======Memorials in the Wizarding World======
=====Introduction=====
Memorials within the [[wizarding world]] serve as enduring tributes to individuals and events of great significance. These structures or acts of remembrance honour the sacrifices of heroes, commemorate historical tragedies, and ensure that pivotal moments are not forgotten. Often, these memorials are protected by powerful [[enchantments]] to conceal their true nature from [[Muggles]], revealing their form only to witches and wizards. They range from grand physical monuments and statues to formal tributes and final resting places.
=====Memorials in Godric's Hollow=====
The village of [[Godric's Hollow]] contains two significant memorials dedicated to the [[Potter family]] and their defiance of [[Lord Voldemort]].
  * **The Potter Cottage Memorial:** The ruins of the [[Potter Cottage]], where [[James Potter|James]] and [[Lily Potter]] were murdered, have been left as a monument. To [[Muggles]], the site appears to be an intact house with a war memorial plaque. However, to witches and wizards, the destroyed upper floor is visible, a stark reminder of [[Lord Voldemort]]'s attack. A sign has been magicked into existence at the gate, covered in supportive graffiti left by magical visitors over the years, offering messages of hope and solidarity to [[Harry Potter]].
  * **The Potter Family Statue:** In the centre of the village square, what appears to [[Muggles]] as a traditional war memorial obelisk magically transforms when approached by members of the magical community. It becomes a statue depicting [[James Potter]] with his [[wand]], [[Lily Potter]] holding the infant [[Harry Potter]] in her arms, and both parents smiling down at their son. This statue commemorates the family as they were before the attack that tore them apart.
=====Memorials at Hogwarts=====
[[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]] is the site of two major memorials for individuals who died during [[Harry Potter]]'s time at the school.
  * **Tribute to Cedric Diggory:** Following the death of [[Cedric Diggory]] at the end of the [[Triwizard Tournament]], [[Albus Dumbledore]] used the end-of-year feast to deliver a solemn eulogy. He asked the students and staff to raise their goblets and toast to Cedric's memory, urging them to remember him not just as a talented and kind student, but as someone who was murdered by [[Lord Voldemort]]. This public address served as a living memorial, ensuring the truth of his death was known and his memory was honoured.
  * **Albus Dumbledore's Tomb:** After his death atop the [[Astronomy Tower]], [[Albus Dumbledore]] was laid to rest in a grand [[White Tomb]] on the edge of the [[Great Lake]] on the [[Hogwarts Grounds]]. He is the only Headmaster to be buried at the school. The tomb served not only as his final resting place but also as the hiding place for the [[Elder Wand]], which was interred with him. The tomb was later desecrated by [[Lord Voldemort]] in his quest to possess the wand.
=====Other Notable Memorials=====
  * **Little Hangleton War Memorial:** In the graveyard of [[Little Hangleton]], a [[Muggle]] village, stands an obelisk listing the local dead from various wars. Among the names is that of [[Frank Bryce]], the [[Riddle House]]'s gardener. While [[Muggles]] believed him to be a war casualty, he was in fact one of [[Lord Voldemort]]'s first victims upon his return to a rudimentary body.
=====Behind the Scenes=====
  * Following the [[Battle of Hogwarts]], the names of the fifty witches and wizards who died defending the school were engraved on a memorial plaque. This plaque was placed in the [[Great Hall]] to honour their sacrifice (J.K. Rowling interview).