With a week of the new school year down, Dhruv was taking this early Saturday morning to have some well deserved time to themself. Call it pre self-care because when those DADA essays and homework began turning in, there would not be much time for rest. Then there were exams and all the usual things that came with being a professor.

Who said being an adult mean one was living the dream?

Sometimes, they wished that they could be a teen again, back at Hogwarts as a sixth year with Grayson and the rest of the Slytherin gang. Unfortunately, since that couldn’t happen, they’d just have to settle with the memories. Dhruv’s mind was quite fixed on their sixth year days as they soaked their feet in the waters of the Black Lake.

Such fine days those were.

Perhaps the greatest tragedy of Hogwarts and the beautiful grounds it hosted, was the fact the Great Lake was never really warm enough to take a swim in. The best part of summer was always the ocean or lakes and pools and the ability to wear a swimsuit splash around in the waves and have fun with friends. There were probably potions that existed to be able to do that hear too but... she was lazy and since she didn't know what they were, odds were she wasn't going to also research into them. Maybe if she ever saw someone taking a dip in the water she'd asked, but until that moment, she'd settle for pining.

Of course she could have just swam in the more tepid temperature as well but... she was a wimp. Cold dunks, despite whatever health benefits they seemed to boast, were certainly not her thing. Even if it might have felt good after a run like the one she'd just taken around the grounds.

Actually... maybe she SHOULD try a cold dunk. The Gryffindor was just starting to consider the idea a little more for a cool down as she sloooowly edged closer to the water - peering within.

Rowan was still trying to find her footing at Hogwarts. The first week had been quiet since the sorting ceremony, which suited her well enough for the most part.. and the common room was.. nice. Just.. it was a little repressive. The dim, cold lights, the stone floors and the murky waters of the lake seen from the windows, although enthralling at first, was a bit of a downer to your mood if you spent too long within the common room's confines without any sunlight.

She had ventured out to look at the lake from a different vantage point, and it was truly beautiful from outside in the grounds. She breathed in the fresh air feeling renewed.

But she wasn't alone. Her gaze rested on one of the professors --Defence Against the Dark Arts, if she remembered correctly? (that's what she'd overheard another student saying at the feast)-- who was relaxing, soaking their feet in the lake.

A soft smile. “Hello Professor.” She greeted. “You're braver than I am. That water looks so cold.”

The Great Lake was one of the great areas for a work-out regime at Hogwarts. Kion could be able to jog around the area if he didn't feel up for swimming in the body of water. But today he was swimming underwater to build up his lung capacity. They were supposed to learn the Bubble-head charm sometime this year but for now he was chancing it on his own. He was at least fluent with the Hot Air charm to where he was able to be comfortable in the water until the charm lost its power... which was right about now.

With a splash, Kion swam up in a gasp. Not expecting to see someone in front of him, but who it also happened to be. "Oh, hi Vera.." While he first knew her as his girlfriend's bestie, he considered her his own friend, and now his teammate after spending the summer on the same Junior Gobstones team. "Hope I didn't startle you, I was just doing my diving exercises.. So what are you up to?" Pulling himself out onto the deck with his wand in tow where the cool air was now embracing him.

As she peered into the water, still contemplating jumping in or not, she started to think she was seeing something approaching from under. There was a moment in which she hoped it was going to be another guest appearance from Sir Bartholomew Henry (was that a tentacle maybe?). She was just beginning to wonder if maybe there was something more sinister that would approach the surface, when Kion's head popped up and she took a small jump backwards in surprise. She blinked a bit at him in his greeting, before giving a small laugh and smiling. "Hey, Kion! Aren't you like... freezing in the water?!" She blurted, unable to immediately question what his secret was.

Learning she and Kion would be participating on the same U17 Gobstones team had been some of the greatest things, for a variety of reasons. The biggest was she DID want to know one of her dearest friend's boyfriends better - considering how highly Maria spoke of him and how happy he clearly made her friend. But also he was her house AND year mate and his dad was also big on Gobstones, so she was sure there was a LOT she could learn from Kion. The previous match season had been a lot of fun too, having someone she could relate to on the team with her. "Only a little bit, but it's because I was convincing myself you were probably like... a kelpie or something trying to come and drown me." She grinned at him, trying to show like it was a lot more of a joke than any real fleeting fear. "I'm just cooling down after my morning run. Have to train even during the school year, right?"

SPOILER!!: Rowan! <3

Quote:

Originally Posted by noodles

Rowan was still trying to find her footing at Hogwarts. The first week had been quiet since the sorting ceremony, which suited her well enough for the most part.. and the common room was.. nice. Just.. it was a little repressive. The dim, cold lights, the stone floors and the murky waters of the lake seen from the windows, although enthralling at first, was a bit of a downer to your mood if you spent too long within the common room's confines without any sunlight.

She had ventured out to look at the lake from a different vantage point, and it was truly beautiful from outside in the grounds. She breathed in the fresh air feeling renewed.

But she wasn't alone. Her gaze rested on one of the professors --Defence Against the Dark Arts, if she remembered correctly? (that's what she'd overheard another student saying at the feast)-- who was relaxing, soaking their feet in the lake.

A soft smile. “Hello Professor.” She greeted. “You're braver than I am. That water looks so cold.”

Dhruv became aware that there were more students venturing out to the Lake - after all, the Lake was quite a popular spot - but they did not pay any attention to them. Forgive them, but they did not mean to be rude; sometimes one got caught up in their thoughts. Not to mention the soothingness of the water that made it easier! If you hadn’t tried sitting on the Lake’s bank and dipping your toes in the water, it was something Dhruv would highly recommend!

The fourth year’s voice had them looking around. “Hallo, Ms. Fairfax!’’ Yes, they were quite capable of quickly learning the students’ names. A return smile formed on their face. “It's not that bad. I encourage you to join me while you tell me all about how you’re settling into Hogwarts.” Some students handled this better than others though it was no fault of theirs. Change can be difficult.

And just maybe, Rowan would find some ease in talking about the transition to the School. If she wanted to, that is.

Leo had been quite ill as of late, the change in climate had really affected him. After being in his room for the past couple of days nursing his cold the lion felt well enough for fresh air. Bringing his guitar along Leo located his favorite spot by the lake under the large beech tree.

Singing was not an option at the moment so he simply strummed a few strings creating an enchanting melody. This was by far a very relaxing spot apart his usual go-to’s the library, kitchen or RoR. After a few minutes Leo caught himself sneezing and groaned at his own annoyance. ”Staaaahp it, Leo!” He told himself after 100th sneeze.

Sophia hadn't wanted to run this morning, so instead she took a leisurely stroll around the lake later in the day. It gave her lots of time to think, which was why she usually ran instead of walked: less time alone with her thoughts. She heard some music and wondered if it was that boy she'd met at the music store over the summer, so she went to investigate, following the sounds of...guitar?

When she got close enough to see it was not music store Alexei, she hesitated, but when she saw the kid sneezing, decided she ought to say hello. She withdrew a pastel colored handkerchief from her pocket as she approached. "That sounded really nice," she said brightly. Not the sneezing, the music. Guitar, she could see now.

Rowan hadn't meant to disturb the Professor's peace. She was certain that the last thing any member of staff would want was students bothering them during their time off. ..But it would have been rude not to at least acknowledge their presence and greet them.

She smiled brightly when they called her 'Miss Fairfax.' She wasn't sure if the staff all knew her name yet. But her age and probably helped in that matter. She stood out from all the new first years. This Professor quite clearly knew exactly who she was, and that she was new, which was encouraging.

She joined Professor Dhruv, dipping her hand in the water to test the temperature. “It really isn't that bad.” She agreed with a light laugh, then proceeded to take off her shoes and socks and joined them, dipping her feet in.

“Well..” She started. “I'm loving classes. It's a refreshing change from my muggle school. And the castle is just beautiful to explore.” She glanced back at the large imposing building... “But” They probably knew there was a 'but' coming.. “It's difficult getting to know people my own age when they already have their friendship groups.” An admission she never thought she would make aloud, but talking to an adult was comforting to the young redhead, and the cool water lapping around her ankles was soothing. Rowan's introverted nature was great for observing and taking things in, but actually getting involved was proving to be a tough stepping stone. And a little stressful.. although that side of her would remain hidden.

Hearing footsteps nearby the lion turned his attention to sound. Leo chuckled and accepted the handkerchief, ”The music or the sneezing?” He teased, knowing the young girl meant the music. ”Thank you.”

The sixth year lion really ought to see the nurse, but he didn’t want to make a huge deal out of a cold. Besides, his mum sent him the muggle remedy, Vicks vapor rub to help him recover. It worked every time. ”What brings you to the lake?” Leo smiled at the young girl, making idle conversation.

"Oh, absolutely the sneezing," Sophia quipped. She had siblings. She knew what it was to be teased, and she was prepared with a comeback. When the teasing was simple, at least.

She shrugged, putting her hands in her pockets now that they were empty of handkerchiefs. "I went for a walk," she said. "Why are you playing guitar outside if you are all sneezy?"

With the crisp chill of the morning air, it wouldn't be long until the temperatures really dropped, and the lake would freeze over. So Ezra intended to spend as much time as possible by the lake before winter had a chance to set in.

It was too early and too cool for a comfortable swim, but there was nothing stopping him from kicking off his shoes and sticking his feet in the water. It was cold, but bearable. Kinda calming in a way. The Gryffindor could always add a warming charm to himself if the need arose.

And now, to pull out his History of Magic textbook and the half-finished essay he needed to complete. Not his favorite way to spend his time outside, but also much better than being cooped up in a classroom. Besides, it was nearly due, and he had no intention of failing, no matter how much he liked to complain about homework.

He skimmed over the couple of paragraphs he'd already written then flipped through the book, searching for the right chapter...

Until a sudden strong gust of wind blew, snatching the essay parchment right out of his hand.

There was no real reason for Aurora being down at the Great Lake today other than the fact she had ants-in-her-pants and sitting in the common room and doing her homework sounded like the absolute last thing she wanted to be doing. Besides, the sun was out and the last of the autumn rays were providing somewhat of a warmth that meant she didn’t have to completely wrap up in numerous layers and waddle out like a penguin.

She was just skipping her way down to the waters edge when a big gust of wind almost knocked the petite blonde over. She managed to regain her composure when a parchment of paper suddenly appeared and slapped her right in the face, covering its entirety so she couldn’t see a thing. Her hands scrambled to remove the obstruction from her vision, face a little befuddled from the event, before scanning her eyes over its contents.

“Has anyone lost their homework?” she called out to those in her immediate vicinity.

SPOILER!!: Rowan! <3

Quote:

Originally Posted by noodles

Rowan hadn't meant to disturb the Professor's peace. She was certain that the last thing any member of staff would want was students bothering them during their time off. ..But it would have been rude not to at least acknowledge their presence and greet them.

She smiled brightly when they called her 'Miss Fairfax.' She wasn't sure if the staff all knew her name yet. But her age and probably helped in that matter. She stood out from all the new first years. This Professor quite clearly knew exactly who she was, and that she was new, which was encouraging.

She joined Professor Dhruv, dipping her hand in the water to test the temperature. “It really isn't that bad.” She agreed with a light laugh, then proceeded to take off her shoes and socks and joined them, dipping her feet in.

“Well..” She started. “I'm loving classes. It's a refreshing change from my muggle school. And the castle is just beautiful to explore.” She glanced back at the large imposing building... “But” They probably knew there was a 'but' coming.. “It's difficult getting to know people my own age when they already have their friendship groups.” An admission she never thought she would make aloud, but talking to an adult was comforting to the young redhead, and the cool water lapping around her ankles was soothing. Rowan's introverted nature was great for observing and taking things in, but actually getting involved was proving to be a tough stepping stone. And a little stressful.. although that side of her would remain hidden.

Bother him?

Merlin, no!

On contraire, Dhruv was pleased for the company. They especially enjoyed chatting with students outside of lessons and office times as this meant they got to know their students for the human beings they were and just as humans they taught every day.

“See? No need to worry just yet. When winter begins to settle in, that’s when you’ll need to be very cautious.” Should they warn her about Bartholomew, the Giant Squid. Maybe Rowan didn’t know about him as yet but it could be a wonderful {or disastrous} situation should she come upon the Squid herself.

Oh, Dhruv suspected a ‘but’ was going to be joining those words. Wasn’t there usually one? They were most disappointed it was such a sad ‘but’. “Moving to someplace new is always difficult due to one reason or the other. Wanting to fit in and make friends is only natural. I know that can seem daunting.” Trust them, they would know. “My advice is to not force it. Attend our various club and extra curricular activities. Since they are less formal than classes, they are great places to get to know others. You can start with the Dueling Club, if you like. That’s headed up by myself and I usually pair students for the activities.”

Gah! The wind was a right nuisance sometimes, you know?

He'd tried to snatch it out of the air, but he was impressively unsuccessful and nearly dropped his textbook in the lake, so he had to fumble with that for a few seconds to regain his grip. Once he had it tucked under his arm again, Ezra's brown eyes searched for where the wind had taken his homework when-

Oh thank Merlin! Someone had caught it.

"Hey, yeah, I think that's mine!" He called, waving as he walked over to Aurora. "Thanks for catching it." He grinned.

Oh hi friend!

Aurora would’ve taken credit at having great hand-eye coordination but let’s be honest it was a combination of sheer luck and her face being in the right place at the right time that resulted in her being able to catch the parchment rather than any skill. Still she beamed at Ezra as he claimed the flying homework and bounced over to him with it outstretched in front of her. “Oops! You might want to keep hold of this then” she giggled.

Or maybe not? For all she knew Ezra might’ve lost the homework on purpose so he could have some excuse for not handing it in. “You’re welcome” she grinned, plopping herself down on a rock by the side of the lake. “That’s why I do my homework in the courtyard, the wind isn’t so bad in there.” It probably wasn’t the most ideal place to study but she didn’t like the idea of being cooped up inside. It did mean she got super distracted by every single person walking past.

Ezra accepted the parchment from her. "I'll try. Unless the wind really wants to do my homework for me, then I might let it," he said lightheartedly. If the wind snatched it from him again, he might not try to get it back. He was gonna have to edit those paragraphs anyway, so might as well let the first draft go. Maybe there was a centaur in the Forbidden Forest that really wanted to study a half-written history essay.

"Yeah, that's probably not a bad idea." Working in the courtyard, that is. Somewhat enclosed to keep out some of the wind, but still definitely outside. "No lake in the courtyard though." There was the fountain, but it wasn't exactly the same. "Unless you get creative with some water spells and a large bucket..." Wait...maybe there was an idea.

Rowan sat down on a rock, allowing her legs to plunge deeper into the cool and calming waters. She made little circles with her feet as she listened to the Professor. “I will not be putting my legs in when the water begins to freeze.” She smiled softly.

She did happen to know about the squid, but had yet to see him – even with all the time she spent at the window in the Slytherin common room. She had to admit, that the idea of a giant squid living in the lake filled her with trepidation. Creatures wasn't her strong suit, despite owning a small cat (and her owl), she had a bit of a phobia of coming into contact with larger creatures.

She looked up at Professor Dhruv as they advised her in how to make the most of her time at Hogwarts and attempt to make a friendship circle. She nodded, a tight fleeting smile. It made her feel anxious getting stuck in there and being partnered with someone she didn't know.. But she had faced much bigger fears in her short life thus far, and forcing herself to do these things, and to experience, could only help her grow. “I'll be sure to be there.” She replied. “My father wouldn't be happy if I missed out on the Duelling Club.” She smiled genuinely. “I'm glad it's you at the helm.” She added honestly. Rowan could feel their compassion and felt relaxed around them.

“Did you always want to teach Defence Magic?” She asked with interest.

Losing one’s homework wouldn’t necessarily be the worst thing that could happen. Most of the time Aurora’s was rushed and illegible and not the best anyway. Losing it to a big gust of wind perhaps could be a perfect excuse. “I don’t think the wind can use a quill” she giggled. Or speak for that matter.


A brief look of confusion flashed across the Ravenclaw’s face at the mention of there being no lake in the courtyard. Well of course there wasn’t, if there was then that meant Hogwarts was flooding and that didn’t sound like much fun either. “Do you need the lake to do your homework then?” If so, Aurora had obviously been going about this all wrong. “Do the mermaids give you answers? Or is it Bartholomew? I bet he’s really intelligent. He must’ve seen hundreds of students doing their homework over the years and knows the answers to a lot of things. Maybe we should ask him?” she rambled on, glancing at the gentle ripples hoping to spot a familiar tentacle or two belonging to the Hogwarts legacy.

SPOILER!!: Rowan! <3

Quote:

Originally Posted by noodles

Rowan sat down on a rock, allowing her legs to plunge deeper into the cool and calming waters. She made little circles with her feet as she listened to the Professor. “I will not be putting my legs in when the water begins to freeze.” She smiled softly.

She did happen to know about the squid, but had yet to see him – even with all the time she spent at the window in the Slytherin common room. She had to admit, that the idea of a giant squid living in the lake filled her with trepidation. Creatures wasn't her strong suit, despite owning a small cat (and her owl), she had a bit of a phobia of coming into contact with larger creatures.

She looked up at Professor Dhruv as they advised her in how to make the most of her time at Hogwarts and attempt to make a friendship circle. She nodded, a tight fleeting smile. It made her feel anxious getting stuck in there and being partnered with someone she didn't know.. But she had faced much bigger fears in her short life thus far, and forcing herself to do these things, and to experience, could only help her grow. “I'll be sure to be there.” She replied. “My father wouldn't be happy if I missed out on the Duelling Club.” She smiled genuinely. “I'm glad it's you at the helm.” She added honestly. Rowan could feel their compassion and felt relaxed around them.

“Did you always want to teach Defence Magic?” She asked with interest.

Dhruv rather liked Rowan’s easy going personality. With her came an aura of calm. Truthfully, they were used to dealing with students who were exploding with energy or otherwise students who were panicking about DADA grades. Naturally, Dhruv did not mind either of these at all but Rowan was a breath of fresh air. Oh, and she needn’t worry about Bartholomew, the Giant Squid. She was sure to charm him easily as well. It also helped that the tentacled creature was rather friendly himself.

They knew that words came easier than actually going out there and putting said words into action, which was why Dhruv had more words of encouragement and advice. “Listen, Ms. Fairfax. You have a great, warm energy about you. Others will gravitate towards you as long as you continue being yourself.” Just as she was right now. Their interest perked up with the mention of Rowan’s father when it came to Duelling Club. “Is he a Duelist?’’ Dhruv was always interested in those. They grinned. “Just let me know if you’re ever in the mood to be challenged by a professor and I’ll take you up on a duel.”

They shook their head. “Not at all. I’ve always been interested in staying at the Ministry but one day, an opportunity knocked that saw me heading to my old University to take up a teaching position. I thought that it would be an interesting challenge.” And it had been!

Actually, that was an interesting thought, the idea of the wind being able to use a quill. Or any sort of writing instrument. "Maybe it could if it concentrated really hard in one area. The writing would probably have to be really big though." The wind probably wouldn't be able to write small letters, unless someone actually controlled it.

The lake doing his homework, though, seemed even less likely than the wind. The mermaids or the squid however... Well, maybe not the mermaids since he didn't know Mermish, but Bartholomew Henry? "Hey, that's a great idea! Bet he could do homework for both of us since he's got all those extra limbs." And he was probably smart enough to do multiple assignments at once since he was so old. "I'd say it's worth a shot. Do you know how?" Because he hadn't ever been able to get the giant squid to come talk to him, but maybe Aurora would be able to easily.

The conversation was somewhat silly but that made it enjoyable. The third year laughed musically in response to Ezra’s words. “That depends on the size of the gust. Maybe if it’s just a tiny little blow it could write neatly. But then again I think the wind is probably stubborn and wouldn’t want to do anything it doesn’t have to.” The wind personified felt like a cheeky and independent personality rather than one that would want to aid the student’s endeavours.

Just imagine being able to use your numerous limbs independently from one another. Homework would be an absolute breeze if one arm could be writing a History of Magic assignment whilst the other was finishing up a Transfiguration essay at the same time. There would be so much time for, in her opinion anyway, more enjoyable activities. “He probably knows EVERYTHING anyway, I’m sure he’d love to share his big brains with us all.” SHE would if she was that old and knowledgeable anyway.

Unfortunately Aurora had no idea how to ‘summon’ Barty’s (as she had affectionately nicknamed him) attention. He had always just happened to appear randomly, often sunbathing on the lake’s surface. “Do Giant Squids have ears?” Obviously they could hear somehow but some sea creatures used echo waves or vibrations or something of the sort to communicate. But then again this was Hogwarts and nothing worked the way that it did in the Muggle world, for starters old Bartholomew could speak and understand English. “Maybe we have to speak his name three times?” the Ravenclaw giggled. She was sure she’d seen that referenced in a film or two.