Ari saw a familiar face and waved back at Reese before being taken aback by the GIANT SQUID MONSTER that just swam ashore. EEEEE!!!! Ari didn't know that they would be joined by this famous creature she had been hearing about everywhere. She cautiously but eagerly approached the squid, eyeing his concerningly long tentacles with slight discretion. "Hello! You must be Bartholomew!" Ari's eyes glistened with interest. "I'm Ari!" Let's be friends!

Ari's heart sank a little when the Professor told her they wouldn't be able to adopt pets today. What a shame, she would've liked to keep some of those colorful fishies in her dorm as company. But going into the water with Bartholomew sounds exciting enough!

Since Ari was already in her swimsuit, she just slipped out of her towel and placed it on a dry patch of ground. She approached the Gillyweed table, pursing her lips at the thought of shoving the slimy green herb into her mouth. How delightful. Although Ari had never tasted Gillyweed, she had hoped she would never have to try. If she was good enough of a swimmer, would she still have to eat it? She would just have to swim really, really, reeaaaaally hard. After a not-so-long thought about the matter, Ari decided she would rather not take the risk. Reluctantly, she picked up a bundle of the nasty-looking plant and quickly shoved it in her mouth.

-______________________-

"Thank you for the invitation, Tristan. It was very kind of you." Old Bartholomew was quite taken at how much the young ones were anxious as well as excited for the lesson. There were so many greetings for him and he could not help but reply to them individually. Some of them personally knew him. Others did not. Bartholomew was friendly to all of them still.

"Thank you. It's a pleasure to be included,'' Bart directed a reply to the student whom had folded up a tracksuit. A wave was directed to the others that came afterwards (Trinetta, Emmalyn, Stasya, Valkyrie). "Yes, you may call me Bart.'' That one was for Daisy. Bartholomew had resigned to everyone wanting to use nicknames on him. "Hello as well, Ari! I can see you are rather excited.''

The Giant Squid lolled there modestly when Tristan called him 'favorite'. He did raise a tentacle at everyone in general. Bartholomew could feel the excitement from everyone. It was contagious.

Bartholomew did not mean to intrude but there were words to comfort the young Hufflepuff (Emmalyn) as well as any others who might be on edge. "Not to worry. You will be with the professor and I so even if there were any creatures that ate students, you would be safe.'' In short, there were no such creatures.

He had basically ignored ALL of what she said!!! Well someone had clearly woken up on the wrong side of the bed this morning. Was she surprised? No, not at all. HMPH.

Instead of lingering near the grumpy, old man any longer, the Gryffindor opted to find some friends. Only shortly after she situated herself near Stasya and some others, they were being given some instructions. Something about an advanced charm? Human transfiguration? Or the easy way. Zoryn would choose the easy way.

Gillyweed, it was!

So that's what they'd be doing. Jessa had been standing just a little way off to the side of the growing crowd waiting to see what the Creature Professor had in store for them. As it turned out, they'd be going into the lake and having some company to do it.

Blue eyes flickered to the giant squid when he made his appearance. A few years ago, she may have jumped at the opportunity to meet him but that had been tempered by the years of diverging interests.

As it stood...he was much too....living.....to be of much use to her but there were a couple things she'd ask while she caught him here. "What allows you to talk? Would you say you're fully sentient? Are you a product of nature of magic? Both?" Yes, she had heard the Professor's instructions to gear up. Yes, she'd heard him say human transfiguration was left for Seventh Year--but she was already done the Seventh Year syllabus and was prepared to add a set of gills once they were ready to get in so really, she had all the time to ask questions and hoped she wouldn't be met with a simple "come see me after and we can discuss".

There was likely nothing she loathed more than having questions and being told she had to wait for the answers.

Professor Wayland’s response to her question was what Stasya had wanted to hear, but then that hadn’t changed her plan of stopping by the nursery after the meeting to visit the babies, and then probably the barns to check on the older creatures too. She figured there was time before her next class, and besides, it wouldn’t have been the first time she’d had to run to a lesson because she’d been at the barns. First, though, was the lake, and she’d waved back at Bartholomew Henry as the squid had responded to her greeting.

Then they’d been instructed to prepare to actually go in the lake, and she’d found herself much less concerned about dangerous creatures than Emmalyn had been. She hadn’t replied to the question though, as she didn’t actually know if there were any creatures that would actually try to eat them down there. Both grindylows and, actually, merpeople could be dangerous if they chose to, but she’d been studying Mermish so as long as she had the ability of communicating she figured she’d be okay. Plus, Bartholomew Henry had said they would be. No reason not to believe him.

She had glanced over as Zoryn had joined her, too. Strength in numbers, really. Either way, she settled down to practice charms, slipping out of her jeans and sweater before casting a bubblehead charm on herself. Plus, she added a heating charm or two just to be safe.

Oh, and the questions Jessa had asked were definitely interesting.

Daisy tapped her outer clothes (jeans and shirt) with her wand to discreetly reveal the modest one-piece swimsuit that she was wearing underneath. She did not want to eat slimy Gillyweed especially when there was a much better alternative. She then waved it in a counter-clockwise motion around her head as she firmly said, "Viseo Ebullio!" She was ready to go.

Derf had been HERE, for the record. If there was one class he was never late for and in attendance of even if he were ill with dragon pox (which he wasn't, for the record) it would be Professor Wayland's. He still needed to make a few follow up appointments with the man now that he was preeeeetty sure he knew where his future lay, but one thing at a time.

And while the presence of Bartholomew Henry was exhilarating and the Hufflepuff wanted to do nothing more than zoom over and give one of the tentacles and affectionate hug, he had already had a private audience with the squid and Derf could be pretty good at sharing...when there was something else to distract him.

And that something else right now was retrieving himself some gillyweed. AHEM.

Donning his own wet suit from surfing back in Australia - much warmer than his swim trunks and there was no way he was risking heating charms on it directly - the fifth year made his way over to the table housing the gillyweed and took some. More than he actually needed right now and gave a quick glance around as the grabbing HAD been accidental...but now his mind was wandering a bit. He and Chloe had been planning on how to get into the lake and explore now for a while. Really, he had been planning since his first year - planning and practicing - and now solutions were being handed to him on a silver platter. And there was a bit of a selfish temptation brewing in his gut that he was too helpless to overcome. Which was why, in the next moment, he was slipping that excess gillyweed into a vial he had on hand (dad always had him keep some in an enchanted pocket on his suit for when they were exploring the Great Barrier Reef) and tucked it back for safe keeping while no one was looking.

Stepping away from the table, eyeing the gillyweed in his hand, Derf wrinkled his nose and let it slide into his mouth and made the mistake of CHEWING first. So he nearly gagged and spit it all out on reflex. He really needed to get a handled on that Bubblehead Charm fast. There was little hope for him to get human transfiguration down pat before seventh year, let's be real. Though, thankfully, he did not spit it all out and managed to swallow it.

Ugh. Gross.

Making all the faces, the Hufflepuff stumbled his way down to the water while he waited for the plant to take its hold - which would mean he was going to have to dive under it REAL fast because he wouldn't be able to breathe once he had gills and stuff.

As a first year, Vivian was actually pretty terrified of the giant squid and the other creatures that used to pass by the window in their common room. Like legitimately, she feared that one of them would break the glass and cause a flood in the Slytherin nest. But that had been years ago, and the Head Girl had grown used to them casually sneaking a peek.

... Maaaybe they'd even see the Slytherin Common Room from outside the window? That would be so cool. Now, the thought of actually exploring the lake was intriguing. Very. And so inviting for someone with such an adventurous soul. "Hey, Sir Henry!" Vivian gave him a finger wiggle as a greeting.

And Vivian opted for the bubble head charm. She had used it two years ago during her Charms OWL practical, and it was quite easy. Plus, gillyweed didn't look enticing enough for her to dare. It only lasted for an hour, right? Not enough time. Viseo Ebullio was her friend. So, instead, she listened to Jessa and then looked expectantly at Bartholomew. Those were interesting questions, indeed.

Rylee's smile and excitement only grew more when her brother arrived as did many others soon after. It was hard to keep her focus on just one thing as quick little 'hi' and 'hellos' were traded around and waves were given between friends. Were really did catch her attention faster than anything else was the arrival on the Giant Squid. Without much thought to anything else she moved closer to greet him with the widest smile on her face.

"Hello, Bartholomew!" She was ready to get into the water and go swimming. Not so much ready to eat the slimy gillyweed stuff but she wasn't as advanced in transfiguration as the older year students. Oh, well. Rylee headed for the changing area along with everyone else coming back out when she was ready.

Now what was she supposed to do?

Patrick looked at Professor Wayland, “I guess that makes sense. Oh of course I’d do my course work first.” he smiled sheepishly, excited for a different opportunity at school. Looking toward the lake he noticed Bartholomew come to the surface. He often didn’t make it down near the lake because it was usually full of all of the other students. It was one thing to study in the library with all the other students, but they were quiet then and here they were not so quiet and it drove him nuts trying to study.

Taking a chance and giving a small wave he decided to speak up, “Hello Bartholomew. How are you doing today?” He was genuinely curious on how a creature lived in the lake and dealt with all of the students that likely pestered him.

Turning back toward his classmates, he glanced down at his pants, they were his swim trunks from over the summer and he had on his Ryle High shirt from the baseball camp he competed in over the summer. He figured it wouldn’t be all bad to swim in since it was likely going to be too small here in another few months. Noticing the Gilly Weed on the counter he did not want to use that to go under the water, he heard stories of Harry Potter using it a long time ago and wondered if it would be long enough. Instead he decided he would use the bubble head charm. Readying his wand he waited a few moments until he got further directions from Professor Wayland.

Dorian changed from his school uniform in to a swim suit while he listened to the Professor and then stopped when he heard what they were going to do.

....they..were...going in to the Lake?

Dorian eyed the Lake and bit his lower lip in fear. He didn't want to go in to the Lake. Why else did he always take one of the boats when he went on it? The arrival of the Giant Squid did not ease his fear at all as the last time he had seen the creature Dorian had been terrified it would drag him down to the bottom of the Lake. Of course that never happened and it had been mostly the Groundskeeper who had said in a jokingly manner. BUT STILL

And now they would be going in to the water. Going UNDER WATER where dangerous creatures lived in such as Mermaids and ...Grindylows. He had read about those and even on picture they looked scary.

"Do we HAVE to get in?" he asked. "I mean, not that i'm scared or anything Pfft who'd be scared of going in to a dark Lake filled with dangerous creatures that could kill us with such swiftness we'd never even know what happened and then Hogwarts has a new set of Ghosts roaming the hallways..." Ok he realised that he was freaking out...

Who's the bravest and most trustworthy person here? cause he was going to stick to them like glue.

Reese saw Beth and Quinnie show up gave them them a little wave and smile respectively.. He still stayed at Ry's side.. And then the giant squid came 'round and he couldn't help the awe that spread across his face.. " Blimey!.. Yur a BIG squid!..", he exclaimed. Surely, Bartholomew was used to the reactions he got from new kids that had NEVER seen a squid let alone one quite so humungous.. " Yur brilliant!.. I'm Reese.. Rylee's brother.. Do ya think maybe we might have a chat sometime?.. I've got loads of questions?.. ", the badger baby asked ever so politely.

Quinn didn't need the use of a changing tent, as she had already put on her swimsuit under her robes. Once, she had stripped off her robes and stuffed them into her small bag, she made her way over to the table.

It was still quite early on in her first year at Hogwarts, so both the bubble head charm, as well as transfiguration, were both out, leaving just the option of gillyweed. She grabbed enough for both her and Beth, passing Beth's portion to her when she returned to the snakelet's side.

And then she smile, wide and friendly, to Bartholomew. Unlike the Professor, or anyone else really, the Giant Squid got a verbal greeting. "Hello, Bartholomew. I hope you're well." And if Bartholomew just happened to eat Jessa for rudely asking about the squid's intelligence and sentience, well, Quinn would testify that Bartholomew had been no where near Jessa at the time of the alleged eating.

Skylar was present and accounted for, even if she WAS skeptical about the announcement of the Creatures Companions meeting today being held at the Great Lake and being requested to wear appropriate swimwear. Which of course had the seventh year spiraling about appropriate, but she eventually settled on a cute green one-piece considering it was the beginning of October. Surely Wayland wouldn't have them swimming if the lake was freezing cold, right? And there was heating charms.

She nodded politely at the Giant Squid, completely familiar with him, being a Slytherin and all as he'd made appearances over the years to their common room window. Gillyweed? Bubble-head? Human Transfiguration? Gillyweed seemed like an easy go-to choice, but honestly, she was a seventh year and felt she should be attempting something more complex ... and given that one of her University study options was Advanced Transfiguration, the Slytherin Captain figured she ought to use that. It would be a warmer option too, but also meant she needed to wait to transfigure herself until they were ready to get into the lake. For now, she just needed to decide which sea mammal she wanted to be. A shark, would probably be best or a dolphin maybe? She tapped her foot impatiently, watching her classmates deciding on which methods they would use to breathe underwater.

Tristan checked his watch one more time before calling out to the group. "Alright everyone! Now is the time to take your Gillyweed if you haven't already, do the Bubblehead charm," which he quickly performed on himself, "Or Transfiguration. Which, by-the-way, you don't necessarily have to do a complete Transfiguration. You could just do Gills and use the flippers provided." He said motioning to the table with all the swimming gear.

"Once you have chosen your breathing option, wade into the lake until you are waist high so you can get used to the temperature of the water. It's not freezing cold, but it may take a minute or two to get used to the temperature." He paused to look around, "Once everyone has done those two steps we will move on to the next set of instructions." He turned with a smile and waded out into the water until he was waist deep and waited for the students to follow suit.



OOC: You all are doing awesome! You have about 24 hours to until we move on to the next set of instructions.

Daehyun was thankful for Ewan's words of encouragement, he truly was, but they didn't help ease his nerves as he watched everyone get ready to get into the lake, some even quite excited at the whole idea. And he wanted it, too. Not for the actual swim - his inner self snorted at the thought of swimming - but for the creatures they'd be encountering. Maybe that mindset would help him get in?

... no, he was still horrified. He would rather face a dementor's kiss.

It was when professor Wayland spotted him frozen on the spot that his heart sunk all the way to the pit of his stomach. Of course he couldn't escape unnoticed. He bit his lower lip as the man assured him he wouldn't put them in any danger, and that wasn't even his concern. "I-I know what gillyweed does," he muttered under his breath, avoiding the professor's gaze. "I just- professor, I'll be the first fish that doesn't know how to swim and drowns." It might sound comical, but he was as serious as a heart attack.

He sighed, visibly deflated. Professor Wayland was evil, luring him to face one of his worst fears at the prospect of encountering creatures he wouldn't find every day. He knew better than most people how far Daehyun would go to find creatures that interested him. Weakness versus weakness - now which one was he going to give in to?

Puffing his cheeks in annoyance at the whole situation, mostly annoyed at himself for being so weak, he scurried inside one of the changing rooms, where he changed into his almost knee-length swimming trunks and left the t-shirt he'd worn underneath his sweater on, before coming back out. Trying not to over think it, he grabbed a handful of gillyweed and stepped into the water, hissing at the low temperature before it even touched his ankles.

For now, he would only slowly advance into the water, no farther than waist-high. He was still debating whether he was going to take the gillyweed and go with it, or back off like the scaredy cat that he was.

Olivia heard Wayland's reassurances to quite a number of students that were skittish about the creatures living underwater. She loved swimming. She was a good swimmer. Olivia decided that if those reassurances were just mere blabbers, she could always swim her way out, and probably save some of her friends. Dressed with spandex shirt and shorts, Olivia tossed the gillyweed into her mouth. She was still quite amazed that gillyweeds do make you breathe underwater. She had a hard time staying underwater during her swims.

Moving forward, she made her way towards the lake. Slowly, she step onto the water to get used to its temperature. She carefully dragged her feet until she reaches the spot Wayland instructed. Waist high.

Olivia crouched slightly and pushed her arm under the water then came right back up. This was going to be fun.

She was patiently waiting on the answers, unable to curb her own curiosity. By now, she'd been down in the lake a hundred times looking for certain....things....but she'd never actually had a close up talk with the squid before. It'd be a down right sin to let the moment pass and spend the rest of her life having these questions gnawing away at her so catching a glimpse of Wayland's grin and realizing he wasn't about to reprimand her from diverting from his instructions was a welcomed sight.

She was curious. The Ravenclaw genuinely couldn't help it and appreciated him not insisting that she somehow tried to.

But they did have to move on.

While she waited, Jessa finally peeled off her outer layer to reveal a proper suit for swimming; long sleeves and long panted material that was typically seen for diving. Might as well be full prepared, yeah? In her mind, the invitation to wear school appropriate swimsuits didn't strike her as the man making them wskulk around in the shallow end, so this was somewhat anticipated and she had no intention of wearing a regular bathing suit. Ahem.

At the edge of the lake, she drew her wand to transfigure her feet, giving them more versatility in the water. The gills she would wait until they were actually diving before they did but her hands too were tinkered with, giving them a more webbed appearance.

Easy as anything. Jessa waded further in, stopping just above her waist with a slight shiver. Didn't matter what Wayland said, it WAS cold for her. Perhaps she should have taken a puff or two from her pump before this activity.

Striding into the water now, Ewan couldn't help but feel relieved that he'd decided to leave his tshirt on. The water was ice cold on his skin despite the sun that shone down on him now. Continuing in until he was knee deep, he pulled the slimy green substance out from his pockets and put it into his mouth.

"Uch.." . It most certainly wasn't pleasant. Chewing slightly now, he couldn't help but notice it tasted rather like... octopus tentacles. Rubbery and unpleasant. Swallowing now, wishing he had a cool milkshake to wash it down, he waited for the effects to take place.

Looking around, he couldn't help but notice the fear on Daniels face. Wading over to him, gave a soft punch on the arm. That's what boys did right? to reassure other boys. Trying one last time to help the boy, he decided to use the distraction tactic. "Hey, do you fancy coming to the barn later? I've never actually been there. I could do with a guide?".

A punch to his arm made his neck snap sideways so fast he thought he would crack it. Who in the world-

Oh, Ewan. Frowning slightly at the odd question, he nodded anyway, because the barn happened to be his favourite place in the castle. "Oh, I'll need to hug the augureys when this day is over, alright," he grumbled, glaring at the offending plant in his hand.

... he was going to go with it and regret it later when he's having a panic attack at the bottom of the lake.

Grunting out a low, "Oh, Merlin," he popped the gillyweed in his mouth and chewed without a second thought. Yep, he'll definitely need to hug the augureys to feel good again.

If only Bel had brought a wetsuit to school. She noted Derf wearing his and looked down at her own mostly bare skin. Well that was reason to pick the gillyweed too, Bel reckoned. Gills would happen but so would other physiological hanges that would help in the water, including it being just a little bit less chilly on her skin. That decided she took some gillyweed and munched it down without any flinching. It wasn't that bad if you didn't overthink it, just sort of slimy salad.

Anyway, she was a strong swimmer so opted not to use any of the equipment. No flippers for her.

Bel stood in the water, letting it lap around her waist, and then just dunked her shoulders below too, crouching rather than going on any deeper, just to get used to the water..... Ooooh.... And...... The gillyweed was starting to work......

The Squid's eyes moved around the gathered students. A tentacle went up in special greeting to Derfael. Bartholomew wagged a tentacle atJessa. "Come now. I cannot divulge all my secrets, can I?'' By no means Bart was saying this unkindly. "You should focus more on Professor Tristan's instructions instead as we don't want you to be left behind.'' Greetings continued to be acknowledged by him including those of Vivian, Rylee, and Skylar.

"Hello hello. I am doing rather well. Are you?'' That one was for Patrick and Quinn. Bartholomew's tentacles splashed the water. "Yes I am and one of the oldest too.'' Reese's astonishment was nothing new not him.

Bartholomew used his tentacles to propel himself backwards in order to create space for the students and Professor. "The water's temperature is just perfect,'' his voice floated out loud enough to reach them all encouragingly.

Nettie nodded at Ewan and was going to return his enthusiasm when he joined her, but then Professor Wayland walked in and the lesson had started. They were going to be using GILLYWEED today?! Nettie's mouth fell open in shock. She had no idea she was going to do something that cool when she woke up this morning!!

When instructed, she ran off to change into her sensible - yet fashionable - one piece and then returned to grab a handful of the gillyweed. EEWWWWW it was so gross in her hands! It felt like worms. Yuck. She tried not to think about the fact that she would be swallowing that in a few minutes...

She cautiously started to walk in to the water - OH EM GEEEEE it was FREEZINGGGGG. She slowlyyyyyy inched her way in to the water, goosebumps jumping up all over her arms and legs as she tried to get used to the cold temperature. She was usually cold, due to being so small, but this was ridiculous.

Slowly, her feet were starting to get used to the cold water, so she figured now was as good a time as any to take her gillyweed. She tossed it in her mouth and swallowed without any chewing - it was the only way she would be able to do it without throwing it all back up.

Juni was pretty curious about this creature companions activity. As soon as she had heard about it she was ready for it. So much so that she had her bathing suit under the clothes that she had worn down to the lake.

She had arrived just in time to see the giant squid and to hear Professor Waylands directions. So they were going to do some exploring of creatures in the lake. Gillyweed was provided but the bubble head charm and human transfiguration were also a option. She was good at transfiguration but not that good. That was some advanced stuff even for her. Bubble head charm it was.

She took off what she had on right here since her bathing suit was on under what she was wearing. Then she casted the bubble head charm on herself. Now she was ready to get in the water. Slowly she made her way into the lake. It was kind of cold at first but she soon got used to it. Should she just go right under and get it over with. That was normally the best way to get used to the water.

Oh look it was Mr. Bartholomew. ”Hello Mr. Bartholomew.” Sure she would always talk to the squid though it had been way back in her second year the last time she had talked to him.

Once the Bubblehead Charm had been successfully cast, Daisy carefully waded into the lake until the water reached her waist. She shivered for a brief second as her body got used to the temperature of the water.