Chapter 84
Chapter : Whispers, Exams, and New Uses of Magic
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Harry Potter’s POV
The news about Dumbledore had spread like Fiendfyre in the Great Hall. Skeeter’s article in the Magical Daily Bugle painted a picture of our headmaster that was hard to reconcile with the man we knew. There was no way to escape the whispers—students everywhere were murmuring about Dumbledore’s past with Grindelwald, some sounding skeptical, others scandalized.
I sat with Hermione, Ron, Daphne, and Neville at breakfast, skimming the Bugle’s article. Hermione had her brow furrowed, as usual. "I never thought the headmaster had such a… complicated past,” she whispered.
Ron shrugged, biting into his toast. "Everyone’s got a past, don’t they? I mean, it’s not like he’s a dark wizard now.”
“But it’s more than that, Ron,” Daphne interjected thoughtfully. “People might start questioning his decisions, and it doesn’t help that he’s Hogwarts’ headmaster and making choices for all of us.”
Hermione sighed, closing the paper. "I just wish people wouldn’t take every word Skeeter writes as gospel. This’ll get twisted until no one remembers what Dumbledore actually did."
Neville, always the quiet one, muttered, "I wonder if he ever regrets it, you know? Being friends with someone like Grindelwald.” The thought hung heavily in the air.
To distract ourselves, we turned the conversation to exams, which were fast approaching. Every year seemed harder, and this time, I was determined to improve, especially with Defense Against the Dark Arts and Charms.
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The Daily Bugle Headline Article
“The Truth Behind the Legend: Albus Dumbledore’s Past with Grindelwald”
In a bold, exclusive feature, Rita Skeeter pulls back the curtain on Albus Dumbledore’s youth. Revealed here is a history steeped in ambition and revolutionary ideas shared with none other than the Dark wizard Grindelwald. While Dumbledore eventually took down his former friend, questions linger: What were their initial goals, and how deeply was Dumbledore involved? As the headmaster guiding our future, it’s crucial for parents, students, and Hogwarts’ board to know the full truth about the man behind the title.
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Student Reactions
The article became the primary topic of conversation around Hogwarts. Students across all houses weighed in on the new information.
In Gryffindor, there was a split between those who admired Dumbledore’s eventual decision to defeat Grindelwald and those who questioned his earlier associations. “Maybe he had his reasons,” Ginny Weasley argued, defending him in the common room. “People can change.”
In Slytherin, there was more curiosity than condemnation. “So the old man was ambitious after all,” sneered Pansy Parkinson. “Some people just hide it better than others.”
Ravenclaws were fascinated, of course, but even they had mixed reactions. “It’s a part of magical history,” Terry Boot said, “and it’s probably why he’s so cautious now. But it still makes you wonder what else he’s kept from us.”
Meanwhile, Hufflepuffs discussed the possibility of Dumbledore’s intentions, some seeing it as proof of his wisdom, while others felt betrayed by the secrecy.
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Teachers’ Meeting
In the weekly faculty meeting, Dumbledore addressed the article with a calm but somber expression. “We cannot erase the past, nor would I wish to. It’s essential that our students learn to understand the complexity of people and history,” he said, his tone steady.
McGonagall looked around at the other professors, who were all exchanging uneasy glances. “Albus, this is bound to affect the students’ trust. It would be helpful if they had guidance on how to approach the topic.”
“Indeed,” said Professor Flitwick, nodding. “Perhaps some structured discussions?”
Dumbledore nodded. “An excellent idea, Filius. We’ll allow questions, and we’ll answer them truthfully, with discretion.”
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End of Year Exams
The final exams loomed large, and every student, from first-year to seventh, was preparing furiously. The library became packed with students practicing spells and revising notes, and study groups filled every common room.
For practical exams, the pressure was even greater. In Defense Against the Dark Arts, Professor Lupin had us practice Patronus charms against boggarts—an unusual approach that challenged us to summon happy memories in high-stress situations.
Alex’s POV
I knew my practical exams needed to stand out. I’d been experimenting with a range of spells to show versatility and innovation, from charm combinations to transfiguration work.
In Charms, I demonstrated a spell fusion I’d been developing—combining a Levitation Charm with a Flame-Freezing Charm to create a flickering, hovering sphere that emitted light without heat. Flitwick’s eyebrows had nearly shot off his face when he saw it, and he awarded me top marks.
For Defense, I took a different approach, using the Patronus charm with a twist. Rather than just summoning it against the boggart, I layered it with a shield charm for added strength, allowing it to act both as a protector and an offensive force. Professor Lupin seemed pleased and took extra notes.
In Transfiguration, I focused on complex matter manipulation. I transfigured a teapot into a small, precise replica of a live phoenix, capturing Fawkes’ likeness in incredible detail. When the phoenix let out a soft, cooing sound, Professor McGonagall couldn’t suppress her smile.
Afterwards, Harry, Hermione, Ron, and Daphne congratulated me, each of them recounting their own practicals with excited energy.
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Harry’s POV
During my own practical exams, I felt a rush of nerves but was determined to do my best. In Defense, I managed to conjure a strong Patronus against the boggart, thinking of the feeling of having true friends for the first time. I saw Professor Lupin nod approvingly as my Patronus held steady, and I felt a surge of confidence.
In Charms, I demonstrated a proficient use of the Summoning Charm, Accio, which I’d practiced for days. And in Transfiguration, I successfully transformed a hedgehog into a pincushion and back, something I’d struggled with in the past.
The practicals ended on a high note, and we all felt proud, ready to celebrate after weeks of hard work.
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Daphne’s POV
After exams, we gathered in the common room, talking about everything from the tests to Dumbledore’s article. “I think the exams were easier than handling this mess about Dumbledore,” I confessed, joining Hermione and the others.
“Let’s just say it’s been an eye-opening year,” Hermione replied thoughtfully. “It’s good to remember that everyone, even Dumbledore, has their own history.”
Ron just rolled his eyes. “Right. But if Skeeter’s onto him, we’d better be careful what we say around her next time.”
The exams had been hard, but our conversations afterward—sharing what we’d learned and how we’d grown—reminded us that we’d all come a long way. With Skeeter digging up history, and the tension in the air around Dumbledore, it was clear that Hogwarts wasn’t the same as when we’d first arrived.
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As the school year drew to a close, we’d learned more than just spells and theory. With the recent attacks, the media stir around Dumbledore, and whispers of dark times on the horizon, we were reminded that the real tests still lay ahead.