<div align="center"><strong><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 15pt;">Optional Event: Black Lake Bonfire</span></strong><br/><em>Unlike the standard GM events, this event is not considered mandatory participation. <br/>It is an event organized for plot development, character connections, and fun! Open to all!</em><br/><br/>(https://igx.4sqi.net/img/general/699x268/56761927_o18sTt05NmibaWEhyv40uP_yBYQS715sKFMm3dLMD7k.png)</div><br/><hr/><hr/><br/>All month long, there had been talks of a bonfire being hosted by Aaric Balor at the Black Lake. It was to be held on Friday, September 29th, immediately following dinner in the Great Hall. Invitations were spread through word of mouth and overhearing ears. By the time the end of September rolled around, every Hogwarts student had heard about the bonfire and was, in one way or another, invited to attend.<br/><br/><hr/><hr/><br/><div class="floatright">(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/01/81/e2/0181e2bdf1ea9cc3b7abd8dd97a65d63.jpg)</div>The evening was a cool one, with a crisp chill in the air. At the lakefront, it was even more noticeable, a breeze rolling this way and that, sending speckles of sea salt into the sky. Clouds loomed overhead, full and fluffy, blowing by at a pace too slow to notice. The moon was out and reflecting the sun as ever, one lowering while the other rose. A gentle hue of pink seemed to halo the mountainous hills in the distance, the glittering water of the Black Lake rippling curiously and waving lazily.<br/><br/>There was something about the water that felt ominous, though many students never drew close enough to pay attention. Perhaps that would change at this bonfire, though. Especially the First years, who had yet to see the lake up close. There had been rumors circulating about upperclassmen using this party as an excuse to haze the younger students, though that word never reached the ears of any Professor who would take it seriously. This party was an approved one, however that didn't mean students were allowed to stay out after curfew. By midnight, they were all expected to be back in their dorms and tucked into their beds.<br/><br/>That gave the students approximately five hours to finish their celebratory bonfire. It had been set up in a clearing, contained with wooden sticks and rocks. It was a magical fire, of course, so the chances of an ember sparking something and setting it ablaze, was very unlikely. Due to its magical genesis, the fire continued to crackle and pop at the wood, which never seemed to actually burn. Just the same, a vibrant source of light and a glorious source of heat was formed. Though the bonfire was near the edge of the lake, the tide was much lower and with the uneven ground of mostly jagged rock and flattened ground, there was a plentiful bit of padding between water and fire.<br/><br/>Logs and seats were set up all over the place, providing plenty of places to sit. Marshmallows and coolers filled with drinks were also set up near the fire. All of the ingredients to make s'mores were present; the perfect dessert to cap off a beautiful evening. A huge variety of juices were sitting on ice that magically never melted, along with water bottles and a few other unmarked drinks that may or may not have had a special ingredient added to them.<br/><br/>The bonfire has started, and everyone is invited! So get cozy and warm up by the fire... before it's too late.