The Battle of Hogwarts

Background

When the Dark wizard Lord Voldemort learned that his archenemy Harry Potter had secretly ventured into the castle to locate and destroy one of his final Horcruxes, Ravenclaw's Diadem, he ordered every single Death Eater and dark creature that had ever pledged loyalty to him to launch a massive attack on the school.

Dumbledore's Army then communicated the need to fight to the Order of the Phoenix and their other allies within the British Ministry of Magic, leading to a large-scale battle. Voldemort led his forces from the Shrieking Shack into Hogsmeade; while Harry Potter, Kingsley Shacklebolt and Minerva McGonagall led the defenders of Hogwarts. Voldemort also announced that he wanted Harry Potter to surrender himself by midnight.

The battle ended with a decisive victory for the Order and the D.A., with many Death Eaters killed or captured and Voldemort himself dead. It was the most devastating battle of the war.

Did You Know?

• It is also assumed to be the final conflict in which the Elder Wand took part, due to it being resealed in Albus Dumbledore's tomb after the battle.
• Remus Lupin, Nymphadora Tonks, Severus Snape, Fred Weasley and Colin Creevey were among those who died in the battle.