December 27th - a date Remus Lupin knew would stay with him forever.

The sand, collected at noon from the hottest desert, had arrived the previous night, just before Scarlet set out for her hunt. She was gone for only an hour, returning with a cage containing something misty. According to her, they were fragments of unconscious dead souls, nearly ghost-like in nature.

Just as dawn was breaking, three figures appeared at the entrance of the Red House: a man, a teenage girl, and a teenage boy, each dressed in strange attire. The arrived on flying swords, hovering beneath their feet, and held their fists together in front of them paying respect to Scarlet, who returned the gesture in kind.

The man spoke in Cantonese, while the teenagers behind him stammered in heavily accented, somewhat broken English.

Lupin, caught between shock and curiosity, watched silently. Meiko leaned in and whispered an explanation. “They are Taoist priests from Dragon Tiger Mountain’s Hidden Realm in China. The man in front, according to Hogwarts custom of addressing, is Professor Ching Yun, who teaches the Art of Deity Summoning. The students with him are Ms. Tang and Mr. Song, both in their fifth year.”

Lupin’s eyes widened, “How is it I’ve never heard of this wizarding school?”

Flying on swords! How could British wizards not know about them?

Meiko gave a small smile. “They’re not a wizarding school. As I said, they’re Taoist priests - they study Fa Shu, not magic.”

Both of them glanced at Scarlet, who now greeted the priests and carefully acknowledge the birdcage that the teenage boy was holding with care.

Not long after, Harry and his godfather, Neville and Mrs. Longbottom, arrived.

After brief greetings and breakfast, they all headed to a field. Snow lay thick across the flat, untouched ground. Scarlet motioned for everyone to stay where they were, then waved her hand, summoning a gust of wind that sent the box of desert sand toward a furnace, which had been set up days before in a small hut built to protect it.

She then took out two syringes: one to draw blood from Lupin, and another from the mystical beast that had been brought by the sword practitioners.

Meiko explained to Lupin in a whispering tone, “The honourable creature in the cage is a descendant of the three-legged Sun Crow. It’s born with the ability to breathe the sun’s flame, which can banish all evil.”

The cage itself was intricately decorated, lined with warm, cozy accessories. The crow, as large as an eagle, gently stretched out its leg, allowing Scarlet to take its blood. Then, as she politely requested, it plucked three of its own feathers and offered them to her.

To everyone’s amazement, the crow spoke.

The wizards, taken aback, had never expected a magical beast to talk. They didn’t understand a word the crow said, but from the respect Scarlet showed, it was clear this was no ordinary beast.

“What did it say?” Harry whispered, trying not to interrupt the ritual’s mysterious atmosphere.

Kyle, who had been quietly observing, explained, “He said, ‘Wishing you a smooth journey in crafting the item she needs’. It’s a blessing from a mystical beast. I suppose it gives Scarlet some luck.”

And then, the ritual began.

Scarlet gestured for Lupin to stand behind her. She stepped forward into the snow, changed into her battle gear, and knelt with her head bowed, holding the Gáe Scáil horizontally in both palms.

In a solemn voice, she began to chant, though no one understood what she was reciting. Her voice, reverberating with an almost musical cadence. It was the ancient Celtic language, passed down to her through the knowledge in the runic rock from the Queen.

A warm breeze stirred, brushing over everyone present. Then, as if an unseen artist was working swiftly, a complex magic circle - about the size of a car – began to form on the snow-covered field. The lines were drawn with such speed and precision that it took everyone by surprise. Each line emitted a whimsical glow, an indescribable colour that shifted and shimmered. Before anyone could fully comprehend what was happening, the magic circle was complete, and the atmosphere around them grew dense with energy as Scarlet’s chant came to an end.

Everybody on scene felt it – an unseen deity watching them. It wasn’t threatening, but the presence was heavy. Meiko and another servant from Japan immediately knelt, while others paid their respects in their own ways. The trio from China bowed, holding their fits together before them in reverence. While the younger wizards looked on in confusion, unsure of how to react, Black, wand at the ready, muttered to Lupin, “Quite the spectacle. But does she need all this for a collar?”

“It’s more than that,” Lupin replied, his voice quiet. “I suspect this...being, or Queen as she calls it, demands a worthy ritual. It’s how she maintains balance.”

The furnace flared to life, hot flame roaring to burn the air around it. A piece of metal appeared out of thin air, and was thrown into the fire by an unseen force, followed by the sand. Scarlet quickly placed the cage of misty soul into the magic circle, and the contents vanished instantly – an offering accepted by the deity.

Scarlet rose to her feet and motioned for Lupin to step forward. “Walk into the circle, Mr. Lupin. Don’t worry, the Queen just wishes to see you.”

Keeping his wand at hand, Lupin approached the circle. As soon as he stepped inside the circle, his footprints disappeared into the snow. He felt an intense gaze settle on him – silent, watchful, and considering. A sudden, burning hiss interrupted the stillness.

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Lupin turned quickly to see the heated lump of metal and sand, glowing bright red, floating out of the furnace. It drifted toward Scarlet, who poured the blood from both syringes and the feathers from the mystical crow onto the molten lump.

Scarlet began another chant, this time in the form of a lullaby, singing in ancient Celtics as if coaxing the magic to life. The red-hot lump hovered before her, guided by her left hand as she manipulated the wind around it. Her spear, planted firmly in the ground, radiated magic that flowed into her as she shaped the burning metal with an invisible hammer.

The melodic chant didn’t last long. Slowly but surely, the lump of metal began to take form. Finally, a cooling breath from the deity, the metal solidified in to an object – an intricately forged collar, glowing faintly in the dying light of the furnace.

The magic circle gradually faded, and a soft chuckle echoed through the air, heard by everyone present. Then, something seemed to lift from their shoulders - the pressure, along with the magic circle, was gone. So too, it seemed, was the deity.

Scarlet stepped forward and present the collar, resting in her palm, to Remus Lupin, the werewolf.

“In order to suppress the madness of the werewolf inside you, the item needs to be able to restrain you instantly,” Scarlet explained. “I considered forging a crown, inspired by the legend of Monkey King from Journey to the West in China. His master used a crown to teach him manners, tightening it with a chant whenever necessary. So, a crown that could tighten and subdue you seemed like a good idea. However, it would be too obvious. That’s why I changed it into a collar – or, more accurately, a choker – that you can wear around your neck and hide it with a necktie or scarf. When you lose control in your werewolf form, the choker will activate, tightening and immobilising you. It can even knock you out by restricting your air supply, all while emitting magic to call forth your consciousness.”

Lupin’s gaze fell upon the black choker, its surface glittering with flecks like a night sky filled with stars. His face both serious and hopeful. He understood the depth of Scarlet’s intentions.

“The Queen of the Shadowy Land was pleased to see a courageous man,” Scarlet continued. “She gifted a metal from her treasury for forging the item. She foresees a path for you - that you will reach your goal if you accept the choker and stay steadfast on the thorny road ahead.” Scarlet raised her hand, offering the choker. “The choice is yours. This will aid you, but to truly control the beast, you’ll need to strengthen your soul. Will you accept this choker?”

Lupin slowly lowered his wand and took the choker, clasping it around his neck. “I will.”

As he fastened it, the choker shone briefly. Immediately, he felt a change - a sense of warmth, relief, and security. The beast inside him seemed distant, as though it was no longer on the surface. But Lupin knew it was still there, lurking, waiting for another chance to take control should he falter.

“I’ll teach you the meditation technique to strengthen your soul,” Scarlet met his eyes and said quietly, “I expect to see some progress by the Easter holiday.”

Lupin nodded, a hint of smile softening his resolve. “Thank you, Scarlet. I won’t disappoint you.” He responded just as quietly, turning to meet Black’s gaze with a broad grin.

As the ritual concluded, all the servants withdrew. Kyle, noticing that scarlet wished to speak privately with Neville and Mrs. Longbottom, quickly gathered the Weasley boys, Black, Harry, and Lupin to head back to the house. This left Scarlet to approach the pair at her own pace.

“Ms. Hong, I place my trust in you,” Mrs. Longbottom said, offering Scarlet a deep bow. “Please, I beg for your help with my son and his wife!”

Seeing his grandmother bow so low, Neville nervously followed suit. Scarlet hurried forward, gently holding both of their arms to stop them.

With a sigh and a soft smile, Scarlet reassured them. “Don’t worry. I will help you, as I’ve already informed - this is my responsibility.”

“Ms. Hong, my son and his wife’s tragedy has nothing to do with you...”

“Ever since I began studying the ancient magic Queen Scáthach bestowed upon me, it has become my duty to guide the dead to the Shadowy Land,” Scarlet said softly. “I can’t allow souls destined for that realm to reach it fractured. I will restore their souls, even if you hadn’t asked.”

As they walked slowly toward the house, Scarlet handed Mrs. Longbottom a list. “These are the materials we’ll need for the ritual. It’s a more delicate process than what we did today and will take longer to prepare, unless you can purchase some of the items.”

Neville glanced at the list and saw that many different crystals and waters were required. “Moonshine crystals and water, rainwater collected during a rainbow, unicorn tears given willingly, personal belongings once used by the victims – could we use my parents’ wands for that part?”

“Yes, that would be ideal,” Scarlet confirmed, nodding. “I’ll start by using the healing power of the moon. Once their souls are more stable, I’ll guide them with power of the sun...”

With the renewed hope, Neville and Mrs. Longbottom left soon after, their footsteps lighter as they eagerly began preparing to gather the materials.

Next, the trio from Dragon Tiger Mountain prepared to leave as well.

“Why now let us show you around London? It would be a shame for you to leave so soon,” Scarlet urged as the Taoist priest lined up in front of the Red House.

Professor Ching Yun shook his head, replying in Cantonese, “We gained much from the ritual you performed, and we’re eager to spar with you in the future. The spear you’ve bond with is a rare and magnificent weapon. To show our utmost respect, by the time we receive the duel invitation, our student will wield weapons equal in power to your spear.”

“I look forward to that day,” Scarlet said after a moment of thought, “But not within the next two years. I must fulfil my duties as the Queen’s priestess first.”

“If you need any assistance, don’t hesitate to ask. We’d be more than happy to help,” Professor Ching Yun said. He formed a sword hand sign, and at his gesture, the sword at his back flew to his feet. His student mirrored his movement, their swords following suit.

“I will.” Scarlet smile, nodding.

Before they mounted their swords, the male student who had been carrying the birdcage bowed and presented the cage. The door swung opened, and the three-legged crow poked its head out, fixing its gaze on Scarlet.

“Forgive the interruption, but I have a word for you, young priestess,” the crow said, its beady eyes gleaming.

Scarlet bowed deeply in respect. “I’m listening full hearted.”

“Another foreign star will soon approach you. Befriend the star, and your path through the darkness will be safe,” the crow said, its eyes bright with prophecy. “Do not ask more, for I will say no further. You’re a clever girl – you'll understand when the time comes.”

A prophecy! Scarlet bowed once again, her voice reverent. “Your kindness will be forever engraved in my heart. Please, let me know how I can repay your grace.”

“We look forward to the day when you spar with our students,” the crow responded. “Amuse us old folks, won’t you?”

“In the name of Queen Scáthach, I swear to offer the most spectacular display I can provide,” Scarlet promised.

“Good girl.” The crow nodded before retreating into its cage. “We’ll be off now.”

“Yes, your honour,” Professor Ching Yun said with a smile, as the student lifted the birdcage back to shoulder height. “Until we meet again, young priestess.”

“Farewell,” Scarlet replied, stepping back a few paces and watching as they mounted their swords and flew off into the sky.