Harry Potter's : Fantastic Beasts Guide

Chapter 95: The Dragon’s Thorn and the Test of Courage



"Charles, do you think we will see dragons?" Alyssa asked curiously, her silver mane shimmering in the sunlight.

"If we keep looking, we should," Charles replied thoughtfully. "Uncle Sean once told me he saw a colorful dragon flying overhead. It was huge! If one flies by, we'll definitely see it."

Sean was a hippogriff they had met along their journey. He had sprained his foot while landing, and Alisha had helped heal his injury. In gratitude, Sean had invited them to stay with his kind for a while. It was there that Alyssa first heard stories of dragons, and ever since, she had been obsessed with seeing one for herself.

That was how she had convinced Charles to accompany her on this unknown adventure.

To add to their story, this was their second year exploring beyond their homeland. Alyssa's once silvery mane had started turning a pure, brilliant white. And then there was David—still stuck in this strange existence, experiencing Alyssa's life as though it were a dream or a memory. He had been with them all this time, though they had no idea he was there.

David had discovered something peculiar about his situation: he could only go where Alyssa had been before. It was as if he were in a game, restricted to areas already explored in her memory. Any place beyond that was blocked by an invisible wall.

"Charles, do you think dragons eat unicorns?" Alyssa whispered, inching closer to him.

Charles tensed up and glanced around nervously. "I... I don't think so," he said, though his voice lacked confidence.

"Maybe we should turn back," he suggested hesitantly.

Alyssa burst into laughter. "Ha! I scared you, Charles! You're such a coward!"

She stuck out her tongue playfully, flicked her tail, and pranced ahead with a teasing grin.

Charles stood there for a moment, stunned. Then, shaking his head with a smirk, he chased after her. "You dare to tease me? We'll see about that!"

After walking for what felt like hours, Alyssa and Charles finally arrived at the edge of a massive canyon.

Alyssa shuddered. "Charles... do you think all these bones were eaten by a dragon?"

The canyon was eerily silent. A crystal-clear stream ran through its center, yet there were no signs of life. Not a single bird, rabbit, or even an insect. The only thing in sight was a field of sun-bleached bones scattered across the rocky terrain.

Charles swallowed hard. "Maybe... we should go back now," he said, his voice shaking slightly.

Alisha, for once, agreed. "Yeah, let's go."

Just as they turned to leave, a deep rumbling sound echoed through the canyon.

A colossal dragon emerged from a cave, its wings spreading wide as it ascended into the sky. The sunlight hit its pearly scales, refracting into a dazzling array of colors, making it look like a living rainbow.

David recognized the species immediately — Glittering multi-colored eyes without pupils.

The Opaleye were known to be the gentlest of the fire dragons. As long as they were well-fed, they rarely hunted.

David sighed in relief. Alyssa and Charles should be safe.

The dragon circled twice before landing gracefully near the canyon's edge. It sniffed the air and then spoke in a deep, rumbling voice.

"Come out, little ones. I could smell you the moment you arrived."

Alyssa and Charles, who had been hiding behind a bush, froze.

"Do you think he's bluffing?" Alyssa whispered.

Before Charles could answer, the dragon lowered its massive head and blew a warm gust of air towards the bush, causing the leaves to scatter.

"Why are you hiding?" the dragon asked, feigning impatience. "Must I breathe fire to get you out?"

"You won't eat us?" Charles asked cautiously, stepping out slowly.

The dragon snorted. "Do I look like I'm starving? You two wouldn't even make a decent snack."

Charles hesitated. "Then... can we go?"

"Not yet." The dragon folded his wings neatly against his back. "I need a favor."

Alyssa and Charles exchanged nervous glances.

"What kind of favor?" Charles asked.

"I have a thorn stuck in my mouth," the dragon said, opening his massive jaws. "Take it out, and I'll let you leave."

Charles took a cautious step forward, peering inside. The dragon's mouth was cavernous, and deep near the root of its teeth, a sharp bone was wedged into its flesh.

Charles grimaced. "You want me to stick my head in there?"

The dragon huffed impatiently. "Do I look like an idiot? Just get it out."

Charles hesitated. "What if you bite my head off by accident?"

"If you don't, I might just eat her instead," the dragon said, tilting his head towards Alyssa.

"No! I'll do it!" Charles said quickly, steeling his nerves.

Trembling, he stepped closer, then hesitantly placed his head inside the dragon's mouth. The stench was overwhelming, making his eyes water.

He braced himself, clamped his teeth onto the bone, and pulled with all his strength. The dragon grunted in pain, a small puff of heat escaping his nostrils.

Charles yanked again, his hooves pushing hard against the ground. The bone loosened slightly, but it was lodged deep in the dragon's gums.

After a few minutes, Charles stumbled back, panting. "I need a break."

The dragon sighed, its teeth stained red with blood. "Fine. Hurry up."

"Maybe... I should try?" Alyssa stepped forward hesitantly.

"No!" Charles protested immediately.

The dragon rolled his eyes. "Let her try."

Alyssa gulped and took a deep breath. She stepped forward, determined to prove herself.

With a flick of her tail, she trotted up to the dragon's enormous maw, ready to face the challenge.


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