Chapter 8, Year 4, Part 1: Gellert Grindelwald and the news
REVOLUTION OR WAR?: Gellert Grindelwald sighted in Belgium
By: Melissa Breckshaw
Gellert Grindelwald, aged 28, was sighted in Brussels, Belgium. Grindelwald, becoming well-known for his views on Muggle-Wizard relations, was seen entering the house of the Belgian Minister of Magic, Ivan Coppens. Presumed to be discussing Muggle-Wizard communications (as Coppens is famous for his vocal abuse to the Muggle population), the locals quickly called Ministry Aurors. Although Grindelwald was gone, the Minister refused to give details of the meeting, stating that 'it is matters concerning only for those who are concerned for the greater good.'
What could this mean? Grindelwald, who attended Durmstrang, was expelled for the practice of Dark Arts. This, along with his now-familiar views causes the Wizarding population to be filled with concern. Does this mean war? Who is he targeting? Is anyone safe? We don't know these answers yet, but if Grindelwald continues to make stops at official's homes, we shall be able to gather more answers. Until next time, everyone be on guard
Lyra threw down the newspaper onto the kitchen table. "Well, it looks like the world's going downhill." she said
Her mother looked up from the gardening book she was reading (One Thousand Ways to Make the Biggest Use of Your Garden.) "What do you mean, Ly?"
"Apparently some bloke named Grindelwald is becoming famous. Something about Muggles and Wizards."
Kathleen's eyes widened. "Really? What's it say?"
"Not much, just that he was sighted in Belgium, entering Ivan Coppen's house- the Minister of Magic for Belgium" she added, seeing her mother's confused look "I've seen him in the news once or twice before- he and Professor Dumbledore actually knew each other, but had a fight at Godric's Hollow, which is how Grindelwald became famous."
"Did anyone die?" the older woman asked
"I don't really remember. I think someone's death was the cause of the fight, though. I don't know why you'd want to write an article about a Dark Wizard when you don't have all the facts."
"Well, it's good to know what he's up to. I haven't heard of him before, but he sounds dangerous." He would, considering she was Muggleborn.
"Do you think he'll become more active?" Lyra asked
Her mother pursed her lips "I'm not sure, maybe, but I hope not."
On September 1st, Lyra boarded the train for her Fourth Year. She'd had a growth spurt that summer, as she assumed most people in their year had had, but it was still nice to be mistaken for her mother, whom she took after in everything except her eyes (she had her father's.) Her father was busy at work, as usual. She didn't know why his Department (of Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures) kept him so busy, but he'd always been a workaholic.
As usual, she lugged her trunk through the train's corridor, looking for Newt (and Leta, but she'd prefer to find the former.) She knew she needn't have looked for them, since they were in their usual compartment in the back of the train. Newt helped her lift her trunk onto the luggage rack, and the three of them began talking about their summers. Leta had gone to Belgium this summer, to visit one of her parent's friends. Newt and Lyra had stayed at home.
"Have you heard about Grindelwald?" Lyra asked
Newt nodded. "I read about him over the break."
Leta seemed to stiffen a little. "So what? He hasn't done anything."
"Not yet," Lyra retorted "but he could. I don't really know what to think of him. Both of my parents come from Muggles, so it puts their families at risk if he does anything."
"And he was seen talking to the Belgian governor, who's known from his hatred of them." Newt put in, looking concerned for his friend
Leta rolled her eyes "I don't think there will be a problem. After all, your family isn't very active in the Wizarding world."
Lyra looked annoyed. Leta made it sound like that was a bad thing.
"Can't you two ever get along?" asked Newt, exasperated by the girls' hostility towards each other.
That shut them both up for awhile, as Newt rarely expressed his annoyance about their relationship
The year got off to a rocky start, since their discussion of Grindelwald. Professor Dumbledore was acting tense and rather strange, not being as friendly as usual. Professor Banks was still the strict Potions Master they were used to, students were becoming stressed already despite it only being the beginning of the year.
A/N: Not my best finish, and I tried to write an article, although I don't know how well I did :) (Melissa Breckshaw will be a less-harsh Rita Skeeter) Grindelwald will become more obvious as time goes on, just FYI. Next chapter is Newt's perspective on Theseus, Lyra, and Leta. I'm going to try and stick as close to the few details we have about the first and third people as possible...
