The 1970s
Events of this decade:
The 1970s - OverviewThe Years of TerrorDuring the 1970s, Voldemort began to gather followers who were eager for a share of his power. The closest followers of Voldemort were known as the Death Eaters. These years got progressively more dangerous and violent. As Voldemort's influence grew, some witches and wizards were controlled by the Imperius Curse and forced to commit atrocities, including the torture and murder of Muggles. Voldemort capitalized on the prejudice and distrust between the giants and the Wizarding World; the giants became Voldemort's followers and killed and tortured many people. The Dark Mark is used by Death Eaters to indicate a house where they have committed murder. No one dared to become friendly with strange witches and wizards, not knowing if they were Voldemort supporters. Hogwarts became one of the few safe places in the Wizarding World. Bartemius Crouch is head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement; the Aurors are authorized to use drastic methods not differing greatly from the tactics used by the Death Eaters they fight
The [Moose Jaw Meteorites] are threatened with disbandmentThis step is finally taken because of their habit of celebrating a victory by flying over villages trailing sparks from their brooms.(QA8)
c. 1970 (Y-10)
Remus Lupin is accepted to begin his first year at HogwartsIt is arranged that he will go to the Shrieking Shack every month when he transforms into a werewolf. The Shrieking Shack then becomes known as the most haunted building in Britain.(PA18)
The Whomping Willow is planted at HogwartsIt conceals the entrance to a secret passage to the Shrieking Shack. It is planted here so that when Lupin arrives as a student, he can be taken to the Shrieking Shack once a month when he transforms into a werewolf.This is based on Lupin's birthyear.
(PA18)
Remus Lupin's friends discover he is a werewolf, explaining his monthly disappearancesJames Potter, Sirius Black, and Peter Pettigrew then resolve to learn how to become Animagi to help Remus out, though it will be several years until they master the magic required."It took them the best part of three years to work out how to do it.... Finally, in our fifth year, they managed it."
(PA18)
September 1
The Marauders start at HogwartsSirius Black, Remus Lupin, Peter Pettigrew, James Potter, Lily Evans, and Severus Snape start their first year at Hogwarts; all are sorted into Gryffindor except Snape, who is made a Slytherin
From OP28, we know that Snape, Black, Lupin, Pettigrew, and Potter were all in the same year.
For more on the year, see [Marauders' birth year explained]
original artwork © [Jeannine Delleré], used by permission
The Marauders start at HogwartsSirius Black, Remus Lupin, Peter Pettigrew, James Potter, Lily Evans, and Severus Snape start their first year at Hogwarts; all are sorted into Gryffindor except Snape, who is made a Slytherin From OP28, we know that Snape, Black, Lupin, Pettigrew, and Potter were all in the same year.
For more on the year, see [Marauders' birth year explained]
original artwork © [Jeannine Delleré], used by permission
1970 (Y-10) AD = 89 MM = 45 TR = 44 RH = 42 M = 12 BW = 0
Lord Voldemort rises to powerWith his band of Death Eaters, Voldemort's first reign of terror begins. His ascent to power is marked by strange disappearances.This comes from [Dumbledore]'s statement in PS1 that "we've had precious little to celebrate for eleven years." At that time it is November, 1981. Though we don't know exactly how Voldemort's ascent to power happened, it is probably safe to assume that it somehow took a big leap in 1970.
[Myron Wagtail], lead singer of the [Weird Sisters], is born (fw)November 29
Bill Weasley is bornDetermined from Rowling's statement on her website that Bill is two years older than Charlie, who is three years older than Percy.
We know that Charlie was born December 12 two years later - 1972 [[Y-8]]. They will have started school, however, the year they turned 12.
(JKR)
Bill Weasley is bornDetermined from Rowling's statement on her website that Bill is two years older than Charlie, who is three years older than Percy.
We know that Charlie was born December 12 two years later - 1972 [[Y-8]]. They will have started school, however, the year they turned 12.(JKR)
1971 (Y-9) AD = 90 MM = 46 TR = 45 RH = 43 M = 13 BW = 1
In the Muggle world:
[Jo Rowling] meets Ian and Vicki PotterPeter Rowling moved his family to the from Chipping Sodbury to the nearby town of Winterbourne. During the family's residence in Winterbourne, Jo and Di Rowling were friends with neighborhood children, Ian and Vikki Potter.
[Jo Rowling] meets Ian and Vicki PotterPeter Rowling moved his family to the from Chipping Sodbury to the nearby town of Winterbourne. During the family's residence in Winterbourne, Jo and Di Rowling were friends with neighborhood children, Ian and Vikki Potter.
1972 (Y-8) AD = 91 MM = 47 TR = 46 RH = 44 M = 14 BW = 2 CW = 0
The [Chudley Cannons] adopt a new mottoThe [Quidditch] team famous for its 80 years of futility changes its motto from "We shall conquer!" to "Let's all just keep our fingers crossed and hope for the best."(QA7)
[Muggles Who Notice], by [Blenheim Stalk], is published (FB)December 12
Charlie Weasley is bornDetermined from [Rowling]'s statement on her website that Bill is two years older than Charlie, who is three years older than Percy; the actual month and day are also from Jo's site
(JKR)
Charlie Weasley is bornDetermined from [Rowling]'s statement on her website that Bill is two years older than Charlie, who is three years older than Percy; the actual month and day are also from Jo's site(JKR)
c. 1973 (Y-7)
Nymphadora Tonks is bornWe know this because in August 1995 [[Y15]], Tonks tells Harry she's only one year out of [Auror] training (OP3). Since this training takes three years (OP29), she must have finished school in 1991 - putting her date of birth in 1972 or 1973 [[Y-8] or [Y-7]], and putting her in the same class at Hogwarts as Charlie Weasley.
1973 (Y-7) AD = 92 MM = 48 TR = 47 RH = 45 M = 15 BW = 3 CW = 1
[Hesper Starkey] dies (fw) [Janus Thickey] pretends to be killed by a LethifoldHe leaves a note behind for his distraught wife, only to turn up some time later living with the [landlady of the Green Dragon].(FB)
Charis Black Crouch dies at age 54 (BFT)
[Harvey Ridgebit], founder of the largest dragon sanctuary in Romania, diesc. 1974 (Y-6)
Sirius Black runs away from home and is disowned by his familyHe subsequently goes to live with James Potter and his parents, who treat Sirius as a second son.Sirius says in OP6 that ran away from home when he was about sixteen.
(OP6)
The Marauders finally learn the complex spells necessary to become AnimagiSirius Black, James Potter, and Peter Pettigrew then begin to accompany Remus Lupin when he transforms into a werewolf, affecting his ability to maintain some semblence of humanity during his otherwise terrible transformations.(PA18)
1974 (Y-6) AD = 93 MM = 49 TR = 48 RH = 46 M = 16 BW = 4 CW = 2
[Herman Wintringham], lute player for the [Weird Sisters], is born (fw) [Knight Bus] conductor [Stan Shunpike] is born (HBP10)
c. 1975 (Y-5)
Mundungus Fletcher is banned from the [Hog's Head] (OP17)
June
James Potter publicly humiliates Severus Snape for Sirius Black's amusementThis happens on the afternoon of their Defence Against the Dark Arts [O.W.L.], a scene which Harry views in a Pensieve some twenty-two years later.
(OP28)
James Potter publicly humiliates Severus Snape for Sirius Black's amusementThis happens on the afternoon of their Defence Against the Dark Arts [O.W.L.], a scene which Harry views in a Pensieve some twenty-two years later.(OP28)
September
Sirius Black plays a fateful practical joke on Severus SnapeSnape is intensely curious about where Remus Lupin goes each month. Sirius jokingly suggests that Snape follow Lupin through the passage beneath the Whomping Willow. James Potter, realizing that Snape would encounter a full-blown and very dangerous werewolf at the end of the passage, stops Snape from going through, thereby waving his life. Snape, much to his disgust, is indebted to James because of this.
(PA18)
Sirius Black plays a fateful practical joke on Severus SnapeSnape is intensely curious about where Remus Lupin goes each month. Sirius jokingly suggests that Snape follow Lupin through the passage beneath the Whomping Willow. James Potter, realizing that Snape would encounter a full-blown and very dangerous werewolf at the end of the passage, stops Snape from going through, thereby waving his life. Snape, much to his disgust, is indebted to James because of this.(PA18)
The Marauder's Map is writtenSirius Black, Remus Lupin, Peter Pettigrew, and James Potter explore the castle and grounds in their Animagus forms and learn more about the secrets of the place than anyone, even Filch. They then create the Marauder's Map, signing it with their nicknames: Moony (Lupin), Wormtail (Pettigrew), Padfoot (Sirius), and Prongs (James).We don't know exactly when this happened, but it was around the beginning of the Marauders' sixth year.
(PA18)
1975 (Y-5) AD = 94 MM = 50 TR = 49 RH = 47 M = 17 BW = 5 CW = 3
c. 1976 (Y-4)
[Oliver Wood] is bornWe know [Wood] was probably born in 1976 [[Y-4]] because he was four years above Harry, who was born in 1980 [[Y0]]. It's also possible he was born in 1975 [[Y-5]].
(PS9)
(PS9)
1976 (Y-4) AD = 95 MM = 51 TR = 50 RH = 48 M = 18 BW = 6 CW = 4 PW = 0
[Weird Sisters] drummer [Orsino Thruston] is born (fw)August 22
Percy Weasley is bornWe know the day from Jo's website, and can determine the year based on the fact that Percy is four years above Harry at school.
(JKR)
Percy Weasley is bornWe know the day from Jo's website, and can determine the year based on the fact that Percy is four years above Harry at school.(JKR)
c. 1977 (Y-3)
June
The Marauders sit their [N.E.W.T.s] and leave HogwartsSirius Black, Lily Evans, Remus Lupin, Peter Pettigrew, James Potter, and Severus Snape sit their N.E.W.T.s and leave Hogwarts.
Deduced from their birth years.
The Marauders sit their [N.E.W.T.s] and leave HogwartsSirius Black, Lily Evans, Remus Lupin, Peter Pettigrew, James Potter, and Severus Snape sit their N.E.W.T.s and leave Hogwarts.Deduced from their birth years.
1977 (Y-3) AD = 96 MM = 52 TR = 51 RH = 49 M = 19 BW = 7 CW = 5 PW = 1
Dorea Black Potter dies (BFT)
circa September
Cedric Diggory is bornCedric is a fifth-year in PA, which takes place in 1993-1994 [[Y13]-[Y14]]. In GF, then, he's a sixth year student, but he's old enough to participate in the Triwizard Tournament, just like Angelina Johnson. Like her, his birthday must be in the early fall, between the beginning of school and October 31.
(GF16)
Cedric Diggory is bornCedric is a fifth-year in PA, which takes place in 1993-1994 [[Y13]-[Y14]]. In GF, then, he's a sixth year student, but he's old enough to participate in the Triwizard Tournament, just like Angelina Johnson. Like her, his birthday must be in the early fall, between the beginning of school and October 31.(GF16)
late October
[Angelina Johnson] is bornOn October 31, 1994 [[Y14]], [Angelina] says her seventeenth birthday was "last week." This puts her date of birth sometime in late October, 1977 [[Y-3]].
(GF16)
[Angelina Johnson] is bornOn October 31, 1994 [[Y14]], [Angelina] says her seventeenth birthday was "last week." This puts her date of birth sometime in late October, 1977 [[Y-3]].
(GF16)
c. 1978 (Y-2)
Lily Evans and James Potter are marriedSirius Black is their best man.
We don't know exactly when this happened, except that it was sometime between James and Lily leaving Hogwarts (c. 1977 [[Y-3]]) and Harry's birth (July 1980 [[Y0]]). Though, Molly Weasley tells us in HBP5 that couples at this time were getting married very quickly, so it's likely James and Lily were married in 1977 or 1978 [[Y-3] or [Y-2]].
For more on their ages, see [Marauders' birth year explained].
We don't know exactly when this happened, except that it was sometime between James and Lily leaving Hogwarts (c. 1977 [[Y-3]]) and Harry's birth (July 1980 [[Y0]]). Though, Molly Weasley tells us in HBP5 that couples at this time were getting married very quickly, so it's likely James and Lily were married in 1977 or 1978 [[Y-3] or [Y-2]].
For more on their ages, see [Marauders' birth year explained].
1978 (Y-2) AD = 97 MM = 53 TR = 52 RH = 50 M = 20 BW = 8 CW = 6 PW = 2 FGW = 0
Universal Brooms Ltd. goes out of businessThey were most well known as the producers of the Shooting Star broomstick.(QA9)
April 1
Fred and George Weasley are bornTheir date of birth is given on Jo's website, and the year can be deduced from the fact that they are two years ahead of Harry in school, among other reasons.
Fred and George Weasley are bornTheir date of birth is given on Jo's website, and the year can be deduced from the fact that they are two years ahead of Harry in school, among other reasons.c. 1979 (Y-1)
Cho Chang is bornWe know Cho was a year above Harry, so she was born sometime between September 1978 [[Y-2]] and August 1979 [[Y-1]].(PA13)
1979 (Y-1) AD = 98 MM = 54 TR = 53 RH = 51 M = 21 BW = 9 CW = 7 PW = 3 FGW = 1 HG = 0
Peter Pettigrew starts passing information to Voldemort[Dumbledore] and his allies begin to realize that there is a spy in their midst but Peter is not suspected."DON'T LIE!" bellowed Black. "YOU'D BEEN PASSING INFORMATION TO HIM FOR A YEAR BEFORE LILY AND JAMES DIED! YOU WERE HIS SPY!"
(PA19)
Regulus Black attempts to back out of being a Death Eater and is killed on Voldemort's orders (OP6, HBP6)We don't know exactly what events led up to the death of Regulus Black, although fan speculation is running wild that he might be the infamous R.A.B.(BFT)
[Newt Scamander] is awarded the [Order of Merlin], Second ClassHe receives the honor for his contributions to the field of Magizoology(FB)
September 1
Gwenog Jones starts her first year at HogwartsShe soon becomes a favorite of Horace Slughorn, the Potions Master
(HBP6)
Gwenog Jones starts her first year at HogwartsShe soon becomes a favorite of Horace Slughorn, the Potions Master(HBP6)
The 1980s
Events of this decade:
c. 1980 (Y0)
[Albus Dumbledore] interviews Sibyll Trelawney for the post of Divination teacher at HogwartsHe meets her at the [Hog's Head] about taking the position, although he is disinclined to continue offering Divination at all. Trelawney then makes a [prophecy] about a baby who will be born at the end of July, a baby who will be able to defeat the Dark Lord - and the prophecy is overheard by Severus Snape. Though [Dumbledore] claims Snape heard only the first half of the [prophecy] (OP37), Trelawney later reports that he was there at the end of it as well (HBP25).This interview had to have taken place sometime after July of 1979 in order for it to apply to Harry's birth in 1980 [[Y0]], and [Dumbledore] describes it as a "cold, wet night" (OP37). So it was likely made in the winter or early spring of 1979-1980 [[Y-1]-[Y0]].
We also know that Trelawney, in early September of 1995 [[Y15]], claimed she had held her post for "nearly sixteen years" (OP15), which would imply that she was hired in the middle of a school year. And then, [Dumbledore] says in June of 1996 [[Y16]] that the interview was "sixteen years ago" (OP37). So unless [Dumbledore] is wrong, the interview must have been in the first few months of 1980 [[Y0]] - sixteen years before [Dumbledore]'s statement, a slightly exaggerated 'nearly sixteen years' before Trelawney's, and during the time of year most likely to have a "cold, wet night."
1980 (Y0) AD = 99 MM = 55 TR = 54 RH = 52 M = 22 BW = 10 CW = 8 PW = 4 FGW = 2 HG = 1 H&R = 0
[Igor Karkaroff] is captured by Mad-Eye Moody and sent to [Azkaban]His apprehension is followed shortly thereafter by that of Antonin Dolohov, who had worked with [Karkaroff] when they were both Death Eaters. It had taken Moody six months to track him down.It is stated in [Karkaroff]'s scene in the Pensieve that he was apprehended just before [Rosier]'s death.
(GF30)
[Rosier] and [Wilkes], both known Death Eaters, are killed by [Aurors] (GF27)In the battle for his capture, [Evan Rosier] takes off a piece of Mad-Eye Moody's nose (GF30).We know from Sirius Black that this happened "the year before Voldemort fell" (GF27).
[Ernie Macmillan] is bornAlong with many other students of Harry's year, although some, like Hermione, would have been born in 1979 [[Y-1]].
We know Ernie was born in 1980 because he, Harry, and Draco Malfoy are the only students who are not yet old enough to [Apparate] on the day of the test in HBP22.
We know Ernie was born in 1980 because he, Harry, and Draco Malfoy are the only students who are not yet old enough to [Apparate] on the day of the test in HBP22.
June 23
[Dudley Dursley] is bornHow do we know when [Dudley]'s birthday is? Well, we know that Harry's is July 31. A week before his birthday in 1991 [[Y11]], on July 24, Harry begins getting letters from Hogwarts. At this point, Harry is given [Dudley]'s second bedroom, where he discovers Dudley's "month-old" video camera, broken (PS3). That camera was given to Dudley for a birthday present (PS2) on Dudley's birthday, which must therefore be about a month before July 24.
No, wait, there's more. We know that in the year Harry turned 11, Harry's birthday was on a Tuesday (PS3) and [Dudley]'s was on a Saturday (PS2). Counting back a month from Tuesday, July 24, we find that the nearest Saturday is the 23rd. So regardless of the year in which this is taking place, Dudley's birthday is almost certainly on June 23.
[Dudley Dursley] is bornHow do we know when [Dudley]'s birthday is? Well, we know that Harry's is July 31. A week before his birthday in 1991 [[Y11]], on July 24, Harry begins getting letters from Hogwarts. At this point, Harry is given [Dudley]'s second bedroom, where he discovers Dudley's "month-old" video camera, broken (PS3). That camera was given to Dudley for a birthday present (PS2) on Dudley's birthday, which must therefore be about a month before July 24.
No, wait, there's more. We know that in the year Harry turned 11, Harry's birthday was on a Tuesday (PS3) and [Dudley]'s was on a Saturday (PS2). Counting back a month from Tuesday, July 24, we find that the nearest Saturday is the 23rd. So regardless of the year in which this is taking place, Dudley's birthday is almost certainly on June 23.
July 31
Harry Potter is bornSirius Black becomes his godfather.
original artwork © [Clio Chiang], used by permission
(PS2)
Harry Potter is bornSirius Black becomes his godfather.original artwork © [Clio Chiang], used by permission
(PS2)
1981 (Y1) AD = 100 MM = 56 TR = 55 RH = 53 M = 23 BW = 11 CW = 9 PW = 5 FGW = 3 HG = 2 H&R = 1 GW = 0
Famous theoretician [Adalbert Waffling] dies (fw)circa September
Severus Snape is hired by [Dumbledore] to teach Potions at HogwartsSnape had applied for the post of Defence Against the Dark Arts, but [Dumbledore] refused.
In October of 1995 [[Y15]], Snape told [Umbridge] that he had been teaching at Hogwarts for 14 years, but unlike McGonagall, he did not specify the month (OP17). He later says that he took up the post on Voldemort's orders (HBP2), so it's almost certain he began teaching at the start of the school year.
Severus Snape is hired by [Dumbledore] to teach Potions at HogwartsSnape had applied for the post of Defence Against the Dark Arts, but [Dumbledore] refused.In October of 1995 [[Y15]], Snape told [Umbridge] that he had been teaching at Hogwarts for 14 years, but unlike McGonagall, he did not specify the month (OP17). He later says that he took up the post on Voldemort's orders (HBP2), so it's almost certain he began teaching at the start of the school year.
circa October 24
The [Fidelius Charm] is cast to hide the Potters, with Peter Pettigrew acting as Secret Keeper[Dumbledore] had offered to be secret keeper, but James and Lily had refused, planning to go with Sirius Black instead - but switching to Pettigrew at the last minute.
Fudge says that the [Fidelius Charm] was cast "barely a week" before Voldemort came after the Potters.
(PA10)
The [Fidelius Charm] is cast to hide the Potters, with Peter Pettigrew acting as Secret Keeper[Dumbledore] had offered to be secret keeper, but James and Lily had refused, planning to go with Sirius Black instead - but switching to Pettigrew at the last minute.Fudge says that the [Fidelius Charm] was cast "barely a week" before Voldemort came after the Potters.
(PA10)
October 31
Defeat of Voldemort; James and Lily Potter are killedVoldemort attempts to kill Harry Potter after murdering his parents, but the spell rebounds onto him.
Voldemort, nearly dead and without physical form, retreats into the forests of Albania where he possess the bodies of various animals to survive for the next decade, waiting. Hagrid, on [Dumbledore]'s orders, goes to [Godric's Hollow] to rescue baby Harry from the ruins of the house.
(PS1)
Defeat of Voldemort; James and Lily Potter are killedVoldemort attempts to kill Harry Potter after murdering his parents, but the spell rebounds onto him. Voldemort, nearly dead and without physical form, retreats into the forests of Albania where he possess the bodies of various animals to survive for the next decade, waiting. Hagrid, on [Dumbledore]'s orders, goes to [Godric's Hollow] to rescue baby Harry from the ruins of the house.
(PS1)
circa November 1
Peter Pettigrew fakes his own death, killing twelve Muggles in the processSirius Black is arrested and at some point in the next few weeks is sent to [Azkaban] without a trial. He is 22 years old.
It's about 90% certain this happened on November 1, but it's also possible it was November 2.
(PA10)
Peter Pettigrew fakes his own death, killing twelve Muggles in the processSirius Black is arrested and at some point in the next few weeks is sent to [Azkaban] without a trial. He is 22 years old.It's about 90% certain this happened on November 1, but it's also possible it was November 2.
(PA10)
late November 1
Hagrid delivers baby Harry to [Dumbledore][Dumbledore] is waiting in Privet Drive to leave the baby with the [Dursleys].
but there are [twenty-four hours missing] from the chronology of events of these two days...
(PS1)
Hagrid delivers baby Harry to [Dumbledore][Dumbledore] is waiting in Privet Drive to leave the baby with the [Dursleys].but there are [twenty-four hours missing] from the chronology of events of these two days...
(PS1)
after November 1
Sirius Black is framed for the murders of Peter Pettigrew and twelve Muggles on November 1, 1981He is sent by [Bartemius Crouch Sr.] to [Azkaban] without a trial.
This almost certainly happened immediately following Sirius's capture on November 1, but we have no way of knowing for sure.
(GF27)
Sirius Black is framed for the murders of Peter Pettigrew and twelve Muggles on November 1, 1981He is sent by [Bartemius Crouch Sr.] to [Azkaban] without a trial.This almost certainly happened immediately following Sirius's capture on November 1, but we have no way of knowing for sure.
(GF27)
circa December
Bellatrix, [Rodolphus], and [Rabastan] Lestrange, along with [Bartemius Crouch Jr.], are arrestedThey are charged with using the [Cruciatus Curse] on Frank and Alice Longbottom in an attempt to discover the whereabouts of Voldemort; all of the accused are convicted and sent to [Azkaban]. Frank and Alice Longbottom are committed to [St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries], driven permanently insane from the [Cruciatus Curse].
We know that this happened shortly after Voldemort's downfall, as [Dumbledore] says it was "just when everyone thought they were safe." They likely happened sometime between November 1981 [[Y1]] and very early 1982 [[Y2]].
(GF30)
Bellatrix, [Rodolphus], and [Rabastan] Lestrange, along with [Bartemius Crouch Jr.], are arrestedThey are charged with using the [Cruciatus Curse] on Frank and Alice Longbottom in an attempt to discover the whereabouts of Voldemort; all of the accused are convicted and sent to [Azkaban]. Frank and Alice Longbottom are committed to [St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries], driven permanently insane from the [Cruciatus Curse].We know that this happened shortly after Voldemort's downfall, as [Dumbledore] says it was "just when everyone thought they were safe." They likely happened sometime between November 1981 [[Y1]] and very early 1982 [[Y2]].
(GF30)
after 1981 (Y1)
In disguise as a rat, Peter Pettigrew becomes a pet of Percy WeasleyHe chooses Percy, a member of a solid wizarding family, in order to stay aware of what was going on in the magical world and perhaps hear word of his former master, Voldemort.(PA18)
