Witcher at Hogwarts

Read up to 25 chapters ahead on Patreon - patreon.com/Dark_sym

-----

Quietly, Gaga waited for Ethan and Tonks to finish their meal. After eating her fill, she patted her rounded belly and burped with satisfaction, a contented smile on her face.

Meanwhile, Tonks spotted Ethan nearby and waved enthusiastically.

Ethan forced a smile, masking his underlying irritation, as Tonks approached him, beaming with excitement.

"I just wrote to Dumbledore!" Tonks announced breathlessly.

"I asked if he could help us take in the wolf children."

Ethan raised an eyebrow. "And?"

"He responded right away! He's agreed to let them come to Hogwarts!" Tonks continued, nearly bouncing on the spot.

"When they turn eleven, they'll be allowed to enroll."

"That's fantastic news," Ethan said warmly, reaching out to ruffle Tonks' hair affectionately. Her cheeks flushed pink, but she grinned.

With their mission in Poland complete, Ethan and Tonks decided it was time to leave.

Tonks hurried off to pack her belongings while Ethan waited in the common room.

Just as they were about to depart, a quacking voice called out behind them.

"Mr. Ethan, are you leaving?"

Ethan turned to see Gaga standing there, her eyes wide and glistening.

"Yes, Gaga. We're heading out," Ethan replied gently.

"Oh, Mr. Ethan! You're such a wonderful person! I'll miss you so much!" Gaga cried, throwing her arms around him in a fierce hug.

Ethan patted her shoulder, gasping slightly. "Alright, alright, Gaga. I'll miss you too. Now, what are your plans from here?"

"Gaga will return to the mountain," she said, dabbing at her eyes.

"I'll protect it, just like before. Please visit me when you can!"

"I promise," Ethan said with a smile, giving her shoulder a reassuring pat.

By then, Tonks had reappeared, suitcase in hand. With final hugs and farewells from Gaga and Reznov, Ethan and Tonks left the snowy village of Oshtin.

As they trudged across the snowfield, a group of wolf children followed close behind.

"Alright, everyone," Tonks instructed, adopting the tone of a kindergarten teacher.

"Split into two groups. Four of you hold Mr. Ethan's hand, and four hold mine. We'll be traveling by Apparition."

Her expression softened as she crouched to their level.

"It might feel strange at first, but don't let go no matter what, okay?"

The children nodded obediently, forming neat lines and grasping their assigned hands.

With a synchronized crack, Ethan and Tonks apparated, taking the children with them. The snowy landscape dissolved, and a moment later, they reappeared before a towering castle.

This was Czocha Castle, home to the Polish Ministry of Magic. Unlike the British Ministry, which was hidden underground, the Polish Ministry operated out of this ancient, majestic fortress.

Within the castle stood a powerful magic circle imbued with a Muggle Confusion Charm. This enchantment covered every inch of the structure, ensuring that Muggles who entered would perceive the castle as an elaborate and intriguing tourist attraction.

They would wander its halls, easily losing their way and often taking far longer than expected to find their way out.

Only wizards, however, could discern the castle's true purpose.

Today, the castle has become an actual tourist hotspot, bringing in valuable "foreign exchange" revenue for the Polish Ministry of Magic.

Despite repeated warnings from the International Confederation of Wizards about the risks of exposing the wizarding world, the Polish Ministry has ignored these admonishments and continued its operations undeterred.

Now, Ethan and Tonks stood at the castle gates, accompanied by a group of children. Around them, a crowd of Muggles was bustling, eagerly entering the castle.

Fifteen minutes later, they would emerge from the same entrance, dazed and bewildered, to the cheers of onlookers.

Czocha Castle had gained fame as a place where visitors could "get lost" in its mysterious and confusing layout. Tourists continually attempted to explore the castle's deeper secrets, though they would always fail.

The arrival of Ethan and Tonks with their large entourage quickly drew attention. Passersby, spotting the group of children, would glance at Tonks' belly before casting admiring looks their way, assuming the two were a married couple shepherding their own children.

Tonks, noticing the stares, felt a flush of embarrassment.

At that moment, a young woman with brown braids, a long pleated skirt, and a knitted sweater approached them. Her pale blue eyes sparkled as she spoke.

"Excuse me, sir. I'm a staff member here. Are you visiting the castle?" she asked with a polite smile.

"No, we're here on business," Ethan replied.

"Oh, I see," the girl said, pulling a card from her pocket.

"Can you tell me what's on this card?"

Ethan glanced at it and immediately recognized a sketch of a mermaid.

"It's a mermaid," he answered.

"Perfect. Please, follow me," the girl said brightly, her smile widening.

"What's with that card?" Tonks asked curiously as they followed.

"It's a way to distinguish between Muggles and wizards," the girl explained.

"The card is enchanted with a Confusion Charm. Wizards see a mermaid, while Muggles only see a frog."

"Have you always done it this way?" Tonks inquired.

"Not always," the girl admitted.

"Muggles used to wander out naturally. But one time, a Muggle somehow managed to get his hands on a map and actually made it into the Ministry of Magic. It caused complete chaos."

After that incident, the Polish Ministry of Magic began stationing staff at the entrance to screen visitors.

By then, the trio had reached a bronze statue of a mermaid. The girl drew her wand and tapped the statue's lower body.

With a fluid motion, the bronze mermaid came to life, winking cheekily at them before diving into a pool.

The entire statue then rotated, revealing a wooden door behind it.

With a small gesture, the girl opened the door and stepped through. Ethan and Tonks followed her inside, finding themselves in a spacious square.

Unlike the grand and formal atmosphere of the British Ministry of Magic, the Polish Ministry exuded a relaxed and almost lazy charm, reflecting the distinct character of its magical community.