1996

The following events occured in the year 1996:

Events

 * Dolores Umbridge is attacked in the Forbidden Forest by centaurs when she calls them "filthy half-breeds."
 * Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Neville Longbottom, Ginny Weasley and Luna Lovegood thwart Lord Voldemort's plans to steal the Prophecy at the Battle in the Department of Mysteries.
 * Cornelius Fudge is forced to accept Voldemort has returned and Umbridge is removed from Hogwarts.
 * Rufus Scrimgeour replaces Cornelius Fudge as Minister for Magic.
 * Draco Malfoy begins his duties as a Death Eater.
 * Mr. Olivander mysteriously disappears.

Deaths

 * Mrs. Abbott
 * Amelia Bones
 * Sirius Black
 * Emmeline Vance

Real-world events

 * Prince Charles and Princess Diana are divorced.
 * British pop group The Spice Girls release the single Wannabe.