This chapter is crazy short, but I really liked where it ends. And I already have most of the next chapter written in my head, so it should be up later tonight. Consider that compensation for this one being so short. I also split them because this one is really kind of sad, and you're all going to hate me for it, but it had to happen, and it paves the way for Nikola/ Kiri fluff next chapter. We're over half-way done with this fic at this point, just a year and a half or so left to get through, plus a possible scene for when they find out John is Jack the Ripper. I haven't decided on that yet. Enjoy.

Disclaimer.

The next day Kiri left on a job for her employer, saying she would most likely be gone for a couple of months. Classes started again not long after that, and the study group continued to meet. At this point, however, half of them were graduated or about to graduate, and Nikola and Helen, the only two who would still be in school the next year, rarely needed help. As such, the group spent more time experimenting, mostly on the blood of the creatures living in the Magnus house. Things seemed to be going well for them, until one day in early February, when Nikola was almost an hour late to their meeting. When he finally did walk in, there was an angry look on his face.

"Niko, what's wrong?" Helen questioned immediately, walking over to him.

"Someone has told the administrators about my gambling habit," Nikola began, his voice tightening. "Whoever it is has also told the administrators that I have been having relations with girls on campus, which is a lie. They're reviewing my case now, and if they decide this is all true, there's a good chance they will expel me." Nikola kept his eyes on Helen as he spoke, not wanting the others to see the emotions on his face. Helen drew him into a hug, not caring about how improper it may be, and held him there.

"I am certain they will realize it isn't true," she assured him quietly. James walked over to him, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"Nikola, you are one of their best students. There is no doubt they will realize this and let you stay," he added, smiling. Nikola smiled at the both of them, before walking around them and walking to the lab table he'd been working at for the last week or so. By the following Monday, Nikola had been informed by the University that, due his inability to prove the falsity of the allegations, they were regrettably forced to expel him. This letter was almost immediately followed by a letter from Gregory, asking him to meet the older man at the Magnus house that night. Nikola walked home with Helen, remaining silent. Helen was worried about him, but she knew that he had been having a rough time recently. He went immediately to Gregory's office, where the man was waiting for him patiently.

"Mr. Tesla, it has come to my attention that you have been expelled," he remarked as soon as Nikola was seated.

"Y-yes sir. I received the letter just this morning," Nikola confirmed, tensing.

"Unfortunately, the accusations made will leave a permanent taint on your name. This is not something I want for my daughter. I am sorry, but I will not be granting you permission to court her." Gregory leaned back in his chair, watching Nikola as his face fell.

"V-very well, sir. Thank you for your consideration." Nikola stood and left, disappearing from the house without even so much as looking at Helen. He didn't tell anyone what had happened, and he didn't return to the study group for the rest of that week.

Kiri,

I haven't told any of the others this, but I thought you should know. I've been expelled from Oxford. Someone started a rumor that I was having intimate relations with other students, and the school found out about my gambling. Those two things together were more than enough for the school to expel me. To add to that, Gregory has denied me permission for courting Helen. I could very much use someone to talk to. I cannot talk to Helen about this, she would try to argue with her Father, and I don't want to come between them. I've never really been close to the other students, so it would be very nice if you would come back. I need my little sister, now more than ever.

Nikola