From Craggle and Goldzar
Chapter 106 – The Duelling MasterThe Witches Secret, Emperor Road, Banzai Bazaar, Tokyo
"Are you sure you won't mind the three of us tagging along on your meal out?" Kayleigh asked as Beth and Faye made their way around the shop casting security spells and locking things down.
"No absolutely not, it will be a good opportunity for you to get to know us all a little better and will be a nice way of celebrating our new business venture together." Hermione answered with a smile.
"And you are sure that Harry and Fleur won't mind us invading your weekend?" Kayleigh asked, trying to not show her excitement at getting to meet Harry Potter in person.
"Harry will be fine I'm sure, but don't get offended if I have to keep stealing him away from people all night." Hermione replied. She was determined to be by Harry's side for the rest of the weekend.
"I bet you will and who could blame you. You're so lucky to have grown up and be so close with him." Kayleigh said a little wistfully. "I can imagine it must be a nightmare at Mahoutokoro trying to keep him all to yourself."
"And then some. I mean he's got almost every witch in the school after him. I've even caught some of the Senseis and Masters staring at him," Hermione confessed with a sigh.
"I can believe that easily enough just from having seen his picture in the paper. I noticed that Hester Steiggson and that brunette girl looked very happy to be next to him in the photo." Kayleigh said, recalling the article she'd seen in the paper about Harry and Hermione's arrival in the Banzai Bazaar, "But you are you and you've got history with Harry. It looks like you've got his auntie on your side as well." Kayleigh nodded towards Narcissa, who was engaged in conversation with Master Kuzuko and Yuki near the front door to the shop.
"That's kind of true I suppose. Although I don't really know Narcissa very well." Hermione confessed looking at the older witch thinking how attractive she was, and amazed at the changes in her as she saw Narcissa miming something with her hands to Yuki and Master Kuzuko causing both the Japanese witches to laugh.
"Right, well that's everything secured and put away," Faye announced, approaching them from behind with Beth. Kayleigh turned around, mortified to see her best friends looking great in outfits certainly not their uniforms.
Beth was wearing a short kimono type dress in a burnt orange colour with thigh high socks that made her legs look amazing and a pair of black leather shoes with a small heel on them. Faye was wearing knee high brown leather boots, a tan coloured mini skirt that clung to her hips and bum like a second skin and an almost boob tube top in what looked like cream snake skin which showed off her slim waist and stomach. Over this she had a short brown leather jacket and Kayleigh noticed that they'd also done their make up as well.
"You've changed?" Kayleigh asked looking down at herself and looking completely underdressed in comparison to all the others present except Master Kuzuko who was wearing her normal Karate suit style clothing although her hair Kayleigh noticed was a little different.
"Well duh, course we have. Do you think we are going to spend a night on the town with Hermione and Narcissa looking great and us wearing our work uniform?" Beth asked, rolling her eyes.
"Yeah plus we're meeting Harry Potter so we want to look good." Faye said, not noticing Hermione look away slightly irritated at the comment.
"Well I'm going to have to get changed as well. Hermione you don't mind waiting a couple of minutes while I go and throw something on do you? I want to feel comfortable if we're going out." Kayleigh asked apologetically.
"No it's fine. I'll send Harry a message that we're going to be a little late and see if he can get a table for us all." Hermione replied. Kayleigh gave her an excited hug quickly and turned and hot footed it up the stairs at the far end of the shop.
Hermione let out a sigh as Faye and Beth made their way over towards where the older witches were standing. Hermione thought about her and Harry's kiss, took her wand and cast a patronus charm, and the life like white otter darted around the shop quickly like an excited puppy before coming to a stop on its hind legs in front of Hermione.
She could feel the others were all looking at her and discussing her patronus but she was thinking her message and watched as the otter turned and darted off through the wall with its glowing white vapour like trail behind it before it disappeared.
"That was one hell of an impressive patronus Hermione." Yuki commented with her eyes wide in surprise.
"Oh. Yeah Harry taught me how to cast the charm and I've got a happy memory that's really helped it take a better form." Hermione said not wanting to discuss the private memories.
"I've never seen a patronus so life-like," Narcissa said, impressed.
"Well Harry's will probably be here in a minute, so prepare yourselves," Hermione countered, grinning. As if on queue, Harry's stag patronus leapt through through the door of the shop startling the others. It slowly pranced around the room, as if searching for Hermione, before coming to a stop in front of her and bowing its head.
"Sure no problem Hermione, I'll get Fleur and the others to join us at Kobe Slice as well. We're just waiting for Amy and my new business partner to get back and then we will head there straight away. See you soon," Harry's voice said and Hermione noticed a slight slur to the way Harry said slice and straight, but was happy that he was making his way there and was happy for Kayleigh and the others to come as well.
"Right well that's that sorted," Hermione said as the stag patronus disappeared into vapour around her.
"So Harry has a new business partner?" Narcissa asked, smiling, beginning to think that Harry and Hermione might just have a real talent for spotting a potential business if the trunks and Kayleigh's shop was anything to go by. She was curious to see what Harry's first move was in obtaining a footing in the Tokyo shopping district. She still couldn't believe the size of the project he'd started in England.
"Looks like it's going to be a double celebration." Faye said, clapping her hands excitedly.
"I guess so." Hermione said thoughtfully wondering what Harry had invested in.
"Right then shall we go?" Kayleigh called from behind them and Hermione was disappointed to see that Kayleigh looked great as well in a pair of black ankle boots, what looked like black sheer leggings and a top similar to Faye's but in a deep purple. Over this she was wearing a smokey blue leather jacket and Hermione had noticed that she had her hair up on her head in a quick bun that really showed off her facial features.
"Yes let's get going. We need to see if we will be able to get a table big enough for us all plus Harry and his new partner or partners," Hermione said. Seeing Kayleigh looking a little awkward suddenly and asking her what was wrong, she moved close enough so they couldn't be overheard.
"Are you sure we should be coming with you? I hate looking like a sponger and it's really nice of you to say that you'll pay for us but I just feel a bit of a shit that I can't support myself." Kayleigh explained, a little deflated.
"Kayleigh, it's fine, seriously. When things pick up then we are going to go out again and you'll be able to treat me next time. I've got the money and I'm not wanting to appear flash or anything but I just want us all to have a nice time. If it makes you feel better then I can write you out a beseecher slip and you can bank that and pay for yourself but you really don't need to. It's my treat so just try and have a good time alright?" Hermione said as Kayleigh nodded.
"Thanks Hermione and I will pay next time I promise. I just don't want you thinking I'm a sponger, you know."
"I don't think that, so don't give it another thought." Hermione said as Kayleigh gave her a shy smile and replied, "Thanks!'
"Right then ladies. Everyone ready?" Narcissa called out to the group.
"Ready as ever," Hermione replied. They all made their way to the front door of the shop and all went through the door. Kayleigh, Faye and Beth all took out their wands and Hermione watched impressed as they all moved to a section of wall next to the front door. Kayleigh cast some spells at the door causing it to glow red while Faye and Beth started rotating what looked like quite complex runes clusters that appeared out of nowhere like orange slashes on the wall.
There was a series of clinks, clunks and clanks and the next thing a solid iron shutter dropped down over the front door of the store and Hermione heard a few more over what she assumed were the skylights of the building going up the floors.
The three witches put their wands away and Kayleigh said "All safe and secure. Shall we?" indicating the way down the Emperor's Road towards the casino and Gringotts.
Kayleigh linked her arm through Hermione's and started leading the group along the road. Narcissa had Faye and Beth linking both her arms while Yuki and Master Kuzuko brought up the rear. The latter two were scanning everything as they walked along, checking behind them and to the side alleys and streets making sure they weren't being followed, without trying to draw it to the others' attention.
They made their way along the Emperor's Road before turning left down Cut Through and onto Second Avenue. Kayleigh was telling Hermione which places were good and what the shops were like a proper tour guide. and Hermione was enjoying being in Kayleigh's company.
She looked over her shoulder and saw that Narcissa was being given a similar tour but because the older witch spent more time in the Bazaar she was pointing out things to Faye and Beth.
As they turned onto Second Avenue, Hermione looked along the row of shops and smiled. As like other parts of the Bazaar, the buildings and the shops showed from the outside what the shop was about.
Hermione could see the Kobe Slice up ahead and was quite surprised to see the fifty-foot long giant Sashimi knife suspended magically in the air with the point of the knife resting on the ground, it was very hard to miss. The rest of the building was an oblong looking piece of wood with large glass windows in it running along the middle of the building that Hermione assumed would make it quite bright inside.
There was a doorway at the right hand side of the building and Hermione watched as the handle of the knife quickly descended like a guillotine and cut into the side of the building cutting a slice of wood off which then fell to the ground.
As they got closer to the building, Hermione spotted that there was actually a small moat around the building with water lilies and other water based flowers she didn't recognise in it. She saw the knife start to ascend again to its original height and saw that the section of wood actually formed a bridge into the building across the moat allowing entry.
"I've always wanted to go in here but it's meant to be really expensive." Kayleigh said excitedly.
"I know Harry has been in here and he said it's really nice. I think he and Narcissa came here on Narcissa's first day in Japan." Hermione commented. They saw the bridge magically disappear, the door resealed itself, and they were forced to wait for the knife to descend again.
The others had caught up with them by the time the bridge had materialised and the group made their way inside through a pair of frosted glass doors and stepped into a wide open foyer. The floor was made up of highly polished black tile and Hermione looked to see a circular bar area with high bar stools carved out of tree stumps. In the middle of the bar was a giant cherry blossom tree that went up through the middle of the restaurant. Hermione saw that the floors above were like hoops around the tree with it being the centerpiece of the restaurant.
All around the bar were tables with people eating and talking, and along the wall to their left were a series of booths around circular tables. On the right hand wall, just by the greeters podium, was a sweeping staircase that wound its way around the room going to the next level.
The back of the room was floor to ceiling glass windows that were pulled back along the whole wall leading out to a perfectly manicured Japanese style garden and a large pond that the moat around the restaurant seemed to originate from and a black marble fountain that was topped with a black marble coy fish with its tail arched into the air and water coming from its mouth.
"Wow this place is gorgeous." Beth exclaimed to the other's agreement.
"I've never been in here before. I had a client want to meet me here once but the meeting got cancelled and I never got to come," Yuki said, looking round impressed.
The hostess suddenly appeared walking down the stairs, smiled at the group assessing their number, and came to a stop behind the podium. "Good afternoon and welcome to Kobe Slice. My name is Mai and I'll be your hostess today. Is it a table for seven that you require?" the hostess asked in a quiet voice but loud enough to carry to the group.
"Erm actually we require a larger table because we've others joining us but at present we don't know how many it will be." Hermione explained to the hostess who was looking at a book on the podium.
"Ok so we have a Teppanyaki station that seats twelve but this can be magically extended and you'll have your own personal chef at the station, or if you are wanting a set menu we will be able to put some tables together in order for you to dine together and select off the menu." The hostess replied, ringing a little bell on the podium.
"Erm Narcissa what do you think?" Hermione inquired, turning to the older witch.
"Harry and I went with the Teppanyaki station last time we were here and it was lovely. So I think we should do that this time because it is a more fun experience." Narcissa answered Hermione.
"Oh Narcissa hello, I didn't see you there." Mai greeted, spotting Narcissa and looking her up and down, "Love the dress" she said, getting a thanks from Narcissa. "Ohhh is Harry with the rest of your party?"
"Hi Mai, yes Harry will be joining us later. Would it be possible to have the same station as last time, overlooking that beautiful garden? I know Harry was really taken with it last time." Narcissa replied seeing the smile on Mai's face.
"Really? Well yes certainly you can have that table and I'll have a word with Chef Ming in the kitchen and ask if he can personally serve you." Mai said and the group could tell that Harry was popular there, even after one visit.
"That would be wonderful Mai, thank you." Narcissa said bowing to the Japanese hostess.
"If you'd all like to follow me." Mai said turning on her heel and starting to make her way up the stairs as she moved quickly with the train of witches in tow looking down at the main floor and the cherry blossom tree as they ascended the stairs.
As they got to the next level, they saw more tables all around the edge of the room and elves running around delivering food to people's tables. Mai said something to one of the elves quietly as she passed and they skidded to a halt bowing to Mai and then scurrying off.
The large window at the back of the room above the windows overlooking the garden had a large metal rectangular hot plate surrounded by a horseshoe shaped bar style table with stools all around it for about twelve people, and Mai directed them all to the table.
"If you would all like to take a seat I'll have a word with Chef Ming and then come back for your drinks order. There are drinks menus around the table but if you need any more let me know or just call out for Juju who is your designated server elf today." Mai said with a smile while the witches started taking off coats and putting handbags on the backs of their chairs before taking a seat.
Hermione was a bit hesitant on where to sit as she wanted to sit next to Harry. She was conflicted about whether to have Narcissa sit on her other side so she could get to know her better, Yuki as her new solicitor in order to get to know her as well, or Kayleigh as her new business partner.
Thankfully the decision was made for her as Yuki asked her if it was alright if she and Amy sat with Satomi in order to catch up. Hermione said that that wasn't a problem at all.
Narcissa then said that she would sit between Faye and Beth and gave Hermione a look as if to relay some sort of message to her but Hermione couldn't figure out what it was, although she saw that Faye looked a little crestfallen for a moment before her normal happy smile returned to her.
"I guess that's me and you sat together then partner," Kayleigh said happily as Yuki left the end seat free, Hermione assumed, for Amy and indicated Master Kuzuko to sit down in the chair that would be between them.
Faye sat next to Yuki with Narcissa taking the seat next to her and then Beth sat next to her. Kayleigh flanked Beth and then sat next to Hermione leaving the rest of the seats to Hermione's left free for Harry, Fleur and the others.
They all started talking quietly while looking down through the window in front of them at the beautiful manicured gardens. "It's a really lovely restaurant, isn't it?" Hermione commented to Kayleigh while looking at the gardens.
"It really is and wouldn't look out of place at a NOMA restaurant." Kayleigh said before chuckling "Well inside anyway, the giant floating knife would look a bit strange in the NOMA world" she added.
"That's very true." Hermione said thoughtfully. "So you were head girl at Mahoutokoro last year then?"
"Yes. I was really surprised when I was told by the Grandmaster and Master Liu last year, but it was a huge honor. I was really happy, as were my parents. Although I think they were a bit disappointed when I told them that I really wanted to open a shop but I'm so happy with the shop and now that we are going to be business partners it's going to be amazing." Kayleigh responded then Mai appeared at the top of the stairs and stood stationary for a moment.
"Well my parents are dentists and used to run their own practice. I think they took me being magical quite hard initially because they always wanted me to join the family business. Ever since my first day at Hogwarts though, I really wanted to do something in the magical world." Hermione said as she picked up the drinks menu and saw the others picking up the others like they'd be waiting for her cue in order to start reading.
"Dentists, really? Beth's sister is a dental assistant and she likes it. Although, I think she wishes that she'd been born with magical ability when she saw the sort of things that Beth is able to do." Kayleigh explained taking the drinks menu from Hermione.
"I can understand that. I always thought that Harry's auntie was jealous of his mum and resentful as a result, so hopefully Beth and her sister get on." Hermione replied as she looked down the row of witches and noticed Mai approaching her.
"Well they get on really well and I think Zen has an appreciation that Beth can make her and her families lives better and easier because of magic." Kayleigh explained, sensing Mai approach them stealthily from behind.
"Forgive me for the interruption Lady Granger-Dumbledore-Hufflepuff," Mai said, giving a deep bow. "I was just wondering whether there was anything on the drinks menu that caught your interest?"
"Please feel free to call me Hermione, Mai. Erm, could I have a glass of elvish wine and something like a lemonade as well?." Hermione asked.
"Absolutely no problem Hermione," Mai replied with a genuine smile. "And for you?" she asked, turning to Kayleigh.
"Erm could I have the orange and butterbeer spritzer please?" Kayleigh asked getting a nod from Mai who proceeded to make her way along the line of witches taking their orders and Hermione saw that Mai had a quick notes quill and parchment following her from behind out of guest's view.
"I think you're right not to hit the hard stuff this early. When Harry and Fleur get together they normally start getting drinks in and everyone always gets hammered." Hermione said, nudging Kayleigh who grinned.
"I think I like the sound of Fleur, she seems to be a girl after my own heart. I'm just being on good behaviour at the moment because I don't want to make an arse of myself." Kayleigh replied as Hermione agreed and added that she didn't want to spend all the next day hungover.
The group chatted amongst themselves and due to being able to see everyone around the table the conversations soon started to become general group chats between them all.
Having Beth and Faye divided by Narcissa brought the others into the conversations more and they were soon talking about their favourite places in the Bazaar and their jobs. Narcissa pointed out that she was still trying to decide what she wanted to do for a living but was happy working with Harry for the time being.
They began talking and things were getting louder as the drinks started flowing and Hermione saw that most of them had ordered either wine or fruit juices and other soft drinks.
"Master Kuzuko?" Beth suddenly asked over the hubbub of the conversation catching everyone's attention as the other conversation went quieter.
"Yes Miss Xing?" Master Kuzuko answered, turning a little to face her former student.
"I've always wanted to ask and you don't need to tell me or us, if you don't want to," Beth said suddenly appearing to be losing her nerve about her question.
"What do you want to know?" Master Kuzuko asked cautiously.
"Well I've always wanted to know how you managed to get the job as the Dueling Master at school." Beth replied quickly to get the question out there.
"Oh yes me too" Yuki, Kayleigh and Faye all blurted out at the same time before they all giggled.
"Ohhhh yes, I would like to know as well if you don't mind telling us," Hermione said before adding, "after all most of the Sensei's and Masters are at least twenty years older than you. Well with the exception of Master Ken and Master Yoshi" as she remembered that the Defence Against the Dark Arts and Quidditch Masters were probably about eight to ten years older than Satomi.
"And Master Yuki, the school nurse," Beth added in.
Satomi felt a little uncomfortable at being the centre of attention and looked to Narcissa as if for help. The English witch just shrugged and pushed her long dark hair behind her ears and said "I've heard that you're the youngest Dueling Master that Mahoutokoro has ever had. I'd be lying if I didn't say that I'm interested to know how that happened." Narcissa confessed.
"It's really not that interesting." Master Kuzuko said shyly.
"Come on Satomi just tell us. The article I found on your appointment didn't make any mention of it. Was it just an interview or did you have to show your skills?" Yuki asked excitedly. She really wanted to know.
"Of a fashion I suppose. It was quite a surreal experience when I think back now." Master Kuzuko said, recalling the interview process.
"So… stop keeping us in suspense and tell us how it happened Tomi" Yuki said enthusiastically.
"Alright then fine but it's really not that exciting." Master Kuzuko said adjusting herself on her seat to get more comfortable as they all got comfortable and listened.
"Well I saw the advert in The Rising Sun and I was struggling to think of what I wanted to do for my next career move at the time…" Master Kuzuko started to explain.
Flashback
As Satomi stepped off the Asian Express, she saw the familiar train platform that had always started a pulse of excitement in her chest for the eleven years she had spent during her education at Mahoutokoro. She noted that the same smells of the fields surrounding the station and could hear the persistent mechanical thrumming of the tut tut waiting outside the station as if expecting her arrival.
Satomi checked that her outfit was looking pristine and made her way through the station building and smiled when she saw the school's Deputy Headmaster, Master Bo, stood facing the tut tut with his hands clasped behind his back facing away from her.
He was rocking on his heels humming a happy little tune she didn't recognise before he turned at the sound of the crunching gravel of Satomi's footsteps from behind.
Satomi had always liked Master Bo and found him to be a very pleasant man, with a gentle and kind way about him. He looked after the students and you could just tell that he cared a great deal about them.
"Miss Kuzuko. It's a pleasure to see you on Mahoutokoro grounds again." Master Bo greeted, smiling warmly before giving her a deep bow.
Satomi smiled back and bowed even deeper to her former Herbology Master, showing him her great respect. "It's an honour to be given the opportunity to have the chance to come back here Master Bo. I've missed the place and all my memories of being here are rushing back to me." She said as they both straightened and Master Bo towered above her.
"Well the Grandmaster and I were pleasantly surprised to receive your application and from remembering hearing Master Khan's praise of yourself and Miss Yushiro during your time here we thought it would be prudent to invite you to come in." Master Bo said gesturing towards the tut tut as Satomi jumped in the front seat to allow Master Bo more room in the back and she was impressed to see him able to squeeze himself into the confined space.
"I forgot how uncomfortable these things can be." Master Bo joked, "Hopefully with just the two of us the tut tut will get up there quickly" he said jovially and Satomi turned to see he had his neck bent at a right angle to stop his head from being pressed against the roof.
"Would you prefer we walk Master Bo?" Satomi asked, seeing how uncomfortable he was.
"No, no, it will be fine." Master Bo replied.
Satomi took her wand and cast a spell at the tut tut and she heard the familiar change in engine note as it suddenly shot forwards going at least twice its normal speed.
"Oh that's much better" Master Bo said delighted that Satomi knew a way of making the journey quicker.
As the tut tut sped along Satomi asked "How many people have applied for the position so far Master Bo?" over the rumbling of the tut tut as it wound its way up towards the entrance to the mountain.
"Oh a fair few. We've had to start doing group assessments really. Where we have four or five applicants carry out the physical part of the interview process before we select who we think is suitable for the second part." Master Bo explained as the tut tut slowed when they approached the entrance to the cave.
"And what does the physical part of the interview consist of?" she asked hoping that he might take pity on her and give her an idea.
"Well the Grandmaster and I will run all the applicants through a series of drills and dueling spells and knowledge. Then the two applicants who perform the best will get invited into an interview." Master Bo answered as they came to a halt and he unfolded himself out of the small confines of the tut tut.
"Right ok well I think I can handle that." Satomi commented slightly relieved as she had no idea what the interview was going to consist of.
"So I hear you were made an offer to go on the next season of the international dueling circuit, once again. This seems quite the bit more exciting than working in school." Master Bo said as they entered the cool confines of the cave and made their way to the lift that had been carved out. He felt the pulse of excitement from Satomi in using the lift because it was only ever Sensei's and Master's allowed to use.
"Yes they have offered me a spot on the roster for the circuit," Satomi replied modestly, "but I want to settle down a bit. Spend some time in one place rather than just travelling from event to event, plus it's not going to be as much fun since Amy has quit as well." she confessed getting a sad nod from Master Bo.
"Yes. I'd heard about what happened to her mentor. It's such a shame. Sima Mann was one hell of a duelist in his day and I had been following Miss Yushiro's improvement under his tutelage." Master Bo replied as he closed the doors to the lift behind them and they started ascending straight away.
"Yes it's never good when anyone gets murdered like that. But I know Amy really liked her mentor and the last I heard she was taking it really hard." Satomi commented.
"Have you not seen her recently?" Master Bo asked, his eyebrows arched in surprise. "You two were almost joined to the hip while you were in school."
"Yes well I've not seen or heard from Amy in over a year. I've had a couple of letters from her sister Yuki. She's beside herself with worry. She's said that Amy's gone a bit off the rails." Satomi explained while the lift reached the top floor and the doors opened automatically for them.
"Well I'm very sorry to hear about the troubles the Yushiro sisters are having. If there is anything I can do to help," Master Bo said as Satomi nodded sadly.
"But today is about you Miss Kuzuko," Master Bo said in his usual cheerful way and he guided her to the entrance to the grounds and Satomi couldn't resist the smile on her face as she saw Mahoutokoro spread out before her. Her eyes drank it all in seeing that nothing had changed.
She looked towards the entrance in the Dragon's Lair where the trees cut it off from view. Her eyes going up the side of the mountain to the romantic little outcrops that she'd enjoyed a few snogging sessions in in her final few years at the school.
As they made their way down towards the main building Master Bo was giving her an update on staffing changes since she had left the school in her final year explaining that they had a new Quidditch Master, Defence Against the Dark Arts Master and they were also replacing the school nurse soon as Matron Momiko was wanting to move into private practice again.
As they approached the centre of the grounds with the Jade Pagoda towering above them, its large jade stone work shining in the Japanese sun, she felt Master Bo's large hand on her shoulder.
"I shall go and get the Grandmaster from his chambers and we will join you all in the Dueling Hall. I trust you can remember the way there unaided?" Master Bo asked jovially.
"You'll join us all? You mean there are other candidates here already?" Satomi clarified.
"Yes a few of them. If they ask, tell them you are the last applicant to arrive and that we'll join them all shortly." Master Bo replied, giving Satomi a cheery wave as he took long strides up the courtyard steps to the Jade Pagoda.
Satomi took a few calming breaths and started making her way through the grounds and the school buildings, with memories crashing over her at pretty much everything she looked at.
She came to a stop in front of the Dueling Hall and looked up at it, suddenly finding the size of the building very imposing. Straightening herself up more out of habit than anything else she checked herself over and was happy with her appearance. She made sure that her hair was secure and wouldn't fall down restricting her vision during whatever they had in store for her.
She tested both her wand holsters finding them working perfectly and she stowed them again. Taking a deep breath, she made her way up the steps into the Dueling Hall, which slid its large door back allowing her entry as she approached it.
As she stepped out of the sunlight, it took her eyes a few moments to adjust to the different lighting conditions and as she looked around at the familiar surroundings she saw the power ranking machine was already set up and the top twenty power rankings displayed on the wall.
She moved in as the door closed silently behind her but as she looked around she saw that there were another four people already there. One man leaning with his arms crossed over his chest leaning against the wall.
A woman sat on a chair that she had conjured, then another man sat on the ground, and finally another witch sat with her legs crossed and appeared to be meditating.
They all looked like they had been waiting for a while and looked a little disgruntled and bored as a result. As they saw the sunlight get snapped off by the door closing, all but one of them turned to look at her. The meditating witch not moving a muscle.
Leaning against the wall was a man who looked to be about sixty with long swept back hair into a high ponytail and hard eyes. He had very broad and powerful looking shoulders and was wearing an outfit made up of dark grey cloth that left his feet bare and was sleeveless leaving all his arms exposed.
His arms, she noted, were very muscular for a man of his years. They crossed over his chest and she noticed a matching grey coloured dragon skin wand holster on his right wrist and on his left wrist he had a thick brown leather wristband that had a pewter coloured disc on top of it worked into the leather.
Satomi didn't know why the wristband stuck in her memory so much except she could recall seeing something similar from somewhere in the past.
The wizard was staring at her quite hard as if he was angry with her and she thought that he had eyes like a lion as they stared daggers at her. She caught his eye and he then looked away from her as if bored with her.
She didn't recognise him so didn't understand the look of disgust he had thrown at her.
Next, her eyes drifted to the witch sitting on the conjured chair with her outfit certainly catching the eye. She sat on the chair, her legs crossed and her hands clasped as if holding her knee in place. She wore silk sun yellow trousers that were loose over thick white socks and what looked to be brown fabric shoes that Satomi thought looked like a shaolin monk.
The witch's torso was wrapped in a sunburnt orange hoari that had a black floral pattern around the bottom of it with flecks of white in the flowers. The sleeves were loose and widened towards the witch's hands. Satomi imagined that her opponents probably couldn't follow her hand movements as easily.
The wizard sat on the floor wearing a dark forest green Karate suit, looked about fifty and he had a strong looking frame. He sat with his arms straight behind him and his hands on the floor leaning back, while his bare feet were stretched out in front of him, looking very relaxed.
The final witch looked to be about sixty to seventy and had her long grey white hair tied up on top of her head in a very tight bun that looked almost painful.
She was wearing a similar outfit to the other witch although it looked more expensive and the Hoari was of a purple silk with luxurious looking white trousers and she too was barefoot.
She also hadn't moved a muscle since Satomi had entered the dueling hall. She sat with her eyes closed and legs crossed with her hands crossed resting on top of one another in her lap.
Satomi assumed that she was meant to sit with them while they awaited the Grandmaster and Master Bo. "Hello there," she greeted, giving the strangers a small wave and saw them all openly assessing her, not looking very impressed.
The three not meditating all looked back at her and the witch scoffed and asked "Child are you here to take us to our next part of the interview?" sounding like a complete snob as if Satomi was a student or something there.
"No, I'm actually here for the interview as well," Satomi replied, not letting her face show her irritation at being called a child.
"What? A whelp like you applying for a Dueling Master's position at the most prestigious magical school in the world," the wizard leaning against the wall called out laughing at her. "You look like you barely know one end of a wand from the other," they said stingingly.
"I can take care of myself, thanks for your concern, and I don't remember seeing an age restriction or experience level requirement on the application or job advert," Satomi countered back to the wizard, who scoffed at her.
"Do you seriously think you have enough experience to be applying for such an important job?" The witch who was meditating asked, her eyes still closed.
"I think I do, but how would you know? You don't even know who I am." Satomi answered back quietly.
"I don't need to look at you. I could sense your weak aura as soon as you entered the room. You may as well leave and save yourself the embarrassment." The witch replied with a cocky smirk touching her face momentarily.
"Weak aura?" Satomi repeated through gritted teeth.
"Yes… weak" the witch said for the first time, opening her eyes, her violet iris' locking onto Satomi.
"You can think what you like. At least if I get the job they know I could be doing it for over forty years instead of the ten or twenty you could offer." Satomi said feeling her anger building but feeling a sense of satisfaction as they all looked at her after that comment.
"You wouldn't last five minutes against any one of us," the witch in the orange said to Satomi as if she was nothing but a distraction.
"Well you never know. During the interview you might find out," Satomi countered as the wizard leaning against the wall pushed off and approached Satomi.
"How about we find out right now shrimp?" the wizard asked looking at her with that same loathing that he'd demonstrated earlier.
"I don't think so. Maybe some other time," Satomi replied, brushing off the wizard who scoffed, muttering that she was clearly afraid. " I know what you are thinking but no I'm not afraid. I would hate to ruin your chances of trying to impress the Grandmaster and Master Bo by sending you to Archangels." She added as she made her way past the other applicants to wait a little further away from them.
As she passed the witch in the chair, she felt her grab her wrist and stopped. Turning to look at the witch who was looking up at her. "You better watch that tongue of yours or someone might cut it out," She stated quietly, causing Satomi to look down at the witch and pull her hand from her grasp.
"Such hostility… anyone would think that you were afraid of me actually getting the job," Satomi replied casually. She moved past the witch and started doing her normal stretches and routine that she went through before any duel to make sure that she was limbered up for when The Grandmaster arrived.
"How about we have a duel now before they get here and that way when you see what you're up against you might save us all the trouble of having to sit and wait for you to go through your assessment." The wizard in grey suggested.
"No thanks. I'll just show you up when the Grandmaster arrives instead. No point showing my skill without an audience after all." Satomi said more cockily than she felt as she saw the witch that had been meditating unfold herself from her seated position and stand at her full height.
The witch in the chair also got to her feet quickly and tapped the wizard who had been on the floor, who was very quiet and not joining in the exchanges at all, on the shoulder and told him to watch the door.
Satomi couldn't believe the hostility shown towards her by the other applicants. She'd tried to be friendly by saying hello upon entering the Dueling Hall and had just been met with disdain.
She knew it was a high profile position but she couldn't believe that four other candidates wanted to fight her for it.
She tried to look casual backing up against the wall, bending her leg up underneath her, so that the sole of her right foot was pressed against the wall ready to push off it, but she made it look like she was just casually leaning against the wall.
She was disappointed to see the wizard in the forest green robes move to the door and stick his head out checking that the coast was clear before turning to the wizard in the short sleeved grey robes and nod.
"So what's this then? Four against one? My, my, you all must feel very threatened if you have to gang up on me. Yes… very brave and I hope that if one of you does get the job you're able to teach the students to fight with honour instead of like a gang of bullies picking on a younger person." Satomi said as the wizard in the green moved and stayed by the door watching events rather than joining in and she noticed him look out the door making sure the coast was clear again before pushing the door a little more closed with his wand.
She looked at him and he had a sad sort of look on his face as their eyes met showing he wasn't happy with things. Satomi didn't care whether he was directly involved in the bullying. In her eyes, he was no better than the other three because he was helping them do whatever they were planning and acting as a look out.
So she decided at that moment if she could send a spell his way she certainly would since he was just as guilty as the other three, who had started forming a line facing Satomi like a firing squad.
Satomi had never liked bullies and that hadn't changed as she grew older. What she found was that her tolerance for them had gotten shorter and shorter. She was under no illusions that she wouldn't be able to beat four magical people who the Grandmaster had judged to be at a certain skill level that was high enough to apply for a Dueling Master's position.
However, if she was going to go down, then she was going to go down swinging and try and take a couple of them out.
She had deliberately moved against the wall so that none of them could move behind her and she only had to worry about a one hundred eighty degree range of attack, as opposed to a three hundred and sixty degree.
It wasn't her battlefield of choice but she had enough duels in that hall over the years that she was at least comfortable in her surroundings. That instilled confidence in her as she remembered winning the school's Dueling Championship here in her final year.
Her eyes caught the black and white dueling mat where she and Amy had the final and Satomi had just managed to beat her friend by the narrowest of margins, but she had won. She remembered Master Khan saying to her quietly when presenting her the dueling trophy that she had a very bright future and was good enough to be a professional duelist.
She and Amy had talked about it excitedly for over a year after that day because Master Khan had advised both of them to try and apply for the circuit and that he would give his personal recommendation to the national dueling league in order for them to apply for a licence and compete.
Satomi and Amy had both joined the professional dueling circuit together and had both experienced different fortunes that had led to them both quitting. Amy's was due to the death of her mentor and Satomi's was that she ended up not enjoying the constant travelling around and wanted to put down roots, and it wasn't the same without her friend competing as well.
She'd just applied for the teaching position spontaneously. She hadn't expected to receive an interview on her application. She knew that she had good enough qualifications and experience to perhaps get a Sensei's position but she was just taking a chance and hoping that she might have enough for at least a shot at a Master's position. Honestly though she thought that they would have declined the application saying she didn't have enough teaching experience. She didn't expect to get the job but if she could impress enough to maybe be considered in the future that would be good enough.
Not that she would admit to feeling out of depth with the other applicants that were even now moving in position to try and attack her.
"Well let's see whether your wand can back up what your mouth is saying and we will show you why you aren't suitable for the Dueling Master position here," said the witch in the Purple Hoari and white trousers.
"If you insist," Satomi said, steeling herself as she saw the three of them moving to fan out and make themselves smaller targets. She didn't wait and fired her wand into her hand and fired a quick hammerstrike spell at the wizard in grey almost hearing the spell sizzle as it flew towards him and was satisfied that it would land on target.
She didn't pay any attention to it because she saw the two witches simultaneously fire their wands into their hands as well and without giving them a chance to cast first she fired a pair of stinging hexes at them missing the witch in the purple by millimetres but scoring a hit in the witch in the orange and yellow in the shoulder and heard an almost cat like hiss from the witch as her shoulder was flung back and she gritted her teeth.
About the same time Satomi heard a kind of wobbling noise like a sheet of NOMA metal makes if you put a hand on each end and wobble it between them.
She realised what the wristband the wizard was wearing was since he hadn't stepped out of the way of her Hammerstrike but had raised his wrist up to the side of his head almost like he was covering himself with a shield.
As the spell was about to hit him, a shield charm erupted from the metal disc on it and she realised it was a rune engraved shield bracelet. They weren't strictly banned from dueling competitions professionally but they were frowned upon by competitors because they were seen as a bit of a cheat. They had protective runes inscribed on them and meant that a combatant could block or lessen the power of a charm while still using their wand.
She saw the wizard smirk and cross his arms over his chest, still not drawing his wand or firing a curse at her. So she fired a leg locking hex at him, which he just rolled out the way from easily and came back up almost looking bored as he folded his arms again seemingly not bothered about joining in the fight just yet even though he'd instigated it all.
Not wanting to take her eyes off him, Satomi was forced to because the two witches started firing spells at her quickly. She managed to block them with shield charms and she thought that they would just be testing out her capabilities and probing the strength of her shield charms. She didn't want to start swatting the spells away yet since she didn't really want to leave evidence of a fight breaking out if she could avoid it.
Satomi knew that there was no chance she could hold three or four of them off indefinitely and that her only chance of surviving this or not getting beaten too badly was to put at least one or two of them down, and put them down quickly.
Satomi, while blocking the spells from the two witches, started to side step to her left putting more distance between her and her opponents and so that she was able to see all of them easier without having to turn her head as much and taking eyes off any of them.
She was turning the battlefield as the two witches started to advance on her, firing spells at a speed so fast she wasn't sure she could block them all. Satomi was able to swat and deflect most of the spells causing them to impact on the walls and floors behind her. She could see the two other witches getting annoyed and started putting more power into the spells as she swatted them with all she had to try and conserve her energy so that she could make her move.
She noticed that the wizard in Grey still hadn't really looked like making any move to join the fight but she could see his arms were no longer crossed and he was doing a short pacing behind the two witches like a lion wanting to get out of a cage and that unnerved her a little.
She decided to take drastic action to try and thin the numbers of her opponents, who were now about twelve feet away firing spells at her really quickly and she was struggling to keep them at bay.
Satomi having pooled her magic ducked and rolled under two of their spells that were advancing and she cast a Hiuken spell at the witch in the orange. The glowing pulsing ball of energy flew from her wand striking the witch in her midsection and sending her flying back, where she landed with an audible thud on the floor and didn't seem to be moving and Satomi thought she must be unconscious.
Satomi hadn't been able to push as much magic into the spell as she would have liked due to the wizard in grey suddenly stopping his bored look as he watched her Hiuken spell hit the witch. This seemed to anger the witch in purple as she started increasing the speed of which she was casting striking spells at Satomi.
The witch in purple was firing spells so quickly at Satomi that she couldn't keep throwing shields up but was having to swat and deflect the spells as quickly as she could and she was starting to get overawed by the power in her opponents strikes.
Satomi then decided to do something that she wouldn't normally try due to the rules of honour in a duel, but the wizard and two witches were hardly abiding by them either as it was three on one.
Not taking her eyes off the witch in purple and being reckless and ignoring the two wizards she ran at the witch in purple and just had time to see the witch's slight patronizing smirk at not being able to block her spells disappear as surprise registered.
Just as the witch in purple opened her mouth to cast a spell at Satomi she stopped and took an involuntary step back to steady herself, bracing for Satomi to impact into her.
Satomi seeing the tip of the witches wand waver in uncertainty for a moment and taking a step back allowed Satomi the opportunity she needed. With the grace of a gymnast Satomi fell forwards about five foot in front of the witch placing her free hand onto the ground and allowing her momentum to carry her forwards into a one handed cartwheel.
Satomi let out a shout as she felt her legs fly in their circular arc perfectly and was happy to hear the satisfying smacking noise as her heel connected with what she assumed was the witches jaw because she felt the bone shift on impact.
The witch in purple had been completely taken in surprise at the witch in front of her, who was advancing at speed and suddenly appeared to fall forwards. She was just taking a step to her left and looked down towards the younger witch and didn't see the heel that connected hard with her chin before the world suddenly went black and she collapsed to the floor unconscious.
Satomi, having felt the connection, completed the cartwheel by pushing off the ground hard with her planted hand and came to a stop crouched with both feet on the ground poised and ready for the next attack in a dragon stance.
She heard a very slow clapping from her right hand side to see the wizard in grey looking almost amused. Satomi felt her blood get up since it appeared that the wizard was almost mocking her or so it seemed to her.
"Very good. Most impressive although not anything that would have worked on me. I know all about hand to hand combat like NOMAs do. I have served with them in their military." The wizard said.
"Well bully for you." Satomi said as she took in a deep breath through her nose to try and steady her breathing. "So now that these two seem to be having a nap do you want to try your luck or have you seen enough to maybe change your mind about whether I should be applying to work here?" Satomi asked. She didn't change her stance as the wizard in question chuckled to himself and cranked his neck from side to side, loosening it up.
"No, I think I'll see whether you know anything other than what you've shown here. So you've got a little knowledge of elemental magic it seems… let me guess, you were in Dragon Clan when you were here?" the wizard in grey said as he started to do some stretches to his legs and arms.
He turned and looked at the flick of surprise that Satomi annoyingly let slip at his correct guess about her former clan.
"I thought so. Although Fire elemental magic might not save you here" He said and just as Satomi was about to retort the wizard seemed to seamlessly move out of an overhead stretch with both arms and almost automatically fell into an offensive stance as he fired his wand into his hand and fired a strong stunning spell at her.
Thankfully Satomi was able to roll to the side out of the way of the spell and returned fire with a stunning spell of her own that she thought might catch the wizard off guard but she saw him flick his wrist and send the spell harmlessly away from himself.
"You're pretty quick for a young girl" he said nodding as he started walking casually towards one of the black and white dueling mats on the floor. He then turned his back to Satomi, which she knew was a test to see whether she would fire a spell at his back, which would have been an unhonourable thing to do and Satomi wouldn't ever do that unless it was a life or death situation.
"Come and join me sweet cheeks" he said like he was talking to a little girl and gestured with his wand free hand to join him on the mat. Satomi, feeling the blood start to pound in her ears, looked at the two witches still on the floor and was happy to see that the witch in purple still looked out of it and the witch in orange was still down as well.
"Don't call me sweet cheeks" Satomi admonished as she walked onto the mat opposite the wizard.
"Oh sorry, you don't like that name…" He replied with a smirk "How about sugar tits?" he inquired, chuckling to himself and laughing out loud as he saw the redness start to spread across Satomi's face until it almost matched her Karate Gi.
"You won't ever see them to be able to give them a nickname but you carry on with that kind of talk and you'll earn the nickname I'm thinking of maybe giving you numbnuts" Satomi said as she fired a powerful stinging hex at the wizard's privates. She was disappointed to see him manage to throw a shield up just in time.
The wizard's eyes narrowed in anger. "Not very nice. Alright well let's make this quick before the interviews start and we can give you enough time to get out of here." The wizard in grey said as he settled into his stance and Satomi settled into hers.
In a flurry of movement both of them started casting spells at each other faster than previously done by any of them in the bout. The wizard watching from the door was impressed with the speed and accuracy of both Satomi and the wizard in grey as they were throwing spells at each other with a great ferocity and the acoustics of the dueling halls was filled with whoops, pops, bangs and flashes of light.
Suddenly Satomi let loose a spell from her wand that looked like a tornado made of swirling fire that flew towards the wizard in grey and enveloped him completely in flame that was swirling around him.
The wizard in green watched Satomi fire a couple of spells into the flaming tornado which went straight through the tornado before the flames suddenly evaporated into thin air and the wizard in grey emerged completely untouched. The wizard in green felt a strong swirling breeze in the air and recognised that the wizard had used wind elemental magic to disperse the flames that were so tightly compacted around him.
Satomi hadn't seen anyone use wind elemental magic to defeat her Keminfermaki spell before. It was a spell of her own creation from modifying and combining two other spells and she realised that her opponent may have been a member of the Phoenix clan when he'd attended school as that Clan had a natural affinity to wind elemental magic.
She took a couple of steps to her side firing of a hammerstrike spell followed by a fire cannonball spell and saw that the wizard managed to block the hammerstrike with a shield spell that shattered as the spell hit it taking the blow and to Satomi's annoyance she watched her fire cannonball impact on the shield rune as the wizard held up his wrist band and impacting with a loud booming noise.
She did see the wizard take a step back due to the double impacts of her spells and then pressing his lips together he unleashed a quite astonishing amount of spells from a distance of about ten metres. Satomi was having to battle to keep the strikes from coming through to her because the wizard was sending sword strike spells at her so fast the only thing Satomi could do was swat the spells away.
The wizard growled in frustration as his spells weren't hitting the mark and he was getting frustrated at the younger witch's ability to deflect his spells.
The wizard in green watched as the wizard took a run at the younger witch firing spells and saw the wizard, when he got to about six feet away, stop casting and jumped up in the air aiming a flying NOMA karate kick towards her head. He found his breath catching in his throat as the young witch ducked herself to one side keeping her feet firmly planted as he flew past her.
He watched them as Satomi managed to pull off a very difficult sweep of the wizard's standing leg as he landed causing him to change his controlled landing into a kind of hopped roll.
"Nearly" the wizard in grey said, almost sounding impressed as he turned to face her again.
"You move quite well for an old man," Satomi said, genuinely impressed. She thought the sweep she had landed would have knocked him to the ground and she could have won the duel. The wizard had more than surprised her with his ability.
She watched in recognition as the wizard then stood with his feet wide apart like a sumo wrestler taking in a deep breath through his mouth and she recognised dark matter almost like pellets coming quicker and quicker towards his wand. Like they were being pulled in by some sort of force to his wand.
Satomi recognised the BourdaKemi spell as she and Amy had learnt it years ago and had mastered it while teaching it to Yuki. The spell in essence was to pull dust fragments to your wand and magical core charging and burning them up to create an almost thick smoke that you then sent to your opponent and it encased them in a boulder sized block of thick black smoke that couldn't be seen through and a lumos maxima charm wouldn't even penetrate through.
The beauty of the spell was that it blinded your opponent who could cast spells out through the smoke but not be able to see where but the caster could fire spells into the smokescreen and more or less guarantee to hit their opponent.
It had been Yuki who had taught her and Amy a good way of defending against it through some rather tricky earth affinity magic that she had learnt in Tiger Clan from the clan magic there.
Technically the clans weren't meant to teach each other their own private clan magic so that they could have an edge in dueling classes and tournaments but Yuki, Amy and Satomi had decided that they thought it might be best to give each of them a chance to get further in the dueling tournaments.
Satomi took a couple of steps back as she watched the wizard fully concentrating on the ever growing and swirling ball of ash like fog he was building up around himself. Focusing her own magic, she cast a Gravalxia spell at her feet just as the wizard let out a shout and sent the ball of ash flying towards her.
Amy smiled as just as the cloud sped towards her and was about to encase her, large rocks suddenly sprouted through the floor surrounding Satomi. She still couldn't see but knew that the follow up spell the wizard fired at her expecting to end the fight would smack against the rocks.
She couldn't see and crouched down to present as small a target as possible as she heard three large smacking sounds against the fog and assumed that he had sent three mace or hammerstrike spells at her to knock her out.
Satomi moaned loudly wanting to make the wizard think that he had really managed to knock her down and in preparation for the wizard wanting to check his handy work and cancel the smoke screen so she got herself into position.
The wizard in grey looked to the wizard in green for confirmation that his spells struck home as the wizard in green might be able to see from the side at a different angle.
The wizard in green had just shrugged at him to suggest he couldn't see and the grey wizard swiped away the spell causing the ash and smoke to disappear quickly in a swirl like it was sucked out of an extractor fan in the ceiling.
The grey wizard had fully expected to see the younger witch lying crumpled in a heap on the floor after he'd sent through the ash two stunners and a hammerstrike. What he hadn't expected to see was the witch stood there, feet shoulder width apart and one foot slightly behind and turned out to provide her balance. The biggest surprise that gave him pause was the witch was holding not one but two wands.
Satomi would normally never let opponents know that she was able to cast through two wands at the same time or that she even had a second wand. But she felt she and the grey wizard were quite evenly matched and even though it hadn't been a particularly long battle that she had put a lot of her magic into it against three opponents and needed to end things as quickly as she could because she was meant to be attending an interview, not having a fight.
Without taking his eyes off her, the wizard in grey smiled to himself but didn't say anything as he thought to himself, 'Now the real fight begins. She looks pissed off.' Suddenly the witch started moving forwards sending striking spells his way and wielding her wands like they were two swords at such a speed he was having difficulty blocking them all and if it wasn't for his shield bracelet he would get overcome quickly.
The wizard in green watched fascinated as the witch used both her wands as though they were extensions of her arms sending and deflecting striking spells with ease. The wizard in grey was fighting as if his wand was his sword and was using his shield bracelet to great effect. To the wizard in green it looked like they were two roman gladiators just furiously trying to hammer their way through their opponent.
He suddenly saw the witch go down on one knee as the wizard struck her with a tripping hex. He thought that the wizard was going to finish her off as he cast a hammerstrike straight at the witch's chest.
The wizards both watched with the grace of gymnast the witch sprang to her feet and somersaulted over the spell before casting a hammerstrike at the wizard in grey followed by a second spell as the witch screamed out "Katana Maxima" at the top of her lungs as the silvery grey spell shot from her wand.
The wizard who had raised his shield to block the hammerstrike grimaced as the Katana Maxima spell shattered the shield and passed through slamming into the wizard's chest and throwing him backwards ten foot where he landed in a heap.
Just then the doors to the Dueling Hall opened and there stood the Grandmaster and Master Bo looking around the room at the level of destruction where the spells had hit the walls and floors causing gauges in the floor, shattered plaster and scorch marks.
"It seems that we missed some sort of battle Grandmaster" Master Bo said smiling to himself as if the amount of powerful spells scorched into the walls and floor were nothing more than looking at blades of grass around the grounds.
"Yes it would appear so. Bo if you would be so kind as to perhaps arrange some tea for our candidates." The Grandmaster said getting a bow and a "certainly Grandmaster" from his colleague who, while walking to the far end of the Dueling Hall towards the tea urn, shared a look with the wizard in green and noticed that the wizard in grey was reviving the two witches and aiding them to their feet.
"Perhaps we should be seated." The Grandmaster said walking slowly into the Dueling Hall and Satomi noticed that he was using his wand and by some sort of force it was acting as a walking stick as the old wizard walked towards her and stopped on the dueling mat and indicated for Satomi to sit down.
He was looking at Satomi in such a way that he thought he was just itching to tell them all off and Satomi thought it best to get her own version of events in before the others had a chance.
"Grandmaster, please forgive me I…" she started to say but the Grandmaster held his finger to his lips, tapping the side of it against his lips almost like he was a little irritated and that he was thinking.
"Please have a seat Miss Kuzuko," he said eventually indicating the floor at her feet and Satomi downheartedly sat down and crossed her legs knowing that she had most likely blown her chance before it had even begun.
The Grandmaster conjured an elegant wooden rocking chair with his wand and sat down. He had a face that showed nothing as he observed the wizard in green sit down in the same cross legged position as Satomi but on the opposite side of the mat.
The wizard in grey, holding his ribs, came and took the same position to the side and between her and the wizard in grey and the witch in orange sat on his left nearest Satomi and the purple wearing witch on his other side.
Satomi noted happily that the witch in purple had a cracking bruise on the side of her chin and jaw where her foot had connected and even though she knew she'd buggered up the interview before it had got started, at least the witch in purple would be feeling the effects of the fight for a while.
Master Bo approached the group carrying an ornate bamboo tray with seven cups on it and went around the square of seated people handing them all a cup each.
Satomi had always hated the magical tea that they had to drink all the time at Mahoutokoro but at that time was thankful for it as she drank it quickly and silently. She felt her magical core starting to fill again and she allowed herself to relax.
As Master Bo took his seat, he looked around the group along with the Grandmaster and couldn't help chuckle to himself at the state of the two witches and the wizard in grey who all looked like they were in quite a bit of discomfort, especially the witch in purple who had a nice bruise on her face.
"You were saying Miss Kuzuko?" the Grandmaster said, settling his teacup on the arm of the rocking chair as he turned his gaze to Satomi.
"Oh erm" Satomi replied, completely taken by surprise as she slowly placed her cup down. "Yes well Grandmaster I just wanted to apologise for…" She started to say before the wizard in green interrupted her.
"Handing out a damn good thrashing," before smirking at the younger witch.
"A thrashing you say?" The Grandmaster asked, turning to the wizard.
"I'd hardly call it a thrashing," the wizard in grey said, wincing a little while holding his ribs. "But I'd say a damn good fight."
"You sure it wasn't a thrashing? I only saw two of you still on your feet when we arrived? One of which was Miss Kuzuko. I thought it was going to be two on one?" Master Bo asked the two witches and the wizard opposite him.
"You're more than welcome to take her on yourself if you wish," the witch in purple shot back humorlessly.
"Well we thought we'd really see if she knew her stuff," added the witch in orange who cracked her neck round and they all heard an audible click, "and boy does she." She added looking at Satomi and giving her a respectful nod of the head.
"Hang on what do you mean it was meant to be two on one?" Satomi asked, confused. "I thought you'd be mad about us fighting before the interview?" she asked, thoroughly confused.
"Miss Kuzuko, my dear, that was the interview," the wizard in green kindly explained.
"Huh?" Satomi asked looking around seeing them all looking back at her and then they all started laughing although she noted the witch in purple did so with a wince.
"Satomi you'll have to forgive our deception but we arranged this little training session to test out your dueling skills." Master Bo said as Satomi looked at the Deputy Grandmaster and then the Grandmaster as if looking to see if they were being serious.
"This was all a set up?" Satomi asked, shocked and saw the twinkling delight in the Grandmaster's eyes.
"I'm afraid so Miss Kuzuko. You see we decided what better way to test applicants for the Dueling Master's position than seeing if they can fight and win against several people who are Masters in their own right, and highly skilled duelists," he said mischievously.
"I just wish we'd been able to watch it in person Grandmaster" Master Bo said with a laugh.
"So these aren't other candidates for the Dueling Master position? They were deliberately put here to be so unfriendly and try to goad me into a fight?" Satomi asked, surprised, looking around the assembled group and getting nods from them all.
"They are all currently Masters here at Mahoutokoro, who had to take polyjuice to help us hide their appearance so that you wouldn't recognise them. If my calculations are correct then it should be wearing off at any moment," the Grandmaster replied. Right on queue, Satomi witnessed the two wizards and witches who had been in the hall the whole time suddenly have their skin start bubbling and looked in a bit of pain as the polyjuice wore off.
Satomi had to cover her mouth as first she watched the wizard in green change appearance and there sat her former Dueling Master, Master Khan with a big smile on his face and he bowed his head to her.
Next a mortified Satomi saw that the witch with the now massive bruise on her jaw was none other than Master Ping the Head of Phoenix clan who wasn't looking too happy about it and was tentatively taking a sip of her tea.
The wizard in the middle she didn't recognise but she thought he was quite handsome and was happy to see that the muscular physique was still there. He really looked quite yummy in her opinion. He looked to be about maybe ten years older than her but she could be wrong about that.
Next she looked at the witch in orange and found that Master Liu the Transfiguration Master who took over the class in her eighth year was smiling back at her.
"Budha's ballsack!" Satomi said causing the others to laugh. "I'm really sorry if I'd known who you were I wouldn't have gone at things quite as hard as I did." Satomi apologised but saw that they all just shrugged at her apology as if it wasn't needed.
"If you had known who we were you wouldn't have maybe given it your all like you did. I must say I was very impressed with the variety in your combat style. The use of striking spells and elemental magic was most impressive." Master Khan said nodding to himself.
"As was the use of Martial Arts. That really threw Master Ping who I don't think saw that heel kick coming." The wizard in grey said to her with a warm smile that made Satomi feel all tingly.
"I'm Master Zan Ken, I'm the Defence Against the Dark Arts Master and I think you must have just left Mahoutokoro when I became a Sensei here," Master Ken greeted leaning forwards and extending his hand towards her.
"Pleased to meet you Master Ken," Satomi said, leaning forwards and shaking the offered hand, finding it warm and strong against hers. "You weren't kidding when you said you knew about martial arts then?" She said, more of a statement than a question.
"No, I was attached to the Japanese NOMA army when I went through my Auror training," Master Ken replied, taking a sip of his tea.
"You were an auror?" Satomi asked him. "Do you mind me asking why you are no longer part of the Auror Corp? If that's not too personal seeing as we've just met." She added blushing slightly at her stupidness for asking such a personal question.
"Yes I was an auror for five or so years but I ended up having to leave due to the politics." Master Ken replied sombrely.
"Politics?" Satomi asked, a little confused.
"Yes. The politics and lack of action allowed when my partner was killed. I wasn't allowed to be involved in trying to apprehend the person I believe killed them and that drove me to leave." Master Ken responded as the rest of the Masters all looked down soberly.
"Forgive me," Satomi said sincerely, "I didn't mean to pry or bring up any painful memories." She added locking eyes with the wizard who gave her a small smile and nod of the head.
"Thank you. I suppose if that hadn't happened then I wouldn't have decided to try my hand at teaching, which I'm finding I'm enjoying a lot more." Master Ken added giving a bow of the head to the Grandmaster.
"And doing very well at it as well." The Grandmaster added and gave a respectful bow of the head to Master Ken who thanked him.
"So Satomi from the conversation you've just had it sounds like you've learnt more about NOMA combat than we ever taught here in Mahoutokoro. Do you mind me asking how you learned it?" he asked her leaning forward, interested, in his chair as everyone turned their attention to Satomi.
"Well it's a bit embarrassing really but I got mugged when I was on a night out with some friends in NOMA Tokyo. The NOMA man who was attacking me was physically stronger than myself and a pretty big guy. He had me pinned up against a wall and I couldn't push him away from me to get my wand." Satomi said, recalling the night's events.
"So while I was shouting at him to get off this other man appeared out of a shop across the road and was very kind to intercede on my behalf and get the attacker off me. As he threw the mugger to the ground they got into a fight and well the mugger couldn't lay a hand on him and the man used loads of different moves on him and ended up chasing the mugger off." Satomi explained.
"Well I've said for many a year that magical people could learn a lot from NOMAs. It was most fortunate that the man appeared to help you," The Grandmaster said to the agreement of the others.
"Was it this man that then taught you combat that you've just shown us here?" Master Khan asked.
"Yes. He owned and ran a dojo and well we ended up in a relationship for a couple of years and he taught me various different things from Karate, Judo, Tai Kwando, Kung Fu and Jiu Jitsu." Satomi answered seeing all the other Masters except Master Khan look towards Master Ken for clarification whether that was good.
"That's really most impressive," Master Ken complimented Satomi before turning to the other Masters and explaining. "Karate, Jiu Jitsu, Kung Fu etc are all different styles and philosophies in martial arts. NOMAs normally study and dedicate their lives for many years in just one of these disciplines so to have a good grounding in each of these is very impressive." Master Ken said, giving Satomi another compliment.
"And the elemental magic Miss Kuzuko? I noted that you used both fire and earth elemental magic. Where did you learn that?" Master Khan asked curiously as he knew that Satomi had been in Dragon Clan so that would explain her fire elemental knowledge, in part.
"Well I learned most of it here in school. I learned everything I could about elemental fire magic from the library in the Dragon's Lair when I attended school here." Satomi said wanting to keep the focus off the earth elemental magic but failing straight away.
"And the Earth elemental magic?" Master Khan asked, studying her.
"Well honestly" Satomi said, not quite meeting his eye, "I have a friend who was in Tiger Clan who taught me some Earth elemental magic," she confessed.
"I assume that would be Yuki Yushiro?" Master Bo asked, remembering that Satomi was good friends with Yuki Yushiro in school as well as being almost inseparable best friends with Amy Yushiro.
"Erm yes it was Yuki who taught me and Amy some, and us her. I don't want them getting into trouble though because I know that you like to keep the elemental magic secret and sacred to the clans." Satomi said quickly, hoping that they wouldn't be angry with Yuki, Amy, and herself for swapping the magic.
"Well we are hardly going to be able to give Miss Yushiro detention for teaching you another part of elemental magic," Master Ping said to the agreement of the others.
"Besides while the elemental magic of each clan is important, it is knowledge to be shared and mastered by students but most don't want to share their knowledge even after leaving school as they all cling onto clan loyalty quite fiercely." Master Liu said as she finished her tea in one long drain and the customary "yuck" noise that every normally made.
"I always thought that we'd get in trouble for sharing that knowledge," Satomi confessed.
"Not at all, its knowledge between the clans being shared that would help others to learn, teach and make everyone more skilled and knowledgeable. It would appear that it's normally only if students are dating that they seem willing to share knowledge with someone in another clan" The Grandmaster stated receiving nods from everyone present.
"Unfortunately it would appear that somehow we in Turtle Clan have lost all the scrolls on Water Infinity magic or worse had them stolen. Our students only have access to whatever they can find purchasing books privately or in the main library." Master Bo said solemnly, "It always puts my clan at something of a disadvantage at the end of the year during the dueling tournaments."
"I have told you that I've written on numerous occasions requesting copies of some of the water elemental magic scrolls from Ying Lao and I'm trying to get through various other things to get the time to document some of my own knowledge Bo" The Grandmaster said looking a little sad.
"I know Grandmaster and I can understand that you've got many things going on that doesn't allow you the time to document the spells you know for the clan. I just wish we could get some time in order to write them out before you forget them." Master Bo said cheekily with a wink at the Grandmaster who chuckled at him.
"Yes they do tend to slip the mind these days. Sometimes I find it impossible to remember them at all." The Grandmaster said light heartedly and turned and gave Satomi a wink. Out of view of the others, his wand suddenly appeared in his hand and with a casual flick of his wrist a giant balloon about two feet in diameter suddenly appeared a few feet above Master Bo's head.
Master Bo had just enough time to notice everyone's attention look above his head before the balloon fell landing and burst on the Deputy Grandmaster's head soaking him.
Everyone laughed, although none more so that the good natured and cheerful Master Bo. "I suppose I deserved that," he said, chuckling to himself.
"Yes I suppose you did you cheeky monkey" the Grandmaster said to his friend before turning to Satomi. "May I ask you what would be your plans for students in their final years of maturity if you obtain the position Miss Kuzuko?"
Satomi took a moment to think about it and said that she would intend to do whatever is possible to increase the students' magical cores and abilities in time for their magical maturity and ensure that they were prepared for what was actually out there in the real world.
The Masters all listened intently to the answer and for the next thirty minutes Master Khan and the Grandmaster, along with the odd question from the other Masters, talked and quizzed Satomi on her life, her fight and dueling experiences and what her plans were for the students of Mahoutokoro if she was successful.
Satomi answered honestly and didn't embellish or make out that she knew more than she did and anything she didn't know she said that she would learn before the start of the school year if she was successful.
After a time, apparently satisfied with everything that they had asked, the Masters and the Grandmasters all exchanged a look and the Grandmaster looked at each in turn as if conveying a private silent conversation with each nodded to himself appearing satisfied.
"Well that was most enlightening Miss Kuzuko and if you are in agreeance we would like to offer you the position here as Dueling Master but we have a couple of conditions that you would need to be in agreement with before you formally accept the offer." The Grandmaster explained.
"I see and what are the conditions that you would like me to agree with?" Satomi asked delighted inside that she had been offered the position.
"Well firstly I would like it very much if you would agree to act as Sensei for Master Khan for the coming school year before taking the position of Master, so that you can observe his teaching syllabus and style in order to help you refine your own. I believe that it would be of great benefit to both yourself and the school to allow him to pass on his wisdom to you as well as you benefitting from his experience." The Grandmaster explained.
"I would be happy with that as I'm sure learning from Master Khan would be of great benefit to me. His teachings are what helped shape my combat skills and style in the first place." Satomi replied, giving Master Khan a deep bow and he bowed back a great big smile on his face.
"Excellent, excellent" the Grandmaster said, clapping his hands together. "The second condition is that you are prepared to swear a loyalty oath to the school."
"Of course, that goes without saying," Satomi said, not really understanding the need for it but considering it was a teaching position she didn't imagine that it would be hard to keep.
"And lastly," The Grandmaster said, turning towards Master Ping who smiled and nodded at the Grandmaster.
"I'd ask you to refrain from letting any of the students know that you knocked me out." Master Ping said, giving a rare smile to her former student.
"Really? Not even some of the older students?" Satomi asked, feeling a little cheeky and still amazed that she'd managed to knock out her former Charms Master.
"Yes really Miss Kuzuko… unless you would like me to tell the rest of the students as well as the staff what I caught you doing in the final year with Yanislav Potic in the Quidditch stadium gym that night you were meant to be on prefect patrol." Master Ping said trying and failing to hold in the laughter that overtook her as Satomi's mouth dropped open as the memory of that night when she was playing Yanislav Potic at truth or dare.
"You saw that?!" Satomi gasped.
"Well you two weren't exactly being discrete and taking clan points at that particular moment didn't seem like the fair thing to do," Master Ping replied matter of factly.
"This sounds like a hell of a story, do either of you feel like sharing?" Master Liu interjected good naturedly.
"No!" Master Ping and Satomi replied at the same time.
"Perhaps maybe telling students the story when they graduate," The Grandmaster said good naturedly.
"Absolutely not. The only way you can discuss this with any student is if they are lord or lady and even then not on school grounds." Master Ping said folding her arms across her chest.
"But there hasn't been a Lord or Lady at Mahoutokoro in over a hundred years Master Ping." Satomi said thinking back to the last time she could remember reading about a Lord or Lady attending the school.
"Exactly so my secret should be safe long after I've retired!" Master Ping said with another rare smile.
"I assume then that you are happy with the three conditions for your appointment then Miss Kuzuko?" The Grandmaster asked with a mischievous twinkle in his eye.
"Yes Grandmaster. I certainly won't be telling any of the students what transpired here today and I'm very honoured to be offered the position and that you have enough faith in me to offer me the position." Satomi replied, catching the eye of Master Ping who smiled and replied that her own secret would be safe from now on then.
"Excellent. I feel that you will make a most interesting and welcome addition to our faculty." The Grandmaster announced before turning to Master Bo and giving him a nod. The large Herbology Master took his wand from inside his sleeve and Satomi watched a large turtle patronus erupt from his wand before swerving out of the open Dueling Hall doors and off into the grounds.
The Grandmaster then stood slowly from his chair that disappeared into nothingness again and asked Satomi to rise. From inside his Hoari the Grandmaster took out a flat jade stone about the size of a dinner plate and held it flat in his palm and approached Satomi as she stood.
Satomi looked at the jade stone and saw inscribed upon it the school's emblem and a lot of miniscule runes on the background of the stone causing there to be a scene with sunshine bursting out from behind a mountain in the background with the large school emblem in foreground. It really was a beautifully inscribed stone and must have taken many hours to create.
"Now Miss Kuzuko, please place your wand casting hand on the stone and the other on your heart." The Grandmaster said softly to Satomi and was a little puzzled in her indecisiveness or hesitancy.
"Miss Kuzuko is able to cast with both hands quite equally Grandmaster. That's how she won our duel. It was quite incredible really." Master Ken said complimenting the younger witch as the rest of the assembled Masters all stood and fanned out behind the Grandmaster.
"Is that so… I say most impressive." The Grandmaster said looking at Satomi again and she could see that knowledge had certainly sparked his interest. "In that case my dear please place the hand that feels most natural on the stone" he said getting a nod from Satomi who placed her right hand on the stone and the left over her heart.
Rather than feeling cold the jade stone felt warm, comforting really, which was a total surprise to her. She thought that she could almost hear whispering and looked around the Masters assembled and saw that none of them were talking.
"Satomi Stevie Kuzuko, do you swear to honour the traditions of Mahoutokoro? Do you swear to do all in your power to protect the students placed under your care, enforce school rules? Do you swear to follow and carry out instructions given to you from the school Clan Heads, the school's medical team and the school's Grandmaster and deputy to the best of your abilities? Will you strive for excellence in both your teachings and the knowledge you pass onto those under your care and guidance?"
"Finally do you swear to do all in your power to protect this institution, its secrets and mysteries, to do all in your power to make this the best school of magical learning in the world?" The Grandmaster asked almost like in prayer as the other Masters bowed their heads.
They'd all had to make the same vow and they remembered their own times when they had done as Satomi was doing at that moment and how special it was to each of them.
"I swear" Satomi said, seeing a smile touch the Grandmaster's face. Suddenly she seemed to be encapsulated in a strong beam of light and she couldn't see the Grandmaster anymore even though he was standing two feet in front of her. She couldn't see anything but she could hear whispers of congratulations and welcome into the Mahoutokoro family.
It was like she was in a dream. She couldn't even see her own body or hand that was touching the jade stone. It seemed to last for ages as if hundreds of voices were each adding their own congratulations or greeting. Suddenly as quickly as it started it finished.
"Whoa, what was that?" Satomi asked, blinking to try and get the purple spots out of her vision.
"That my dear was the voices of every former sensei, Master and Grandmaster of this school welcoming you into the family." The Grandmaster replied as he slid the Jade stone back into the inside of his Hoari.
He reached his hand out and took Satomi's in both of his. "Welcome to Mahoutokoro Sensei Kuzuko. I'm very happy that you have joined us." He said before letting go and turning to indicate those behind him and Satomi saw all the other Masters and Sensei's at the school had arrived at the Dueling Hall and reasoned that Master Bo must have summoned them to greet her. They all moved forward, crowding around her and congratulating her and welcoming Satomi to her new home.
Present
"And then yeah I've been there ever since and have spent my summers doing bits of travelling and trying to think about somewhere I might want to live after retiring." Satomi finished for her audience. She hadn't disclosed that she had knocked out Master Ping just that she'd had to duel her.
"Wow!" Beth said in awe and had even more respect for her Dueling Master.
"So you had to take on Master Ping, Master Liu and Master Ken at the same time and you still managed to win?" Kayleigh asked, completely amazed.
"I always thought you were a skilled fighter Master Kuzuko, but why couldn't you have told us all in class about how you got the job? It would have been really interesting to hear that I'd love to have seen Master Ping's face when you beat her in a duel." Faye added excitedly.
"Well for the respect of my colleagues I had agreed not to discuss it with my students. I trust that Miss Granger wouldn't divulge anything she heard here today to any of the current students." Master Kuzuko said locking eyes on Hermione who held her hands up in surrender.
"The only person I'd tell would be Harry and he can ask you himself," Hermione replied, getting a raised glass in cheers from Master Kuzuko and that would be acceptable.
"Did I hear my name?" a voice inquired behind Hermione who spun round in her chair to see Harry arriving at the top of the stairs with an easy smile on his face and looking a little flushed.
"Oh fuck its Harry Potter!" Faye and Beth squealed excitedly at the same time.
"Way to play it cool girls," Kayleigh commented, rolling her eyes as she took in the Boy-Who-Lived, who was looking very manly and totally delicious to her eyes. It wasn't lost on Kayleigh that Harry had yet to take his eyes from Hermione and she could tell straight away that there was something there between them.
Hermione got out of her chair and the rest of those seated followed suit as Harry and Amy reached the top of the stairs followed by Sabre, Fleur and Gigo and Hermione noticed her French friend also looked a little flushed as well.
"Had an interesting morning so far have we Harry? If I didn't know better I would say that you and Fleur look a little tipsy." Hermione asked, crossing her arms over her chest and giving Harry a knowing grin.
"I've had a couple… it's Fleur you have to watch out for. She's had quite a few" Harry confessed seeing the playful grin on Hermione's face.
"You're going to develop a problem you know if you're drinking at every opportunity you get," Hermione pointed out
"Well it really was only a couple but today is a day for celebrating as it's been a successful day. " Harry replied as Narcissa approached the pair of them and asked "Productive morning Harry?" She leant forward giving him a kiss on each cheek and a rub on his outer arm in an almost motherly fashion and Hermione was surprised and glad to see he didn't' flinch. It still amazed her to see them interacting this way because a few months ago they would have been dueling each other.
"Absolutely." Harry replied nodding enthusiastically as Amy approached saying hello and moving past the three of them to talk with her sister and Satomi and Harry noticed that she looked over fairly regularly at Sabre.
"Ah mes amis," Fleur said enthusiastically rushing forwards and grabbing both Hermione and Narcissa in a big hug. "You'll ave to excuse moi a little bit as I've one too many Martooni's" Fleur giggled as she stepped back and leant on Harry's shoulder with his arm reaching out to help steady her.
"She means she's had one too many Martini's and by one too many she means about five," A deep male voice quipped from behind causing Harry to grin.
"Hermione, Narcissa, may I introduce to you my two new business partners?" Harry asked while still holding onto Fleur. Stepping back giving Hermione and Narcissa a clear line of sight to Gigo and Sabre.
"Business Partners?" Hermione asked looking at the two wizards and recognising Gigo and then turned to Narcissa to see that she too recognised Gigo.
"So you got them to agree then?" Narcissa asked laughing at seeing Hermione's surprise that Narcissa already knew that Harry would be approaching the two wizards about his proposal.
"Well Harry here is quite hard to turn down. He's been very fair in finding a mutually beneficial partnership, although I think he's made it more stacked on my side on the favourable stakes." Sabre said with a modest shrug to his honest assessment.
"So you invested in Elixir Eddies? That was your plan?" Hermione asked Harry who grinned and nodded at her.
"Yes. It's a great bar and Gigo makes great cocktails as you know. Eddie says that he can make them better than Gigo, but he's not put his money where his mouth is yet." Harry said cheekily, getting a roll of the eyes from Sabre.
"You just wait til I get back from my trip with all the supplies I need and I'll make you some drinks that will knock your socks off." Sabre said, happy that Harry was using the name Eddie as that was how he was known throughout the bazaar and it helped him keep his real identity secret.
Only Harry, Fleur, Gigo and Amy knew his real identity. Sabre had made it a mission to detach himself from all his old school friends as much as possible while working within the Jade Dragon because he didn't want his real name and history known.
"Pleased to meet you I'm Eddie Song, Harry's new business partner and until about three hours ago sole proprietor of Elixir Eddies. It's a pleasure to meet you Miss Granger," Sabre greeted, giving Hermione a formal bow and taking her hand delicately in his and bringing it to his lips to kiss her knuckle. "A shame I've not been able to meet you the last couple of times you've been in the bar but I was away on business." Sabre added apologetically.
"It's a pleasure Mr. Song and Hermione please if you don't mind me calling you Eddie..." Hermione started to reply as Gigo stepped forward and gave Hermione a deep bow.
"Hello Gigo, it's a pleasure to see you again, although I distinctly remember the last time we spoke I told you make sure that you kept my French friend out of trouble." Hermione greeted and nodded towards Fleur. Who was looking around the interior of the restaurant, swaying slightly on her feet causing Hermione to giggle at her friend who she could tell had more than a few.
"Fleur," Narcissa said to the French witch who seemed very interested in the crystal ornamental light fitting above their heads at that moment.
"Well I tried Hermione," Gigo replied as Narcissa kept trying to get Fleur's attention, "but well… after Harry invested in the bar I set them a challenge of trying to make some cocktails out of one of our recipe books. Harry was a natural at it and well, lets just say Fleur consumed everything he made and I think she was happier with that rather than making them." Gigo said laughing to himself.
"Did someone say we were having a drink?" Fleur asked seemingly back with everyone.
"You sure you can handle any more? We've a long night of celebrating ahead of us and you've already had about five cocktails," Harry asked Fleur cheekily.
"Arry Potter. I shall ave you know zat I can drink you under the table or on top of the table." Fleur said laughing to herself. She suddenly seemed to see Hermione standing there, "Ermione," She said detaching herself from Harry's arm and making her way across to Hermione and giving her a gentle hug. She turned as she slipped her arm around Hermione's shoulders and pointed a finger at Harry, that seemed a little wavy in the air, she was trying to focus on Harry and eventually managed to steady her wavering digit.
"He tried to get me drunk. That best friend of yours as been plying me with drink all morning," Fleur said teasingly.
"Oh yes, I'm sure he had your arm up your back and was forcing it down you," Hermione grinned at her friend.
"Well maybe not forcing it down me, but he was making lovely drinks and I couldn't say non to them… it would ave been rude non?" Fleur countered feeling very tipsy and a bit giddy.
"Speaking of drinks could I get anyone anything?" Mai asked from the back of the group having watched the interaction between the group unnoticed and had taken advantage by staring at Harry Potter's bottom.
"Sorry Mai, yes could I get a butterbeer please?" Harry asked, smiling at the hostess who smiled back and nodded. Harry noticed that Sabre ordered some sort of fruit juice as did Gigo and Amy and Fleur asked for a Rising Sun cocktail if they could make her one. She was delighted when Mai said that they could, before turning on her heel and making her way down the staircase.
"Shall we take our seats then?" Sabre inquired as his stomach gave a loud grumble.
"Yes, let's sit, my heels are killing me." Fleur added letting go of Hermione as she, Sabre and Gigo made their way to the unoccupied end of the table and Gigo took the end seat and indicated for Fleur to sit next to him. Harry pretended not to notice the little look Fleur sent his way before she turned her smile onto Gigo and allowed him to pull her seat out for her and then push her in.
Sabre sat on her other side and the three of them broke into conversation appearing quite comfortable with each other.
"So Fleur seems to like Gigo and Eddie," Narcissa commented to Harry, who nodded. "They are really nice guys and I think that I'm going to enjoy working with them," Harry replied to her as he tried not to look at the three girls getting up out of their chairs behind Hermione and Narcissa and approaching them a little hesitantly.
"Erm are these some new friends of yours Hermione?" Harry asked Hermione, whose eyes momentarily went wide.
"Oh Harry, sorry I completely forgot to introduce you straight away that was so rude of me. Well yes they are some new friends but they are also my business partners as well." Hermione answered excitedly and turned to see Kayleigh, Beth and Faye approaching them and she moved to Harry's side and Narcissa moved to the other.
"Oh my god, you're Harry Potter…" Faye squealed, seeming a bit star struck and in awe of Harry.
"Erm, yes I am." Harry replied before laughing a little awkwardly, but smiling in a friendly way.
"Right, so, Harry these are my new business partners Kayleigh Quang, who was the Head Girl at Mahoutokoro last year and her friends, well technically they are my friends as well, but these are our other business partners Beth Xing and Faye Chung." Hermione introduced them while smiling warmly at the three girls as Kayleigh stepped forward and extended her hand to Harry who shook it gently seeing that she was a confident girl and thought that the name rang a bell.
"Nice to meet you Kayleigh," Harry said as she said it was an honour to meet him. "Out of curiosity what kind of business do you have? It's quite impressive to get a business up and running so quickly if you were Head Girl in Mahoutokoro last year."
"Well thank you Harry. It wasn't easy getting the business started and I don't know how long it would be surviving for if it wasn't for Hermione here. She's a really great person and I'm really looking forward to becoming great friends with her and hopefully, by extension, you as well." Kayleigh sreplied, trying her hardest not to start flirting with him straight away.
"Yeah she's pretty amazing if I say so myself," Harry turned and smiled at Hermione. "So what is the business you have?" Harry asked again, looking at the three Asian girls and saw them all look at Hermione.
"Clothes, Harry. It's a clothes shop," Hermione replied and he could tell that wasn't the whole truth. He knew Hermione well enough by now to know when she was playing things down.
"So you invested in a clothes shop… not a book shop?" Harry asked teasingly, getting him a playful whack on the arm from Hermione.
"I don't just like books Harry and yeah Kayleigh's shop is a clothes shop with a difference and so much more. Narcissa liked it as did Yuki and Master Kuzuko," Hermione explained, looking to Narcissa for back up.
"Oh yes Harry it's an incredible place. Every witch's dream let me tell you," Narcissa added, seeing the relieved look on Hermione's face at her assistance.
"Well that's great. Maybe I can come and check it out myself sometime," Harry said, noticing Hermione and Narcissa tense up a little.
"Ohhh I'd happily give you a tour," Faye said, stepping forwards a little and wobbling on her high heel and taking a tumble forwards. She was saved by Harry catching her as she fell into him.
"I'm such a clumsy thing," Faye said apologetically and Narcissa noticed the way Faye's hands ran up Harry's chest as she stepped back. It was subtle but Narcissa saw it.
"Oh Harry, I don't think you'd be all that interested in looking at girls clothes and coats and things." Narcissa said. Thankfully it was at this point that Mai appeared at the top of the stairs with a witch holding a large tray of drinks and a wizard stood in what looked like a plain white Hoari and black trousers.
"I think maybe we should take our seats." Harry announced, holding his hand out to Narcissa and Hermione who both happily took his hand and allowed him to escort them to their seats. Kayleigh, Beth and Faye took their seats also.
Mai made her way around with the waitress dropping all of their drinks off and topping up everyone already sat at the table as per Harry's instructions when he entered the restaurant to hear that Hermione and her guests were already there.
Harry took his seat between Hermione and Sabre and he commented again on how lovely Hermione looked and she thanked him for the compliment.
"So a clothes shop then hey. You're full of surprises these days Hermione." Harry said looking at his friend.
"Well I knew you'd think I was going to get a book shop or something educational but after I went into Kayleigh's shop with the Turtle girls I couldn't help but fall in love with it and Kayleigh's ideas." Hermione said as the girl in question sat listening into the conversation.
"Well may I offer you a very big well done Kayleigh?" Harry asked the Japanese girl leaning forwards.
"Why is that Harry?" Kayleigh asked.
"Well by creating something that helps my friend here not think about books and learning for a little while." Harry answered getting another playful swat on the arm from Hermione.
"I am interested in things other than books you know," Hermione scolded with a little more conviction than she would have had in previous years while she was at Hogwarts. The Runes girls had been a brilliant outlet for Hermione over the last four years of Hogwarts that had allowed Hermione to act more like a girl rather than a tomboy from hanging around with Harry and Ron all the time.
"Yes I can tell from the trip to Selfridges we took in London and you disappeared for the afternoon." Harry said grinning at his best friend playfully causing her to roll her eyes.
"Don't start on me Potter. I know you ended up spending a full day there as well and if memory serves you bought almost all the mens clothes section and still came home with the Lambo as well." Hermione teased back.
"You've got a Lamborghini?!" Kayleigh squealed excitedly, getting the attention from her two best friends.
"Erm yeah. I bought a convertible Aventador," Harry replied, surprised that Kayleigh knew what a Lamborghini was. "Do you know about cars?" he asked her.
"Oh yes loads. Although not as much as Faye as she's a complete car nut. You see we're all from NOMA families so we know all about the NOMA world. Plus we went on some dates with some NOMA guys who were really into their cars and I think they were stock brokers. They had loads of money and they took us to Suzuka in Mie and they took us on some laps of the track." Kayleigh explained.
"So you can go on the circuit in Suzuka then?" Harry asked his ears pricking up and his interest truly aroused by this little tit bit of information.
"For a fee yes, although the guys we were with were really into their customised cars so we only went round it in a Supra, an Impreza and Mitsubishi Evo but they'd really modified them and they were pretty quick." Kayleigh confessed.
"Have you ever done any circuit driving Hermione?" Kayleigh asked her new business partner.
"No I've not but I know Harry's driven around Silverstone and I can imagine that he'd love to drive around Suzuka while we're here because then he can see the difference between two Formula One tracks. Plus a lot of championships in Formula One have been decided there because it's one of the later races in the calendar and I'm sure Harry would love to try and beat Kimi Rikonnen and Lewis Hamilton's times. " Hermione said and Harry looked down because he didn't want to draw more attention to who he was with when he went to Silverstone and he knew that Daphne must have told Hermione about their date.
Harry couldn't tell from Hermione's expression whether she was annoyed about him going on a date with Daphne or not. "You seem to know quite a bit about Formula One. I don't even know who Kimi or Lewis are.," Harry confessed. He'd never been allowed to watch Formula One when living at the Dursley's and had only ever heard Uncle Vernon shouting at the TV set when it was on.
"Well with my dad being the car nut he is, do you think I'd ever stand a chance of not knowing about Formula One? It was on our TV every Sunday when I was growing up," Hermione confessed with a shrug of her shoulders and recalling the happy times she'd spend curled up on the sofa with her dad reading a book while he was watching the race.
"Well maybe you could come with us both one time and fair play for taking a girl car racing on a date Harry. Most guys wouldn't think to do that," Kayleigh confessed. She was definitely impressed.
"Well it was actually my friend Daphne who took Harry on a date. He lost at poker to her when he went round to her family's home for dinner once and he lost the bet so she got to choose a place for them to go on a date," Hermione explained before giving Kayleigh an edited version of Harry's first date with Daphne.
"How did you know that Daphne took me on a date there Hermione?" Harry asked her.
"Because I was the one who suggested that you might like it," Hermione answered, shaking her head in amusement at Harry's surprise.
"You suggested that she took me there on a date?" Harry asked for confirmation. He was completely perplexed and didn't know that Hermione and Daphne had discussed his date in such detail.
"Well... yes I did." Hermione replied, unable to gauge Harry's feelings by his expression. "You'd just split up with Ginny, I'd gone back to the Badger's Nooks with my mum and dad, and I didn't want you to be lonely. So when she told me how she had cheated at cards to win a date with you, she asked me what I thought you'd enjoy doing," Hermione explained to him honestly.
"I thought you'd be mad about me going on dates and things with your friends," Harry said, completely feeling like he'd been confunded.
"Why would I be mad? You're a single guy and they're single girls and you could potentially end up with four wives or more in the future. I just thought that after Ginny it would be good for you to go and have some fun. Also if you were going to go on a date then it may as well be with someone I knew was nice," Hermione replied. She resisted adding 'If I couldn't have gone with you myself' in her mind.
"Well thank you. It was a really fun day and it was a complete blast driving a car as fast as it would go around a track." Harry said reaching across and placing his hand on hers and giving her a kiss on the cheek. "We've not really talked about your friends and I, and this summer. I don't know exactly what you know about what's happened but I've never really kept secrets from you before and I don't want to start now," Harry said a little uncomfortably. Hermione just smiled and bumped shoulders with him and he was happy to see that she hadn't let go of his hand.
She could see he was starting to beat himself up about what had happened over the summer with her friends and while she still had mixed feelings about it, she certainly didn't want Harry thinking he did something wrong.
"I know enough Harry and you don't have to tell me anything more than you ever want to," Hermione said kindly. Placing her other hand on top of his, "So long as you are happy that's the most important thing to me," she added sincerely. She knew that she needed to make a decision about herself and Harry soon, in order to get her head completely straight and hopefully get this dating and relationship nightmare with Ron sorted out and brought to a swift conclusion.
She just needed to figure out how and she looked around to see Narcissa watching the two of them with a smile playing on her lips. She watched Narcissa mouth the question "Shall we talk later?" and Hermione nodded enthusiastically in response.
Narcissa then turned to Beth and asked her a question and that got the Japanese girl talking animatedly to her. Hermione turned back to talk to Harry, who was answering a question that Sabre had asked, and she smiled to herself as he didn't seem to want to let go of her hand.
"So you've been encouraging Harry to have fun with your friends, hey Hermione? I thought you said that you wanted to go o…" Kayleigh started saying as she tried to spear a grape with her cocktail umbrella that had fallen into her drink.
Hermione whipped her head around and Kayleigh could tell the look on Hermione's face was saying "Shut up and shut up now!" Kayleigh remembered Hermione telling her on her first visit to her shop about how she really liked Harry but hadn't told him yet and she really didn't want to mess up her new friend's chances.
"Erm yes Hermione I thought you said that you wanted to go out on the town tonight, so why are you only having a soft drink?" Kayleigh asked, seeing Hermione look visibly relieved at her save while Kayleigh pointed to Hermione's drink and gave the English witch a knowing wink.
"Well I didn't want to get too drunk, too quickly." Hermione replied more for Harry's benefit seeing as how she and Kayleigh had that discussion when ordering.
"Like you did at Turtle Island you mean?" Harry questioned with great amusement.
"I thought we weren't bringing that up again?" Hermione countered giving Harry a playfully stern look.
"Whoa hang on a minute. Hermione, I thought you said that you were sorted into Tiger Clan?" Kayleigh asked. Beth and Faye had overheard and paused mid conversation to listen in.
"Well I chose Tiger Clan but I was offered a place in all the clans." Hermione explained hearing that the rest of the table had gone quiet to listen except for Gigo and Fleur who were talking away at the end of the table in French quite happily.
"You were offered a place in all of the Clans?" Faye asked to make sure she had heard right. "That's mental. So you picked to join Tiger Clan. Did you see the other Clan areas as well?" she asked quickly.
"Well yes I was, as was Harry. I think it's probably because we are older and our emotions, thought processes, and instincts are a lot different from the first years. Do you want to describe what happened Harry?" Hermione asked thinking it would be a good way to integrate Harry into getting to know her new business partners.
"Sure," Harry replied with a smile and he started explaining the sorting ceremony to those around the room who all listened with rapt attention. He noticed Yuki and Amy exchange a look behind Master Kuzuko and he thought that they must have been communicating something to each other. Maybe something happened during their sorting that they didn't know about.
After Harry explained how they were offered the opportunity to visit all the clan areas with Hermione and described each in detail he added that sadly they weren't able to see what the Phoenix Nest was like because the Phoenix Clan didn't want them to come and stay with them.
Master Kuzuko then stepped in and explained the reason why, the prank war that followed and then stopped short of explaining what happened between Harry, Hermione and Marco.
"So how did you end up picking the clans and then which clan did you pick Harry?" Amy asked curiously.
"Well I ended up in both Dragon Clan and Turtle Clan. I stay in each clan area alternate weeks. I have my Dueling points and Quidditch points go to the Turtle Clan tally and anything I get for doing well in class I put to the Dragon Clan, so that it helps both Clan's in areas of competition where they might be weaker," Harry explained.
"That's a really good way of doing it," Amy said. "But how did you pick two clans?" she asked and Harry saw Master Kuzuko was listening for the answer.
"I couldn't decide which one I wanted to join the most and the next thing I knew we were walking back to the Dragon's Lair and Hermione couldn't get past the Clan Guardian because her uniform was just showing a Tiger and mine was showing a Turtle and a Dragon." Harry replied while looking to Hermione. He didn't want to explain that they were responsible for the Phoenix's Nest going haywire.
"We don't really know how it happened or whether it was just a subconscious decision we or our magic made. It was a little disappointing because I wanted Harry and I to be in the same Clan like we were at Hogwarts." Hermione added getting a nod from Harry.
"Doesn't it get frustrating going from one Clan area to the next and having to move all your stuff with you all the time?" Yuki asked Harry.
"No, it is no problem at all really because I just take my trunk." Harry said, causing Yuki to look confused since it wasn't really an explanation.
"Harry and I invested in some pretty incredible trunks and they are charmed so that they have an apartment in them, so he doesn't really need to unpack anything because we live in our trunks all the time. They have walk-in wardrobes and bathrooms and other things. Fleur bought one as well." Hermione explained to Yuki who she noticed was listening and very interested as was Amy.
"They are lovely. Well I know Fleur's is because she has shown it to me. Maybe Harry and Hermione or Fleur could show you it sometime if you wanted to see it." Narcissa added.
"I'd love to see them, they sound great." Amy replied looking to Sabre. "Do you buy them in the Bazaar?" she asked further thinking that it sounded like a potentially good investment.
"No, we bought them at a place called Eaton and Co. in Diagon Alley in London. It's mine and Hermione's first business venture which was a partnership with the Eaton family." Harry replied giving Hermione's hand a little squeeze.
"Could be handy for when we have to travel for work. We'd just have to boost up the security on the exterior of the trunk so to stop anyone touching them when we are in them?" Yuki asked Amy who nodded.
"I'll write to Elliott and see if he can send a brochure or something so that you can all see the kind of stuff he can do. Harry and I think that they'd be really popular globally." Hermione said to the group who all nodded.
Just then their chefs for their meal arrived with a trolley being pushed by a smartly dressed house elf. The trolley had different bottles and vegetables, meats and various spices and different ingredients. Out of nowhere two giant metal discs about four feet in length each appeared from the inner edge of the table and formed one giant oblong hot plate.
Harry and Narcissa had expected it, having been to the Kobe Slice before, and enjoyed watching the others' reactions. The two Chefs introduced themselves as Chef Hanso and Chef Xi as they started putting on a show which showed them doing almost like a dance with metal, vegetables and sauces and things flying around as they manually juggled and used their wands and wandless magic to do small little flicks and things with the items flying around.
Hermione was laughing in places throughout the routine and seemed to be really enjoying herself watching the culinary performance. The table cheered as she was the first of them to manage to catch a small disc of raw potato in her mouth that Chef Hanso had flicked towards her off the edge of his spatula and through a conjured ring of fire that cooked it instantly as it passed through.
They were all really having a nice time and it was nice getting to know everyone. Half way through the meal Narcissa suggested that maybe they all switch places so that they can talk to different people and continue getting to know everyone.
Hermione's new business partners were enthusiastic about the idea although Narcissa could see Hermione's hesitation about no longer being sat next to Harry. Narcissa had actually suggested switching around so that she could get nearer to Hermione or hopefully next to her.
They all agreed to switch and they ended up with Yuki swapping to the other side next to Gigo who had Beth move across to Gigo's other side sandwiching her between Gigo and Sabre. Master Kuzuko sat next to Sabre on his other side and Kayleigh moved up next to her former Dueling Master.
Kayleigh was flanked on her other side by Fleur who had Hermione sit between the French witch and Narcissa. Fay sat on Narcissa's other side and was delighted to have Harry sat next to her and Amy Yushiro made up the numbers seated on Harry's other side.
As Narcissa settled down next to Hermione, she placed a hand on the younger witch's shoulder and leaned in quietly saying, "Don't worry I'm sure you'll have Harry available for the rest of the night. I just thought that it would be nice to have some time with me and you."
Hermione smiled and the conversation started flowing again around the table as they all settled down. "So how has this week gone at school?" Narcissa asked Hermione who couldn't help the smile stealing across her face.
"It was good. I got asked to the Halloween ball by two different boys. One I turned down and the other I said yes to," Hermione replied blushing slightly and finding the umbrella of her cocktail suddenly very interesting.
"You see Hermione, I told you zat you would have boys falling all over themselves to take you out," Fleur said, giving her friend a knowing smile.
"Who asked you to the ball?" Narcissa asked, wondering if it would be one of the families that she knew.
"It was a boy called Luis Marcel in Turtle Clan. He's a French boy and was really sweet when he asked me. I had to tell him that I'd already agreed to go with someone else," Hermione explained trying her hardest not to look at Harry.
"Marcel? There is a pureblood family in Burgundy in France but they haven't had anyone attend Beauxbatons for a couple of generations. Maybe because they are going to school ere? They make delicious elvish wine there and their win de raisin imperial is particularly delicious and sought after." Fleur said, wondering whether they were the same family.
"Well I don't know about that but he was very nice but not really for me. I'm a little taller than him and I don't really fancy him." Hermione said, taking a sip of her drink to cover her smile.
"And who did you get asked by that you agreed to?" Narcissa asked, ever the Slytherin ,and suspecting she knew the answer.
"Harry," Hermione replied, putting her glass down and looked between the two of them to see Narcissa with a small smile and then Fleur grinning at her like she knew more than she was letting on.
"Are you going as friends or something else?" Narcissa asked casually copying Hermione and using her glass to cover her smile as she saw Hermione blush prettily.
"Something else," Hermione replied coyly.
"Congratulations Hermione! I'm sure it will be a special night and I'm sure by the end of the night you will be at it like rabbits," Fleur exclaimed and wiggled her eyebrows at Hermione causing her to laugh at her French friend.
"You're incorrigible you know," Hermione replied, smiling.
"So does that mean that you've made a decision about yourself and Lord Weasley-Slytherin?" Narcissa asked. She seamlessly took her wand and cast a charm around them that caused all the other people they were with to sound muffled. "Privacy charm I created at Hogwarts… Slytherin original," she explained to Hermione with a wink.
"I think so yes… Ron and I just aren't right. I made a mistake kissing him during the battle and I've been trying to worry and protect Ron's feelings more than listen to my own," Hermione replied honestly.
"Ron is always so jealous of Harry," Fleur explained to Narcissa.
"Who wouldn't be? The boy has it all, fame, wealth, looks, a nice personality and humility and kindness," Narcissa said with a shrug listing just a few of Harry's more endearing qualities.
"It's not just that but it's more about Ron's inferiority complex." Hermione explained to the older witch about how Ron's brothers had always been over achievers academically except for Fred and George and they were certainly no slouches academically but had instead worked to secure their legend at Hogwarts as the ultimate pranksters.
Narcissa listened to Hermione retelling the incidents throughout her, Harry's and Ron's friendships and the flash points that they had. Thinking back now all of her and Ron's arguments, bar the broomstick that Sirius had sent Harry and Crookshanks supposed murder of Scabbers, were trivial for the most part and Ron never apologised for his part in them to her.
Narcissa listened and Fleur had heard these things from Hermione since they had become close and Hermione had confided in herself and Penelope about the confused love triangle she had gotten herself into.
Narcissa for the most part just listened and asked the occasional question as she built up a picture with the golden trio and tried to figure the complexity of their group.
It became immediately obvious that Harry and Hermione ran the show and that Ron was just really a recurring presence along for the ride. She could tell that Harry and Hermione were loyal to Ron because they were good people more than Ron necessarily deserving their unwavering loyalty. In fact had Narcissa been in Hermione's shoes she would have probably stopped being friends with Ron after the troll incident, but that was her.
Narcissa wouldn't have wanted an anchor around her academic abilities like Ron was for Hermione. She didn't doubt that Hermione probably could have done her OWLs and NEWTs a lot earlier in her school career, like she had done herself, if it wasn't for her wanting to help Harry and Ron.
"Well forgive me for saying this Hermione but I'm quite shocked a girl as smart as you could have made such a big error of judgement in kissing the wrong person and getting into a relationship with him." Narcissa scolded while kindly patting the younger witch on the forearm. "But it seems like you've finally come to your senses about Harry and your feelings for Ron. I think it's obvious how much Harry cares about you and you care about him. I can tell just from the little amount of time that I've known you how important he is to you and I can also see that Ron isn't as important. It appears to me that you and Harry wanted to come here and be away from Ron's watchful eye," Narcissa deduced getting a nod from Fleur.
"I suppose I did and was hoping that Ron wouldn't try and talk Harry and I into going to a different school for our NEWTs," Hermione said honestly while Narcissa's words rang around her head.
"So does that mean that you are finally putting this crazy plan of yours into the dust?" Fleur asked Hermione who looked down at her hands and fiddled with her fingers.
"I don't know whether I can. It's all such a mess. I think it's gone a little too well and I'm not sure I can pull it back now. So much has happened with it, that it would mean I look like a total bitch now." Hermione replied, her face showing her anxiety.
"What plan is this?" Narcissa interjected but Hermione and Fleur didn't say anything and both seemed to be wrapped up in their own conversation that she wasn't party to.
"Who cares if you look like a total bitch… He's the one you want and you ave to fight for him Hermione. There will always be others who want him but you ave to focus on you and him and stop worrying about him and the others." Fleur argued in an authoritative kind of way, feeling a stab of guilt in her stomach as no more than a few hours ago she had been fantasizing heavily about being with Harry herself.
"What plan is this?" Narcissa asked a little more firmly so the two younger witches looked at her.
"Sorry Narcissa. I put this crazy plan into place after the founder's will reading at Gringotts, which involves Harry." Hermione explained to Narcissa.
"Ok. Well I think this is going to need a lot more explaining because I wasn't present at the will readings that you all attended and don't really know anything about what happened besides what was printed in the prophet and you know how accurate that rag can be." Narcissa replied to Hermione. She looked and saw Harry watching the three witches with a smile on his face before turning back to Faye and laughing at something she said.
"Hermione," Sabre called over causing the three of them to turn and look at the Japanese wizard.
"Yes Eddie" she replied to Harry's new business partner.
"Would you mind if I swapped seats with Fleur because I'd like to get to know you a little better. My new business partner has told me a lot about you and I want to get to know you a little better seeing as you're such an important part of his life," Sabre said, giving her a friendly smile.
"Erm sure. Do you mind?" Hermione asked Fleur, who shook her head.
"Non, et is fine. I shall swap seats with Eddie and you and him can have a chat and the three of us can discuss your situation later. Penny will probably have joined us by then," Fleur replied, patting Hermione's hand before getting up and swapping seats with Sabre.
Narcissa whispered to Hermione that they'd pick this conversation up later or if she wanted to come to her room at The Panama Palace they could talk about things with a nightcap. Hermione said that would be nice and that she'd be glad to get Narcissa's opinion on things.
Sabre took Fleur's seat and started engaging with Narcissa and Hermione about Harry and started asking questions about Hermione's and Harry's time together throughout the rest of the meal.
After an hour or so they finished their meal and against everyone else's objections Harry and Hermione settled the bill between them. Sabre and Gigo had suggested that they go back together to Elixir Eddie's for a night celebrating but Harry had insisted that he wanted both Sabre and Gigo to have the night off in order for them all to celebrate together.
Kayleigh, Beth, and Faye had suggested that they maybe go to a new nightclub that had opened only a couple of weeks ago, named Pulse.
Harry had heard a couple of the other students mention it but he didn't think that anyone else at Mahoutokoro in his year had been there yet. The others agreed and Yuki and Amy Yushiro suggested that they maybe stop for a couple of drinks in Binki's, which was a bar and Sake Sam's which was a Sake bar.
Sabre joked asking why they wanted to go to a competitor's bar and Amy explained that it would be a good idea to see what some of the competition is doing with their bars.
Sabre relented and said that it might be a good idea and that the night club wouldn't be opening until later.
So the group left the restaurant and Hermione caught Harry's eye as Beth and Faye immediately linked arms with Harry and he looked at her like he needed some help.
Fleur and Narcissa linked arms and Hermione watched as they started walking along the street after Harry and the two girls talking quietly amongst themselves.
She saw Master Kuzuko, Amy Yushiro and Sabre walk out together with Gigo as they started making their way along Second Avenue following Harry and the others.
"Guess that just leaves us three to bring up the rear" Kayleigh said to Hermione as she linked arms with her and, to Hermione's surprise, Yuki Yushiro linked her other arm.
As they set off, Kayleigh and Yuki were talking about the shop and asking Hermione whether she had any ideas or anything that she wanted to try with the shop.
Hermione suggested that they maybe start thinking about putting together the order catalogue and maybe looking into an owl service so people could order without having to go to the Bazaar. She thought it would be a popular idea with the students at Mahoutokoro. It was a bit naughty and something that would probably be popular because it's technically breaking the rules so the students would love that part of it as well.
With a cheeky grin, Yuki promised that she wouldn't say anything to Master Kuzuko about them breaking the school rules, but that the catalogues might need to be charmed so that younger students couldn't see what they were.
Hermione said she had an idea for that but that she'd need Harry's help to make it work. Kayleigh asked what she meant and Hermione explained about the Marauder's Map and how Harry's father and Godfather had left him their journals and instructions on how they did it.
Kayleigh agreed that it would be a really good idea and would probably be really popular since there would be lots of people possibly interested in that. For the most part, people went to the Bazaar a few times a year. Especially if they lived further away than the closest provinces.
As they approached Binki's, Harry brought Faye and Beth to a stop. He wanted everyone to catch up before going into the bar and he also needed Hermione's assistance for the amount of questions they were peppering him with.
They were nice enough girls, the pair of them, but they seemed a bit fan girlie because they were asking him about lots of the rumours they had been reading over the years.
The afternoon and early evening was spent as a group and people kept moving around interacting with each other and it was nice and friendly. Everywhere was busy because of Japan winning the Quidditch match and there was a really happy and buoyant atmosphere. When they eventually made it to Pulse, the music was thumping in the night club and could be heard outside. When they got in there they managed to pay a small fee for a couple of booths, but to Harry's and Sabre's dismay all the girls seemed to like to dance a lot, so they didn't get much of a chance to sit down.
Harry spent his night alternating dancing with Hermione, Fleur, Kayleigh, and Faye. Beth seemed to be more interested in dancing with Sabre and Gigo. Harry saw that Master Kuzuko and Amy Yushiro were both enjoying themselves and dancing with the groups.
Harry and Sabre kept making excuses to go and get more drinks for them all. Mainly to give their feet a well earned rest and so they could have a bit of bloke talk.
Harry could see that Gigo was in his element surrounded by pretty girls and even though he was old enough to be a Grandfather to most of them, he was giving them a good bit of competition on the dance floor.
He kept pulling Narcissa and Yuki from the booths that they had in order to join him with dancing and Sabre had laughed at Harry's face when he had seen Gigo grab Narcissa by the hips and pull her to him and doing a salsa like dance with him. Harry was surprised to see Narcissa laughing like a teenager as she was twirled and spun by Gigo. He could see she was very graceful on her feet.
Sabre had explained that Gigo was harmless and just loved dancing and showing people a fun time. He assured Harry not to worry as it was actually a way of dancing that Gigo had picked up from some American NOMAs that were stationed in Tokyo a few years ago.
Harry had said he wasn't worried but he was just happy to see Narcissa having a good time.
As it got to around ten o'clock, Sabre was sitting with Harry saying for the tenth time how much of a good man Harry was and how he was so glad they were going to be partners. He had to admit that he'd really taken a liking to Sabre and Gigo. They were both nice guys and seemed more than happy to show him the ropes and make him feel like part of their little family.
Sabre had apologised and said that he would need to go home soon because he had to leave the country early to go to some suppliers the next day and that he'd probably take Gigo home.
The older wizard was asleep on one of the booth seats on Sabre's far side. Harry laughed as he leaned forward seeing the older wizard lay out on his back, his legs hanging over the side of the bench seat, with all the girls handbags on top of him snoring away contentedly.
Sabre had shaken his hand, thanked him again and said that he'd be back soon. He added that Harry should keep working hard in school and any changes he wanted to make to the bar they could discuss on his return or put them to Gigo. Since the older wizard would know how to get hold of him.
Sabre had then got up and made his way onto the dance floor and had pulled Amy Yushiro into a dance with him, before they had both disappeared for a little while into another section of the club, out of sight.
Harry made a mental note to ask one of them where they went but he had a sneaking suspicion that they had wanted a little time alone and thought it best until he knew them better.
Shortly Amy had come back and had a quiet word with Yuki before she had helped Sabre get Gigo onto his feet and they walked the older wizard out of the club.
Harry was sat watching Hermione dancing with Kayleigh, Fleur, Beth and Faye as Yuki, Master Kuzuko and Narcissa were sat in the booth next to Harry's sharing another bottle of elvish wine between them and laughing like banshees at some story Master Kuzuko was telling them.
Harry caught Hermione's eye and she mouthed "Are you ok?" to him and he just smiled and nodded at her and mouthed back "Just enjoying the view" as he made a show of looking at Hermione up and down watching her hips swaying and looking at her legs as she danced.
Hermione blushed prettily at his obvious attention before she started to make her way over to him and made the signal he'd seen so many times that night instructing him to come on the dance floor with her.
Harry was just about to reply when he saw a bolt of red flash past him and watched Master Kuzuko grab Hermione's hand and start dancing with her really enthusiastically.
Harry couldn't help laughing as Hermione was twirled and spun around the dance floor by a seemingly drunk Master Kuzuko who seemed to be really enjoying herself. Harry was happy to see that their Dueling Master was good fun and that she was prepared to relax in their company since they would be coming to the Bazaar quite a lot.
Hermione was laughing like a mad woman as all the girls on the dance floor started taking it in turns to spin each other. Harry felt a stab of jealousy again as he noticed that the attractive girls were getting asked to dance by some of the wizards in there and dancing away quite happily.
Harry was watching Hermione and Fleur particularly closely as two well-built Asian looking wizards, who seemed to have quite a few admirers of their own on the opposite side of the dance floor, suddenly excuse themselves from a group of admirers and asked Hermione and Fleur to dance with them.
Harry watched as they started dancing with the two wizards, keeping an eye so that nothing untoward happened.
He was broken from watching Hermione and Fleur by Narcissa and Yuki sitting down in the booth next to him. He tried to make out like he hadn't been watching Hermione and Fleur and both witches gave him a knowing look.
"Enjoying the view Harry?" Narcissa asked a playful smile on her face.
"Just making sure there isn't any trouble." Harry replied, forcing himself to tear his eyes away from Hermione's bottom, where the wizard she was dancing with had placed his hand just above as he pulled Hermione into him after spinning her.
Narcissa and Yuki watched Hermione reach back and pull up the wizard's hand so it was higher than where he'd placed it at the top of her bottom.
"It looks like she can handle herself," Yuki commented with a grin at seeing Hermione shooting the wizard down gracefully. "There aren't many witches that would turn Yusan Ninahara," she added, impressed as she saw the gathered group of witches on the dance floor looking on with jealousy.
"Whose Yusan Ninahara?" Narcissa shouted above the music to be heard.
"He's one of the Beaters for the Japanese National Team and plays for the Sendai Samurai's. He's a brilliant player and a bit of a major celebrity here in Japan." Yuki explained looking at Yusan leaning down and whispering something in Hermione's ear, which Hermione smiled at and shook her head.
"He seems to have taken a bit of a shine to Hermione," Narcissa said nodding towards the Japanese wizard and the English witch. She noticed that Harry was watching them quite vigilantly and she hoped that there wasn't going to be any trouble. The Japanese wizard seemed to want to get a little friendlier with Hermione and Narcissa hoped that Harry wasn't the jealous type.
"Yeah he does, but I know Hermione can handle herself if he does anything she doesn't like," Harry re[;lied through gritted teeth. He knew she could take most people in a duel but didn't really want to put that theory to the test.
"So Harry, Narcissa and I have been talking about the issue you've been having with those fictional books that have been written about you," Yuki said, getting Harry's attention although he kept looking regularly towards the dance floor.
"You mean the massively made up stories about me and the official fan club I knew nothing about or have actually authorised?" Harry questioned a little bitterly.
"Yes that one. Well I was wondering whether you wanted me to start looking into this for you as well. I mean there must be a distributor for these books somewhere in Asia, possibly more than one." Yuki replied thinking about the population of magical Asia dwarfing that of Europe and how she had seen the books in question as well because someone had recommended them to her for Yoko to read in the past.
"Well Narcissa said that she was going to look into them in France through a friend of Fleur's who works for a legal firm and I've asked Hayley Sloop to see if she can find out who's behind them in Britain as well." Harry explained above the noise.
"Of course, Hayley and her firm are really busy with a project I've got going on there and that's why Narcissa thought it would be a good idea to get another firm looking into them. I mean if you think you've got the time to start looking in Asia to see who is distributing them and investigate it then great." Harry said seeing that Yuki had got a pad and pen from inside her pocket and was making some notes.
"How big a concern are they as opposed to saying your investments and other things you are looking to do here Harry?" Yuki asked him.
"Well they aren't impacting my life but I don't like other people being exploited and especially not in my name. Fleur was telling me that her little sister Gabrielle joined the fan club and wrote to it and someone wrote back to her pretending to be me…" Harry explained above the noise.
"I don't like that. It's deceitful and I really get angry thinking about kids being exploited in my name. So yeah it's pretty important but I don't want it to distract you from the other work I'm going to have for you," Harry explained.
"What other work are you wanting me to do? I mean we've talked very broadly but is there anything you'd like me to look at more specifically?" Yuki asked him, receiving a nod from Harry.
"Well I want to increase my business portfolio in Asia and I want to look at investment opportunities. I don't know how long Fleur will be in Japan for but she can help coordinate things a little bit while she's here as will Narcissa. They are both fully aware of what I've got going on back home and Fleur will need to go back there at some point." Harry explained. There was a cheer from the dance floor and Harry saw what he guessed was most of the national Japanese Quidditch team taking to the dance floor around Hermione, Fleur, and the other girls.
Harry was happy to see that Master Kuzuko while dancing was also keeping her eyes looking around and Harry thought that she seemed to have sobered up with the amount of attention the girls were getting from the wizards in the club.
He could see that Beth, Faye, and Kayleigh had no problem with all the attention they were getting but he thought that Fleur and Hermione were beginning to look a little uncomfortable.
"So you want Yuki and Amy looking for investment opportunities alongside or in conjunction with Tengu?" Narcissa asked.
"Both really. Did you tell Yuki about the bet I've got with the goblins?" Harry asked with a grin.
"You made a bet with goblins?" Yuki asked with wide eyes. "Are you mad? No one bets against a goblin. They don't take a bet unless they think they can win. What did you bet on?" Yuki asked, shocked that he would agree to gamble against goblins.
"I bet them that my investments this year would make a bigger return than theirs," Harry answered.
"Budha's balls! Hermione said that you were brave but betting against a goblin that you'll make more gold than them is very bold," Yuki said, unsure whether to be alarmed or impressed.
"It's actually four goblins because he has three goblin account managers in England that he's got the same bet with," Narcissa added, understanding Yuki's shock.
"Four goblins. I think you might need to go to Archangels and get your head examined because there is no way you'll win," Yuki said, shaking her head.
"Oh I don't know. I've got a secret weapon that I think gives me the edge," Harry grinned.
"What secret weapon?" Yuki and Narcissa asked.
"Fleur," he responded laughing at them looking at each other confused.
"How's Fleur a secret weapon?" Yuki asked, thinking that Harry must mean because she's pretty that she might help in negotiations or something but from what she understood the French witch was working for Harry but as an employee of Gringotts.
"Well I know the goblins will have tried to convince Fleur to keep them informed of what investments I've made and what kind of returns I'd be looking at. So I decided that I'd ask Fleur to do the same for me and maybe give them a little deceptive information and misinformation about what I'm doing to make sure I win." Harry explained while leaning back and looking satisfied with himself.
"But she works for Gringotts doesn't she?" Yuki asked.
"Yes but she's my friend and she's told me that her first loyalty will be to me and while she likes her new job, she would rather always have me as her friend. Jobs can be replaced but friends can't," Harry replied, then seeing Yuki smile.
"I think you, Amy and I are going to get on well Harry. Well I'll help in any way I can but Amy asked me if she can take more of a lead handling your business affairs and I will be Hermione's main contact. But Amy and I will both be helping each other and you and Hermione so you can always ask for my help as well." Yuki said and Harry leant forward and put his hand on her shoulder and locked eyes with her.
Yuki had to confess that he had lovely eyes and the green in them almost sparkled even in the low lighting of the nightclub. She could feel herself feeling a little warm inside as she felt his strong hand on her shoulder.
"I'm really glad Narcissa and Fleur selected you and Amy to represent us, Yuki. I think we're going to become good friends as well as successful in the business front together. If you and Amy need anything, more staff, a bigger retainer, whatever just let me know, alright? Money isn't an issue and I want to make sure you've got everything you need for us to make a real success of this," Harry said to her sincerely, giving her a reassuring smile.
"Just remember that it feels like I'm making this all up as I'm going along so don't be afraid to tell me or Hermione if you think we are making a mistake with something. As long as you're always honest with us then this will work out, I'm sure." Harry said to her, getting a short nod of agreement from Yuki.
"I promise we will always be honest with you Harry," Yuki said sincerely. Although she knew that she and Satomi had another mission, to protect and observe Harry and Hermione while they are in Japan as well.
"Looks like some unsavoury characters have come into the club," Narcissa commented, getting both of their attention as Yuki and Harry turned to where Narcissa was looking and Harry could see immediately who she meant.
Amongst the group of Quidditch fans looking over the national team dancing, there were about six men with hoods drawn covering most of their faces, wearing black robes edged in what Harry thought was green.
"Jade Dragon members?" Harry asked Yuki, seeing her give a stiff nod.
"Perhaps we better get the rest of the girls and make an exit," Yuki suggested. She started to slowly stand from her seat and looked poised to spring into action and Harry could see the anger in her face.
"Right you two gather everyone's things and I'll go and get the girls from the dance floor." Harry announced. He could see Narcissa's maternal instinct wanting to join him but he put his hand on her shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze, "Trust me," he said. Receiving a nod from her, touched that she seemed concerned.
Without waiting for a response from either of them Harry turned and made his way through the onlookers on their side of the dance floor and stepped onto the dance floor.
The nearest person to him was Kayleigh who smiled at him as he approached her. "Yay you've come for another turn with me on the dance floor. I can tell my friends that I've been saved by Harry Potter from a bunch of horny Quidditch players old enough to be my dad." She cheered then laughing. Harry saw the man that she was dancing with look him up and down almost sizing him up.
"Kayleigh be subtle but it looks like there are some Jade Dragon members in here watching you and the Quidditch players. I don't know whether I'm just being paranoid, but I'm concerned something might kick off so could you let Faye and Beth know as well? Make your excuses to this chap here and head over towards Narcissa and Yuki." Harry said to her and he saw the tipsy haze leave Kayleigh's face immediately as she nodded and said she would.
Harry then turned to see Fleur and Hermione standing next to each other with the Quidditch Beater and Harry assumed possibly the other team Beater or Keeper given his broad shoulders.
Harry caught Hermione's eye and looked towards the Jade Dragon members already establishing their position on the edge of the dance floor. Harry saw Hermione nod and whisper to Fleur that they were leaving.
Fleur nodded; they both smiled at the two Quidditch players and said that they had to go now. As Fleur was passing the wizard she'd been dancing with, he reached out and caught her wrist, stopping her and Hermione and asked "Why do they have to go so quickly?"
Harry tapped the man on his large muscular shoulder and thought the guy was built like a mountain and wondered how he managed to stay on a broom.
"Excuse me. I'm sorry but they are with me and well. It looks like there might be trouble in a minute," Harry said to the man who turned to Harry and looked at him not recognising him.
"Oh… and are you the one causing the trouble, hey little man?" he questioned with a chuckle as Yusan Ninahara stepped to block Hermione and Fleur from getting past them.
"No, but they might do something in a minute and I'd say it might be a good idea for you and the rest of your teammates to get out of here considering you're professional Quidditch players," Harry replied, nodding towards the Jade Dragon members which caused the two wizards to look at the six wizards assembled and looking like they were waiting for the right moment to strike.
Thankfully Fleur and Hermione took the opportunity while the two Quidditch players were looking the other way to slip off and Harry checked over his shoulder to see that the other girls were all over with Narcissa and Yuki with the two older witches and Master Kuzuko stepping in front of them all forming a protective screen that moved slightly to let Fleur and Hermione through.
Harry was relieved to see that Yuki, Narcissa and Master Kuzuko all had their wands at the ready by their sides. Harry couldn't help but think for a moment that he'd never actually seen Narcissa duel before and wondered how skilled she was given how deadly Bellatrix was and wondering whether it ran in the family because Sirius had been highly skilled with a wand.
"Oh right I see," the wizard replied to Harry, all potential animosity gone in an instant as he turned and saw Fleur and Hermione had gone. "Yusan get the guys together looks like there is going to be trouble," the wizard commanded. Yusan nodded and moved past Harry as the six members of the Jade Dragon moved onto the dance floor clearing a space around them and creating a gap between Harry and the Wizard as Harry felt more people forming up behind him.
"Well I'm going to go but be safe alright," Harry said to the wizard who looked at him and nodded.
Harry was just turning away when one of the Jade Dragon members flung a spell towards the wizard Harry had been talking to and out of instinct he fired his wand into his hand casting a shield charm that took the hit of the spell and Harry did a roll out of the way of any potential spells cast his way and cast a silent leg locking hex at the wizard who had fired the spell.
Harry's spell hit the wizard so hard that he did a full forward flip before landing on his front on the floor. Harry didn't see what happened after that but saw Master Kuzuko scream out his name as she sprinted onto the dance floor casting a shield charm to the side of Harry and pulled him out of the way off the dance floor as he was getting to his feet.
Master Kuzuko rather unceremoniously pushed him through the gap that Narcissa and Yuki were on either side of casting shield charms and Master Kuzuko got into position between them casting a shield of her own.
Harry gathered himself to turn and see the Japanese national Quidditch team and the six members of the Jade Dragon firing spells at each other as chaos broke out in the club.
There were screams and people surging for the exit trying to get through the door creating a funnel effect and it was slow going getting people out. Others stood back out of the way and had cameras.
Not that the combatants on the dance floor seemed to be paying any attention to what was going on around them. Harry watched the exchange like it was two armies of a war standing opposite each other trading musket fire.
Three members on each side were shielding and the other three were casting spells or in the Quidditch team's case there were four casting spells. There were errant spells flying over and behind each battle line causing a lot of damage to the club.
"We should help," Harry called out over the noises of the spell fire that was growing more intense and powerful as each side tried stronger spells to break their opponents shields but causing more damage as chunks of the ceiling and walls were coming down.
"It's not our fight Harry," Kayleigh said over the noise, "lets just get out of here and alert the aurors," She added which was a reasonable suggestion.
"She's right Harry, it isn't our fight. We need to make sure everyone gets out safely because the power in some of those spells could cause the place to come down if they hit a support beam in the ceiling." Narcissa urged Harry.
"But it's the Japanese National Quidditch team getting attacked. We can't just stand by and do nothing" Hermione countered, not wanting to fight but not wanting to stand by idly either.
"Why don't we move like we are leaving and flank the Jade Dragon members and try and get behind them and then take them down with stunners?" Harry called.
"Alright but try and act scared and if anything lethal starts getting thrown out then we're out of here." Yuki said happy with Harry's idea. She wanted to take the Jade Dragon members down.
They moved as a group towards the exit with Narcissa, Yuki and Master Kuzuko providing a shield wall. The intensity of the fighting was getting more and more aggressive but thankfully the surge of people trying to get to the exit had lessened.
Harry saw most of the people left ducked down and trying to find cover now. There was the occasional flash bulb going off or it could have been strobe lighting that was defective but Harry could see the waiting and bar staff taking shelter behind the bar.
As they worked their way around the dance floor past the Jade Dragon, Harry told Hermione and Fleur to move with Master Kuzuko and take up this nearest corner of the room like they are trying to get out of the building and Narcissa and Yuki to move with him to the opposite corner behind the Jade Dragon members.
Hermione started to argue that she would go with Harry instead but he told her he wanted her there to cut off anyones escape and that these Jade Dragon members would need to be arrested.
Hermione, happy that he trusted her and that it wasn't just an attempt to somehow keep her out of harm's way, nodded her agreement.
He motioned with his hands for Narcissa and Yuki to follow him as Harry cast a shield charm to cover the three of them as they quickly moved to the other side of the dance floor behind the Jade Dragon members and opposite Hermione's group. From their new position they would have less chance of getting hit by the national Quidditch team's spells and could catch the Jade Dragon members in a triangle of cross fire, giving them no chance to avoid fire. They didn't seem aware of Harry or Hermione's group at present.
"Right their backs are exposed so when I cast you two follow suit and cast stunning spells at the Jade Dragon members. Yuki you take the one furthest right, Narcissa you take the next one in and I'll take the next one." Harry made hand gestures to Master Kuzuko that he and his team would take out the three nearest them and she nodded her understanding.
He locked eyes with Hermione and gave her a wink, which caused her to shake her head. "No doubt she'll tell me I'm a combat junky later," Harry said under his breath.
"Alright on my mark." Harry said to Narcissa and Yuki. "3...2...1...now!" Harry said casting a silent stunning spell at the Jade Dragon member who he was targeting, hitting them in the centre of the back.
Narcissa and Yuki fired a couple of milliseconds later and their targets crumpled to the ground unconscious, but Harry's was propelled forwards getting the attention of the other three members of the Jade Dragon who had just enough time and turn and see Harry's group as Hermione's group stunned them as well.
Moving forward quickly, Harry and Hermione's group cast binding spells to tie the unconscious Jade Dragon members up and Master Kuzuko and Yuki scooped up the wands from them.
