Seen a Tarantula?

[Monty Pendleton]

Monty loved Halloween. He loved the food, and the decorations, and the fancy dress - but above all else, he loved to see everybody enjoying themselves. Students and professors alike had dressed in costume for the occasion, including Monty himself, whose outfit, though not particularly frightening, had given him the boost of confidence he needed to feel calm and comfortable among his colleagues. It was no wonder he often hid beneath eccentric attire; something about looking peculiar on purpose was so much less anxiety-inducing than the thought of looking peculiar accidentally. Goblet of pumpkin juice in hand, Monty threaded his way through the room, complimenting an outfit or three and stopping to chat with the students. "You haven't seen an enormous tarantula around anywhere, have you?" he asked one of them, making a large claw with his hand and fighting hard to keep a straight face. "About this big, lightning quick, covered in fur?" Taking a sip of his juice, he glanced around the floor between people's feet.

 

[Edmund Westwick]

Edmund and Theodore's birthday was an affair the boys took very seriously. A day such as this dedicated to the dark and macabre deserved proper respect, and the Westwick twins always worked to ensure that things were as they should be. The school's Halloween festivities were always a source of disappointment, students dressing as silly things like princesses and fairies made a mockery of the only day of the year where darkness was to be revered. A shame. The twins had attempted this year to dress as their own beloved pets, though the faces hadn't come out quite how Edmund had wanted them to. It was a solid effort, nonetheless, in Edmund's eyes, and they would have opportunity to improve on these costumes in future, he was sure. For now as they made their way around the party Edmund was once again disappointed by the entirely unscary approach the vast majority of students had taken to their outfits. Making his way around the party with Theodore, Edmund was about to suggest they go check out the maze of mirrors, when he heard a word that made his ear perk up. Looking over, Edmund's mind lit up as he realised they were standing right behind the Potions teacher, who happened to be having a very interesting conversation. Nudging Theodore, Edmund approached the man from behind with his twin, as silently as they could, hoping to get the satisfaction of scaring the man stiff.

 

[Theodore Westwick]

Theodore and Edmund were two of the only students in this school that gave Halloween the proper respect it deserved. He had always treasured the day being their birthday as well, and took pleasure in knowing how much better they were at their costumes than everyone else. Normally, the boy didn't care about stupid contests at school, especially not things like house points. But the fact that they had won for best couple twice in a row was a point of pride to him, even if he would never admit that. Their costumes this year had been hard to put together, but he was pleased with the result. Inspired by their pet spiders, they had dressed up as their pets. Or rather, the other's pet. He missed being able to hold his brother's hand, but he also was starting to feel self conscious about doing so. It was still a source of comfort to the boy, but he knew they were getting older. As much as he didn't care about other students, he didn't want to be mocked either. He noticed Edmund's attention going elsewhere and followed his gaze to the Potions Professor. Catching the tail end of the conversation he was having, he smirked beneath his mask and followed his twin. Just as quietly as Edmund, he stepped behind the man. Thrilled at the idea of scaring him when he was apparently trying to scare a few other students.

 

[Monty Pendleton]

Feeling somebody's presence behind him, and worried he might be blocking the way, Monty turned around - and jumped so hard he spilled some of his juice. "Christ - sorry," he said, apologising to the student whose foot he'd nearly stepped back on. Getting a proper look at the tarantula costumes, Monty started to laugh, the absurdity of the situation settling in. How hadn't he seen them til now? And what were the chances of his making such a comment within their earshot? He switched his goblet to his left hand, so that he could flick the juice from his right. "That is - wow. My goodness. You've been conspiring, haven't you? You and the other tarantula. Hm! You're lucky I don't know who you are; I'd have a good mind to take points from all three of you."

 

[Edmund Westwick]

The Professor's surprise was immensely satisfying, and Edmund was glad his face wasn't visible, so he could grin as widely as he wanted. Usually when the twins managed to scare someone they had to keep perfectly composed, but within the otherwise unpleasantly hot spider mask, he was free to be as gleeful as he pleased. "We are the spirits of all spiders who lost their lives by your hand." He said, lowering his voice to a grim tone and trying to keep his smile out of it. "You will pay for your grave crimes against our kind." They didn't really need to make up a story to scare the Professor further, the satisfaction of startling him had been enough for Edmund, but he didn't see another way out of this conversation now.