Witcher at Hogwarts

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Ethan agreed with Tonks. After hearing his response, Tonks quickly found a sturdy branch, tapped it with her wand, and transformed it into a rope ladder through Transfiguration.

She tossed the ladder down through the hole to Ethan.

"If you run into danger you can't handle, climb up as quickly as you can," Tonks said seriously.

Ethan nodded, assuring her again, "You should head back to the village. It's getting dark." He glanced at the sky, which was starting to dim.

Tonks nodded and began her departure, reluctantly casting worried glances back at Ethan. She walked away, taking three hesitant steps before disappearing into the forest.

Once she was gone, Ethan turned his attention to his injuries. After a quick self-examination, he discovered three fractures—his left shin and two ribs.

Gritting his teeth, he forced the broken bones back into place, the sharp pain nearly overwhelming him. Without wasting time, he retrieved a bottle of White Raffard Potion from his pack and downed it, tipping his head back to drink it all.

The potion's effects were immediate. Ethan felt his wounds mending at an impressive speed. Soon, the sharp pain dulled. He realized they had healed when he gingerly touched his injured areas again.

Struggling to his feet, Ethan stretched his limbs, wincing slightly. Once he could move, he began exploring the cave where he had been stranded.

Ethan didn't know that Tonks had fallen into a dangerous situation.

The sky was growing darker by the minute as she hurried down the mountain, following the markers Ethan had left behind. But soon, she realized something was wrong. No matter how fast she ran or how far she traveled, the forest around her remained the same, as if she were trapped in a loop.

Panic began to set in. The deeper the night fell, the more nervous Tonks became. She knew the forest was dangerous after dark, and her mind raced with worry for Ethan. She would have no way to get help if something happened to him.

She tried several times to break free from the eerie loop but ended up back in the same spot each time. Her heart raced, and a sense of unease settled over her. Just out of sight, it felt like a dark presence lurked behind the trees.

Suddenly, a small, childish voice spoke behind her. "Big sister, are you lost?"

Startled, Tonks spun around to find a little girl standing just a few feet away. She had no idea how the girl had appeared without making a sound.

The child looked innocent, with long blonde hair tied in a shabby bow. Her clothes were worn, like her bow, adding to her eerie appearance.

"Big sister, are you lost?" the girl repeated, her tone gentle but curious.

The question jolted Tonks out of her shock.

"Yes... I am," Tonks replied, crouching to meet the girl's gaze. Despite her outward calm, she gripped her wand tightly, ready for any unexpected danger.

She knew it was rare for adult wizards to venture into the forest alone. Something wasn't right about this girl, who had appeared so suddenly in the middle of the wilderness.

As Tonks studied the child, the little girl tilted her head as though trying to assess if Tonks could be trusted.

After a long, tense silence, the little girl finally broke it.

"Big sister, if you're lost, I can help you find the way out," she said in a clear, innocent voice.

Tonks hesitated but then nodded. "Okay, okay."

She knew staying here was pointless, and the girl didn't seem threatening. It might be safer to follow her and see where it led.

With Tonks' agreement, the little girl eagerly took her hand, guiding her deeper into the forest. They walked in silence for a while before Tonks cautiously broke it.

"Do you live in these mountains?" Tonks asked, trying to learn more about this peculiar child.

"Call me Nina!" the little girl chirped, her voice full of cheer.

"And no, I don't live in the woods. I live in the village with my father!"

"You came from the village?" Tonks was surprised.

"It's so dangerous out here. How did your father let you wander off alone?"

Nina giggled, sticking out her tongue playfully.

"I snuck out! He doesn't know I'm here."

This lighthearted gesture put Tonks at ease. She started to think Nina was just a mischievous child with careless parents who hadn't been watching her closely enough. Allowing a child to wander into such a dangerous area was reckless.

When they returned to the village, Tonks mentally prepared a speech for Nina's parents. Letting such a sweet, innocent girl wander into dangerous territory was beyond irresponsible.

But as her thoughts drifted, Tonks failed to notice that the path Nina was leading her down differed from the one she and Ethan had taken up the mountain. By the time she realized this, it was too late.

They emerged in a strange, unfamiliar village.

This place was even more rundown than Oshtin Village. The wooden houses were crumbling, with gaps between the boards large enough to see through. Some homes were little more than half-buried shelters.

The villagers standing outside looked filthy, their ragged clothes hanging off their frail bodies. They were in even worse condition than the people of Oshtin.

"We're here! This is my village," Nina announced cheerfully.

Tonks frowned. "Little Nina… you're not from Oshtin Village?" she asked, growing more suspicious.

Nina furrowed her brow. "Oshtin Village? I've never heard of it. This is Wolf Village!"

Tonks' unease deepened. She had done thorough research before coming here, and there was no mention of any place called Wolf Village in either the Muggle or wizarding world.

As they walked farther into the village, more villagers began to notice Tonks. They stopped what they were doing and stared at her, their eyes fixed on the newcomer. Something unsettling was in their gazes, something that made Tonks' nerves spike.

Meanwhile, Nina's grip on Tonks' hand tightened. At first, Tonks didn't pay much attention to it, but soon, she realized the little girl's grip was becoming unnaturally strong. Strong enough that Tonks, despite her resistance, couldn't break free.

Now practically dragging Tonks, Nina led her deeper into the heart of the village. The strength the child possessed was alarming, and Tonks' attempts to pull away were futile.

Nina seemed completely unaware of Tonks' growing fear. She was too excited, chattering happily as she tugged Tonks along.

"You'll love it here! I'm going to take you to my house. I'll even share my favorite snacks with you—just for you, big sister. You have such pretty hair!"