HPL: Timeline

The 18th century
Events of this century:

[Quidditch] is introduced to [Australia]The introduction of the game comes possibly from [New Zealand] and possibly from [European] influences.
(QA8)

The game of [Quodpot] is created by [American] wizard [Abraham Peasegood] (QA8)

1703 (Y-277)

[Edgar Stroulger], inventor of the [Sneakoscope], is born (fw)

1709 (Y-271)

The Warlocks' Convention outlaws [dragon] breedingoriginal artwork by [Mary GrandPrÈ] © Warner Bros., used by permission
(PS14)

1711 (Y-269)

[Quaffles] are first colored red during a particularly muddy winter (QA6)

1720 (Y-260)

[Gondoline Oliphant], [troll] expert, is born (fw)

1722 (Y-258)

[Dilys Derwent] starts her career as a [St. Mungo's] [Healer] (OP22)

1729 (Y-251)

[Elladora Ketteridge], discoverer of the properties of [Gillyweed], dies (fw)

1741 (Y-239)

[Dilys Derwent] becomes headmistress of [Hogwarts School]In doing so she leaves her previous job as a [Healer] at [St. Mungo's Hospital].
(OP22)

1742 (Y-238)

[Glover Hipworth], inventor of [Pepperup Potion], is born (fw)

[Herbology] specialist [Beaumont Marjoribanks] is born (fw)

1743 (Y-237)

[Honoria Nutcombe], founder of the [Society for the Reformation of Hags], dies (fw)

1749 (Y-231)

The [Statute of Secrecy] is breachedThe international agreement is breached in an incident involving [vampires]. Legislation follows to make another such breach less likely. There was a question about this incident on [Harry]'s [History of Magic] [O.W.L.] exam.
(OP31)

1750 (Y-230)

The [Department of Magical Games and Sports] is established (QA6)

The [International Code of Wizarding Secrecy] is amendedClause 73 is added to the code, making it the responsibility of each nation's Ministry of Magic to work to conceal the [magical creatures] living within their borders.
(FB)

[Gulliver Pokeby], expert on magical [birds], is born (fw)

Famous wizard entertainer [Xavier Rastrick] is born (fw)

1754 (Y-226)

[Artemisia Lufkin], the first witch to become [Minister for Magic], is bornThis is an interesting claim, since we know [Elfrida Clagg] was the Chieftainess of the [Wizards' Council] (the precursor to the [Ministry of Magic]) some four hundred years previously. Maybe everyone just forgot about her by now, or [Lufkin] is just the first female to hold this specific title.
(fw)

1761 (Y-219)

[Glanmore Peakes], slayer of the [sea serpent] of [Cromer], dies (fw)

1762 (Y-218)

The extremely dangerous [Scottish] game of [Creaothceann] is outlawed (QA2)

1768 (Y-212)

[Dilys Derwent] retires as headmistress of [Hogwarts] (OP22)

1769 (Y-211)

[Lord Stoddard Withers], breeder of [flying horses], dies (fw)

1770 (Y-210)

[Grogan Stump], a very popular [Minister for Magic], is born (fw)

1782 (Y-198)

[Flavius Belby] survives a [Lethifold] attackThe attack comes while he is while holidaying in [Papua New Guinea].
(FB)

1791 (Y-189)

[Flavius Belby], the only known survivor of a [Lethifold] attack, dies (fw)

1792 (Y-188)

[Triwizard Tournament] disasterThe heads of [Hogwarts], [Beauxbatons], and [Durmstrang] all are injured when, during a [Triwizard Tournament] event, a [cockatrice] goes on a rampage.
(GF15)

1794 (Y-186)

[Beatrix Bloxam], author of [Toadstool Tales], is born (fw)

The first reported sighting of an [Acromantula] is recorded, presumably in [Borneo] (FB)

1795 (Y-185)

[Crispin Cronk], keeper of illegal [sphinxes], is born (fw)

1798 (Y-182)

[Sneakoscope] inventor [Edgar Stroulger] dies (fw)

1799 (Y-181)

[Gondoline Oliphant] is clubbed to death by [trolls]She was sketching in the [Cotswolds] at the time.
(fw)

A [Ukranian Ironbelly dragon] carries off a Muggle sailing shipFortunately there was no one aboard the ship at the time.
(FB)

The 19th century
Events of this century:

early 1800s
[Shrake] createdAfter being insulted by a group of Muggle fisherfolk, a group of wizards create a new magical fish, the [Shrake]. It is entirely covered with spines, intended to rip the nets of the Muggles.
(FB)

1802 (Y-178)

A [Norwegian Ridgeback dragon] (supposedly) carries off a whale calfThis is according to an unsubstantiated report off the coast of [Norway].
(FB)

1803 (Y-177)

[Dungbomb] inventor [Alberic Grunnion] is born (fw)

1805 (Y-175)

[Glover Hipworth], inventor of [Pepperup Potion], dies (fw)

1810 (Y-170)

[Beatrix Bloxam] diesThe author of [Toadstool Tales] was only sixteen years old.
(fw)

1811 (Y-169)

[Grogan Stump] is appointed [Minister for Magic]He soon comes up with several important improvements to the governance of the Wizarding World, including a workable definition of "Beast" and "Being" and a special division for [ghosts] in the [Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures].
(FB)

1812 (Y-168)

[Dorcas Wellbeloved], founder of the [Society for Distressed Witches], is born (fw)

1820 (Y-160)

[Elliot Smethwyk] invents the [Cushioning Charm] for flying [broomsticks]. (QA9)

1823 (Y-157)

[love potions] inventor [Laverne de Montmorency] is born (fw)

1824 (Y-156)

[Why I Didn't Die When the Augurey Cried], is publishedThe book was written by [Gulliver Pokeby] and published by [Little Red Books].
(FB)

1825 (Y-155)

[Artemisia Lufkin], first witch to become [Minister for Magic], dies (fw)

1829 (Y-151)

[Leopoldina Smethwyck] is bornShe later becomes the first witch to referee a [Quidditch] match.
The similarity of names and the year of her birth suggest that [Leopoldina] may be the daughter of [Elliot Smethwyck].
(fw)

1836 (Y-144)

[Xavier Rastrick] vanishesThe famous wizard entertainer vanishes unexpectedly while tap dancing to a crowd of 300 in [Painswick] and is never seen again.
(fw)

1839 (Y-141)

[Gulliver Pokeby], expert on magical [birds], dies (fw)

[Mirabella Plunkett] is bornShe later becomes famous for falling in love with a [merman] while vacationing near [Loch Lomond].
(fw)

c. 1844 (Y-136)

[Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore] is bornJKR said in an interview that [Dumbledore] was 150 years old. Using that information, we can determine the year in which he was born by subtracting 150 years. The trick, of course, is knowing what year to subtract 150 from. If we assume that Rowling was saying that [Dumbledore] was 150 years old at that point in the stories, which was summer of 1994 [[Y14]], then he was born in 1994-150, which is 1844 [[Y-136]], according to the official timeline.

original artwork © 2001 [Alice Wack], used by permission
(BN)

1845 (Y-135)

[Herbology] specialist [Beaumont Marjoribanks] dies (fw)

[Sirius Black], older sibling of [Phineas Nigellus Black], is bornThis is not the [Sirius Black] that is [Harry]'s godfather, but rather one of his ancestors.
(fw)

1847 (Y-133)

[Phineas Nigellus Black] is born (fw)

1850 (Y-130)

[Goblin] rights pioneer [Oswald Beamish] is born (fw)

[Elladora Black], sister of [Phineas Nigellus Black], is born (fw)

1853 (Y-127)

[Sirius Black], older sibling of [Phineas Nigellus Black], dies at a very young age (fw)

c. 1855 (Y-125)

[Albus Dumbledore] starts at [Hogwarts]He is sorted into [Gryffindor].
Determined by adding eleven years to [Dumbledore]'s birthyear
(BN)

1862 (Y-118)

[Justus Pilliwickle], celebrated head of the [Department of Magical Law Enforcement], is born (fw)

circa June
[Albus Dumbledore] sits his [N.E.W.T.s]He is examined by [Griselda Marchbanks], who later says that he did things with a wand she'd never seen before
(OP31)

1872 (Y-108)

[Idris Oakby] is born (JKR)

Illegal [sphinx] keeper [Crispin Cronk] dies (fw)

1874 (Y-106)

[Sacharissa Tugwood], inventor of [Beautifying Potions], is born (fw)

1875 (Y-105)

[Gripping Charms] are discovered, revolutionizing the design of the [Quaffle] (QA6)

1877 (Y-103)

[Sirius Black], son of [Phineas Nigellus Black], is bornThis is the second Sirius in the [Black] family line, and might have been named for [Phineas]'s brother who died at a very young age. It is not the [Sirius Black] that we know to be [Harry]'s godfather.
(fw)

1879 (Y-101)

The [Oakshaft 79] broom is introducedIt is produced by [Elias Grimstone] of [Portsmouth].
(QA8)

1881 (Y-99) AD = 0

[Hesper Starkey], who studied the use of moon phases in [potion] making, is born (fw)

[Harvey Ridgebit], famous Dragonologist, is born

1882 (Y-98) AD = 1

[Dungbomb] inventor [Alberic Grunnion] dies (fw)

1883 (Y-97) AD = 2

Hoops replace baskets as [Quidditch] goals (QA6)

1884 (Y-96) AD = 3

[Grogan Stump], very popular [Minister for Magic], dies (fw)

A [Snitch] escapes during a [Quidditch] gameThe [Snitch] evades capture on [Bodmin Moor]; some say it is still out there somewhere, living wild on the moor
(QA6)

"[Stooging]" is outlawed in [Quidditch]This happens with the introduction of the rule that only one [Chaser] at a time may be within the scoring area
(QA6)

Arcturus Black, son of [Phineas Nigellus Black], is born (BFT)

1886 (Y-94) AD = 5

[Belvina Black], only daughter of [Phineas Nigellus], is bornShe marries [Herbert Burke] and has two sons and a daughter.
(BFT)

1888 (Y-92) AD = 7

[Norvel Twonk], famous for saving a Muggle child from a [manticore], is bornNorvel Twonk, famous for saving a Muggle child from a manticore, is born
(fw)

1889 (Y-91) AD = 8

Famous [Seeker] [Roderick Plumpton] is born (fw)

[Cygnus Black], youngest son of [Phineas Nigellus Black], is born (fw)

1892 (Y-88) AD = 11

The [Chudley Cannons] win the Cup in the [British and Irish Quidditch League]This is the last Cup the [Cannons] have won; they are currently in the midst of a 100+ year losing streak.
(QA7)

1893 (Y-87) AD = 12

[Laverne de Montmorency], inventor of [love potions], dies (fw)

1894 (Y-86) AD = 13

Celebrated [Seer] [Cassandra Vablatsky] is born (fw)

Shooting arrows into the air to celebrate an [Appleby Arrows] goal is bannedThe tradition is banned after [Nugent Potts], a referee, is pierced through the nose by an arrow
(QA7)

1897 (Y-83) AD = 16

[Newt Scamander], author of [Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them], is born (FB)

1899 (Y-81) AD = 18

[Adalbert Waffling], magical theoretician, is born (fw)

The 1900s
Events of this decade:

early 1900s
The [Tutshill Tornados] win five consecutive [British and Irish Quidditch League] titlesThey are captained to all five by the famous [Roderick Plumpton].
(QA7)

1900 (Y-80) AD = 19

[Perpetua Fancourt], inventor of the [lunascope], is born (fw)

1901 (Y-79) AD = 20

[Gladys Boothby] invents the [Moontrimmer] broom (QA9)

[Arcturus Black], grandfather of [Sirius] and [Regulus], is born (BFT)

1902 (Y-78) AD = 21

The "Wizarding Suite" is banned from performancesDuring a performance of the famous unfinished piece by [Musidora Barkwith], its trademark exploding tuba blows the roof off of the [Ackerly Town Hall], and the piece is subsequently banned from performance.
(fw)

1903 (Y-77) AD = 22

[Roland Kegg] is bornHe is known for being the president of the [English] [Gobstones] team.
(fw)

[Tilly Toke], hero of the [Ilfracombe] Incident of 1932, is born (fw)

1904 (Y-76) AD = 23

[Dorcas Wellbeloved], founder of the [Society for Distressed Witches], dies (fw)

[Lycoris Black] is born (BFT)

1906 (Y-74) AD = 25

Regulus Black is bornThis is not [Sirius Black]'s brother [Regulus], but rather a great uncle to both of them.
(BFT)

1907 (Y-73) AD = 26

[Merope Gaunt] is born to [Marvolo Gaunt] and an unknown, [pure-blood] motherWe know her birth year because at the end of 1925 [[Y-55]], when she plots to marry Tom Riddle, she is eighteen years old.
(HBP13)

The 1910s

1910 (Y-70) AD = 29

[Quidditch] referree [Leopoldina Smethwyck] dies (fw)

1911 (Y-69) AD = 30

Famous [Chaser] [Joscelind Wadcock] is bornShe would become known for her play with the [Puddlemere United].
(fw)

1912 (Y-68) AD = 31

Comedian and famously purple wizard [Derwent Shimpling] is born (fw)

[Pollux Black] is bornHe is the grandfather of [Sirius], [Regulus], [Bellatrix], [Narcissa], and [Andromeda Black].
(BFT)

1915 (Y-65) AD = 34

[Cassiopeia Black] is born (BFT)

[Jocunda Sykes] is bornShe later becomes the first person to cross the [Atlantic] on a [broomstick].
(fw)

[Callidora Black Longbottom] is bornCallidora is still alive today. Any relation to [Neville] is unknown.
(BFT)

1917 (Y-63) AD = 36

In the Muggle world:
[Frank Bryce] is bornFrank was about to celebrate his 77th birthday at the beginning of [GF], which is 1994 [[Y14]]. He was born, then, 77 years before this, which is 1917 [[Y-63]].
(GF1)

[Celestina Warbeck], the "Singing Sorceress," is born (fw)

1918 (Y-62) AD = 37

[Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them] is commissioned[Augustus Worme] of [Obscurus Books] commissions the young [Newt Scamander] to write a guide of magical [beasts]. The result is [Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them], first published in 1927, a book which has since gone into 52 editions.
(FB)

1919 (Y-61) AD = 38

[Charis Black Crouch] is born (BFT)

The 1920s

1920 (Y-60) AD = 39

[Dorea Black Potter], wife of [Charlus Potter], is bornThis is unlikely to be [James Potter]'s mother, as [Rowling] has told us that James's mother was old in wizarding terms when she died - and [Dorea] only lived to be 57. Also, [James]'s parents took in [Sirius Black] after he ran away from home, and therefore would almost certainly have been blasted off the [Black Family Tree].
(BFT)

1921 (Y-59) AD = 40

Famous spell book writer [Miranda Goshawk] is born (fw)

[Snitch] record set[Roderick Plumpton] of the [Tutshill Tornados] makes the fastest-ever capture of the [Snitch]: three and a half seconds, in a match against the [Caerphilly Catapaults].
(QA7)

1922 (Y-58) AD = 41

[Carlotta Pinkstone], famous for wanting to lift the [Statute of Secrecy], is born (fw)

c. 1925 (Y-55)

October 4
[Minerva McGonagall] is born[JKR] said in [Sch2] that [McGonagall] was "a sprightly 70" years old. Using that information, we can determine the year in which she was born by subtracting 70 years. As with [Dumbledore]'s birthyear, the trick, of course, is knowing what year to subtract that 70 years from. If we assume that Rowling was saying that [McGonagall] was 70 years old at that point in the stories, which was summer of 1995 [[Y15]], then she was born in [Y-55] ([Y15] minus 70 years). According to the official timeline, [Y-55] is 1925. Interestingly, that would make [McGonagall] a contemporary of [Tom Marvolo Riddle] at [Hogwarts]...

October 4 comes from [JKR].

original artwork © 2001 [Laura Freeman], used by permission

1925 (Y-55) AD = 44 MM = 0

[Sirius Black]'s mother, [Walburga], is born (BFT)

[Lucretia Black Prewett] is bornThis is almost certainly not [Molly Weasley]'s mother, as this would make [Molly] and [Sirius] cousins - not "cousins by marriage" as [Sirius] describes ([OP6]). More likely is that [Ignatius Prewett], who married [Lucretia], is [Molly]'s uncle.
(BFT)

[Phineas Nigellus Black] dies ([BFT])He is the least popular Heamaster [Hogwarts] ever had, at least according to his great-great-grandson, [Sirius] ([OP6]).

circa September
[Bob Ogden] visits the [Gaunt house] on a routine follow-upThere he encounters the irate [Marvolo Gaunt] who, along with his son [Morfin], refuse to admit [Morfin] has done anything wrong. When [Bob Ogden] steps in to stop them injuring Morfin's sister, [Merope], he is driven from the house. He returns later with reinforcements, and [Marvolo] and [Morfin] are each sent to [Azkaban].
This happens "a few months" before [Merope] marries Tom Riddle.
(HBP10)

circa December
[Merope Gaunt] fools Tom Riddle into marrying herShe most likely does so by giving him a [love potion].
[Dumbledore] says that [Merope] and Riddle were married about a year before [Tom Marvolo Riddle] was born, on December 31, 1926 [[Y-54]].
(HBP10)

1926 (Y-54) AD = 45 MM = 1 TR = 0

[Bob, Bill, and Barnaby Ollerton] start the [Cleansweep Broom Company]Their first broom, the [Cleansweep One], revolutionizes the game of [Quidditch].
(QA9)

circa March
[Marvolo Gaunt] returns from [Azkaban] to find [Merope] goneHe had been given a six-month sentence. Forced to live alone, he withers away and dies sometime within the next two and a half years.
(HBP10)

circa March 31
[Merope Gaunt] gets pregnant with [Tom Marvolo Riddle]Her husband, [Tom Riddle], leaves her very soon afterward - [Dumbledore] suspects because she stops giving him [love potion].
The date is deduced from being nine months before [Voldemort]'s birth date. We know Riddle leaves her soon afterward because they were only married for "a few months."
(HBP10)

December
[Merope Gaunt] sells [Slytherin's locket] to [Borgin and Burkes]Pregnant and desperate for money, she has no idea what it's worth and is only given ten [Galleons] for it. The [locket] is later sold to [Hepzibah Smith].
According to [Caractacus Burke], this happened "just before Christmas."
(HBP13)

late December 31
[Tom Marvolo Riddle] is bornHe is born in a Muggle [orphanage] to a witch mother, [Merope Gaunt], and Muggle father, [Tom Riddle]. His mother [Merope] dies an hour later, living just long enough to name her son after his father, Tom, and her father, [Marvolo Gaunt] ([HBP13]). She is nineteen years old.

The older [Tom Riddle] had previously left [Merope] when he realized that she was a witch ([HBP10]), and the child is raised in the [orphanage] ([HBP13]).

[Tom Marvolo Riddle] said that he was sixteen years old at the time of [Hagrid]'s expulsion from [Hogwarts] ([CS17]). [Hagrid] was expelled in his third year, which was fifty years ago from June of 1993 [[Y13]]. Tom was therefore 16 in 1943 [[Y-37]] - meaning his sixteenth birthday was New Year's Eve, 1942 [[Y-38]], and his date of birth was in 1926 [[Y-54]]. However, according to the official timeline ([CS/DVD]), [Hagrid]'s expulsion was in June of 1942, not 1943, which means that [Hagrid]'s expulsion from Hogwarts was actually fifty-ONE years before June of 1993 [[Y13]]. Riddle was 16, then, in June of 1942 [[Y-38]], and therefore was born in 1925 [[Y-55]]. Either date may be considered correct. However, since the Lexicon follows what is directly given in the books over other sources, the dates in this timeline are derived from a literal interpretation of fifty years.

New Year's Eve is given in [HBP13]. Depending on exactly when [Merope Gaunt] arrived at the orphanage, Tom may have been born on New Year's Eve or just after midnight, on New Year's Day. Since the book says New Year's Eve, however, that's what we go with here.

1927 (Y-53) AD = 46 MM = 2 TR = 1

[Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them] is first published (FB)

1928 (Y-52) AD = 47 MM = 3 TR = 2 RH = 0

circa September
[Morfin Gaunt] returns from [Azkaban]He returns after a three-year sentence to find both his father and sister, [Marvolo] and [Merope], dead. He lives alone in the [Gaunt house] for many years, until [Tom Riddle] returns and frames him for murdering the [Riddle family].
(HBP10)

December 6
[Rubeus Hagrid] is bornHe is born to a human father and [Fridwulfa], a [giantess].

1929 (Y-51) AD = 48 MM = 4 TR = 3 RH = 1

[Randolph Keitch] and [Basil Horton] found the [Comet Trading Company]Their first model is the [Comet 140].
(QA9)

Cygnus Black, father of [Bellatrix], [Narcissa], and [Andromeda], is born (BFT)

[Orion Black], father of [Sirius] and [Regulus], is born (BFT)

October
The stock market crashes in the [U.S.], beginning the Great Depression

The 1930s

c. 1931 (Y-49)

[Fridwulfa] abandons [Hagrid] and his father, her human family"Course, I can' remember her too well... she left, see. When I was abou' three. She wasn' really the maternal sort."
(GF34)

1931 (Y-49) AD = 50 MM = 6 TR = 5 RH = 3

[Elladora Black], younger sister of [Phineas Nigellus], diesShe is 81 years old.
(BFT)

1932 (Y-48) AD = 51 MM = 7 TR = 6 RH = 4

The [Ilfracombe] Incident

Great Britain | Ilfracombe

A rogue [Welsh Green dragon] descends on a beach full of Muggle holidaymakers ([FB]). [Tilly Toke] and her family happen to be there ([fw]), and her family casts the largest Mass [Memory Charm] of this century on all the Muggles of [Ilfracombe]. She is later awarded the [Order of Merlin] First Class for her quick action ([FB]). The Muggles later remember nothing of the incident, with the exception of an old fellow known as [Dodgy Dirk], who still claims that a "dirty great flying lizard" attacked him on the beach. People think he's crazy, of course ([fw]).
(FB)

The [Appleby Arrows]' finest hourIn what is considered by many fans to be the team's finest hour, the [Appleby Arrows] defeat the [Vrasta Vultures] in a [Quidditch] match that lasts sixteen days.
(QA7)

1934 (Y-46) AD = 53 MM = 9 TR = 8 RH = 6

The [Cleansweep Two] is released (QA9)

1935 (Y-45) AD = 54 MM = 10 TR = 9 RH = 7

[Jocunda Sykes] crosses the [Atlantic] by [broom]Riding an [Oakshaft 79], she becomes the first witch or wizard in history to accomplish the feat.
(QA9)

[Goblin] rights pioneer [Oswald Beamish] dies (fw)

[Bertie Bott], inventor of [Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans], is born (fw)

c. 1937 (Y-43)

September 1
[Minerva McGonagall] starts her first year at [Hogwarts] ([Sch2])She is subsequently sorted into [Gryffindor] ([JKR]).
We know this because [Rowling] has stated on her [website] that Heads of Houses were members of those Houses when they were students at [Hogwarts].

1937 (Y-43) AD = 56 MM = 12 TR = 11 RH = 9

The [Cleansweep Three] is released (QA9)

1938 (Y-42) AD = 57 MM = 13 TR = 12 RH = 10

The [Comet 180] is released (QA9)

before September
[Dumbledore] visits [Tom Riddle] in the [orphanage] and offers him a place at [Hogwarts] (HBP13)

September 1
[Tom Marvolo Riddle] starts his first year at [Hogwarts] and is sorted into [Slytherin][Minerva McGonagall] is starting her second year.
This is based on [Riddle]'s birthday of New Year's Eve, 1926 [[Y-54]].

1939 (Y-41) AD = 58 MM = 14 TR = 13 RH = 11

circa September
[Tom Riddle] learns about the [Chamber of Secrets] and decides to find and open itHe is in his second year at [Hogwarts].
(CS17)

The 1940s
Events of this decade:

early 1940s
[Albus Dumbledore] is the [Transfiguration] teacher at [Hogwarts][Armando Dippet] is the Headmaster.
We don't know exactly when [Dumbledore] took the [Transfiguration] post (except that it was before 1938 [[Y-42]]), but we do know that he taught [Transfiguration] while [Tom Marvolo Riddle] was a student ([HBP13], [HBP20]).

early 1940s
[Frank Bryce] returns from fighting in World War Two.He "had a hard war," according to the barkeep at the pub in [Little Hangleton]. He was wounded and walks with a limp. He takes up as gardener for the Riddles and avoids people for the most part.
[Bryce] came home quite a few years before the end of the war in 1945, undoubtedly because he was wounded.
(GF1)

1940 (Y-40) AD = 59 MM = 15 TR = 14 RH = 12

The [Tinderblast] [broom] is released by [Ellerby and Spudmore] of the [Black Forest] (QA9)

September 1
[Rubeus Hagrid] starts his first year at [Hogwarts] and is sorted into [Gryffindor]His birthday is December 6 ([JKR]), so he turns 12 a couple of months after starting [Hogwarts].

Meanwhile, [Tom Riddle] is starting his third year, and [Minerva McGonagall] her fourth.
The year is based on [Hagrid]'s birthdate of December 6, 1928 [[Y-52]].

c. 1941 (Y-39)

[Hagrid] acquires an [Acromantula] egg and hatches [Aragog] in a [Hogwarts] cupboard"I was not born in the castle. I come from a distant land. A traveler gave me to [Hagrid] when I was an egg. [Hagrid] was only a boy, but he cared for me, hidden in a cupboard in the castle, feeding me on scraps from the table."
This happened somewhere between [Hagrid] starting at [Hogwarts] in the fall of 1940, and his expulsion in the spring of 1943.
(CS)

[Hagrid]'s father dies"Course, I never was great shakes at magic, really... but at least he never saw me expelled. Died, see, in me second year..."
All we know is that [Hagrid]'s father died during his second year, so it's equally possible that his death was in fall of 1941 or spring of 1942.
(GF24)

1941 (Y-39) AD = 60 MM = 16 TR = 15 RH = 13

December 7
Attack on Pearl Harbor

1942 (Y-38) AD = 61 MM = 17 TR = 16 RH = 14

Famous [Montrose Magpies] [Seeker] [Eunice Murray] dies (QA7)

September 1
[Tom Riddle] starts his fifth year at [Hogwarts] and is made a [Prefect] ([CS17])[McGonagall] is starting her sixth year and [Hagrid] his third.
The dates are based on birthdays from 1925-1928 [[Y-55]-[Y-52]].

1943 (Y-37) AD = 62 MM = 18 TR = 17 RH = 15

Cygnus Black, son of [Phineas Nigellus Black], dies at age 54He is the great-grandfather to [Sirius] and [Regulus Black], as well as [Bellatrix], [Narcissa], and [Andromeda Black].
(BFT)

circa May
[Tom Riddle] learns to open the [Chamber of Secrets] and releases the [Basilisk]"It had taken me five whole years to find out everything I could about the Chamber of Secrets and discover the secret entrance."
(CS17)

circa May
[Myrtle], a [Hogwarts] student, dies in a second floor bathroom after seeing the [Basilisk] (CS16)

June 13
[Hagrid] is falsely accused of opening the [Chamber of Secrets]He is so accused because [Tom Riddle] catches him raising an [Acromantula] in the castle.
(CS17)

June 13
[Aragog] the [Acromantula] is released into the [Forbidden Forest] ([CS13])[Hagrid] will later find him a wife, [Mosag], and together they will establish a colony ([CS15]).

after June 13
[Rubeus Hagrid] is expelled from [Hogwarts]He is expelled after being accused of opening the [Chamber of Secrets].
(CS17)

after June 13
[Tom Riddle] is given an [Award for Special Services to the School]He receives it for helping "catch" [Hagrid] and accusing him (falsely) of opening the [Chamber of Secrets] ([CS13], [CS17]).

after June 13
[Hagrid] remains at [Hogwarts] and is trained as gamekeeper, thanks to [Dumbledore]"Only the Transfiguration teacher, [Dumbledore], seemed to think [Hagrid] was innocent. He persuaded Dippet to keep [Hagrid] and train him as gamekeeper."
(CS17)

circa July
[Tom Riddle] commits his first murders: his father and grandparents in their [Little Hangleton] mansionHe first visits his uncle, [Morfin Gaunt], and uses magic to steal [Marvolo]'s ring and frame [Morfin] for the murders of the Muggles in the [Riddle house].

The next day, [Morfin] is taken to [Azkaban], where he remains until his death.
"In the summer of his sixteenth year, he left the [orphanage] to which he returned annually and set off to find his [Gaunt relatives]... Meanwhile, in the village of [Little Hangleton], a maid was running along the high street, screaming that there were three bodies lying in the drawing room of the big house: [Tom Riddle] Senior and his mother and father."
(HBP17)

circa September
[Tom Riddle] meets with [Professor Slughorn] and asks him about [Horcruxes]He is now wearing the ring he stole from his uncle [Morfin] during the summer, and is accompanied by his group of friends which includes [Avery] and [Lestrange].
(HBP23)

circa September
[Tom Marvolo Riddle] creates his first [Horcrux]: the [diary]He uses the recent murders and the knowledge he gained from [Slughorn] to work the Dark Magic required to turn the diary into a [Horcrux] ([HBP23]).
"I knew it wouldn't be safe to open the Chamber again while I was still at school. But I wasn't going to waste those long years I'd spent searching for it. I decided to leave behind a diary, preserving my sixteen-year-old self in its pages, so that one day, with luck, I would be able to lead another in my footsteps, and finish [Salazar Slytherin]'s noble work" ([CS17]).
Tom says that he placed his "sixteen-year-old self" into the diary ([CS17]), so he must have done it in the fall after the summer when he killed the Riddles and before he turned 17 at the end of December. His conversation with [Slughorn] where he learned about [Horcruxes] must have taken place after school started that September, so the timeframe for the creation of the diary Horcrux is between September and December, 1943 [[Y-37]]. All along, Tom realized that [Dumbledore] was watching him closely ([HBP23]).

1944 (Y-36) AD = 63 MM = 19 TR = 18 RH = 16

September 1
[Tom Riddle] begins his seventh year at [Hogwarts] and is made [Head Boy]He is dabbling in the [Dark Arts], having already created a [Horcrux], and some of his closest friends are already referring to him as Lord [Voldemort]; outwardly, however, he is a model student ([CS17], [HBP23]).

1945 (Y-35) AD = 64 MM = 20 TR = 19 RH = 17

[Albus Dumbledore] defeats the dark wizard [Grindelwald] (PS6)

[Devlin Whitehorn], founder of the [Nimbus] Racing Broom company, is born (fw)

circa June
[Tom Riddle] graduates and applies for a job teaching at [Hogwarts]Headmaster [Armando Dippet] turns him down, saying that at eighteen he is too young. He then goes to work for [Borgin and Burkes] instead.
We don't know when this happened exactly, except that it was almost certainly within a few weeks of the end of school. [Riddle] gets the job at [Borgin and Burkes] "the next thing the staff knew," according to [Dumbledore].
(HBP20)

August
World War Two ends

c. 1947 (Y-33)

[Tom Riddle] kills [Hepzibah Smith], framing her [house-elf], [Hokey]After doing so, he steals [Slytherin's locket] and [Hufflepuff's cup] - items he later uses to make [Horcruxes].
We don't know exactly when this happened, but it is probably within a couple of years of [Voldemort]'s leaving [Hogwarts]. It's possible this happened later than 1946 or 1947 [[Y-34] or [Y-33]], but unlikely that it happened sooner.

original artwork © [Makani] 2004, used by permission
(HBP20)

[Tom Marvolo Riddle] disappearsAfter the death of [Hepzibah Smith], [Riddle] vanishes for ten years. He travels far and wide, sinking deeply into the [Dark Arts], consorting with the very worst of wizard-kind. He undergoes so many dangerous, magical transformations that when he resurfaces years later as Lord [Voldemort], he is barely recognizable.
(HBP20)

1947 (Y-33) AD = 66 MM = 22 TR = 21 RH = 19

[Darren O'Hare] begins his illustrious career with the [Kenmare Kestrels]He would go on to play for them until 1960.
(QA7)

[Newt Scamander] creates the [Werewolf Register]He does so while working for the [Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures].
(FB)

[A History of Magic], by [Bathilda Bagshot], is published by [Little Red Books] (FB)

1949 (Y-31) AD = 68 MM = 24 TR = 23 RH = 21

A blue roan [hippocampus] is caught by [merpeople] off the coast of [Scotland], and domesticated (FB)

The 1950s
Events of this decade:

1950-60s - overviewAfter [Tom Riddle] disappeared, twenty years passed and life went on in relative peace and quiet. It is in this time that [Molly] and [Arthur] attend Hogwarts. We don't know the years for sure, but since [Bill] was born in 1971, we can make some general deductions. They probably were students during the 1960s. During these years a number of people were born who would play an important part in the story of [Harry Potter], including [Lucius Malfoy], [Rita Skeeter], and [Bertha Jorkins]...and of course, his parents and their contemporaries.

All this time, [Tom Riddle] was becoming the evil Dark Lord [Voldemort], consorting with the worst of Wizardkind and learning secrets and dark magic that would change him forever from the handsome, talented boy of the 1940s into a twisted, horrible person who would be known as the most evil wizard of his age. One can only imagine that [Dumbledore] kept watch for all those years, waiting and wondering what happened to the boy he knew as [Tom Riddle]...

1951 (Y-29) AD = 70 MM = 26 TR = 25 RH = 23

[Rita Skeeter] is born"Attractive blonde [Rita Skeeter], forty-three, whose savage quill has punctured many inflated reputations..."

This was written in November of 1994 [[Y14]], which would make [Rita]'s birth year 1951 [[Y-29]] on the official time line ([CS/DVD]). Of course, [Rita] could very well have been lying about her age...
(GF18)

[Bellatrix Black] is born (BFT)

1952 (Y-28) AD = 71 MM = 27 TR = 26 RH = 24

The [Swiftstick] broom] is released by [Ellerby and Spudmore] of the [Black Forest] (QA9)

[Quidditch Through the Ages] is published by [WhizzHard Books]The book has undergone a number of revisions since that time, of course.
(QA)

Sirius Black, son of [Phineas Nigellus Black], dies at age 75 (BFT)

1953 (Y-27) AD = 72 MM = 28 TR = 27 RH = 25

Celebrated [Magical Law Enforcement] head [Justus Pilliwickle] dies (fw)

One of the finest [Quidditch] games ever seenThe [Holyhead Harpies] defeat the [Heidelberg Harriers] in what is widely agreed to be one of the finest [Quidditch] games ever seen. The game lasted for seven days, at the end of which Harriers captain [Rudolf Brand] proposed marriage to the captain of the Harpies, [Gwendolyn Morgan]. She hit him with her [broom].
(QA7)

1954 (Y-26) AD = 73 MM = 29 TR = 28 RH = 26

[Lucius Malfoy] is born"...said Mr [Lucius Malfoy], 41, speaking from his [Wiltshire] mansion last night..."

He was born 41 years before 1995 [[Y15]], which would be 1954 [[Y-26]].
(OP15)

1955 (Y-25) AD = 74 MM = 30 TR = 29 RH = 27

[Narcissa Black] is born (BFT)

[Universal Brooms Ltd.] introduces the [Shooting Star] [broomstick] (QA9)

c. 1956 (Y-24)

[Albus Dumbledore] becomes Headmaster of [Hogwarts School]According to [PA18], [Dumbledore] apparently became headmaster shortly before [Lupin] came to Hogwarts - which would be sometime around 1969. However, text from [OP] and [HBP] has since strongly suggested that he actually became headmaster in 1956 [[Y-24]].
(PA18)

[Bertha Jorkins] is born"Listen, I knew [Bertha Jorkins]," said [Sirius] grimly. "She was at [Hogwarts] when I was, a few years above your dad and me."
(GF27)

1956 (Y-24) AD = 75 MM = 31 TR = 30 RH = 28

The [Caerphilly Catapaults] defeat the [Karasjok Kites] to win the [European Cup] (QA7)

December
[Minerva McGonagall] begins teaching at [Hogwarts]"How long have you been teaching at Hogwarts?" Professor Umbridge asked.
"Thirty-nine years this December," said [Professor McGonagall] brusquely, snapping her bag shut."
She started teaching 39 years before the December of 1995 [[Y15]], so it was 1956 [[Y-24]] on the official timeline ([CS/DVD]).
(OP15)

c. 1957 (Y-23)

[Voldemort] resurfaces and applies to teach [Defence Against the Dark Arts]Ten years after the death of [Hepzibah Smith], [Voldemort] returns to [Hogwarts], where [Dumbledore] refuses to grant him a teaching job. He then curses the [Defence Against the Dark Arts] position, and since that day, no professor has stayed for more than one year in that post.
Again we don't know exactly when this happened, but since most evidence points to [Dumbledore] becoming headmaster in 1956 [[Y-24]], [Voldemort] couldn't have come looking for a job much sooner than this.
(HBP20)

1957 (Y-23) AD = 76 MM = 32 TR = 31 RH = 29

[Sturgis Podmore] is born"[Sturgis Podmore], 38, of [number two, Laburnum Gardens], [Clapham]..."

So he was born 38 years before 1995 [[Y15]]. This corresponds to 1957 [[Y-23]] on the official timeline. That means he's my age... ([SVA])
(OP14)

[Norvel Twonk] dies saving a Muggle child from a runaway [manticore] (fw)

[Hamish MacFarlan] becomes captain of the [Montrose Magpies]He will hold that position until 1968.
(QA7)

1958 (Y-22) AD = 77 MM = 33 TR = 32 RH = 30 M = 0

World-famous [Beaters] [Kevin and Karl Broadmoor] join the [Falmouth Falcons]The brothers are known for being particularly violent; they will stay with the team until 1969.
(QA7)

c. 1959 (Y-21)

[James Potter] is born[James] could also have been born in 1957 or 1958 - see [Marauders' birth year explained].

[Lily Evans] is born[Lily] could also have been born in 1957 or 1958 - see [Marauders' birth year explained].

[Sirius Black] is born[Sirius] could also have been born in 1957 or 1958 - see [Marauders' birth year explained].

[Peter Pettigrew] is born[Pettigrew] could also have been born in 1957 or 1958 - see [Marauders' birth year explained].

January 9
[Severus Snape] is born[Snape's birth year explained]

March 10
[Remus Lupin] is bornWe know March 10 from [JKR].
For more on the year, see [Marauders' birth year explained].

1959 (Y-21) AD = 78 MM = 34 TR = 33 RH = 31 M = 1

[Gaspard Shingleton], inventor of the [self-stirring cauldron], is born (fw)

Regulus Black diesThis is not [Sirius Black]'s brother [Regulus], but rather a great uncle to both of them.
(BFT)

Arcturus Black, youngest son of [Phineas Nigellus Black], dies at age 75 (BFT)

The 1960s
Events of this decade:

early 1960s
[Remus Lupin], as a small boy, is bitten by the [werewolf] [Fenrir Greyback] (HBP16)

[Magnus "Dent-Head" Macdonald] tries to reintroduce [Creaothceann], to no avail(which is probably a good thing)
(QA2)

[Catriona McCormack] is Captain and [Chaser] for the [Pride of Portree]They win the league twice under her leadership
(QA7)

1960 (Y-20) AD = 79 MM = 35 TR = 34 RH = 32 M = 2

[Greta Catchlove], author of [Charm Your Own Cheese], is born (fw)

1961 (Y-19) AD = 80 MM = 36 TR = 35 RH = 33 M = 3

[Regulus Black] is born (BFT)

c. 1962 (Y-18)

[Bartemius Crouch Jr.] is born[Crouch Jr.] was imprisoned for taking part in the torture of [Frank and Alice Longbottom], which we know from [GF30] happened shortly after [Voldemort]'s downfall - in late 1981 [[Y1]] or early 1982 [[Y2]]. [Sirius] estimates in [GF27] that {Crouch Jr.] was nineteen at the time - placing his birth year most likely in 1962 [[Y-18]].

1962 (Y-18) AD = 81 MM = 37 TR = 36 RH = 34 M = 4

[Belvina Black] dies at age 76 (BFT)

1963 (Y-17) AD = 82 MM = 38 TR = 37 RH = 35 M = 5

[The Philosophy of the Mundane: Why Muggles Prefer Not to Know] is publishedThe book, written by [Professor Mordicus Egg], is published by [Dust and Mildewe].
(FB)

1965 (Y-15) AD = 84 MM = 40 TR = 39 RH = 37 M = 7

The [Ban on Experimental Breeding] is passed (FB)

[Lycoris Black] dies at age 61 (BFT)

July 31
[Jo Rowling] is born (JKR)

September 1
[Lucius Malfoy] starts his first year at [Hogwarts] and is sorted into [Slytherin]This follows from his birth date in 1954 [[Y-26]] ([OP15]). We know he was sorted into [Slytherin] thanks to [Draco], who told us so in [PS5].

1966 (Y-14) AD = 85 MM = 41 TR = 40 RH = 38 M = 8

[Beautifying Potions] inventor [Sacharissa Tugwood] dies (fw)

1967 (Y-13) AD = 86 MM = 42 TR = 41 RH = 39 M = 9

The [Nimbus Racing Broom Company] is foundedThe company's first release is the [Nimbus 1000].
(QA9)

1968 (Y-12) AD = 87 MM = 43 TR = 42 RH = 40 M = 10

[Gwenog Jones], famous Captain and [Beater] for the [Holyhead Harpies], is born (fw)

[Dunbar Oglethorpe], Chief of [Q.U.A.B.B.L.E.], is born (fw)

[Hamish MacFarlan] becomes Head of the [Department of Magical Games and Sports] (QA7)

September 1
[Sturgis Podmore] starts his first year at [Hogwarts]This follows from his birthday in 1957 [[Y-23]].

c. 1969 (Y-11)

[Arthur Weasley] and [Molly Prewett] elope and quickly get marriedAs [Voldemort] is becoming more powerful and life becomes more uncertain in the Wizarding World, many young couples, facing the uncertainty, get married quickly.
(HBP5)

The 1970s
Events of this decade:

The 1970s - OverviewThe Years of Terror
During 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)

late 1970s
A rogue [Antipodean Opaleye dragon] kills several kangaroos in [Australia] (FB)

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)

1971 (Y-9) AD = 90 MM = 46 TR = 45 RH = 43 M = 13 BW = 1

[Remus Lupin] is accepted to begin his first year at [Hogwarts]It 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 [Hogwarts]It 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)

[Kirley Duke], lead guitarist of the [Weird Sisters], is born (fw)

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.

c. September 1
The [Marauders] start at [Hogwarts][Sirius 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 DellerÈ], used by permission

late 1971
[Remus Lupin]'s friends discover he is a [werewolf], explaining his monthly disappearances[James 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)

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)

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 [Lethifold]He leaves a note behind for his distraught wife, only to turn up some time later living with the [landlady of the Green Dragon].
(FB)

[Harvey Ridgebit], founder of the largest dragon sanctuary in Romania, dies

[Charis Black Crouch] dies at age 54 (BFT)

c. 1974 (Y-6)

[Remus Lupin], at the start of his fifth year, becomes a [Hogwarts] [Prefect] (OP9)

[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 [Animagi][Sirius 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

[Heathcote Barbary], rhythm guitarist for the [Weird Sisters], is born (fw)

[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)

September
[Sirius Black] plays a fateful practical joke on [Severus Snape][Snape] 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 written[Sirius 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

[Weird Sisters] bagpipe player [Gideon Crumb] is born (fw)

[Hairy Snout, Human Heart], by an anonymous author, is published by [WhizzHard Books] (FB)

c. 1976 (Y-4)

[James Potter] and [Lily Evans] are made [Head Boy] and [Head Girl] of [Hogwarts] (PS4)

[Sirius Black] sees his cousin [Bellatrix] for the last time - until they're both in [Azkaban] (OP6)

[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)

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)

c. 1977 (Y-3)

June
The [Marauders] sit their [N.E.W.T.s] and leave [Hogwarts][Sirius 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.

September
[Sirius Black] gets his own place, having inherited money from his uncle [Alphard] (OP6)

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 born[Cedric] 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)

c. 1978 (Y-2)

[Lily Evans] and [James Potter] are married[Sirius 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].

1978 (Y-2) AD = 97 MM = 53 TR = 52 RH = 50 M = 20 BW = 8 CW = 6 PW = 2 FGW = 0

[Merton Graves], cello player for the [Weird Sisters], is born (fw)

[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.

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)

[Orion Black], father of [Sirius] and [Regulus], dies at age 50 (BFT)

September 1
[Gwenog Jones] starts her first year at [Hogwarts]She soon becomes a favorite of [Horace Slughorn], the [Potions] Master
(HBP6)

September 19
[Hermione Granger] is born (JKR)

The 1980s
Events of this decade:

[Ludo Bagman] plays [Beater] for the [Wimbourne Wasps] (GF30)

c. 1980 (Y0)

[Albus Dumbledore] interviews [Sibyll Trelawney] for the post of [Divination] teacher at [Hogwarts]He 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].

March 1
[Ron Weasley] is born (JKR)

June 5
[Draco Malfoy] is born ([JKR], [BFT])

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 30
[Neville Longbottom] is born to famous [Aurors] [Frank and Alice Longbottom] (OP37)

July 31
[Harry Potter] is born[Sirius 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)

August 11
[Ginny Weasley] is born (JKR)

circa September
[Severus Snape] is hired by [Dumbledore] to teach [Potions] at [Hogwarts][Snape] 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)

October 31
Defeat of [Voldemort]; [James] and [Lily Potter] are killed[Voldemort] 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 process[Sirius 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)

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)

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)

after 1981 (Y1)

In disguise as a rat, [Peter Pettigrew] becomes a pet of [Percy Weasley]He 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)

c. 1982 (Y2)

[Igor Karkaroff] is released from [Azkaban] in return for turning in [Rookwood] ([GF30])This unquestionably happened after [Voldemort]'s downfall - and we also know it probably happened within a year of when the [Lestranges] and [Barty Crouch Jr.] were caught for torturing the [Longbottoms]. This comes from [Sirius]'s statement in [GF27] that [Crouch Jr.] died a year later, and [Barty Crouch Sr.] lost his popularity and changed jobs. Since he was still running the [Wizengamot] during this incident, it couldn't have been long after [Voldemort]'s downfall. No doubt [Karkaroff] was eager to get away from the [Dementors].

[Ludo Bagman] is acquitted of being a [Death Eater]Like [Karkaroff]'s trial, this one was almost certainly within a year or so of [Voldemort]'s downfall, as [Barty Crouch] was presiding.
(GF30)

1982 (Y2) AD = 101 MM = 57 TR = 56 RH = 54 M = 24 BW = 12 CW = 10 PW = 6 FGW = 4 HG = 3 H&R = 2 GW = 1

September 1
[Bill Weasley] starts his first year at Hogwarts ([JKR]) - he is sorted into [Gryffindor] ([PS6])

circa November
[Barty Crouch Jr.] is secretly rescued from [Azkaban]His mother uses [Polyjuice Potion] to take his place there, where she dies within a year ([GF27]). [Crouch Jr.] is kept a virtual prisoner in his father's home, tended by [Winky], a loyal house-elf ([GF35]).
We know from [Sirius Black] in [GF27] that the escape was "about a year" after [Crouch Jr.] had been sent to [Azkaban], so it was probably sometime around November or December of 1982 [[Y2]].

c. 1983 (Y3)

[Fred] turns [Ron]'s teddy bear into a [spider]He does it because [Ron] broke his toy [broomstick]. From now on, [Ron] is deadly afraid of [spiders].
"If you must know, when I was three, Fred turned my - my teddy bear into a great big filthy spider because I broke his toy broomstick.... You wouldn't like them either if you'd been holding your bear and suddenly it had too many legs and..."
This is a pretty complex bit of [Transfiguration] for a five-year-old, considering eleven-year-olds struggle to turn matches into needles. Maybe [Ron] just dreamed the whole thing.
(CS9)

1983 (Y3) AD = 102 MM = 58 TR = 57 RH = 55 M = 25 BW = 13 CW = 11 PW = 7 FGW = 5 HG = 4 H&R = 3 GW = 2

In the Muggle world:
[Jo Rowling] leaves for school at the University of [Exeter] (JKR)

September 1
[Charlie Weasley] starts his first year at Hogwarts ([JKR]) and is sorted into [Gryffindor] ([PS6])[Bill] is starting his third year.

1984 (Y4) AD = 103 MM = 59 TR = 58 RH = 56 M = 26 BW = 14 CW = 12 PW = 8 FGW = 6 HG = 5 H&R = 4 GW = 3

June
[Gryffindor] wins the [Quidditch Cup]It is the last time [Gryffindor] will win until 1993-94. We don't know who wins the [House Cup].
"The idea of overtaking Slytherin in the house championship was wonderful, no one had done it for seven years..." ([PS13])

This statement refers to school years, not actual years. The 1983-84 [[Y3]-[Y4]] school year is seven school years before that statement was made in the fall of 1991 [[Y11]] (and yes, from the context we can be almost 100% sure that it's talking about the [Quidditch Cup], not the [House Cup]). [Charlie] HAD to have been on the team this year, since "Gryffindor hadn't won the [Quidditch Cup] since the legendary [Charlie Weasley]...had been seeker." However, according to [Rowling]'s age statement for [Charlie], he wasn't, as he was only a first year at the time. This is an error in the text.
(PS13)

c. 1985 (Y5)

[Sirius Black]'s mother, [Walburga Black], dies ([BFT])Her likeness is captured in a huge portrait which hangs in the entrance hall of her home at [number twelve, Grimmauld Place]. The house is left vacant except for [Kreacher]. The house deteriorates dramatically ([OP5]).
"No one's lived here for ten years, not since my dear mother died, unless you count her old house-elf, and he's gone round the twist -- hasn't cleaned anything in ages." -- [Sirius Black] ([OP5])

1985 (Y5) AD = 104 MM = 60 TR = 59 RH = 57 M = 27 BW = 15 CW = 13 PW = 9 FGW = 7 HG = 6 H&R = 5 GW = 4

[Idris Oakby] Founder of the S.S.S. (Society for the Support of Squibs) dies (JKR)

June
[Slytherin] wins the [Quidditch Cup] ([PS13]) but not the [House Cup] ([PS7])

June
[Aunt Marge] comes to [Dudley]'s fifth birthday partyShe whacks [Harry] around the shins to keep him from beating [Dudley] at musical statues.
(PA2)

September
[Charlie Weasley] starts his second year at [Hogwarts]Making this the first year that he could conceivably be on the Gryffindor Quidditch team.
(JKR)

1986 (Y6) AD = 105 MM = 61 TR = 60 RH = 58 M = 28 BW = 16 CW = 14 PW = 10 FGW = 8 HG = 7 H&R = 6 GW = 5

The [Ugandan] [Quidditch] team, the [Patonga Proudsticks], holds the [Montrose Magpies] to a drawThe outcome comes as a shock to [Quidditch] fans everywhere.
(QA8)

June
[Slytherin] wins both the [Quidditch Cup] and the [House Cup] ([PS7], [PS13])

September
[Bill Weasley] starts his fifth year at [Hogwarts] and is made a [Prefect] (OP9)

1987 (Y7) AD = 106 MM = 62 TR = 61 RH = 59 M = 29 BW = 17 CW = 15 PW = 11 FGW = 9 HG = 8 H&R = 7 GW = 6

[Roderick Plumpton] diesHe dies still claiming that his record three and a half second capture of the [Snitch] was intentional, and not pure dumb luck.
(fw)

[Home Life and Social Habits of British Muggles], by [Wilhelm Wigworthy], is publishedThe publisher is [Little Red Books].
(FB)

June
[Slytherin] wins both the [Quidditch Cup] and the [House Cup] ([PS7], [PS13])

September 1
[Percy Weasley] starts his first year at [Hogwarts] and is sorted into [Gryffindor][Bill] is in his sixth year and [Charlie] his fourth.
(JKR)

c. 1988 (Y8)

[Neville Longbottom] is accidentally dropped from an upstairs window by his [Great Uncle Algie]Instead of falling to his death, he bounces, demonstrating his natural magical ability. His family is ecstatic.
This happened when [Neville] was eight, so it could just have easily been in 1989 [[Y9]].
(PS7)

1988 (Y8) AD = 107 MM = 63 TR = 62 RH = 60 M = 30 BW = 18 CW = 16 PW = 12 FGW = 10 HG = 9 H&R = 8 GW = 7

June
[Slytherin] wins both the [Quidditch Cup] and the [House Cup] ([PS7], [PS13])

June
[Aunt Marge] comes to [Dudley]'s eighth birthday partyShe brings a computerized robot for [Dudley] and a box of dog biscuits for [Harry].
(PA2)

September 1
[Bill Weasley] becomes [Head Boy] and [Charlie] is made a [Prefect][Percy], meanwhile, is starting his second year at [Hogwarts].
(OP9)

1989 (Y9) AD = 108 MM = 64 TR = 63 RH = 61 M = 31 BW = 19 CW = 17 PW = 13 FGW = 11 HG = 10 H&R = 9 GW = 8

June
[Slytherin] wins both the [Quidditch Cup] and the [House Cup] ([PS7], [PS13])

September
The [Gryffindor] [Quidditch] team prepares for the 1989-1990 seasonThe team includes [Charlie Weasley], sixth year [Seeker], and [Oliver Wood], third year [Keeper].
While these are conjectures, it seems logical that both of these players would have been on the team. [Charlie] may have been Quidditch Captain at this point.

September
[Quirrell] begins teaching [Defence Against the Dark Arts] at [Hogwarts]He has not yet met [Voldemort], so is a perfectly competent teacher. He teaches for a year, then takes a year off to study in [Albania].
See entry below (1990 [[Y10]]) for an explanation of when [Quirrell] taught.

September 1
[Fred and George Weasley] start their first year at [Hogwarts] and are sorted into [Gryffindor] ([PS6])[Angelina Johnson] also becomes a new [Gryffindor], while [Cedric Diggory] also starts his first year and is sorted into [Hufflepuff]. Both [Angelina] and [Cedric] turn twelve shortly after the beginning of the school year ([GF16]).

The 1990s
Events of this decade:

The 1990s - OverviewThe Nineties
The events of the 1990s comprise the stories of the [Harry Potter] novels themselves. The years in which these stories take place are not stated specifically in the books but can be deduced from clues. The official timeline of the stories, as found on the Chamber of Secrets DVD second disk, uses the dates of the 1990s for these events, and it is from the "real" calendars of those years that I have derived many of the dates and days of the week indicated here. Some days and dates are specified in the books, others are approximated or deduced. However, the days and dates given in the books do not match any existing "real" calendar -- in fact, some dates are simply impossible, such as books where two Mondays happen in a row.

1990 (Y10) AD = 109 MM = 65 TR = 64 RH = 62 M = 32 BW = 20 CW = 18 PW = 14 FGW = 12 HG = 11 H&R = 10 GW = 9

The [Flyte and Barker] company introduces the [Twigger 90] broomstick (QA9)

[Pollux Black] dies at age 78He is the grandfather of [Sirius], [Regulus], [Bellatrix], [Narcissa], and [Andromeda Black].
(BFT)

June
[Slytherin] wins both the [Quidditch Cup] and the [House Cup] ([PS7], [PS13])

June
[Aunt Marge] comes to [Dudley]'s tenth birthday partyShe brings [Ripper], her favorite bulldog. [Harry] accidentally steps on Ripper's tail and the dog "trees" him. [Marge] finally calls the dog off around midnight. When [Marge] comes to visit during the summer of Y13, [Harry] remembers past incidents:
"On her last visit, the year before [Harry] started at [Hogwarts], [Harry] had accidentally trodden on the tail of her favorite dog. [Ripper] had chased [Harry] out into the garden and up a tree, and [Aunt Marge] had refused to call him off until past midnight. The memory of this incident still brought tears of laughter to [Dudley]'s eyes" ([PA2]).

[Harry] also recalls this event in his [Occlumency] lessons.
"He was nine, and [Ripper] the bulldog was chasing him up a tree and the [Dursleys] were laughing below on the lawn..." ([OP24]).
He was nine because his own tenth birthday was still a month away.

July 31
[Harry Potter]'s 10th birthday

September
[Quirrell] takes a year off and encounters [Voldemort][Quirrell] takes a year off from [Hogwarts] for some first hand experience fighting the [Dark Arts]. He will be gone from September 1990 [[Y10]] through June of 1991 [[Y11]]. While in [Albania], he encounters [Voldemort] and brings him back.
There is no specific canon reference to indicate which year [Quirrell] took off from teaching. However, [Dumbledore] specifically says in [HBP20], "we have never been able to keep a [Defence Against the Dark Arts] teacher for longer than a year since I refused the post to [Lord Voldemort]." Therefore, since we know [Quirrell] taught in 1991-1992 [[Y11]-[Y12]], he could not have taught from 1990-1991 [[Y10]-[Y11]]. This, then, was almost certainly his year off.

However, [Hagrid] speaks of [Quirrell]'s nervousness as the result of his year off, and if that year off had been the 1990-1991 [[Y10]-[Y11]] school year (the one immediately before [Harry] comes to [Hogwarts]), [Hagrid] seemingly wouldn't have known about [Quirrell]'s altered behavior:
"Poor bloke. Brilliant mind. He was fine while he was studyin' outta books but then he took a year off ter get some firsthand experience...They say he met [vampires] in the [Black Forest], and there was a nasty bit o' trouble with a [hag]--never been the same since. Scared of the students, scared of his own subject now..." ([PS5])

This doesn't seem to align, but it is possible that [Hagrid] is just talking about the month or two since [Quirrell] has returned from [Albania]. And if we take [Dumbledore] at his word, nothing else really makes sense.

September
The [Gryffindor] Quidditch team is particularly poor this year[Oliver Wood] is in his fourth year, while [Charlie Weasley] is in his seventh and is Quidditch Captain. On the other hand, the rest of the team are second years, so perhaps it's just a matter of their being inexperienced. The team consisted of:
[Charlie Weasley] - seventh year, [Seeker], Captain
[Oliver Wood] - fourth year, [Keeper]
[Angelina Johnson] - second year, [Chaser]
[Alicia Spinnet] - second year, [Chaser]
unknown third Chaser - possibly seventh year since she isn't back in the 1991-1992 season
[Fred Weasley] - second year, [Beater]
[George Weasley] - second year, [Beater]
We don't know for sure which years [Charlie] was Captain of Quidditch, but it seems likely that we was Captain in his seventh year and possibly one or two years before that as well. We aren't told why this team was so poor, since they have a superb [Keeper] and a [Seeker] who could have played for [England], but [McGonagall] says of them a year later:
"Heaven knows, we need a better team than last year. Flattened in that last match by [Slytherin], I couldn't look [Severus Snape] in the face for weeks..." (PS9)

We are also not told why [Fred and George] would have been familiar with [Wood]'s pre-game speeches at the beginning of the 1991-1992 [[Y11]-[Y12]] season when he wasn't the Captain this year. While this isn't an error exactly, it does suggest that [Rowling] wrote these passages without realizing that the facts wouldn't fit together very well.
(PS9)

December 30
[Jo Rowling]'s mother dies (JKR)

1991 (Y11) AD = 110 MM = 66 TR = 65 RH = 63 M = 33 BW = 21 CW = 19 PW = 15 FGW = 13 HG = 12 H&R = 11 GW = 10

[Arcturus Black], grandfather of [Sirius] and [Regulus], dies (BFT)

circa June
The [Nimbus 2000] [broomstick] is releasedA display model appears in the window of [Quality Quidditch Supplies].
(PS5)

June
[Slytherin] wins both the [Quidditch Cup] and the [House Cup] ([PS7], [PS13])They "flatten" [Gryffindor] in the final [Quidditch] match, according to [McGonagall] ([PS9]).

June 23
[Dudley]'s eleventh birthday[Harry] accompanies [Dudley], [Piers Polkiss], [Aunt Petunia], and [Uncle Vernon] to the [zoo], where he first exercises his gift of being a [Parselmouth] to speak with a [boa constrictor].
This is a Saturday according to the book. It comes approximately one month before [Harry]'s birthday. That morning, Dudley receives a video camera for his birthday:
"At that moment the telephone rang and [Aunt Petunia] went to answer it while [Harry] and [Uncle Vernon] watched [Dudley] unwrap the racing bike, a video camera..." ([PS2])

After the [zoo] incident on Dudley's birthday, [Harry] is confined to his cupboard for a few weeks. By the end of that period, the video camera is broken:
"By the time he was allowed out of his cupboard again, the summer holidays had started and Dudley had already broken his new video camera..." ([PS3])

Then, a week before [Harry]'s birthday, on the 24th of July, [Harry] receives a letter addressed to him in his cupboard under the stairs. [Uncle Vernon] moves [Harry] to [Dudley]'s second bedroom upstairs, where [Harry] sees the video camera and we learn that [Dudley]'s birthday was a month ago:
"Nearly everything in here was broken. The month-old video camera was lying on top of a small, working tank..." ([PS3])

We know from the book that July the 24th was a Tuesday. The Saturday approximately one month before Tuesday, July 24, would be Saturday, June 23. So we know that [Dudley]'s birthday is June 23. Like most dates in the books, this doesn't correspond to the dates in any particular "real life" calendar.
(PS2)

July 24
Letters begin arriving, via [owl] post, to invite [Harry Potter] to [Hogwarts]The dates are determined by counting back from the established date of July 31 for [Harry]'s birthday.

We are told the days on which these dates fall:
Monday. This reminded [Harry] of something. If it was Monday -- and you could usually count on [Dudley] to know the days the week, because of television -- then tomorrow, Tuesday, was [Harry]'s eleventh birthday.

In the "real" 1991, however, July 31 fell on a Wednesday.
(PS3)

July 31
[Harry]'s 11th birthdayHow do we know that [Harry] was born on July 31? This has been established in many places in the books, perhaps most importantly in [Dumbledore]'s discussion of the [prophecy] in [OP37]. However, we can first determine this from [PS8]. In the Daily Prophet, [Harry] reads:
"GRINGOTTS BREAK-IN LATEST -- Investigations continue into the break-in at [Gringotts] on 31 July..."

He reacts in surprise:
"[Hagrid]!" said [Harry], "that Gringotts break-in happened on my birthday! It might've been happening while we were there!"
(PS8)

July 31
Just after midnight, [Hagrid] arrives at the [hut-on-the-rock]He brings [Harry] a birthday cake and invites him to [Hogwarts].
(PS4)

July 31
[Hagrid] and [Harry] visit [Diagon Alley]While there:
[Hagrid] retrieves the [Philosopher's Stone] from the [Gringotts]' high security vaults.
[Harry] meets [Draco Malfoy] for the first time in [Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions].
[Hagrid] buys [Hedwig] as a birthday present for [Harry].

original artwork © 2001 [Laura Freeman], used by permission
(PS5)

July 31
[Quirrell] attempts to steal the [Philosopher's Stone] from [Gringotts] but fails (PS8)

circa August
[Percy Weasley] gives his pet rat, [Scabbers], to his younger brother [Ron]Like nearly everything [Ron] owns, [Scabbers] is secondhand and a bit battered ([PA4]).

Scabbers is later revealed to be [Peter Pettigrew] in disguise ([PA17]).
"His name's Scabbers and he's useless, he hardly ever wakes up. [Percy] got an [owl] from my dad for being made a prefect, but they couldn't aff -- I mean, I got Scabbers instead" ([PS6]).
From the comments made by [Ron] on the [Hogwarts Express] that September, it would seem that [Ron] received Scabbers from [Percy] when [Percy] was given his owl upon being made [Prefect]. Assuming that [Ron] and his brothers received their [Hogwarts] letters at the same time that [Harry] would have received his, had [Uncle Vernon] not intervened, then we know that [Percy] was made [Prefect] on July 24. Sometime after that, [Molly] and [Arthur] bought [Percy] his new owl, [Hermes]. This may very well have been when the [Weasleys] came to [Diagon Alley] to buy their school things.

August
[Voldemort], disappointed by [Quirrell]'s inability to steal the [Philosopher's Stone], decides to inhabit him[Quirrell] begins wearing a turban to hide [Voldemort]'s face, which is sticking out of the back of [Quirrell]'s head.
(PS17)

August
[Uncle Vernon] and [Aunt Petunia] treat [Harry] as if he doesn't exist"[Harry]'s last month with the Dursleys wasn't fun. True, Dudley was now so scared of [Harry] he wouldn't stay in the same room, while Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon didn't shut [Harry] in his cupboard, force him to do anything, or shout at him -- in fact, they didn't speak to him at all. Half terrified, half furious, they acted as though any chair with [Harry] in it were empty."
(PS6)

September 1
[Harry Potter], [Hermione Granger], [Ron Weasley], [Neville Longbottom], [Draco Malfoy], and their classmates travel by way of the [Hogwarts Express] to [Hogwarts].

Hogwarts Express

They catch the [Hogwarts Express] at 11am at [King's Cross Station], then travel until evening to [Hogwarts]. [Harry] meets [Ron] and [Hermione] on the train; he and [Ron] immediately become friends. Once at Hogwarts, [Harry], [Ron], [Hermione], and [Neville] are sorted into [Gryffindor], and [Draco] into [Slytherin].
(PS6)

September 1
[Dudley Dursley] undergoes surgery for the removal of a pig's tail from his rather large behind"Why are you going to [London]?" [Harry] asked, trying to keep things friendly.
"Taking [Dudley] to the hospital," growled [Uncle Vernon]. "Got to have that ruddy tail removed before he goes to [Smeltings]."
(PS5)

September 2
Harry begins his classes at Hogwarts

Hogwarts School

Harr's classes begin at Hogwarts and he spends his first week learning his way around the school and about his classes and teachers.

September 6
Harry's first potions class

Harry discovers that Professor Snape actively dislikes him when he embarrasses Harry in front of the rest of the class.

September 6
Harry and Ron visit Hagrid

Harry takes Ron to visit Hagrid in his hut near the forbidden forest. While Fang slobbers all over Ron, Harry tells Hagrid about his classes and that he thinks Snape hates him. Harry reads a Daily Prophet article about the break-in at Gringotts which had happened on July 31.

September 12
[Gryffindors] and [Slytherins] have their first flying lesson[Harry] is subsequently made [Seeker] on the [Gryffindor Quidditch team] by [Professor McGonagall].
This happens on the second Thursday of the school term.
"...they spotted a notice pinned up in the [Gryffindor] common room that made them all groan. Flying lessons would be starting on Thursday..."

The date can be determined from the fact that this is the Thursday of the second week of school, it must logically be the 12th, since classes started on the 2nd.
How do we know that this is the Thursday of the second week? Because when [Harry] is following [McGonagall] away from his flying lesson, he is afraid that he will be expelled. He thinks to himself:
"Now he'd done it. He hadn't even lasted two weeks."

However, when [Fred and George] hear about this, they say:
"I tell you, we're going to win that [Quidditch Cup] for sure this year...We haven't won since [Charlie] left, but this year's team is going to be brilliant."
According to Rowling's statement that [Charlie] is three years older than [Percy], [Charlie] just left two months before. There's been no time for them not to have won "since [Charlie] left." They haven't PLAYED since [Charlie] left. Again, this is an error in the text.
(PS9)

October 31
The Halloween FeastThe feast is interrupted by a [Mountain Troll] who almost kills [Hermione Granger]; she is saved by [Harry] and [Ron], after which they become friends.

Meanwhile, [Quirrell], who let the [troll] in, heads for the [Philosopher's Stone] - but is stopped by [Snape].
We have already seen that we can't trust the "real" calendar to give us the days of the week when we know the date, but just for interest sake, Halloween in 1991 was on a Thursday. The [Gryffindor] first years had [Charms] that morning and learned the [Wingardium Leviosa] spell.
(PS10)

November
[Harry]'s first [Quidditch] match[Quirrell] tries to knock [Harry] off his broom during the match but is thwarted by [Severus Snape] - not to mention some pretty cool acrobatics by Harry. The match ends soon afterward when [Harry] catches the [Snitch] in his mouth for a [Gryffindor] victory.
(PS11)

December 25
[Harry] receives [James Potter]'s [Invisibility Cloak] as a Christmas present from [Dumbledore] (PS12)

December 25
[Harry] discovers the [Mirror of Erised] and sees his family for the first timeOn the official timeline, this is 1991. Christmas in 1991 was on a Wednesday.
(PS12)

1992 (Y12) AD = 111 MM = 67 TR = 66 RH = 64 M = 34 BW = 22 CW = 20 PW = 16 FGW = 14 HG = 13 H&R = 12 GW = 11

[Cassiopeia Black] dies at age 77 (BFT)

[Cygnus Black], father of [Bellatrix], [Narcissa], and [Andromeda], dies at age 54 (BFT)

[Lucretia Black Prewett] dies at age 67 (BFT)

circa April
[Norbert] hatchesThe calendar lists this date as April 24, but all we really know is that it is a few weeks before exams and that the weather gave the first hint of summer coming.
(PS14)

circa May 9
[Charlie]'s friends take [Norbert] from [Harry] and [Hermione] on top of the [Astronomy Tower]Unfortunately, they are caught by [Filch] - and given [detentions] by [McGonagall].
Derived from the estimated date of Norbert's hatching.
(PS14)

May 26
[Harry], [Hermione], [Neville], and [Malfoy] serve their [detentions] in the [Forbidden Forest]With [Hagrid] supervising, they track down a dead [unicorn]. [Harry] encounters [Voldemort] for the first time, and is saved by [Firenze].
We have no indication of when this date might be, except that it is shortly before final exams.
(PS15)

early June
[Harry], [Hermione], and [Ron] follow [Quirrell] after the [Philosopher's Stone]They overcome the various protections, and defeat [Quirrell]/[Voldemort]'s attempt to steal the Stone.
The dates of this event are contingent on the dates of exams in [Harry]'s first year. We are given dates for exams in books two and three--the first week of June--but that doesn't seem to be a hard and fast rule. The calendar for this book gives the date as June 4, based on the exam dates in the other books, but here on the timeline we'll play it a bit safer and just go with "early June."
(PS16)

June
End of Term Feast[Gryffindor] wins the [House Cup], but not the [Quidditch Cup], which goes to [Slytherin].
(PS17)

circa June
The [Nimbus 2001] broomstick is released[Lucius Malfoy] soon buys them for the [Slytherin] Quidditch team. As it happens, [Draco] is made [Seeker] during the upcoming school term.
(CS7)

after June
[Nicholas and Perenelle Flamel] die after a long, long life (PS17)

July 31
[Harry]'s 12th Birthday[Dobby] the [house-elf] visits [Harry] in [Privet Drive]. Meanwhile, the [Dursleys] are holding a dinner party for the [Masons], which is then disrupted when [Dobby] drops a violet pudding on [Mrs. Mason]'s head. [Harry] is sent a warning letter from the [Ministry], reminding him that he is not allowed to do magic outside of school ([CS1], [CS2]).

circa August 3
[Fred], [George], and [Ron] rescue [Harry] from the [Dursleys] in their father's [Ford Anglia]This is very likely the night of August 3, three days after [Harry]'s birthday. He arrives at the [Burrow], then, on the morning of August 4.
(CS2)

circa August 13
[Gilderoy Lockhart] announces that he is the new [Defence Against the Dark Arts] professor at [Hogwarts][Harry], who arrives at [Flourish and Blotts] just in time for the announcement, accidentally (and unwillingly) gets caught up in the publicity. Not long afterward, [Lucius Malfoy] and [Arthur Weasley] get into a scuffle, and [Lucius] drops [Voldemort]'s [diary] into [Ginny Weasley]'s [cauldron].
(CS6)

September 1
[Harry] and [Ron] miss the [Hogwarts Express] and fly [Mr. Weasley]'s bewitched car to [Hogwarts]They are spotted by several Muggles along the way and land, at school, in the [Whomping Willow] - subsequently landing them in a fair amount of trouble as well.
(CS5)

September 1
[Ginny Weasley], [Luna Lovegood], and [Colin Creevey] start their first year at [Hogwarts][Ginny] and [Colin] are sorted into [Gryffindor] and [Luna] becomes a [Ravenclaw]. [Harry] and his friends, meanwhile, start their second year.
(CS5)

circa September 8
The [Chamber of Secrets] is reopenedThis time the [Chamber] is opened by [Ginny Weasley], under the influence of [Tom Riddle], by means of his [diary]. [Harry] first hears the voice of the [Basilisk] during his [detention] with [Lockhart].
This is about a week into the school year, so it didn't take [Riddle] long to force [Ginny] to open the [Chamber].
(CS7)

October 31
The Halloween Feast and 500th Deathday for [Nearly Headless Nick] (CS8)

late October 31
The [Basilisk] from the [Chamber of Secrets] attacks its first victim: [Filch]'s cat, [Mrs. Norris][Harry] is discovered at the scene of the crime, and students start suspecting him to be the heir of [Salazar Slytherin]. [Harry] and his friends, meanwhile, begin to suspect [Draco Malfoy].
If we go by the calendar of this year according to the official timeline, Halloween is on a Saturday.
(CS8)

November 8
[Colin Creevey] is Petrified by the [Basilisk]The next morning, [Ron] and [Hermione] start working on brewing [Polyjuice Potion].
(CS10)

December 17
The [Duelling] Club[Harry] unwittingly uses [Parseltongue] to talk to a [snake] in front of the whole school; the [Hufflepuffs] in particular are now entirely convinced he's the heir of [Salazar Slytherin].
(CS11)

December 18
[Justin Finch-Fletchley] and [Nearly Headless Nick] are petrified by the [Basilisk][Harry] is taken to [Dumbledore's office] by [McGonagall], but when [Dumbledore] asks if Harry has anything to tell him, [Harry] says he doesn't.
(CS11)

circa December 20
Mr and Mrs Weasley visit Bill in Egypt

Egypt

The Weasley children stayed on at Hogwarts over the holidays rather than visit Bill in Egypt with their parents. They would all visit Egypt the following summer.

December 25
[Harry] and [Ron] use [Polyjuice Potion] to "become" [Crabbe] and [Goyle].They go into the [Slytherin] common room and learn that [Malfoy] is NOT the heir of [Salazar Slytherin].
(CS12)

December 25
[Hermione] is accidentally changed partially into a catShe spends the next month in the [hospital wing].
(CS12)

1993 (Y13) AD = 112 MM = 68 TR = 67 RH = 65 M = 35 BW = 23 CW = 21 PW = 17 FGW = 15 HG = 14 H&R = 13 GW = 12

The [Sweetwater], Texas [Quidditch] team, the [All-Stars], defeats the [Quiberon Quafflepunchers]The match lasts five days.
(QA8)

[Dolores Umbridge] crafts anti-[werewolf] legislationThe new law makes it almost impossible for [Lupin] to get a job.
(OP14)

February 14
Valentine's Day[Lockhart] takes it upon himself to whip up a celebration; Harry receives an anonymous [singing valentine].

That night, [Harry] learns how to work [Riddle]'s [diary] and travels into his memory, which convinces [Harry] that [Hagrid] had opened the [Chamber of Secrets].
(CS13)

May 8
The [Basilisk] petrifies [Hermione Granger] and [Penelope Clearwater]The [Hogwarts] [Quidditch Cup] is cancelled.
(CS13)

late May 8
[Hagrid] is sent to [Azkaban]; [Dumbledore] is removed as headmaster of [Hogwarts][Harry] and [Ron] watch from under the [invisibility cloak] as [Cornelius Fudge] and [Lucius Malfoy] serve the orders.
(CS14)

May 24
[Harry] and [Ron] enter the [Forbidden Forest] and meet [Aragog] (CS15)

May 29
[Harry] and [Ron] discover the [Chamber of Secrets]They learn that [Ginny Weasley] has been taken into the [Chamber] and go to offer their knowledge to [Professor Lockhart]. When they discover he's trying to take off, they instead force him to join them - and go through [Moaning Myrtle]'s bathroom down into the [Chamber of Secrets].
(CS16)

late May 29
The spirit-form of [Voldemort] is defeated by [Harry Potter] in the [Chamber of Secrets][Harry] kills the [Basilisk] and uses its fang to destroy the [diary], therefore destroying [Riddle] and saving [Ginny]'s life. [Gilderoy Lockhart]'s memory is destroyed when he attempts to [Obliviate] [Ron] and [Harry] and get out of the [Chamber].

Later that night, the [Petrified] people are restored using [Mandrake Draught].
original artwork © [Agata Matteucci], used by permission
(CS17)

May 30
[Dobby] the [house-elf] is freed from service to the [Malfoy family]He is freed when [Harry] tricks [Lucius Malfoy] into throwing him a sock.
(CS18)

May 30
[Lucius Malfoy] is removed from the Board of Governors of [Hogwarts][Hagrid] and [Dumbledore] return to [Hogwarts]
(CS18)

June
[Gryffindor] wins the [House Cup]; no [Quidditch Cup] is awarded (CS18)

circa July
The [Granger] family vacations in [France] (PA1)

July
[Arthur Weasley] wins 700 [Galleons] in a [Daily Prophet] drawingThe [Weasley] family spends a month in [Egypt], visiting [Bill].

They leave a week before [Harry]'s birthday and stay until the week before the end of the holidays. They are gone the last week of July and the first three weeks of August.
(PA1)

July 27
[Jo Rowling]'s first daughter, [Jessica Isabel Rowling], is born

circa July 30
[Sirius Black] escapes from [Azkaban]He escapes by changing into his dog form and swimming back to the mainland.
Very likely the escape happened within a day or two of [Harry]'s birthday, since it shows up on the morning news on the 31st. [Sirius] saw the photo of the [Weasleys] during that previous week, on a copy of the [Daily Prophet] [Fudge] had finished reading. This particular photo had appeared a week before [Harry]'s birthday, which would be on the 24th. [Fudge] wouldn't be carrying a paper more than a day old, so Black would have proabably seen the picture on that actual day. Given reasonable time for all this to occur, it works out logically that he worried frantically about what to do to protect [Harry] for several days, was heard moaning "He's at [Hogwarts]" in his sleep as he agonized over the situation, then finally escaped on the 29th or 30th.
(PA1)

July 31
[Harry]'s 13th birthday; [Aunt Marge] comes for a visit with the [Dursleys]"[Aunt Marge] coming for a week-long visit - it was the worst birthday present the [Dursleys] had ever given him, including that pair of [Uncle Vernon]'s old socks."
(PA2)

August
[Quality Quidditch Supplies] displays the new [Firebolt] [broomstick] (PA4)

August 7
On the last day of [Aunt Marge]'s visit, [Harry] blows her up and runs awayThe [Knight Bus] picks him up in [Magnolia Crescent] and drops him off at the [Leaky Cauldron].
(PA2)

after August 7
[Harry] stays at the [Leaky Cauldron] and spends his days in [Diagon Alley]He does his homework out in the open, eats free ice creams, picks up his [books], and repeatedly stops by [Quality Quidditch Supplies] to admire the [Firebolt].
(PA4)

August 31
[Harry] meets [Hermione] and [Ron] in [Diagon Alley]They are all staying at the [Leaky Cauldron]. [Hermione] buys [Crookshanks].

That night, [Harry] overhears [Mr. and Mrs. Weasley] in conversation - and learns that [Sirius Black] is after him.
(PA4)

September
The [Gryffindor Quidditch team] is looking very promising this year[Oliver Wood] says that "[Gryffindor] hasn't won for seven years now." He is taking into account the fact that no Cup was awarded last year when he says this (so that it agrees with other such comments in the book, quoted below). The last time [Gryffindor] won the [Quidditch Cup], then was the 1983-1984 season.

This year's team consists of:

[Oliver Wood], seventh year, [Keeper], Captain
[Angelina Johnson], fifth year, [Chaser]
[Alicia Spinnet], fifth year, [Chaser]
[Fred Weasley], fifth year, [Beater]
[George Weasley], fifth year, [Beater]
[Harry Potter], third year, [Seeker]
[Katie Bell], fourth year, Chaser

During [Harry]'s first year, the following comment is made:
"If they won their next match, against [Hufflepuff], they would overtake [Slytherin] in the house championship for the first time in seven years...As the match drew nearer, however, [Harry] became more and more nervous, whatever he told [Ron] and [Hermione]. The rest of the team wasn't too calm, either. The idea of overtaking [Slytherin] in the house championship was wonderful, no one had done it for seven years, but would they be allowed to, with such a biased referee?"
(PA8)

September 1
[Harry] and his friends begin their third year at [Hogwarts], which is now surrounded by [Dementors][Dementors] search the [Hogwarts Express] while students are on their way to school, making [Harry] collapse.
(PA5)

September 1
[Remus Lupin] and [Rubeus Hagrid] begin their professorships at [Hogwarts][Lupin] teaches [Defence Against the Dark Arts]; [Hagrid], [Care of Magical Creatures].
(PA5)

October 31
[Sirius Black] breaks into [Hogwarts] and slashes the [Fat Lady] in an attempt to find [Pettigrew]Everyone thinks he's after [Harry]; [Dumbledore] sends all of the students to sleep in the [Great Hall] overnight. [Snape] thinks [Lupin] is helping [Sirius] sneak into the castle.
(PA8)

November
[Harry] loses his first-ever [Quidditch] matchThe [Gryffindor Quidditch team] loses to Hufflepuff when [Dementors] cause [Harry] to fall off his broom, and [Cedric Diggory] grabs the [Snitch]. Harry's [Nimbus 2000] is blown into the [Whomping Willow] and smashed to bits.
(PA9)

circa December 18
End-of-Term trip to [Hogsmeade][Fred and George] give [Harry] the [Marauder's Map], which allows him to sneak into [Hogsmeade]. Once there he overhears a conversation among [Hogwarts staff] - and learns that [Sirius Black], his godfather, betrayed his parents to [Voldemort].
(PA10)

December 25
Christmas - [Harry] receives a [Firebolt], but [McGonagall] takes it away[Ron] and [Harry] are angry with [Hermione] for weeks over the fact that she told [McGonagall] about the [Firebolt].
(PA11)

1994 (Y14) AD = 113 MM = 69 TR = 68 RH = 66 M = 36 BW = 24 CW = 22 PW = 18 FGW = 16 HG = 15 H&R = 14 GW = 13

The [Toyohashi Tengu], the [Quidditch] team from [Japan], narrowly misses a win over the [Gorodok Gargoyles]

Toyohashi, Japan, Asia

(QA8)

February
[Sirius Black] sneaks into [Gryffindor Tower] in search of [Pettigrew]

Hogwarts, Gryffindor Tower, Dormitory

[Ron]\'s screams drive him out, and [Ron] becomes an instant celebrity. [Neville], meanwhile, is completely disgraced when [McGonagall] figures out he left the [Gryffindor Tower] [passwords] lying around.
(PA13)

April 20
[Buckbeak]'s hearingThe [Committee for the Disposal of Dangerous Creatures] considers the fate of the [Hippogriff] and sentences him to death.
(PA15)

June 6
[Peter Pettigrew], disguised as Scabbers the rat, is cornered and revealed ([PA19])In the [Shrieking Shack], [Sirius Black] and [Remus Lupin] explain the story of [Pettigrew] - and the story of the [Marauders] ([PA17], [PA18])

Outside the shack, though, it's a full moon - and [Lupin] transforms into a [werewolf]. In the confusion, [Pettigrew] escapes ([PA20]) and spends the next months searching for [Voldemort] in [Albania] ([GF1]).

June 6
[Sirius Black] escapes from [Hogwarts] on the back of the [Hippogriff] [Buckbeak]Buckbeak is scheduled to be executed at sundown; [Sirius Black] is captured and held to receive the [Dementor's Kiss].

With [Dumbledore]'s guidance, [Harry] and [Hermione] use a [time-turner] to travel back three hours and free [Buckbeak]. Harry then casts a [Patronus Charm] to save himself and [Sirius] from the [Dementors], and he and [Hermione] ride Buckbeak to [Sirius]'s rescue.
(PA21)

June 7
[Remus Lupin] resigns from [Hogwarts] after it becomes known he is a [werewolf][Snape] "accidentally" lets it slip, the morning after [Sirius Black] escapes.
(PA22)

after June 7
[Gryffindor] wins both the [Quidditch Cup] and [House Cup] (PA22)

circa July
[Bertha Jorkins], on holiday in [Albania], is tortured and then murdered by [Pettigrew] and [Voldemort] (GF1)

circa July
[International Confederation of Wizards] conference (GF18)

July 31
[Harry]'s 14th birthdayHe receives loads of food - and four birthday cakes - to help combat [Dudley]'s diet.
(GF2)

early August 20
[Voldemort] and [Wormtail] take up residence in the old [Riddle house] in [Little Hangleton][Frank Bryce] is killed, shortly before his 77th birthday.
(GF1)

August 20
[Harry Potter] wakes up with his scar hurting after seeing [Frank Bryce]'s death in a dream (GF1)

August 22
Final of the 422nd [Quidditch World Cup] - [Ireland] beats [Bulgaria], 170 to 160[Harry], [Hermione], and the [Weasleys] are in attendance.

That night, [Death Eaters] raid the campsite and are driven away when [Barty Crouch Jr.] casts the [Dark Mark].
(GF8)

August 23
[Bartemius Crouch] sacks his [house-elf], [Winky]He does so after she is found holding the [wand] which had cast a [Dark Mark].
(GF9)

September 1
[Harry] and his friends travel to [Hogwarts] aboard the [Hogwarts Express], and begin their fourth yearWe know that they travel to Hogwarts on a Monday because the evening before is identified as a Sunday:

"'It's been an absolute uproar,' [Percy] told them importantly the Sunday evening before they were due to return to Hogwarts." (GF11)

It's clear from the story that the rest of the events described of that night are taking place the evening before they leave.
(GF11)

September 2
Classes begin[Draco Malfoy] tries to hex [Harry], but is turned into a [ferret] by [Moody]. [Moody] gets into a bit of trouble with [McGonagall] as a result.
We know that this is also a Monday from this reference at breakfast that day:

"'Today's not bad.. . outside all morning,' said [Ron], who was running his finger down the Monday column of his schedule."

UPDATE: This error in the text was fixed in later editions (c. 2004).
(GF13)

September 4
In [Defence Against the Dark Arts], [Moody] shows the [Unforgivable Curses][Neville Longbottom] is particularly upset after watching [Moody] [Crucio] a [spider].
(GF14)

October 30
Delegations from [Durmstrang] and [Beauxbatons] arrive at [Hogwarts] for the [Triwizard Tournament] (GF15)

October 31
The [Goblet of Fire] selects the champions for the [Triwizard Tournament]The champions are [Viktor Krum], [Fleur Delacour], [Cedric Diggory], and - to everyone's surprise - [Harry Potter].
(GF16)

November 21
[Hogsmeade] weekend for [Hogwarts] studentsLate that night (actually very early the next morning), [Hagrid] shows [Harry] the [dragons] for the first task, and [Sirius] uses the [Floo Network] to tell Harry about [Karkaroff].
(GF19)

November 24
The [First Task] of the [Triwizard Tournament]The champions take it in turn to try to steal a golden egg from the clutches of a [dragon]. [Harry] manages to defeat a nasty [Hungarian Horntail dragon] to claim his golden egg.
(GF19)

circa December
[Jo Rowling] and her daughter move to Edinburgh, [Scotland] (JKR)

late December 25
The [Yule Ball], 8 PM until midnight[Harry] and [Ron] don't have much fun - Harry spends the night jealous of [Cedric], who brought [Cho Chang], and Ron spends it jealous of [Viktor Krum], who asked [Hermione]. Meanwhile, [Neville] attends with [Ginny].
(GF23)

1995 (Y15) AD = 114 MM = 70 TR = 69 RH = 67 M = 37 BW = 25 CW = 23 PW = 19 FGW = 17 HG = 16 H&R = 15 GW = 14

January 4
[Rita Skeeter]'s article about [Hagrid] appears in the [Daily Prophet][Hagrid], revealed to be half-[giant], is distraught for days.
(GF24)

February 24
The [Second Task] of the [Triwizard Tournament][Harry] swims to rescue [Ron] from the depths of the lake, where he is being held by [merpeople]. [Hermione] is rescued by [Viktor Krum].
(GF26)

June 24
The [Third Task] of the [Triwizard Tournament][Harry] races through a maze, and finishes in a first-place tie with [Cedric Diggory]. When they touch the cup, they are transported to [Little Hangleton].
(GF31)

June 24
[Voldemort] kidnaps [Harry Potter] and [Cedric Diggory][Cedric] is killed by [Wormtail] using [Voldemort]'s wand. [Voldemort] is restored to his body in an ancient ceremony ([GF32]). The [Death Eaters] are called back to him and they gather ([GF33]). [Voldemort] and [Harry] then duel, and [Harry] manages to escape with [Cedric]'s body ([GF34]).

Back at [Hogwarts], it is revealed that [Barty Crouch Jr.], impersonating [Moody] all year, led [Harry] to [Voldemort] ([GF35]).

June 24
[Cornelius Fudge] and [Albus Dumbledore] choose different paths[Fudge] hides his head in the sand, while [Dumbledore] begins to call together those he can trust to fight [Voldemort].
(GF36)

after June 24
No [Quidditch Cup] is awarded this year; there is no mention of who wins the [House Cup] (GF37)

circa July
The [Cleansweep Eleven] is released[Ron Weasley] learns that this [broomstick] has come on the market. He later asks for and receives one as a gift for being made [Prefect].
(OP9)

July 31
[Harry Potter]'s 15th birthdayHe receives [Honeydukes] chocolate from [Ron] and [Hermione], but throws it away unopened out of frustration with the situation
(OP1)

July 31
At some point during the day, [Dudley Dursley] beats up 10-year-old neighbour [Mark Evans] for "cheek" (OP1)

August 2
[Dementors] attack [Dudley] and [Harry]; [Harry] drives them off with a [Patronus Charm] ([OP1])The [Dementors], we find out later, had been sent by [Dolores Umbridge] ([OP32]).

August 2
The [Ministry of Magic] - and the [Order of the Phoenix] - react to [Harry]'s [Patronus Charm][Mrs. Figg] reveals her identity to [Harry]; [Mundungus Fletcher] arrives and is sent to report to [Dumbledore]. The [Improper Use of Magic Office] atttempts to expel [Harry] from [Hogwarts], but [Dumbledore] arrives at the [Ministry] and forces them to comply with the letter of the law.
(OP2)

August 6
[Harry] leaves [Privet Drive] and flies to [number twelve, Grimmauld Place]The [Dursleys] depart for what they believe to be the prize-giving of the All-[England] Best-Kept Suburban Lawn Competition.

The Advance Guard - "[Mad-Eye]" [Moody], [Remus Lupin], [Nymphadora Tonks], [Kingsley Shacklebolt], [Elphias Doge], [Dedalus Diggle], [Emmeline Vance], [Sturgis Podmore], and [Hestia Jones] - arrive at [number four, Privet Drive] to escort [Harry] to [number twelve, Grimmauld Place] ([OP3]). Once there, [Harry] learns about the [Order of the Phoenix], and [Voldemort]'s current actions.

Later that night, [Harry] dreams about studying weapons in [Care of Magical Creatures] ([OP6]).

August 7
[Mundungus Fletcher] attempts to stash some dodgy [cauldrons] at [number twelve, Grimmauld Place] (OP6)

August 12
[Harry]'s disciplinary hearing in old [Courtroom Ten]He sees the [Department of Mysteries] corridor in the waking world for the first time ([OP7]).

0530 [Harry] wakes up ([OP7]).
0600 [Dumbledore] 'by a lucky mistake' arrives at the [Ministry], three hours before the scheduled time of 0900 ([OP8]).
0800 [Harry]'s disciplinary hearing begins in old [Courtroom Ten], the time and venue having been changed without his receiving notification ([OP8]).
[Harry] empties his moneybag into the [Fountain of Magical Brethren] after his acquittal ([OP9]).

August 30
The [Ministry of Magic] passes [Educational Decree] 22This decree allows the [Ministry] to appoint a [Defence Against the Dark Arts] professor - [Dolores Umbridge] - since [Dumbledore] has not yet found one.
(OP12)

August 31
[Ron] and [Hermione] receive notification about their appointment as new [Prefects][Molly Weasley] buys [Ron]'s [Cleansweep Eleven]. That night, [Harry] first sees [Moody]'s old photograph of the 1970s [Order of the Phoenix] and [Harry], [Lupin], and [Moody] learn about [Molly]'s [Boggart].
(OP9)

September 1
A busy day as students make their way to [Harry]'s fifth year at [Hogwarts]

0100 [Sturgis Podmore] arrested at the [Ministry] by [Eric Munch] ([OP14]).
1100 [Hogwarts Express] departs [King's Cross Station]. [Ginny] introduces [Harry] and [Neville] to [Luna Lovegood] ([OP10]).
After the train arrives at [Hogwarts], [Harry] sees [Thestrals] for the first time (OP10).
At the feast, the [Sorting Hat] sings a song of warning, and [Dolores Umbridge] is introduced ([OP11]).
[Seamus Finnigan] admits he believes [Harry] is lying ([OP11]).

September 2
Classes begin[Ron] confronts [Cho Chang] about the [Tutshill Tornados], after which [Hermione] tells him off ([OP12]). From this point on, [Hermione] tends to drag [Ron] out of the way when [Cho] wants to talk with [Harry].

[Harry] is given a week's worth of [detentions] by [Umbridge] and a biscuit by [McGonagall] ([OP12]).

[Hermione] stops most of [Fred and George]'s testing by putting them on notice that she'll report them to their mother otherwise. She also starts planting clothes in [Gryffindor Tower] for [house-elves] ([OP13]).

September 3
Second day of class[Harry] gets public support from [Luna Lovegood] and [Ernie Macmillan], while [Angelina] appears to be channeling [Oliver Wood]'s spirit. At 5 p.m., [Harry]'s first [detention] with [Umbridge] begins.
(OP13)

September 4
At 5 p.m., [Harry]'s second [detention] with [Umbridge] begins (OP13)

September 5
At 5 p.m., [Harry]'s third [detention] with [Umbridge] begins, ending about 2 hours later[Harry] then encounters [Ron], who learns the full truth about the [detentions] as [Harry] learns about [Ron]'s private [Keeper] practices.
(OP13)

September 6
At 5 p.m., both the [Gryffindor] [Keeper] tryouts and [Harry]'s fourth [detention] with [Umbridge] begin[Harry]'s [detention] lasts until after nightfall. [Ron Weasley] is selected as [Gryffindor]'s [Keeper].
(OP13)

October 5
On the first [Hogsmeade] weekend, [Harry] and [Hermione] found the [D.A.][Hermione] invites interested students to the [Hog's Head], and twenty-eight people show up.
(OP16)

October 9
The first meeting of [Dumbledore's Army]Thanks to a tip from [Dobby], they find a place to meet - the [Room of Requirement] - and spend the first lesson working on [Expelliarmus].
(OP18)

early November
The first [Quidditch] match of the season: [Gryffindor] vs. [Slytherin]The [Slytherins] invent a song, "Weasley is Our King," to unnerve [Ron], who promptly falls apart during the match. [Gryffindor] still wins when [Harry] beats [Malfoy] to the [Snitch].

After the match Harry goes after Malfoy for taunting him and he, along with [Fred and George Weasley], are banned from playing again by [Umbridge].
(OP19)

late December 18
[Mr. Weasley] is attacked by a [snake] while guarding the [Department of Mysteries]Harry sees the attack in a dream and he, along with [Ron], [Fred], [George], and [Ginny], is transported back to [Grimmauld Place]. After a long, anxious night, they walk to [St. Mungo's] to visit [Arthur] the next morning.
(OP21)

December 25
Christmas Day - the [Order] visits [Mr. Weasley] in [St. Mungo's]There, [Harry], [Ron], and [Hermione] also run into [Lockhart], along with [Neville], who is visiting his parents.
(OP22)

1996 (Y16) AD = 115 MM = 71 TR = 70 RH = 68 M = 38 BW = 26 CW = 24 PW = 20 FGW = 18 HG = 17 H&R = 16 GW = 15

February 14
Valentine's Day[Harry]'s first date with [Cho Chang] (the complete fiasco), followed by [Rita]'s interview of [Harry] for [The Quibbler].
(OP25)

April
The [D.A.] is caught[Marietta Edgecombe] squeals on the [D.A.] to [Umbridge]. Rather than let [Harry] get expelled,[Dumbledore] takes the fall instead and is removed from [Hogwarts]. Unwilling to "go quietly," he instead makes a dramatic escape.
"As the door swung closed behind them, Harry heard [Phineas Nigellus]'s voice.
'You know, Minister, I disagree with [Dumbledore] on many counts...but you cannot deny he's got style....'"
(OP27)

June
[Harry] takes his [O.W.L.s], but they are interrupted by a vision of [Sirius] being tortured ([OP31])After a delay trying to contact [Grimmauld Place] and being caught by [Umbridge] ([OP32]), [Harry] takes off for the [Ministry of Magic Headquarters] to find [Sirius]. [Ron], [Hermione], [Ginny], [Neville], and [Luna] come along ([OP33]). [Snape], meanwhile, sends word to the [Order of the Phoenix] that the kids have gone ([OP37]).

June
The Battle of the [Department of Mysteries]A pitched battle is fought between members of the [D.A.], a group of [Death Eaters], and members of the [Order of the Phoenix]. [Sirius Black] is killed and many others are wounded ([OP35]). When [Voldemort] himself arrives and battles [Dumbledore] in the Atrium, [Fudge] is forced to admit that [Voldemort] has indeed returned and remove [Umbridge] from [Hogwarts] ([OP36]). [Dumbledore] returns to [Hogwarts] and reveals to [Harry] the contents of [Trelawney]'s first [prophecy] ([OP37]).

June
[Gryffindor] wins the [Quidditch Cup]No mention of who wins the [House Cup], but it probably wasn't [Gryffindor].
(OP30)

early July
With [Voldemort] out in the open, the second war beginsIt's a busy two weeks:

When [Minister for Magic] [Cornelius Fudge] refuses to step aside for [Voldemort], the [Brockdale Bridge] is destroyed, killing dozens of Muggles.
[Amelia Bones], Head of [Magical Law Enforcement], and [Emmeline Vance], a member of the [Order of the Phoenix], are murdered - the former by [Voldemort] himself.
Destruction in [Somerset] is reported; Muggles suspect a hurricane, but it was probably the work of [giants] working for [Voldemort].
[Dementors] are breeding, causing cool weather and persistent mist across [Britain].
[Cornelius Fudge] is sacked and [Rufus Scrimgeour], Head of the [Aurors], takes his place.
A Junior Minister in the Muggle government, [Herbert Chorley], has a bad reaction to an [Imperius Curse] and thinks he's a duck. He is spirited away to St Mungo's] and [Kingsley Shacklebolt] takes a position as a secretary to the Muggle [Prime Minister] to guard him.
[Fudge] visits the Muggle [Prime Minister] and introduces the him to [Scrimgeour].
[Voldemort] is furious with the failure of his [Death Eaters] to retrieve the [prophecy]. He assigns [Draco Malfoy] the task of killing [Dumbledore], at least in part to punish [Lucius]'s failure, since [Draco] will almost certainly be killed.
[Narcissa Malfoy], followed by her sister [Bellatrix], visits [Severus Snape] in his house on [Spinner's End] and get him to take the [Unbreakable Vow] that he will protect and Draco and, if necessary, kill [Dumbledore] for him.
[Harry] spends two weeks at [number four, Privet Drive].

([HBP1], [HBP2], [HBP3])

early July
[Dumbledore] visits [Privet Drive] and takes [Harry] to the [Burrow]On the way, they stop by [Budleigh Babberton] and convince [Horace Slughorn] to return to [Hogwarts] and teach [Potions].
(HBP3)

July 31
[Harry]'s 16th birthday[Harry] celebrates at the [Burrow], but the celebrations are marred by reports of [Dementor] attacks and disappearances brought home by [Arthur], [Bill], and [Lupin].
(HBP6)

August
Bloomsbury makes an offer to publish the [Harry Potter] books (JKR)

August 3
[Harry], [Hermione] and the [Weasleys] visit a much-changed [Diagon Alley]There they have a run-in with [Draco] and [Narcissa Malfoy] in [Madam Malkin's], visit [Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes], and follow Draco to [Borgin and Burkes], where they overhear him threatening [Mr. Borgin].
This happened the Saturday following Harry's birthday. According to the calendar used by the rest of the book, this day would be August 3.
(HBP6)

circa September 2
On [Harry]'s first day of class, he receives the [Half-Blood Prince]'s old [Potions] book[Snape] tries to jinx [Harry] in [Defence Against the Dark Arts], but he excells in [Potions] and wins a bottle of [Felix Felicis].
The date for the first day of school is never given in this book, but we know from previous books that the [Hogwarts Express] has every year left for start of term on September 1, so this is probably a safe assumption.
(HBP9)

circa September 7
[Harry] has his first one-on-one lesson with [Dumbledore]They view [Bob Ogden]'s memory of the [Gaunt house], and discuss the circumstances surrounding [Voldemort]'s birth.
Again the exact date is uncertain, but we know that this lesson is the Saturday immediately following the first day of classes ([HBP9]), so it is most likely September 7.
(HBP10)

October
[Harry]'s second lesson with [Dumbledore]Together they view [Dumbledore]'s memory of going to meet young [Tom Riddle] at his [orphanage] ([HBP13]).
We know from [HBP12] that this lesson falls roughly "halfway through October."

circa November
The [Gryffindor Quidditch team] wins its first matchThe team wins largely thanks to [Harry], who pretended to give [Ron] [Felix Felicis] before the game to bolster his confidence.

After the game, [Ron] and [Lavender] get together, much to [Hermione]'s dismay.
There is no mention of what day this happened, but it was probably somewhere around early November.
(HBP14)

December 20
[Slughorn]'s Christmas party[Harry] attends with [Luna Lovegood]; [Hermione] brings [Cormac McLaggen] to annoy [Ron].

During the party, [Harry] follows [Snape] and [Malfoy] and overhears them talking about the [Unbreakable Vow].
(HBP17)

December 25
[Rufus Scrimgeour] visits the [Burrow] on Christmas DayHe shows up under the pretense of [Percy] wanting to see his family. It soon becomes apparent, however, that what he actually wants is to ask [Harry] to support the [Ministry]. [Harry] refuses to help him and walks away.
(HBP16)

1997 (Y17) AD = 116 MM = 72 TR = 71 RH = 69 M = 39 BW = 27 CW = 25 PW = 21 FGW = 19 HG = 18 H&R = 17 GW = 16

January 6
[Harry]'s third lesson with [Dumbledore][Harry] and [Dumbledore] together watch the memory of [Tom Riddle] returning to the [Gaunt house] and a fuzzy memory of [Riddle] asking [Professor Slughorn] about [Horcruxes].
This happened the first day back from the Christmas holidays, and a "few days after New Year." On the [HBP] calendar, this is Monday, January 6.
(HBP17)

March 1
[Ron]'s seventeenth birthdayShortly after waking up, [Ron] accidentally has some of [Romilda Vane]'s [love potion] - and after [Slughorn] provides him with an antidote, he inadvertently poisons [Ron] as well. Fortunately, [Harry] reacts quickly and gives [Ron] a [bezoar], saving his life.
(HBP18)

March 10
[Harry]'s fourth lesson with [Dumbledore][Harry] arrives at his lesson with [Dumbledore] having forgotten to do his homework and get the full memory from [Slughorn]. They watch several memories, including [Voldemort]'s applying to teach [Defence Against the Dark Arts], and [Dumbledore] warns [Harry] that further lessons will be useless without the memory from [Slughorn].
(HBP20)

April 21
[Horace Slughorn] finally gives up his memory to [Harry] - thanks to [Felix Felicis] ([HBP22])He races to [Dumbledore]'s study at midnight and together they watch the full memory, discussing [Voldemort], [Horcruxes], and the [prophecy] - along with how [Harry] is going to react to all three ([HBP23]).
We know this happens on April 21 because [Apparition] tests were the same day, and the sign posted in the [Gryffindor common room] in [HBP21] specified the date. This works well with our calendar, too; the 21st is a Monday, we already know from [HBP9] that [Harry] has [Potions] on Mondays, and most of his lessons with [Dumbledore] have happened on Mondays as well.

circa May
[Harry] uses the [Sectumsempra] curse on [Malfoy][Snape] quickly arrives to heal [Malfoy], but [Harry] lands in [detention] every Saturday for the rest of the year.
(HBP24)

May
[Harry] serves his first [detention] with [Snape]; meanwhile, [Gryffindor] wins the [Quidditch Cup][Harry] returns to [Gryffindor Tower] after his [detention] to find a massive celebration - and immediately kisses [Ginny] in front of everybody.
(JKR)

June
[Harry] and [Dumbledore] retrieve the fake [Horcrux] from inside [Voldemort]'s sea [cave]We are given no indication of the date, except that it's June.
(HBP26)

June
The Battle of The TowerWhile [Dumbledore] is away, a gang of [Death Eaters], led by [Draco Malfoy], sneaks into [Hogwarts] through the [vanishing cabinet] in the [Room of Requirement]. They battle the [Order of the Phoenix], and when [Dumbledore] and [Harry] return, Dumbledore freezes Harry and [Draco] arrives to [Disarm] [Dumbledore] ([HBP27]).

After a standoff, [Snape] arrives and kills [Dumbledore], and the [Death Eaters] flee the school. [Harry] then discovers that the [locket] is not the real [Horcrux], but rather that it was replaced by a fake one from [R.A.B.] ([HBP28]).

[McGonagall], now acting as headmaster, meets with the [Order] and with the [heads of houses], determining that students will be allowed to stay for [Dumbledore]\'s funeral ([HBP29]).

June
[Dumbledore]'s funeralMuch of the British Wizarding World comes to [Hogwarts] to bid farewell to the "greatest headmaster [Hogwarts] ever had."

After rejecting [Scrimgeour] again and breaking ties with [Ginny], [Harry] walks off with [Ron] and [Hermione]. He pledges to find the [Horcruxes] himself, and they pledge to stand with him the whole time.
(HBP30)

July 1
[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone] is publishedIt is published only in [Britain] until the following year.

late July 27
Battle of the Seven Potters

The [Order of the Phoenix] attempts to release Harry from [Privet Drive] only to be ambushed by [Death Eaters]. An aerial battle ensues which ranges over the southern counties of England between [Little Whinging] and the [Burrow].

August 1
The Wedding

[Fleur Delacour] and [Bill Weasley] get married. The reception is broken up by a [Death Eater] attack.

August 2
Story of the Locket Revealed

London, Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place

[Kreacher] tells [Harry Potter] the tale of how he was told to go with the [Dark Lord] by his master [Regulus Black] and how he failed his master by not destroying the locket.

September 1
New Hogwarts Headmaster

With Death Eaters in control of the Ministry, Severus Snape becomes headmaster of Hogwarts.

September 2
The Infiltration of the Ministry

Harry, Ron, and Hermione use Polyjuice Potion to impersonate Ministry Employees. They recover a Horcrux and make a narrow escape.

1998 (Y18) AD = 117 MM = 73 TR = 72 RH = 70 M = 40 BW = 28 CW = 26 PW = 22 FGW = 20 HG = 19 H&R = 18 GW = 17

July
[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets] is publishedIt will not be released in the [U.S.] until the following year.

July 31
[Jo Rowling] publishes the first [Daily Prophet newsletter] for members of her fan club

September 1
[Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone] is published in the [U.S.]