February is dominated by Valentine’s Day, of course, but a lot of other interesting events happen during this month. Probably the biggest February event during Harry’s time at Hogwarts was the Second Task of the Triwizard Tournament. I’m particularly intrigued by the antics of Minister for Magic Pricilla Dupont who was forced to resign on the 17th of February back in 1858 because of her weird dislike of the Muggle Prime Minister. Ah yes, canon delights us in so many unexpected ways.
Here are Harry’s Historical Highlights for February:
Historical Events
In 1858
In February of 1858, Priscilla Dupont stepped down as Minister for Magic due to her erratic behavior which was tied to her vehement dislike for the Muggle Prime Minister, Lord Palmerston. Dupont was forced out on February 17th and, ironically, Palmerston was himself resigned two days later (MoM).
In 1883
The Daily Prophet on February 12th reported that public reaction was fierce to the Department of Magical Games and Sports standardizing the goals in Quidditch to be three identical hoops on each side.
In 1901
On February 2nd, the aging Minister for Magic Faris Spavin attended the funeral of Queen Victoria resplendent in an admiral’s hat and spats. The Wizengamot decided after that event that perhaps the 145-year-old politician should consider retirement (MoM).
In 1965
Remus Lupin, about a month before his fifth birthday, is bitten by Fenrir Greyback and becomes a werewolf (Pm, HBP16)
During Harry’s Time at Hogwarts:
1992
February 22 – Snape referees a Quidditch match between Gryffindor and Hufflepuff. The match oddly takes place in the late afternoon rather than the usual 11am.
1993
February 14 – Lockhart takes it upon himself to whip up an all-day, castle-wide Valentine’s Day celebration to the chagrin of the other members of staff. That evening, Harry communicates with Riddle by means of the Diary Horcrux and sees the memories of Moaning Myrtle’s death and Hagrid’s expulsion from Hogwarts.
1994
On February the 6th, Sirius Black sneaks into Gryffindor Tower using the passwords Neville left lying around. Sirius was searching for Peter Pettigrew who was hidden as Scabbers the rat.
“Which person, which abysmally foolish person wrote down this week’s passwords and left them lying around?”
— Minerva McGonagall
A few days later, on the 11th, a hearing is held in London to determine the fate of Buckbeak, the hippogriff. Due to Lucius Malfoy’s bullying of the committee, Buckbeak is condemned to be executed. His appeal is scheduled for June.
On February 12, Harry sneaks into Hogsmeade using the Cloak of Invisibility and the Marauder’s Map. He — or at least his head — is spotted by Malfoy, who informs Snape. The Potions Master confronts Harry back at the castle, then summons Lupin into the conversation. Remus confiscates the Map, since he knows what it is.
The big Quidditch match of February in 1994 is between Gryffindor and Ravenclaw. As the teams meet on the pitch to start the match, Harry notices Cho Chang, the attractive Ravenclaw Seeker, for the first time. The Slytherins attempt to sabotage Harry during the match, but Gryffindor still wins.
1995
The Second Task of the Triwizard Tournament is held. Contestants dive into the Lake for this task while the spectators just … stare at the Lake.
1996
Harry and Cho Chang go on a date in Hogsmeade on Valentine’s Day. It doesn’t go particularly well, and when Harry suggests that they join Hermione in the Three Broomsticks, Cho ends the date. Harry gives an interview to Rita Skeeter in which he tells the whole story of what happened in the Little Hangleton graveyard.
On the 21st, Gryffindor loses to Hufflepuff after which Ron threatens to quit the team. Angelina won’t let him because, according to Ginny, “she knows he’s got it in him.”
The Quibbler publishes Harry’s interview on the 23rd and Umbridge is not happy about it. By mid-morning, Educational Decree 27 makes possessing a copy of the magazine illegal at Hogwarts.
1997
The Sixth Years have their first Apparition lesson on the first of the month. The lessons continue weekly for twelve weeks.
February Birthdays
February 6, 1950 – Arthur Weasley
February 13, 1981 – Luna Lovegood
February 24, 1897 – Newt Scamander
Featured entries
Here’s the full list of events, characters, artwork, and other Lexicon entries I’ve chosen for the home page scroller for February. As always, feel free to suggest additions in the comments.
