Everything

The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm, golden light over the Romanian Dragon Sanctuary. As Charlie and Harry approached, the air was filled with the distant, familiar roars of dragons settling in for the evening. The Sanctuary, usually bustling with activity, was oddly quiet, an uneasy tension hanging in the air. As they entered, Charlie and Harry spotted Viktor moving among the handlers, his expression dark and brooding. He stopped periodically to question them, his voice barely masking his frustration.

"Have you seen Matei?" Viktor asked Bogdan, who shook his head, his eyes avoiding Viktor's intense gaze.

"No, sir. I haven't seen him since this morning," Bogdan replied, his tone respectful but distant. Viktor's jaw tightened as he moved on to Ghita.

"What about you? Any sign of him?" Ghita glanced nervously at the others before shaking his head.

"No, Viktor. None of us have seen him." A flicker of anger crossed Viktor's face, but he took a deep breath, trying to maintain his composure.

"Fine," he muttered, though his eyes betrayed his rising fury. "If anyone sees him, you are to report to me immediately." As Viktor turned away, Charlie and Harry stepped closer to the group, their presence drawing the attention of the other handlers. Murmurs spread through the crowd, a mix of relief and concern. The handlers subtly shifted, creating a protective semi-circle around Harry and Charlie. Viktor's eyes locked onto Harry, a look of pure animosity flashing across his face. Without a moment's hesitation, he strode towards Harry, his intent clear.

"You!" he spat, his hand reaching out to grab Harry. "You have no place here! Get out!" Before Viktor could lay a hand on Harry, Charlie stepped forward, his stance firm and unyielding.

"Back off, Viktor," he warned, his voice low and dangerous. Viktor glared at Charlie, but before he could respond, Nita and Katrin moved to flank Charlie, their expressions resolute. Bogdan and Ghita stepped up as well, forming a wall of solidarity between Viktor and Harry.

"Enough, Viktor," Nita said, her voice steady. "We’ve had enough of your tyranny." Viktor's eyes widened in disbelief as he looked around at the handlers standing against him. His facade of calm shattered, replaced by a barely contained fury.

"You dare to defy me?" he snarled. "All of you?" Katrin met Viktor's gaze without flinching.

"We do," she said simply. "Harry and Charlie belong here just as much as any of us." Harry, feeling the unwavering support of the handlers around him, stepped forward.

"We're not going anywhere, Viktor," he said firmly. "And it's time for things to change around here." Viktor's face contorted with rage, but he could see the determination in the eyes of the handlers. The power he once held over them was slipping away, and he knew it. His voice shook with barely suppressed anger.

"This isn't over," he hissed. Charlie placed a reassuring hand on Harry's shoulder, his eyes never leaving Viktor.

"Yes, it is, Viktor. We're done being afraid of you." As Viktor stood there, seething and powerless, the handlers closed ranks around Charlie and Harry, a united front against the tyranny that had plagued them for too long. As the tension in the air began to dissipate, the dragon handlers slowly shifted their focus from Viktor to Harry. A collective sigh of relief seemed to wash over the group, and smiles began to break out on their faces.

"Happy birthday, Harry!" Nita exclaimed, her voice bright with genuine warmth. The others quickly joined in, their well-wishes overlapping in a joyous chorus.

"Happy birthday, Harry!"

"Happy birthday!"

"All the best, Harry!" Harry's cheeks flushed with a mix of embarrassment and gratitude. He glanced at Charlie, who gave him a reassuring nod and a smile that spoke volumes. Despite the lack of physical presents, the outpouring of camaraderie and support was the best gift Harry could have asked for.

"Thank you, everyone," Harry said, his voice thick with emotion. "This means a lot." Nita stepped forward, her curiosity getting the better of her.

"So, what was it like in the cave? We've been worried sick ever since you left." Charlie took a deep breath, his eyes meeting Harry's briefly before he began recounting their ordeal.

"We found Matei in the cave," he started, his voice steady despite the gravity of his words. "He followed us there and challenged us to a duel." The handlers listened intently, their expressions a mix of concern and curiosity. Charlie continued,

"It got pretty intense. Matei was relentless, and at one point, I got injured." He placed a hand over his chest, where Matei's dark spell had hit him. "Harry's wand was broken in the fight. But he managed to defeat Matei." There were murmurs of astonishment and concern among the handlers. Katrin's eyes widened.

"Defeated him? How?" Harry stepped forward, taking over the narrative.

"I did something I didn't even know was possible," he admitted, his voice low but clear. "Matei was powerful, but I managed to drain his magic core. It left him completely powerless." Gasps echoed through the group, the handlers exchanging shocked glances. Bogdan looked at Harry in awe.

"You drained his core? How did you even do that?" Harry shook his head, still grappling with the enormity of what he had done.

"I don't know. It was... it was instinctual. I just knew I had to protect Charlie and stop Matei for good. Somehow, my magic responded." Nita's eyes were wide with admiration.

"That's incredible, Harry. I've never heard of anyone doing something like that." Charlie wrapped an arm around Harry's shoulders, pulling him close.

"It was Harry's immense will and love that made it possible," he said softly. "He saved us both." The handlers stood in stunned silence, absorbing the magnitude of Harry's actions. Then, one by one, they began to applaud, the sound growing until it filled the Sanctuary. Harry's face turned a deeper shade of red, but he couldn't help but smile at the show of support.

"You need a new wand, Harry," Katrin suggested, her voice filled with concern. "We can't have you without one." Harry exchanged a glance with Charlie, a small, proud smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

"Actually," he said, pulling his wand from his robe, "Charlie repaired it." The group's reaction was immediate and unanimous: utter disbelief. Their eyes widened, and a collective gasp of astonishment echoed through the Sanctuary.

"He... he did what?" Bogdan stammered, unable to hide his shock. Harry nodded, holding up the wand for everyone to see.

"Charlie put it back together. It’s as good as new." Nita's eyes flicked from the wand to Charlie, her mouth hanging open.

"But that’s... that’s nearly impossible!" Charlie gave a modest shrug, though a hint of pride shone in his eyes.

"I just did what I had to do. Harry needed his wand, and I wasn’t going to let him be without it." The handlers were momentarily speechless, the weight of what Charlie had accomplished sinking in. Then, almost as if on cue, another round of applause erupted, this time directed at Charlie.

"Unbelievable," Ghita said, shaking his head in amazement. "You two are full of surprises." Harry and Charlie stood side by side, surrounded by their friends and fellow handlers, the warmth of their camaraderie and the strength of their bond palpable. With a mixture of reluctance and determination, Harry bid farewell to his friends at the Romanian Dragon Sanctuary. Promising to keep in touch, he apparated back to London, eager to reunite with Ron and Hermione. Arriving at their new home, Harry took a moment to admire the quaint neighborhood and the charming exterior of the house. Despite the ongoing renovations, there was a sense of warmth and coziness that made it feel like home. As he approached the front door, it swung open to reveal Hermione standing in the doorway, a warm smile lighting up her face.

"Harry!" she exclaimed, pulling him into a tight embrace. "It's so good to see you." Returning her hug, Harry felt a surge of affection for his dear friend.

"You too, Hermione," he said, returning her smile. "The house looks great, even with all the work going on." Hermione chuckled, stepping back to let Harry inside.

"It's getting there," she admitted. "But we still have a long way to go." As they made their way into the living room, Ron descended the stairs, a grin spreading across his face when he saw Harry.

"Harry! You made it!" he exclaimed, clapping Harry on the back. Harry returned the grin, feeling a surge of nostalgia at the sight of his old friend.

"Wouldn't miss it for the world," he said, giving Ron a playful punch on the arm. Settling into the comfortable chairs in the living room, Harry listened as Ron and Hermione recounted the story of how they came to acquire the house. Hermione spoke of endless hours of research and meticulous planning, while Ron added colorful commentary and humorous anecdotes.

"And then, just when we thought we'd never find the perfect place, this house came on the market," Hermione explained, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "It was like fate." Ron nodded enthusiastically.

"Yeah, and Mum was thrilled when she heard we were looking for a place of our own," he added. "She's been wanting to help out with the renovations every step of the way." Harry couldn't help but smile at the mention of Mrs. Weasley's eagerness to pitch in. "Sounds like her," he said fondly. "She's always been one to offer a hand, especially when it comes to family." Hermione nodded in agreement.

"We're lucky to have her," she said sincerely. "And we're lucky to have you here, Harry. It feels like old times." Ron and Hermione exchanged knowing glances as they handed Harry a small wrapped package, their smiles tinged with anticipation.

"Happy birthday, mate," Ron said, his voice filled with genuine warmth. Harry accepted the gift with a grateful smile, his curiosity piqued.

"Thanks, Ron, Hermione. You didn't have to get me anything." Hermione waved off his protestations with a laugh.

"Nonsense, Harry. You're family. Open it!" Eagerly, Harry tore off the wrapping paper to reveal a beautifully crafted journal, its cover embossed with intricate designs. He ran his fingers over the smooth leather, marvelling at the craftsmanship.

"It's lovely," Harry said, genuinely touched by the thoughtful gift. "Thank you, both of you." Hermione beamed, her eyes shining with delight.

"We thought you could use it to jot down your thoughts and adventures," she explained. "You know, like a diary." Harry nodded, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips.

"I'll put it to good use, I promise." As he flipped through the pages, Hermione leaned in, her curiosity getting the better of her.

"So, Harry, what do you think?" Harry paused, considering the question.

"It's perfect, Hermione. Exactly what I needed." Ron grinned, nudging Harry playfully.

"Come on, mate. Don't leave us hanging. What's it like living with the my brother?" Harry's smile widened at the question, his thoughts drifting to Charlie and their life together.

"It's... incredible," he admitted, his voice filled with genuine warmth. "Every day feels like an adventure, even the ordinary ones. And knowing that you have someone who loves you unconditionally, who's always there for you... there's nothing like it." Hermione's eyes softened, a fond smile tugging at her lips.

"Good to hear, Harry. You deserve all the happiness in the world." But Harry's expression faltered, a shadow crossing his features.

"I haven't been there for months though," he confessed, the weight of his resignation from the Reserve weighing heavily on him. Ron and Hermione exchanged concerned glances, sensing the turmoil in Harry's words.

"What's been going on, Harry?" Ron asked gently, his voice laced with concern. Harry took a deep breath, steeling himself to explain.

"There's been some trouble at the Reserve," he began, his tone somber. "Viktor, the new boss, he's been causing problems. He's become tyrannical, and the other handlers are fed up." As Harry recounted the situation at the Reserve, Ron and Hermione listened intently, their expressions shifting from concern to indignation.

"That sounds awful, Harry," Hermione said, her voice filled with sympathy. "Is there anything we can do to help?" Harry shook his head, his frustration evident.

"I'm not sure. We've tried filing complaints, but nothing seems to change. The aurors are watching from a distance, but they haven't intervened." Ron clenched his fists, his anger simmering just beneath the surface.

"We can't just sit by and let this continue," he said, his voice tinged with determination. "If there's anything we can do to help, you just let us know." Harry nodded gratefully, touched by his friends' unwavering support.

"Thanks, Ron. Thanks, Hermione. I appreciate it more than you know." As Harry recounted the unjust imprisonment of Alexandru to Ron and Hermione, a heavy silence settled over the room. Hermione's brow furrowed with concern, her mind already racing with possibilities.

"That's outrageous," she exclaimed, her voice tinged with indignation. "To imprison someone without valid cause, it's a clear abuse of power." Ron nodded in agreement, his expression darkening with anger.

"We can't let Viktor get away with this," he said firmly. "And we can't leave Alexandru to languish in jail." Harry sighed, his frustration evident.

"I want to help him, especially after the visit, but I don't know if there's anything we can do legally. The Ministry seems content to turn a blind eye." Hermione's eyes gleamed with determination as she leaned forward, her gaze fixed on Harry.

"We'll find a way, Harry. We always do." Harry couldn't help but smile at her unwavering optimism.

"I know Hermione. But we need to be careful. We can't risk making things worse for Alexandru." Ron leaned back in his chair, a determined look on his face.

"And if we need to, we'll go straight to the top," he declared. "We'll make sure the Ministry can't ignore us." Just then, a thought struck Harry.

"You know, I bumped into the Romanian Minister of Magic once," he recalled, a spark of hope igniting within him. "Maybe talking to him would be enough to get the ball rolling." Hermione's eyes widened with interest.

"That's an excellent idea, Harry," she said eagerly. "If anyone can help us navigate the legal system in Romania, it's him." Ron nodded in agreement.

"It's worth a shot, mate," he said encouragingly. "And if it doesn't work, we'll come up with another plan. We won't rest until Alexandru is free."