New Friends From a Regrettable Decision Finished

As one of the girls echoed Dan's idea, the Hufflepuff stated something. Something about going out to look at the lake together? Dan had never been on a date before, and for the first time, he wondered why that was. He'd always played with his mates back home, and always had a grand time. He then abruptly realized that he always had more fun around boys... Though he had no idea what relevance that had at all.
Dan was snapped out of his thoughts when he saw that the Hufflepuff had started down. He followed her as kept his eyes on her, though this was very hard to do. His eyes seemed to interpret DO NOT LOOK DOWN as FOR GODS SAKE LOOK DOWN. He froze every time his eyes darted to the ground, but he kept moving downward as she was, using his toes to make sure there was a limb beneath him.

When they got to a certain spot in their descent, Dan noticed something when his eyes flicked downward. Apparently one of the Ravenclaws had stolen a load of pillows and blankets. At first, Dan was happy to have found another klepto, and then he realized what they were for. He gauged the distance. He knew it would work; at this height he probably wouldn't be hurt even if he missed the pillows which, due to the Ravenclaw's placement of them, was impossible. Still, the idea of jumping out of the tree was very similar to his idea of falling out of the tree, and he was equally as hesitant about it.
He saw the Hufflepuff gesture for his hand, and he took it. He thought that maybe it was to help calm him down. Then she started counting down from three, and his stomach turned to lead.

"W-wait, hold-"
Before he could finish, she jumped down. On instinct so as not to hurt her, he did the same. The fingers on his free hand and all of his toes were clenched so tight the knuckles turned white. His eyes were squeezed tightly shut as he waited for the fall to end.
And it did. So abruptly that he was rather embarrassed that he'd clenched up like that. He slowly relaxed his tense body, so as not to get a charlie horse, and looked at the girls.

".....Thanks. Hey uh... Do ya think it'd be possible fer this..... To not be told to anyone else? Especially not to someone from my house? I dunna think I'd ever hear the end of it if they found out."

Where in the world is she going? River thought to herself, looking confused after the other Ravenclaw as she headed away from the scene. Perhapse she had figured that getting a professor would be the best bet? Or maybe she just didn’t want to be a part of an accident, if such was to occur. She looked quickly back up the tree, and sure enough, they had made their way down a little. They’re doing well, River thought nodding a little to herself, as she watched them discending branch by branch.

The redhead turned abruptly around, as she heard a rustling noise behind her. It was the other girl, carrying with her, a bunch of pillows and blankets. That is really not a bad idea! She thought, quite impressed with the other Ravenclaw’s quick thinking. Now, perhaps the final landing out of the tree would be soft, and wouldn’t seem as scary for the boy.

After the girl had called out the plan to the two students in the tree, they stood there in silence, waiting for the hufflepuff and the slytherin to finally reach the ground. And hopefully reach it safely too.
Right, they’re down to the last branches now, River though. Only the last little bit left, the jump. The hufflepuff seemed comfortable enough, and went for it, as the slytherin hesitated. But indeed, they safely landed on the ground with a heavy thud. And right on the pillows next to River and the other Ravenclaw.

".....Thanks. Hey uh... Do ya think it'd be possible fer this..... To not be told to anyone else? Especially not to someone from my house? I dunna think I'd ever hear the end of it if they found out."

The boy had said, as he had relaxed slightly after the previous happening.
River smiled brightly and nodded, «Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone», this was true, as she always kept her word. She didn’t want to risk the reputation of the boy, for a simple mistake he made for climbing the tree. Even though she did wonder why he did it, if he was afraid of heights. Of course, she couldn’t speak for the other tow students, when giving ghis promise.
«I’m River by the way, it’s nice to meet you all», she politely said, as she realized they hadn’t even been introduced yet, this time she smiled to all three of them.
«Oh, and smart thinking with the pillows», she said, to the ravenclaw. «And you were great up in the tree», she added, looking to the hufflepuff.

[quote][font=times new roman]Vince was felt a little elated receiving the impressed look from the other Ravenclaw. Her idea was simple, and maybe a little extra, since she had to run all the way to their House just to get the sheets and blankets, but it wasn't that bad of an idea. Being scared of heights and then seeing something as soft and gentle as a pile of pillows should relieve anyone, and she was glad that the boy was okay now, or better than before. But she didn't say so, she just remained quiet and inconspicuous, looking down at the ground while she listened.

The Hufflepuff girl made her uncomfortable, well, really just everything regarding other people made her uncomfortable, but in this situation this girl was the center of the discomfort. She glanced at her, watching her get up for the pile of blankets, which were now fairly dirty and covered in leaves. She flinched, almost about the offer to help her up but decided not to, that she'd probably decline anyway.

The Slytherin asked them to not say anything about what had happened, especially to the members of his House. This whole situation was very confusing to Vince but she'd agreed quietly, murmuring, “ Okay, ” promising to not tell. It's not like she had anyone to tell anyway, she had no friends here, people were divided into either the colleague, professors, or strangers categories, and nothing more.

The Ravenclaw introduced herself as River. Vince knew the guy's name was Dan, but the other girl's name was still a mystery to her. She wondered if she should share her name. After River complimented them all, she said, in a clearer voice than before, “ I'm Vince Stallings. ” Only one other person at the school had the same last name, and then her other half-siblings had the last name Pate, so she doubted anyone would recognize her family. Her father owned a bar chain all over the U.K., but Vince was rarely connected to him, especially by personality, since she was all most the direct opposite of him, and nearly everyone else.

something inside her said that she should make a move with these kids, and for once in a long time she decided to take action. Brushing her hair behind her hair, she stuttered out, “ Do...do you guys want to go on a walk? By the lake? Unless you...have class... ” She turned her face down, red with regret, then remembered her books on the ground. She picked them up quickly and squeezed them to her chest.

Mari wrung out her hand as Palmer said, ".....Thanks. Hey uh... Do ya think it'd be possible fer this..... To not be told to anyone else? Especially not to someone from my house? I dunna think I'd ever hear the end of it if they found out." He had been holding her hand quite tightly as they jumped from the tree; Mari knew that it was likely due to nerves and the fact that he had not been ready for her jump, but the boy had quite a grip on him. Her hand hurt.

She pretended as though this action was just a regular habit of hers, trying not to embarrass the boy more, as she smiled warmly at him. It was enough that at some point he would probably realize she only understood about three words at a time of his statements. He didn't need to know he hurt her hand as well. "Of course Palmer," she said kindly. She paused, then without thinking, blurted out, "Say, do you like Slytherin? I can't say I've heard too many good things about it."

Well that's one way to get blacklisted from an entire dorm, Mari, she scolded herself sternly. Ask a Slytherin if he likes his own house. Of course he does! She was quite uncertain her interactions with the boy could get any worse, then rethought that fact: of course they could. After all, she still couldn't understand much of what he said. Mari began to wonder if there was a class at Hogwarts on understanding different people's accents.

Much to her chagrin, she missed the moment in which it is was obvious the red-head had stated her name. Mari was often lost in her thoughts, so this was honestly quite overdue, but she cursed the fact that it had to have happened when such critical information was being shared. She did, however, catch that Red had complimented her tree climbing skills, so she nodded and said, not unfriendly, "Thanks. I'm Mari by the way."

Red and Dan had introduced themselves, so now all that was left was this mysterious, dumb-looking but seemingly smart Ravenclaw. Mari sensed an uncomfortable tension between her and the girl but concluded that it was merely the Ravenclaw who just emitted awkwardness. The most words she said without pause was her name: Vince Stallings. Isn't Vince a boy's name?

Granted, nowadays, gender norms were, according to Dad, not a thing. Besides, Mari didn't have much time to linger on this question as Vince, in her slow way, proposed the quartet take a stroll around the lake. Mari's cheeks flushed as she eyed Palmer. Guess their accidental date was happening sooner than she thought...and with two more people. On the plus side, a stroll might get Mari out of an interaction she hadn't meant to propose in the first place. Yes. This Vince was shaping up to be much smarter than she initially seemed. Mari grinned largely, her mouth half open in kind of a dopey way, really trying to portray excitement so the girl would maybe realize she had a good plan and act even a smidgen less awkward. "That sounds like a great idea!" She nodded eagerly. She really looked like an idiot, but it was too late now to backtrack. "Dan and I were just talking about how beautiful the lake was up in that tree. I wish I could say you all should take a look, but I think one rescue mission is enough for today!"

Mari picked up her belongings and began to walk, slightly too fast, hoping that the speed in her stroll would wipe the ridiculous grin away. She didn't even look back to see if Vince, Red, and Palmer had followed her. They probably would, even if her walk was a bit speedy. She carried on the conversation as if they were behind her; if they weren't, she realized she would look like she was talking to some imaginary friends: "Have you guys heard about the giant squid? Do you think we'll be able to see him? Mum used to tell me all about him before I came here for school."

Once her statement was uttered, she focused back on her grin and concentratedly forced her face back into a neutral position. It was lucky for Mari that these students seemed nice, even if Vince was a tad awkward.

Dan was relieved. They weren't going to tell anyone. And they didn't appear to be lecturing him either. This was better than he could've hoped for. Then, the Hufflepuff asked something proper out of the blue.
"Say, do you like Slytherin? I can't say I've heard too many good things about it."
"Well, yeah. I do like Slytherin. I'm around lotsa guys like me, I LOVE the color scheme, its not high up like in Gryffindor, I'm not pressured to study all the time, I really do like it. Yeah, I heard they're elitists, but I haven't gotten THAT much of it." Then he learned a Ravenclaw's name. Vince. Wait.... wasn't Vince a boy's name?
Finally , the Hufflepuff told him her name. Mari. Vince suggested a walk, unless they had class. Well, if Dan had class, he would certainly not be out on the grounds getting stuck in trees. Then, Mari started walking toward the lake, talking about how beautiful it is, evidently agreeing with Vince's idea.. He gathered up his shoes, and carried them with him as he followed her.
"Have you guys heard about the giant squid? Do you think we'll be able to see him? Mum used to tell me all about him before I came here for school."

Giant squid? No, Dan had not heard of any giant squid in the lake. He found his desire to see the lake up close greatly increasing, with the possibility of seeing a giant squid in it. He was obviously excited now, the terror of less than two minutes ago completely forgotten.
"Right, be honest. Is there actually a giant bloody squid in the lake or are you just havin' a laugh?"

This was a nice little bit of excitement for the day, River thought to herself, as she looked at the small group of students. It was the boy, Dan, Hufflepuff, Mari and the other Ravenclaw, Vince. They were all very beautiful names. Vince... it has a nice ring to it.

Vince came with a great suggestion of taking a walk by the lake, and River didn’t have any classes at this time, so she agreed to go. The weather was quite nice today, not too cold or cloudy. Before River had time to register, Mari had already headed onward, walking along to the lakeside. And Dan had caught up to her shortly. River jogged up to them as well, and heard Mari mantioning the giant squid in the lake. River had always wondered how that squid ended up there.

"Right, be honest. Is there actually a giant bloody squid in the lake or are you just havin' a laugh?"

Dan had asked, and River could see how the idea of the squid might be questionable.
«No, I’ve heard of the squid, only rumors of course, never seen it for myself», she said quite excited at the subject. «I have read about it too, in Hogwarts: a history, so I’m quite sure it’s real», she added looking curiously out over the lake as she walked. Treading carefully as to not stumble over a rock. Since River had no earlier connection to Hogwarts, she had to find out of things herself. She had no one to tell her stories of their experience here, and no stories to hear. She’d just have to find her own.

«I really want to see it some day. How do you think it ended up in there anyway?», River asked the group, hoping someone had known, what she might have missed in her book.

[quote][font=times new roman]Vince was elated that everyone agreed with their walk, but her happiness was hidden behind a shy smile and downcast eyes. She stayed in the background, listening in on the conversation. Mari asked the Slytherin if he liked his House, and that made her wonder if about her own self. Did she like Ravenclaw? Really, she didn't care which House she landed in, as long as her mother didn't make a fuss about it. It was coincidence that she got into the House her mother had been in, and she was lucky to not have anything to worry about, at least not too much. It had been all over for her older brother. Once she'd received owls about her son getting in Slytherin, Mertan had been bombarded with Howler after Howler for weeks, and Vince had been at home to witness her mother shouting into the crimson stationary, feeling grim for her own brother.

She was only lucky to get into Ravenclaw. She didn't have to worry about her mother ranting if she'd gotten into any other House. If she'd been sorted into Gryffindor her mother would've said she was just like her father, in a nice way because her husband was an alumni, but it would've been inferred that she meant it in a 'you don't belong here way'. If she'd gotten into Hufflepuff, her mother would've said that she was just 'too soft', since no one else was in that House in the family. And if she'd gotten into Slytherin—let's just say that compared to her, her brother's punishment was a nonchalant scolding.

Vince didn't care which House she was in but she was glad that the Sorting Hat picked this House, she had some many things she didn't have to worry about anymore. But really she felt deep inside that she didn't fit into anyone of them. She had the average wit, the average bravery, the average loyalty, and the average ambition; what had made the Sorting Hat think she was exceptionally smart?

As they walked, Vince having followed right after Mari, the conversation turned to about the lake and what inhabited it. Her brother had mentioned the squid a few years ago and she'd done her own research, which involved crafts that resembled the Kraken, buying a shoal of baby squids, and reading book after book—including Hogwarts school books—about the History of Hogwarts and the beasts that roamed in it's vicinity. Let's just say that she knew a great deal about the topic.

No one could blame Dan's doubt about the subject, hearing about strange creatures was overall a mysterious topic, but they did in a magical world—and universe— after all. You could only wonder if things really could exist.

River seemed to know about the squid, too, or at least had read about it. Vince glanced at her fellow Ravenclaw; what things did they have in common, being in the same House?

Clearing her throat, Vince said, “ The— ”

She parted her lips to speak but she paused, thinking for a moment. They probably didn't want to hear a lecture about the history of the squid, despite how much work she'd put into learning about it, and how interesting she really thought the information. Instead she figured they'd be okay with a cool fact.

Gazing at the lake, which they were nearing, she said, “ It's been there for n-nearly half a century...and people still marvel it, because normal squids, or even giant ones...they can't really survive in fresh water... ” It was probably a magical squid, but she struggled to remember what made it so magical besides it's survive skills.

"Well, yeah. I do like Slytherin. I'm around lotsa guys like me, I LOVE the color scheme, its not high up like in Gryffindor, I'm not pressured to study all the time, I really do like it. Yeah, I heard they're elitists, but I haven't gotten THAT much of it."

Mari spent quite a long time trying to decide Palmer's words; she was flabbergasted. Did he really just comment that his favorite things about Slytherin were its color scheme, location, and lack of studying? She couldn't believe it...and thus decided to say nothing at all. When he had originally said the statement, she had smiled lightly, but even as she walked, she kept trying to decipher his accent and determine if that was really what he had said. Surely she was mistaken. Best not to ask further. He didn't seem like a typical snake, getting himself stuck in a tree and all, but she didn't really trust that response.

Innocent Mari had another misunderstanding at Dan's next sentence; this time, however, she decided to voice it: "Of course he isn't a bloody squid!" She giggled. "He's just a normal one. But big. At least, that's what Mum told me." She wasn't really familiar with cussing; Dad had largely censored her mum, and Mari was unaware that Lucy had a sailor's mouth. When your main companion is a six-year-old, you miss out on "normal" things, like swearing. Sometimes Mari acted much more like the age she resembled: nine.

The Ravenclaws seemed much more aware of what the squid was about, either way. Red had proved her knowledge by stating that she had read about it in Hogwarts, a History, and even quiet Vince had sputtered a little fact about it. Mari eyed her suspiciously: that girl was a lot smarter than she let on, wasn't she? Nearly half a century, though...that's a long time.

Mari had somewhat equivocated when she said that her mum had told her all about the giant squid before she went to Hogwarts. It was true, yes, that her mum had told her about the squid. But Mari had really only been acutely aware of her magical ability since receiving her Hogwarts letter, and even then, the Haynes family rarely spoke about Hogwarts due to Ewan's uncomfortableness with magic. Mari knew that the origins of his feelings had gone back to Ewan and Isa's separation; though she did not know the details, she did know to keep quite quiet in regards to talking about magic in front of him. Really, the only thing she had known about the squid was that, right before her mum had hugged her goodbye, she said to Focus on your studies, and don't go swimming in the lake - you'll catch the Giant Squid this way. The Ravenclaws, on the other hand, seemed to know much more.

She had already presented herself as knowledgeable, however, so she felt like she needed to keep up with this game. Vince had only stumbled over one fact, Palmer seemed to know nothing about the squid, and Red mentioned that she only knew of it briefly through reading. Mari, she knew, had declared that she knew all about it, and for once, felt okay with lying. She had embarrassed herself enough; it was time to seem better than she actually was. So, in regards to Red's question of "how did the squid get here," Mari boldly decided to eye her and state confidently, "You know, I heard there was this old gamekeeper who used to keep unusual creatures in his cabin. Mum told me he brought it here in a little fishbowl but then it got so big he had to leave it in the lake."

It was a lie, yes, but one that, if they caught her, she could easily state that she was misinformed by Isa. If they didn't catch her, she'd look like the smart person she had always wanted to be. It was a win-win in Mari's eyes. Nevertheless, though, she was still awkward, regularly uncertain Mari, so she had to add solemnly, "I wouldn't want to cross paths with it though. Only see it. But I'll bet you a chocolate frog if you go swimming to try to get close to it."

Was this what friendship really was? Gossiping, some fibs, and bets? Mari wasn't sure. Her best friends still remained to be her sisters. But there was something inside of her that was glowing, impatient to find out.

So it was confirmed. The lake, that he was living right next to, had a giant squid in it. On the one hand, this was terrifying. A huge, tentacled monstrosity was literally right outside his window. But, at the same time, exciting. Not only does he have a view of the lake, but now there was a giant squid there! Plus, he had heard nothing about it breaching the windows before, so it was fine.
"Ya know, I also like the people in Slytherin. Sure, summa them have this 'I'm better than you because of my parents' attitude, but most of them were rather welcomin'. Aside from the 'initiation' some of the second years did once they found out about-"

Dan stopped himself. He didn't want MORE people finding out he was ticklish.
"Never mind. Honestly, Slytherin is a LOT better than I was expectin'. I'm told it wasn't NEARLY as bad as it used to be. Like not even a quarter. I heard it USED to be a den of proper arseholes, but not no more. I actually feel at home and accepted there."

"You know, I heard there was this old gamekeeper who used to keep unusual creatures in his cabin. Mum told me he brought it here in a little fishbowl but then it got so big he had to leave it in the lake."
Dan doubted that VERY much. His parents had told him about the legendary gamekeeper that used to live here, and that he even once brought a bloody DRAGON to his house. So, a giant squid wasn't exactly off the table. But theres not a thing in EITHER world that could grow into a giant from the size of a fishbowl.
...Right?

"I wouldn't want to cross paths with it though. Only see it. But I'll bet you a chocolate frog if you go swimming to try to get close to it."
Dan had tried a chocolate frog on the train, and absolutely loved them from the start. So, it would come as no surprise that, when Mari said that, he shrugged and started tugging his robes over his head.

River was happy she was spending time with these people, they were all very nice, and she had even learned a few things from them, and that was always valuable. Half a century? I didn't know squids could live that long. Then of course, this squid wasn't like other squids was it? As Vince had mentioned, normal squids couldn't survive in fresh water. She seemed to know her stuff, this Vince. Perhaps she was one to get to know better? River had read that people found the squid quite friendly, and not agressive or anything. Perhaps she'd get to see it one day?

River could only assume the gamekeeper Mari was talking about would be Rubeus Hagrid, whom River had already read loads about. How couldn't she? She loved animals, and especially magical beasts. Although, she had never heard any mentions of a giant squid anywhere, so River didn't know whether to believe that or not. Of course, it could just have been some misinformation on Mari's side as well.

River didn't really understand where all the stigma of slytherins had come to be. Sure, there were some pretty bad ones out in the world. But so far, all the slytherins River had gotten to know, were pretty nice. And it was good to hear that Dan was content with his placement of house. It could be quite intimidating, being placed into this new "familly" and being accepted and feeling welcome. River was definitely happy about being in Ravenclaw. She felt at home there.

"So, how are you enjoying Hogwarts so far?", River asked, looking up at Vince. She had seemed to be one of the quietest so far. So River wanted to attempt a conversation. even though she wasn't very good at those herself.