Witcher at Hogwarts

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Listening to Ethan, Reznov nodded thoughtfully. He had to admit that Ethan's plan was quite reasonable—certainly more grounded than Tonks' more "imaginative" suggestion.

Ethan's approach seemed the best solution, leading to a satisfying resolution for everyone involved.

"I can personally accept this proposal," Reznov replied, "but I still need to consult the villagers."

"Of course, that's only right," Ethan agreed with a nod.

Reznov turned to Bigby. "Then, Mr. Werewolf, will you come with me to the village to discuss this with them?"

"Me?" Bigby looked startled, clearly not expecting such an invitation. His only intent was to deliver the children to safety; entering the village had never crossed his mind.

But with Reznov urging him again, Bigby reluctantly agreed and followed Reznov into the village.

With the troubles largely resolved, Ethan prepared for the next step: heading to the castle for a final confrontation with the butler. Moving through the bustling crowd, he walked alone toward the looming castle.

Outside the tavern, villagers gathered, intrigued by the small newcomers eagerly devouring their food inside. Unaware that these children were werewolves, the villagers warmly welcomed them, their curiosity giving way to friendliness.

Meanwhile, Reznov assembled several high-ranking villagers in a large house to discuss the werewolf situation. Spotting Ethan passing by, he nodded, and Ethan returned the gesture before continuing on his way.

Reaching the castle gates, Ethan found them slightly ajar. He pushed one open and stepped into the quiet, empty hall, his footsteps echoing as he made his way deeper inside.

Eventually, he arrived in a grand hall where the butler stood by a window, holding a glass of red wine and gazing at the distant mountains. Behind him, on a table, lay a heap of gold coins glinting like a mound of treasure.

Hearing Ethan's approach, the butler turned.

"Ah, Mr. Ethan," he greeted with a thin smile.

"You're back! The bounty is yours since you've dealt with the werewolf problem."

Ethan waited to respond. Instead, he pulled out a chair and sat down, his hand resting on the hilt of his weapon. His gaze was cold and steady as he addressed the butler.

"Mr. Butler," he began, "I spoke with your friend in the cave and learned a few interesting things. It turns out your rally orchestrated this entire scheme, right?"

The butler's smile faded. He studied Ethan for a moment, then set his wine glass down with a sigh.

"I figured you'd discover the truth sooner or later."

"Why not just take these golden Galleons and leave?" the butler suggested, attempting a calm, persuasive tone.

Ethan's grip tightened on his weapon. "I'm not leaving until I know exactly what dark plan your group is plotting."

"Evil plan? Hahaha, Mr. Ethan! You must be mistaken!"

The butler laughed, glancing at Ethan with mock amusement.

"Then tell me, is creating canines to slaughter villagers your idea of justice?" Ethan asked sharply, his tone unwavering.

The butler shook his head, a hint of patronizing sympathy in his expression. "No, no. The rally's work isn't about good or evil. It's more like Dumbledore's notion: 'for the greater good.'"

"Greater good?" Ethan scoffed.

"Nothing justifies the benefits you're reaping by sacrificing innocent lives."

The butler's face hardened. "Come now, witcher," he sneered.

"You stand on your moral high ground but are no different from me. You kill for a bounty, taking money to rid people of 'monsters.' And who appointed you as judge and executioner, deciding who deserves to die?"

Ethan faltered, caught off guard by the butler's challenge. Words escaped him as he grappled with the accusation.

Seeing Ethan's hesitation, the butler's smile returned. "Come with me, Mr. Ethan."

He led Ethan to Sir Sapkov's bedroom. Ethan followed reluctantly, feeling a chill settle over him.

When they entered, he was startled by the sight: the young Sir Sapkov he'd once met was nowhere to be seen. Instead, an emaciated, elderly man lay lifeless on the bed, his hair thin and ghostly pale.

"Who... Who is this? Sir Sapkov?" Ethan asked, his voice edged with disbelief.

"Indeed, this is Sir Sapkov," the butler replied solemnly, though a twisted amusement lingered in his eyes.

"The same cocoon that sustained Rasputin's life also kept Sir Sapkov alive. That fire years ago killed almost everyone in his family. Old Sapkov knew I was responsible, yet in his desperation, he begged me to save him."

The butler laughed darkly. "He promised he'd turn a blind eye to his family's slaughter if I spared him."

The butler continued, his voice thick with smugness.

"And I—always generous—granted him his wish. I didn't just save him; I restored his youth."

Ethan's expression darkened. "So, what is your true goal?" he demanded through gritted teeth.

The butler looked at him with disillusionment.

"Do you not understand, Ethan? I expected you to see beyond ordinary wizard concerns. But, alas..."

He shook his head in disappointment. "We're going to recreate the celestial alignment that brought your kind into this world—the intersection of the spheres!"

"Intersection of the spheres?" Ethan echoed in shock.

"Why would you do that?"

The butler's gaze sharpened.

"Isn't it clear to you yet, Ethan? Wizards are weakening, losing precious knowledge every day, while Muggles grow stronger, spreading unchecked. Our world is shrinking."

"Others tried to address this—Salazar, Grindelwald, even Voldemort—but failed. They saw Muggles as enemies, but we know better. A war would spell the end for wizards. The only solution is to open the celestial spheres to find a haven where wizards can thrive. Only the strongest, the most worthy, will follow."

The butler's face twisted with disdain at the mention of "Lord Voldemort," then turned severe again.

"And abandon everyone else?" Ethan asked, his voice raw with disbelief.

The butler smiled coldly. "It's the only way for wizardkind to escape destruction."