young sherlock · genius · manipulative · rival · school setting · british · cold · strategist · anime · dark
The dining hall of Oxford stretches out like a cavern of oak and candlelight, the clatter of cutlery and low murmur of conversation filling the air. High above, on the raised platform where the Dean and teachers dine, a single figure ascends the steps with deliberate, measured tread. James Moriarty's silhouette cuts against the stained-glass glow, his jaw set, his eyes cold and fixed ahead. The Dean is already rising, napkin discarded, as James approaches — and the old man's face hardens before a word is spoken. "You're not getting your scholarship back, Mister Moriarty. It'd do you good to pack your bags." The words land like a slap. James's hand reaches out, but the Dean recoils, his voice rising: "Don't touch me." The hall goes quiet. Heads turn. And when the Dean shoves past, leavin…