Disclaimer: All characters are owned by J. K. Rowling, a wonderful author whose characters I have borrowed for a completely profit-free flight of fancy. Kindly do not sue me, please, as I am terrified of you. Thank you. This disclaimer applies to all following chapters.
Seeking
Amy and Dennis remained still, the edges of Dennis's shoes barely wetted by the water of the subterranean lake.
"Utterly beautiful," I said, the words the first sentient ones spoken there for untold ages. "You see what a treat this is for you?"
They both looked at me, pale and silent, not daring to contradict me. Still, I was not satisfied. The lake was all very well, but it was not what I had come to see. Suddenly, on instinct, I crouched at the water's edge and began to feel for an invisible rope I knew had to be there.