Closed Scared but Curious

[Arachne Westwick]

Arachne had trouble adjusting to being on her own. She and Nessie spent most of their free time together, but they couldn't escape small moments where they had to be in different places. It felt strange and not entirely bad, though Arachne wouldn't tell Nessie that. But even though she didn't mind it, it did scare her a bit to be without Nessie. One thing she could count on with her sister was that she'd protect Arachne if anyone was mean to her, even if it was usually by being mean to other people first. She felt small and insignificant as she walked through the corridor, taking in the many different strangers that passed her by. Almost all of them were taller and older, and Arachne couldn't stop herself from staring at them curiously. At least, until she spotted a familiar face. This person wasn't older, though he was probably a bit taller. But the worst thing was that he was someone she knew. Declan, from daycare, who she had been so rude to last time they spoke. What would he say if he saw her? What would she say? She had no idea how to talk to someone who had been nice to her but who she had hurt. Why did he have to be here? Quickly, Arachne ducked behind a suit of armor, ignoring the odd look it got her from an older student. She peered into the corridor from behind the armor's arm, watching the boy closely. Hopefully, he wouldn't see her.

 

[Declan Burke]

Declan was liking Hogwarts so far, glad that he had a couple of his cousins were here with him, who would be able to help him if he needed. His older cousin, Molly, had recently gotten a job here as a nurse and his other cousin who was a few years older than him, Fiona, but she didn't seem to like the idea of babysitting him, though he was pretty sure he was too old to be babysat now if he was being honest. Either way, Declan was happy to explore the place, with or without his cousins' help. The Gryffindor had spent the day exploring the castle while he had his new tarantula companion, Little Will, with him, either placed on his shoulder or in his hands as they explored.

Declan wasn't exactly sure what floor he was on now, but he had been fascinated with the paintings that were placed on the wall. He was still amazed at the fact that the paintings spoke, even though he grew up in the magical world all his life. The boy carried his tarantula in his hands as they walked down the corridor and looking at the paintings. "Don't ya think this castle is really cool, Little Will? The paintings are quite cool too, right?" Declan says to his tarantula, ignoring the odd stare or two from people who were walking by, unaware of a presence that was nearby, as he continued to slowly look at the paintings around and slowly made his way down the corridor.