Amulet of Time 2: Two Worlds, Two Wars

Chapter 30: Finishing Fifth Year

The next day a ripple of shock spread through the Great Hall when the four time travellers walked in at breakfast. The Slytherin table especially seemed very surprised to see them. When they were all seated, the questions started immediately, but they all remained quiet, telling the students they would have to wait for the Daily Prophet to arrive. When the post owls started circling the ceiling ten minutes later, there was a flurry of excitement as the wizarding newspapers were dropped in front of those with subscriptions. Shouts of surprise and joy filled the Hall as everyone read the front page.

GRINDELWALD DEAD – WAR OVER

Yesterday afternoon, a mysterious group of Light wizards, lead by Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of HogwartsSchool of Witchcraft and Wizardry, is reported to have stormed the headquarters of the Dark Lord Grindelwald. In a bold, and what some would call suicidal, attack aimed at freeing prisoners, thirty of the Dark Lord's followers, as well as his apprentice, are said to have been captured or killed.

Grindelwald himself is said to have been killed at the end of the battle in a spectacular show of bravery by Professor Dumbledore, who our sources in the Ministry claim will be rewarded with an Order of Merlin, First Class, for his efforts.

An eye witness at the battle, one Daedalus Diggle of the Department of Mysteries, claims, " We all fought bravely against about twenty of Grindelwald's followers. They have all been captured and are awaiting trial. Our group was lucky, we didn't lose anybody, and we managed to free fourteen prisoners, including two captured members of our organisation, one of which was its founder."

What is this mysterious organisation? This reporter can only guess. What I do know for sure is, they certainly have my support. When pushed, Mr. Diggle revealed, " We cannot give you any information. However, I will say that we are dedicated to preserving peace and ridding the world of Dark forces."

What will the future hold now that Grindelwald is defeated? Who knows? Now, though, the wizarding world is at peace, and everyone can sleep more soundly at night.

ANNABEL WILLIAMS, SPECIAL CORRESPONDANT

Elated chatter filled the Hall as the article was read and reread, those without a copy of the newspaper borrowing it from those who had finished the front page. A few minutes later, as Dumbledore entered the Great Hall for breakfast, cheers rang out from all of the House tables, although less enthusiasm came from Slytherin. The headmaster smiled at everyone benignly as he made his way to the head table, where he stood before his chair to speak to the students.

" Hello, everyone. As you have undoubtedly heard, the Dark Lord Grindelwald is no longer a threat to the wizarding world. For most, this is something to be celebrated, and for some, it is a source of disappointment."

Here Dumbledore glanced quickly at some scowling Slytherins, especially Satanus and Caligula, who were both giving him poisonous looks.

" I would personally like to thank everyone involved in his downfall, and especially those without whom victory would have been impossible. Would Harry Evans, Virginia and Ronald Weston, and Hermione Granger please stand."

The four students looked at Dumbledore in horror as they got to their feet amid cheers from their Housemates. Minh, Eustace, Gallatea and Peeves were cheering the loudest, the latter causing much of the school to stare at him in confusion. The mischievous poltergeist wasn't known for showing such support for students. Once the din lessened, Dumbledore continued with his speech.

" These four extraordinary individuals have saved many lives over the course of the year. First, they helped to great effect at the attack in October. During the Christmas break, they single handedly fought off an attack on Muggles by Grindelwald's followers in London. At the end of March, they all participated in the battle in Paris, which you will all have heard about from the Daily Prophet. It was at this point you would have noticed their absence from school, as they were captured by the enemy and held prisoner for two months. Despite this, they all fought bravely yesterday and were instrumental in the defeat of the Dark Lord. For this, they will all receive awards for special services to the school from me, and Orders of Merlin, First Class from the Ministry of Magic."