The Lake
 

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Behind the castle lies the Black Lake. Though it may appear vast and lifeless from quick glances out the castle window, if you spend enough time around here, you will discover it to be teeming with life. Perhaps the most notable resident is Bartholomew Henry, the giant squid. Though rarely seen, it is not uncommon to notice him lazily sunbathing in the warmer months. Other denizens of the deep include a colony of Merpeople, grindylows, and, on occasion, Moaning Myrtle—fresh from the castle, flushed into the Lake by an unaware student.

Students are free to pull up a patch of grass to do some homework, take a nap, or just spend time with friends.

Laura decided that she wanted to go down to the lake to clear her hair when suddenly she spotted someone who it seemed like she hadn't seen in years. "PENELOPE!!!!!!!!" Laura smiled running down to her friend. "How have you been lately?" Laura had just been thinking about her friends. "What do you think of this new turnstiles to get into the common room?" Laura continued to ask question. "What you been doing? Laura had loads to ask. "How was your summer? Is there anywhere else you need to pay to get into?" Laura suddenly stopped and giggled. "I'm sorry Penelope I'm just excited, it's been way too long."

Bliss/Natella XD
 

Ronnie walked down to the lake, a frown on her face. So far this year wasn't turning out the way she had expected. She had needed some fresh air from that yucky, moldy, dusty common room. Bleh.

She sat down on a large, smooth rock that sat right in front of the water. She pulled her knees up to her chest and rested her chin upon them and stared at the water. She felt soo...depressed. It wasn't just everything going on at Hogwarts. It was her kitten. Oliver. He was gone. Ever since the feast ended, he had randomly disappeared from his cage. How? She had no idea. She'd searched everywhere for him. She felt a tear run down her cheek and angrily wiped it away. But she couldn't hold it in...soon enough, she had her head in her hands, crying.

Jory was grinning widely as he made his way down to the Lake. "It's so awesome to be back,'' he said to no one in particular. "Hallo, there butterfly!'' A bright yellow butterfly had just fluttered by in front of him and was heading in the direction of some flowers. "Ooooh! Pretty flowers! Just like what mom has at home.'' The over happy boy stopped and plucked out one of them. Wasn't nature the most beautiful thing ever?

Jory happily walked along. Wait. Was that Ronnie over there? It was! "Rooooonnnniiieeee!'' He called out grinning even more, now jogging towards his friend. Why did she have her head in her hands? "Ronnie! Look what I got you!'' He held out the flower.

The Puffer dropped onto the Rock beside her. "Are you crying?'' Why would she be crying? It was such a lovely and awesome day! Why would one be sad on this sunny day? Jory had only the urge to smile!

The Slytherin girl immediately spotted her friend, and momentarily thought of trying to sneak up on him, before deciding that she'd leave that to another time, instead jogging over to him before she plopped herself on the ground next to him, sending him a soft smile.

"It's a bit different from what we've been told it would be isn't it?" she said, nodding towards the castle. She could honestly imagine what it would've been like before this but now... now she wouldn't describe it as the same place with everything that she'd seen so far. In fact, she felt quite worried for the school as a whole.

"I'm guessing you guys also had to pay to get into your common rooms... I myself find it stupid, and the rooms are filthy!" she complained, before blushing and looking down. "But we didn't exactly come to speak about that now did we? So... I brought a few things" the blonde offered, pulling out a few chocolate frogs amongst other stuff that she'd backed into her bag.

READY OR NOT, HERE SHE COMES.

Bliss headed down to the lake, which was Tag and Bliss' designated 'spot', with a definite swing in her step. It was late afternoon and after having spent most of the day with her boyfriend, she FINALLY decided to head down to the lake. She hoped Tag hadn't been waiting for too long. It was about time that she set off, too, as the sun would be going down in a few hours. If Bliss was honest, she would have been content spending her whole birthday with West, but she had an agreement to stick to. Not only that, though, she also did enjoy spending time with Tag, one of her closest and randomest friends.

OH, OH, OH. She could see him now and he looked .. frantic or excited or something like that. He looked like it was HIS birthday, not hers. It wasn't THAT big of a deal. Give her just ONE jelly bean and she'd be content forever. Bliss was just easily pleased like that. Uh-huh. "TAAAG," she called, running the last little bit, reaching his side quickly.

MEGA!BEAM for you, Prince Tag Sir.

0____________________________0

She was there already?! ALREADY? Sure he'd been waiting for a while but she was already there, bounding her way towards him. Before she reached him, he made sure his presents were well concealed. They were good presents, he thought, and he didn't want Bliss getting a sneak peek before he passed them to her. So, he made sure his jacket covered the entire area of where the presents were.

"Ugh, yes, hi, Bliss." He awkwardly said while he scratched his head while she stood beside him. "Sit down, Bliss." Now it just sounded like she was his dog. "YES! Right, HAPPY BIRTHDAY JELLY BEAN!" Then, from all his nerves, Tag leaned forward and gave Bliss the most awkward, stiff hug they've probably ever shared since their first hug.

Your presents are right here. Are you ready for your first present?" He said as he patted the spot beneath his jacket, as he sat down onto the grass.

There were quite a few. But, there was one that took a lot of time to find. An he believed it'd top all the other presents, perhaps even from her *entire* birthday today.

Ronnie slowly looked up as someone called her name. Oh Merlin... she turned and saw Jory running over to her. Great. She turned away and quickly wiped at her tears, hoping he wouldn't notice that she had been crying.

She raised an eyebrow as he held a flower out to her, saying he got it for her. "Oh, thanks Jory." she said with a small smile, taking it and gently setting it next to her.

Theeeen he noticed. Oh great. She nodded, looking down at the water. "Yeah." she muttered. "Oliver is...gone. I can't seem to find him anywhere." she said, sniffling.

Taylor smiled and hugged him back, "Hey, handsome." She kissed his cheek, "I am the only one you know so far." Tay stuck her tongue out at him and giggled. "I am doing good and you?" Taylor started to straighten up his hair, "I got something for you." She wiped off some imaginary dirt off his face.

''You're welcome,'' Jory replied, waving it off. "Isn't it such a great day?'' He thought it was. So sunny! And looky! There were more butterflies over where he had stopped to pick the flower. "I wanna fly like that,'' he thought. Of course, he could always use a broomstick. But wiiiiings! "Yes! I want wings!''

Jory was aghast. Little baby Oliver ran away? "We haaaaave to find him! Or he would come back...'' Where could he be? Jory could feel some of his hyperness ebbing away. But just some. "Don't worry, Ronnie,'' he said consolingly. "Oliver is a cat.'' Well, that was obvious. "I mean,cats always come back, don't they?'' It was not like Ronnie ever mistreated him. "When was the last time you saw him?'' They could still hunt for the missing cat.

She laughed and smiled, "Do ya need a tourguide?" Tay offered and then took out the bag of knuts. "Here... I didnt know you had to pay to get around here... It is new... Take it so I can have a piece of mind that yo ucan sleep in a bed and that you can eat... please." She kissed him lightly and laughed as he swayed and spun her. "I wish you could have been too..." She stroked his cheek, "I love you."

"I would love one, don't suppose you know someone who'd be willing, do you?" Brodie smiled at her, which fell slightly at the money, "Taylor, I'll be fine, really, I have enough money." He gently pushed the bag away from himself, "I love that you offered and want to help, but I promise, I can pay for myself." He gently squeezed her hand and kissed her back, "So, the nickname... Is it a Huffleclaw or a Ravenpuff?" He smiled at her, "I love you too."

Ronnie looked up at the butterfly. NONONONO. Ronnie hated butterflies. They were frightening. She scooched closer to Jory, hoping he didn't mind. Butterflies just...freaked her out. Sure, there little wings were pretty but their faces were freaky.

She frowned. "He should be back by now though, right?" she said, looking at Jory with a worried look. Yeah, it'd only been a day but what if he went outside and got eaten by a monster in the forbidden forest?!?!! She couldn't stand the thought of it.

"I last had him in his cage while I was eating. I think I forgot to lock it." she said, shaking her head. Ugh why did she do that?! She should of been more careful. She suddenly stood up. "Jory, will you come look for him with me?" she asked, looking down at him.

Taylor looked at him, "I know a good ravenclaw who can show you around if you are willing to pay her in kisses." Tay smirked and giggled, playing with his hair. Tay pouted, "Will you pretty please just take it... if not for you then for me? It is the only way that I will have a peace of mind." Taylor looked up at him, pulling the puppydog eyes at him, "Pleeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaseeeeeeeeeeee?" She whined a little. Tay looked at him, confused. "Nickname for what?" Taylor didnt know what he was talking about at all.

Penelope jumped when someone suddenly shouted her name and appeared beside her. Merlin, that was unexpected. She returned the older girl's smile though. "Hey, Laura." It'd been awhile since she'd last talked to her. Couple years at least, now that she thought about it. Weird. "I've been good. You?" As for the turnstiles... "Don't much care for them, of course." She'd been planning on using the money she had saved for other things after all. "And the only other place I've seen them so far is the Great Hall. My summer was really good though. How about yours?" Hopefully Laura's had been good too.

Brodie smiled, "Do you really? You'll have to introduce me." His smirk showed his joking with that, "I'll bet they're beautiful, with golden hair, and the most amazing smile." He looked at the money, "It makes me feel guilty if I take money from you love." He looked at her, "You've never heard of the house matching nicknames? I take my house, and you take yours and we combine them."

Taylor gave him a look then giggled, "Oh yeah, I do..." She winked a little, "Oh I don know about that..." Tay blushed and smiled at him, stroking his cheek. "I love you." Taylor kissed him lightly, "Please... Brodie love, I would worry to death if you dont take it... Just take it in case of an emergency. Even if you use none... please take them." Tay giggled, "Ravenpuff, definitely... since Ravenclaws are better." Taylor winked at him and stroked his cheek.

"Don't you like butterflies, Rooooonieee?'' Jory was puzzled. Who didn't like the tiny creatures? Maybe he could catch one or two and put them in a jar for her. Maybe he would do just that!

Poor Ronnie. She looked so sad! The boy suddenly had the urge to hug her. He placed his arms around her and gave her a squeeze. It would surely help her feel better and she'd smile soon? "Try not to worry too much,'' he said consolingly. But even he was worried.

Hunt for little Oliver? Of course Jory would! He jumped up. "Sure! Maybe we should check the cage first and any other of his usual places?'' He had a feeling Oliver would be safe and sound. He was sure of it, as a matter of fact. "Don't worry, Ronnie. We'll find him.'' And then maybe they could get something to eat? He was hungry.