Chapter 35

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A/N: Ranked #3 reaction fanfic on Wattpad (8/13/24) 

Cragcroft Shore

Following the location marked in her Field Guide they arrive at what looks like an overgrown temple entrance. There are multiple pillars covered in moss and vines whose foundations have sunk and are leaning to one side. It also looks like there is something carved into the rock face but with all the vegetation it is impossible to see what it is.

Professor Fig: "You're here. I have good news - we do not have any of Ranrok's Loyalists to contend with. Of course, the bad news is that it's likely because they no longer need to track the Keepers for information."

Lara: "Professor? Look at this." She points to the footprints carved into the rock beneath them.

She looks back at the overgrown rockface. Hmm, I wonder. She pulls out her wand.

Lara: "Confringo!"

Professor Fig: "What are you -"

The vegetation slowly burns away revealing a stone face with tendrils.

The vegetation slowly burns away revealing a stone face with tendrils

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Professor Fig: "Is that a -? It is. I believe I know what must be done. Do you recognise the head sculpted there?"

Lara: "It looks like a Graphorn."

Professor Fig: "And the prints carved into the ground lead me to believe that a Graphorn will somehow open the way forward."

The few Magizoologists who have first-hand experience with Graphorns grimace.

Lara: "That's what Professor Rackham meant when he spoke of my needing an 'ability to interact with beasts.'"

Professor Fig: "It would seem so. I do know that the last of a long dynasty of Graphorns lives nearby. They call him the 'Lord of the Shore'."

He suspects that she will need to bring him here, but he doesn't know what she is supposed to do then.

Lara: "Have you ever subdued a Graphorn, Professor?"

Professor Fig: "I have, yes. Years ago, at Stonehenge, of all places. The Ministry still owes me for that favour."

He explains how it can be difficult due to the creature's massive size but it's not impossible. He says from his experience trying to overpower one won't work, Graphorns are resistant to most spells so she will have to wear it down. He tells her to look for the remains of a large sea creature, that is where she'll find the Graphorn's den. He points out the location on her Field Guide and wishes her good luck before disapparating.

Graphorn Den

While flying around the coast she spots the bones of the large sea creature Professor Fig mentioned. That must be the Lord of the Shore's den.  Landing her broom she nervously approaches the den. All right, here we go. Taking a deep breath she steps into the Graphorn's den.

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