Chapter 15: A Wand Just for You

Uncle Diego was able to easily fix the frog infestation. With his experience with magical and non-magical beasts it should have been obvious what actually caused the scene but even if he knew he definitely did not say a word. And soon, Simon and Sue found themselves enjoying some peace and quiet in Yang manor with Aunt Xiao having headed back to the Zhu mansion to look after Zeren who had recently found a frog within him.

"Simon, your grandmother wants to see you."

Simon put down the first year Hogwarts readings he had begun skimming in his bedroom. Dirk mail ordered all his Hogwarts supplies ahead of their trip to China so they could avoid the rush to shop at Diagon Alley a few days before school starts. It also gave Simon a chance to see what was expected in his first year. He was certain he was ready for all the classes and exams and he wanted to make sure he did not showcase too much of his abilities. He wanted to be seen as a good student but not a genius who would get onto Dumbledore and later Volde-Quirrel's radar. Especially since he only recently managed to "clear his mind" and was nowhere near building mental barricades against powerful wizards.

Simon followed his father down the hallway to Matriarch Sze Lyn's personal study. His last time in the room was when the Matriarch made the decision that Simon would be educated with En-han. Nothing much had changed in the room, except a stranger was sitting next to the Matriarch and Jane.

"Simon, this is Master Qi."

Simon formally greeted the man, noticing something familiar about this man's thin white beard, gaunt cheeks, bald head and round spectacles.

"…Sir, are you Master Qi Baishi? One of the most eminent Chinese painters of all time?"

The old man chuckled at this remark, "I would not dare to say 'of all time' but yes I am the well-known painter."

Simon could not help but be in awe at the famous Chinese painter standing before him, who was well-known for his groundbreaking whimsical watercolour works. Based on Simon's knowledge, Qi should have passed away thirty or so years ago. But the fact he was standing in the Honglong Yang Clan's ancestral home showed there must be something magical at play.

"Painting is what muggles know me for. But in the wizarding world I have another occupation thanks to my early training in carpentry and wood works," Master Qi continued, "Young man, show me your wand hand."

Simon obliged as he took in this information. He thought he was getting an Ollivander's wand like his friends. He honestly wanted to ask why he was not but it would seem rude to. And he was excited to have this unique wand purchasing experience.

After taking Simon's measurements using magical tape measures that did the work on its own, Master Qi flicked a bendy wand and a rucksack at his feet burst open to magically form a wooden table. Small jars holding various materials appeared on this long table.

"Now, could you close your eyes and tell me which jar attracts you the most?" Master Qi asked, before adding, "I have been told you have been learning magical martial arts for years. So, you should be able to breathe and channel your magic well for this exercise."

Seeing a nod coming from his grandmother to proceed, Simon walked closer to the table and closed his eyes. As he breathed in and out, following a controlled rhythm, he could sense different balls of magical energy emitting from each jar. Some felt cold and uninviting. Some felt powerful but wild and untamed. Some felt feeble and waning. And some felt warm and welcoming. Simon made his way towards the jars that gave him the latter feeling.

"…Fascinating," Simon heard Master Qi comment as he opened his eyes.

The old master turned to the adults in the room, "I have not worked with acacia in a while, especially this rare Formosan species. It would take a few days."

"Acacia," Jane grinned at Simon, "A good wand wood for subtle magic and extremely rare. You would do well as a cursebreaker with such a wand!"

"We can discuss the boy's future career later," Matriarch Sze Lyn said with a firm smile and gestured the master to continue.

"The core would be a few strands of merpeople hair. A fine combination. That would be all for now and I shall personally return with the wand when it is ready."

"I am getting a custom wand?" Simon inquired, doing a poor job in hiding his excitement.

"Yes," his grandmother replied proudly, "Descendants of the Honglong Yang clan cannot go around waving a pre-made wand randomly picked out from a pile. If we are to use these foreign tools, we must only use the best and whatever suits us best."

"Thank you," Simon said, beaming at his grandmother.

"Don't thank me, thank Master Qi who would be labouring away in the coming days!"

---

It would be four days later when Master Qi graced the ancestral manor again. Simon bowed as he collected the silk linen wrapped box from the old master.

"You may open it."

Simon undid the knot and the linen fell to reveal a wooden box with intricate carvings. With a single touch from Simon, the box opened up to reveal a long wand with a peanut like hue. One end was sharp and pointed while the other had a handle-like design for an easy grip. While the wand looked perfectly straight, Simon found it malleable and spongy when he held it.

"Acacia, merman's hair, 14 ½ inches, surprisingly squishy. Give it a flick."

With a light swish, Simon relived the joy he felt when he made light dance in his fingers six years ago, except felt it magnified within him. Lights began dancing around the room, forming dapples like those divers would see underwater. He felt warmth seeping into every crevice of his body. He had never felt so whole.

The master smiled, "It appears we have the wand just for you."