Divers Alarums and Excursions OPEN

Exiting this thread as I don't have time to keep up with it right now.

banner by Matthew Campbell || interacting as Hans Jenssen

Waiting for Gracilia to catch up he noticed the brown blob as she resurfaced a few yards away, griping good-naturedly as she complimented his skill. “Why thank you,” he beamed, although already accustomed to such comments from his childhood pool parties, “I did swim professionally for a few years up till I was in my first year at Durmstrang. I simply do it for recreation nowadays.” Looking her up and down he returned, “You swim quite well yourself. I hope you don’t feel as cold now.”

As the coolness of the lake faded away Hans had first thought his body was simply adjusting to the temperature yet as he began to feel like an attendee at a jacuzzi night, it soon came to him that the water must have been heated by the small wonders of magic. Tracing its centre point back to the densely populated docks he could not single out the caster so Hans only shouted a word of thanks in the general direction. Then, returning his attention to his fellow swimmer, he laughed, “You see? The waters already warm now.”

Slithering out of the welcome warmth, however, was a sudden, bone-chilling coldness, as if a gust of freezing water had been released in his direction. Noticing the rush as too viscous to be water, mucoid as the hag slugs they had dispelled over the summer, Hans’ muscles tensed with attentiveness, the smile faltering on his face as his movements grew laggard as he tried to identify what creature had slid up to the two swimmers. The current, treacherous as it was, had felt particularly strong against his legs until it became more than just a current.

“Gracilia?” He called for his newfound companion’s attention warily, “Hogwarts can be a little too biodiverse sometimes, don’t you agree?— You feel that?” The warning was one worded in the most nonchalant, affable manner he could, yet the undertone it carried remained on edge. Like the 50 metres sprints in swimming, Hogwarts just refuses to give time for breath. Glancing towards the gathering of other students, some upperclassmen but all laughing, he decided against calling for assistance.

“Stay vigilant.”

Before his words even properly finished, Hans dug his fingers into the water, his hands grappling for the force reaching out towards him, pulling on his body in an invitation to his watery grave. If located with success, he would attempt to grab onto the thing, and if within his strength, examine it where it was not submerged.

The groundskeeper shall be applauded for his innate ability to keep game around.

Mentions: @Archer Duncan ___________________________Extra: Italics= thoughts

He was a professional swimmer. At first Graci had said it with jest, but now that she thought on it, it was completely plausible. Then he complimented her swimming skills, "Well, they're nothing special and there's certainly room for improvement."

She swam a bit closer, hoping the movement would warm her up and help her faulty hearing. And also hoping she wouldn't have to swim circles the whole time to keep her warm.

And then the water got warmer, and warmer till it was comfortable. "Okay, now this is what swimming temperatures should be. Albeit a bit warmer." She was beaming, till the water wasn't warmer. Till she felt something cold, more unnatural than the spell used to make the water warm.

He remarked on Hogwart's 'biodeversity', but all Graci could hear was the warning that edged his voice.

"Uhm, I don't know what that is, but I know it can't be anything good." She didn't even bother being discreet, she was on the verge of panic.

'Stay vigilant' he had said, but Graci's legs were already being quickly pulled down by the creatures. Ha, and I thought Papou would leave this earth before me. Guess I was wrong.

Graci knew she wasn't the strongest swimmer, and this would be one of the better- albeit embarassing- ways to go out.

She was kicking at them best she could, but what little air she still had was waning fast.

Θάνατοςdeath never is merciful, I know that much. But Graci didn't actually think she was going to die. She had too much hope in the universe. That someone would notice the water being stirred. She often found herself being a bit too hopeful for her own good.

OOC note: What on earth are you doing Colin???!!!?!?!?!?!?!

banner by Matthew Campbell || interacting as Hans Jenssen

As they were to be joined by a new swimmer and one he was well acquainted with, Hans could not hear Greta call for him as he was far too preoccupied by he frenzied over his new friend, who was somehow even more panicked than he was. Her quick wave proved to be too insignificant compared to the flailing arms of Gracilia, caught by the force of the waters. If he was still doubtfully in need of a confirmation, Hans could now say with absolute certainty that they were facing no mere current.

“Hey Hans!”

Only then did he turn, treading water in the other direction and acknowledging the presence of Greta Fransson as she swam up to him in long glides of breaststroke. Despite the large, definitely noticeable commotion she had made diving into the lake Hans had barely acknowledged it as it blended in with the rest of the crowd, yet now as she entered his sight his eyes only widened in fear as the unaware Greta entered, quite literally, dangerous waters. It seemed almost part of their Durmstrangnian nature, that despite their fearlessness, or more so to compensate for it, they would forever be magnets for danger. Instinctively, he screamed out the words of warning, yet whether separated by distance or the other’s excitement he didn’t quite finish before his oblivious upperclassman offered an invitation, though even if he had the chance he was so mystified and surprised he wouldn’t have known what to say, “Greta, be careful! There’s something—”

“Race you?”

“Not now—” he said quickly, as from the side of his eye he caught sight of Gracilia, whom, distracted by Greta and the own monster beneath him, had slipped his mind. Splashes in the water signalled her kicking, though it proved to be futile as she was still dragged down. Reminded of the slug fight of summer Hans could not help but notice the glaring difference being they were not even in their own element on solid ground, that even losing one’s breaths means potentially never gaining it again. Despite the primal urge to help drawing him to where Gracilia struggled he could not do a thing as he could both not see her nor move much in his state. Finally, he turned to Greta though the older girl was already in motion, “Help her!”

“Exit the water!”

If it had been within Hans’ capabilities, he would have complied without question, yet as Greta dived underwater for Gracilia herself Hans had no time nor the effort to spare to remind her of his own incapacitated state. Turning tense brown eyes back to the docks they landed on the pile of clothes and towel where his wand sat still tucked in his shirt pocket. Although gauging the distance to be no more than sixty odd yards out the heavy weight pulling at his legs that he had been grappling with hung weighing his body down would not make the fare easier. Still populated by laughing students unaware of the danger Hans couldn’t just drag the tendril creeping around his body back either, risking the welfares of the unsuspecting innocents. Caught in the dilemma, there was very little he could do but hold off whatever had taken ahold of him. The wrestle was not a position he wanted to be in but it seemed as if he could not free himself from it either.

Deciding that any action was better than none now that the only two other people aware of the creature’s entrance were submerged he decided the other students needed to be made aware of the creeping danger. Raising his voice as Greta did he shouted towards their gatherings, picking out no one he could pinpoint or recognise yet hoping it was enough to deter them from further explorations into the depths, “Hey! Get out of the water! GET OUT!” Just as his first response had already proven this demand was not one so easily applied to himself, for as he, confused and dazed, tried to search for Gracilia and Greta, all he found was a tugging sensation that threatened to draw him down as it had done the younger girl.

If fleeing was not an option, he seemed to have been confined to the fight.

open for interactions

There was always something happening at any Hogwarts event, even a small gathering like a morning swimming party! Colin heard the commotion coming from the other side of the enclosed water. Breaking his attention away from the Castelobruxo girl --- not by choice, mind! --- Colin shrugged at the older girl and focused in stead on what the excitement was all about! An older girl had jumped into the water, but there seemed to be a look of concern on some of the kids' faces!

Colin noticed his friend Avery first. She seemed petrified! What was going on anyway? Then there were confused shouts! The older girl was shouting for kids to get out of the water! A younger boy looked like he was reaching down into the water for something. A Hogwarts girl was yanked under!

Colin's mind raced. There were grindylows in the lake, as everyone knew from the Great Grindylow Battle of 2023! How many kids were dragged under the cold water of the lake during that autumn's ball? Colin and Clair had been so busy snogging that neither of them noticed anything was even amiss, but Colin heard the stories in the days following!

Instinctively, his left hand reached across his chest, seeking his wand. The Castelobruxo girl was cute and all, but Emmi wasn't here and there was no time for snogging yet! He didn't know who it was that had been pulled under, but Colin was absolutely determined to follow after the older girl and try to rescue the poor danger noodle!

"Aspira!" he cast, and as the bubble of air formed around his head, Colin slipped Naur an Edraith back into its sheath and, ignoring all the shouts to get out of the water, he dove towards the center of all the commotion!

MODERATION

@Archer Duncan
@Graci Laren
@Avery Gray --- didn't post (it's okay!)
@Evelynn Decipio

Hans noticed the cold and slimy something before the others did. His happy chatter about Durmstrang was interrupted. Perhaps children brought up in that school just learn to notice weird things in the water sooner? Whatever the case may be, Hans was both alert to the danger and managed to maintain his cool!

He tried to reach down into the waters ... who or what would his own groping fingers meet with? Yes! With a strong grip undoubtedly powered by many hours spent swimming in the cold northern waters, Hans's fingers manage to grapple with something thick and strong! Clearly whatever was in the water wasn't expecting to be grabbed in turn! It's trying to slide away!

Close by Hans and enjoying the much warmer water, first year danger noodle Graci seemed confused by the foreign boy's talk of biodiversity. Even so, she managed to catch the alert in his voice! Would it be too late? Whilst Hans was grappling with the thing in the water Graci found herself being dragged under! Panic set in! Would no one come to help?

Fortunately, an older --- and certainly wiser! --- Durmstrang student by the name of Greta saw the danger more clearly! At first, after jumping into the water, she just wanted to race as Colin and Liam and Cursa had done; but Hans's cries for help flipped her instincts from competition to grappling with magical disaster! She yelled at Hans to get out of the water just as poor Graci went under.

Try as she might, Greta wasn't able to locate Graci! Other kids would certainly be noticing the to-do by now! Greta would have to try not once, not twice, but thrice! Who knows? Maybe Graci will try and dislodge the cold and slimy grasp of Death from her ankle? Maybe Greta shall snatch the wee danger noodle from her doom!

As for Avery ... she seemed to be frozen in the water! She neither thrashed about nor kicked around! Maybe that was her saving grace? Whatever it was that had wrapped its strong tendril around the Hogwarts girl's leg had slipped away! It was then she cried out for help!

Noticing the commotion, Colin McCoire decides to lend a hand! Smart lad! He knows enough to never leave his wand on the sidelines! Withdrawing Naur an Edraith from its sheath strapped to his right arm, he casts aspira before diving down into the water to help Greta! Colin's casting is successful and he dives in to help --- but he can't find Greta!

Mentions: @N/A ___________________________Extra: Italics= thoughts

Graci didn't particularly like the feeling of being dragged underwater by slimy beasts.

At that point Graci was still conscious enough to throw a swift kick at its face, momentarily dislodging its hold on her leg.

You slimy little creature. You Sly little σατανάς devil/satan. Keep your grubby limbs to yourself.

She quickly swam to the surface, feeling the whooshing of air bubbles as people went under the water. Presumably trying to save her.

Graci tried to keep the splashing and flailing to a minimum, not wanting to seem like the helpless little girl she was, still prioritizing speed. Getting pulled under again was probably at the exact bottom of her list of priorities.

When she got to the surface her breathing was supposed to be controlled, but there was probably some slight wheezing.

I guess I know what almost-death by drowning feels like now. I hope everyone gets out all right. But right now, I just to get out and never come back in. I wouldn't be any help to them anyway. More like a hindrance.

She rushed to the boathouse dock, getting pulled up by another student. Graci grasped for her towel, one of the remaining ones left after the other people either left or picked theirs up. Tucking her feet under her she looked out to see how the others were fairing, but she could hardly see them.

They better make it out okay, or Hogwarts will be getting sued. Or not, because technically, we shouldn't be doing this.

banner by Matthew Campbell || interacting as Hans Jenssen

Finally, after his grappling, Hans would be part satisfied, part relieved to find yield as whatever thing it was loosened in strong fingers. Perhaps it had been surprised that he was foolish enough to wrestle with it but whatever the reason was he was more than glad that it worked. As the slimy tentacle tried to slide away Hans allowed his muscles to slack, for there was no use being pugnacious with a beast like it.

Immediately, once freed himself, his eyes searched for his two friends, old and new.

“Greta!” Hans called out as his eyes spied a stray figure swimming desperately towards the docks, whom he somehow noted to be Gracilia despite the bare smudge she was against the water. Gracilia’s safety mattered more to Hans than he would have expected for a acquaintance he had barely met, but the girl’s danger was one he bore guilt for for bringing her so far out from the safety of the crowd in the first place. Knowing Hogwarts as the death trap it was they could have been perfectly fine hanging about near dry land or even gotten up to games and races yet the reckless decision of trust had been made. Neither of them needed to stay in the treacherous waters longer than they needed to either; Greta and he should prioritise getting out of the danger themselves. “I see her, she’s safe. Let’s go!”

Once he ensured Greta was with him Hans would swim in his fastest freestyle back to the docks, yet not before he noticed another girl who seemed to be frozen in the very water. Yet as the beast let loose from her she too began to cry out for help, a call for assistance Hans would be quick to make his response to as he paddled over. “Here, it’s okay, let’s get you out of the water, alright?” Once more hoping she would follow their exit from the lake water that had soon become the preparations of a feasting ground, the shoreline seemed to be just in the reach of his hand.

When, for Hans would allow no other outcome, all three of the other victims were safe (and one of them a glorious saviour, even if she came up empty-handed), he would push himself up from the waters, glancing back as he ensured the rest of the swimmers were making their due exit. Slinging his towel around his neck he narrowed his eyes towards the lake and whatever creatures it may hold between glancing over the assembled girls once more, finally checking, “Gracilia, you good?” With a small, managed smile, he said, “I did not bring you into that trap, I swear.”

Turning to the one he knew best out of all of them Hans would find himself almost dismissive of the encounter. Always up for a little light-hearted snark after harrowing experiences he smirked at his upperclassman with all the playfulness he could summon, asking sarcastically in drawling Russian, “Hogwarts always does its very best to provide the most interesting of experiences, doesn’t it Greta?”

Interacting with: @Archer Duncan and @Graci Laren Mentioning: N/A Date: 04/05/25

Word Count: 217

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Avery stopped screaming the second a mysterious boy helped navigate to the dock. She was embarrassed. She was a Gryffindor. She was supposed to be brave and helping others be brave. Not frozen and screaming after the creature grabbed her and let go. "Thanks." Avery said with chittering teeth as she walked over to where she had left her towel. She chided herself for going into the water in the first place. She should've just stayed on the dock. At least the water had been warm though. Avery wrapped herself in her towel and sat down to watch the events unfold as one of her fellow Gryffindors was dragged out of the water and out of reach of the monster that had attacked her. She wanted to ask if the girl was okay, but she too was still in shock and couldn't even get the words out no matter how much she tried. Avery stood up slowly after she had finally stopped shivering. She wanted to get back to her dorm so she could change and take a break from the events that had unfolded before her eyes in the short time she had been there. She made a mental note to be smarter and think things through next time. Well, if there was a next time.

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Reducio