I don't think the Merchant's trying to teach us that, but I do believe he brought us here so we can see what it looks like when the undead really try to ruin something.

[ Lily scowls, her thoughts returning to what the Merchant's true motive might be as she watches Hermione slip below the water's surface on the hunt for whatever pieces of information waited on the pamphlets below.

It was gratifying to have company just as intrigued as she was.

Gently catching her friend's arm when Hermione resurfaces Lily pulls her up and out of the water, chuckling to herself as Hermione bemoaned the water's temperature. ]

Right, put us on a proper beach we're a pair of regular Bond girls now.