Battle of Hogwarts.

2nd May 1998, the Battle of Hogwarts took place in which the Boy Who Lived fought He Who Must Not Be Named. It was the final conflict of the Second Wizarding War and ended in many fatalities but with Harry Potter himself coming out victorious. Now, years later we are here remembering one of the biggest fictional battles of our time. As a huge Potterhead myself, despite no longer supporting She Who Must Not Be Named, I wanted to pray tribute to this iconic battle and also remember the fallen fifty, which did include some of my favourite fictional characters.

During this time a lot had changed about Hogwarts, the place that most called home. The Golden Trio obviously did not return for their seventh and final year of magical education, instead they were off hunting horcruxes in order to defeat Voldermort. Since Dumbledore’s death the year prior, Snape became Hogwarts’ new headmaster and under his reign the school changed for the worst. The once happy and warm aura of the school was now replaced with a more sinister and cold environment. As Neville Longbottom said, “Well, it’s not really like Hogwarts anymore” emphasising the loss of familiarity within the school. Within the school, Neville, Ginny and Luna continued to assemble with Dumbledore’s Army and learning to fight for the upcoming war despite not knowing if their saviour, Harry Potter, was alive.

Harry’s return to Hogwarts was a pivotal scene in both the books and the movies because, for the first time in ages, the students saw a glimmer of hope. The Boy Who Lived was back and surely he was bound to know how to lead them into the war right? Wrong, instead all Harry had to offer was a very limited description of one of the remaining horcruxes he needed to destroy. You could tell the students surrounding him were annoyed about this but, helped him nevertheless. Luna was the only one who proved somewhat useful and still believed in Harry’s mission despite his ignorance towards her.

I think one of the most badass scenes in the Deathly Hallows has to be whilst the students and Professors were preparing for the battle and Minerva McGonagall commanded the suits of armour to protect the school. This was also one of the main turning points in the book/movie that made me think ‘Oh Shit! This is really happening.’ Shortly after, all hell breaks loose and the battle commences.

I think we all know what happens during the battle so, I’m going to save you the boredom and just talk about specific aspects. Firstly, hats off to Alexandre Desplat for the music composition that was in the Deathly Hallows movies. I think the music played a pivotal part in causing emotions out of watchers and made the entire battle that much more tense. Personally, I think my favourite my favourite scores have to be Lily’s Theme and Courtyard Apocalypse. They’re the two pieces of music that toy with me emotionally. Secondly, Harry’s Sacrifice. His sacrifice is so important because Harry was willing to die emphasising how he didn’t see a possibility of hhimself making it out of this war alive. A war he was destined to fight in since he was a baby. This scene is also important because yet again, the power of a mother’s love is was saves him from his death, this time in the form of Narcissa Malfoy (RIP Helen MCrory). When the death eaters return to Hogwarts with a seemingly dead Harry we see everyone’s faces drop and when Voldermort officially confirms that “Harry Potter is dead” we see everyone fighting starting to lose hope. The Boy Who Lived was dead and they no longer knew how to win the battle nor did they want to without Harry. We also see Harry’s respective friends and family lose a loved one and the devastation it causes them. Finally, Neville killing Nagini with Godric Gryffindor’s sword is essential because not only does he kill the last horcrux but, it proves that he is worthy of being brave and does belong in Gryffindor despite what Neville believed.

The fallen fifty are the fatalities that occurred during the Battle of Hogwarts. The list includes members of the Order, Dumbledore’s Army, Hogwarts students, Death Eaters, magical creatures and the Dark Lord himself. Now, Im only going to pay tribute to those who were in the Order, D.A. or attended Hogwarts so, here goes;

Fred Weasley – beloved twin, brother, son, and friend to many.

Remus Lupin – beloved husband, father, adult figure and professor to many.

Nymphadora Tonks – beloved daughter, wife, mother and all round great friend.

Colin Creevey – beloved student, Harry Potter fan, brother and friend.

Lavender Brown – beloved ex girlfriend, classmate, friend.

Severus Snape – this one some may hate and some may love but, I personally think he did redeem himself and his death was emotional during the battle.

That’s all for the Battle of Hogwarts; a quick rundown, pivotal moments, the excellent music score and a tribute to the beloved fictional characters missed by many Potterheads around the world.