Chapter 86
Chapter : Revelations and Realizations
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Daily Bugle Headline Article
“Unmasking Tom Marvolo Riddle: The Heir of Gaunt and the Rise of Darkness”
In today’s shocking revelation, The Magical Daily Bugle uncovers the dark history of Tom Marvolo Riddle, a boy once raised in a Muggle orphanage during the turmoil of World War II. As the last known descendant of the Gaunts—a family infamous for their pure-blood lineage and descent from Salazar Slytherin—Riddle’s story began in shadows and pain, before his name became synonymous with fear.
The article includes disturbing photos of wartime weapons—bombers, artillery, tanks—hinting at the environment of violence in which Riddle grew up. But most chilling of all, we reveal that Tom Marvolo Riddle is, in fact, Lord Voldemort, a self-styled Dark Lord whose name has struck terror into the wizarding world.
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Student Reactions
The news hit Hogwarts like a Bludger through a glass window. Students crowded around the Bugle in the Great Hall, talking in hushed voices, their expressions a mix of horror, confusion, and disbelief. For many, the revelation that Voldemort, the feared Dark Lord, had Muggle origins was unsettling, even scandalous.
In Slytherin, reactions were particularly intense. Some students struggled to accept the idea that the so-called "pure-blood” Dark Lord came from humble, Muggle surroundings. A few whispered among themselves, incredulous and resentful, dismissing it as anti-Slytherin propaganda.
One Slytherin, Theodore Nott, even stood up at the table and proclaimed, “The Dark Lord can’t be a half-blood! This has to be a lie.” His words, though bold, were met with mixed reactions. Some younger students seemed convinced, but others looked skeptical, already feeling the weight of the truth bearing down.
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Harry, Daphne, and Friends’ Conversation
Harry, Daphne, Susan, and a few others gathered in the Gryffindor common room, digesting the news. They sat together in an intense discussion, each trying to make sense of what they’d read.
“It’s almost unbelievable,” Harry said, shaking his head. “The Dark Lord—a half-blood, from a Muggle orphanage. I thought he hated everything Muggle.”
Daphne nodded. “It does explain a lot, though, doesn’t it? His obsession with pure-bloods, his hatred of anything he considers weak. Maybe it’s because he hated that part of himself.”
Susan looked horrified, still clutching the paper. “And to think he grew up in that environment during the Muggle war. It’s no wonder he’s twisted.”
Hermione, who had been silent, finally spoke up. “It makes sense, though, doesn’t it? He created this persona, ‘Lord Voldemort,’ to escape Tom Riddle—the child who was powerless, vulnerable. But it’s still horrifying.”
Ron shook his head. “Who cares where he came from? He’s evil, plain and simple. I just wish people didn’t put him on a pedestal like that idiot Nott.”
Harry frowned, thinking of the many Slytherins who had admired Voldemort. “Maybe it’ll make them question him, though,” he suggested. “If they see that he’s not this pure-blood savior they thought he was.”
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End-of-Year House Cup and Quidditch Cup Celebrations
The year’s conclusion brought its usual fanfare and festivities. The Great Hall was decorated in vibrant green and silver to celebrate Slytherin’s House Cup victory. Professor Snape wore a rare, triumphant smile, and Slytherin students beamed with pride as Professor Dumbledore announced the results.
"Congratulations to Slytherin," he said with his customary warmth, the applause resounding throughout the hall. "And to Hufflepuff, for a Quidditch season well-played—your determination and teamwork have earned you this year's Quidditch Cup.”
Cedric Diggory stood proudly with his teammates, holding up the gleaming Quidditch Cup, while Hufflepuff cheered, beaming with pride.
Harry, though happy for Cedric, felt a pang of disappointment about Gryffindor’s performance this year. But the hall’s positive energy was infectious, and he couldn’t help but join in the applause.
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Harry’s Conversation with Dumbledore and Sirius
After the feast, Dumbledore invited Harry to his office, where Sirius was already waiting, arms crossed, an impatient look on his face.
“I still don’t understand why he can’t come with me now,” Sirius said the moment Harry walked in, his tone tense. “There’s no reason he needs to be with the Dursleys.”
Dumbledore sighed, his face shadowed by something Harry couldn’t quite place. “The protection your mother left you, Harry, is tied to your family’s home. As much as I understand the difficulty, it is essential that you remain there for at least a month each year.”
Harry looked between them, his heart sinking. The thought of spending even a few weeks with the Dursleys made his stomach twist, especially now that he knew he had family that wanted him.
“Sirius,” he began, “I don’t want to go back, but…”
Sirius put a hand on his shoulder, his expression softening. “I know, Harry. Trust me, we’ll make it work. And next summer, I’ll find a way around this.”
Dumbledore gave Harry a small smile. “Until then, Harry, rest assured that you have a place to return to.”
Harry nodded, though his heart was still heavy. It was good to know he had Sirius’s support—and hopefully, this would be the last summer he’d spend with the Dursleys.
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Alex’s POV
With the year wrapping up, I looked back on everything that had happened. The challenges, the secrets unveiled, and the alliances forged had brought both dangers and opportunities.
This year, Hogwarts had been shaken up in more ways than one, and the students were finally starting to question the systems around them. The Daily Bugle had made waves, and seeing students confront uncomfortable truths felt like progress.
As I boarded the Hogwarts Express, I met with a few friends to discuss plans for the summer. Neville was interested in learning more about herbology beyond what the textbooks covered, while Hermione, of course, was eager to continue her studies. Daphne, meanwhile, seemed interested in the business and innovations we’d started, asking questions about the possibilities for magical technology.
I glanced out the window as the train began to move, Hogwarts slowly disappearing from view. This year had been transformative, but there was still so much to do. My mind raced with ideas for what came next: expanding the reach of the Bugle, supporting Sirius in his efforts with the Werewolf Relief Initiative, and perhaps even working with Dumbledore on matters beyond Hogwarts. The challenges were daunting, but I felt ready for them.
The future was uncertain, but it was clear that change was on the horizon—and I intended to be a part of it.