Edited 3/2/2022

Chapter Fifteen, End of the War

The night before the end of term feast a large battle was taking place between Dumbledore, the Aurors, and the Order of the Phoenix against the Dark Lord Voldemort and his Death Eaters. A battle that the occupants of Hogwarts and the rest of the Wizarding World wouldn't find out until the following morning; when emergency morning copies of the Daily Prophet flooded to everyone in the Wizarding World, even to those in other countries. As everyone was sitting down to breakfast all over the globe owls flooded to Hogwarts, to Wizarding Homes, to other Ministries around the world, and even to students and staff in other Magical Schools. All of them bringing them a copy of the Daily Prophet; that had a rather shocking and excitable headline.

'BREAKING NEWS: He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named is Dead!! The Wizarding War is finally over!

Last night at precisely 10:20pm on June 20th, a ferocious battle took place in Cornwall, England. A battle between Dark and Light: the British Aurors, Albus Dumbledore, and his Order of the Phoenix against Voldemort and his Death Eaters. No one knows for sure how long the battle lasted for, or how Voldemort suddenly became human. (Speculation has been going round that the now once Dark Lord, was something less than you human and could not die). But we at the Daily Prophet are thankful for whoever, or whatever caused You-Know-Who to become human once again, as it allowed Albus Dumbledore to deal the fatal blow that killed the most feared wizard of all time, since Gerllert Grindelwald, ending the war once and for all.

The Death Eaters that had been in attendance at the battle (those that survived), have all been rounded up, and sent to Azkaban prison after being tried under Veritaserum, in an all-night Trial. Trials that only finished at five am this morning. It is troubling dear readers, that so many of our young population chose to follow in their parents or friends footsteps. Hopefully the newer generation and the generation left behind, will be much wiser than some of this one.

I also have to announce that thankfully the casualties are quite low all things considered: a few Aurors and Order members are in St Mungo's being treated for their injuries but there were only two casualties; Podrick Jacobs and Emille De Lan. Jacobs, a long standing Auror at the Ministry of Magic and De Lan, a long standing Order member, thoughts and condolences go out to their family, as well as being awarded Order of Merlin First Class and £1000 Galleon prize for their families; for their part in bringing the downfall of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. Although this cannot bring them back, we hope this may aid them in what lies ahead and comfort them knowing they are war heroes and their names will be added to a new statue in the Ministry's Atrium.

On to other serious news dear readers. Due to the trials that ran all night it was discovered several supposed Death Eaters were in fact under the Imperius Curse, and are now staying in a locked ward at St Mungo's for treatment in removing the Dark Mark and seeing a Mind Healer for their long period under an Unforgivable and having their magic leached by said Dark Mark. I assure you dear readers, that all those who were sent to Azkaban were given a fair and just trial under the Truth Serum, and those found guilty were sent to Azkaban if they chose to join the Death Eater ranks, those who were coerced in anyway are now under extensive treatment of a Mind Healer.

We celebrate and applaud all those who fought against You-Know-Who and his Death Eaters, and they have all been awarded Order of Merlin First Class for their heroic deeds and their services to Wizarding World. I have no doubt that celebrations will take place as soon as Hogwarts and other Wizarding Schools let out for the summer. Albus Dumbledore who has now defeated two Dark Wizards has been awarded Order of Merlin First Class and will be overseeing laws that pass in future to make sure this does not happen again. We at the Daily Prophet hope that the Ministry listens and that Albus Dumbledore is successful with this endeavour.'

All of the students in the Great Hall stood up and applauded their Headmaster and their Professors as they have no doubt that some if not all of them fought in the battle as well, causing an embarrassed smile to appear on their faces.
"Thank you." Dumbledore said, as he stood from his golden chair. "We must take this and learn from it, segregating between the houses was one of the main reasons for this war. As the Muggle saying goes: 'you treat someone like they're evil they become what you make them'.

I hope you all reflect on this saying, and after the summer holidays we all come back with fresh minds and a better outlook on House Unity between all four Houses. With this War over I sincerely hope we can all move on to a better and brighter future for all, no matter blood status, or whether we are part creatures. This is that I will also interrogate the Ministry. We must all lead by example if we do not want history to repeat itself for a third time. After all; it is not our abilities that show what we truly are, it is our choices. Just something to think about." Dumbledore said, to another round of applause.

As everyone was enjoying the feast and celebrating not only the end to another school year, but the end of the Wizarding War with the Darkest Dark Lord since Grindelwald; they all thought over what Dumbledore had said and swore they would do better from now on. Some even went over to the Slytherin table and introduced themselves, as it was proven that the Death Eaters did not only come from Slytherin as there were a number of students missing from each House. Two such beings are: Peter Pettigrew, and surprisingly Lily Evans. Both who were from Gryffindor. They had all seriously misjudged the Slytherin House and if they did not want a third repeat of a Wizarding War based on lies, they must do better. After all, they did set examples to the new students that arrived every September.

"Did you have something to do with this, Josie?" Remus asked shrewdly, as they trooped back up to Gryffindor Tower to change out of their school robes and into clothes to travel home in and to make sure they had everything packed before the Hogwarts Express left Hogsmeade station at 11 0'clock.
"What do you mean?" Josie asked nonchalantly, intertwining her fingers with Sirius's.
"Your visions had been getting worse all year despite your necklace." James pointed out, cottoning on to what Remus was getting at.
"You can tell us anything, love." Sirius assured, squeezing her hand comfortingly. "I was surprised at Evans not being here, which I guess made her one of the Death Eaters. I wonder if she joined of her own free will or not." Sirius mused. The rest shrugged as they may never know.

Josie sighed as she knew she wasn't getting away with it.
"Those visions I had in the summer. Well, I had one more I didn't tell you about. It was about Voldemort having these Horcruxes, five of them, that made him essentially immortal. I wrote to Dumbledore about it and when I had visions of where they were Dumbledore would find and destroy them. I wanted it done before we left for the summer, I couldn't bear it if you four, Pandora or Regulus died so I strained myself harder to find the last two."
"Which is another reason why you collapsed." Marlene realised, clutching Remus's hand tightly as Josie nodded.
"You shouldn't have worked yourself so hard." James moaned, pulling his sister into his arms and making them all stop. Thankfully they were at the back of the group heading towards the Tower, so no one could overhear their conversation.

"I'm glad it's over but never, never at your expense." James said, kissing sister's forehead. "Love you Josie."
"Love you too Jamie. I couldn't lose my other half." Josie whispered into his chest.
"And I can't lose my other half." James argued, hugging her tightly. "Just promise me you'll never work yourself that hard again."
"I promise but I am working on a secret project with Dad, which we've finally made some headway on." Josie said with a secretive and happy smile.
"Just don't overwork yourself." James sighed.
"Anyway, are you looking forward to officially being betrothed to Pandora, James? And going on holiday?" Marlene asked, causing a giddy smile to appear on James's face making them all laugh.

Remus smiled happily at Marlene he couldn't believe he found a woman who accepted him as he is, werewolf and all. He couldn't wait to find a perfect ring for her. He'd have to ask Monty to accompany him, James and Sirius. His life has really turned out for the better, ever since meeting the Potter twins that first year on the train and he couldn't be happier.