Meme: Ten First Sentences

Following on from astrogirl and thisbluespirit , a meme:
List the first sentence (or two because a couple of those first sentences are quite short) of each of the last ten fics you posted.

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“There is one thing more,” said my brother Mycroft, “that I believe we should discuss regarding your matriculation at Oxford, and indeed your future in general.”  (By Any Other Name - Enola Holmes series, Nancy Springer)

“I admit,” said Professor James Moriarty, “to a certain degree of concern.["] (A Case of Identities - Sherlock Holmes/Doctor Who)

If you’re reading this, you’ve certainly been following the newsfeeds from Keltia since contact was first made almost two years ago.  (Verses from the Keltiad - Keltiad series, Patricia Kennealy-Morrison)

Over the years, Jessica Fletcher had spoken to a good many people – innocent and guilty alike – from the opposite side of the glass in prison interview rooms.  (The Carson Drew Murder Case - Murder, She Wrote/Nancy Drew)

It would almost – only almost, mind – have been easier to use magic.  (Hunting the Lion - The "Truth in Fiction is Strange" Remix - Harry Potter)

There was never any doubt that Joe would end up writing books about the adventures he, Danny, and Irene shared while growing up in Midston. (Three Inventions Danny Dunn Doesn't Talk About - Danny Dunn series, Williams & Abrashkin)

The funniest aspect of Pepper’s evolution into a superhero – or at least a superpowered CEO – was that Tony was one of the last people to find out. (An Oblique Approach - Iron Man movies/MCU)

Aunt Beth mostly doesn’t talk about work. (Charlotte Holmes in the 22nd Century - Charlotte Holmes - Cavallaro/Sherlock Holmes in the 22nd Century)

“Monkey ninjas?” said Valmont.  “Ridiculous.” (Trading Monkeys - Kim Possible/Jackie Chan Adventures)

“I told you,” the woman said, smoothing the fabric of her knee-length silver dress with one hand, “that this was an extraordinarily bad idea.” (A Policeman's Lot is Not a Happy One - Star Trek:TNG/Moriarty series, Michael Kurland)

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[glances back over list]

I think I'll let these speak for themselves rather than trying to do any sort of analysis (or navel-gazing), save to observe that I need to be a lot more productive if I want to do this again anytime soon.