Ok one, this was a great place to read and study if you didn't like studying indoors or liked being in the library past an hour which was understandable since spend enough time in there and you will be a little bit crazy. Anyway, this is like the one time Eloise doesn't have her board with her and actually carrying around a book.

But FIRST before actually sitting down and reading, she was going to look at some butterflies and flowers

They were cute

It had been a few days and Nina Castillo had found herself cooped up in castle corners avoiding a fair amount of people. Between the start of this school year and the end of the previous one, not much had changed. Her complexion, however, had. Staying within the confines of the castle had an etiolating effect on the young Slytherin. And as such, there was only one solution. Sunshine.

And so the fourth year spritzed on some spf, grabbed a towel, and made her way outside. You'd think having had the opportunity to familiarize herself with the castle for a few months last year would have helped her orient herself before today. Unfortunately, however, she still found herself taking wrong turns every now and then. This was one of those times.

Because Nina Castillo would NEVER willingly find herself in a butterfly garden. Not unless it was for a date. If Calloway had asked her here, she would most likely make an exception. But today, there was no date with Calloway. There was just Nina. With insects. (Which, by the way, she HATED).

She hadn't noticed their abundance until she had properly made her way within the garden, at which point a butterfly actually LANDED ON HER NOSE. So of course, she SHRIEKED! Jumping up and down, to get it to fly off. In all the chaos, she hadn't even noticed Eloise sitting on the bench only a meter away.

There was nothing cute about a BUG.

For the record, Eloise was actually reading through some of her Charms textbook. So she was studying or was trying to when she heard a scream that sounded oddly familiar. Oh odd that she had noticed Nina right over there. Maybe she was getting better at ignoring her or Nina was getting better at ignoring her. Maybe both. She took a moment to place her textbook down on the bench and start laughing as she got up and went over to see what she was screaming about.

She was going crazy over a butterfly. It was not even something disgusting like a cockroach or you know disgusting bugs.

Honestly Nina.

"Bahahahaha, Nina, it's just a harmless butterfly. HAHAHAHA...are you alright?"

Her outfit did look good and the thought that she would never expect to see her sailed through her mind and out.

If the butterfly landing on her nose hadn't been enough to put the Slytherin off, the familiar voice that just pipped up definitely did the trick. Nina found herself wearing a deep frown upon seeing Eloise. Brilliant. Honestly, it was like the girl was following her.

"It's not funny!" she crossed her arms, unimpressed. She wore a deep frown, miserably unhappy. For the record, butterflies were only harmless from a distance. But when they were sat on your nose they were a nuisance! And G R O S S! No thank you. Had she mentioned that creatures frightened her? Because they did. All of them.

"I'm fine." Complete with a classic eye-roll because it's not like Eloise genuinely cared. "And what are you doing here with a book? I'd have assumed you would be off causing some chaos now that we're back at school." Wasn't that her full time job? Being a nuisance to humanity?

Honestly only Nina would be so self-absorbed as to think she was following her. Eloise was here first reading and actually learning before Nina decided to become a clown over a butterfly. And while Nina was partially right she did care a little. Just not a whole lot since it was Nina. And come on it was funny and the only reason she was saying it wasn't is that she has yet to buy her sense of humor.

"It was...oh you know actually reading charms to do in the future for fun and what we will be learning in class."

The redhead replied after she stopped laughing. Oh was she actually trying to be funny now? But she needed to work on it.

"Why are you volunteering..probably be the most fun you have all year."

No friends and hiding from a whole dorm will do that to a girl. Also, She has wanted to try and make Nina's bed into a water bed this term since last year was fire. Go out with all four elements before she leaves Hogwarts.

Valencia was wandering the grounds during break one day when she spotted something absolutely wonderful and magical -- BUTTERFLY GARDEN!

She took a few hurried steps before slowing her pace. She looked around with wide eyes. HOW LONG HAD THIS BEEN HERE? WHY HADN'T SHE SEEN IT BEFORE LAST TIME SHE WAS OUTSIDE?!

She grinned as she looked around, completely enchanted.

There was a specific variety of plant that Gunnar wanted to study that was quite prevalent in this garden. And of course they were ones that tended to attract butterflies, considering it was the butterfly garden. Thankfully it was a nice day, and he took his kneazle out with him, allowing Wolfgang to playfully swat at the butterflies while he studied for his early Herbology OWL.

Stretching out on a bench in the garden, the fifteen year old set his advanced textbook in front of him and jotted down some notes in his journal as he observed how the butterflies interacted with the flowers on the closest bush.

Hey!!!! She was nOT self-absorbed!!! She was simply aware of the fact that Eloise Fairfield had it out to get her, that's all. Simply precaution and nothing more. Duh. And she was nOT becoming a clown!!!! Had she known that there were others present, she may have been slightly less dramatic over the whole ordeal. But she didn't like bugs, okay? There was nothing wrong with that. In fact, it was normal to hate bugs. If anyone was the clown, it was obviously Eloise.

"I wasn't aware that you knew how to read," she flashed a menacing sort of grin towards her roommate as she lifted her chin and crossed her arms. Classic Castillo move.

But the next comment warranted a roll of her eyes. "No," having fun with Eloise was just about the last thing that Nina wanted to do. "We have starkly contrasting definitions of fun." For example, Nina enjoyed normal people things and Eloise enjoyed being a right pain in the--. Besides, she would rather not spend any more time with Eloise than already required by their rigorous course schedule and unfortunate living arrangements. There were already enough school sanctions in place to ensure they had to see each other everyday.

It didn’t take long for Anna to find the butterfly garden. Because... well, butterflies.

Also, cousin.

The eleven year old snuck up behind Valencia before standing on her toes to cover the other girl’s eyes. “Hi!” She said, loud enough to be heard but not too loud to startle the insects. She wasn’t mean.

Self-absorbed with a dash of paranoia since Eloise didn't care about her enough to be out to to get her. She just wished Nina wouldn't lie so much and play dumb. That was it really even if it was fun to mess with her and poke fun and her having no sense of humor at all or that all her'friends' where guys. She didn't count Missa since she was friends with basically everyone.

"All that shows is you barely pay attention to anything not boy-related"

Sending the same type of smile right back at her. Honestly, Nina, even your eye rolls are eye roll worthy. Wow, she even got a one-word answer.

"You don't even know the definition of fun since its always wOe Is mE i dONT Have aNy fiRendS. PLEAse fEeL SORry foR me"

Obviously, she was being dramatic but it does get the point across. And she could barely remember the last time the girl was in thee dorm even if she had mostly completely forgotten about her and left her bed alone.

Carrying her Arithmancy textbook and notes, Lenora made her way down to the butterfly garden which had slowly become one of her most favourite places to visit. Her most favourite spot was the lake but this garden came a very close second.

Ah, here she was—-

The expression on her face changed from one of happiness to one of irritation within a second when she noticed a certain Slytherin already there. Ugh. Just her luck. She considered going someplace else but.. why should she? Nope, not happening. Completely ignoring him and whatever he was up to, she sat down, as far as way from him as possible. Opening her textbook, she started to read.

Valencia let out a tiny squeal of surprise. There were sudden hands over her eyes. It didn't take her long to figure out who it was though.

"Hey!" she exclaimed. "How have you been settling in?"

Anna smiled, dropping her hands from Valencia's face. "Good!" A few butterflies took off at her slight outburst, and Anna quietly apologized to the insects. "I'm settling in. Well, I mean. I like it hear."

That was probably an understatement. "I mean, I miss Blake. And mom and dad. But I really like it here. And you and Connor are here, and that's nice." Even though she hadn't spent a lot of time with her older cousin, it was still nice to know that he was around if he needed something.

Nina only lied when it was necessary. And Nina DID have a sense of humor!!!!!!!!!! And furthermore, there was nothing wrong with the fact that all of her friends were boys.

The fourth year's face dropped for a moment in shock and offense. Immediately she tensed up, brought her body inwards, and crossed her arms tightly across her torso. Squinting at the girl before her, she took a moment to collect her thoughts before retorting. "I don't do that. And I don't sound like that either!" Heat rose to her face. She was growing agitated. Because Eloise's words had actually penetrated for once.

"I'm leaving."

Because if she stayed put, the risk of crying in front of the other girl was far too high. Eloise was the last person Nina would EVER want to cry in front of. Not that she ever wanted to cry in front of anyone to begin with. But Eloise would be the very last on the list. And so, the Slytherin turned on her heel and began walking away.

Well, that was quick. Eloise honestly thought she would leave the moment she saw her...or run far away from butterflies. Guess she should start to tell people one Nina Castillo was terrified of butterflies for fun. Celine would enjoy hearing about it at least. She crossed her arms copying Nina and waited for her to turn and walk away.

"Yeah Yeah leave run away, its what you are good at"

Then she could get back to her reading. Even if she will miss Nina's actually being funny for once even if it was unintentional on her part.

Shame

Nina didn't dare turn back around to look at Eloise. Why? Because Tears had already starting forming in her eyes and it was only a matter of time before they ran down her face. More than anything she wanted to find a quiet corner, though the dormitory was obviously off limits. There were only so many places where one could cry.

She quickened her pace, legs moving as fast they could. She was practically flying back to the castle at the rate in which she was walking. Anything more and she would be running. But she wouldn't run. Because then she'd be crying AND sweating.

Valencia grinned excitedly. She wasn't as bothered by the insects being startled. (That was more of a Connor thing.) "It'll be Christmas in no time." she reassured her younger cousin. "I'm sure they're all doing fine. I did fine without Connor."

If anyone was capable of entertaining himself, it was Blake. Plus, he did have other family to hang out with.

Miraloma was impressed by all the beautiful butterflies she saw. They were her favorite creatures by far and she could not recall ever seeing so many in one place before. It was a shame she didn’t have a camera with her now. She focused on them, trying to help ynore the conversations as they had nothing to do with her. Sometimes it was hard to be the new girl, as theee was no one she could really talk with as they seemed to be rather busy with others. And why should they? She was just the new girl, after all.

Gunnar saw Lenora from a short distance as she made her way towards the garden, clearly before she saw him. Not that he cared, to be honest. Sure, he'd prefer if she kept her unwarranted dramatics out of his life, but he couldn't say he cared enough to let her bother him. He was doing his work here and he was going to continue whether annoying little lions were hanging around or not.

But it was clear that she hadn't expected him as he noticed the moment when her expression changed. Did his presence bother her that much? Apparently. And he really wasn't all that surprised, given how dramatic he knew her to be, but he could help the little bit of laughter that escaped his lips at the thought. It was kind of funny.

"Better stay on our guard, Wolfgang," he told his kneazle, giving him a scratch behind the ears while the feline was still very interested in the butterflies. "We don't want to catch any unfriendly spells that might come our way." Just saying.

Lenora didn’t like being around him, okay. He was obnoxious, rude and ridiculously annoying — oh and yes, she had gotten all of that from one interaction. It also bothered her to no end that he got on her nerves.. why did she care? Why let his horrible attitude affect her? She stared at her book, pointedly ignoring him. Ahem.

.. when he made that comment. The temptation to turn around and speak was so strong but she just looked up to admire the pretty butterflies, her face mildly flushed. She definitely was NOT going to get into an argument or a fight with him because 1. It would be pointless and 2. Why give him that importance?

Gunnar did not turn to look at her after he spoke, so he was unaware of her flushed face, but he said nothing else. He had made his point and perhaps she learned her lesson in their DADA seminar. Maybe she finally learned how to be quiet.

He actually wasn't the type to purposely antagonize someone, even if it didn't seem that way to her. And even though his words were meant to antagonize her just a little bit, he felt she deserved that much, but he was done, unless she forced his hand.

Gunnar would much prefer his focus to be on his studies anyway and that's where it was. He continued to jot down notes as he observed the butterflies interact with the plants. But, he kept his wand on his lap and one eye aware of what Lenora was doing because he did not trust her. Not one bit.

Hurry. HURRY.

Diverging into several smaller herds, the acromantulas charged forth from the forest with little regard for anything in their path. Benches were upturned and flowerbeds trampled upon by a sea of strong hairy legs as they moved.

"Keep moving! Quickly!" commands one, his large body turned around to look back with his darker than usual black eyes from whence they came. It had been the right decision. He had to believe that. They would all meet again.

Allowing himself another lingering look, the spider waited for the last of them to move by him before turning his great body around and following, taking up the rear.

Balance of the garden here most certainly disrupted.

While the butterfly garden was one of Rylee's favorite places to frequent during the warmer months, that wasn't normally the case in December. Save for today. Today was one of those days where she just wanted to walk around and be surrounded by gorgeous flowers. To much studying for OWLs was making her head spin and a few relaxing hours was in order.

Rylee smiled brightly the second she entered the garden, her violin case held in her hand with every intent on sitting on one of the benches soon and playing for awhile. Humming softly to herself she walked along the small path, inhaling the wonderful scent of flowers and enjoying the qui-

WHAT IN THE NAME OF MERLIN?!

Ruined. A bench was flipped right over and flowers were crumpled and destroyed! Normally bright blue-gray eyes were instantly filling with tears. Who would do such a thing?! And then she heard it... and saw them! Acromantulas!!! Slowly backing away, her hand moved to her wand resting there just in case. What were they doing out of the forest?! What was going on?!

She needed to find a professor or the headmaster. Someone. Fast!

It was time for her daily walk. The walk Simran Sandhu took to soothe her nerves after marking and before lessons. Teaching a lesson right after marking their papers was a sure way to lose her temper and she'd rather not get fired so early in the term. Misplacing a few homework assignments was a little more forgivable, probably, as long as she had enough still available to give a coursework grade on the OWL.

Simran was so in her own head that she almost didn't notice the chaos. Almost being the operative word, because there's only so much ignoring one can do with a herd of giant spiders trampling everything.

And to make matters worse still, there was a child there. Adrenaline levels now sufficiently heightened by her panic, she had to make a conscious effort not to RUN towards the child and yank her hand away from her wand. Goodness gracious, the one way to make a sentient creature capable of eating you alive angry was to be holding your wand. Had this child no sense of self-preserva--

It was a Gryffindor. That explained things. "My stars," she said, walking over and gently taking the violin case from the girl, using it to discreetly nudge her hand away from the wand. "I didn't know you played, Miss Prichard! Though I don't suppose this is a good time for a performace."

And on that note, returned the case to the girl's hold with an I got this look. "What brings you all out," she said, now louder -- loud enough to catch the attention of the herd. "The weather isn't the best for a family walk."