Honestly, the reactions of their guests was exactly as Toru imagined... Well sort of, Nefri seemed very excited to see the squid. Everyone either found it fascinating or terrifying, and luckily they got both emotions in one fail swoop. The Hufflepuff did keep their laughing to themselves from Seb's intense negative reaction. Instead Toru gently moved to pet the giant tentacle they were perched on. "Have fun and behave, okay, Mr. Squid?" Before elegantly diving off the tentacle into the lake below with the faintest of ripples not too far away from Seb.

The Squid was making itself home in the shallows to bask in the warm sunlight, It waved a friendly little tentacle wiggle at Zoe, as it remembered the former Head Girl. It also recognized the two Slytherins as the dorm was partially submerged in the lake.

Nefri was cooing gently at the massive creature from her perch on the rock. The way Seba reacted to the temperature of the water she was not going anywhere near it. The Egyptian barely tolerated swimming in the river back home, though small oasis's far away from crocodiles and hippos were fun to swim in. However her love of unusual creatures was having her nearly on the edge of the rock to call the creature closer. Seba assumption was accurate, she was eagerly calculating if she could keep a giant squid of her own. Unfortunately her desert home was unaccommodating to such a beast, so she would have to enjoy the Squid's company here at Hogwarts.

“Mhm,” Lily agreed. “Or I can watch.” She didn’t want Flora to miss out on her account.

Lily gave a little eye roll at Drew’s Marco Polo joke. “Dork,” she replied.

Zoe nodded eagerly. “Oh aye, ye’ll see her outfit and I’ll save worm 3 for ye. And change his jersey colour.”

Blade gave Zephyr attention and looked at Drew with a neutral expression. “In magical creatures class,” he said. He was pleaded the horse liked him. He liked animals far more than he liked most humans. “Guess she’s just got good tastes and knows I’m amazing.” It was a bit of a joke since he wasn’t really that cocky.

“I like most colours so it doesn’t matter too much to me,” Lily said. “Guess I’ll take the magenta one. You?”

Lily gave a small shrug. She had no clue what to make of the girl. “Yeah, let’s look for a tent.”

“Well,” Blade said giving the horse a pat, “looks like I should head off too. Later, Zeph. Drew.” With that he also retreated.

“It was different,” Lily said. “Now the tent is awesome!”

When she was ready Lily nodded. “Yes let’s swim!” But she stopped dead in her tracks at the squid. “I-is it dangerous?” She’d never seen one let alone swam in waters with one.

“I wanna swim and hang out,” Blade said. The smile gave him some comfort because he really wasn’t used to sharing time with anyone at all. He’d had a very solitary existence until coming to Hogwarts. “Alright tonight, no matter what I promise not to bail.” As Toru left he breathed a sigh of relief.

Blade put the suit in his room’s closet, checked his bird was content and excited the tent, locking it afterwards. Then he quietly slipped into a copse of trees where no one could see him shift. Once he was transformed he galloped around content with his new solitude. Then he took off in the air, flying high away from the crowds. He saw the squid waving its tentacle at Zoe, who didn’t seem to notice. Toru… was Blade’s thought as he relaxed more and more. Then, finally he touched back down. He would explore around without feeling people were ogling him. He saw Drew petting Zephyr close by. He could now also smell the scent of cooking meat coming from a small fire and two girls.

Flora had chosen a teal colored wet suit and now stood watching Toru and the squid with a smile. At Lily’s question, she shook her head, her ponytail swinging slightly. “Squidly isn’t dangerous,” she smiled. “A bit unnerving when he swims past the glass in our common room when you’re not expecting it and you’re deep in thought or concentrating on homework and bam there he is. But really he’s pretty gentle. He likes basking in the sun in the shallows of the lake and sometimes he will even play with us, like if you have a beach ball or some type of ball, he will throw it with you. And he retrieves things you drop in the lake…or even people if they fall out of a boat. Come on, let’s join the others and you can see our squid up close.”

She headed toward the water and said, “You can either wade in slowly or take a deep breath and just jump in. It’s going to be a shock either way but you’ll get used to it quickly. The charmed wetsuits help too since they’re spelled to keep the wearer warm and their body temperature normal.”

Drew had laughed as Zoe promised to save him his worm and also change the color for him. And he had given Lily a teasing wink at her eye rolling and dork comment. He knew he was at times but didn’t really mind lighthearted teasing back and forth. As he watched Lily and Flora head off, he smiled to himself, glad that Flora seemed more at ease this term and finding friends. He accepted Blade’s comments and chuckled at the part about Zephyr having good taste. “Yes, she usually does,” he’d said to the other boy and then waved as Blade left.

From his spot beside his horse, Drew was enjoying watching the others when suddenly Zephyr’s head went up and she neighed loudly, looking toward the sky. “Easy, my beauty…what is it?” Drew soothed and looked up. He caught a glimpse of something and a grin formed. “Oh, aye, if that’s what I think it is, you’ll be findin’ some friends, lovely one,” he said quietly to the mare. Stroking her mane, Drew spoke softly to Zephyr until she blew out a breath and whinnied toward the wooded area. “Alright, alright…let’s see if we can locate you a playmate too since Flora is set,” he said in a gentle voice. With one hand on Zephyr’s neck, the boy and horse began to walk slowly toward the woods, Zephyr quivering with excitement and nickering softly and Drew singing softly in a language he’d never learned from books.

’That kid is like a fish.’ Seb thought as he tossed his hair back over his shoulder and dove into the water after Toru. But the younger student was already out of sight. Pleasantly the wet suit was doing an excellent job keeping his body temperature regulated. Even so, Seb didn’t swim far. Just enough to peer into the murky descent before using his better judgement and retreating to the shallows. Bobbing back above water Seb kept a wary eye on the squid, while backstroking toward where Nefri was last seen basking. An odd shadow drifted over the lake but Seb had been paying more attention to the girls on the shore, and the pair not much farther off who seemed to be cooking something that smelled really good.

Thankfully he drifted to a stop beside the large outcropping of boulders before running his head into one. “Neffy, are you up there?” He splashed a bit of water attempting to elicit a response. “Don’t get any ideas, I don’t think a squid like this could live in the sea.” There were of course two major Seas that touched Egypt’s shores. Seb had dragged Nefri to both beaches at least a dozen times. But the waters there were clear and salty, practically the opposite of this cold murky lake.

If Flora said it was safe and all the other students weren't too scared either, Lily decided it had to be okay. She nodded with a look of steely determination. Marko trotted alongside. "Well then, I'm gonna go all in!" the girl fearlessly announced. She ran down the dock and jumped in with a cannonball.

Blade was exploring the forest when he heard an odd language that some how he understood. He also heard the horse near as well. The boy wasn't quite sure what to do as he looked in the direction of the noises.

Nefri peered over the edge of the rock after scuttling away from the splash of water. She looked like a minor annoyed cat at being disturbed during a nap. The dark skinned girl stuck her tongue at him and pouted. "I've already gotten the idea, Sebby. But I've already come to the conclusion. I wonder if I could keep a smaller one in a tank at home?" Nefra tapped her lips again curiously as she mused, but then shook her head. "I shall have to enjoy it here, eh?" The girl was unusual with an overwhelming personality, but she was sensible when it came to realistic dreams and goals. "Are you enjoying your hypothermia in the lake?" She mused from her perch, resting her cheek in the palm of her hand. Her dark brown eyes darted toward the two younger girls she had given flowers to earlier. They were very bold jumping into the lake like that.

Toru heard splashes above them and moved toward the surface after skimming the bottom of the shallows. They had found some treasures in the lake that they liked to keep in Autumn's tank or dotting their room. By treasures they meant small freshwater shells with sleek mother of pearl interior. Freshwater clams didn't have the lovely outer coloring or interesting edges that tropical saltwater clams do. Instead these were tear-shaped dull and brown shells, but inside they could shimmer like a rainbow. The Hufflepuff also found a few lake bed pebbles that were deep gemstone colors, washed smooth by the waves of the lake. They waved at Lily and Flora beneath the water before breaking the surface of the water.

sorry it took me soooo long

"I live here in the Highlands. My father has lived here his whole life. My mom is from Norway. She moved with my grandparents in the 70's." She smiled and swallowed her food. "Would you like to take a swim?" She asked and pointed at the other people in the lake. Magnus' ears raised at the sound of 'swim'.

“Eh, it’s alright.” His fingers and toes were a little cold, but nothing life threatening. Seb found his footing and stood, the water still coming to about mid chest. “Would be better if I had someone to dunk.” His eyes narrowed up at his friend knowing full well she wasn’t going to humor him. “You know, there’s probably merpeople in this lake... Maybe we’ll both get souvenirs this trip.” He teased and laughed when imagining the look on his uncle's face. Of course that would be both impossible and inhumane. Besides from everything he had read merfolk were just as intelligent if not more so than a human, and it showed in them keeping their distance. There had been a time where he thought he spotted something in the Mediteranian Sea, but in the end he had nothing to show for it.

Looking back out over the shoreline he wondered if the cute girl Nefri had flustered earlier would be joining them. Perhaps not since she seemed to be the one in charge. He had to think for a moment to remember her name, Zoe. She seemed familiar but he couldn’t quite recall if she had been present during the Tournament. Thinking back, he wondered if River or Paddy still attended the school and what they were getting into this summer.

Sinking back into the lake Seb resumed floating on his back, eyes to the sky, making the clouds out as random shapes. A bird, a crocodile, maybe a chest full of golden coins… It was peaceful here, a shame it had to be so cold.

"If you so much as dare splash me, Sebakhin Omari, I will make you wish you had stayed in Egypt all summer." Her kohl lined eyes narrowed dangerously as she peered over the edge of the rock at the mention of someone to dunk. "I'm sure the giggling girl I gave the rose to, would gladly volunteer for your attention." Her voice was a little teasing, but also a little pouty since Seba usually got the attention of girls. Girls she would happily date, but not everyone was homosexual like she was. Nefri settled back on the rock and basked in the warm sunlight.

Toru was close enough to hear Seb's comment about merpeople in the lake. They tried not too look too excited at their interest. "T-There is a c-colony of Merfolk h-here. Selkies, s-specifically." They said while tucking their treasures into a small pouch on the side of their suit. "T-They've a-always been n-nice to me, t-though they can b-be reclusive." Toru admitted shyly and gave a small smile.

Grinning at Lilly’s decision and glad to see her new friend shared her style and spunk, Flora gave a happy half laugh, half whoop and chased after Lily, taking a deep breath and trying to brace herself for what she knew was coming as she dove into the lake. A moment later, Flora surfaced with a gasp, her pink ponytail now streaming water down her back. “Brr!” she smiled as she bobbed in the water, lazily treading water. “Isn’t it great though?” she asked Lily. “Really gets your blood going.”

Seeing movement in the clearer shallower water, Flora spotted Toru and waved back with a grin. “Ready to do some real swimming?” she asked Lily, hoping the American girl had adjusted to the shock of the cold lake.

Drew reached the edge of the trees and in a quiet voice and with a touch on the neck directed Zephyr to halt. The winged mare whinnied softly, stretching her neck and peering into the woods, knowing that one of her kind was there. Drew smiled, his own eyes searching the dim area as well. Then he saw it, what seemed nothing more than a shift of a shadow but the youth knew it was something far more. Stepping forward slowly, he called in a quiet sing song voice, “Easy now, tis alright…I’ll no harm you, gentle one. You’re safe.” He entered the trees and saw the creature he’d known he’d find…a thestral. “There you are,” he smiled, speaking in equine language and noting the animal’s thin hide quiver with nervousness as it stepped back. Stopping where he was so as not to crowd or upset the beast, Drew continued speaking quietly, making no sudden moves. “No need to fear…I’m a friend. You’re a younger one, aren’t you? Not as large as some of your herdmates. But you’re still a fine lookin’ fellow, yes you are,” he smiled.

Lily broke her head through the service of the water. "Bracing," she said with a giggle. "Yeah its nice even though its cold. She nodded. "Ready." She spotted Toru and Seb in the water and Nefri nearby. "Let's all have fun." She was a little chilled but it was going away fairly quickly. The spell must have helped.

Blade gave a stare at Drew. He stepped backwards with a neigh and his ears flicked backwards. He did a sort of prance sideways not really sure what to do. 'Well bugger' he thought. He resisted the idea of an eye roll at herd mates. Did horses roll their eyes? "I'm not that young," he muttered in what came out as some horse sounds. Well at least Drew thought of him as the threstral but that he wasn't scared made him disappointed and he snorted out and stamped his foot. Still, he wasn't going to harm the teen. Being called fine looking did make him feel pleased though. He was proud of his thestral form after all. He gave a slight nicker in response.

It wasn’t the water that had caused the sudden chill that ran down his back. Nefri was not to be tempted when her closest companions were arachnids. Seb would avoid truly angering her at all costs. “A little young for my taste, that one...” He mused while floating away. Back toward the rest of the action.

Toru’s comment on merpeople gave him pause and Seb found his footing again. “There are? Really?” He leaned in a little closer, examining the Hufflepuff’s features. “Can you show me?” His tone indicating that he was maybe finding it a little hard to believe. Even if at the same time there was a giant lake squid sunning itself in the background of the conversation… “I know an underwater charm. Mastered the class actually.” He smirked, proud of himself and always happy to brag. With the help of a guide the idea of exploring the lake really started to intrigue him. Who knew, if not merfolk maybe there were lost valuables hidden somewhere in the murky depths waiting to be discovered. Lost to the ages. His eyes were probably glowing with anticipation.

“Come on then, let’s go,” Flora said with a smile as she began swimming toward Toru and Seb. Since their backs were to the girls, Flora ducked underwater and swam the last part of the way silently submerged, coming up behind Toru and Seb with a sudden splash of water that spattered over them. She grinned impishly at the pair as they whirled around.

“Whoa now…steady,” Drew said softly as the thestral backed and pranced. He couldn’t resist a grin though at the posturing as the creature snorted and stomped. “Go on with ye now,” he said calmly. “I know you’ll no be harmin me, so you can just stop with the theatrics and tryin’ to intimidate me.” When the thestral ‘spoke’ however it was Drew’s turn to take a half step back, his eyes wide. That voice…though it was slightly different due to the timbre of the equine sounds…it sounded like…but it couldn’t be, Drew thought to himself. He stepped forward, regarding the animal closer. “So you’re not that young, hmm?” he murmured. “But you are a proud one. You’re welcome for the compliment. Aye, you surely remind me of someone,” he said, watching the thestral closely for any sign that his suspicion might prove correct.

Lily swam along until Flora went underwater. She held back to see what she was going to do and when she realised it she didn't want to ruin it with splashes. Marko quietly followed them from the shore. Once Flora came to the service Lily swam the rest of the distance and joined the group.

Blade grumbled inwardly. Well damn. No intimation. But then the other teen looked surprised. He stepped backwards moments after Drew stepped forwards. 'I remind you of someone?' he thought. He was worried now... He didn't want everyone knowing his secret. He didn't know Drew either. What to do, what to do. Blade backed up again and snorted.

Toru flushed and instinctively leaned back just a little at Seb's sudden closeness. The Egyptian was still a little too new to be up close in their space. The only two here Toru was friends with that they were comfortable with were Blade and probably Zoe. They did give him a weak little smile. "I-I could. M-Maybe not t-the village. They a-are very t-territorial and it's r-rude to show up u-uninvited after all."

The smaller student paused for a moment and thought for a minute as Seb proudly announced that he was an excellent diver. "H-How good a-are you at the R-Revulsion or Ebublio J-Jinxes? T-There i-is another c-common i-inhabitant of the l-lake, Grindylows, a-and those s-spells work well o-on them." Their mother had made absolute sure to teach them all the friendly and unfriendly creatures in the waters of the British and Japanese Isles, and made sure they knew spells to counter them once they had a wand. Otherwise Manami would not have let them have such freedom swimming alone, which honestly was one of a handful of outlets Toru cherished.

Before Seb could answer though a loud splash sounded behind them, causing Toru to let out a surprised squeal of fear and ducking behind the nearest person, which happened to be Seb. Their cheeks were a brilliant shade of pink when they realized it was only Flora and Lily and they puffed their cheeks a but in a pout. "Y-You scared m-me half to London!" Toru exclaimed softly, and tried to calm down their racing heart.

“There’s a village?” Another chill ran up Seb's spine but this time a friendly splash from Flora was to blame. Unflinching he twisted around with a smirk. "Hey now, you don't want to start a splash fight you can't finish." Even if his tone seemed inviting. Clearly he had energy to burn. Sure the girl was a fair bit younger than he was, but Seb had to admit that the light reflecting from the water onto her hair and eyes was mildly enchanting. Not far behind her another youth was closing the distance.

"I knew coming here this summer was a good idea." He mused to himself before his brow creased in consideration to Toru’s question. Turing to find them crouched behind him, Seb lifted a brow but didn’t mention it. “I would consider myself practiced in both areas.” There was a glimmer of mischief in his eye. “The banishing charm works pretty well too, you know if you encounter anything too big and nasty.” Speaking from experience, there were many species of shark living off the coasts of Egypt and Seb was not shy of putting himself in danger.

((Edit// They met earlier, I realize. Soooo NVM on all that.))

((same tho lol, its fine. also on reread i realise i missed your question about special abilities, just pretend tam said "nah not really" to that))

Tamara looked over at the lake at the suggestion, and-- was that a squid? A giant squid? 'Yes, totally!' She grinned. Most people never saw a squid even on camera! They're so BIG! 'I gotta stash Glam Rock, I'll meet you there!' She tipped the worm off her shoulder into a cupped hand and hopped up, tipped her backpack off her shoulder, and ran back to the main camp to tip Glam Rock back into the little worm tent where they would be safe.

After that she turned back to the lake and sprinted for it, eyes on the gorgeous pale red beast. Its tentacles waved lazily on the surface of the water, seeming to enjoy the sunshine. She ran down the dock and jumped, not bothering to even take off her shoes before cannonballing right into the lake.

Right as she jumped she spotted from the corner of her eye someone sitting next to the squid-- an absolutely gorgeous girl with a flyaway braid and flawless makeup. She got in a split second of distracted staring before she plunged hard into the water. God dammnit that was cold! She saw cloudy lake water for a couple seconds before her head resurfaced. She spit out a fountain of water shivering but laughing, and wiped the water clear of her eyes, smearing her already streaming eye makeup across her face.

As her vision cleared she found the pretty girl -- no, don't gender strangers Mar, bad puppy -- the really pretty person again. They were wearing a bikini. And matching sandals. She was doomed.

LIly's heart dropped when she caught a brief snippet of the conversation. They were going to go diving. Yet, she kept her expression happy. She gave a shy smile at the startled Toru. "You two needed a good spook, it keeps the blood pumping," she said. She noticed the punk girl and another girl come to the lake as well.

Zoe was over towards the worms now. It appeared she was knitting scarves.

(Leaving Blade where he is for the moment))

Nefri heard a loud splash not too far away from her and a loud squeal from the Sunbeam. It seemed the little Princesses had decided to surprise attack her best friend and Toru. A cheeky smile appeared across her painted lips, but was surprised when she heard another splash near them. She saw one of the girls who had been off to the side away from the group when she arrived, dive into the lake fully clothed. That one has moxie for sure, the Egyptian thought as she rolled over onto her stomach to watch the events unfold in the water just over the ledge of the rock.

The Hufflepuff chuckled at Seb's comment about a splashing contest and grinned at the other girls. "Y-You'll be i-in trouble as t-this is my element!" They exclaimed proudly before splashing back at Flora and Lily. Toru jumped again when there was another splash nearby, and looked in horror as the very intimidating girl plunged into the lake with no wetsuit or protective spells. "Oh, M-Merlin's B-Beard!" They exclaimed softly before wading toward her. "A-Are you o-okay?" They squeaked gently. "Y-You should w-wear a wetsuit a-at least, o-or you'll c-catch a cold o-or worse!"