Witcher at Hogwarts

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Only then did Tonks remember that children were standing right beside her, causing her face to flush a deep red.

"Sister Tonks, why are you biting this brother's mouth?" asked Nina curiously, her wide, innocent eyes fixed on Tonks.

Nina's question made Tonks feel utterly mortified. She opened her mouth, hoping to explain herself, but no words seemed appropriate. In the end, she simply stood there, her cheeks burning.

Despite the cold, Ethan noticed wisps of white smoke practically rising from Tonks' head.

"Alright, children! Come over here!"

Bigby, who had been with Tonks and the kids, quickly intervened to diffuse the awkward moment.

Reznov, who knew Bigby, observed him and the children with a complex expression, glancing between them and the rest of the group.

"You all came here together?" Reznov asked Bigby hesitantly.

"Yes," Bigby replied, sharing the same troubled look, "we're here to ask for help."

"Help?" Reznov's eyes widened.

A longstanding feud had put Oshtin Village and Werewolf Village in an awkward relationship; they knew of each other but avoided contact.

Now, with Bigby standing here accompanied by young wolf children, Reznov was baffled.

Tonks stepped forward to explain, her voice earnest.

"Reznov, the situation in the werewolf village is dire. They rely on hunting to survive, but there's no game left with the canines roaming the mountains."

She hesitated, glancing back at the children.

"They have no food, clothing, or medicine… and no way to educate their children. That's why I came here—to ask for help for them."

Reznov looked taken aback, unprepared for this request. He realized the decision wasn't his alone; the village's opinion would matter.

Struggling with how to respond, he changed the subject.

"But why bring the children here?" he asked Tonks.

"I'm taking them to Hogwarts!" Tonks said, her tone unwavering.

Both Reznov and Ethan looked at her, stunned.

"Tonks… why?" Ethan asked, perplexed.

"I looked into it," she replied, "and if they stay here, they'll never receive a magical education. The magic school in Poland only accepts purebloods, and werewolves aren't welcome. The schools here won't admit them either."

She sighed, determined. "If they stay in the village, they'll be trapped in a cycle of hardship. But Hogwarts is more open about admitting werewolves. They can return to the village with a good education and help lift the next generation. It's the only way to give Werewolf Village a future."

The young werewolf children, oblivious to the importance of her words, were still gazing in awe at the high walls of the village. Bigby, however, looked deeply moved; he turned away, quietly wiping his eyes.

Ethan held Tonks' gaze, noticing the determination and fire in her eyes. Finally, he spoke, his voice steady.

"Then do it, Tonks! I'll help you however I can," he said sincerely.

Tonks looked at Ethan, stunned. She'd expected her actions to be seen as rash, even foolish. She'd prepared herself to go it alone, without understanding or support.

But Ethan's words and willingness to stand by her surprised her.

Deeply moved, she took Ethan's hand. "Thank you, Ethan," she said, her voice soft with gratitude.

Ethan grinned, his tone turning playful.

"Instead of thanking me, maybe think about how to fill these little ones' stomachs. I can hear their grumbling from here."

Tonks blinked, suddenly aware, and glanced at the children. Sure enough, having heard Ethan's comment, the little wolf cubs clutched their bellies with embarrassed grins, nodding in agreement.

"All right, all right!" Tonks laughed, then turned to Reznov.

"Mr. Reznov, may I bring these children in for a meal?"

Reznov's gaze lingered on the ragged, tired faces of the wolf children. Hesitation flickered in his eyes for a moment, but then his expression softened.

"Fine, take them in," he agreed.

At his words, the children let out a small cheer. With Tonks leading the way like a mother duck, they formed a line and followed her through the village gates.

As Tonks and the children disappeared into the village, Reznov turned to Ethan.

"Mr. Ethan," he began gravely, "this plan of Tonks'—it's risky."

Bigby, standing nearby, looked down, his expression darkening.

Ethan met Reznov's gaze directly, his tone calm.

"Risky, yes, but not impossible," he said.

"The canines are scattered and broken, but some survivors have escaped into the mountains. If left unchecked, they could regroup and cause trouble again in a few years."

Ethan continued, "To ensure peace, wizards must eliminate those threats. But it's treacherous terrain—the werewolves know the mountains better than anyone. Together, your people could sweep the mountains and remove the last canine."

Reznov and Bigby listened intently, and Bigby's expression lifted with renewed hope.

Ethan added, "In return for the werewolves' help, wizards could supply food, medicine, and essential items. With these resources, the werewolves could stabilize, rebuild, and avoid the desperation that leads to conflict."

Ethan's gaze softened. "I know the rift between your villages runs deep. But if you don't extend a hand, you risk forcing the werewolves into a corner. They'll have no choice but to take from the villages to survive. And that… that would lead to a war as bloody as the last."

Reznov listened thoughtfully, and Bigby's eyes brightened, hope rekindling in his heart.