Hogwarts, UK–The return of the Dark Lord has prompted some interesting speculation about the future of the wizarding world. “We wonder, quite plainly, whether we’re going to survive this,” muses Minerva McGonagall, a professor at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. “Given what Voldemort was in the past, all wizards everywhere have to wonder whether our lives will continue after Voldemort is defeated. If he’s defeated.” Rumor speculates that life after Voldemort might not be as quiet as some wizards would prefer. “There is a theory that perhaps our story–or the story of young Potter, at least, might be related to everyone–even the Muggles–after Voldemort is destroyed,” states Mad-Eye Moody, a wizard who works for MOM. “To that I say ‘Hogwash!’ That is simply a rumor, at best. No such occurrence could ever happen.” Voldemort is, of course, the Dark Wizard whose reign of terror paralyzed the wizarding world for many years, until his defeat at the hands of the infant Potter almost fourteen years ago. Rumors of his re-emergence circulated for a few years, until his existence was re-confirmed at the Ministry of Magic last June. At the center of this dark turn of events is young Harry Potter himself, whose mysterious defeat of the Dark Lord has yet to be explained to the general populace. Whatever protected him, however, has made him a target for Voldemort and his supporters, and attempts on his life have been prevalent throughout his stay at Hogwarts school. Despite his heroic defeat of the Dark Lord not once, but five times, he is still rather quiet about it. “I am not sure what is going to happen with Voldemort. But I hope that if we are lucky enough to survive all of this, we will close the book for good on this subject. That’s not to say that someday I might like to relate my adult experiences, or even my childhood ones, for future generations, but as for now, all I’d like to do is find a peaceful resolve so that no one else has to get hurt. And then forget about it.” Experts in Defenses against the Dark Arts believe that Voldemort will be defeated, but know that the battle will be dark and possibly deadly. “Voldemort is a dark wizard with a dark purpose who cares for no one,” says Remus Lupin, a former professor of Defenses against the Dark Arts. “He will not be an easy wizard to defeat, and the battle, I’m sure, will be long and bloody. We’ve already lost some friends–and I am certain, sadly enough, that we will lose some more.” Reports are only now being released detailing Voldemort's involvement with the wizarding world in the past few years. However, what little evidence has been given displays He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named's purpose of destroying muggles, muggle-born wizards, and muggle supporters. Hogwarts Headmaster Albus Dumbledore, who has long headed the fight against the Dark Wizard, both past and present, seems more aware than anyone of the dangers of this potential war, especially for those on the front lines. “We can only hope that young Mister Potter, his friends and allies will prevail, with little more loss than we have already suffered. Though these might be slim hopes, they are the hopes of all who support him.” But Headmaster Dumbledore does not chose to lose faith. “If there is a grand designer in all of this, I’m certain that he–or she–will choose to end this story in the best possible method. Whether there will be life after Lord Voldemort, I cannot say. We can only trust in faith to our grand designer, and enjoy what we have been given now.” Wizards empathize with Muggle Tragedies Madrid, Spain–Recent occurrences in the muggle world are receiving sympathy and support from one of the most unlikely places–right here in the wizarding world. “It is so terribly tragic, that so much harm could be wrought to so many innocent people.” mourns Abler Goodwin, a member of the Muggle Protection Association. “This is a tragedy for everyone across the world, muggle and wizard alike.” The attack in Spain, which took the lives of 190 people and injured nearly 1200, has been linked to the terrorist group Al-Qaeda, responsible for the attacks in the United States on September the 11th, 2001. “Why there has to be so much destruction...it seems so useless. So many innocents have to suffer for a few crazy idealists. One can’t help but ask ‘why?’” Eric Sanderson, an American wizard, is more than well aware of the tragedies those in Spain have suffered. “As a nation, no matter what affiliation, we were paralyzed by the attacks on September 11th. It is a difficult thing to get through, whether or not you had families in those buildings or not, no matter who you were, or what you believed. The loss of life, the tragedy of it all, resonates in your heart, and still sounds there, even today. To the people in Spain, I say that the pain will subside eventually, but until then, pull together and rely on each other for support and guidance. It will be difficult, but you will make it through.” Wizards, of course, have had their fair share of tragedies, but nothing compares as of this moment to the deadly attacks which have shaken the peacefulness of modern times. “With Voldemort returning, we have everything to fear. But they have already suffered,” says Arthur Weasley, a MOM official, “they have experienced a pain we have not. One can only hope that an end to these attacks is found swiftly.” More investigations are being done into the tragedies in Spain. Recent fallout from the attacks has had a significant impact on international politics and alliances, but hope remains that the disputes will be resolved, ensuring the war on terror will be an international effort that will bring a swift end to such tragedy and despair. ****The writers at the Quibbler would like to extend their sympathies to the people of Spain for the recent terrorist attacks which occurred on March 11th. Our hopes and prayers are with you as you work through a difficult and confusing time*** |