"Chirp, chirp, chirp~"
Blue Tit's short, rapid calls woke Li Wei from his sleep.
"Nami, Mumu, stop calling me. I'll get up and make you breakfast in a minute!"
Half asleep, Li Wei thought his two Pokémon were hungry and trying to wake him.
But as he registered the call, he remembered that he was outside Moscow, preparing to compete in the Dueling Tournament.
His two Pokémon were back at the castle, in the care of the House-elves.
Last night's campfire party had been so lively that Li Wei, Hermione, and Pheobe had stayed up playing until late before finally turning in to their pitched tents.
By the time he had washed up in his tent and joined Professor Flitwick and the others, the British group's qualifiers were about to begin.
"I didn't expect Filius to let you compete when you're still so young! Draw a ball. The number on it will be your competitor number!"
"When your number is called, go into the arena. Beat your opponent, and you'll advance!"
Madam Kalyana was the referee for the British group. She held out a box of numbered balls to Li Wei as she spoke.
"Thank you." Li Wei reached into the box and drew a ball. The number "7" came into view.
"Remember, you're number seven! Go up when your number is called. If you feel you can't handle your opponent, concede at once. I'll save you!"
"Don't try to tough it out! Filius would be heartbroken if you got hurt!"
Madam Kalyana's voice was cool, and her aloof manner was much like that of her great-niece, Yekaterina. But Li Wei could hear the concern in her words.
So I get some of that affection by association?
"Thank you for the reminder, Madam Kalyana," Li Wei said again, watching her