1920 -1921 Term
September 1, 1920 - June 5, 1921
September
The first in-character term commenced on September 1, 1920. During the Opening Feast, Hogwarts welcomed the return of a significantly reduced student population. Those who returned were primarily from families that retained confidence in the Ministry of Magic and in the newly appointed Hogwarts staff to continue their children’s education. Many other families had chosen to homeschool their children or send them abroad to institutions such as Durmstrang or Beauxbatons. The students who did return were regarded as the foundation upon which the future of Hogwarts and the British wizarding community would be rebuilt.
The Opening Feast was presided over by the newly appointed Headmistress, Ruby Haswell, alongside the newly named Deputy Headmaster and Head of Hufflepuff House, Gideon Blackwood.
The staff for the 1920 term included returning professors Maddox Barlowe and Julia Laurence, as well as new appointments Emil Roan, Roufas Bourne, and Etain Battersea.
During the feast, it was announced that, due to the reduced number of students, both Quidditch and Dueling would be suspended for the term. In their place, several new extracurricular organizations were introduced, including the Spellcasters’ Society, The Wandering Wands, and the Library Assistants program.
Students were also informed of a number of magical irregularities occurring throughout the castle. Among these were the Grand Staircase becoming fixed in place and several enchanted doors leading to incorrect destinations.
October
The castle kitchens had returned to efficient operation, producing a steady rotation of roasts, desserts, sides, and traditional English breakfasts. The elves maintained consistent excellence in their work, and no further incidents had been reported since the disruption earlier that year. With the recent increase of ambient magic within the castle and a growing number of patients arriving in the Hospital Wing, the next phase of magical instability had begun. As spellwork in the infirmary intensified, various malfunctions were observed throughout the medical facilities.
All plants in the hospital greenhouse had withered and died. Potions in storage had spoiled, emitting noxious fumes when opened. The supply cupboards began behaving erratically — locking, unlocking, expelling contents, and even attempting to close on those nearby. The dumbwaiter system connecting to the greenhouses malfunctioned, losing speed control and occasionally ejecting its cargo. The ambient magic within the ward itself had become unstable; simple spells produced inconsistent results. Minor charms such as Lumos burned weakly one moment, then surged in power and shattered their light sources the next.
No clear pattern emerged. The disturbances appeared and vanished without warning.
Relocation of the Hospital Wing had been considered but was ultimately dismissed when it became evident that no section of the castle was unaffected by the fluctuations. Remaining in place ensured continued access to medical supplies and equipment.
Under the mounting strain, the Head Healer resigned abruptly, leaving the Headmistress responsible for finding a replacement. In the absence of senior leadership, the staff determined that additional support was necessary. Until that time, students had been permitted to assist informally by preparing simple potions, maintaining the greenhouse, organizing supplies, and providing basic care and companionship to patients. Following the resignation, these duties were reorganized into four structured volunteer positions:
- Nurse
- Alchemist
- Greenhouse Attendant
- Candy Striper
December
Several weeks had passed since the last magical disturbance, and the castle had settled into a deceptive calm. The Hospital Wing operated efficiently under the direction of its new Head Nurse, supported by a dedicated group of student assistants.
On an otherwise ordinary December day, the illusion of stability abruptly ended. As students moved between classes, the castle was brought to an unexpected standstill.
The enchanted staircases — long regarded as a marvel of magical engineering — suddenly ceased to move. The abrupt halt threw the castle into disorder. Students found themselves stranded between floors, unable to reach their classrooms, while the upper levels became entirely inaccessible from below. In response, professors and staff were forced to levitate students to their destinations, distribute brooms to those capable of flying safely within the corridors, and manage an increasingly chaotic situation as they worked to restore order.
March
The Carnival
The Hogwarts Carnival of 1921 was held on the afternoon of Saturday, March 12. The event had been organized by the school prefects, with the assistance of several professors and a considerable amount of magic. A mild spring day provided ideal conditions as a portion of the castle grounds was transformed into a festive gathering space for students and staff alike.
The large, brightly decorated gates to the carnival opened at half past noon, revealing a lively scene filled with attractions, music, and color. The grounds were arranged into several sections, each offering distinct forms of entertainment and activity.
One of the most popular attractions was the Creature Corner, a winding path that allowed visitors to observe and interact with some of Hogwarts’s more docile magical creatures. Under the supervision of the Care of Magical Creatures professor, students were able to enjoy an afternoon among a selection of tamer species from the paddock, provided they demonstrated the proper respect and care.
Another major feature of the event was the Dunk Tank, which drew large crowds throughout the day. Participants were given the opportunity to test their aim and send their professors—among them, the Deputy Headmaster and several faculty members—plunging into cold water. The attraction served as a lighthearted outlet for the students and quickly became one of the carnival’s most talked-about highlights.
The Carnival Games and Rides section offered a wide range of amusements inspired by the popular attractions of the decade. Visitors could win prizes, collect tokens, and take part in a variety of magical and mechanical rides, including the “Hogwarts Mini-Express,” a small enchanted train that carried passengers on a whimsical circuit around the fairgrounds.
Nearby, the Food Stalls and Rest Areas provided refreshments and a space for relaxation. Stalls offered traditional carnival fare alongside wizarding treats, while a live jazz band performed throughout the afternoon. Colorful seating areas were arranged for students to gather, eat, and rest between attractions.
Another feature of note was the Fortune-Teller’s Tent, where visitors could receive readings of their supposed futures. Operated by one of the prefects, the tent quickly became a subject of amusement and curiosity, with fortunes ranging from optimistic to foreboding.
The Hogwarts Carnival of 1921 was meant to be remembered as one of the most successful student-led events of the decade, marking a brief but welcome reprieve from the challenges of the preceding year.
As night fell, the carnival grounds were illuminated by magical lights, and the event proceeded without incident for several hours. At approximately 8:15 p.m., witnesses reported an abrupt disturbance originating from the creature paddock. The reinforced gates failed, releasing multiple magical creatures into the midway. The resulting panic drew the attention of both students and staff, who attempted to restore order and contain the animals.
During this distraction, a secondary and far more severe magical event occurred. The music and ambient enchantments across the fairgrounds faltered, followed by a sudden atmospheric shift described as “unnaturally still.” Moments later, a burst of high-intensity wind swept through the grounds, accompanied by what several witnesses identified as black, smoke-like magical energy. This energy spread rapidly through the midway before dissipating.
When visibility returned, three students were unaccounted for. No signs of struggle, magical residue, or traceable footprints were discovered at the scene.
Shortly thereafter, an amplified voice was heard across the carnival grounds. The speaker, whose identity remains unknown, claimed responsibility for the disappearances and issued a demand to the Ministry of Magic for the release of the previous Headmaster, Nicholas Halloway. The statement concluded with a threat indicating harm to the missing students if the demand was not met within two hours.
Screams were briefly heard from the direction of the Dark Tower before falling silent. The grounds were evacuated under staff supervision, and the area was secured for investigation.
The Great Hall
Following the chaos at the carnival and the confirmed abduction of three students, all available staff and prefects mobilized to return the student body to the castle. Under urgent instruction, students were gathered within The Great Hall while professors conducted immediate security sweeps of the room and adjoining corridors. Once confirmed clear, the doors were sealed and reinforced wards were raised.
Several professors, led by the Headmistress and Deputy Headmaster, departed to search for the missing students. Those remaining inside maintained order and comforted the students. Professor Julia Laurence worked to maintain the defensive shields while the Hall was cleared of furniture to allow open movement; blankets were distributed, and students were advised to remain together until further notice.
At first, containment appeared successful. The wards held and the atmosphere began to settle. Then a tremor reverberated through the castle, followed by a sudden outburst of magical interference. Student Maevie Golding emitted a scream consistent with exposure to Dark magic, which caused significant auditory and magical disturbance. Moments later, the defensive shields collapsed and total darkness fell.
Illumination spells failed. Panic spread among the students as additional screams — identified later as belonging to Ruth Elliot and Everleigh Ravenstone — echoed through the castle. All evidence indicated multiple Dark curses in effect, preventing spellwork and communication.
During this time, movement was reported outside the Great Hall. Four individuals identifying themselves as Aurors demanded entry under Ministry authority. Inside, Professors silently debated compliance due to uncertainty about the attackers’ identity. Ultimately, the doors were breached by Keeper Rutherford.
Healer and former Auror Roisin Byrne successfully captured Professor Farrow, who had turned hostile and was found to be the culprit behind the darkness and shield-breaking charms. Before detainment, Farrow stated, “It’s only the beginning.” His intent remains under investigation.
After confirmation that the immediate threat was neutralized, the Aurors began systematic sweeps of the castle. Students were escorted back to their dormitories under supervision. Preliminary findings indicated the three abducted students were recovered alive; Professor Thayer was deceased following the confrontation.
Though the crisis was contained, the psychological impact across the student body remained severe. Hogwarts was declared secure but remained under Ministry observation. The events served as a reminder that radical elements and Dark influences had not been fully eradicated from within the school’s walls.
The Dark Tower
Three students — Maevie Golding, Ruth Elliot, and Everleigh Ravenstone — were abducted and held captive in the uppermost chamber of the Dark Tower by Professor Thayer, a radicalized Astronomy instructor acting independently of Hogwarts authority on the former Headmaster Halloway's behalf. The captives were restrained by magical bindings, though not silenced, and were subjected to escalating psychological and physical torment intended to incite fear and submission.
Thayer’s actions were accompanied by rhetoric denouncing both Hogwarts and the Ministry of Magic, declaring his intent to expose the supposed failures of magical governance. He alternated between moments of calm persuasion and violent outbursts. Maevie was subjected to the Imperius Curse and forced to endure a fire-based spell meant to demonstrate his control. Ruth was repeatedly struck by the Cruciatus Curse, and later used as a human shield. Everleigh was placed under the Imperius Curse and compelled to climb halfway out of a tower window, effectively hanging herself while the others were forced to watch.
The situation culminated when faculty and Ministry reinforcements reached the scene. Present were Professors Maddox Barlowe, Gideon Blackwood, and Headmistress Ruby Haswell, alongside Minister of Magic Wylder Merrow. In the ensuing confrontation, Professor Barlowe engaged Thayer directly and cast the fatal spell that neutralized him. The remaining staff and Ministry officials secured the area and recovered the students.
All three victims survived the encounter and were immediately transported for medical and magical evaluation. The tower was subsequently sealed for investigation and ward reinforcement.
