Harry Potter Timeline: From Hogwarts to the Final Battle

Eleven moments that explain how the story got to Harry: from the founding of Hogwarts, a thousand years ago, to the battle that closed the second wizarding war.

~982 AD
Founding of Hogwarts
Godric Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff, Rowena Ravenclaw and Salazar Slytherin found the greatest school of magic. Slytherin creates the Chamber of Secrets before his departure.
~13th Century
The Tale of the Three Brothers
The Peverell brothers — Antioch, Cadmus, and Ignotus — reportedly receive the three Deathly Hallows from Death itself. The legend of the unbeatable wand begins.
1689
The International Statute of Secrecy
Wizardkind goes into hiding from the Muggle world. The International Confederation of Wizards establishes the global law that shapes the entire modern wizarding world.
1926
Birth of Tom Marvolo Riddle
Born in a Muggle orphanage on December 31. Son of Merope Gaunt and Tom Riddle Sr. His mother dies shortly after birth. He will grow up to become Lord Voldemort.
1945
Dumbledore defeats Grindelwald
Albus Dumbledore defeats Gellert Grindelwald — his former friend and greatest dark wizard of the era — in a legendary duel. He wins the Elder Wand.
1970s
The First Wizarding War
Voldemort rises to power, spreading terror across Britain. The Order of the Phoenix, led by Dumbledore, stands against him. Countless lives are lost on both sides.
October 31, 1981
The Night Everything Changed
Voldemort murders James and Lily Potter in Godric's Hollow. His killing curse rebounds off infant Harry, destroying Voldemort's body. Harry becomes the Boy Who Lived. The first war ends.
1991
Harry Enters Hogwarts
Harry Potter begins his first year at Hogwarts, sorted into Gryffindor. He meets Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. The Philosopher's Stone is threatened by Quirrell — possessed by Voldemort.
1994
The Triwizard Tournament
Hogwarts hosts the legendary tournament for the first time in centuries. Cedric Diggory and Harry are both selected. The tournament ends with Cedric's death and Voldemort's return to full power.
1997–1998
The Second Wizarding War
Voldemort seizes control of the Ministry of Magic and Hogwarts. Harry, Ron and Hermione hunt the remaining Horcruxes. The Battle of Hogwarts ends the war. Voldemort is finally destroyed.
May 2, 1998
The Battle of Hogwarts
The final confrontation. Fifty members of the Order and Dumbledore's Army fall defending Hogwarts. Harry sacrifices himself, destroying the Horcrux within him. Neville kills Nagini. Voldemort is defeated forever.