The Lake
 

http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/e...ps06b0e951.jpg
Credit to Sonea for the idea.

The Black Lake lies behind the castle and though it may seem like the water is calm on the surface, you will learn that that is not the case underwater. Creatures have made it their home from Merpeople to Grindylows. The most notable is Bartholomew Henry, the Giant Squid. The lake is a beautiful place for you to hang out and….take a boat trip? A dock has been made by Mr.Cantwell and tied to it are 15 pedalo boats in the colors of the houses.

The pedalo boat is a pedal-driven paddle boat with a stirring wheel in the middle.The driver rotates a pair of pedals with their feet like bicycle pedals and it glides over the water. You can change course with the use of the wheel. An invisible barrier has been casted somewhere on the Lake, preventing the students from going too far. No worries though, once your boat hits the barrier it will simple turn around slowly.

Lifejackets are a MUST. Anyone getting caught without a lifejacket on, no matter how much of an excellent swimmer you are, WILL get brought back immediately by the Groundskeeper once he sees it. The lifejackets are a magical fit so no complaining that yours is too big or too small.

Be careful of Henry and have fun!

Emjay/Claudette
 

Minerva had made her way to the lake. One of her very favorite spots. At least every term she always knew this place would be here. No one was taking the black lake away. Walking slowly she set down Fluffy and watched the pygmy puff bounce off excitedly in the grass. Making her way to a certain tree Min ran her hand over the carved edges before sitting down and leaning against it.


So term was just beginning and she had already disappointed her head of house, was threatened by the scariest professor on staff, had the Healer be nice to her, and one of her friends not speaking to her. Yep Minerva this was an epic start to a term. She shook her head unbelieving that the term had started this way. How on earth was she suppose to get through the rest of it.


Watching the Pygmy Puff a bit Min took her badge off playing with it in her hands. Maybe she should just go to Hadley and return it. Was she really the best puff for the job. She wanted to be, but she just wasn't sure.

For Tali ^_^
 

Boats!

That was new. Ella stood on the dock and eyed them curiously, eventually kneeling down to get a closer look. This might be something nice to try with Alec, yeah? Plus she was sure that kissing on boats wasn't outlawed like it was up in the Astronomy tower.

The life jackets were a nice touch, too. That meant that the groundskeeper was concerned with their safety, right? ...Unlike some professors If Ella had her way, they'd give swimming lessons at Hogwarts cause you could never be too careful but the jackets worked just as nicely, she supposed.

Picking up a yellow one, she examined it closely, humming to herself all the while.

For Dani/Tay^^
 

Wade usually made his regular visits to the Lake since first arriving here. For Giant Squid hugging reasons, you know, or else for jogging and relaxing. He was surprised by the sight of boats and lifejackets.. Interesting, all that and the many different colors. They were shiny too, so his eye was on them for a while before he glanced around. Hmm.. Picking up one of the lifejackets, he contemplated on riding one, since the thought of it sounded fun.

Taylor always went to the lake sometime during the term and why wouldn't she go? It was a gorgeous day out. Tay wandered down the path and almost ran into someone. She looked up then squealed and beamed at the person. Taylor threw her arms around his neck and gave him a hug then pulled away, twirling in delight. "Wade!" Tay wiggled her bottom, ""Woof!" She giggled and beamed at him. Taylor loved hanging with her friend... and anyways, it would distract her from everything... hopefully...

It felt kinda weird walking out to the lake now that she'd met the Giant Squid and no longer had a set purpose for being out here. This was also the last place she'd spoken to Mr. Firth...

Merlin, from one bad thought to the next??

Alexa shook her head and continued walking. If she ran into anyone outside of certain people she'd be grateful for the company. As it were, the lake didn't look very populated today. Pity. She'd probably end up walking and talking to herself just to keep from going mad...which when you thought about it was kinda counterproductive, wasn't it??

She glanced down at Felix who'd opted to walk for once. That was refreshing. He was keeping a few strides behind her, not seeming to be in any rush at all.

One of her journeys outside in the nice weather brought Penelope to the lake. She'd gotten used to the sight of it over the years, but it was still pretty, especially in weather like this. This was a good day to just sit down and relax by the lake. The fifth year considered doing just that, but then she spotted a familiar face and decided to put that idea off for now.

"Hey Alexa!" she said as she approached the girl, giving her a friendly smile and wave. "And Felix. Hey." She hadn't noticed the cat was tagging along behind his owner until she got closer.

It was a nice day out, the lake was calm as ever, and there was no chills surrounding the area. That was a good thing. Wade's brows furrowed over last term, and wondering if now it was truly safe here. It should be..

He then turned around to put down the lifejacket, expecting to go have a little jog around when he next saw a familar girl fly at him into a hug, "Whoa," He laughed a little, hugging back as he then recognized her voice. Awesome Tay, was awesome. "Hey there, Tay." He beamed before releasing her so she could get her wiggling on. "So how've you been? Glad we got actual good food and dishes now?" It had only been a day since they arrived now, and Wade was loving the welcoming full meals again.

Then remembering what he was about to do here, still holding the lifejacket, he turned to Tay, "We got boats now.." ..Not that he was doubting Tay's eyesight, but yeah, it was a new thing and he felt like pointing it out. "You ever been on one.. well, besides the ones for first years?" Perhaps they could change that, if not.

In the short distance she could see...Penelope? It was her! Lex was about to say hi when the older girl made her way over. That could work too. Mhm. Lex stood staring at Penelope as she smiled, it took her an extra second to realize the waving but she returned. Felix rubbed against her leg briefly before returning to his owners side.

"Hey." She said somewhat distractedly as she began that staring thing again. Lex reached over and touched her hair. Soft. "You have nice hair, you know?" That was probably one of the reasons he liked her, wasn't it? Oh...but that was probably creepy. "Were you out for a walk? We could go together!" And she would try not to be a staring creeper the whole time.

"I can't wait for Quidditch season." Probably another reason why he liked her, she was a fantastic player.

sorry for the shortness...
 

She beamed at him in happiness. "I'm doing good and you?" Tay twirled a few times. Taylor nodded, "Yeah, I am sooooo glad about that! She giggled and smiled, "Oh, is that what they are?" Tay winked, teasing him, "They are nice ones too." Taylor shook her head, "No... I only been on the first years' boats." She glanced at the ones in front of them, biting her lip. Tay debated whether or not to come back and try them out if he wasnt gonna go on them... or at least not with her. Taylor gestured to the life jacket in his hands, "Going boating now or was you just checking them out?" Tay giggled and smiled at him. Taylor looked out at the lake and muttered to herself, "I wonder what the giant squid is like..." She never talked to it or him or her... before... could a squid talk anyways?

Penelope wasn't sure if Alexa was distracted and being weird or if this was normal. A side effect of coming off that ice cream maybe? Did side effects last this long? Or had she not had enough sugar lately? Eh, either way... Felix got a smile when he brushed against her leg - and suddenly her hair was being touched.

Blink blink.

"Er...thanks?" She knew she had nice hair, but it seemed outta place for Alexa to mention it. She never seemed like the type to care about nice hair or anything. But the fifth year managed a little smile anyway when she offered to walk with her. "Yeah, sure." Walking was fine and stuff.

"Me either. I can't wait to get back on a broom." Quidditch was always something she could look forward to during a new term.

Wade was still beaming at Tay after their exchange. It had been a while since the train ride, hours wise and everything. He considered visiting her table during the starting feast, but well, Head Boy duties insisted he greeted all the new little kitties badgers sorted. Oh well, ancient history now.

He was happy to hear Tay doing well, "That's great, I've been alright myself." Watching her twirl a few more times. It was kind of cool knowing he could always expect a show around her. "You're getting even better at that," He nodded as she finished her twirling. Oh, and see, it was amazing that they could eat normally again. Smirking as Tay pretended to not know about the boats he so wisely pointed out. Oh, he knew that she knew. Heh.

Well, now he knew she wasn't the only one who hadn't been on boats much. Shrugging, "I did some kayaking with Indy in the summer.. it's sort of similar." He looked back down at the lifejacket still in his hands, right, still holding them. "Oh.. yeah, I was thinking about it. You want to give it go? It wouldn't be as much fun alone." Wade then saw Tay look back out at the Lake, he thought he heard her say something. Though he couldn't quite catch anything other than 'squid'. Was she worried about the giant squid? He looked too at the Lake trying to see what she was seeing, but there was nothing unusual going on,"Seems nice.. you ever been in the Lake before?" He asked. If not then, maybe they could change that.

Somewhat eager to explore her new school and the grounds, Claudette decided to go for a walk. It was still rather warm out, being mid-September, though she could tell that Autumn was coming soon as noted by the cool breeze rustling through the leaves. Still, she didn't quite need her cloak - or the cute house scarf she had received right at beginning of term.. though the thought of that had her excited for the opportunity to show off her stylish new winter boots once the appropriate time came.

As she slowly walked through the grounds, green eyes took in her surroundings, noting the similarities and differences between the campus of this school and that of Beauxbatons. How much Etienne would like to run and play out here, the 16 year old thought. It was only too bad that the school didn't allow dogs to tag along.. not that her previous school did either though. She looked out towards the lake as she walked along its perimeter, growing lost in her thoughts, before her attention was diverted by a small, furry bundle of energy - a pygmy puff.

"Oh.. hello there," Claudette smiled down on the little creature, wondering for a moment what it was doing out here alone. She looked up, hoping that its owner was nearby and that it wasn't just hopping around lost. Spotting a girl sitting under a tree not too far away, the French girl started in that direction, soon realizing that the other girl was quite familiar. "Minerva.. hello!" she called out with a wave as she kept walking towards her, then sitting down next to her. "What are you up to?"

Minerva was looking out at the lake and had almost forgot about her pygmy puff rolling around in the ground when she heard a voice that brought her out of her thoughts. Looking up she saw a blonde talking to her pygmy puff. Giving a forced smile knowing she was going to have to be nice and speak once the girl realized someone was sitting there.

Pulling at the badge in her hand, Minerva put it on her robes quickly figuring she better be wearing it when she was talking to someone new. I was her job to have it on she figured at least. As the girl got closer her fake forced smile went into a real soft smile. She knew this Ravenclaw girl and she was happy to see her. "Hey Claudette" She moved so that she would be sitting facing her friend. "Oh I was just thinking to be honest. I feel like I'm doing that a lot anymore." Which honestly she wanted to just stop so a friend as company was welcoming.

Looking up as Fluffy bounded over Minerva scooped the puff up onto her lap. "So what brings you out to the lake?" She wondered if the girl was meeting up with some new friends, she was hoping she was adjusting well. "How has it been going so far? Are you enjoying school?"

Theo wasn't the kinda guy that spent a lot of time by the lake. HE would tell you that it was due to it's business, but actually, it was because he couldn't swim. And the thought of someone pushing him into the lake horrified him. BUT there was something new this term. Theo had heard a few kids talking about swimming with life jackets, so he had to come and check it out. After grabbing some swimming trunks, obviously.

And there they were, all brightly coloured for them to wear.

Was he FINALLY going to learn how to swim? He kinda wanted Dora because she said she'd teach him. The Slytherin looked around, edged his way closer to the life jackets, and casually poked one to check it's suitibility. Niiiiiiiiiiiiiice and puffy, which was good. Theo cleared his throat and decided to try one on for size. He managed to get his arms through JUST ABOUT, but now he felt kind of restricted with movement.

How were they supposed to swim with these on?

Theo stood like a starfish and tried to wriggle free. STUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK.

Hijacking your RP.. Sorry,
 

Sarah was eager to try out the new boats, yet was less eager to do it alone. She decided to venture out though to the lake and see if she would pick up a companion or two along the way. Students were milling around in the brisk Autumn air. Although the weather was cooling up, it was not enough to deter Sarah from not going on the boats. It would be so much fun... wait? Who were those stiluettes in the distance. Sarah moved closer until she could make out the shape of "HEY PENELOPE! ALEXA!" ehr Felix "WAIT UP". Sarah bolted forth in excitement, yet lacking the stamina she slowed down when she got nearer. "Wow, I am so unfit!" she said in between heavy panting. Once her breathing had somewhat normalised she turned to her friends, "do you want to go on a pedalo boat with me?" she asked "I will even row if you don't want to." You just might not go very fast, as Sarah was a bit out of shape "We can just chill on a boat and talk and stuff.. soak up some more vitamin D" She said, her eyes shining with excitement. They had to say yes... if they said no -she would have to deal with it. Maybe go alone or something.

Pretty soon, the sun would go BACK to wear it's supposed to belong and the weather would be just manky with a side order of rain. So, best get out and enjoy the mild-heat-that-is-actually-just-the-average-weather-that-is-slightly-warmer-than-usual, right? Right. Of course she was right, she was always right. And so she found herself making her way leisurely down the grounds, HOPING that she looked like she just stepped off the runway from the way the light wind had messed her hair up when in actual fact it seemed more like she just rolled out of bed.

And bored as Merlin would be playing Sudoku, of course.

Which was a pretty regular occurrence for her but whatcha gonna doooo? Find a friend to bother and poke fun at, obviously. It seemed that it was FATE that Theo would be standing a little bit away, looking absolutely ridiculous. Blue grinned wickedly and sauntered over to him, waving cheerily at him. "That's a good look on you." Nawwwt really though. "Totally your colour. You're workin' it." Thumbs up. Ah yes, so unfortunately that you just happened to be trying on a life jacket while she was walking by, Theo, but alas!

<3
 

Exploring! Abbi was all geared for plenty of that. It was part of her life's mission though. She needed to find out what she could. Surely a place like this would have SOMETHING about monsters that could be useful to her when she needed to defeat them. She'd keep her eyes out for any of that. Mhhhhm.

Her first thought of exploring was the lake which was because that's the first thing she saw the night she arrived at the witch castle. So off she went towards the lake, in comfy clothes and invisible wings cause she had to stay undercover.

Whaaat looked monsterish? The strawberry blonde hair flicked from side to side as the eleven year old turned her head. Not much which meant that this was boring. Meeeh face...

Meh face that turned into a BIG BRIGHT BEAM. BOATS! Like at home! She loved those!

With her little feet Abbi raced forward. "WHO WANTS TO PADDLE WITH ME?" She shouted. NOW this! This was gonna be fun, much more fun than looking for monster things that she couldn't find. Yep. Yep.

The look on Penelope's face was enough to tell her that she WAS acting like a creeper. Yeah she'd...just keep her hands to herself now. Moving along, nothing to see here. Except they were both moving along because they were going for a walk. Lex glanced down at Felix to make sure he hadn't slipped off while she was doing the hair test. Still there. Good boy.

Quidditch talk would be safer for this walk.

"I always like the tryouts, seeing everyone come out and stuff." Even people you'd never think had even ONE athletic bone in their entire body! "Haven't been flying since I went to Aidan's." That had been especially fun but would probably never happen again...?

She was about to say something else when she heard a familiar voice calling to them. Sarah? Lex turned and watched her friend run over to them, panting like she'd just run a marathon. "Hey Sarah." ....they were going on a boat ride? On the lake? The Giant Squid was out there!! "Sounds fun, I'm in." She looked to Penelope waiting for her response. Boat rides were epic, yeah?

For Bubbles
 

Hmm, the third year old looked at the lake and frowned. It had changed here! But... that wasn't so strange, the old groundskeeper was death and a new one has taken his place. Sonea shivered when she thought about the death groundskeeper and wondered if it had been painful... But who was the new one? She had seen him from afar but she didn't knew much about him, not that she wanted to know more... he was somebody who was working outside, with dirt and scary things inside the forbidden forest!

But now that she looked at the lake she must say that this change wasn't that bad... it would be fun to sit in one of the boats while it was still summer, but when it would become colder outside she wasn't so sure if she wanted to be here... But, it was a good thing that the new groundskeeper had made this change because she had promised a boy to meet her here, he wanted to see the lake and he was strangely interested in the Giant Squid, but why she didn't knew. The Giant Squid was one of the things she DIDN'T wanted to see, NEVER!

That morning Lucian woke up, stoked that he was still in his new dorm and the previous night had not been a dream. He really was at Hogwarts and it wasn't infested with germs and gunk and stuff. Most of all, the breakfast. The ten pancakes he'd eaten had been delicious. Soon after he was ready to explore the castle, starting with the lake since his new buddy Sonea offered to show him around.

After a few wrong turns the eleven year old bounded down the school grounds, stopping by a tree. Whoa. There was a lot of people here. He searched the place for Sonea until he caught a glimpse of her. He ran right behind her and exclaimed: "HI, SONEA!"

Hopefully he hadn't startled his new buddy too much... He. He.

Quidditch seemed to get rid of the weirdness, which was good. "Same. Especially when new people try out. I like seeing how much talent other people have." And new talent was always good. They could bring something new to the team, and usually new was helpful. Helped keep them from being predictable by having all the exact same people on the team every term.

Penelope might have said more, but Sarah suddenly appeared then, so she turned her attention to her and smiled. "Hey Sarah." And what was she going on about? Boats? Oh, there were boats on the lake now? Somehow she'd missed that. But it sounded fun, so she nodded. "Sure, sounds fun." So where were these boats?

For Olly's better half...or other half...or something.
 

Lots of people complained about yellow but Ella didn't get it. It was sunny and bright and it made her hair look extra shiny. Plus wearing yellow Quidditch robes and having blonde hair could be distracting and there wasn't anything wrong with that. Just saying. The seventeen year old continued to observe the yellow life jacket, mind on flying now.

...Until a small person was shouting very close by. N'aw, an excited small person at that. The blonde looked around and not seeing any takers, decided to volunteer. Why not, right?

"Are you an expert paddler?" She said curiously as she wandered over to the girl, a small smile on her face. "Because I haven't done it before and it'd be good to learn from a master." Yup.

The lake gave her nightmares, but since she was forbidden to go into the Forbidden Forrest, Jezz had to come to the lake to scale near by and more safe like trees. The real positive side of this was in the fall the colors of the leaves were more than magical, the sunsets would leave her breathless, and in the winter everything was calm and serene. The negative side, the lake gave her nightmares. However, nothing made her feel more comfortable than being in a tree.

She circled a cluster of trees and found one with low enough branches. She jumped and hung on a branch for a second before easily pulling herself up. Now all he had to do was go up a foot or two and she would have the best spot in town. Everything and everyone one would be visible.