Harry Potter and The Jade Dragon

Chapter 12 ~ The Silverwing

It was dark, and Harry could hardly see where they were going, but Shan led the way confidently. They were approaching the bamboo grove when she suddenly stopped.

"Someone's coming," she whispered.

They waited where they were, holding the Cloak firmly around them. Presently, two figures came toward them, from the direction of the Moon-Gate. Their wands were lit, and Harry had a glimpse of their faces as they passed.

"It's Jeanne and Professor Lupin!" he whispered, startled.

He felt the Cloak shift as Shan leaned forward to look.

"Is that Chien-Mei's husband?" she whispered, sounding interested. "What is he doing here?"

Jeanne and Lupin disappeared into the grove, obviously making for Mrs Chen's hut.

"Well...I guess he's come to see her. After all, they haven't been married that long," said Harry, as they continued on their way. But he felt doubtful; it was the middle of the night, and Lupin's face had looked too serious for this to be a mere social visit. Harry wondered if something had happened; but he had no time to think about it, because they had reached the Caverns.

The Silverwing had lodged itself in a cave one level above the one where the old male Bronzeback had been. It was dark within, and Harry could hardly see anything inside; the cave appeared to be empty. He stood at the entrance, the Invisibility Cloak around him, watching as Shan went confidently to one corner, and spoke to something nestled against the wall.

He thought he could see something long and sinuous, moving slightly in the gloom. Then Shan came back, looking pleased.

"He has agreed to let us fly him," she said, "including you. You can take the Cloak off, now."

Harry, the memory of the old male Bronzeback still fresh in his mind, removed the Cloak off his head.

"Are you sure you know what it's thinking?" he said suspiciously. "Maybe it just wants to make an easy meal out of the both of us."

"Don't be silly," she said, laughing. "I tell you, I know what's in a dragon's mind. This one is really intelligent. He said he would give us a good ride."

At this moment, the sinuous figure detached itself from the wall and came over toward them. Harry instinctively pulled the Cloak back over his head, and retreated out of the cave.

The Silverwing emerged from the cave entrance. It was large, with a fringe of fine spikes around its face. Its scales were silver, and glittered in the faint moonlight. It paused just outside the entrance, and seemed to know where Harry was, its yellow reptilian eyes staring at the spot where he was standing.

Shan went over to the Silverwing, and it turned its cold stare on her.

"He says you can take the Cloak off, Harry," she called out, rather impatiently. "Do hurry up; we don't have the whole night, you know."

Harry removed the Cloak. It was embarrassing – she was a girl, and younger than him, but he was the one feeling apprehensive. He tucked the Cloak into his robes, and went over to the dragon.

Shan had mounted the Silverwing. Harry hesitated a moment, then climbed up and seated himself behind her.

"Put the Cloak over both of us," she said, "so that no Muggles will spot us. The Silverwing won't be seen by anyone – its camouflage will make it look like part of the sky. And hold on to the spike in front of you."