The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a realm of wonder, where magic and mythology intertwine to create a rich tapestry of storytelling. The franchise’s intricate timeline, spanning almost a century, is a testament to the masterful storytelling of J.K. Rowling. As we delve into the fascinating world of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts, it’s essential to understand the complex connections between the two franchises.

Table of Contents

Table: The Essential Timeline

Movie/Play	Year Set
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them	1926
Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald	1927
Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore	1937
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone	1991-1992
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban	1993-1994
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire	1994-1995
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix	1995-1996
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince	1996-1997
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows	1997-1998
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child	2017-2021

Note: The table above is not exhaustive but includes key events mentioned throughout this article.

The Early Years: The Founding of Hogwarts and the International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy

The timeline of Harry Potter begins with the founding of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in 990 AD. This event marked the beginning of modern wizarding society, as wizards went into hiding to protect themselves from Muggles. The International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy, established in 1692, was a turning point in the history of the wizarding world.

The Founders and Their Roles

The four founders of Hogwarts – Godric Gryffindor, Salazar Slytherin, Helga Hufflepuff, and Rowena Ravenclaw – each brought their unique skills and philosophies to the school. Gryffindor’s bravery and sense of justice led him to create a house that values courage and daring. Slytherin’s cunning and ambition led him to create a house that values resourcefulness and strategic thinking. Hufflepuff’s loyalty and hard work led her to create a house that values patience and dedication. Ravenclaw’s intelligence and wisdom led her to create a house that values knowledge and creativity.

The Rise of Power: Grindelwald’s Influence

In the early 20th century, Gellert Grindelwald, a powerful wizard with a talent for dark magic, began to rise to power. His charisma and charm attracted many followers, including Albus Dumbledore, who was initially fascinated by Grindelwald’s ideology. However, as Grindelwald’s actions became increasingly brutal, Dumbledore realized his mistake and broke off their friendship.

The International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy

In 1692, the International Confederation of Wizards established the International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy. This law aimed to protect wizards from Muggles by hiding their existence from the non-magical world. The statute also created a council of wizards to govern the wizarding world and ensure that magic was used responsibly.

The Golden Age: The Rise of Magic in the Wizarding World

The early 20th century saw a golden age of magic in the wizarding world. With the rise of powerful wizards like Albus Dumbledore and Gellert Grindelwald, magic became more sophisticated and widespread. The Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry became a hub for magical learning and innovation.

The Creation of New Spells

During this period, new spells were discovered and developed by wizards like Dumbledore and Grindelwald. These spells expanded the boundaries of magic, allowing wizards to perform feats previously thought impossible.

The Development of Magic Theory

Magic theory was also developed during this period. Wizards like Dumbledore studied the fundamental principles of magic, seeking to understand its underlying mechanics. This understanding allowed them to create new spells and improve existing ones.

Cast: Daniel Radcliffe , Emma Watson , Rupert Grint , Tom Felton , Alan Rickman , Matthew Lewis , Bonnie Wright , Evanna Lynch , Maggie Smith , Michael Gambon , Richard Harris , Ralph Fiennes , Helena Bonham Carter , Alfred Enoch , Harry Melling , Gary Oldman , Robert Pattinson , Warwick Davis , Oliver Phelps , James Phelps , David Bradley , David Thewlis , Katie Leung , Jason Isaacs , Imelda Staunton , David Tennant , Jamie Campbell Bower , Timothy Spall , Robbie Coltrane , Eddie Redmayne , Jude Law , Katherine Waterston , Ezra Miller , Dan Fogler , Alison Sudol , Johnny Depp , Mads Mikkelsen

Character(s)Harry Potter , Hermione Granger , Ron Weasley , Dumbledore , Minerva McGonagall , Rubeus Hagrid , Dobby the House Elf , Draco Malfoy , Sirius Black , Ginny Weasley , Voldemort

The Dark Ages: The Rise of Dark Magic

In the mid-20th century, dark magic began to rise in power. Gellert Grindelwald’s ideology gained popularity among some wizards, who saw magic as a means to gain power and control over others. This period saw an increase in dark magic-related crimes, including murders and kidnappings.

The Rise of Voldemort

In the late 20th century, Lord Voldemort, a dark wizard with a talent for manipulation and terror, rose to power. His followers, known as Death Eaters, were drawn to his ideology of hatred and fear towards non-magical people.

The Hogwarts Massacre

In 1998, Voldemort returned to power and ordered his followers to attack Hogwarts School. This event marked the beginning of the Second Wizarding War.

The Battle for Hogwarts

In 1998, Harry Potter, now a skilled wizard himself, led a group of students in a battle against Voldemort’s followers at Hogwarts School. This event marked the climax of the Second Wizarding War.

The Battle Begins

The battle began on May 2nd, when Voldemort returned to power and attacked Hogwarts School. Harry Potter and his friends fought bravely against Voldemort’s followers, but they were vastly outnumbered.

The Battle Rages On

As the battle raged on, both sides suffered heavy losses. Harry Potter’s friends began to fall one by one, but he refused to give up. In the end, it was just Harry Potter who remained standing against Voldemort.

The Aftermath

After Voldemort’s defeat, Harry Potter became an international celebrity. He was hailed as a hero for his bravery in fighting against Voldemort’s followers.

The Ministry’s Response

The Ministry of Magic responded to Voldemort’s return by creating a new task force dedicated to fighting dark magic. They also worked closely with international wizarding authorities to prevent future attacks.

The Legacy

=============

The legacy of Harry Potter lives on through his storybooks. His courage and determination inspire many young wizards around the world.

Table: Key Events in the Harry Potter & Fantastic Beasts Timeline

Year	Event
990 AD	Founding of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
1100s	Merlin becomes part of King Arthur’s court
1200s	Creation of the Deathly Hallows
1300s	Nicolas Flamel creates the Philosopher’s Stone
1400s	Beedle writes his “fairy tales”
1692	International Confederation of Wizards establishes International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy
1700s	Installation of new plumbing system at Hogwarts; Corvinus Gaunt attempts to keep Chamber hidden
1707	Ministry of Magic founded in UK
1880s	Albus Dumbledore is born
1890s	Fantastic Beasts timeline begins
1926	First Fantastic Beasts movie takes place
1927	Second Fantastic Beasts movie takes place
1937	Third Fantastic Beasts movie takes place (Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore)
1991-1998	Events take place in Harry Potter series
2017-2021	Events take place in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

In this table, we’ve highlighted key events that connect the Harry Potter & Fantastic Beasts timelines. From Hogwarts’ founding to Grindelwald’s rise to power, this epic narrative is a testament to J.K. Rowling’s masterful storytelling.

The Magical Creatures of Fantastic Beasts

The Fantastic Beasts franchise has introduced a vast array of magical creatures, many of which have been mentioned in the Harry Potter series. These creatures are often inspired by real-world mythology and folklore, but with a unique twist to fit the wizarding world.

Notable Creatures

Nifflers: These creatures are known for their love of shiny objects and can detect magic. They are often used as a test to detect hidden magic.
Thestrals: These winged horses are only visible to those who have seen death. They are gentle and intelligent creatures that can be ridden by wizards.
Buckbeak: A Hippogriff, Buckbeak is a majestic creature with the body of a horse and the head and wings of an eagle. He is a loyal friend to Hagrid and is known for his wisdom and courage.
Zouwu: A giant snake-like creature, Zouwu is a loyal companion to the Chinese wizard, Gong Li. He is known for his intelligence and strength.
Demiguise: A shape-shifting creature, Demiguise can take on any form they desire. They are often used as spies or messengers.

The Wizarding World’s Connection to Fantastic Beasts

The Fantastic Beasts franchise explores the wizarding world’s connection to these magical creatures, showcasing their importance in the world of magic. The movies also delve into the history of the wizarding world, highlighting key events and figures that have shaped the world of magic.

The Connection to Harry Potter

The Fantastic Beasts franchise is set in the 1920s and 1930s, while the Harry Potter series takes place in the 1990s and 2000s. However, there are several connections between the two franchises:

Albus Dumbledore: Albus Dumbledore appears in both franchises as a young wizard, working with Grindelwald and later becoming a key figure in the wizarding world.
Gellert Grindelwald: Grindelwald is a central figure in the Fantastic Beasts franchise, and his rise to power has significant implications for the wizarding world.
Magical Creatures: Many magical creatures from Fantastic Beasts have been mentioned or appear in the Harry Potter series, such as Nifflers, Thestrals, and Hippogriffs.
Wizarding History: The Fantastic Beasts franchise provides insight into the wizarding world’s history, including events that shaped the world of magic and its connection to Muggles.

Conclusion

==========

The timeline of Harry Potter & Fantastic Beasts is a complex tapestry of storytelling that spans nearly a century. From the founding of Hogwarts to the events leading up to World War II, this epic narrative is a testament to J.K. Rowling’s masterful storytelling.