"Harry, how do you know Ana?" Nita inquired, her brow furrowing with genuine interest. Harry offered a small smile in response, his gaze briefly drifting back to Ana's reassuring presence ahead.
"We've crossed paths a few times in the past. She's been a helpful ally on more than one occasion." Their conversation drifted as they continued their journey, eventually arriving at the section of the Ministry reserved for its prisoners. Ana led them deeper into the dimly lit passageways, each step bringing them closer to their destination.
"Alexandru is held in the furthest cell," Ana informed them quietly, her voice tinged with sympathy. "It's not an easy sight, but I'll take you there." With a solemn nod, Harry and his companions followed Ana, their footsteps echoing off the stone walls as they ventured toward the back of the prison, where Alexandru Gros awaited their visit.
As they approached Alexandru's cell, the sight that greeted them was heart-wrenching. Their former boss, once a formidable figure, appeared worn down and frail, a shadow of his former self. When Alexandru heard their voices, his head shot up, his expression a mixture of surprise and sadness.
"Charlie? Harry? What are you doing here?" he asked, his voice tinged with resignation. Harry stepped forward, a sympathetic look in his eyes.
"We came to check on you, Alexandru. We couldn't leave without making sure you're alright." Alexandru's lips curled into a weary smile.
"I appreciate the sentiment, but you shouldn't. You've done enough for me already." Charlie shook his head.
"Nonsense, Alexandru. We're here because we care about you." As they spoke, Alexandru's curiosity grew, and he couldn't help but ask,
"How did you find me? And why come here at all?" Charlie explained their journey, recounting their efforts to uncover the truth about Viktor's mistreatment of the employees at the Reserve. Alexandru listened intently, a knowing look in his eyes as he absorbed their words. After hearing their story, Alexandru chuckled softly, a hint of sadness in his voice.
"I always knew something wasn't right with Viktor. I'm sorry you had to go through all this because of me." Harry placed a reassuring hand on Alexandru's shoulder.
"Don't apologize, Alexandru." As they exchanged stories, Nita interjected, her voice filled with determination.
"Alexandru, we have just filed a complaint against Viktor with the Labour Court. We have proper evidence to support our claims." Alexandru's tired eyes widened slightly in surprise.
"You did? That's... unexpected." Katrin nodded, her expression grave.
"We couldn't let Viktor continue mistreating us. We had to take a stand." Alexandru let out a weary sigh, his shoulders sagging with the weight of their conversation.
"Even if the complaint goes through, it will take at least six months for any action to be taken. By then, who knows what will happen." Despite the grim reality of their situation, Harry placed a reassuring hand on Alexandru's shoulder. "We'll do everything we can to expedite the process, Alexandru. You're not alone in this." With a shared understanding of the challenges ahead, they bid Alexandru farewell, promising to continue fighting for justice.
As they made their way back to the Reserve, their conversation turned to Alexandru and the gravity of their situation. Harry glanced at Charlie, concern etched on his features.
"Do you think Alexandru's right about the legal process taking so long?" Charlie sighed, running a hand through his hair.
"Unfortunately, he's probably not wrong. Bureaucracy in the wizarding world can be painfully slow." Nita nodded in agreement.
"It's frustrating, but we can't lose hope. We have to keep pushing forward." Katrin chimed in, her voice tinged with determination.
"We've come this far. We won't give up until justice is served." Harry nodded, his resolve firm.
"Yes, for Alexandru and for all of us."