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The sound of the alley fight spread widely, yet no one approached out of curiosity. Passersby wisely avoided the area.
Ethan tore off a piece of the fallen wizard's robe, wiped his dagger, and then stashed it away, tossing the cloth on the ground in disgust.
Having resolved the trouble, Ethan finally directed his attention to the man detained by the wizard moments ago.
The man lay on the ground, immobile. Subjected to a full-body restraint spell that still gripped him, despite the demise of the four wizards.
Approaching the fallen man, Ethan scrutinized him closely. The man's face, hidden by a tattered cloth, revealed only a pair of gleaming black eyes. Catching Ethan's gaze, the man urgently signaled for Ethan to release the magic binding him.
Ethan, however, remained cautious. The enemy of one's enemy isn't always a friend. Waving his wand, he freed the man's throat and then positioned the dagger at the man's neck.
"Tell me, who are you?" Ethan inquired in a deep voice.
"What's the meaning of this? Let me go!" Surprisingly, the person spoke with a clear and melodious female voice.
Yet, Ethan wasn't ready to let down his guard. He pressed the dagger slightly and questioned, "I'm asking again, who are you?"
The witch's eyes flickered with annoyance, and her gray-white hair shifted to a reddish hue, much like the Weasley family. "I'm an Auror! Please, untie me quickly!"
Ethan, taken aback by the changing hair color, recalled reading about it in a book—a Metamorphmagi capable of altering appearance at will.
People born with this ability differed from Animagi, who developed their skills later. This innate skill facilitated concealment and camouflage.
"How can you prove it?" Ethan maintained his wariness, reluctant to release the witch's bonds in such a precarious situation.
"I'm a trainee Auror; I don't have an identification card yet." The witch's voice carried a hint of embarrassment.
Becoming an Auror is no easy feat; it requires three years of post-Hogwarts training. Aspiring Aurors must pass a minimum of five N.E.W.T. exams with a score no lower than "Exceeded Expectations" (Grade E). Recommended N.E.W.T. courses include Defense Against the Dark Arts, Charms, Potions (with a focus on poisons and antidotes), Herbs, and Transfiguration.
If academically qualified, Auror candidates must also undergo a criminal record background check and a rigorous character and aptitude test. Exams assessing skills like stealth and camouflage are also mandatory.
By now, Ethan had deduced the identity of the witch before him. To validate his hunch, Ethan pulled down the cloth concealing her face.
The witch possessed a pale, heart-shaped face and striking jet-black eyes. Ethan's action startled her, and though she instinctively recoiled, the full-body restraint spell left her immobilized. Regret flooded her for rashly entering Knockturn Alley and finding herself in this predicament.
Silent, Ethan stood up, leaving Tonks anxiously holding her breath. Uncertain of Ethan's next move, she awaited his decision.
"Finite Incantatem"
Ethan's voice resonated, and she felt relief as control returned to her body.
Quickly regaining composure, the witch stood up, took a deep breath, and, recalling her Auror training, formulaically expressed gratitude to Ethan: "Thank you for your assistance, citizen..."
Before she could finish, a sharp pain in her ribs cut her off. She knew instantly that her rib was broken, and the intense pain turned her hair red. Gasping, she leaned against the alley wall to ease the agony.
"Drink this first."
Ethan, observing her pain, retrieved a bottle of Raffard's Decoction from his backpack and gave it to her.
Suspicion crossed the witch's face, but realizing that if Ethan intended to harm her she wouldn't be this free, she simply drank the potion.
Upon swallowing the potion, the witch felt a surge of vitality rapidly coursing through her body. Wounds healed swiftly, and broken ribs mended seamlessly.
Her pale face gained a rosy hue, and her hair transformed into a vibrant violet. Astonished by the potent potion Ethan provided, her impression of him improved.
"Thank you for your help. I'm a trainee Auror from the Department of Magical Law Enforcement at the Ministry of Magic, Nymphadora Tonks. You can just call me Tonks." Tonks extended her hand, and Ethan shook it.
"Hello, my name is Ethan," he replied politely, somewhat surprised to encounter an Auror named Tonks. It dawned on him that he was now an "illegal immigrant" due to world travel, leaving him feeling inexplicably guilty before Tonks.
Tonks observed Ethan with curiosity. She marveled at his sharp skills during the altercation with the four wizards. In a world where most wizards had forsaken the study of physical arts, Ethan's proficiency and unique attack methods stood out. Tonks, recalling the magical practices of the Uagadou School of Magic in Africa, noted that Ethan's strange seal resembled their finger-based casting techniques.
However, Uagadou's magic involved complex gestures and consumed considerable time, unlike the swift seals Ethan employed. Tonks found herself deeply intrigued by Ethan.
Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation!
Creation is hard, cheer me up!