Christmas Eve.

No business partners or workers came looking for Scarlet today - she had declared the day off for herself, vowing not to handle any company matters until the 27th December, the day after Boxing Day.

Percy sat by the fireplace, absorbed in a book. Fred and George were engrossed in their study of game mechanics by relentlessly playing video games, while Ron had become addicted to horse riding. To his surprise, Scarlet was better at physical activities than him.

“I’ve been training in martial arts for years. It’s no wonder you can’t keep up,” Scarlet teased with a laugh.

Ron reluctantly admitted he wasn’t as fit as Scarlet, though he countered, “If we were on brooms right now, I’d definite show you a few moves!”

“I’m sure you’d beat me, no contest,” Scarlet shrugged. “I’m not really into brooms or Quidditch.”

After tiring of the outdoor activities, they strolled leisurely back toward the house. Ron glanced at Scarlet, giving her a peculiar look.

“What?” Scarlet asked.

“It’s just...rare to see you not busy with something,” Ron remarked, recalling all the times they’d met. “Ever since I’ve known you, you’re always in the middle of something - homework, reading, reports, or replying to letters.”

Not to mention my spear training...which you don’t know about at all. Fred and George are really good at keeping secrets. Scarlet smiled at the thought and replied, “I don’t think I’m that busy.”

“No, you’re always busy, Scarlet,” Ron insisted, staring at her. “It’s like something’s driving you, pushing you to keep going. You’re always telling Hermione not to push herself, but you’re the same.”

“Really? That’s how you see me?” Scarlet was genuinely surprised.

“You’re the only person I’ve ever seen who never slacks off. Not even Percy can keep that up,” Ron added with a frown.

Scarlet reflected on her time at Hogwarts, then sighed, “Maybe you’re right. I guess I just haven’t been happy about attending Hogwarts.”

“Why?” Ron asked, incredulous. “Hogwarts is the best wizarding school!”

“But it wasn’t in my plan,” Scarlet said, analysing her own mindset. “I think I value my plans and schedules too much. Going to Hogwarts disturbed everything, and I’ve been trying to manage both worlds ever since, hoping I can balance them.”

Ron, always carefree, couldn’t understand why anyone would live such a busy, exhausting life. Just like how he couldn’t grasp why Percy was so eager to work at the Ministry, he struggled to fathom why Scarlet chose such a difficult path. But perhaps that was why Percy had gotten on so well with Scarlet from their first meeting. Percy, who was often sceptical of people Ron’s age, seemed to see something familiar in Scarlet.

“Relax, Scarlet. Nothing’s chasing you,” Ron said.

“Yeah, you’re right.” Scarlet smiled. “Thanks for pointing it out. I’ll adjust my schedule and ease up a bit.”

“You’d better,” Ron warned. “Don’t be like Hermione. She always says she won’t read when she’s with us, then ends up borrowing another ton of books.” Ron rolled his eyes, making Scarlet chuckle.

As she changed out her snow-soaked coat in the mudroom, Meiko approached, holding a cordless phone. “Milady, a Taoist priest from China wishes to speak with you.”

“China? A Taoist priest?” Scarlet was baffled. She had no ties to China, not even Hong Kong, aside from a few Fung Shui masters - most of whom she considered frauds and scammers; she could easily pick a better spot for an office for her dad without their help, even though she didn’t know much about Chinese Feng Shui at all. Yep, that’s how incompetent those scammers were.

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“Yes, from one of the hidden realms,” Meiko clarified.

Scarlet’s confusion deepened.

Unlike Japan, where temples and shrines were everywhere and most elderly people had some knowledge of mystical forces, China’s mystical word was far more hidden - like the British wizarding community – only a few have some knowledge about them. Taoist priests were a broad category, much like wizards, who could be specialists in various fields like potion-making, Auror work, or alchemy. They concealed themselves deep within mountains and forests, in secret enclaves known as “hidden realms”, accessible only through portals.

As far as Scarlet knew, there were three well-known hidden realms in China, each with its own traditions, possibly even schools or academies. Modern electronics couldn’t reach those areas, as no power lines extended that far. So, why would they want to contact her?

After a moment’s mental preparation, Scarlet picked up the phone and spoke in Cantonese. “Hello, this is Scarlet Hong. I was informed you wish to speak with me?”

“Lady Hong, a pleasure to meet you,” the voice on the other end replied, sounding slightly surprised at her language choice. “I deeply apologise for calling at such a time. Please forgive the intrusion during this festive season. I hope I haven’t interrupted anything.”

The speaker’s tone was polite and measured, with an old-fashioned, almost ancient style of phrasing - like something out of a Hong Kong Wuxia drama set in centuries ago. Could the person she was speaking to really be that old?

“No, not at all,” Scarlet replied just as politely. “It’s an honour to receive a call from one of the renowned hidden realms. How may I assist you?”

“Yes, regarding that matter,” the man began cautiously, “we understand you’ve been seeking assistance from a mystical beast - a creature with sun attributes. We have connections within the Jutsushi Academy, and I believe our lecturers can offer you the best possible aid.”

Scarlet frowned, “May I ask why you would offer such help? I don’t believe we have anything to exchange that would benefit both sides.”

“A decade ago, perhaps not. But things have changed since you began to shine. The stars told us so.”

Astrology? About me? “I’m sorry, but could you please explain further? I have no knowledge of your need.”

“You are a priestess,” the voice on the phone declared, catching her off guard. “And we are priests and priestesses as well. It has been a long time since we’ve heard of a new Western priestess. We are eager to swap pointers with you, Lady Hong, just as we do with Jutsushi Academy every five years.”

Scarlet’s mind raced. Whoever she was speaking to was not someone to underestimate. She had kept her identity as priestess well hidden; most people only knew she inherited ancient magic, not that she had the ability to summon the Queen.

After a moment’s thought, she responded, “I accept the invitation, but on my terms. I’m still attending school, so I can only meet during school breaks.”

“As you please,” the man chuckled pleasantly, his tone more like a friendly neighbour than a threatening figure. “We shall bring the mystical beast to you in a few days, after Christmas. May I request that our representative witness the ritual?”

“You have my permission.” Scarlet passed the phone to Meiko, who stepped aside and quietly discussed the details with the caller.

Well, that was quick. Guess I don’t need to craft a temporary item with rooster now. Various thoughts flickered through Scarlet’s mind, but they quickly vanished when she noticed Ron staring at her, wide-eyed and speechless.

“You’ve got business in other countries?!” he finally blurted out.

She raised an eyebrow. “I thought you’d picked up on that from my last name.”

“Blimey, this is insane!” Ron exclaimed, his disbelief palpable.

Scarlet chuckled before explaining, “It’s not business. It’s more...treatment-related. I need to perform a ritual.”

“A ritual? Magic?” Ron looked stunned. “But we can’t do magic in the Muggle world, or the Ministry will come after us! And besides, we’re underage!”

“They won’t notice,” Scarlet said as they walked back toward the living room. “The Ministry can’t detect my magic. It’s different from theirs - the Trace doesn’t work on me.”

Ron’s eyes grew even wider.

“And, I suspect you won’t want to learn it,” Scarlet continued, before Ron could even ask. “Though Hermione might. It requires a deep understanding of ancient runes and complex magic, which means a lot of bookwork. Not really your thing, eh?”

Ron pressed his lips together. “Yeah, definitely not.”

“The ritual will happen before we return to Hogwarts, but after Christmas. You’ll get to see it yourself...I’m thinking of inviting Neville and his grandmother as well. Don’t ask why - it’s a private matter for them.”

As they reached the dining room, her father and the other adults were arriving too.

“And I think you’ll be interested to see someone who’s here,” Scarlet added.

Ron looked puzzled. “Who?”

“Remus Lupin,” Scarlet replied with a smile, gesturing toward the gentlemen now grinning at them, “He’s one of our seniors from Hogwarts. I hear he’s excellent at Defence Against the Dark Arts. Maybe you could ask him a few questions.”

Should I mention the werewolf thing? Scarlet wondered. Nah.