Description
The Battle of Hogwarts was the final and most devastating battle of the Second Wizarding War, fought at Hogwarts on May 2, 1998. Harry Potter, having spent months hunting and destroying Voldemort’s Horcruxes, returned to the castle to find and destroy the remaining ones. The Order of the Phoenix, Dumbledore’s Army, Hogwarts staff and students, and many other allies rallied to defend the school against Voldemort and his Death Eaters. The battle ended with Voldemort’s final defeat when his own Killing Curse rebounded upon him.
Timeline
- 1997-1998 - Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger hunt and destroy Horcruxes across Britain, working from clues left by Albus Dumbledore before his death.
- May 1, 1998 - Harry, Ron, and Hermione arrive at Hogwarts via Hogsmeade after learning that a Horcrux is hidden within the castle. The Order of the Phoenix and other allies are summoned to defend the school.
- May 2, 1998 (Night) - Voldemort’s forces, including Death Eaters, giants, Dementors, and Acromantulas, lay siege to Hogwarts. Defenders erect magical protections around the castle. Alecto and Amycus Carrow are tied up before the battle begins, having already been subdued.
- May 2, 1998 (Battle) - Heavy fighting throughout the castle and grounds. Fred Weasley is killed by Augustus Rookwood in an explosion. Remus Lupin is killed by Antonin Dolohov. Nymphadora Tonks is killed by Bellatrix Lestrange. Colin Creevey and many others fall defending the school.
- May 2, 1998 (Harry’s Sacrifice) - Harry Potter discovers he carries a fragment of Voldemort’s soul and willingly walks into the Forbidden Forest to face death. Voldemort strikes him with the Killing Curse, destroying the Horcrux within Harry, but Harry survives and returns to fight.
- May 2, 1998 (Final Stand) - Neville Longbottom slays Nagini with the Sword of Gryffindor, destroying the final Horcrux. Molly Weasley kills Bellatrix Lestrange in a duel. Harry Potter confronts Voldemort in the Great Hall, where Voldemort’s Killing Curse rebounds and kills him once and for all.
- Post-Battle - Kingsley Shacklebolt is appointed Minister of Magic. Death Eaters are captured and sentenced. Augustus Rookwood, Antonin Dolohov, Fenrir Greyback, Corban Yaxley (defeated by George Weasley and Lee Jordan), Walden McNair (launched across a room by Hagrid), and Alecto and Amycus Carrow are all sentenced to life in Azkaban. Dolores Umbridge is arrested and sentenced to life in Azkaban for her persecution of Muggle-borns through the Muggle-Born Registration Commission.
- Every Year - The anniversary of the Battle of Hogwarts is honored at Hogwarts in remembrance of those who gave their lives.