Black Lake



The Black Lake is a large body of water located to the south of the castle. It is about half a mile in diameter and the Hogwarts plumbing network drains into it. Every school year at Hogwarts, first years sail across the lake to the castle in boats as per Hogwarts tradition. When they got to the school, they are then Sorted into their houses. The lake is very often cold, but there are not rules against swimming in it. Students often dangle their legs over the water during hot weather. It is home to a Giant Squid, grindylows, and a colony of Merpeople. The lake was also used as the site of the Second Task of the Triwizard Tournament. The Slytherin Common Room is beneath the lake, accessed through an entrance in the school dungeons. The Chamber of Secrets is also thought to be beneath the lake.