#18 Far, Far It Lies

As soon as Kassia's gem hit the sand, a curious, small niffler came into view. The platypus-like creature hurried towards it and twitched its long, thin snout as it sniffed at the precious stone. Determining it to be authentic and an offering from the fifth year girl, the magical beast hugged it close to its chest. It was a gift worth treasuring and the creature smiled with its round eyes.

But she wasn't there to simply give it to him—she wanted a key, just like the many students before her had. So, the niffler pocketed the gem in the pouch on its belly and burrowed in a dune near the bank, sand flying like a spray as it flicked out from where the creature was digging.

Perhaps it was a stroke of good luck, but Kassia earned what she desired on her very first try. The creature emerged from the sand, a reflective bronze key in its hands, holding the prize above its head for her to take. Once she'd taken her key, the niffler quickly retreated into a nearby bush.