The Second Task: Entries Only - members who DID enter the first task

**Jessica** · #1 February 22nd, 2008, 12:31 am

He had never seen Moaning Myrtle so cheerful, apart from the day when a dose of PolyJuice Potion had given Hermione the hairy face and tail of a cat. Harry stared around the bathroom, thinking ... if the voices could only be heard underwater, then it made sense for them to belong to underwater creatures. He ran this theory past Myrtle, who smirked at him. "Well, thats what Diggory thought," she said. "He lay there talking to himself for ages about it. Ages and ages . . . nearly all the bubbles had gone. ..."

The Second Task is here! But first the results of the first task:

Overall Winners: HarryPotter - Entry and Rell - Entry

Additional Prizes:
griffiegrrl - Entry - Special Award for Decoupage
LoonyMagic - Entry - Special Award for Prettiest Dragon
NadineTink -Entry - Special Award for Most Daring use of Black-and-White
Tenshi - Entry - Special Award for Creativity in Theme
CoeurDeLyon - Entry - Jessica's Choice
Kimagine - Entry - Special Award for Coolest Effects
Voldemorts8thHorcrux - Entry - Morgoth's Choice
USNAGator91 - Entry - Special Award for Humor
zgirnius - Entry - Special Award for Best Use of Color
Raven_Girly - Entry - Special Award for Best Use of Cartoon Style
DeathlyH - Entry Special Award for Bribing Gertie with Chocolate
snapegirl77 - Entry - Special Award for Creativity in Motif
beth83 - Entry - Special Award for Scariest Dragon

Complete List of Standings:

CONGRATULATIONS TO EVERYONE!!! All the entries were amazing! We had a lot of fun judging this task.

And now onto the Second Task. The Lake. This task is a fiction challenge. You must create a short story of 1000 words or less that involves the Lake at Hogwarts in some way. You may choose any characters in the books or invent your own but the lake must play a role in your story. And as always, let's keep this family friendly.

So to recap:

1. Story of under 1000 words to be posted in this thread between March 15 and 22.
2. Any Harry Potter characters or era is acceptable. New characters are also acceptable.
3. The Lake at Hogwarts MUST feature prominently in your story.
4. Non family friendly entries will be disqualified.
5. Entries stolen from other authors will be disqualified. Quotes from the book are okay and are not considered plaigiarism.

Good luck and have fun!

Questions and comments go in this thread: Triwizard Tournament!

*LoonyMagic* · #2 March 14th, 2008, 11:11 pm

Okay so a little bit of explanation with mine before I post it. This is from Lavender's point of view, after the attack we see in Deathly Hallows from Greyback. She's somehow escaped to the lake...and well you'll read the rest

I was only vaguely aware of the wet grass clinging uncomfortably to my cheek as I lay face down. How I ventured here, I did not know. Bright flashes of inquisitive green, blood red and ocean blue burst through my eyelids. The noises of the merciless battle overhead reminded me of where I was, of what I should be doing.

My eyes snapped open, suddenly, surprising myself. The deep, velvet sky blanketed my surroundings. Shining overhead, the moon helped me make out the enormous, bottomless lake that I lay just inches from. Tall trees loomed from all directions, creating imposing shadows over me. Every now and then bright sparks of blinding light could be seen in the distance. A flash of green followed by a long silence was never good.

Struggling, I tried to shuffle forward. Immense pain spread through every inch of my body, consuming every other sense I possessed. I clenched my jaw, willing myself not to scream aloud in pain. My body twisted and convulsed in shock and then fell limp. Sweat trickled from my brow, down the bridge of my nose, but I didn’t care. I had caught a glimpse of my face in the sparkling water of the black lake.

I expected to see the young, mildly pretty face that I had grown so used to, but instead I saw the most repulsive image. A wild mountain of dark, mangled hair, intertwined with various twigs, lay askew on my head. My face was a mass of deep, long gashes and bite marks. Hot blood oozed from each slash, mixing with the quick, vast tears streaming from my eyes. I had been mutilated - gnawed to pieces as though I were an appetizing piece of steak. I felt as though my identity had been ripped from me. I wasn’t Lavender Brown. I was a distorted version of the girl I used to be.

The crunching of twigs directly behind was only just audible, and in any case the warning of a new presence didn’t give me any advance. The light steps turned into heavy stomping as they drew nearer. A rough hand grabbed the scruff of my collar forcefully, flinging me back as if I were a rag doll. I felt numb to the twinge of pain I had expected - emotion must have dulled my senses. I fell backwards, landing on the dewy grass, onto my spine.

A threatening figure stood over me, menacingly. I already knew who it was; I knew that I couldn’t hide forever. All of a sudden his body pinned me down. His stubbly cheek, grating on my already injured face. The stench of metallic blood made me feel queasy, and the reek of BO overwhelmed me as his body clenched mine.

“I do like children the best,” he sneered in my ear, his laughing breath tickling my throat, making me shiver.

I was going to die - it was as simple as that. Pathetically this animal of a person was going to take my life away from me, as I lay and did nothing. No. I couldn’t let that happen. I hadn’t escaped his clutches only to give up a second time. I had to fight for my life.

Lifting my right hand with all my might, I beat the hunter in the back of the head with a dull thump. No impact - only a slight growl of laughter. His hands found my arms and dug in deeply into my delicate skin, red hot blood seeping from his grip. I muffled a scream. I wouldn’t give him the satisfaction as he drew out this process for his own pleasure.

His head moved, directly above mine. The moon made a strip of light illuminate his face. His wicked smile made me shiver - it was time. Mouth open, dripping blood, he began to dip his head to my neck. The anger inside me erupted. Kicking, screaming and struggling with all my force I shoved the repulsing man off me. He groaned, laying on the cold grass.

My pocket! My wand! I clutched my pockets for the familiar wand protruding my robe pockets. No - nothing.

The body on the floor slithered itself into an upright position, growling and snarling like a wolf, ready to pounce on me. I panicked as he darted towards me, focussed on the kill. He neared closer and closer. Instincts taking over, I aimed a quick, hard kick to the groin. Thud.

“Aaaaaaaaah!” The man fell to the ground once more, in pain. Typical.

But that wasn’t enough. This man had ruined my life. The monster within me stamped and lashed out on him - biting, scratching, hitting - my anger releasing itself in streams. As the body beneath me fell limp, so did I.

Tears gushing from my eyes, I turned away from the body, towards the calm lake. I stepped towards the muddy edge. The battle outside seemed to have quietened, but the battle within myself had only just begun. I gazed at my reflection once more. The bitter, hurtful tears subsided. Leaning forward towards the lake, I let myself fall, drowning my sorrows, with the subtle splash of the water as it engulfed me.

*Fawkesfan1* · #3 March 15th, 2008, 12:22 am

Ok, here's my entry

-- It's a story from Harry and Ron's point of view for the most part about a mysterious creature at the bottom of Hogwarts' Lake...

The Mystery at the Bottom of the Lake By: Fawkesfan1

What lies down at the bottom of Hogwarts’ lake? Generations upon generations of students have wondered, guessed and pondered over this very question. But to this day, no one has figured out what lies at its very depths of it. What secrets it may hold – that is until one day, Harry and his friends stumbled upon something that would change Hogwarts History forever…

It all started out on another clear and sunny day on the Hogwarts grounds – Harry and Ron were just skipping stones out into the lake when they noticed a strange rippling issuing from the water itself. They both went out into the water to investigate it, but by the time that they got out to where it came from, the water had suddenly stopped rippling.

“Harry, what just happened there?” asked Ron nervously. “I have no idea honestly, Ron,” said Harry, as they continued their way out of the lake and back onto the shore. They went and sat under the same tree that Harry’s dad and his friends sat under, many years ago and pondered over what had just happened.

“Could it be some mysterious lake monster, Harry?” Ron asked, with a look of uncertainty on his face. “That would be the first thing to come up with, Ron – personally it’s just way too obvious, too simple.” “There has to be more to this, than that.” “Let’s go and tell Hermione about it, so we can get her opinion about it.”

So both Ron and Harry went back into Hogwarts, weary after witnessing the strange lake occurrence. By the time that they got back to the Gryffindor dormitories, it was nearing sunset. They went up to the door and the Fat Lady asked them for the password. “What’s the password, you two?” “Snape’s a git,” said Ron, with a trace of sarcasm in his voice. “That’s not it, young man. True enough in some ways though, but still not the password.” said the Fat Lady, with a smirk on her face. “Harry, it’s your turn now.” “Is it, Lumos Absurdus?” Harry asked. “Yes it is, come in now the both of you, or you’ll catch a death of a cold.” “Ok,” they both said, and they went into the common room in search of Hermione.

“Has anyone seen Hermione?" Ron asked. A first-year student by the name of Hugo Furst said, “She’s over by the girl’s common room.” “Not sure if she wants to talk to anyone though.” “Ok, thanks Hugh,” said Ron, as he started off with Harry across the common room.

The setting sun cast a long shadow off of Hermione’s face as she gazed off towards it. Ron walked up to her pensively, and told her about what had happened. She looked at both him and Harry with a concerned look. “I’ve been having these dreams as of late,” she told the both of them in a serious tone. “That have the same thing occurring in them as well.” “I’m not sure if they’re some sort of omen of any kind, but I’m worried for the both of you.” “I’m not sure if either of you should even bother finding out what this thing is.”

“Come on Hermione, both Harry and I are seventh years, we can take care of ourselves.” Hermione looked at him, her face screwed up in concentration. “I know – but still, the least that you guys can do is to at least try to look up what it could be in the library.” “We were going to do that, Hermione,” Harry implored. “We’ve gone through all of the obvious options and ideas already, so now we’re onto the less obvious ones.”

“Well that will be fun,” said Ron to Harry and Hermione, with a grimace on his face. They went down to the library, determined to find out exactly what it was they saw out in the lake.

*Piles of books later*

“Still nothing, Harry,” said Ron quietly. “We’ve looked through almost every book here, even the ones in the restricted section and came up with nothing…” “This doesn’t look good at all…” “Ok, students – back up to your dormitories… it’s after 11.” said Madam Pince, glaring out at them.

“Oh man, we’re never going to find out now…” sighed Ron heavily.

“How would you know…” said Nearly Headless Nick, as he floated down the stairs, towards Ron and Harry. “I’ve been around Hogwarts long enough to have heard stories about mysteries dealing with the lake…” “Why didn’t either of you ask me about it? I could have helped both of you out.”

“You won’t now?” said Ron, in a quizzical tone. “No,” said Nick in an amicable tone. “I am Griffindor House’s ghost and it is my duty to help students or faculty who are in need.”

Harry and Ron recounted the story to Nick and soon nightfall was upon them. It was past 11 when Nick was done talking to them.

“It seems that you two may have encountered Hogwarts very own Hippocampus,” said Nick. “I’ve only heard about this monster in legend, but by all accounts of what both of you saw… it seems as if that may be what you’ve both saw.”

“What does this monster look like?” Harry asked Nick.

*Nick showed Harry a depiction of what said monster looks like*

“Ahhh – that thing is huge!” Ron said worriedly.

“Does it guard anything?” Harry asked Nick curiously.

“According to legend, it guards a horde of magical chocolate coins… but the only time that you can see the monster or even see the coins is at night…”

So, they went out that very night in search of said monster and treasure.

Down they went – seeing nothing but murkiness ahead of them… then all of a sudden they came across a giant horse like creature.

It roared, and they dodged the creature and grabbed as much of the treasure that they could and lived.

The end.

*USNAGator91* · #4 March 15th, 2008, 2:10 am

***A/N: I often wondered if Ron and Hermione had any idea about their feelings for each other before the "big kiss" moment. So with no further ado, let's find out:

Reflection of the Lady in the Lake

“What’s Hermione’s problem anyway?” Ron Weasley thought as he manhandled one of the boats docked beneath the Entry Hall to Hogwarts. During the school year, any student could make use of the water craft. Ron had listened to Hagrid rave about how calming a boat trip could be, especially on the reflective surface of the Great Lake, and right now, calm and reflective was something he needed. He stepped into one of the boats.

“Forward!” The boat started moving towards the lake and Ron was thrown back slightly as the momentum of the boat carried it towards and through the ivy covering. Unlike his first trip in the boat, spring had taken an early hold of the area and a bright, warm sun cascaded onto the smooth, glass like surface of the lake. There was hardly a ripple and the boat seemed to glide across the surface at a leisurely pace. After a few moments, he brought the boat to a standstill by the Hogwarts shore.

“What’s wrong with Hermione?” Well into their sixth year together, he found that he hadn’t the foggiest idea of what made that woman tick. She was absolutely giving him attitude, especially around his relationship with Lavender Brown. What did she care, anyway? She’d had Viktor, so what business of it was hers to worry about who he snogged? As his mind whirled, his body relaxed, the gentle rocking of the boat combined with the soothing rays of the sun causing him to release the pent up tension in his shoulders. He was just on the edge of falling asleep when he felt a drop of water fall on his eyelid.

His eyes opened and he looked up and didn’t see a cloud in the sky. He sat up and looked towards the shore, but it was empty. He looked around and felt another drop of water hit the back of his head. He spun his head around in time to see a dollop of water fly over the side of the boat and hit him on the cheek. He placed both his hands on the side of the boat, and cautiously, peered over the edge, looking down at the surface of the water.

At first, all he saw was his face, mirrored on the smooth, reflective surface of the water. Slowly, the image in the water coalesced into that of a woman, beautiful, with long blonde hair and pale skin. Beneath the shimmering waters of the lake, the woman’s brilliant blue eyes glistened with humor and her face broke into a smile. Ron drew his head back into the boat in amazement. He peered back over the side of the boat, thinking that he’d been imagining what he’d seen. She was still there, and this time she nodded her head.

“Hello, Ron Weasley.” Her voice echoed in the air, like a song, and Ron started at the sound as it resonated around him. He slowly reached a finger to the lake surface and the water rippled from his touch, distorting the picture of her face.

“Who are you? How do you know my name?” Ron’s voice squeaked out, not quite sure what he was seeing was real.

“This lake and Hogwarts are part of the same whole; we are bound together, so I know all that is happening. I am the guardian of the lake and I know all about you.” Her voice was playful, yet serious.

“You do?” Ron stammered.

“Of course. You are troubled, Ron Weasley, your heart hurts, but not for the reason that you think it does.”

Ron stared at the image, momentarily forgetting that it shouldn’t be there to begin with. “Oh really? So, tell me, what’s bothering me?”

“Do you love Lavender Brown?” The lady’s question was direct, and completely ignored Ron’s question, just like a woman.

“Well, she’s my girlfriend, isn’t she?” Ron’s response was defensive, but the question cut to the core and the woman seemed to know that. She remained silent, waiting for him to answer her question.

Ron thought for a moment. “Well, I wouldn’t call it love. I don’t know, it’s just that everyone seems to have someone, why can’t I?”

The woman smiled for a moment and nodded her head sagely. “Did you ever stop to think that you do have someone your heart was meant for, but neither of you have taken the time to realize it?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Ron’s retort came out automatically, yet he seemed to know, almost instinctively who the woman was talking about.

“Yes, you do and when the time is right, you’ll both find the courage to acknowledge that love. Everything else you do, well, that’s just a distraction.” The woman certainly seemed to know him and she was right.

“I’ve been an idiot.” Ron looked at the woman, who nodded, not disagreeing with his assessment. Ron resolved himself. “I guess I’d better stop acting like a fool with Lavender. I’ll have to think about the other stuff.”

The woman nodded once more and then waved to him. Ron waved back and watched her disappear into the water. Then he turned the boat back for home.

Near an old oak tree, nestled by the lake shore, there was a rustle of movement as Ron’s boat moved away. The figure of a girl suddenly appeared as she shed her borrowed cloak of invisibility. All Hermione wanted to do was make Ron see reason, to see what kind of fool he’d been making of himself. She conjured the image of the lady in the lake, but she had no idea where the rest of the conversation had come from and it troubled her. She watched Ron’s back as the boat made its final turn into the ivy wall. It looked like Ron wasn’t the only one that would have to reevaluate where his heart was. Hermione sighed and turned and walked back towards the school, heart beating fast and confused.

*guinevere_wood* · #5 March 15th, 2008, 3:13 am

Okay, some good ol' times with the Marauders by the Lake...

Major credit goes to HerbProfNeville, who acted as my editor, and tore it apart, letting me create a far better entry than the one I originally had.

James idly toyed with his tie, well on his way to taking it off completely. He watched the water of the Lake stir in the gentle breeze, the sun's rays glinting off the ripples. What a day, what a day, he thought. McGonagall had surprised them all by starting the Animagus spell, a spell he had been personally looking forward to. Ever since their escapade with Remus and his moon issues, they'd learned it themselves, so actually covering it in class gave him another chance to make something difficult look effortless.

"No, Peter. The subject is 'why the Animagus spell is used', not how," the 'moon issues' boy sighed, a hint of exasperation creeping into his voice. "Honestly, you've done this before, how hard can it be?" He rubbed his face, crossed with newly acquired scars from his other run-in with the full moon.

He diverted his attention for but a moment, and looked over by the Lake, and immediately stifled a snort. "Hey Prongs," he said to the Quidditch star sitting with a piece of grass in his mouth, calling him by his nickname. "Think it might be a good idea to get Padfoot to stop stalking that Hufflepuff girl before he falls into the Lake?"

The thought of Sirius sputtering, arm-deep in water in front of the girl he was pursuing was something the world hadn't seen yet, and the cocky Mr. Potter didn't want to deprive them all the chance to witness it. The typically smooth and suave boy, caught in an embarrassing situation? It was hilarious just to contemplate. The easy-going James snickered. "Nah, let him. It'll be good for him, anyway. In this weather, he'll need to cool off. Stalking's hard work, you know."

"Stalking in what sense, Prongs?" the studious werewolf asked with a grin.

"Stalking in every sense, Moony," the other boy chuckled. "Come on, stalking girls isn't much different from what you do."

"Oh, I wouldn't know about that," Moony replied, watching the younger 'Wormtail' cross out a few lines of the essay he was working on. "My kind of stalking is easier. Prey aren't quite as intelligent as girls can be. Like Evans, for example."

That sneaky side comment caused the messy-haired boy to blush slightly and adjust his glasses. Lily Evans had been James's not-so-secret crush for the past year, but for some odd reason, she still continued to give him the cold shoulder. Hey, Sirius could get away with trying to woo his various interests, but whenever he tried to do it, he always ended up getting snubbed or hexed. Talk about unfair. What the heck did Sirius have that he didn't?

It wasn't money. The Potters were wealthy in their own right, so that couldn't be it. It couldn't be looks, either. With some (unasked for) help from the eldest Black brother, he had discovered an underground James Potter fan club. It was rather disturbing, and it had made him wonder if it was another one of Sirius's not-so-funny jokes. Then he'd noticed the same girls were following him (discreetly), and that weirded him out even more. He was also the star Quidditch player of the school, and he was a good student, for all that he made it look so easy. He had everything, so why wouldn't Lily pay attention to him?

"Er, earth to James?" Remus was waving a hand over the contemplative boy's face.

He shook his head to clear the thoughts. "What?" I was thinking about something important, and now he bothers me. He sighed involuntarily. "This had better be good."

"Sorry to disrupt your daydreaming, but I swear it will be worth your while." He waited for James to sit up and look where he was pointing.

Sirius had apparently fallen into the Lake, as expected. It didn't appear to be a graceful landing, seeing the huge ripples in the water. He came up, sputtering and soaking wet, and grinned at the girl he had been chasing. "Pretty cool dive, eh?" the two heard the other Gryffindor call, making the girl giggle.

"Hey, Remus? What does Sirius have that I don't? I mean, he gets all the girls, and I can't even get one!"

"Maybe it's the one you're after, mate. I mean, Evans is no ordinary pre—er, girl. She's the lead female, after all." He paused, looking at the clouds. "Just give it time." When the leader of their group didn't respond, he looked over to see the spot next to the tree empty.

"Oi, Evans!"

The young werewolf grinned, accepted Peter's newly revised Transfiguration essay, and began to look it over. Just give it time, Prongs. Don't charge in like you normally do. And perhaps deflating that ego of yours would be prudent as well.

*8m57w6* · #6 March 15th, 2008, 7:10 am

Erm... Mine doesn't have a title, and like I said, it's a bit odd, but I love it. I'm still nervous, though, what with the insane amount of talented people entering...

I remember very little when I recall that day. I remember the cold, and... I remember the confusion, the hopelessness... but above all, I remember the rain. I do not recall how or why it happened, nor do I think the details are at all important, just the fact that it happened at all, that for some reason or another, I found myself running, running. Where to, or what from, I cannot say, but I have a feeling all that mattered was that I ran. And suddenly, I found myself cold, wet, standing at the edge of the water. The lake was roaring, angry and ferocious in the storm. Massive waves were crashing all around me. Anyone else, I am sure, would have been driven away, but I was not. The white foam seemed to be beckoning me, calling to me, asking me home. I heard shouts in the distance, no doubt the voice of some long forgotten person calling me back to the castle, but the voice of the water, of the waves, was stronger, a voice I could not deny. And it was mixed with something else, something more: the song of the Merpeople. Haunting, enchanting, it was reaching out to me, above all the other sounds of the storm. The wind was shrieking, the thunder roaring, the water, howling, but the Merpeople were singing, singing, singing, and they were singing to me. How I knew their song was mine and mine alone I cannot say, but it was. This was the force calling to me. Not the Merpeople, but their song. The song was a power that was magic at its most ancient and wild roots, searching for me. I had a feeling, standing there on the edge, staring at the anger, that though I was alone, I had finally found where I was supposed to be. The wind, the water, the song, they were all a part of me, and I them. In that raging, tumultuous storm, I had finally found peace. The water was my home, and so I dove.

*beth83* · #7 March 15th, 2008, 11:34 am

Okay here is my first and last attempt at fan fiction! It involves Neville telling a student about the battle to try and get her to show some Gryffindore bravery.

‘Sir do we really have to go in the lake? What about the giant squid?’ Caylyn Silver didn’t want to go under the water. It looked dark and quite frankly disgusting. She had arrived early hoping to persuade her teacher that they didn’t really need to go into the lake. ‘Can’t we just stick to knowing about the theory Sir?’

‘It’s the only way you are ever going to understand the properties and uses of Gillyweed. The giant squid isn’t known for eating students and I doubt he’s going to start now.’ Professor Neville Longbottom told her. ‘Anyway it’s the Grindylows you need to worry about’ he added with a wicked smile. He loved teaching the N.E.W.T students; they studied the subject because they wanted to, not because they had to. ‘The lake is not going to cause you any harm. The area we are using has been checked for anything that may hurt you, and the squid is on the other side near boathouse.’

The rest of the class arrived. Most of them seemed excited to be going into the lake. It was usually disallowed as the professors deemed it to be too dangerous to swim in. The headmaster always allowed Neville this one lesson for N.E.W.T students only as a teaching device. Caylyn was by no means the first student who didn’t want to go in the lake; Neville had usually managed to talk them into it however. Although he thought that Miss Silver may be his first failure.

‘Can anyone tell me the anything about Gillyweed?’ Neville asked knowing that Caylyn would have swallowed the Gillyweed entry of the textbook. ‘Go on then Miss Silver, enlighten us.’

‘Gillyweed allows a person to breath under water Sir. It gives the user gills under the ears. Harry Potter used it successfully in the Triwizard Tournament.’

‘Ten points to Gryffindore. Could I please suggest that, unlike Harry, you get into the water before starting to eat the Gillyweed. It should stop that moment of panic when you think you’re suffocating if you can stick your head straight into water.’ Neville moved through the group handing out the plant. ‘I would remove shoes, loose clothing and any jewelry. You have enough Gillyweed to last the rest of the lesson. I will send a red signal into the lake when you should make your way back.’

As the rest of the class excitedly got ready to enter the lake Caylyn stood apart turning the Gillyweed over in her hands. Neville could see that this was going to take all his powers of persuasion. Once the students were in the water he walked over to her. ‘Is there anyway I can talk you into going in?’ he asked. She shook her head. ‘Well I’m not going to force you.’ Neville sat down on the water’s edge. Caylyn looked around then decided that she had little option but to sit by him.

‘I understand the theory Sir, I really do I just don’t want to go in there’ she told him pointing towards the lake. They sat in silence for awhile. ‘Professor? Can I ask you a question? You don’t have to answer if you don’t want to. What was it really like that night? Looking around here now, the beauty of the lake and the scenery I can’t imagine it.’

‘I’ll answer you on one condition when I’ve finished you get into the water. ’

‘Okay’ Caylyn answered reluctantly, but she wanted to hear the answer.

‘It was both scary and exhilarating in equal parts. Voldemort had gotten away with too much for too long. When Harry arrived I knew the end was near. He took a great risk coming here.’ Neville looked across at Caylyn who was listening intently. ‘After the fighting had started, I don’t how long it was, Voldemort gave us an hour to recover the dead and the injured. He wanted Harry to meet him in the forest. We collected the dead, as I was tending a body Harry came up to me and told me that Voldemort’s snake had to be killed so he could be defeated. Once the hour was up nothing happened at first. It was eerie; we didn’t know what had happened to Harry or what was going to happen next. Eventually Voldemort emerged from the forest with his Death Eaters and Hagrid carrying Harry. Voldemort tried to make us submit but none of his charms who hold. He tried to make an example of me by setting the Sorting Hat on fire on my head. All of a sudden I was free from the curse that was holding me and I had the sword of Gryffindore in my hand. I took the opportunity and beheaded the snake.’ Neville paused for breath.

‘You were so brave Sir.’

‘I did what I had to do. A good friend asked me to do something and I did it. You would do the same.’

‘I’m not sure I would. I’m not even brave enough to say His name.’

‘A wise man once said fear of a name increase the fear of the thing itself’ Neville said as he looked towards the white tomb resting by the lake.

‘Dumbledore?’

‘Yes, Dumbledore. Anyway before anybody knew what was going on the battle had moved to the Great Hall. Harry had reappeared and was confronting Voldemort. A lot happened that most people don’t understand. All that’s important is that, one way or another Harry did it. Voldemort was gone. Now then Miss Silver about that lake. Show me some of that Gryffindore bravery’

Caylyn stood up and removed her shoes. ‘Okay, I’ll go. Are you sure it’s okay Sir?’

‘I’ve never lost a student yet. I love my job and I should think that drowning one may just lose it for me!’ Caylyn laughed as she headed towards the lake. ‘I knew I would get her in there. Success rate intact!’ Neville thought as he awaited the return of his students.

*Kimagine* · #8 March 15th, 2008, 3:33 pm

Two Steps Back

A little closer…just a little closer and I’ll have you. Have your eyes for breakfast and your cries for dessert.

Just a little closer.

It used to be much easier. There were more of us then, more ants to carry the corpses, as they were, more opportunities to tear a fool from his life.

Like this one. A little closer, and I can smell the stench of his mortality, his humanity, like a water lily, waiting for night to fall, for the curtain to close. A little closer, then…

And there is something else. There is the smell of something electric, like the aether. Magic –

And I am caught. My brothers gnash their teeth, scratch and thrash. And they flee. What else could a demon do? His magic burns me, blinds me, and I am bound.

I have known many ages, I have tasted screams and fear and despair. And I have tasted magic. I was borne of such power, of an ancient kind, long before these small things discovered the power of their own mortal magic.

They are all children of a sort. That magic is the rod in the hands of a child. Their last screams in the deep, cold waters of the lake are all the same in the end, magic or not. Disarm the child and he is an easy meal.

And sometimes the child has a rod and a cage and subdues even one such as I.

I am caught.

I gnash my teeth and utter ancient curses in my liquid language. The wizard, who so nearly broke my own long fast, was the hunter. Eater and Eaten, I am beaten.

Indignities abound, at the spear of the Merpeople, the maws of the greater demons, the magic of a mortal man. Death to the uninitiated. My fellows will, perhaps, live to dine or die another day. My fate, it seems, is in the initiation of more children with sticks.

***************

I find my watery home in a pond of glass, a shore of air. I am a pebble in a lake of magic. Insubstantial, yet essential. I can feel the hum of magic through the water in my indecent home. I cannot flee, and I cannot fight. I am the pebble – sharp-toothed and yet ineffectual. I taste fear in the water, drifting through the weeds.

It is mine.

The spirits of the air taunt me, the demons of the aether wail in delight. There is a human – and not quite human – nearby; he does not see them, cannot hear them. His interest in me is philosophical, parenthetical. His magic is palpable… and something else.

He has the look of a demon in his soul, but peripherally so. He has known the thrill of scenting fear, of tasting death. One of us, then?

A mystery. And yet, I have known him. So many children, and so few come to stay in the depths of our lake. I have known him…

A wave crashes through my senses – the spirits of the ether take notice. A boy in this place now, and his soul sings with power.

Has he come to eat my life, then?

“I have just taken delivery,” explains the man, indicating me. “A grindylow.”

Interest. Amusement. Dismissal.

I am impotent in my rage. I am hungry for the death of them both. I am the shard in the shoal, turned to sand, turned to glass.

What can I show you?

*snapegirl* · #9 March 15th, 2008, 3:37 pm

This is untitled.

Slumbering Hogwarts is still and dark. Alone in the moonlight, I can just make out the edge of the Forbidden Forest. Vaguely, I wonder what lurks there in the darkness. I can’t remember how I managed to get outside without being caught. I only remember going through the doors and smelling the early spring air. Walking without really knowing where my feet are carrying me, I find myself at the lake. The calm water looks terrifying in the moonlight. Irrational panic sweeps over me. My body convulses with a shiver. I try to tell myself, it’s just the wind. Slowly, I turn to walk away. There’s nothing I want more then my warm bed. How foolish it was to come out here.

Something catches my attention. It’s just the rippling of the water in the wind, nothing more. Then why do I feel frozen here? I’m caught looking over my shoulder, my eyes unable to stop searching the lake. More movement, definitely not the wind, it’s sort of a dull splash echoing in my overworking ears. I notice the grounds are unnaturally quiet. All I hear is the impossible sounds drifting from the lake. I wonder what in the lake could be making the noise. Softly laughing to myself, I realize how silly this is. Of course there would be noise and some splashing from the lake. I can’t even imagine the number of things that live there. Feeling more like myself, I pry my eyes away and take a step towards the castle.

As soon as my foot touches the ground, I hear a low moan behind me. Surprised, I quickly turn around. I see nothing, just the water ever rippling on the surface of the lake. The groan comes again louder, but somehow muffled, as if it’s closer but hidden. The wind gusts stronger with each passing second. Maybe the moaning is the wind, I think. It sounds human, but not quite. Panic seizes me again. My eyes pierce the lake, looking for anything that might be the source. The moaning is steady now, louder still and garbled.

I realize I’m standing on my toes as the wind pushes me forward. I feel the icy water grabbing at my bare feet. I start to back away, but it’s too late now. There is something in the water and it’s coming for me. I try to scream, but no sound can escapes. With every ripple and wave, the moaning gets louder, until the creature break the surface. Slowly it rises, mindlessly moving towards me with only one purpose.

Wide-eyed and unable to scream, I stare at the Inferi. It stumbles to a crawl, tattered clothing dragging the weight of the water behind it. The white hand grips my ankle. Its flesh is soggy, threatening to rip away from the bone. Still, it pulls me closer, moaning its horrible lullaby. I look around wildly, only to see more shifting out of the water. I don’t have my wand. Even if I did, I couldn’t remember the spell I need. They’re upon me now, cold, wet spongy hands grabbing everywhere, turning my skin to ice. Blank, hallow eyes stare through me. Water logged bodies clumsily pulling me deeper. I struggle to keep my head above the surface. They push me under, forever. Opening my eyes in the water, I see countless more waiting. Their skin glows horribly in the blackness. Deathly cold water invades my lungs, as I try one last time to scream. Losing consciousness, I’m no longer able to resist as I drift away.

I bolt up in bed, shaking and covered in cold sweat. Quickly scanning the room, I realize everyone else is still sleeping. I lay down, hoping my nightmare won’t find me again.

*LoveWeasleys* · #10 March 15th, 2008, 3:54 pm

The Loyalty Dare

James kicked off his shoes and took off his robe as he stood next to the edge of the Black Lake. He glanced behind him at the three smiling faces that were lit by the silver beams from the half moon above. It was a clear and warm night, perfect for swimming. James sighed and looked at the black abyss before him. He kicked off his trousers and teetered on the edge. He could heard laughter behind him and turned to give his friends a sinister glare.

“You look nervous, Prongs,” Sirius jested.

“What is there to be nervous about? I know I am right,” James scoffed back.

“Just like you were right about the centaurs?” Remus laughed. “By the way you still owe me 30 galleons.”

James rubbed the hoof shaped bruise on his chest gingerly. He had been so sure that the centaurs would still consider a seventh year student a foal. How could he have known that he was now considered an adult by the tribe? It was a good thing he had transformed quickly and that a stag ran much faster then the hoard of centaurs. He had lost that bet but he was not going to lose this one.

Lily had not been happy about the centaur bet, especially after she had seen the bruise on his chest. He wondered how upset she would be if the outcome of this night’s bet was similar. Then he smiled to himself as he remembered the “nursing back to health” phase of his consequences. His mind started to get carried away and he quickly snapped back to the present. It was important to stay focused on the task at hand. Who cares if he had to limp around for few days if this turned out bad, he would still win in the end.

James was about to dive in when a voice shouted from behind him, “It’s not too late to change your mind!”

James spun around in surprise, “Wormy, I thought you were on my side!”

“I am. I always am. It’s just…err…um…well…I promised Lily I would bring you back in one piece.”

“What?” James questioned. He ran back to his friends with a worried look on his face. “Peter, you weren’t supposed to tell her.”

Peter took a step back while shaking his head, “I didn’t tell her, I swear. She just assumed that we were up to something. You know how smart she is and, well, she just made me promise that you wouldn’t get hurt. So I did.”

“Well you are right I am not going to get hurt, because there is nothing in the lake to hurt me.”

Sirius and Remus exchanged skeptical glances. “We’ll find out in a few minutes,” Sirius replied as he clapped James on the back. “Go get em, Prongs.”

“Just remember the blind spot if it turns out we are right,” Remus reminded. A touch of worry etched in his face.

“You guys have nothing to worry about. I am confident I am right on this one. Besides it’s time to settle this once and for all. We have been arguing this point since we were first years,” James replied with an arrogant grin.

Before anyone else could say another word James ran to the edge of the lake, tore off his glasses and threw them on the lump of clothes by the shore. He quickly wove his wand around his head creating a bubble that would allow him to breathe underwater and then dove through the sleek black surface. The water, still warm from the day’s sun, enclosed all around him and wrapped him in a blanket of heat. He didn’t have any idea how to find what he was looking for so he just dove deeper, breathing in the air that lingered in his bubble.

The deeper he went the blacker the water seemed to get. When he could no longer see in front of him he lit his wand tip and held it out before him. He recoiled in surprise as he saw the giant pupil glaring back at him. James screamed, but it just bounced off the bubble’s walls and reverberated in his ears. Then he slowly felt the tentacles moving around him, snaking their way though his legs and arms. They felt slimly and gooey as one wrapped itself around his ankle. He tried to fight with his wand, but then he noticed something he hadn’t before.

Was that a smile on the face of the Giant Squid? No it couldn’t be. Squids don’t smile.

But the expression on the beast before him was clear. It was smiling a gentle and friendly smile. James realized that the grip of the tentacle around his leg was not tight in a threatening way, but almost playful. Abruptly, the scene changed. It took James a moment to realize the tentacle was pulling him swiftly to the surface. In a flash, he was dangling upside down in mid-air looking at the three worried faces that were several yards ahead of him.

“Sirius! Remus! You owe me 50 galleons each,” James catcalled.

“It doesn’t really look that way,” Remus replied cocking his head to the side trying to get a better view of James.

“What this? Nah, he is just playing,” James called back.

“Maybe he likes to play with his food before he eats it,” Sirius shouted.

James paused, but remembered the smile on the squid’s face. “No watch, he even has a ticklish spot.”

James tickled the tentacle and the squid let out a few loud bellows that sounded like laughter.

“Come on in guys, this is great!” James shouted back as the squid dipped him in the water again, flung him in the air and caught him with the other tentacle.

“You know he is never going to let us live this one down,” Remus informed Sirius with a forlorn look.

Sirius shrugged and with a mischievous grin he dove into the Black Lake.

Fairygdmther · #11 March 15th, 2008, 5:38 pm

Callie’s Tale - 6th year

Harry, Ron and Hermione were sitting near the far end of the Gryffindor table, finishing lunch, when a tiny first year girl approached them.

“You are Harry Potter, aren’t you? May I speak to you about something?”

Harry nodded, and gestured for her to sit down. “You can say anything to me in front of my best friends, we have no secrets between us. This is Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger.” They both nodded at her.

“My name is Callie… Calliope Cooper, and I’m a Gryffindor as well. My grandfather, who is called Artemus Fletcher, was a Slytherin classmate of Tom Riddle.” All of the trio sat up tall and paid close attention to this freckled faced, pig-tailed, wee lass of eleven.

Callie continued. “He asked me to tell you this, in case you might not already know about it. He has followed your progress for the last few years, and now that He-who-must-not-be-named has come back, Papa felt it was important for you to know this. He came to the conclusion that you must be the one who will have to vanquish Tom Riddle, and that you’ll need all the help you can get.

“Fifty odd years ago, Papa, my grandfather, followed Tom Riddle a few times and discovered that he had found a secret room, beyond the chapel. He said he never trusted Tom; he was too slick and too much of a toady with the teachers to be on the up-and-up.

“One night when Tom left the castle with his friends, Papa went into the room to see what he was up to. There were several books, and many papers on the desk. Three of the books were about… horcruxes. I’m not real sure what those are, but Papa said you would know, if you have been following Riddle. Do you understand about those?”

Harry nodded yes, and said, “Go on…”

“Well, there was this list, actually two of them… One was a list of people, the second was a list of things, odd things, really, like Ravenclaw’s diadem, and Gryffindor’s Sword, and a diary, too. The lists weren’t titled, but Papa thought that you might be able to figure these things out if you saw them. When I came to Hogwart’s, I went down into the room as soon as I could sneak by the Slytherin common room undetected. I didn’t touch anything but looked around. Anyway, the room gave me the creeps, and I couldn’t get out soon enough for my liking. Would you like me to show it to you?”

“Yes, definitely!” exclaimed Harry. “We had better do it either tomorrow during the Halloween feast or late at night this weekend. Thanks, Callie, this could be just what we needed!”

Saturday at nearly midnight, when the Gryffindor common room emptied out, the four of them, armed with the invisibility cloak and the Marauder’s Map left for the dungeons. They showed Callie some of the shortcuts they had learned, and went tiptoeing past the Slytherin common room, down the corridor, and around to the chapel. The chapel opened with an Alohomora, and they went in with their wands lit. In the room behind the altar, which was a changing room of sorts, was a dark red oriental rug. In one corner, near a table with altar cloths, was a spot on the rug which lifted up, revealing a trap door.

Callie said, “It is very dark down here“, and led the way. At the foot of the stairs, a corridor turned to the left and then there was second stairs that led back up to another short corridor with two doors. “That door leads to the outside“, she said, “under the stairs where you get off from the boats, when you arrive here. The other goes to Riddle’s room. There’s a key just inside Riddle’s room, that opens the outside door. Papa felt Riddle would sneak out of the castle, and take a boat to Hogsmeade. The little boats are kept in a shed, beside the landing.”

Riddle’s room was sparse: a desk with a hardback chair, and a small bookcase. On the wall was the key to the outside door, and there were a few candles on the walls. Hermione went first toward the books and found the ones on horcruxes, as well as a couple on dark spells. “Harry, I think these may come in very handy. I’m going to take them with me to check out, okay?”

Ron looked through the desk drawers, finding not much of any interest, but Harry looked at the lists. They were in two different inks, as if added to at a later date. One was a list of items that could be used as horcruxes, and the diary and the Gaunt ring had check marks beside them. The other list seemed to be the names of those he’d killed: the Riddle family and Hepzibah Smith.

The next night, Harry took his Firebolt, invisibility cloak, and the Marauder’s map, and headed back down to the hidden room, but stopped only long enough to get the outside door key and went out to the shed. Taking the first of the small boats, he got in and wondered how to propel it across the lake. He needn’t have worried, it began to move on its own toward Hogsmeade. At the landing he got out, and mounted his Firebolt and flew around.

While he didn’t have any plans at present, Harry knew he had found a breach in the Hogwarts defenses, one that could come in very handy, in the fight against Voldemort, perhaps even an emergency escape plan. Perhaps he had even found an exit that Fred and George hadn’t, and maybe not Filch, either. He was sure that Dumbledore would be pleased, and maybe he could get a memory from Callie’s Papa. The more tools he had against Voldemort, the better off he would be when the inevitable battle came. (997 words)

FGM

*griffiegrrl* · #12 March 15th, 2008, 5:41 pm

Lilies

Lily Evans, a fifth year at Hogwarts, sat by the lake on the school grounds late one Saturday morning. She had dark red hair that cascaded to her shoulders and dazzlingly green almond-shaped eyes. With her arms outstretched behind her, Lily closed her eyes and leaned her face upwards, breathing in the warm summer air.

A slight breeze blew in from the west, taking just the edge off of the early summer’s heat from the sun shining brightly in the sky.

Today was a day when most of her friends were at Hogsmeade. Lily, who didn't feel much like going this time, had told her friends that she wasn’t feeling well and would rather stay behind. Her friends immediately understood this to mean that she needed to be alone; this usually happening whenever Lily was nervous or stressed out.

Their O.W.L. examinations were over, but they had to wait until later that summer to find out their results. That anticipation in and of itself was nerve racking, but starting next year they were going to be preparing for their N.E.W.T.S. which (as their teachers loved to remind them) would play an important role in determining their futures in the wizarding world. The very contemplation of this had sent a goodly number of students into crying fits and eating binges.

But nervousness wasn’t the only thing bothering her, Lily knew, sitting up and gazing at the lake, its smooth surface reflecting the sunlight and glittering like a thousand gems.

On a day like today, when she was feeling out of sorts, she would probably have been spending it with Severus Snape (whom she called Sev). They were best friends, having met each other even before coming to Hogwarts.
But something came up that changed all that used to be between them.

Sev had chosen a path in life Lily just couldn’t condone. She realized that she had run out of excuses to make for him when he finally proved to her that he’d never change by “accidentally” calling her a mudblood.
He had chosen his path and she had chosen hers, and the friendship that had been there for years had to finally come to an end.

Her anger that originally manifested at this realization had now turned into deep regret and remorse.
If only this all hadn’t happened…
Lily got up and walked to the very edge of the lake. She took off her shoes and socks, stuffed them into her bag, and dangled her feet in the cool water.

If only Sev had listened to her, Lily had thought over and over. How many times had she told him that he was hanging around the wrong sort? Mulciber and Avery, for crying out loud! She always knew that they would prove to be a bad influence on Sev.

Everyone in the school had always thought badly of Severus, making fun of him and thinking that he was up to his armpits in the Dark Arts. Lily was the only one to see the real Severus Snape -- the passionate and intellectual person that she knew he was inside. If only that person hadn’t been lost, lost a little bit everyday as Sev really did become submersed in the Dark Arts.

The breeze, which had been blowing so pleasantly, slowly died out and the air was still. Lily used her hand to shield her eyes as she looked up at the yellow sun above her. Without the breeze blowing, it seemed much hotter outside.

As Lily sighed and closed her eyes again, quite suddenly a giant tentacle arched above the sparkling water and fell down again, upsetting the water with a giant wave that soaked Lily from head to toe.

Sputtering and coughing, Lily stood up and tried to regain her composure, something that is very hard to do when you are drenched. Wringing out her robes, Lily looked out at the water and saw the ripples still moving rapidly throughout the lake.

And then she laughed.
And laughed.
Lily couldn’t remember the last time she had laughed so hard.

Still smiling, Lily decided that she should go up to the castle and put on some dry robes, since she had accidentally left her wand (with which she could perform a simple drying spell) lying on her bed. However, just as she was wringing out her hair, she felt something caught in it.

Freeing the unknown object, she saw what it was: a water lily.
Lily cupped the little white flower in her hands, looking out at the other lilies on the edge of the lake. All of them were still open, but the one she held in her hand was half-closed.

It wasn’t quite afternoon yet, which is when water lilies close for the day, but this one had apparently taken an early start. If only it had been open all the way, thought Lily, starting towards the castle. And then she stopped.

If only… How many times over the past week had she said that to herself?
Lily looked down at the flower in her hands. If I keep doing that, one day I might close in on myself, too. Lily blinked her bright green eyes. It was this -- the little, wet, half-closed flower in her hands that made her realize that she needed to look forward in life, not backwards. Many things happen in life, and mere humans, wizards and muggles alike, cannot change them no matter how many “If only”’s there are.

Lily looked out at the lake once more, where the giant squid was still having fun splashing and agitating the water with loud splursh, splat, whoosh! sounds.

Lily, amused by the giant squid’s antics, felt a little bit better than she had earlier that morning. Placing the water lily behind her ear, she started up the castle steps in her bare feet, dripping along the way.

Hopefully Mr. Filch won’t mind the water I will be trailing through the castle, thought Lily, grinning.

*Mad_Druid* · #13 March 16th, 2008, 2:23 am

My story is about my favourite character in the HP universe. Also, Murchadh isn't a name that I made up at random. It's Gaelic and means 'sea warrior' . The plants that I've mentioned can all also be found in the Scottish Highlands. Um, except fot the magical grass of course...

An Unlikely Friendship (word count 948)

The Head of Gryffindor House set off from the most easterly Greenhouse while the sky was still dark. It was a clear, sweet night with a warm breeze; not uncommon for this late in the summer, but pleasant all the same.

He made his way down the rough stone steps that ran alongside the Castle, and then continued south until he was approaching the Great Lake. After a momentary glance at the sky to check that dawn wasn’t yet creeping in he quickened his pace along the dirt path. He’d been this way enough times before to have no need of lighting his wand.
Neville enjoyed these night-time excursions; welcomed moments of tranquillity in an otherwise busy life.

As he continued along the path he identified various plants and made a mental note to collect some on his way back to the castle. Madam Pomfrey was getting on in years now and would appreciate a boost to her healing stores of Golden Moss and Blaeberry. The Woody Nightshade was in season as well, it's poisonous red berries like beacons in the early morning light. It was the twigs that he needed from that plant; once crushed they were used in potions to treat bruises and swelling. Even Muggles knew the benefits of plants such as these.

His destination coming into view, Neville began rummaging in his pocket for something. Something that looked like a tightly wound ball of greyish-green rat tails.
He slipped out of his robe, tied a bag around his waist and, chewing the Gillyweed, waded into the water. The effects were so immediate that he hardly even had the chance to feel cold before the warmth spread through his body and he plunged deeper in.
As he swam down into the depths he lit his wand with a flick of his wrist and glanced around to make sure that the Giant Squid was nowhere near. Having settled this minor concern, Neville began to swim at a steady pace.

Within 20 minutes he saw a figure raising an arm in welcome. Neville grinned and waved back. He hadn’t seen his friend, a Merman only a few years younger than himself, in nearly six months.

They’d met in his tumultuous Seventh Year. While running the D.A, Neville had come across an unknown secret passage near Greenhouse No. 3. It came up under some overhanging rocks a little way back from the lake.
He’d snuck out one night after a particularly harrowing day and come down to the lake. While skimming pebbles across its inky black surface, a head had popped up and studied him curiously. After what seemed like hours of mutual staring Neville had taken the initiative and walked a few steps into the icy water. Once the initial trepidation had passed all that had remained was curiosity from the two boys.

These days Neville and Murchadh met often. Murchadh took Neville to see deep water plants that were rarely found by humans and Neville in return sometimes brought down a Muggle record player and they listened to music. Murchadh was especially fond of The Beatles song Octopus's Garden. The two men had developed a mutual respect for each other, as well as for Muggle music. Murchadh understood English and Neville had taken it upon himself to learn some basic Mermish but mostly they didn’t need to speak at all.
This evening it had been Neville’s turn to venture out of his element but in all truth he enjoyed the experience.

They kept away from the Merpeople settlement as not all of Murchadh’s kinfolk understood his friendship with Neville terribly well.
On this particular night the lake’s visibility was high and Neville benefited all the more from the effects of the Gillyweed. Murchadh led the way towards some rare aquatic grass which was deep red in colour with a bone white tip. Six months earlier Neville had come across the small crop and, recognising them from a book, had indicated to the Merman that he wished to acquire some.

Unfortunately the grass was only viable for harvesting in late summer, and looking at them now Neville could see why. The stalks had grown to twice the size since last he saw them and the white tips were now so bright that they seemed to glow. It was the tips that Neville hankered after. If he managed to collect and grow some of the grass then the slimy mucous-like substance which covered the tips could be used as a balm for the severest dragon burns.

Ever since he had begun collecting a range of plants associated with healing for Madam Pomfrey she had explained to him the wonder of using items from the natural world for healing. As a boy he had merely found exotic plants interesting, and then as his interest grew he began sending away for seeds and trying his hand at growing them back home.
As Herbology Professor he considered it one of his duties to collect any plants which were needed for school potions. What at first had been an obligation was now something he took great pleasure in.

Neville glanced at Murchadh, who nodded, took the bag from around his waist and carefully filled it with three long awaited clumps of the precious grass. Having obtained what he came for Neville offered his hand to Murchadh who shook it and laughed, never failing to be amused by this custom.
Neville smiled and shook his head and then, remembering that his time with the Gillyweed would soon be over, pointed upwards.

Murchadh nodded and they took off from the floor of the lake together; the merman swimming powerfully with his tail, and the human soaring up alongside him.

Potter_fan · #14 March 16th, 2008, 10:36 pm

here's mine. NOT my best work but it's under 100 words (561)
Enjoy

Harry paced up and down the bank of the lake on Hogwarts Grounds. He was nervously fingering the item that was currently sitting in his pocket. As he paced he thought about the girl he was waiting to meet. How much time he has spend with her the last 15 years. The good and the bad. He reminisced about all the times they had come down to this lake for picnics and just to sit in the sun with each other.

Harry heard the sound of someone coming and ducked behind a nearby tree.

“Hello?” He heard the sweet sound of her voice. “I received an owl telling me to be here at 6 'o Clock?”

Harry had of course sent the owl. He wished to surprise her but was surprised she arrived 15 minutes early. He composed himself and stepped out from behind the tree.

“I sent it.” He said tapping her on the shoulder.

“Oh! Harry you scared me.” Her voice made him want to melt.

“I have something important I want to tell you.” Harry started.

Before he was able to say anything more a large tentacle came out of the water, grabbed her and pulled her under the shimmering water. Harry cursed loudly, cast a spell and jumped in after her.

Harry could see nothing but dark, murky water all around him. He started to swim deeper into the water, past a school of rainbow fish as they scattered around him. He saw some mermaids swim by and asked them if they saw anything. They pointed him even deeper into the lake, he thanked them and moved on.

As he swam deeper and deeper the water around him got blacker and blacker till eventually he had to cast lumos to see. As he did he found himself surrounded by Grindilows. Harry slightly panicked, and darted downward just as the grindilows lunged at him. He looked back and saw them all tangled together. He cast “Depulso” and watched them fly away from him.

Deeper he went looking for the Giant Squid and his lost love. He finally found them sitting on the very bottom of the lake. He looked at his watch and had another Panic attack. It had been an hour and a half since they had entered the lake. He saw that the Squid was sleeping so he swam over to the girl he came to rescue, checked her pulse quickly to make sure she was indeed still alive, and gave her some air using mouth to mouth. Her eyes flew open, saw him, and she clung to him tightly as he began the swim upward.

Once on dry land again Harry made sure she was ok and reached into his pocket to find it was empty. She saw the look on his faced and asked what was wrong.

“One second.” He replied. He pointed his wand at the lake muttered something under his breath that she could not hear and a few minutes later a small object came flying out of the lake that Harry caught with his Seeker like reflexes.

Harry turned to the beautiful girl standing next to him, got on one knee and said.

“Ginny Weasley will you marry me?”

Tears came to her eyes and she said the one word that could come to her mind.

“Yes.” and she hugged him.

*MrSleepyHead* · #15 March 17th, 2008, 1:22 am

A lonely day, with nothing but rain,
Yet my eyes are dry,
I reflect with some pride,
Until I see Olive Hornby.

She said I was fat and that I was ugly,
Yet she’d never looked in a mirror.
“Why should I?” she asked, as I told her this,
“Your glasses make me see myself clearer.”

Ooh, I’ll get her one day, yes I certainly will,
“Oh, just go to your stall
Or else I might kill
You.” How I made her rue those words.

My eyes become watery,
Yet it’s only the pain
Of being called fat! Ugly!
And miserable all day!

Yet miserable I am,
Until I am hit
By the idea to go to
The Prefect’s Bathroom and sit.

I flit down the pipe,
Though dangerous, I fear,
For the lake waits impatiently
For me to appear.

I put my eye to a faucet,
Only achieving a glimpse,
Before water from above
Washes me into its midst.

Oh Moaning Myrtle,
See what you have done,
I am now in the lake
Having even less fun.

The grindylows appear,
The nasty old fiends,
Screwing up their faces
Impersonating me!

Tears flow down my cheeks,
Yet I feel them not,
For the entire lake is full of my grief,
Continuing to rot.

I try to gather some grace
As I swim to the top,
But the merfolk would not let me,
Not even with a sop!

They taunt me and tease me,
Causing the water to rise,
And they unleash more grindylows
To spur more of my cries.

I kick to the surface,
Feigning deafness to their jeers,
But I cannot escape them –
Their words always ring in my ears.

“Fat Myrtle! Ugly Myrtle! Miserable, moaning, moping Myrtle!”
“You’ve forgotten pimply,” they hiss in my ear.

297 words

*Rell* · #16 March 17th, 2008, 5:51 am

I didn't have a lot of time, so I just kinda threw this poem together. I relied a lot on the formatting, and I didn't think I wanted to try to copy that into a post, so I saved it as an image. I didn't really get a chance to do a full edit, so if I have time later, I'll come back to it. I just wanted to get it posted in case I forget later in the week.

*DeathlyH* · #17 March 17th, 2008, 9:11 pm

Mine is the weirdest thing you will ever read, but I like it.

It's 999 words long.

Squiddy's Secret Identity

It was a beautiful day. June, the sunlight streaming down…. With their exams finally finished, the students could enjoy a peaceful day out on the grounds. Lying out by the lake were three students who had more important things on their mind than relaxing, however.

“I’m telling you, we’re not going to find it!” James said loudly. “Remember what Ron told us about the Merpeople?”

Albus didn’t bother hiding his disdain. “Ron?” he snorted as if he were trying to yell to someone across the lake. “He exaggerates everything. Remember when he told us that he fought off half of the Death Eaters alone, while a brain was attached to him? The merpeople are probably really nice.”

Quietly looking out at the water next to them was Rose. She seemed to not really care about the argument either way. She had been mildly disappointed when the Cloak had been blown off into the lake and snatched up by a green fin, but she was much more rule-abiding than her cousins and was only worried that Harry would be disappointed with them.

Albus walked around the spot where they all stood. “Okay, James,” he said, pretending not to be nervous, “Let’s say that you are right. Well, how can we get it back? Do you actually think we’ll just swim down there, ask for the Cloak, and come back up no problem?”

“No.” was James’ short answer.

Albus muttered under his breath, “That’s what I thought.”

But James smiled at his younger brother. “We’re not going to ask for it,” he said mischievously. “We’re going to take it.”

Several students ran past them, yelling without a care in the world. Rose had a sudden impulse to go join them but then imagined what the look on Harry’s face would be. They never liked to admit it, but her cousins always needed her help. Especially now.

“Gillyweed!” James shouted this out as if it was the correct answer to a trivia question. “That’s what Dad used in his Tournament!”

Rose thought about that for a moment. Gillyweed worked very well, but it would be nearly impossible to come by. Professor Slughorn usually didn’t like students taking things from his store cupboard, and if they had to explain why to him, the Cloak would come into it. That would lead to all sorts of questions. There had to be an easier way.

Suddenly, a disturbance came in the form of a huge figure on the grounds. Going slowly as usual, Hagrid lumbered up next to them and patted them all on the back.

Once Albus had pulled himself out of the ground, he told Hagrid about their predicament. He knew about the Cloak after all, and he could always be trusted.

Hagrid looked up at the beautiful sky and thought for several minutes. All around them, the rest of the students started to head up to the castle and get ready for dinner. But Albus, James, and Lily had more important things than food to worry about.

Hagrid finally seemed to come to a conclusion. He looked around to see that everyone was inside, and whispered to them, “Now, don’ ever tell anyone ‘bout this. Just a li’l trick I’ve picked up. But it sure can be useful in times like these. Dumbledore taught me this ‘un.”

And Hagrid drew out a long wooden instrument. It looked rather like a flute, but there were holes coming out of every side and every inch of it. They were all different sizes.

“This is a nice li’l thing ‘ere,” he told them. “It gives such a high note tha’ the merpeople can hear it.”

James couldn’t believe it. “They can hear it above water?”

Hagrid smiled at him, and blew into the long instrument.

It sounded like something they had never even heard, worse than the hundred musical saws Harry had described. They all immediately clapped their hands tightly over their ears. Albus felt like he would pass out it was still so loud. When it had gone on for almost a minute, dark ripples came up. Hagrid stopped. James could still hear it ringing in his ears and was surprised all the windows hadn’t broken.

Suddenly, the most terrifying thing they had ever seen came up out of the water. It had a huge, slimy, green body, a giant hooked nose, and terrible greasy hair that hung down unwashed. Severus Snape was an Animagus. But it had gone horribly wrong. He was now the Giant Squid. *pauses for dramatic gasp*

“Ain’ he pretty?” Hagrid asked them. When he noticed the revolted looks on their faces he winked. “Just kiddin.’ Foul li’l beast. What did you do with the Cloak you stole from these kids, eh?” Hagrid asked angrily, looking at the Squid.

The Squid rolled his eyes at Hagrid. “I’ve told you already,” he said in a smooth voice, “I don’t steal things from students. I steal them from the merpeople. They deserve it, always trying to tickle my gorgeous tentacles. You know, sometimes I want to eat them.”

He looked over the three kids on the grass, all looking terrified. Letting out a massive sigh that shook the bright trees surrounding the bank, he threw the Cloak down at them from his mouth. It was covered in slime, but Albus and James didn’t care about that. They were ecstatic. Free to roam about the castle and cause trouble as they wanted, they hugged Hagrid and thanked him, then sprinted off inside. Rose let out a sigh of relief and followed them into the castle.

Hagrid looked at the Squid and grinned. “Nice job, Horace. The costume always gets the kids freaked out.”
Horace Slughorn climbed out of the Giant Squid/Snape suit, wheezing and puffing. “Well, you’re quite lucky that I fit in the suit, aren’t you?” He walked away too, but winking at Hagrid when he did it. Hagrid slowly walked away, then the grounds were silent. It was a beautiful day.

*Lucybird* · #18 March 18th, 2008, 12:57 pm

I just wanted to explain a big before I post. The story is meant to be the begginings of Hogwarts from the Giant Squid's perspective. Please excuse any spelling mistakes the spell check on my word is being stupid and will only correct to American-English so I didn't bother running it.

***

I have lived her for a long time. Once it was just me, life was peaceful. I had days and days to laze around in the cool blue waters. Basking in the sun on sunny days, slipping into the sheltered gentle depths on colder days. My life might not have been much but I liked things the way they were.
Then one day some people came to my lake, two women, two men, and they built a castle. I was a beautiful castle with thick stone walls, with battlements, turrets and towers. A path was dug out which travelled up beside my lake and across sweeping lawns, up to the castle and off in one direction towards greenhouses and the distant forest. Not long after children started arriving, they were noisy, always running everywhere. they threw stones in my lake, they would fight with each other, these were no normal fights mind, they had wands! They disturbed my peace. After a few years I got used to it, I even got to quite look forward to the kids coming back after their holidays, with their excited chatter, one day a kid even came skimming in the lake, his friends shouting out “Come back, the giant squidd’ll get you!”. I just swam around lazily underneath. The next September they put boats out on the lake, it made me feel really part of the place, instead of a thing to be feared, it felt like they even maybe wanted me there.
One hot summer’s day I was lazing in the shallow end of the lake, fanning by tentacles in the cool water when an almost deafening bang came from the castle. A giant hole had been blown in the side of one of the towers and dark, thick smoke was bellowing out from it. Children were running out of the castles, shouting, and crying, some stumbling in their urgency to get away, others looking somewhat excited by the goings on, as one boy ran past he shouted to his friend by the side of the lake “Professors Gryffindor and Slytherin are fighting!” As my eyes drifted back up to the castle I saw that the tower had now completely collapsed, and I could see red and green lights through a couple of the windows. I sank back into the depths of my lake, I didn’t want to see this.
Hours later, when I resurfaced everything was quiet and still. There was nobody around, not children shouting, and running, and splashing, nobody disturbing my peace. I looked up towards the castle, but I could barely see anything, no shadow of the castle against the dark ink blue, just the occasional rugged stone, something you could almost imagine was part of the natural landscape. But it wasn’t, it wasn’t right, there should be a dark building against that sky, maybe lights shining out of the windows, at least out of the stained glass surrounding the main doors. Just a few years ago I would have given anything to have this peace back, but now? No, it wasn’t like it was home anymore, it was too quiet, too dark, too still. I brought up onto of my tentacles and slapped it back down into the water, trying to imagine someone was skipping a stone, or throwing me a sandwich, but it just wasn’t the same, my tentacle made too loud of a noise, there was no sandwich to.
I swam down, deeper and deeper into the darkest depths of the lake, and into my cave. Back to the old monotony I suppose

*Voldemorts8thHorcrux* · #19 March 19th, 2008, 1:24 am

Rebirth of the DA.

“Stop her!” a rough voice screeched from the stairs. Ginny sprinted, urging herself to go faster, bursting through the doors, out of the Great Hall.

Fresh air greeted her tired lungs, refreshing Ginny as she flew past the students casually strolling on the grounds. They quickly got out of the way, afraid of being knocked over by the redhead and the angered professor. Screams of “Get out of my way!” followed Ginny, and screams of a new voice, the female and angry, the voice of Professor Alecto Carrow, attempting to rally up more teachers while her brother began shouting curses.

A jet of blue light shot straight past her ear, missing her by inches. George, Ginny suddenly though, a pang of sadness, fury and panic overwhelming her. She whipped out her wand and shrieked “Stupefy!” A jet of red light shot out of her wand, but she didn’t wait to see if it had hit her attacker and continued running, her energy slowly deserting her.

The lake was coming up, the giant squid’s tentacles basking in the warm glow of the sun, taking in what warmth was left in the autumn air.

No where else to run, she thought, and with a sudden splash, she found herself in the cool water, swimming into the lakes murky depths.

It was a different world underwater. Above was the sparkling sunlight mixed with the blue of the sky and varied colors of falling leaves. Below was murky darkness. She quickly performed a bubble head charm, relieved she had learned how in her fifth year at what was once her home.

She swam down further, not stopping to rest her now aching body, trying to avoid any spells and curses that could reach her from the surface. Tears spilled over, and Ginny suddenly found herself weeping, hot tears flooding the inside of her bubble. She hated having to hide down in the lake and how horrible that this was what Hogwarts was now. It was a prison, an Azkaban with its two personal Dementors. She hated that so many of her friends were gone, persecuted by Death Eaters, either on the run from the law or tucked away in Azkaban.

Above all, she hated that Harry was somewhere out there, on the run from You-Know-Who, trying to bring him down and she wasn’t there with him. He just had to be so noble, to try to protect her from danger; she’d rather die with him out there than trapped at here without. She missed him so much; she missed everyone, Hermione’s helpfulness and even Ron’s cluelessness.

She found herself mindlessly swimming toward the bottom of the lake, her red hair and black robes flowing around her, weighing her down. She suddenly heard the song of the merepeople. The eerie sound was chilling, and she felt goose bumps creep up her arm. It felt horrible, as if it was a prophecy for things to come.

She waited in the water, out of sight from the surface world. A few merepeople passed her, proud and haughty, and glanced at her without comment. Grindylows tried gripping onto her, but she repelled them easily.

Ginny swam around in the slowly darkening water until nighttime. She swam up just enough to see whether there was anyone at the surface. No one was there waiting to ambush her, but she was cautious, afraid to be tortured and killed by the ruthless death eaters. It was only until the early morning hours when she dared to creep out of the cool waters onto the frozen grounds.

She sneaked into Hogwarts, relieved that the doors were unlocked. She supposed it was to be expected, as it would be easier to catch her in the castle than in the lake.

She was about to crawl up the moonlit stairs, unable to trust her shoes to stop squelching and squeaking with every step. There was already mud and water all over the floor; Filch was not going to be happy, she thought with a smile, Fred and George would be so proud of her. She could almost hear Percy’s disapproving voice, 10 points from Gryffindor, she thought with a silent chuckle.

She couldn’t believe her luck when she made it up the second set of stairs, amazed that Filch wasn’t there to catch her yet. But it was not to last. She suddenly heard his shuffling footsteps, a hoarse whisper “She must be hear somewhere,” and a meow.

It was Filch, she thought bitterly. As the light from his lamp crept over the wall, spilling light onto her and lengthening the shadows, without thinking, she bolted, sprinting up the next set of stairs, not bothering to stop making so much noise.

She heard Filch’s voice gleefully shouting, “Professor Carrow and Professor Carrow, I found her!” following her.

Third floor, fourth floor, fifth floor, sixth floor, seventh floor. Her thoughts were racing, I need a place to hide, somewhere Filch and the Carrows and other enemies can’t find me, somewhere safe.

An ornate door appeared suddenly as if it had just grown out of the wall, the Room of Requirement she suddenly thought and turned the doorknob.

And pushed.

Neville was there, bloody and purple-faced, Luna standing near him, nursing his wounds. Their eyes met Ginny’s and they understood one another perfectly.

The DA was reborn

member_of_SPEW · #20 March 19th, 2008, 2:25 am

Albus Severus settled into his seat across from Rose. The train was already in motion, jerking past the sooty houses and foggy streets of London. “Rose?”

Rose studied a textbook, fingering nervously at her lip. “Hm?”

“You hear what your dad said on the platform?”

“Which part? You know, he did Confound-”

“No, not that part. The part about-” Al glanced out the window “-being famous.”

“What about it?”

“Well – is he?”

Rose sighed and looked up. “Don’t be stupid, Al. He was joking. It’s your dad who’s famous.” Seeing Al’s confusion, she set her book aside. “Look, I’ll show you.” She rummaged in her trunk, then pulled out a well-worn book. “He’s in here – The Rise and Fall of the Dark Arts. It was on Mum’s bookshelf; I borrowed it for a bit of light reading.” Al raised his eyebrows, but Rose ignored him. They each knew better than to define ‘light reading’.

“Here he is,” said Rose, marking the spot with her finger. “Harry Potter (July 31, 1980) is the only known survivor of the Killing Curse. His parents fell victim to He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named on October 31, 1981, but the infant mysteriously survived; the curse rebounded on the Dark Lord, leaving him possibly dead and the boy merely scarred. However, the long-term effect of this untried magic is uncertain.” She shut the book.

“The Killing Curse? But that means – he should be dead, right? The effect is uncertain…” Al gazed out the window without noticing the view. As students raced through the corridor, Rose shut the door. “So immature,” she muttered, then returned to her textbook.

Al thought as he and Rose pulled on their robes, disembarked the train, and waved to Hagrid before mounting boats in the still, dark lake. He knew his father and uncle were celebrated Aurors, who’d captured several Dark criminals – but Uncle Ron wasn’t famous. Nor was he mentioned in The Quibbler and The Daily Prophet every other week, with made-up titles like “The Boy Who Lived” and “The Chosen One”. Maybe those were because Al’s dad was next in line to be Minister – Mr. Shacklebolt had said as much at dinner a few weeks before. But then, what was this weird reference in the ancient book? And who was this wizard without a name?

–

Monday evening, Al wandered about the grounds. He passed the lake, a brilliant blue against the mountains, and saw the greenhouses come into sight around the castle. Suddenly he made up his mind and hurried across the lawn, just as Professor Longbottom emerged from his greenhouse door.

“Al! I wasn’t expecting you until Wednesday! How are you?”

“Fine,” Al gasped. “I was wondering, Nev- Professor Longbottom-”

“Neville. While we’re not in class.”

“Okay, Neville.” Al grinned, but his eyes weren’t in it.

“Let me show you something.” Neville backed through the door, pulling Al after him. “Lumos. Do you see this? No, that’s a Mandrake, don’t touch that. Here – Luna sent these from her last expedition. A new magical species, and she named it Longbottom Leaf.” Neville looked at the plant fondly. “It has the most amazing restorative properties – that’s why it’s near the Mandrakes, you know…” He carried the pot outside and set it down, while Al patiently held the door. “…A small plant, but with unexpected strength – oh, I’m sorry, Al. I suppose we’re not in class yet. Now, would you like to come early Wednesday, help me set up?

“All right. But Neville, I have a question.” Neville nodded, looking at the foggy lake. “Is my dad – I mean–” Al took a deep breath, then rushed, “People are always looking at him. Sure, he’s an Auror, but it’s abnormal! They say things about him I don’t understand. And Rose showed me an old book on the train –about a wizard it wouldn’t name and – my dad being hit – by the Killing Curse. Neville, what’s going on?”

Neville sighed, looking around. They had crossed the grounds between the castle and the forest; the front doors were before them. He took a few steps and stopped, his eyes unfocused. “This is where I stood when I reached for the sword,” he muttered. “Harry lay there. The Death Eaters were lined up there, and the others…” He looked to the castle, then back. “Oh, I’m sorry, Al. It’s just – so hard to explain. Have you ever heard of-” His expression didn’t flicker. “-Voldemort?”

Al smiled for a moment. “Of course! That’s the first Dark wizard Dad caught. He’s why the Ministry hired him before he even finished school. But dad’s arrested plenty of criminals since then.”

Neville stepped down to the lake, now a murky grey. “I’m not sure I’m the right person to tell you this, Al – but of course I can’t tell you everything. Harry was always careful with the details.” Neville paused. “Can you picture your dad as a baby?”

“I’ve seen pictures.” Al grinned, remembering his father on a little broomstick.

“Well, your dad was famous since then, long before he came to school or became an Auror. I grew up knowing his name, years before we met. Voldemort wasn’t just a Dark wizard, Al – he was the most feared in our history. Even now, some won’t dare say his name.”

“Why?”

“He – he was–” Neville ran his fingers through his hair. “Twenty years ago, I wouldn’t have said it! No one would have – except Dumbledore and Harry.” Al looked confused again. How does one explain to a child of peacetime what it is to be at war?

“I don’t know where to begin… but I suppose I’m not the one to tell you, really.”

“What do you mean?”

Neville put an arm around Al and turned him toward the castle. “Come up to my office. With Floo powder, your dad can explain properly.” Al nodded eagerly and they set up the hill. Behind them the lake had become a brilliant green, reflecting precisely the shade of the eyes of Albus Severus Potter.

(exactly 1000 words)

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