Harry Potter and The Jade Dragon

Chapter 15 ~ Final Week

Shan was right; there were all manner of strange people in the City. There were tall wizards, their heads shaven except for a long pigtail at the back, armed with long willow staffs. There were witches in white robes, with deadly-looking daggers in their belts, each with a jade amulet at her throat. There were also many men in colourful silk robes, with tigers and cranes and dragons embroidered on them, and a square of cloth in front of their robes, signifying rank. These, Shan said, looked like officials from the Imperial Court.

"It's really odd," said Shan, looking around as they made their way out of the square where the dragons were tethered. "I've never seen a crowd like this in Long-Shan before, it's usually quite an isolated place. And I haven't even seen some of these Sects before – they're not the ones who usually come to Tian-Long to conduct trials. I can't imagine why the Court officials are here, either. I'd heard some were here, and have been trying to visit the school, but for some reason Lady Wen-Li won't let them in. They've been leaving a large pile of gifts outside the school gates for her, every day."

"Maybe it's her birthday," said Ron, looking with interest as a group of wizards in brown robes went past.

Shan laughed, but Hermione dismissed his suggestion with a scornful look.

"It's strange, seeing so many Pugilists here," Shan repeated. "It's as if there's going to be some meeting of the clans here, or something."

Ron and Harry looked interested.

"Maybe there'll be a Duelling Tournament," said Ron hopefully. "Fatty's mentioned that all the Pugilists sometimes meet, to see which Sect has the most skilled fighters. That would be something to watch, huh, Harry?"

Robert had seen someone.

"Look, Shan," he said quietly, "Master Wei."

They all turned to look. A wizard in black robes was striding up to them, smiling. The long sabre at his side was sheathed in black and silver, and a silver kylin hung round his neck.

Shan and Robert greeted him, and they started conversing in Chinese. Harry fumbled around in his pocket for the Translator, while Ron and Hermione watched with interest.

Before Harry could bring the Translator out, the wizard had taken a few steps back and unsheathed his sword. The others watched, startled, as he hurled it straight at Robert.

Robert didn't bother to take his wand out. He made a small gesture with his hand, and the sword suddenly slowed down, swung around, and went flying back toward the wizard.

Master Wei caught the sword deftly, and transformed it back to a wand. He waved it, and small, bright bolts of light began shooting from it at Robert, so fast that they could hardly be followed with the eye. Robert, however, didn't move. He calmly stood there, looking at the bolts of light, and they fizzled out and faded away when they were just inches from him.

Master Wei smiled, and transformed his wand back to sword form. Sliding it back into its sheath, he came forward and ruffled Robert's hair, and said something to him. He then smiled and nodded at the others, and took his leave of them.

Harry had been watching, transfixed, the Translator lying forgotten in his pocket. Ron's eyes were popping out of his head.

"What was all that about?" he asked.

Shan gave a small sigh, as they continued making their way into the City.

"He has been pestering Robert about joining Shao-Lin Academy for ages," she said. "He says he should go there after graduating from Tian-Long, and that he expects to see him there next autumn."