The Underground Lake

[Weasleyfanforever]

The Underground Lake at Gringotts is mentioned only once in the septology so far. It seems that it is just a piece of the scenery as Harry whizzes by on the goblin driven cart. But could there be more to the Underground Lake? I have heard a couple of theories on the Underground Lake; It is connected to Hogwarts' Lake, it is another place for the Giant Squid, it will be useful to Voldemort or the Order. I am not sure on any of these theories, but I just have the inkling that it will be one of those things later on that makes you say "Ohhh, I remember that, it was mentioned in PS/SS!" Here is the passage that it is mentioned in:

Once, he thought he saw a burst of fire at the end of a passage and twisted around to see if it was a dragon, but too late - - they plunged even deeper, passing an underground lake where huge stalactites and stalagmites grew from the ceiling and floor.

Do you think that there could be anything more to the Underground Lake, or was it mentioned in passing for no reason? What could it's purpose be? Theories and speculation welcome! :D

[Hermione]

Ooooh I think so! Maybe mermaids live at the bottom, and know something. Anyway, whose side are the mermaids on, the Order's or Voldemorts?

[Tonks]

I like the theory about the Underground Lake connecting with the Hogwarts' one, although I don't really think it is that likely. Umm - considering the amount of security placed on Gringotts, I don't really think it is anything but a regular old Underground Lake... because anything special could just make breaking in easier...

Also, the fact that its so far underground would make it pretty difficult to get to if it was anything out of the ordinary - like anything useful, at least... Considering that, I don't think it'll be useful to the Order or Voldemort, although I do suppose it could be another place for the Giant Squid or merpeople could live there ... I don't know what the point of that would really be though...

(Oh and I think the merpeople are probably on the Orders' side or are completely neutral, because of the interactions we see between Dumbledore and the merpeople in GoF; they seem to be peaceful at least, and I couldn't see them helping Voldemort.)

[Tinkerbell]

When I read this chapter Wheezy, the thing that struck me was the mention of the stalagmites and stalagtites, and the fact that Harry asks Hagrid the difference between them - Hagrid replying one is spelt with an "m" and the other with a "t". I thought this was odd as Hagrid later tells Harry that he can't spell Voldemort!!

I don't think it is connected to Hogwarts lake, as Tonks says, about the security. I do wonder whether there is a connection with the Chamber of Secrets however- not a physical connection, but one that involves Voldemort's knowledge of it.

Good pick up anyway Wheezy!

[MissWhizbee]

This is actually making me wonder about something else. How did Quirrel or whomever it was get into the underground tunnels to try and steal the philosopher's stone? Maybe he swam into the underground with gillyweed. The lake could be connected to a secret passage way that noone else knows about, or another body of water (the hogwarts lake would make it easy for quirrel to slip out of the castle, but I would think that it would probably have to be a body of water closer to Gringotts) I definately think it is improbable but still possible that the lake is connected to another body of water, I think a secret passage seems more reasonable.

Also, maybe the part about harry seeing the fire he thought was a dragon is more significant than we think. Do dragons normally just breath fire all the time, or do they save it for only when they get provoked. If it is the latter, then we might be able to assume that if it was indeed a dragon then it was being provoked and quite probably it would have been being provoked by whomever was trying to sneak in and steal the stone, especially since Harry saw all this the very same day the break in took place.

[Alz]

Umm - interesting topic ...
Well - first thing that comes to mind is that the Goblins seemed sure that Gringotts was practically uncrackable - and hence why they are so well respected and trusted with the cash of the Wizarding world.
I think MW offers the best possible reason it could have been there - there is a link - secret passage that comes out in the lake - not easy to find etc... and that would explain how it was breached!
Either that or it was like it said it was - an underground lake formed by years of water leaking underground - but that is boring!

[DieandDecay]

Those are all really interesting theories, but for the most part, I think the lake is just there to help describe the setting as Harry is travelling in the cart. It could serve a greater purpose...but personally, I think it's a bit far-fetched. good ideas though.

[Alz]

Well - you will find out we love a bit of wild speculation here!
I suppose one validity to the arguement could be based on how someone was able to break into the Bank - especially considering all the security involved with it.
I suppose people could assume that water flows from somewhere - and in that case that could be a way in .... just thoughts I suppose :D

[DieandDecay]

hmm....the idea of using the lake to break into the bank does make some sense. although....it was voldemort posessing quirell and voldemort is powerful so im sure he could find a different way of getting past all the security to.

[Hermione]

Perhaps there is some sort of portkey or something in the bottom of the lake. It would have to be unregistered, so only the top people in the ministery would know about it. Maybe something even the goblins don't know about.

I agree, it could just be a normal lake, but I really think (and hope) something more is going on here.

[Nagini]

The way I see it, the lake was either there and the goblins thought it would be useful when the Bank was built on top of it or they put it there for a reason.

I dont remember much about goblins but it could be something like they need to be near water or perhaps some of the creatures that guard the vaults either live or breed in the water?

[DieandDecay]

yeah ...well anything other than a normal lake seems improbable, but it would be interesting to see what JKR could possibly do with it.

[Alz]

Well - it seemes like a one off hit by JKR - normally she likes to repeat if it is important ...
I suppose it is for the sleuth amoungst us that look to how someone was able to break into Gringotts ...
Not sure it is an overall clue - just an interesting diversion for the speculative:p