The Girl who Vanished

Chapter 20

The next morning Lara stops by the Room of Requirement to release the beasts she rescued. As she walks in she can't help but think how crowded the vivarium will get with all the beasts, a moment later the room starts to shake and the walls start to rearrange. A set of stairs form leading up to a large glass ball with a door that looks like it leads to the coastline, a second vivarium. After releasing the captured beasts and Highwing in their new habitat she heads down to the Map Chamber, she had received an owl from Professor Fig that morning saying that Professor Rookwood would like to speak to them.

People lean forward, excited to continue the Keepers' story.

Map Chamber

As she enters the room, she sees Professor Fig speaking with the two Keepers.

Professor Fig: "You would be wise not to underestimate this student. Their aptitude for magic is beyond anything I've ever seen - and I've been teaching a long time."

Percival Rackham: "It is a joy to have such a student."

Charles Rookwood: "It can be."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

Professor Fig: "There you are." He notices Lara approaching.

Lara: "I received your owl. I was able to speak with Lodgok - the goblin I mentioned before."

Professor Fig: "What did you learn?"

Lara: "He and Ranrok were close once, but they had a falling out."

Professor Fig: "You believe he can be trusted?"

Lara: "I believe he's trustworthy, yes. He seemed sincere. And Sirona Ryan trusts him."

Professor Fig: "Very well. Supposing he can be trusted - will he help us get to Ranrok?"

Lara: "I retrieved a stolen helm that he hopes to return to Ranrok in order to regain his confidence."

"I stole a stolen helmet from some people who stole it from the tomb of the person who first stole it." Sirius jokes.

"Never say that again Black." Alice and Minerva groan, rubbing their foreheads due to the headache his joke gave them. 

Professor Fig: "You have been busy. Let's hope your efforts result in our learning something about Ranrok's plans."

Lara: "Lodgok did mention that Ranrok is searching for something, but he couldn't say what. Perhaps that helm will yield some answers."

Charles Rookwood: "Ranrok is searching for something? I feared as much. I've heard an unusual amount of activity - goblins and wizards, I surmise - when visiting my portrait at my castle."

Lara: "Rookwood Castle?"

Charles Rookwood: "My former residence, yes. That castle is also the location of your next trial."

"Wait, if Victor is his descendant wouldn't it now be his residence?" Harry asks, people pale in realization, they pray Victor won't be home.

Lara: "I'm sorry to tell you that Victor Rookwood - evidently your descendant - is a Dark wizard in league with Ranrok."

Charles Rookwood: "My descendant - a Dark wizard? I'm afraid we've no time to waste. Despite the obstacles that clearly await you, you must get to Rookwood Castle immediately. Not only is it the location of the next trail, it is home to a source of power that would be devastating in the wrong hands. I do wish we had the luxury of time; however, I do not doubt your abilities. Find my portrait there as soon as you can."