1960s:

Lily Evans (Harry's mother) and James Potter (Harry's father) attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. They become close friends with Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, and Peter Pettigrew. Tom Riddle (Lord Voldemort) attends Hogwarts and becomes obsessed with pure-blood supremacy, eventually turning into the dark wizard we know as Voldemort.

1969:

Lily Evans and James Potter graduate from Hogwarts and eventually marry.

1970:

Voldemort starts recruiting followers to form the Death Eaters.

1971:

Harry Potter (James and Lily's son) is born on July 31st.

1977–1981:

The First Wizarding War occurs, with Voldemort and his followers terrorizing the magical world. Lily and James Potter resist Voldemort’s forces, eventually hiding in Godric’s Hollow.

1981:

October 31st: Voldemort attacks the Potters in Godric’s Hollow. He kills James and Lily, but baby Harry survives the attack, marking the first defeat of Voldemort. Harry is left with a lightning-shaped scar on his forehead. After the attack, Voldemort loses most of his powers and disappears into hiding. Harry is left with his aunt and uncle, the Dursleys, who raise him in the Muggle world.

Harry Potter’s Childhood:

1981–1991:

Harry grows up with the Dursleys in a loveless, neglectful home.

1991: Harry learns he is a wizard on his 11th birthday, when Hagrid delivers his acceptance letter to Hogwarts.

The Main Events in the Harry Potter Books:

1991-1992: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone Harry’s first year at Hogwarts. He learns about his parents’ deaths, the dark wizard Voldemort, and his connection to him. He also prevents Voldemort from obtaining the Sorcerer’s Stone.

1992-1993:

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Harry’s second year. He discovers that the Chamber of Secrets has been opened and defeats the basilisk, uncovering Tom Riddle’s past and saving Ginny Weasley.

1993-1994:

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Harry’s third year. He learns that Sirius Black, believed to be a murderer, is his godfather and the real betrayer of his parents. Harry also helps Sirius escape from the Ministry of Magic, where he is being hunted.

1994-1995:

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Harry’s fourth year. He competes in the Triwizard Tournament, where he uncovers a plot by Voldemort to return to full power. At the tournament’s final task, Voldemort returns and is reborn in a new body.

1995-1996:

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Harry’s fifth year. He forms Dumbledore’s Army to fight against the Ministry of Magic’s refusal to acknowledge Voldemort’s return. Harry also learns more about the prophecy concerning him and Voldemort, and he witnesses the death of his godfather, Sirius Black.

1996-1997:

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Harry’s sixth year. He discovers Voldemort’s Horcruxes and begins searching for them with Dumbledore’s help. During this year, Professor Snape kills Dumbledore, and Harry vows to hunt down and destroy Voldemort’s remaining Horcruxes.

1997-1998:

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Harry’s final year. He, Ron, and Hermione leave Hogwarts and embark on a quest to find and destroy Voldemort’s Horcruxes. In the final battle at Hogwarts, Harry confronts Voldemort. After a long battle, Voldemort is defeated. Harry learns that he himself was an unintentional Horcrux and sacrifices himself to Voldemort in order to destroy the piece of Voldemort’s soul inside him. He survives and, with the help of his friends, destroys Voldemort once and for all.