======Witching Hour======
=====Definition and Context=====
The **witching hour** is a term from real-world folklore referring to a time of night, typically around midnight or in the early hours of the morning, when supernatural beings such as [[witches]], demons, and ghosts are believed to be at their most powerful and active.
It is important to note that the specific term "witching hour" **is not used** in the seven original //Harry Potter// novels by J.K. Rowling. However, the concept of significant magical events taking place late at night or under the cover of darkness is a recurring motif throughout the series. Many pivotal moments in the [[wizarding world]] happen during the night, a time when the magical world is often most distinct from the sleeping [[Muggle]] world and its activities can remain concealed.
=====Notable Nocturnal Events in the Wizarding World=====
While not explicitly called a "witching hour," numerous key events in the series occur late at night, often serving as the backdrop for critical plot developments:
  * **Delivery of [[Harry Potter]] to [[Privet Drive]] (1981):** Following the first downfall of [[Lord Voldemort]], [[Albus Dumbledore]] and [[Rubeus Hagrid]] delivered the infant [[Harry Potter]] to the [[Dursleys]] well after dark. [[Minerva McGonagall]] had been observing the house all day and into the night, waiting for their arrival.
  * **[[Harry Potter]]'s Night-time Exploration of [[Hogwarts]]:** Harry frequently used his [[Invisibility Cloak]] to explore [[Hogwarts Castle]] after hours. These nocturnal journeys led to significant discoveries, including the [[Mirror of Erised]], clues about the [[Philosopher's Stone]], and information about the [[Chamber of Secrets]].
  * **The Return of [[Lord Voldemort]] (1995):** The climax of the [[Triwizard Tournament]] occurred at night. [[Harry Potter]] and [[Cedric Diggory]] were transported via [[Portkey]] to the [[Little Hangleton]] graveyard, where [[Lord Voldemort]] was restored to a physical body in a dark, nocturnal ceremony.
  * **The [[Battle of the Department of Mysteries]] (1996):** [[Harry Potter]] and his friends flew to the [[Ministry of Magic]] in [[London]] on [[Thestrals]] at night to rescue [[Sirius Black]], leading to a major battle against [[Death Eaters]] in the darkened halls of the [[Department of Mysteries]].
  * **The [[Battle of the Astronomy Tower]] (1997):** [[Death Eaters]] invaded [[Hogwarts Castle]] at night, an event which culminated in the death of [[Albus Dumbledore]] at the top of the [[Astronomy Tower]].
  * **The [[Battle of the Seven Potters]] (1997):** The [[Order of the Phoenix]] executed their plan to move [[Harry Potter]] from the [[Dursleys]]' home at nightfall to minimize the risk of being seen by [[Muggles]] and to use darkness as a tactical advantage against pursuing [[Death Eaters]].
  * **The [[Battle of Hogwarts]] (1998):** The final confrontation of the [[Second Wizarding War]] began around midnight on 2 May 1998, raging through the night and into the dawn as the forces of good battled [[Lord Voldemort]] and his followers.
=====Behind the Scenes=====
The term "witching hour" originates from Western folklore and is not an invention of J.K. Rowling for the [[wizarding world]]. Its popularization in modern culture, including other works of children's fantasy, may have led fans to associate the general concept with the //Harry Potter// series, despite the term itself never appearing in the books. The frequent use of night-time settings in the story serves to heighten tension, conceal [[magic]] from [[Muggles]], and create a classic atmosphere of mystery and enchantment.