SWIMMINGGEDDON.

[wwistful]

WHO: Murdoc Donoghue and YOU
TONE: Fun, WHIMSICAL, horrifying
RATING: PG-13 and onward
WHEN: September 7th
WHERE:  The Lake.
WHAT:  After this Murdoc realised the children (and staff) of Hogwarts were in dire need of swimming lessons.
STATUS: Ongoing

[GATHER AROUND CHILDREN it's a warm summer day and the lake is perfect for diving into your sudden but inevitable deaths. You should all be dressed in your swimming trunks (which you clearly have don't even lie) because Murdoc sure is. He's determined to conduct this in the best manner he can, though he wasn't quite expecting the turn out to be so large. People who can swim are welcome to become his assistants because he could probably use the help.]

Comments

[di_intraining]

[He nods and makes no more move forward. While he'd like her to go in deeper, it's quite clear to him that they'll need to take things slow and steady.

The wind, unfortunately, picks that moment to pick up. Greg isn't too bothered by the chill, but he's immediately concerned about Victoria.]

You alright there? I think the breeze is back. I'll head back to the shore and grab a towel for you if you'd like.

[nobodyscrumpet]

[She grips his hands tighter at the thought of him leaving her in the water]

No.

[She says almost too quickly.]

I mean, it's fine. Chilly air doesn't bother me that much.

[di_intraining]

[It was....strange to see her so afraid of something. He's seen her take on Arthur's brothers by herself, and he's always thought she was completely fearless.

It made her seem a bit more...down to earth. Less like a princess and more like a normal high school girl.

In contrast to her tight grip, his fingers gently but firmly cover hers.]

Alright then. But tell me if you want to head back ok?

[nobodyscrumpet]

[It comes from a life time of being scared to try new things, and stories off all the different magical beasts that like to drown people]

You'll know the second I know. I can promise you that.

[She still looks uncomfortable, but she's relaxes at his touch a little]

[di_intraining]

[Good. He's glad she's relaxing a little; the last thing he needs is trying to calm her down in the water.]

It's not too bad, is it? The water's not too bad, but it's the best during summer.

[nobodyscrumpet]

Well no. I guess it isn't all that bad.

[di_intraining]

The lake's nice, but I've heard the ocean's better. Have you ever been to the beach before? I mean, not to swim, but just to enjoy a little sun.

[nobodyscrumpet]

I have. But, just I sat under the umbrella and read.

[di_intraining]

Huh. I've never been to one myself. Can't afford it. I'd like to go sometime though; from what I've heard, it sounds like a real nice place to just relax and enjoy the sun.

[nobodyscrumpet]

We went one summer. Over a weekend Daddy wasn't working, Peter kept teasing me for not wanting to go into the water.

It really is rather pretty.

[di_intraining]

Younger siblings are all the same. My twin sisters never let off a chance to poke fun at me either.

I'm saving up for a trip myself. Don't know if I'll ever get to it, but I'm thinking it'd be a nice getaway, at least for a few days. Be nice to get London out of your lungs.

[nobodyscrumpet]

[She huffs]

He's a horrible thing.

That sounds really sweet, actually. I hope you get to go.

[di_intraining]

He should never meet my sisters, they'll all terrorise London together.

Thanks. What's the name of the beach you went to, if you don't mind me asking? I might try there.

[nobodyscrumpet]

Oh he'll just pull their hair and steal their things. He should be in a zoo.

Solent Breezes, in Southampton. I live in Otterborne, so it's only half an hour by car.

[di_intraining]

Trust me, my sisters will give him a run for his money. They're downright sneaky and I swear they can get away with almost anything.

Solent Breezes. Got it. I'll let you know if I ever get there.

[nobodyscrumpet]

Well, Peter doesn't get away with everything... But he gives it a good try.

You should tell me

[She nods]

[di_intraining]

We'd better hope they never meet then. I wouldn't want them teaching him all their little tricks.

I will.

I'll get you something nice too. As a thank you present for telling me about the place.

[nobodyscrumpet]

That would be disastrous.

[She looks up at him, trying to not look TOO excited about this.]

You would?

[di_intraining]

Yeah. I'll get something for both you and Arthur. Promise.

[nobodyscrumpet]

Oh you really are the sweetest thing.

[di_intraining]

["Sweetest thing"? Not even his mother or his step-mother called him that, and certainly not his father. It brings a slight blush to his cheeks even.]

T-Thanks.

[nobodyscrumpet]

[She smiles]

I'm only stating the truth, there's no need to thank me, Gregory.

[di_intraining]

It's Greg.

[That's all he can mumble out, warmth creeping down the back of his neck.]

I think Donoghue's about done with whoever he's teaching. You're up next.

You ready?

[nobodyscrumpet]

I like Gregory.

[She looks around in the water, at the professor. And takes a steadying breath.]

I'm. Not so sure if I am.

[di_intraining]

Well I'd prefer you to use Greg, if you don't mind. I don't think I'm much of a "Gregory" person.

You can do it Victoria. I know you can.

[And for extra effect, he squeezes her hand gently, before a slight smirk forms on his lips.]

You're too stubborn to not make it work either way. Somehow, you'll figure it out.