have tried to improve my writing skills, a little.), if you have any suggestions for the plot, or anything like that. Even if you just want to talk! :)