negotiations underwater

*Narrator pov*

In the depths of the Hogwarts Black Lake, a mysterious world thrived beneath the shimmering surface. The merpeople, guardians of the aquatic realm, swam gracefully among the ancient ruins and aquatic flora that adorned their underwater home.

As the moon cast its silvery glow upon the lake's surface, the merpeople's reflective scales glittered like precious gems. Their sinuous tails propelled them through the water with a mesmerizing fluidity. Schools of vibrant fish darted around them, creating a living tapestry of colors beneath the waves.

The merpeople, with their humanoid torsos and delicate webbed fingers, gathered near the bottom of the black Lake serving as a communal meeting space. Their voices, a melodic blend of sonorous tones, echoed through the liquid medium, creating an enchanting symphony that resonated in the aquatic realm.

Clusters of luminescent plants illuminated the underwater city, casting a soft, ethereal glow on the coral structures. Ornate shells and pearls adorned the merpeople's homes, each structure intricately crafted to harmonize with the natural beauty of the underwater world.

In the heart of the merpeople's community, a majestic throne carved from mother-of-pearl stood as a symbol of leadership. The ruling merfolk, adorned with regal crowns made of woven kelp and adorned with precious stones, convened to discuss matters that pertained to the well-being of their underwater realm.

Suddenly, a wizard began to descend from the top of the black Lake, a bubble surrounded him as he sunk to the depths of the famous body of water.

The merpeople noticed this wizard instantly and swam upward surrounding him, they didn't immediately attack though as an agreement was formed between them and Hogwarts.

Merpeople's relationship with Wizardkind was said to be an unstable one. However, they did have an agreement and held respect for the current headmaster Albus Dumbledor so they refrained from taking immediate action waiting for the wizard to make the first move.

The wizard scanned the area with his reflective eyes, the dark depths of the lake seemingly irrelevant to his gaze. "Greetings, I have come to have a meeting with Neridra," Morpheus spoke politely in mermish

One of the merfolk swam forward, "You speak our tongue human?" he asked in bewilderment it is very rare for a human to be able to speak Mermish not only is it a complicated language but a Merman would rarely teach the language to a human

Morpheus smiled, "Indeed, I learned it some time ago, Neridra is he around? I must speak to him. Tell him Morpheus, has come for a meeting," he spoke lightly as if he had all of the time in the world

The merman who spoke before signaled to one of the others and said, "Relay the human's words to the king," causing the merman to leave

Morpheus waited patiently not minding the heavy silence one bit. He looked around fondly as if he was reminiscing about the past.

Soon, the merman sent off before came back, "His Majesty will see you now,"

Morpheus smiled lightly and began to descend into the Black Lakes depths once more this time following the merpeople.

The merpeople's kingdom was illuminated by the natural plants in the water, many came from their homes to glance at the human who was given an audience with their king.

It was rare to see a human descend the depths and not wait at the surface for a meeting.

Morpheus was led into a humble yet grand room, it was not overly large but decorated with fine pearls and shells.

"Lovely architecture," Morpheus commented while eyeing the decorations

An imposing figure sat atop a coral throne, "Morpheus I presume?" Neridra the king said holding an amicable smile

Morpheus bowed slightly in respect, "I greet the king," he said calmly

Neridra waved off his subordinates leaving only himself and Morpheus in the room, "I didn't think you were real," he confessed

Morpheus laughed lightly, "Few do," he replied cryptically

Neridra smiled slightly his eyes turning serious, "My father before he passed would tell stories of how we settled into the Black Lake, a man with clear eyes offered us a home away from Greece while our clan was being hunted," he seemed to relive the stories his father would tell him

Morpheus nodded, "Greece was where I grew up, the merfolk there helped me on multiple occasions your clan was one of them. When your clan was being prosecuted by your people I offered a solution on the grounds that if I needed help you would come to my aid. Of course, that deal was struck on the assumption I wouldn't ever need direct help but it seems times have changed," he spoke with a sad smile the lie of never needing their help rolled from his tongue seamlessly

Neridra nodded solemnly, "Of course, we will aid you in whatever you need," he agreed his familial honor bound him to

Morpheus shook his head, "It's nothing outlandish my friend. It seems the ones behind the veil are recruiting magical beings such as yourselves to fight in their war. With you living in Hogwarts I'm sure they can't approach you, I hope that if they ever do we can establish measures in assurance,"

Neridra frowned, "I see, fighting them is but a death sentence for us," he said with some fear

Morpheus shook his head, "You needn't worry, my goal is to not have you fight but to protect. If Hogwarts is being attacked in the future your aquatic assistance would be grateful,"

Neridra smiled at that, "Of course, we will protect the grounds,"

Morpheus nodded, "I have one other countermeasure you might like," this time his smile was downright vicious

*Morpheus pov*

I ascended the depths of the Black Lake using the aid of a helpful bubble charm, making it onto the surface I headed off into the castle.

I decided to walk to my room knowing the conversation awaiting me would either happen tonight or tomorrow morning depending on my way of travel.

I decided to have the conversation tonight.

"Out and about?" Albus's voice reached my ears

Turning I grinned, "Oh just admiring the scenery," I said lightly while looking through a window

"You haven't shared information with me in a while I'm beginning to think you're holding out on me," he laughed lightly but I could see a power in his eyes that wasn't there before

Smiling this time genuinely I approached him, "That fire in your eyes, you must tell me what lit it! This is the Albus I have been waiting for," I said jovially

"It has always been there," he replied calmly stroking his beard

I shook my head, "Maybe your right, but I do bring news. Bad news though," I sighed in annoyance

"Well?" he asked

"Seems Tom is an ambitious one he is not only roping in wizards from around Europe but also creatures. From vampires to werewolves Giants and all," I said in exhaustion

Albus frowned, "That is an unpleasant thought," he seemed to enter a world of his own as he closed his eyes to think

"What are your plans?" He asked

"I will meet some of the creatures myself, though I think it will be hard to change the tide," I said solemnly

Albus nodded, "Well, we can now prepare I will briefly mention to Professor Yowie about teaching some spells involving these creatures I wish they didn't see us as their enemy," he said sadly

"Britain is at fault," I replied

"I know," he said shaking his head in disappointment

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