Everything

Harry Potter - J. K. Rowling
F/M
M/M
G
Everything
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Challenging the System

They entered the Romanian Ministry of Magic, Harry felt a surge of determination coursing through him. He led the group confidently through the bustling corridors, his mind focused on the task at hand. Charlie glanced around, taking in the ornate architecture and the busy atmosphere of the ministry. He couldn't help but feel a sense of apprehension, knowing that they were about to challenge the system that allowed Viktor's unfair treatment of employees to continue unchecked. Nita, Bogdan, and Katrin followed closely behind, their expressions a mix of determination and nervousness. They knew that their actions could have significant repercussions, but they were willing to stand up for what they believed was right. Approaching the Labor Court's office, Harry knocked firmly on the door.

"We're here to file a complaint against the unfair treatment of employees," he announced, his voice echoing with conviction. A voice from inside responded,

"Come in." With determined steps, they entered the office, ready to present their evidence and demand justice for themselves and their colleagues. As they settled into the seats offered by the weary-looking receptionist, whose nameplate read "Mrs. Travers," Harry began to explain their situation. Mrs. Travers listened intently, her tired expression softening slightly as she took in their story.

"And you say you have evidence of this mistreatment?" Mrs. Travers asked, her voice tinged with scepticism. Harry nodded, and one by one, they placed their documents on her desk. Nita, Bogdan, and Katrin exchanged nervous glances, while Charlie offered a reassuring smile. Mrs. Travers sighed as she examined the evidence before her. "This is quite serious," she muttered, her brow furrowing with concern.

"I'll need to review these documents thoroughly." With a weary nod, Mrs. Travers motioned for them to wait while she began to sift through the paperwork. The room fell into a tense silence as they anxiously watched her work, each moment feeling like an eternity as they waited for her verdict. "Who is this dunderhead boss of yours?" She inquired a bit as seeing the papers.

"Viktor Petrov." Charlie answered to the old madame. Mrs. Travers's eyes widened in disbelief as Charlie confirmed their boss's identity.

"Viktor Petrov?" she repeated, her voice tinged with incredulity. "His father was a dear friend of mine, may he rest in peace. I've known Viktor since he was a child." There was a heavy pause as Mrs. Travers contemplated the situation, her expression troubled. She glanced once more at the stack of documents before her, each one detailing instances of mistreatment and unfair practices under Viktor's leadership.

"It's difficult to reconcile the person I knew with the actions described here," she murmured, her voice laced with sadness. "But the evidence is clear." With a heavy sigh, Mrs. Travers straightened in her seat, her demeanor becoming more determined.

"I'll need to investigate this further," she declared, her tone firm. "Thank you for bringing this to my attention. Rest assured, I will do everything in my power to ensure justice is served." Relief washed over Harry and his companions as Mrs. Travers made her commitment, knowing that they had taken the first step toward holding Viktor accountable for his actions. The tension in Mrs. Travers' office was palpable as Harry, Charlie, and their companions laid out their case against Viktor Petrov. Mrs. Travers, the stern-looking bureaucrat overseeing their meeting, listened attentively as Harry recounted their grievances. When Harry finished speaking, Mrs. Travers regarded him with a penetrating gaze, her expression inscrutable. After a moment of contemplation, she nodded in acknowledgement of Harry's question about the need for an outsider to testify to the truth of their claims.

"Yes," she replied tersely, her tone brusque. "That would be necessary." Harry raised his hand without hesitation, volunteering himself as the witness. Mrs. Travers regarded him with a mixture of resignation and exasperation, muttering under her breath.

"Of course it's freaking Harry Potter," she muttered, her words tinged with a hint of irritation. Undeterred by Mrs. Travers' demeanor, Harry remained resolute, determined to see justice served. With a practiced motion, he withdrew his wand and extracted memories from his mind, capturing the evidence of Viktor Petrov's misconduct. Carefully, Harry deposited the memories into a small vial, which he then handed to Mrs. Travers. Without a word, she accepted the vial, her expression unreadable as she examined its contents. With a sense of gravity, Mrs. Travers poured the memories into a Pensieve, her movements deliberate as she prepared to delve into their depths. The room fell silent as she submerged herself into the memories, her brow furrowing in concentration as she absorbed the truth of Harry's experiences. Minutes passed, each one stretching out into eternity as they waited for Mrs. Travers' verdict. Finally, she emerged from the Pensieve, her features drawn and solemn, her eyes reflecting the weight of the revelations she had witnessed. Her shock was palpable as she met Harry's gaze, her voice carrying the weight of their collective truth.

"I've seen enough," she declared, her words echoing through the office with quiet authority. "What you've presented here, coupled with Mr. Potter's memories, paints a damning picture of Mr. Petrov's conduct." After witnessing the damning evidence contained within Harry's memories, Mrs. Travers wasted no time in taking action. With a sense of urgency, she swiftly sent the collected evidence to the Executive Court within the Ministry of Magic, ensuring that Viktor Petrov's misconduct would be addressed with the gravity it deserved. As she concluded her actions, Mrs. Travers turned her attention back to Harry and his companions, her demeanor softened slightly by the weight of what she had witnessed. Despite her professional stoicism, it was evident that she found it difficult to reconcile the allegations against Viktor Petrov with her preconceived notions of him.

"Thank you for bringing this to my attention," she said, her voice tinged with a note of sincerity. "It's... hard to believe that someone like Mr. Petrov would behave in such a manner. But the evidence speaks for itself." With a nod of acknowledgement, Mrs. Travers signaled the end of their meeting, her expression reflective as she contemplated the implications of their revelations. For Harry and his companions, it was a small victory in their ongoing struggle for justice and fairness within the Romanian Dragon Reserve.

As they concluded their business in the Labour Court, Harry and his companions turned their attention to their next objective: visiting Alexandru Gros in prison. Amidst the bustling corridors of the Ministry, a familiar face caught their attention, drawing near with a warm greeting.

"Ana," Harry acknowledged, a sense of relief washing over him at the sight of the familiar witch. "We need your help. Could you take us to see Alexandru Gros?" Ana's expression softened with sympathy as she nodded in understanding.

"Of course, Harry. Follow me." As they followed Ana through the winding corridors of the Ministry, Nita and Katrin couldn't help but express their curiosity about Harry's connection to Ana.

"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."

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