In Memoriam: Delivery from Darkness

By Connor Croix (@Ravencroix)

2 May. A day that holds great significance in the Magical Community. This date has been etched in the hearts and minds of those who are a part of our fine culture. Wizards and witches everywhere are spending today celebrating the downfall of Lord Voldemort, arguably the most evil wizard in recent history. From the evening of 1 May through the early hours of 2 May in 1998, many courageous men, women, and children put their lives on the line to give all of us a better future, fighting against Death Eaters, acromantulas, giants and many other dangerous creatures in Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry (most commonly referred to as “The Battle of Hogwarts”). Harry Potter, of course, being the wizard who ultimately defeated the serpentine sorcerer. He is one of wizardkind’s most notable names, whose story is as fascinating as Potter is brave.

Today is a day of celebration, and of remembrance. Many noble souls sacrificed their lives to make the world a safer place for their children, their siblings, their spouses and their parents. I implore my readers to take a moment to think about why you are safe from Dark Magic today. Please remember those who have become posthumous heroes, and the families they have left behind.

Having been merely eleven years of age at the time of the historic battle, its significance initially did not register very deeply. However, the moment I stepped foot into that stately castle on the first of September, entering Hogwarts as a trembling and anxious first year, I could feel it. It was still fresh in everyone’s minds. It was almost as if the blood and tears remained heavy in the air, the halls echoing with the ghost of a mixture of jovial cheering and wails of agony. If you looked closely enough, you could see the scorch marks on the pillars from the torrential hail of fatal spells. It was a battle scene. Restored, of course, but as it is on the human body, not all scars can be healed. It was then I realised the cost of this liberation. That feeling will remain with me for the rest of my life.

Remember the date. Remember the fallen. Remember the heroes. Remember the Battle of Hogwarts.