Did Melanie have a question for the giant squid? Was she seriously asking herself that question? She pinched her left hand lightly with her right, half expecting to wake up from a feast-fueled dream.

"Actually, sir, I have a question," she said, surprised with the confidence in her voice as she spoke to a giant sea creature. "Do you ever come up and say 'Hi' to the first-years as they cross the lake the first night? Or do you stay hidden so you don't scare them? NOT THAT YOU'RE SCARY," she quickly corrected, not wanted to offend what seemed like a very nice squid, "but...you know, so you don't...startle them...or something." She held her breath, hoping she didn't get a tentacle to the head too.