Disclaimer: Joss Whedon and UPN own Buffy the Vampire Slayer in totality. Joss Whedon and the WB own Angel: the Series. No profit is made from this piece of fiction and no copyright infringement is intended. In other words...Don't sue... I'm way past broke.
Distribution: Your Mission ... Anyone else, please ask. (I'll probably say yes <G>)
Rating: Pg-13 (for now anyway... don't think it'll go past R at the most)
Pairing: Willow/Spike(William)
Feedback: Yes! Please let me know what you thought! I need encouragement to finish this! Those of you who have sent feedback... Thank You! The next part is at the beta reader. <G> If you like it let me know... if you think it needs work let me know (but do it nicely or I'll cry and then Spike will have to take care of me... wait... is that a bad thing? <G>)
Author's Notes: Spoilers.... (this is hard <G>) Through Season 4 and some of 5 ... I took what I wanted and tossed the rest. <G>
Author's Note's 2: I have to thank my super beta reader Kaz!
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~Part: 1~
"People still find the subject of Jack the Ripper an interesting topic and my lectures on him are always the best attended," the professor announced as she walked in the door of the History of England class. "I see this year is no exception," she added with a smile as she scanned the packed lecture hall.
The students chuckled softly as the instructor began opening her notes and checking role. When she was finished, she smiled again, "As usual when I give this lecture we seem to have several students that I've never seen in my life. Which I don't mind, provided they don't cause any disturbance and they learn something."
Willow glanced behind her; she had, as usual, claimed one of the front row seats. The desks behind her were completely filled, usually only about three quarters of them were occupied. She saw that her best friend, Buffy, actually seemed to be paying attention today and not wearing her 'I'm so bored I'd rather be researching with Giles' look she usually wore during this class. Wills smiled at her and received a quick grin in return before turning her attention back to Professor Evers, who was beginning the lecture.
"Everyone has heard the story of Jack the Ripper. He spent the fall of 1888 committing what many consider to be the first serial murders. You can watch numerous films or read hundreds of stories about him. Even though the murders were committed over 100 years ago... I'm betting half of you know the list of victims." She turned to the chalkboard and quickly wrote five names and dates. Mary Ann Nichols - August 31, 1888, Annie Chapman - September 8, 1888, Elizabeth Stride - September 30, 1888, Catherine Eddowes - September 30, 1888, Mary Jane Kelly - November 9, 1888. "These are the list of Ripper victims that are generally accepted by most people. Some people believe there are up to thirteen more."
Willow was taking notes about the victims she'd never heard of and the reasons many people believe and disbelieve that they were Ripper victims. She listened to the list of suspects and was surprised to hear that there were even a few people who believed that Jack the Ripper was actually Jill the Ripper, a midwife perhaps. Over the next hour, she learned some very interesting information and made note of some of the websites and books Professor Evers suggested. Once the class was dismissed, Willow gathered her notes and books and met Buffy at the door.
"I was wondering something," Buffy commented as they left the class and drew away from the crowds, "and it's probably just 'cause I'm the Slayer and all... but what if Jack was a vamp?"
"Actually I saw a show one time that mentioned that... well, it was a fictional series so I'm thinking they didn't really believe that," Willow replied, "But that's not saying that that isn't an actual possibility. I mean, you know, vampires are real and it would explain how he, or she, could have gotten away so easily." To be honest, she had been wondering about that herself and had even considered talking to someone who had been there at the time. Spike probably was too busy being a vampire to pay any attention, but maybe Angel would know something about it. Of course, that is if they were still in England at the time. She shook away her thoughts as she realized Buffy was staring at her, "Uhm... did you say something?"
"Yeah, detach-O-girl. I said maybe we should talk to Giles about it?"
"Oh, Giles! Yeah! That's a great idea!" Willow exclaimed cheerfully,
"Well... I've got to get to my next class."
"And I have to meet Riley... for study help."
"Sure ... study."
"Willow! It's true. I need some help with psychology. You know we have that test next week," the blonde reminded the redhead.
"Alright, alright. Go, 'study'. I'll see you at Giles' tonight."
"Bye Wills!" Buffy called as she trotted off toward the student union
building.