HPL: Timeline

The 10th century BC

before 1000 BC(Y-2979)

Ancient Egyptian MagicMagic is integrated into society and wizards are held in esteem. Egyptian wizards put curses on tombs; nowadays curse-breakers for [Gringotts] try to regain the treasure locked in those tombs. One pyramid has mutant skeletons of Muggles who'd broken in and "grown extra heads and stuff" (as Ron puts it).
(PA1)

The 8th century BC

c. 753 BC(Y-2732)

In the Muggle world:

Romulus founds Rome

Europe | Italy | Rome

Additional information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Rome

The 4th century BC

382 BC (Y-2361)

[Ollivanders] opens for business, selling fine wands.The location of Ollivanders is uncertain, since [Diagon Alley] didn't exist in 382 BC.
(PS5)

The 1st century BC

c. 4 BC(Y-1983)

In the Muggle world:

Jesus Christ bornAccording to the Bible, Jesus was born in Bethlehem, near Jerusalem.
Scholars are uncertain of the exact year, but from historical references (and astronomical ones), place Jesus' birth somewhere between 9 and 4 BC.

The 10th century
Events of this century:

Annual Swedish broom race begins

Europe | [Sweden]

A broom race is run in Sweden from Kopparberg to Arjeplog, a distance of about 300 miles. The race is so popular it is made an annual tradition - one which still continues today, over 1000 years later.
(QA2)

962 (Y-1018)

German illuminated manuscript created

Europe | Germany

Witches and wizards were using primitive [broomsticks] for transportation, but these broomsticks were far from perfect; this German illuminated manuscript shows wizards dismounting early flying broomsticks in pain.
(QA1)

before 993 (Y-987)

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is Founded

Europe | Great Britain | Scotland

Growing distrust on the part of Muggles for wizards and witches compels the four greatest witches and wizards of the age - Godric Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff, Rowena Ravenclaw, and Salazar Slytherin - to found Hogwarts. Slytherin builds the Chamber of Secrets after his idea that only pure-blood wizards should be allowed into Hogwarts was dismissed. The Wizarding World begins to withdraw and hide itself from the Muggle World (CS9).
The official timeline ([CS/DVD]) lists this year as "before 993" because it is based on Y0 = 1980. Canon states that this happened "over a thousand years ago" (CS9, GF12).

The 11th century
Events of this century:

early 1000s

The Chamber of Secrets is created

Great Britian | Scotland | Hogwarts

Growing friction between Godric Gryffindor and Salazar Slytherin erupts into violence, with the result that Slytherin leaves Hogwarts after creating the Chamber of Secrets.
(CS9)

the beginnings of [Quidditch]

Britain | Queerditch Marsh

[Gertie Keddle], living near [Queerditch Marsh], writes about some local witches and wizards playing a new game on [broomsticks]; over the next few centuries this game evolves into [Quidditch].
(QA3)

Tragic Gaelic poem written about the game of Creaothceann

Europe | Britain | Scotland

The poem tells of twelve men playing a round of Creaothceann during which "...ten of their number were fated to die."
(QA2)

1014 (Y-966)

[Fulbert the Fearful] born (fw)

1066 (Y-914)

In the Muggle world:

Battle of Hastings; the Norman Conquest of Britain

Britain | England | Hastings

This famous battle actually took place near the town of Hastings on Selnac Hill. The defeat of Harold II by William the Conqueror marked the last time that England was conquered by foreign forces.
Additional information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_hastings

1097 (Y-883)

[Fulbert the Fearful] diesDespite never leaving his house, he is killed when a [Defensive Charm] he casts backfires.
(fw)

The 12th century

1105 (Y-875)

Stichstock Painting Created

Europe | Germany

The famous painting Günther der Gewlttätige is der Gewinner is drawn, depicting a game of [Stichstock]. (QA2)
(QA2)

1107 (Y-873)

[Guthrie Lochrin] of Scotland writes of the discomfort of riding broomsticks

Britain | Scotland

(QA2)
(QA1)

1112 (Y-868)

Wilfred Elphick born (fw)

1163 (Y-817)

[Puddlemere United] formed

Britain | Puddlemere

The [Quidditch] team would later become the oldest team in the [British and Irish Quidditch League].
(QA7)

1199 (Y-781)

Wilfred Elphick is gored to death by an [Erumpet] (fw)

The 13th century

1202 (Y-778)

[Bridget Wenlock], a famous Arithmancer, is born (fw)

1203 (Y-777)

The [Holyhead Harpies] are formed

Britain | Wales | Anglesey | Holyhead

The [Quidditch] team would go on to keep an 800+ year tradition of hiring only witches.
(QA7)

1227 (Y-753)

[Ignatia Wildsmith], inventor of Floo powder, is born (fw)

before 1269 (Y-711)

Barberus Bragge becomes Chief of the [Wizards' Council] (QA4)

1269 (Y-711)

Snidget Introduced into QuidditchAt a [Quidditch] match, Chief Barberus Bragge of the [Wizards' Council] releases a Golden Snidget and offers 150 [Galleons] to whichever player catches it first; this eventually proves so popular that a new position is added to Quidditch teams, the "Hunter," whose sole task is to catch a Golden Snidget released onto the pitch during the game.
(QA4)

1285 (Y-695)

Famous Arithmancer [Bridget Wenlock] dies (fw)

1289 (Y-691)

International Warlock ConventionThis convention is part of the second-year History of Magic curriculum; Professor Binns is in the middle of a lecture on it when Hermione interrupts to ask about the Chamber of Secrets.
(CS9)

1291 (Y-689)

The [Kenmare Kestrels] [Quidditch] team is founded

Ireland | Kenmare

(QA7)

1292 (Y-688)

The [Pride of Portree] [Quidditch] team is founded

Britain | Scotland | Isle of Skye | Portree

(QA7)

c. 1294 (Y-686)

The [Triwizard Tournament] is establishedThe tradition begins with the three European Wizarding schools: [Beauxbatons Academy], [Durmstrang Institute], and Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. It will continue off and on for many centuries.
(GF12)

1296 (Y-684)

A Manticore savages someone but is let off because no one dares go near it (PA11)

The 14th century
Events of this century:

Witch BurningsAs the magical world separates itself more and more from Muggle society, Muggles are particularly afraid of magic but not very good at recognizing it, leading to persecution of suspected witches. [Wendelin the Weird] is burned at the stake 47 times in various disguises (using a [Flame-Freezing Charm] to protect herself from the fire) (PA1, [fw]).

The German broom game [Stichstock] dies out

Europe | Germany

(QA2)

[Burdock Muldoon] is Chief of the [Wizards' Council] (FB3)

The Golden Snidget population begins to fall rapidly in BritainThe population of Snidgets drops due to hunting and its use in [Quidditch].
(QA3)

Elfrida Clagg becomes Chief of the [Wizards' Council]She succeeds [Burdock Muldoon] ([FB]) and declares the Golden Snidget to be a protected species, forbidding its use in [Quidditch] ([QA3]). Clagg also tries to establish a standard by which creatures will be given legal rights as "beings," but her attempt fails ([FB]).

[Bowman Wright] invents the Golden SnitchIt is invented as a substitute for the Golden Snidget in [Quidditch], as the Snidget is now a protected species and can no longer legally be used in matches.
This date is given in [Quidditch Through the Ages], although the [Famous Wizard Cards] give [Bowman Wright]'s date of birth as 1492.

original artwork © 2001 [Steve Vander Ark]
(QA3)

1312 (Y-668)

The [Wimbourne Wasps] [Quidditch] team is formed

Britain | Wimbourne

(QA7)

[Quidditch] referee [Cyprian Youdle] is born (fw)

1320 (Y-660)

Floo powder inventor [Ignatia Wildsmith] dies (fw)

c. 1326 (Y-654)

Nicholas Flamel is bornThe year is based on the fact that, in 1991, Nicholas Flamel was said to have "celebrated his six hundred and sixty-fifth birthday last year." However, this was written in an "enormous old book," so we can't be completely sure.
(PS13)

c. 1333 (Y-647)

Perenelle Flamel is born (PS13)

1342 (Y-638)

[Chauncey Oldridge] is born (fw)

1357 (Y-623)

[Cyprian Youdle] is killed during a [Quidditch] matchA referee from Norfolk, [Youdle] is killed by a curse from an angry spectator during a match ([QA6], [fw]).

1362 (Y-618)

The [Wizards' Council] bans all [Quidditch] matches within 50 miles of a town or village (QA5)

1368 (Y-612)

The [Wizards' Council] bans all [Quidditch] matches within 100 miles of a town or village (QA5)

1379 (Y-601)

[Chauncey Oldridge], the first victim of [dragon pox], dies (fw)

1385 (Y-595)

First recorded [Quidditch] match in IrelandThe match occurs between Irish warlocks and a team from Lancashire; we know of it thanks to an account from [Zacharias Mumps].
(QA8)

1390 (Y-590)

[Gifford Ollerton], a famous giant slayer, is born (fw)

1391 (Y-589)

Famous Wizarding Duellist [Alberta Toothill] is born (fw)

1398 (Y-582)

[Zacharias Mumps] writes a description of [Quidditch]It is the earliest known full description of the game, which already closely resembled modern [Quidditch]([QA5], [QA6]).

The 15th century
Events of this century:

early 1400s

[Quidditch] spreads to Europe[Ingolfr the Iambic] from Norway and [Malécrit] from France write of [Quidditch] matches taking place in their countries, by which we see that the game was spreading across Europe in the early 1400s
(QA8)

Beater Bats are enchanted for the first timeThis makes Bludgers, which in the 15th century are rocks cut into the shape of balls, even more dangerous. When smashed by the now-magical bats, the Bludgers become flying gravel.
(QA6)

1402 (Y-578)

The [Caerphilly Catapaults] [Quidditch] team is formed (QA7)

1419 (Y-561)

More [Quidditch] legislation enactedThe [Wizards' Council] declares that [Quidditch] should not be played "anywhere near anyplace where there is the slightest chance that a Muggle might be watching or we'll see how well you can play whilst chained to a dungeon wall."
(QA5)

1422 (Y-558)

The [Wigtown Wanderers] [Quidditch] team is formedIt consists of the seven children of a butcher, [Walter Parkin].
(QA7)

1429 (Y-551)

[Burdock Muldoon] bornThere is a conflict here: according to [Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them],Muldoon was Chief of the [Wizards' Council] in the 1300s, but according to his [Famous Wizard Card], he was born in 1429. This is an error.
(fw)

1430 (Y-550)

All-England Wizarding Duelling CompetitionThe competition is won by [Alberta Toothill]. She defeats the favorite, [Samson Wiblin], by using a [Blasting Curse].
(fw)

before 1441 (Y-539)

[Gifford Ollerton] kills the giant Hengist of Upper Barnton (fw)

1441 (Y-539)

[Gifford Ollerton], the famous giant slayer, dies (fw)

1443 (Y-537)

Renowned Liondragon expert [Quong Po] of China is born

Asia | China

(fw)

1447 (Y-533)

[Yardley Platt], a famous serial goblin-killer, is born (fw)

[Cheering Charm] inventor Felix Summerbee is born (fw)

1448 (Y-532)

[Burdock Muldoon] becomes Chief of the [Wizards' Council]He holds the position until 1450.
[FB] claims that [Muldoon] held this position a century sooner; this was either a different [Burdock Muldoon], or, more likely, it is an error.
(fw)

1467 (Y-513)

Daisy Dodderidge, eventual founder of the [Leaky Cauldron], is born (fw)

1473 (Y-507)

The First [Quidditch World Cup]The final match pitted Transylvania against Flanders. The game has gone down in history as one of the most violent of all time, as it involved every one of the 700 ways to commit a [Quidditch foul].
(QA8)

1483 (Y-497)

Famous Wizarding Duellist [Alberta Toothill] dies (fw)

1486 (Y-494)

Famous author Cornelius Agrippa is born (fw)

1490 (Y-490)

[Burdock Muldoon], former Chief of the [Wizards' Council], dies (fw)

1492 (Y-488)

[Bowman Wright] is bornAlthough the [Famous Wizard Card] indicates that [Wright] was born in 1492, the book [Quidditch Through the Ages] tells us that he invented the Golden Snitch in the 1300s. Both can't be correct, of course, but both dates are given on this timeline.
(fw)

October 31

Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington is beheaded (nearly)original animated artwork © 2001 [F.W. Arbacette], used by permission
(CS8)

The 16th century
Events of this century:

early 1500s

[Quidditch] [Beaters] experiment with metal BludgersThey first try using lead Bludgers, then eventually progress to making the balls of iron - the material still used today.
(QA6)

1506 (Y-474)

[Montague Knightley], [wizard chess] champion, is born (fw)

1508 (Y-472)

[Cheering Charms] inventor Felix Summerbee dies (fw)

1520 (Y-460)

Composer Musidora Barkwith is born (fw)

The [Tutshill Tornados] [Quidditch] team is formed

Britain | Tutshill

(QA7)

1533 (Y-447)

September 7
Elizabeth Tudor (later Elizabeth I, Queen of England), is born

1535 (Y-445)

Cornelius Agrippa, the famous author, diesHe was imprisoned by Muggles who believed his writings to be evil.
(fw)

1538 (Y-442)

A ban is imposed on using a wand against opposing players in [Quidditch] (QA6)

1539 (Y-441)

[Quong Po], expert on Liondragons, dies (fw)

1555 (Y-425)

Daisy Dodderidge, the witch who built the [Leaky Cauldron], dies (fw)

1556 (Y-424)

[Gunhilda of Gorsemoor] bornShe was a famous Healer who developed the cure for [dragon pox].
(fw)

1557 (Y-423)

Serial goblin-killer [Yardley Platt] dies (fw)

1558 (Y-422)

November 17
Elizabeth Tudor QueenedShe becomes Elizabeth I, Queen of England upon the death of her half-sister Mary

1560 (Y-420)

Golden Snitch inventor [Bowman Wright] dies (fw)

Mungo Bonham, founder of [St. Mungo's Hospital], is born (fw)

1564 (Y-416)

In the Muggle world:
William Shakespeare, English playwright and poet, is born

1566 (Y-414)

Balfour Blane is bornHe goes on to establish the [Committee on Experimental Charms].
(fw)

1568 (Y-412)

Archibald Alderton, is bornHe later becomes famous for blowing up the hamlet of Little Dropping while trying to mix a birthday cake.
(fw)

1588 (Y-392)

[Montague Knightley], [wizard chess] champion, dies (fw)

July
The Spanish Armada, attempting to invade England, is destroyed at sea

The 17th century
Events of this century:

early 1600s

[St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries] is founded by Mungo BonhamIts location is unknown, since presumably Purge and Dowse Ltd., the abandoned [London] department store that now houses the hospital, did not exist in the seventeenth century.
(fw)

early 1600s

[Quidditch] is introduced to North AmericaUnfortunately its introduction also breeds a lot of anti-wizard sentiment.
(QA8)

[Quidditch] is introduced in New ZealandIt is brought to the country by a team of British herbologists who are studying native plants. They play [Quidditch] for recreation and the game catches on.
(QA8)

1602 (Y-378)

[Almerick Sawbridge], famous troll conqueror, is born (fw)

1603 (Y-377)

In the Muggle world:
Elizabeth I, Queen of England, diesJames Stuart, King of Scotland, becomes James I of England.

1612 (Y-368)

Goblin RebellionThe inn at [Hogsmeade] serves as headquarters
(PA5)

Elfrida Clagg, Chieftainess of the [Warlocks' Council], is bornAccording to [Quidditch Through the Ages], Clagg was [Wizards' Council] Chief in the 1300s, but her [Famous Wizard Card] gives this date, so both are on the timeline.
(fw)

Famous pixie hater Dymphna Furmage is born (fw)

The [Appleby Arrows] [Quidditch] team is founded (QA7)

1616 (Y-364)

In the Muggle world:
English playwright and poet William Shakespeare dies

1620 (Y-360)

[Quintius Umfraville] writes [The Noble Sport of Warlocks] (QA6)

1623 (Y-357)

Archibald Alderton, who blew up the hamlet of Little Dropping, dies (fw)

1629 (Y-351)

Balfour Blane, who established the [Committee on Experimental Charms], dies (fw)

1632 (Y-348)

[Thaddeus Thurkell], father of seven [Squib] sons, is born (fw)

1634 (Y-346)

[Havelock Sweeting], unicorn expert, is born (fw)

1637 (Y-343)

The [Werewolf Code of Conduct] is written (PS16)

1639 (Y-341)

[Gunhilda of Gorsemoor], inventor of the cure for [dragon pox], diesHer passing is mourned by the Wizarding community
(fw)

1642 (Y-338)

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

1652 (Y-328)

The [European Cup] is establishedThis happens in response to the fact that the [Quidditch World Cup] has now become an international event, with non-European nations competing.
(QA8)

1656 (Y-324)

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

1659 (Y-321)

[St. Mungo's Hospital] founder Mungo Bonham dies (fw)

1665 (Y-315)

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

1666 (Y-314)

Composer Musidora Barkwith diesShe is most famous for composing the unfinished "Wizarding Suite," which features an exploding tuba.
(fw)

1674 (Y-306)

The [British and Irish Quidditch League] is FormedThe thirteen best [Quidditch] teams are asked to join the league; all other teams are asked to disband.
(QA7)

1677 (Y-303)

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

1687 (Y-293)

[Warlocks' Council] chieftainess Elfrida Clagg dies (fw)

1692 (Y-288)

The [International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy] goes into effectA summit meeting of the [International Confederation of Wizards] takes place. The discussion about magical creatures lasts seven weeks and includes delegations of goblins, centaurs, and merpeople. The result of this summit is the [International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy], which effectively hid the Wizarding community away from the Muggles.
(FB)

[Thaddeus Thurkell], father of seven [Squib] sons, dies (fw)

1698 (Y-282)

Dymphna Furmage dies in mortal fear of pixiesHer fears are not entirely unfounded, as she had been abducted by pixies while vacationing in Cornwall.
(fw)

1699 (Y-281)

[Almerick Sawbridge] diesHe became famous for conquering the River Troll of the Wye River.
(fw)

The 18th century
Events of this century:

[Quidditch] is introduced to AustraliaThe 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 GrandPré] © 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 SchoolIn 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 trollsShe 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 HogwartsHe 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 bornJKR 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 CompanyTheir 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 RiddleHer 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 CompanyTheir 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 SlytherinMinerva 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 HogwartsArmando 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)

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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)

c. 1970 (Y-10)

Remus Lupin is accepted to begin his first year at HogwartsIt is arranged that he will go to the Shrieking Shack every month when he transforms into a werewolf. The Shrieking Shack then becomes known as the most haunted building in Britain.
(PA18)

The Whomping Willow is planted at HogwartsIt conceals the entrance to a secret passage to the Shrieking Shack. It is planted here so that when Lupin arrives as a student, he can be taken to the Shrieking Shack once a month when he transforms into a werewolf.
This is based on Lupin's birthyear.
(PA18)

Remus Lupin's friends discover he is a werewolf, explaining his monthly disappearancesJames Potter, Sirius Black, and Peter Pettigrew then resolve to learn how to become Animagi to help Remus out, though it will be several years until they master the magic required.
"It took them the best part of three years to work out how to do it.... Finally, in our fifth year, they managed it."
(PA18)

September 1

The Marauders start at HogwartsSirius Black, Remus Lupin, Peter Pettigrew, James Potter, Lily Evans, and Severus Snape start their first year at Hogwarts; all are sorted into Gryffindor except Snape, who is made a Slytherin
From OP28, we know that Snape, Black, Lupin, Pettigrew, and Potter were all in the same year.

For more on the year, see [Marauders' birth year explained]

original artwork © [Jeannine Delleré], used by permission

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

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.

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

Charis Black Crouch dies at age 54 (BFT)

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

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 AnimagiSirius Black, James Potter, and Peter Pettigrew then begin to accompany Remus Lupin when he transforms into a werewolf, affecting his ability to maintain some semblence of humanity during his otherwise terrible transformations.
(PA18)

1974 (Y-6) AD = 93 MM = 49 TR = 48 RH = 46 M = 16 BW = 4 CW = 2

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 SnapeSnape is intensely curious about where Remus Lupin goes each month. Sirius jokingly suggests that Snape follow Lupin through the passage beneath the Whomping Willow. James Potter, realizing that Snape would encounter a full-blown and very dangerous werewolf at the end of the passage, stops Snape from going through, thereby waving his life. Snape, much to his disgust, is indebted to James because of this.
(PA18)

The Marauder's Map is writtenSirius Black, Remus Lupin, Peter Pettigrew, and James Potter explore the castle and grounds in their Animagus forms and learn more about the secrets of the place than anyone, even Filch. They then create the Marauder's Map, signing it with their nicknames: Moony (Lupin), Wormtail (Pettigrew), Padfoot (Sirius), and Prongs (James).
We don't know exactly when this happened, but it was around the beginning of the Marauders' sixth year.
(PA18)

1975 (Y-5) AD = 94 MM = 50 TR = 49 RH = 47 M = 17 BW = 5 CW = 3

[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 HogwartsSirius Black, Lily Evans, Remus Lupin, Peter Pettigrew, James Potter, and Severus Snape sit their N.E.W.T.s and leave Hogwarts.
Deduced from their birth years.

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 bornCedric is a fifth-year in PA, which takes place in 1993-1994 [[Y13]-[Y14]]. In GF, then, he's a sixth year student, but he's old enough to participate in the Triwizard Tournament, just like Angelina Johnson. Like her, his birthday must be in the early fall, between the beginning of school and October 31.
(GF16)

late October
[Angelina Johnson] is bornOn October 31, 1994 [[Y14]], [Angelina] says her seventeenth birthday was "last week." This puts her date of birth sometime in late October, 1977 [[Y-3]].
(GF16)

c. 1978 (Y-2)

Lily Evans and James Potter are marriedSirius Black is their best man.
We don't know exactly when this happened, except that it was sometime between James and Lily leaving Hogwarts (c. 1977 [[Y-3]]) and Harry's birth (July 1980 [[Y0]]). Though, Molly Weasley tells us in HBP5 that couples at this time were getting married very quickly, so it's likely James and Lily were married in 1977 or 1978 [[Y-3] or [Y-2]].

For more on their ages, see [Marauders' birth year explained].

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 HogwartsShe 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 HogwartsHe meets her at the [Hog's Head] about taking the position, although he is disinclined to continue offering Divination at all. Trelawney then makes a [prophecy] about a baby who will be born at the end of July, a baby who will be able to defeat the Dark Lord - and the prophecy is overheard by Severus Snape. Though [Dumbledore] claims Snape heard only the first half of the [prophecy] (OP37), Trelawney later reports that he was there at the end of it as well (HBP25).

This interview had to have taken place sometime after July of 1979 in order for it to apply to Harry's birth in 1980 [[Y0]], and [Dumbledore] describes it as a "cold, wet night" (OP37). So it was likely made in the winter or early spring of 1979-1980 [[Y-1]-[Y0]].

We also know that Trelawney, in early September of 1995 [[Y15]], claimed she had held her post for "nearly sixteen years" (OP15), which would imply that she was hired in the middle of a school year. And then, [Dumbledore] says in June of 1996 [[Y16]] that the interview was "sixteen years ago" (OP37). So unless [Dumbledore] is wrong, the interview must have been in the first few months of 1980 [[Y0]] - sixteen years before [Dumbledore]'s statement, a slightly exaggerated 'nearly sixteen years' before Trelawney's, and during the time of year most likely to have a "cold, wet night."

1980 (Y0) AD = 99 MM = 55 TR = 54 RH = 52 M = 22 BW = 10 CW = 8 PW = 4 FGW = 2 HG = 1 H&R = 0

[Igor Karkaroff] is captured by Mad-Eye Moody and sent to [Azkaban]His apprehension is followed shortly thereafter by that of Antonin Dolohov, who had worked with [Karkaroff] when they were both Death Eaters. It had taken Moody six months to track him down.
It is stated in [Karkaroff]'s scene in the Pensieve that he was apprehended just before [Rosier]'s death.
(GF30)

[Rosier] and [Wilkes], both known Death Eaters, are killed by [Aurors] (GF27)In the battle for his capture, [Evan Rosier] takes off a piece of Mad-Eye Moody's nose (GF30).
We know from Sirius Black that this happened "the year before Voldemort fell" (GF27).

[Ernie Macmillan] is bornAlong with many other students of Harry's year, although some, like Hermione, would have been born in 1979 [[Y-1]].
We know Ernie was born in 1980 because he, Harry, and Draco Malfoy are the only students who are not yet old enough to [Apparate] on the day of the test in HBP22.

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

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 HogwartsSnape had applied for the post of Defence Against the Dark Arts, but [Dumbledore] refused.
In October of 1995 [[Y15]], Snape told [Umbridge] that he had been teaching at Hogwarts for 14 years, but unlike McGonagall, he did not specify the month (OP17). He later says that he took up the post on Voldemort's orders (HBP2), so it's almost certain he began teaching at the start of the school year.

circa October 24

The [Fidelius Charm] is cast to hide the Potters, with Peter Pettigrew acting as Secret Keeper[Dumbledore] had offered to be secret keeper, but James and Lily had refused, planning to go with Sirius Black instead - but switching to Pettigrew at the last minute.
Fudge says that the [Fidelius Charm] was cast "barely a week" before Voldemort came after the Potters.
(PA10)

October 31

Defeat of Voldemort; James and Lily Potter are killedVoldemort attempts to kill Harry Potter after murdering his parents, but the spell rebounds onto him.

Voldemort, nearly dead and without physical form, retreats into the forests of Albania where he possess the bodies of various animals to survive for the next decade, waiting. Hagrid, on [Dumbledore]'s orders, goes to [Godric's Hollow] to rescue baby Harry from the ruins of the house.
(PS1)

circa November 1

Peter Pettigrew fakes his own death, killing twelve Muggles in the processSirius Black is arrested and at some point in the next few weeks is sent to [Azkaban] without a trial. He is 22 years old.
It's about 90% certain this happened on November 1, but it's also possible it was November 2.
(PA10)

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 WeasleyHe chooses Percy, a member of a solid wizarding family, in order to stay aware of what was going on in the magical world and perhaps hear word of his former master, Voldemort.
(PA18)

The 1990s

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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 DayLockhart 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 ClearwaterThe Hogwarts [Quidditch Cup] is cancelled.
(CS13)

late May 8

Hagrid is sent to [Azkaban]; [Dumbledore] is removed as headmaster of HogwartsHarry 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 SecretsThey 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 SecretsHarry 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 HogwartsHagrid 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 DementorsDementors 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 HogwartsLupin 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 PettigrewEveryone 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 awayRon 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 BuckbeakBuckbeak 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 werewolfSnape "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 160Harry, 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, WinkyHe 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 beginDraco 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

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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 midnightHarry 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)

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 MalfoySnape 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

(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.

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.