Summary
Hogwarts is the beating heart of theHarry Potterfranchise and is a place of comfort for readers and in-world wizards and witches alike. However, despite being a school and for the most part being a perfectly safe place to undergo a magical education, over the years, Hogwarts has unfortunately seen its fair share of tragedy.
The darkest events to ever happen at Hogwarts were often the result of an evil witch or wizard’s dark plans, but at other times innocent mistakes were made, resulting in tragedies and sometimes a loss of life. As Hogwarts has existed for around a thousand years not all of these terrible things happened during Harry’s time, with some events occurring even long beforeHogwarts Legacy.
1Professor Umbridge Tortured Students
1995-1996 – Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix
The appointment of Professor Umbridge bythe Minister for Magicwas one of the worst things to happen to Hogwarts, as it gave a truly evil individual power and influence over young wizards and witches. While she did many awful things during her time at the school, by far the worst was the way in which she disciplined students.
As Harry Potter found out, she would make students do lines, a fairly standard punishment. However, these lines were to be written with a special pen of hers, which used the student’s own blood as ink. This put them in pain as they wrote and eventually caused them to bleed and scar.
2The Murder Of Headmaster Albus Dumbledore
1997 – Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince
The murder of a headmaster on the school premises is an awful thing and this is exactly what happened in one ofthe bestHarry Potterbooks,The Half-Blood Prince. Not only was Dumbledore killed atop the Astronomy Tower, but one of his students, Draco Malfoy, had been pressured and threatened into carrying out the assassination and helping Death Eaters enter the school.
While in the end, Draco thankfully did not have to carry out the murder, and Severus Snape instead took on the burden as part ofa plan by Dumbledore, the outcome was the same. Naturally, the whole process was traumatic for Draco and Snape, but hundreds of young students also had to deal with the impact of losing their headmaster in a place where they should feel safe.
37th Years Were Forced To Practice Unforgivable Curses On Younger Students
1997 - 1998 – Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows
When Voldemort rose to power for a second time in 1997 and overthrew the Ministry, he also managed to take control of Hogwarts. On top of appointing Severus Snape as Headmaster, he also gave positions to two of his Death Eaters, Amycus and Alecto Carrow.
These twoterrible Hogwarts professorscommitted many atrocities, but the worst came about due to Amycus' role as head of discipline and Professor of Dark Arts. As Harry found out from Neville Longbottom, 7th-year students were forced to practice the Cruciatus Curse on younger students, effectively torturing them. The effect this would have had on all involved is unimaginable.
4A Professor Secretly Removed Pain From Students
Late 1400s – Before The Events Of Hogwarts Legacy
There are manydark things inHogwarts Legacy, but while the darkest moment happens in the surrounding countryside, players get to dive into the memories of a pensive to witness something truly horrifying from Hogwarts during the Tudor period.
Isidora Morganach, a professor at Hogwarts, was able to wield Ancient Magic just like the main character of the open-world adventure, and eventually developed the ability to remove pain and suffering from others. While this might sound good, without pain there can be no light, and recipients of this treatment were left as empty shells. As it transpired, Professor Morganach was secretly using this spell on Hogwarts students, who likely did not understand.
5The Creation And Subsequent Openings Of The Chamber Of Secrets
1943 & 1992 – Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry was established in the 19th century bythe four founders for whom the school Houses are named. While they created a castle full of wonder, one terrifying legacy was left by Salazar Slytherin, who did not agree with educating Muggleborn students in the ways of magic.
Salazar Slytherin created the Chamber of Secrets and left a Basilisk inside so that one day his heir could eradicate Muggleborn students from the school. This horrifying act would finally come to fruition in the 20th century when Tom Riddle attended Hogwarts. Not only did he kill one student, but he also left behind his diary to possess another girl who would open the chamber once more on his behalf.
6The Battle Of Hogwarts - A School Under Siege
1998 – Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows
Arguably the worst thing to ever happen at Hogwarts was the attack led by Lord Voldemort andhis Death Eatersagainst the school, which would go on to be remembered as The Battle of Hogwarts. While the attackers in search of Harry Potter did issue a warning, allowing most students to escape, the loss of life on this day was extraordinary, as older students, teachers, and members of the Order of the Phoenix attempted to defend their school.
Voldemort unleashed true horrors on his former school, including giants, dementors, andwerewolves such as Fenrir Greyback, who killed for joy. There is little doubt that the 2nd of May 1998 is the darkest day in the history of Hogwarts.
