Disclaimer: I do not own the Charlie Bone Series

CHAPTER ONE

Manfred Bloor wasn't in a very good mood. A new girl would be arriving at Bloor's tonight; she was not a new student but was to take the position of school nurse. She was endowed, which meant yet another person for Manfred to keep an eye on. He frowned to himself; he was the Talents Master not a babysitter so why did he have to be the one to keep an eye on the endowed students at Bloor's? As he surveyed the courtyard from his study window, Manfred saw one of his family's black sedan cars pull up at the gates of the school. As Manfred watched, a large, burly man got out of the driver's side. Manfred knew the man was Mr Weedon, the Bloor's handyman. Mr Weedon opened the back door of the car and a young woman stepped out, but it was too dark and far for Manfred to make out any of the girl's features but Manfred knew who it was; the new nurse had arrived.

Manfred knew he would need to start making his way to his father's study. His father, Dr Harold Bloor was the Headmaster and had instructed Manfred to be in his study for the nurse's arrival so that he could be introduced. Wondering whether or not this girl was going to be trouble, Manfred began to slowly make his way to his father's study which was a floor above his in the Music Tower. He didn't want to be there, he had better things to do with his time but his father had insisted.

After walking along the dusty corridor and having made his way up the dusty stairs to the first floor, Manfred walked along the corridor to Dr Bloor's study. Manfred didn't bother knocking he simply walked in to find his father waiting for him.

"About time you got here. The girl's just arrived and will be here shortly", Dr Bloor told his son. Manfred merely nodded, looking bored. He stood beside his father's desk facing the door.

"You'll have to keep an eye on the little wretch", said a screechy, crocked voice that came from the skeleton like old man sat in a wheelchair by the window. Manfred turned to the man, who was his Great-Grandfather, Ezekiel Bloor.

"Why?" Manfred asked moodily.

"Because she's endowed with the ability to heal and will no doubt be willing to help Charlie Bone and his friends should they ask for it", Dr Bloor replied sharply, making sure his son understood. Manfred nodded and promised to keep a close eye on her.

Several minutes later, a small knock came on the door.

"Enter", Dr Bloor commanded in his deep booming voice. The door slowly opened and Mr Weedon came striding in closely followed by the most beautiful girl Manfred had ever seen. She was eighteen, the same age as him and she had long silky golden hair and soft, smooth snowy white skin. Looking up from long lashes were two beautiful bright blue eyes. She looked like an angel, all she was missing was a halo and wings, Manfred thought to himself. He was entranced by her and as she looked up at him he noticed her eyes widen and her perfect lips parted in an "o". The two teenagers continued to stare at each other, unable to look away. Everyone else seemed oblivious to the connection that had instantly developed between Manfred and the young nurse.

"Manfred, this is Amelia Fairchild. As you know she will be taking up the position of school nurse. Amelia, this is my son Manfred Bloor. He is the Talents Master and would be happy to assist you should you need it", Dr Bloor said not noticing that Amelia hadn't looked at him once or that her eyes seemed glued to Manfred.

"Manfred please show Amelia to her room", Dr Bloor's voice brought Manfred back to himself. He nodded and walked towards the door gesturing for Amelia to follow.

"Come with me. Your room's this way." Amelia still hadn't said anything and together they walked to her room in silence. Manfred led Amelia down the corridor and up a flight of stairs; he walked her through the Bloor's living quarters stopping at his bedroom door.

"This is my room, if you ever need anything", Manfred said softly. Amelia smiled at him gratefully but said nothing. He continued on and led her up another flight of stairs and along a dimly lit corridor stopping at a door halfway down the hall. He put a key in the lock and gently opened the door.

"This is your room. I hope it's alright", Manfred said feeling drawn to this beautiful girl.

"Thank you. Everything seems fine." It was the first time Manfred had heard her speak and her voice was soft and sweet. She smiled at him again and gently moved over to the bed where she placed her suitcase.

"Would you like some help unpacking", Manfred didn't want to leave her alone and wanted her company, which surprised him. This girl had undoubtedly come here to protect Charlie Bone and his friends; Manfred should hate her not crave her company. And yet, the thought of hating this girl saddened Manfred.

Shaking his head of such thoughts, Manfred decided to leave as quickly as possible so he could try and sort his head out.

"Well if you don't need any help, I'll leave you to your unpacking. It was nice meeting you", said Manfred and then surprised himself by holding out his hand for her to shake.

"Oh, well thank you. You've been very helpful", said Amelia, uncertainly as she shook his hand. The moment their hands touched Manfred felt a surge of electricity pass between him and Amelia. The surge was powerful but not unpleasant but in his surprise he jerked his hand out of hers. Looking up at her he saw the surprise written on her face and knew she had felt it as well. Not knowing what to do Manfred turned and fled from the room. He ran all the way back down to his room and locked the door behind him wondering what on earth had just happened. It seemed Amelia Fairchild was going to be trouble after all.


In her room Amelia starred at her door which Manfred Bloor had just dashed through. Amelia knew Manfred had felt the surge of electricity that passed between them. But why had he run off like that? Maybe he had things to do, she told herself, and yet she couldn't help but feel a little hurt at his quick exit. Deciding that she should unpack, she turned to her bed and began placing her clothes in draws, books on shelves and her few other meagre possessions around the room. With her things put away where she wanted them, the room felt more homely. Sitting down on the bed Amelia's thoughts turned to Manfred Bloor. Her grandmother had warned her about the Bloor's before she died and Amelia had promised her Grandmother that she would protect the endowed children of Bloor's Academy. She knew Manfred was a hypnotist and had used his power to try and destroy lives. Manfred Bloor was bad, but if he was so bad why did she feel so drawn to him and why had he been so sweet to her? Amelia felt confused towards Manfred. She knew she was attracted to his soft pale skin and slender frame but Amelia had a strong suspicion that there was more to Manfred Bloor than anyone realised including Manfred Bloor. There was goodness inside Manfred, it may be buried deep down but Amelia was determined to find it.