The Wizarding World Geocache Series
"Upon the signature of the International Statute of Secrecy in 1689, wizards went into hiding for good. It was natural, perhaps, that they formed their own small communities within a community."
— The secrecy surrounding the wizarding world
The Wizarding World, also referred to as the magical community, is the society in which wizards and witches live and interact, separate from non-wizarding society. The two communities are kept separate through the use of charms, spells, and secrecy. Wizards and witches are forbidden to reveal anything about magic to Muggle society due to the International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy, but that does not mean that the two worlds live entirely apart.
Welcome to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and WIzardry and Surrounding Grounds
‘A horned, pale-green water demon, the Grindylow is found in lakes throughout Britain and Ireland. It feeds on small fish and is aggressive towards wizards and Muggles alike, though merpeople have been known to domesticate it. The Grindylow has very long fingers, which, though they exert a powerful grip, are easy to break.'
— Newt Scamander writing on Grindylows in his book, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them:
The Great Lake, alternatively known as the Black Lake, is a large landlocked freshwater lake near the grounds of Hogwarts Castle, located to the south of the school itself. The castle stands on a cliff overlooking the water. The lake is home to a number of unusual inhabitants, including a giant squid, a village of merpeople, and many Grindylows, Kelpies, and Selkies.
Every school year at Hogwarts, after the Hogwarts Express arrives at Hogsmeade station, Rubeus Hagrid calls for the students to follow him to the lake shore and the Hogwarts boats. The boats self-propel themselves magically across the lake to a dock under Hogwarts Castle as per tradition. Upon reaching the castle, Hagrid and the first-years disembark and climb the stairs to the lawn, entering the castle through the front doors. First-years then wait until summoned into the Great Hall to get Sorted into their houses. At the end of their first year, and again after graduating seventh-year, students take the boats back to Hogsmeade Station, while most other students ride down the lane in carriages.