There were not many students beside the Black Lake that day, only a dozen or so heads visible in the distance. For one thing, the afternoon sun was hiding behind the clouds, and the air was cold and clammy. For another, most students wanted a relaxing Christmas, so they were making the most of having friends around to consult and tackling their heavy homework loads.
By the time Brian's group could see the thick ice covering the Black Lake, hardly any students remained-upon discovering that a group of staff members was approaching, they had all remembered important things they needed to do,
and scattered in every direction with their heads down.
Students were generally unwilling to spend time with a group of teachers. That held true for Muggle and wizarding schools alike.
"Honestly, we look like the Mafia clearing the streets before a gang fight," Brian joked. "The merpeople will be breaking through the ice to negotiate with us any minute now."
"We really do. We've even brought a hostage," Professor Burbage agreed. "If negotiations break down, nobody's allowed to surrender."
"Negotiations." Professor McGonagall pointed out the crucial problem. "Does anyone here speak Mermish?"
"Actually, I learned a little from Dumbledore." Brian confidently let out a series of "aah" shrieks. "That means, 'I challenge you to a showdown.'"
Dumbledore had taught him that while discussing phrases merpeople commonly used during their breeding season. During the warmer months each year, similar sounds could often be heard beside the Black Lake.
"Very useful," Professor McGonagall commented, her lips curving upward. "It seems we can prepare to grip our wands right away."
"We'll win,"
Brian declared forcefully.
"Our party has a dueling champion, a master of Herbology, a Transfiguration expert, a naturalist, and a Muggle for the Muggle naturalist to study. Hey, those