Charles has always thought of the library as his. After his father died he was the only one who ever really inhabited it. His mother left it well enough alone as long as he didn't make too much of a fuss over it and kept it the same way it had always been. It's unlikely he would want to change it either way. It reminds him of better times, and of the promise of brighter things. The books are an escape.

So he doesn't expect anyone to be in here when he slips inside, quiet as a dormouse because he's at that age where he simply wants to be left alone. Not so much sullen teenager as his sister but a very private one. What he doesn't expect is the girl to be there. He looks to the books and then to her, confusion across his face. He didn't even feel her mind outside the door.

"Hello."