Hogwarts under attack & its defence

[Morgoth]

How well do you think Hogwarts can be defended during an attack by the Death Eaters or any other of Voldemort's allies?
I've often wondered how Dumbledore would counter an attack by the Dementors and possibly Dragons under Voldy's control. I can only imagine that the teachers would be the first line of physical defence, whilst the school itself is probably under a great many magical spell, which protects it from a large scale assault.
I would also suspect that Dumbeldore would be able to call re-enforcements from the Ministry of Magic and other schools as well.

Does anyone else think that Hogwarts will be the scene of some large fierce battles in books to come? or do you think that it'll be more low scale, one on one type drama?

[Manyasha]

I think Hogwarts will be one of those small 'islands os safety', at least in book 5. Voldemort didn't risk to attack Hogwarts even before his downfall. It will be pretty stupid of him to do it now, when he hasn't enough power. Though it's quite possible in book 6/7.

[Kneazle]

Well, it's hard to say. I think that we'll see more of the one-on-one type drama, and that Voldemort won't try to strike the school and take it over. He's never attempted it before, and he's probably still going to avoid combat with Dumbledore & his forces in Ddore's surroundings. If there was a battle-like thing, I'd agree that Dumbledore, the teachers, and maybe some of the older students, would fight the dark forces while some sort of magical protection was placed over the school and reinforcements were called. Hogwarts seems very well guarded already, I'll be surprised if new safety measures aren't put in place with the beginning of the next book. They won't be taking chances when the students are involved.

[TheSortingHat]

Yes. The safety of the students is obviously Dumbledore's top concern - he won't take any chances when it comes to that. I don't think that we'll see anything more than one-on-one until Book 7, its not Voldemort's style. He might consider it if there were many people he wanted to get to there - obviously, Dumbledore and Harry wouldn't be enough. It is a very safe place, and only extreme need could prompt someone to attack it, I think.

TheSortingHat

[ReLupin]

I think Hogwarts will eventually be attacked, but probably not until Book 7. I seriously doubt that Dumbledore will be around until the end. If Dumbledore dies, Voldemort will risk attacking Hogwarts.

I wonder how much help some of the professors would be in a battle. I can imagine Flitwick, McGonagall and Snape fighting, but I think some of the other professors like Sprout would not be very much help. Maybe some powerful wizards like Bill, Charlie, Sirius and Remus will be asked to move to the Hogwarts grounds for extra protection.

I think we will eventually see Charlie Weasley bringing dragons to help guard Hogwarts. Dragons were suggested as guards at the end of PoA so I think that was foreshadowing. Trolls were also used to guard Gryffindor Tower in PoA after Sirius's attack. I believe trolls will be used again.

For now, Hogwarts is still more threatened by sneaky dark wizards than by open attack. It's scary to think that the people you trust the most in the world could be someone else using polyjuice potion or could be under the Imperious Curse. If I were Dumbledore, I would do strip searches to make sure no one is hiding dark wizards under their turban and I would make every person sit in a room with nothing to drink for over an hour so that they could make sure no one was using polyjuice potion.

[jaded]

If Dumbledore's around, I doubt Voldemort will risk an attack on Hogwarts.

Also, isn't it impossible for Voldemort to see Hogwarts? It's unplotable, but that may apply just to Muggles, I forget for certain. I do think, though, that there are many spells protecting Hogwarts from Voldemort because DD always believed he would one day come back... feared it, but was preapred for it. So I doubt Voldemort would be able to get past all the things protecting Hogwarts.

Still, if he did, there must be many things that would make his attack a failure. I doubt he could successfully take over the school.

[Kneazle]

I think unplottability and related spells only work with muggles and people who are not authorized to go to the places. Voldemort can see them, as he went there and knows the truth of it. I agree that there must already be spells protecting it.

[LewsTherin]

I think, should Voldemort launch a determined assualt on Hogwarts, with Giants, Dragons, Death Eaters and Dementors is large numbers, Hogwarts would not last half and hour. Hogwarts does not have soldiers, and it they're under attack they will not be able to call for help - it will be 20 teachers against as many Death Eaters, aswell as a horde of Dark creatures. Voldemort would overwhelm them.

I think that Voldemort would definitely launch such an attack. He hesitated in his first reign and paid the price - this time, I don't think he'll hesitate. As soon as he has the oppertunity I think he'll try to crush Hogwarts and take it out of the game completely. He's not scared of Dumbledore, so this is a real threat.

To stop him, the students will have to fight.

As for the spells protecting Hogwarts, they don't prevent a wizard walking into the grounds. Sirius got in, Crouch Snr and Jnr got in, and Wormtail, hardly good protection. I think the spells protect Hogwarts from Muggles, not from a magical army.

So, in my opinion, Hogwarts would fall under an assualt from Voldemort, and fall fast.

[TheSortingHat]

The problem with that, Lews, is that Voldemort is not invincible himself. He knows that Dumbledore, as well as at least half of the teachers, would try to take him out - if they were successful, the Death Eaters would flee, and there would be a melee of Dark Creatures fighting Hogwarts staff and themselves.

Also, remember that Hogwarts is a castle. Should Voldemort lead an open march against it, his army would be wiped out by professors stunning or killing from tiny holes in the wall, his Death Eaters wouldn't be able to retaliate - if they knew where to shoot, there would be a teeny opening high up on a wall to aim at.

So even though Voldemort's crew might outnumber the Hogwarts staff, they have serious strategic (if Hogwarts isn't otherwise magically protected) disadvantages.

TheSortingHat

[Anne]

First off, there's nothing I would like better than for there to be a massive battle at Hogwarts. However, that probably won't happen. Hogwarts is the one place everyone is safe. All the battles will take place somewhere else, like at the end of GOF. The reason there will be no battle at Hogwarts is because it is so well-protected. There are so many spells and enchantments on that place that we don't even know about. There's no way Voldy could hope to invade Hogwarts. I'd love to see him try, though. :devil:

[LewsTherin]

TSH, Hogwarts may be a castle, but it was never built for war. Voldy could attack at night, use the giants to destroy the doors, and his forces are inside, at which point you have chaos. Voldy get's his people inside, and Hogwarts really doesn't have a prayer. And spells aren't arrows, who knows what a spell's range is? It may not be enough to take on Voldy from the walls. And do you honestly think that DD and the teachers, with spells flying at them, and monsters in their faces, will have the time to pick out Voldy - not a chance in hell.

And Anne, the mere fact that Hogwarts is the only safe place makes it an ideal target. What better place to tear down, than the one place everybody feels safe in? It would be a brilliant tactical move on Voldy's part to attack and destroy it, and I believe should he do so - he will succeed. Remember Hagrid's words in book 1, even he believed that Voldy would eventually have attacked Hogwarts, and the way he said it makes me believe he thinks Voldemort would have succeeded in such an attack. As for the spells protecting the structure - those spells did not stop Sirius, and if they can't stop one man, how can they stop an army. I say it again, those spells protect Hogwarts against Muggles, not a determined army.

I think we place too much faith in magic, believing that it can protect our heros against anything. It can't, it's not senient, it's only as powerful as the skill of the person using it. We also underestimate Voldemort. This is the greatest Dark Wizard ever, the one man the world fears; I would not put it past him to have tricks up his sleeve. Thus, the wizarding world has dark times ahead, and no amount of hoping that it won't be that way will save the wizarding world.

[Kneazle]

Oooh, and Mr. Most-brilliant-student-Hogwarts-has-ever-seen probably knows Hogwarts in and out. He knows it's strengths and weaknesses. Though Dumbledore undoubtedly knows more about the way the school runs, and is aware of most of the school's secrets, Voldie's got to know as much as the Marauders about the grounds and such. If he could find the Chamber of Secrets then he could plan out an assault.

[Anne]

Okay, you guys are scaring me now. :scared:

[LewsTherin]

Oooh, and Mr. Most-brilliant-student-Hogwarts-has-ever-seen probably knows Hogwarts in and out. He knows it's strengths and weaknesses. Though Dumbledore undoubtedly knows more about the way the school runs, and is aware of most of the school's secrets, Voldie's got to know as much as the Marauders about the grounds and such. If he could find the Chamber of Secrets then he could plan out an assault.
:yup: Bingo! Yes you are wise and all knowing for thinking so!;D :lol: (sarcasm noted by the way :D )

And Kneazle, you're up late, It's 7 in the morning here, thus it must be about 1 in the morning where you are. I hope you don't have school today.

[Kneazle]

:D Yes, Lews, it's late, but, fortunately, I'm on summer holidays. :grin:

[Ferrik]

Ooooo now I have visions of a horde of dementors, giants, trolls, vampires, and other assorted nasties assaulting Hogwarts. And siege engines! All those catapults and trebunchets hurling balefire...could it be? Yes! We have a new leader! Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you...my new happy place.

Now that I have that out of my system...While I would love to see a siege of Hogwarts, I doubt it will happen. Full scale battles would attract the unwanted attention from the muggle populace. Sure they can hide small stuff, and even bigger stuff like the Quidditch Cup game, but that took months of intensive planning from a lot of people. I don't see Voldemort doing all that and launching a battle at the same time. Then there's the issue of control. He can't hope to personally control every creature in his army. Even if they could supress knowledge of what was going on at Hogwarts, it would last only until the first bunch of vampires decided to do some extra credit looting of the surrounding villages and towns.

But a girl can dream.:whistle:

[Kneazle]

I've never really liked the whole battle-theory, with forces of Dark and Light facing each other in one huge, climactic stuggle. All confrontations in Harry Potter have been between a few people. That's the way Voldemort does it. He always wants complete control over situations, and he needs the upper hand. . . I can't imagine a seige in these books. It's too Lord-of-the-Rings-ish. :shrug:

[Peter]

There is a lot of difrent ways to run a battle.
Some times small asaults does the trick, some times large assoults, heavy opperations and such is the solution.
Who says the battle field have to be Hogwarts? Who says Voldemort will get the dementors and giants at his side?
You are abselutly mixing in to many difrent factors.
All right, ts the obbius thing that will happend. Now, how to defend against it?
Theres alot off difrent tactics out there, take from our real world. When we fight in wars, we tend to use weapons (ships, flights and tanks) to strike oppenents who cant fight back that particular attacker. What happends then? The attacker can go on and on and on, until his/her enemie is dead/defeated.

What can Dumbledore and the good side come up with in defence?
- Dumbledore him self (countering Voldemort.)
- Harry Potter (countering dementors.)
- Minestry of Magic (countering Deatheaters.)
- Students (countering smaler creatures.)
- Charlie 'Dragons' (countering large creatures.)

I belive that The school will focus teaching at defence against an possible oppenent, Harry, Hermione and Ronald (If they live.) Will probably be doing some thing spectaulery, some thing dangerus, some thing glory full and some thing hard.
They will be like the special forces off the students, like the students is the mases.

Just some thoughts of a possible battle.

[Sarah]

Heh, okay this is for those of you whom think Hogwarts won't be attacked. Didn't JKR say the next book took place somewhere else besides Hogwarts?
Think about this. Voldemort attacks Hogwarts and in order to protect the students they are all moved to another location to resume classes to the best they can. As long as the teachers are as loyal as we think they are then Voldemort shouldn't be able to find them...right away.

[Da da da da da86]

I hope this doesn't happen. This is a series about a magical boy in a magical boarding school. I hope it doesn't come to a battle at the school. Especially with so many young children... I think it'll be more of a little skirmish between the most importsnt teachers, important ministry wizards(Arthur) and Harry against Voldemort and the Death Eaters.

[Sarah]

Well, Alex pointed something out in the other thread. JK said her books aren't meant to be moral. So, even though we may think it is wrong for the school to battle it may happen. Voldemort isn't a nice guy by any means so attacking a school isn't below him.

Perhaps he will launch an attack during the summer? I don't think that would make much sense though.

I guess we have to face it...the next book may only make sense if Voldemort attacks the school causing the need to move the students. Then again it could just be Harry who is moved...

[Da da da da da86]

I just don't want it to happen because I like the school setting. If attacks are made on the school, classes will stop and it'll lose verisimilitude.

[NuttyNiffler]

Hogwarts is the safest place...I don't think it will be under attack.

[Morgoth]

Originally posted by NuttyNiffler
Hogwarts is the safest place...I don't think it will be under attack.

As long as Dumbledore is there. If he dies, who knows?

[Ghost]

I really don't think Voldemort is going to be so hasty this time. Alright he has got a body now, but I doubt he's as yet anywhere near his old strength, never mind surpassing it. Especially after he and Harrys last confrontation.

I think he's going to bide his time, and build up a base of power secretly. After thirteen long years he's finally got his second chance, I don't think he's going to risk throwing it all away by acting too soon. And we have got another two books to go, afterall. :p

I do kinda like the idea of an epic battle in the wizarding world, but I'm not sure it would fit in well with all JKRs already established about the wizarding world. Not at Hogwarts anyway, it's the ulitmate sanctuary.

Well saying that, it has had plenty of unwelcome visitors, but I just can't see a battle taking place there. Probably be some more spies though. If they use Draco, Harry and co. would finally have a good enough reason for shouting Avada Kedavra and ridding us of the lil ferret once and for all! :D

[dobbygirl]

I think that Hogwarts will remain the one safe place in the wizarding world until Voldemort is finally killed. I think that Dumbledore probably started making the place even safer than it already was at the beginning of GoF. It's mentioned somewhere that both Siruis and Dumbledore have been noticing some weird things going on.

I wonder though, with all that's going to be going on, will the kids still be allowed to visit Hogsmeade?

[Romulus Lupin]

Hm. I'm of mixed mind on this. I think both sides are making some assumptions which are not necessarily well-founded.

On LewsTherin's side: Lews says:
Hogwarts may be a castle, but it was never built for war.

Castles by definition are fortresses built for war. Hogwarts has stood for a thousand years (or more). Voldemort was there in the capacity of a student, and even with one of the Marauders (Pettigrew) on his side, he still doesn't have ALL the information available to him regarding the castle's defenses. The reason *we* don't know about them is that we haven't had a reason to find out yet. Sure, Pettigrew can give Voldemort all the information he wants about passages into/out of the school, but following the events in books 3 & 4, and especially now that Dumbledore is aware of the existence of the Marauder's Map, I'd think that those passages leading into the school from elsewhere would be watched.

Castles, in military terms, are force multipliers - they are a means by which a small number of defenders can hold off a large number of attackers. As Hogwarts is, by its very nature, a magical building, I would expect it to have magical defenses (in addition to the muggle ones most people are thinking about, such as arrow slits).

Yes, Sirius got in. Sirius was also aware of the passages built to allow entry. Yes, Voldemort and Pettigrew got in too - but both were hosted by people who had access and who hand-carried them in willingly (if unknowingly, in Pettigrew's case). I don't think either of those methods would be as feasible for a force of thousands, although I will say that castles have fallen before by a few people sneaking in and lowering defenses for the masses to enter.

Lews also says of Voldemort:
He's not scared of Dumbledore, so this is a real threat.
Since when? :)

As for the other side - Ferrik says:
Now that I have that out of my system...While I would love to see a siege of Hogwarts, I doubt it will happen. Full scale battles would attract the unwanted attention from the muggle populace. Sure they can hide small stuff, and even bigger stuff like the Quidditch Cup game, but that took months of intensive planning from a lot of people. I don't see Voldemort doing all that and launching a battle at the same time. Then there's the issue of control. He can't hope to personally control every creature in his army. Even if they could supress knowledge of what was going on at Hogwarts, it would last only until the first bunch of vampires decided to do some extra credit looting of the surrounding villages and towns.

Voldemort won't care if the muggles find out - if he wins, the eradication of the muggles is a step closer... and he certainly won't mind collateral damage to the muggles anyway. Furthermore, while the muggles live, they'll likely be in terror of Voldemort and his forces - which, I daresay, is how Voldemort would prefer it (until such time as they can be exterminated). Dumbledore's side will be too busy staving off the attack to worry about what the muggles notice - if he wins, eventually the (surviving) muggles can have their memories modified; if he loses, it's rather a moot point.

I don't think the castle is completely impregnable - I don't think there's any such thing. However, I also don't believe it'd be easy pickings for Voldemort by any stretch.

[Dobby and Winky]

Originally posted by Kneazle
I think unplottability and related spells only work with muggles and people who are not authorized to go to the places. Voldemort can see them, as he went there and knows the truth of it. I agree that there must already be spells protecting it.

Unplottability spells make it so other wizards can't find places. Hermione says this about hiding Durmstrang (GoF chap.11, page 166 (US)): "And to keep foreign wizards from finding it, they'll have made it Unplottable."

I don't think Voldie will attack Hogwarts. It doesn't seem like he could do much with it. Sure, he could kill a bunch of kids, but so? And he would risk getting hurt for that little prize. Besides, Hogwarts is very well protected, and there's Dumbledore too. Voldemort was afraid of Dumbledore at the top of his power, why should that be different now?

[Kneazle]

Thanks, Katie. :smile:

[Dobby and Winky]

Anytime, anytime... ;D

[Ferrik]

Originally posted by Romulus Lupin
Voldemort won't care if the muggles find out - if he wins, the eradication of the muggles is a step closer... and he certainly won't mind collateral damage to the muggles anyway. Furthermore, while the muggles live, they'll likely be in terror of Voldemort and his forces - which, I daresay, is how Voldemort would prefer it (until such time as they can be exterminated).

This is true. But unless V is seriously underestimating the muggles, he won't want to draw their attention now. He would only end up fighting a war on both fronts. Unless he comes up with a much bigger army than any of us have imagined, he won't be able to do it. I know the wizarding community (especially the elitists of the bunch) has arrogantly held on to the belief that muggles aren't all that dangerous. But even Medieval weaponry could kill them (Nick and the other "headless" ghosts are proof of that). How much more damage could modern weapons do? Does anyone believe that the eruption of war on British soil, no matter how outlandish the means, would go unretaliated? If nothing else, America would be bombing within hours. We seem to be quite keen on that these days...

[Romulus Lupin]

Originally posted by Ferrik
This is true. But unless V is seriously underestimating the muggles, he won't want to draw their attention now. He would only end up fighting a war on both fronts. Unless he comes up with a much bigger army than any of us have imagined, he won't be able to do it.

Nobody said he's going to do it *now*... but maybe he'll marshall his forces for a year or two.

Originally posted by Ferrik
I know the wizarding community (especially the elitists of the bunch) has arrogantly held on to the belief that muggles aren't all that dangerous. But even Medieval weaponry could kill them (Nick and the other "headless" ghosts are proof of that).

They're proof that wizards can be beheaded, yes. But we don't know for certain that the beheadings were done by muggle executioners using muggle axes. I'm inclined to doubt it, personally, given how effective witch-burning was in the 14th century. (Ask Wendelyn the Weird.) We're also told (okay, by Hagrid) that "no car crash could've killed Lily and James Potter!" It may be harder to kill a wizard than we've previously considered.

Originally posted by Ferrik
How much more damage could modern weapons do? Does anyone believe that the eruption of war on British soil, no matter how outlandish the means, would go unretaliated? If nothing else, America would be bombing within hours. We seem to be quite keen on that these days...

Isn't it possible that Voldemort would be counting on that, and would expect the muggles to bomb Hogwarts and eliminate Dumbledore AND Harry for him? Okay - it doesn't sound like his usual Modus Operandi, but it's still possible. He grew up in a muggle orphanage - he can't be completely ignorant of muggle methods.

[Puffskein]

I agree that a full scale siege would be too much like Gondor, but then again, Voldemort must be getting rather frustrated by now after all his cunning plans were foiled. If there is a big climax, it would be better off coming in book 7.

[Sinistra]

Both sides are well represented.

First, I think Voldy and Co. will have to get through Hogsmeade before they can get to Hogwarts. The castle was the protection for the village, remember your Medieval histories? And Hogsmeade may well be attacked and/or partially desrtoyed. Firstly, because there are accesses to Hogwarts in the village. Just because two tunnels caved in doesn't mean they can never be repaired. And if Filch knows about three he cannot be at all three simultaneously. And if Hogsmeade is attacked, maybe the people living there wil move into Hogwarts, as they did in days of old. Hogwarts seems quite large enough to support a few hundred extra people.

Next, Tom Riddle certainly knew the ins and outs of Hogwarts, but so did the Marauders (three of which are still around) and so do Fred and Goerge Weasley. The combined knowledge of the four must be better than that of the two. Not to mention Dumbledore, who probably has done quite a bit of exploring himself.

I see some sort of battle as the climax to book 7. But what does that get me? That and $5 will get me a double moche latte with a shot. In other words, nothing.

[Justin Etre]

itd be too star wars / lotr if it can to a big clangy metal battle with physical, i like all the magical and symbolic stuff that goes on in HP, hence my love for him and his world

[Potterjohn]

I think madam maxime and hagrid will get the giants to help dumbledore.

[JoFaye]

I think Hogwarts will be attacked. I'm sure the castle has ancient
magical protection. Then the teachers. Then the students and the
house-elves.

Fred did not talk about the powerful magic of house-elves for no reason.
They are going to be a large part of the defense of the white-lighters.

[Elensil]

Dark Force have no need to siege Hogwarts, Lucius Malfoy alone was able to drive Dumbldore out and disband Hogwarts.

Hogwarts is a castle, but most importantly it is a school. Students are there voluntarily. One 'killin' per week would be enough for parents to sound alarm and summon children home. And without students Hogwarts has no purpose, it is a school after all...

[Astaldo]

I agree, they'll find a way to drive them out, politicaly. But for the muggles, they couldnt realy do anything against a wizard could they?

[lanifiel]

I think that maybe in book six of seven we will see Voldemorts desperation to destroy Harry consume him, he will then order the attack on Hogwarts and basically open war between good and evil. As for the defenses Dumbledore has in place, I would be sceptical of anything that also housed the chamber of secrets within it. Who knows what other things are lying within just waiting to be re-activated by the Dark Lord.

I can see battles taking place through the both the grounds and corridors of Hogwarts as some students flee the Dark Wizards while others show their true colors and join in the attack...

[Andora]

I definitely see a large battle coming on, but for some reason I have trouble believing it's going to be at Hogwarts. For one thing, it's a school, if the school environment was disrupted I don't think the book would be able to move anywhere really. That's arguable considering they almost closed the school in CoS and Dumbledore stepped down and all sorts of other things. But I think if there is a battle, the climax will occur somewhere outside of Hogwarts, like maybe Godric's Hollow, where Harry's parents used to live with him.

I don't think Voldemort would be able to stage an attack against the school anyway, there are way too many defenses, ones we don't know about and such, so unless he would be willing to go and risk everything just to kill Harry/Dd, I think he'll probably just gain a lot of power and then get Harry to come and get him.

I don't think Dumbledore is going to die off, but he did mention that the MoM was going in a separate direction in GoF because Fudge didn't believe him. So even if Hogwarts was attacked, I don't know if they'd be able to get the MoM to believe it was Voldemort. We're probably gonna see a lot of frustrating events in the coming books.

[Master Dragonfly]

The whole school wouldn't be destroyed because of one battle. Oh sure. A day messes with the entire school year? Please. Hogwarts should get attacked in book 6, and then book 7 should be full of one on one duels. In the four books so far, we've never seen magic used quickly against hundreds of things at once. It'd be cool for there to be a battle so we could see how they would use magic in a war. Duels are boring. Too slow.

But how about this: Voldemort and co attack from INSIDE HOGWARTS. I don't know how they would, but...one of the spies could nab the M.Map yet again, so Harry can't track the Dementors. Voldie could sneak in his army through the secret passages, and drive everybody out of the castle. Before that, they'd get rid of DD by attacking, and then when DD tried to alert the ministry, they thought he went insane and he got locked up in Azkaban or some mental hospital. Then Harry has to get him out, but he doesn't think of this very early (we know how slow Harry figures things out). Voldie takes over Hogwarts, hence the title, Harry Potter and the Fortress of Shadows. And then at the end DD gets out, beats Voldie again, Voldie's army gets annhilated, and Voldie has to run off and think of something new. Book 7 is his big plan, his once chance. He knows its only a 7 book series, so this is his last chance. And then there's a ton of one on one dueling, and in the end, Voldemort's wand is pointing at Harry's eyes, Voldemort uses Avada Kedavra, his wand becomes a chicken, then Neville kills him. THE END

[hermiones mum]

Hogwarts I believe is a safe place and will offer safe haven to the community of Hogsmeade.
I think that there may have been a bit of counter espionage with the book "History of Hogwarts" have they tried to do anything that the book says is impossible! Or if things have been exaggerated...some rooms you can apparate in!
We know that the ceiling is enchanted to reflect the outside sky, perhaps other optical illusions may be employed to create even greater effects later in book 5/6.

[aiko amaya]

I wonder maybe Voldermort doesn't know the location of hogwarts, the exact location, but I think all those spells on the castle were just to keep muggles away but I think an army of ancle biters (ok alittle old to be ancle bitters) would be able to hold out until other help came, that is assuming people like malfoy would help

[MadMagic]

I tend to think that Hogwarts will not be attacked. I mean that would be a huge statement from Voldemort, attacking a school full of underage, non-qualified wizards. Thats really tough stuff there.:rolleyes:

I think that the fight of good vs. evil will be more small scale then the typical final battle. Afterall there don't seem to be many deatheaters. I tend to think of it as more of a covert operation, than a full scale military war style campaign. And while Voldemort really wants to kill Harry, I don't see him doing it at Hogwarts.

[Fuchsia]

I think it will be covert too. The wizarding world know exactly what it is like to live under Voldemort. He'll have to do it all at once and on the entire world not just Hogwarts. Would a school be on anyones list of first things to do?
He'll have to get at Harry elsewhere. We already know that Harry will be visiting new areas of the world. That might be it.

[Charmed]

I have always thought that Hogwarts would be safe from an outside attack. I hope that Hogwarts will remain a safe haven for all the students and that there aren't any serious attacks. I would hate it if a situation arose where the students had to help defend the school. IIf that occurs that will mean alot of student deaths.
Talking of the students battling to save their school reminds me of the Buffy Graduation episodes.

[Follower]

I think everyone has missed a very important group of people/cretures that could help...

What about all the creatues in the forbidden forest... unicorns, nymphs, aragog, wolves, stags... centuars, and the rest...

combine that with the fact that elves, students (of Hogwarts was fullt attacked... I would see 4th year and above fighting...

Sirius could still be close by, or close enough to reach it...

And could the apparrate/dis-apparate field be taken down by Dumbledore, allowing the ministry, maruaders ,moody, and the "old group:...

I think that that the forces of evil would have a harder time than we think...

[aylar dumbledore]

MORGOTH EDIT: Thread edited in accordance with CoS Forums Spoiler Policy

[Picko]

I think everyone has missed a very important group of people/cretures that could help...

What about all the creatues in the forbidden forest... unicorns, nymphs, aragog, wolves, stags... centuars, and the rest...

combine that with the fact that elves, students (of Hogwarts was fullt attacked... I would see 4th year and above fighting...

Sirius could still be close by, or close enough to reach it...

And could the apparrate/dis-apparate field be taken down by Dumbledore, allowing the ministry, maruaders ,moody, and the "old group:...

I think that that the forces of evil would have a harder time than we think...


Well that's possible, but we don't know what terms Dumbledore and the creatures of the Forbidden Forrest (God help Voldemort and friends if Hagrid gets Aragog to help out).
Sirius is just a normal wizard and wouldn't turn the tables too much, even though I think he is very powerful. The death eaters would still out number the teachers as far as fully trained wizards go.
If Dumbledore disable the "no apparating" spell it would allow other wizards to come to help but it would also enable the death eaters to get out of there instantly. The no apparation policy with Hogwarts means that if they invade they are stuck there which is an advantage to Dumbledore in my opinion.

[timmay]

Hogwartswas built for defense picture its borders; BIG lake full of magical creatures, FORBIDEN forest full of magical creatures, some that would protect their homes and others that would act as sentries.
And I imagin that the winged boars at the gates do more than just look purdy...

The teachers.. Ho hum ho hum... well there are the obvious "warriors" who posess valuable skills.
But I think that Prof Sprout is undervalued she may not be up for much in an attack but her skills with plants would be usefull for supplying ingrediants to heal people, and make offensive potions.
Not to forget the wonderfully leathal plants she could concot with her gardning skills.

[Manyasha]

Originally posted by aylar dumbledore (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/a/showthread.php?postid=199429#post199429))
Thread edited in accordance with CoS Forums Spoiler Policy


Aylar dumbledore,

You have already been warned in this thread (http://www.cosforums.com/a/showthread.php?s=&postid=199739) that posting facts from book 5 (whether you read it or not) is not encouraged here. Please do not post such things again, otherwise you'll get a not-very-friendly PM from an admin.

[NYCwitch920]

I think everyone made very good points on how Hogwart's is protected but wouldn't it be so .... well i can't find any other word for it but cool to see such a gigantic event. It would be what everyone was preparing for. It would be terrible and shocking at first but we could see how everyone reacts. It would be such an amazing battle. If something of that magnitude were to occur, it would probably have to be in book seven. It all depends on JK but a fierce battle at hogwarts with all the teachers, students and dumbledore, would be amazing to watch. :wow:

[Barbara Kennedy]

I don't know if there will be a huge battle at Hogwarts, but if there is I would feel much safer fighting there than in any other location.

There are even more defenses and advantages that many have overlooked at Hogwarts. Aside from the house-elves and the many creatures of the Forest and the lake, we have a veritable armory of magic in the halls and rooms of Hogwarts.

>There are un-numbered suits of magical armor all around the school -are they only there as decoration or can they be sentries and defenders at need?
>Are the many statues of creatures and past wizards just statues or could they be transformed or animated as defenders much like the chess set was in book 1?
>The magical paintings could be sentries and scouts in case of an invasion.
>The ghosts at Hogwarts could also be very useful as spies and messengers, carrying instructions and information for Dumbledore, even Peeves could be useful in his own way.
> If the moving stairways could be controlled, they could be very useful in controlling access to parts of the school. The missing/trick stairs and hidden/false doorways add to the advantage Hogwarts students and teachers would have over invaders.
>The dungeons hold many magic items and Snape's classroom and office alone could yield many surprises as weapons.
>Even the youngest students soon learn some "useful" little hex and "joke" spells. While not lethal, imagine a whole roomful of first years casting jellylegs or rictusempra [tickling] spells on invaders from a protected place.

[black&potter]

I personally dont see Hogwarts coming under attack

1.Even alot of dark wizards are afraid to go near the dark forest
2.Merpeople help protect the lake
3.Gargoyles,Gryffins,and many other unmentioned creatures are guarding the school doors windows and yes even some secrets passages
4. there are protection spells both ancient and new casted all over the grounds
5.who ever says most of the students would run my bet is ,even if they dont know a whole lot they have learned simple hexes and defensive spells
6.Albus,Minerva,Severus,and many others are there not just as teachers but as command and control
7.house elfs are more powerful than they are given credit for
8.the ministry would be there in a heart beat
9.all the students parents i would expect would come to aid in the battle to protect there children
10.Baeubatons im sure may even come to dumbledores aid in case of an attack

i could think of many more reasons why it would be a stupid move on Voldemorts part but i think i have made my point

[jerb]

However, Voldermort has already found ways around Hogwarts security. In SS/PS he was in Quirrel, in COS Riddle was in a book, in GOF he had Crouch as Moody manipulating events. As tight as security would seem to be, there will always be holes. I wouldn't rule out an attack in one of the remaining books.

[Ecthelion]

It would seem unlikely but you never know. After all, Tom Riddle spent 7 years in and exploring Hogwarts, and considering he was a smart kid, I am sure he knows some secrets about the place that others don't. I could truly see Voldemort launching some sort of retalitory or pre-emptive strike on Hogwarts for a number of reasons. One, to get harry. Two, to get dumbledore. Three, to prove that he can attack any place at any time because Hogwarts is considered to be a very safe place. (He wants to make a statement in other words.)

I don't know if there will be a huge battle at Hogwarts, but if there is I would feel much safer fighting there than in any other location.

Well, it would be kind of neat to see a huge battle with giants dementors and banchees (along with dark wizards) fighting Hogwarts and her occupants, but I don't know...That type of scenario has been in stories forever and I don't know if she'd do the same here.

[black&potter]

we shall see soon enough

[Ecthelion]

Well, I am not saying that Hogwarts will be attacked but....

For one thing, this is one way it MAY get attacked. If you can recall, when talking about his travels with mauraders (either lupin or black) said that with their new found abilities of transformations (animagus) they were able to explore the school as they had never done before. And because of it, make the maruader's map.

Considering that James Potter, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, and Peter Pettigrew were in the group......then Peter Pettigrew who is always right by Voldemort knows these secret passages and the ones that bear the least danger. (Being afraid of most things, Peter would have undoubtably found that out) What if he tells Voldemort of these passages? Then the possible attack on Hogwarts is a reality.

Given there are some misgivings about this theory, one, Voldemort may know about the Marauder's map from Barty Crouch and because he does not know where it is, would refain from attacking Hogwarts. Who knows! About ten days now!

[remus81]

I would tend to think there will be an attack on Hogwarts, but not a big throw down like in LOTR. I think something a bit sneakier, but not a political upheaval. Voldie can't exactly walk into the MoM and say "hey, shut down Hogwarts". I know that isn't specific or anything. (Won't win me many points on the CoS Forum Prediction Contest) but I haven't seen any ideas that really blow my socks off, you know?

[Barbara Kennedy]

One thing that is worrisome, the Marauders Map may be missing. After Moody/Crouch took it from Harry, we never saw it again.

[Moonstone]

In a sense, Hogwarts has been under attack since book one, but in covert ways. Voldemort infiltrated Hogwarts in pursuit of the stone, Lucius by way of Tom Riddle's diary and Crouch, Jr. in the plot to spirit Harry away.

If Voldemort ever does launch a full out attack on Hogwarts, it would have to mean he has regrouped much of his powers and wants to go on an offensive against Dumbledore. After all, he did not dare to attack during his last reign. He might see that (in retrospect) as an error in judgment and this time try to destroy the leader of the forces against him. Not a pleasant thought.

Another unpleasant thought is that the Marauder's Map will come back to haunt the Harry if it has landed in the wrong hands.

[*Maven*]

I know hogwarts has enchantments of all sorts on it and apparation is impossible. I am wondering if Hogwarts has anything like gargoyles or something like that to aid it incase of an attack. I think there will be an attack because I doubt Harry will stupid enough to leave Hogwarts. So I am guessing the trouble will find him. What do you think???

P.S. the death eaters know how to get in because Malfoy is on the board and he visited in CoS.

[hesdead-dealwithit]

I doubt it - remember, they needed dementors to guard it from Sirius Black, the convict. If it had extra defenses, you'd think that those combined with Dumbledore's powers would be enough to combat one man.

[Auror Williamson]

*Maven*, I believe you have brought up a good question.

It seems as though, in my views, that Hogwarts may indeed have various creatures and, for lack of a better word, beings.

I think that there was mentioning of a gargoyle(s) in OotP. I am not sure.

Heck, if you were a painting and had been residing within the walls of Hogwarts for a few hundred years, wouldn't you want to help defend it if your home was under attack?

[Prof.Blink]

the gargoyles were outside the staff room and i think outside DD's office. i'm not sure though.

the problem with having gargoyles protect the castle would be that they could be easily defeated.
i would assume the stone gargoyles would spring to life just like the statues in atrium did. wouldn't they just smash into pieces?

as for other beings....well i'm sure there are some. the ghosts would of course come in handy since they can't die (having said thet NHN was petrified wasn't he, in COS).

erm...to be honest i'm not sure.

[Auror Williamson]

I thought that there are certain spells that can eradicate ghosts/polterguists. If there are, one can only assume that it is to "kill" the ghost or spirit.

How would the ministry remove peeves if he is a polterguist?

[tisi]

some of the forest creatures (def. not the centaurs ;) ) would probably be willing to help if hogwarts came under attack - some of them would have a lot to lose if hogwarts was overrun by evil forces.

[Jessica]

We've gotten a couple of hints that there might be magical creatures brought in to guard Hogwarts.

PoA: Fudge suggests bringing in dragons to guard the castle.

OotP: There are a few referneces in the book to Security Trolls.

So I would not be surprised to see something brought in to guard Hogwarts,

[Perdita]

Not exactly gargoyles, and don't know if they are magical or have any protective powers...

POA, ch The Dementor

As the carriage trundled towards a pair of maginificent wrought iron gates, glanked with stone columns topped with winged boars, Harry saw two more towering, hooded Dementors, standing guard on either side.

I don't remember the winged boars ever receiving mention hereafter. Perhaps they will be revealed to be more than just statues in later books?

[M a r v o l o]

Nice catch Perdita, perhaps they have some significance. I just thought the boars were supposed to resemble hogs, aka Hogwarts, but maybe they are some sort of guardians.

[haycheng]

Wont the house elves are a force to be recoginize too? They are pretty powerful creature. As for the outside help during the POV, it is the ministry want to dementor at the school, not the school staff. I believe the school probably can get more defense when the headmaster want to step up the defense.

[Auror Williamson]

I am in line with Hermione on the issue of global house elf recognization. Elves are powerful beings and I believe that it is imperitive for the magical community to make allies out of the elves as soon as possible.

I never noticed the correlation of the boars and the "Hog" in Hogwarts. Good point, M a r v o l o.

[*Maven*]

Nice catch on the boars. So do you think their could be an attack on hogwarts? Maybe we will see norbert again...

[Mad I]

Norbert could guard one of the entrances to Hogwarts, under Hargrid's watch of course....that would be interesting I think.

[Perdita]

Thanks M a r v o l o and Maven.

I have a feeling that we will definitely see Norbert again.

More on the boars...

Websites that mention winged boars:
http://www.avault.com/consoles/reviews/ps2/print_review.asp?game=savskies “You'll be diving under bridges and soaring over castle towers on any one of 24 winged creatures. Some are proud specimens: roc, giant owl, wyvern, pegasus; others are hideous mutations: flying eyes, mutated mantas, winged boars and skeletal dragons.”

Note that this website describes the winged boar as “hideous mutations.” That could either have negative connotations, or it could be this quality that makes them capable of protecting something or someone, by virtue of their frightening appearance.

Websites that mention winged hogs:

None.

Websites that discuss the symbolic meaning of boars:
http://www.heraldryunlimited.com/Symbolism/symbolism_a_c.htm “wild aggression and savagery” or “unflinching courage and fierceness,” depending of the context.

When I have time, I'll try and look for more material. That's all I have right now.

[PhoenixUK]

Wined boars are a popular decoration on top of gate posts of posh houses, at least in the UK.

[tanis]

I think that Hogwarts is a viable living being, full of defense mechanisms, whether it be moving staircases, living pictures, living armour, or talking gargoyles. Throughout the story we are given different descriptions that give the actual building and grounds it's own character and life. I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if the final battle happens at Hogwarts and the building and it's furnishings, for lack of a better word, don't play a large role in the defense of Harry and good in general.
We know, as Hermione points out tirelessly, that the castle is enchanted beyond any doubt in many many ways. too what extent we can only guess at this point, but I am sure we will find that out soon enough.

[phoenix_gurl]

I think that Hogwarts definately has a lot of defences like spells and or creatures. I think that Dumbledore may not have used these defnces against Sirius because he trully believed or suspect, that Sirius my not be after Harry or would not cause damage to Hogwarts.

[rotsiepots]

Not exactly gargoyles, and don't know if they are magical or have any protective powers...

POA, ch The Dementor

As the carriage trundled towards a pair of maginificent wrought iron gates, glanked with stone columns topped with winged boars, Harry saw two more towering, hooded Dementors, standing guard on either side.

I don't remember the winged boars ever receiving mention hereafter. Perhaps they will be revealed to be more than just statues in later books?

This is, perhaps, revealing a disturbing knowledge of Potter merchandise, but didn't the winged boars come to life in the computer game versions of PS? I vaguely remember observing someone attempting to run away from a winged boar that was attempting to crush them.

Perhaps the videogame designers had inside knowledge? ;)

[Mad I]

Perhaps the videogame designers had inside knowledge?This definitley is a possiblity, I know that JKR had input in the movies, but did she have input in the Video Games...I imagine she would have at least enough input to control the creatures in the game.

[Perdita]

ooh...Thanks for bringing that up, rotsiepots. I have never played the games, so I have no clue about what is shown in them.

Come to think of it, I don't remember seeing a thread in Muggle Media that discusses the details in the video games that might be clues to the future of the books.

[Tirwen Lupin]

I think there was another mention of the winged boars in OotP. I'm not sure, though, and could be absolutely wrong. ;)
House-elves are definitely a possibilty! They have powerful magic, even if they don't use it often.
And I wouldn't be surprised if gargoyles will have a part to play... they can spring to life to allow Dumbledore's door to open, as well as talk, so why shouldn't they be able to fight?
And as for Norbert, I really hope he'll make another appearance!

[PlaceboAddict]

One of the first things that Hagrid said about Hogwarts was that there was probably no safer place on Earth... of course that was before the Fat Lady was slashed by a (thought to be) murderer, Ron almost stabbed by the same person, 2 of the DADA teachers being death eaters, and 2 students getting teleported to V-Dawg himself ;) JKS

But seriously now, I bet if Dumbledore wanted to go to war, the House Elves would be bound to help out their 'master'. But they all seem to love him, so I doubt they'd mind. I also wonder if he'd be able to persuade the Centaurs, though I doubt it. They seem rather contemtous to the human race, to say the least. but I'm sure there's some form of ancient magicks put on the castle that the founders put on it to protect it... it would just make sense...

[trident]

I think it's time to consider the ways into Hogwarts. I mean; In OotP Harry arrives into Dumbledoor's office via portkey. Sure enough, there could be something like that you would have to have the owner of the place you land at's permission to set up a portkey to that particular place, but Dumbledoor himself entered through the fire, probably using floo-powder.
Couldn't anyone enter any fire at Hogwarts if they wanted to? Sirius does just that during PoA, and he was not exactly welcome during that period of time. How about an army entering Hogwarts using fireplaces? Of course, Dumbledoor could have them plugged out if war brakes out.

[Houler_7S]

I think that the ministry of magic controled the floo network but sirius in the PoA have ot make sure that the common room was empty

[WeasleyIsOurKing]

Couldn't anyone enter any fire at Hogwarts if they wanted to? Sirius does just that during PoA, and he was not exactly welcome during that period of time. How about an army entering Hogwarts using fireplaces? Of course, Dumbledoor could have them plugged out if war brakes out.

Actually, Sirius entered the castle as a dog, not using Floo Powder. Why use Floo Powder when you're an Animagus?

[Etoille]

Yea Sirius entered Hogwarts as an Animagus. That was one of the mysteries that was explained toward the end of PoA and a source of guilt for Remus (he suspected Sirius of entering as a dog, but didn't want to mention it to DD because of betraying DD's trust back when he and the other Mauraders were at Hogwarts). Sirius didn't use the Floo Network until GoF when he stuck his head into the fireplace to speak to Harry in the Gryffindor Common Room.

[Catgirl]

Websites that mention winged boars:
http://www.avault.com/consoles/reviews/ps2/print_review.asp?game=savskies “You'll be diving under bridges and soaring over castle towers on any one of 24 winged creatures. Some are proud specimens: roc, giant owl, wyvern, pegasus; others are hideous mutations: flying eyes, mutated mantas, winged boars and skeletal dragons.”This bit leapt out at me. In what context is the site talking about winged boars and skelatal dragons? Could there be some connection between the boars and the Threasals? They sound simular.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter Ten (p178 UK ed.)
If he had to give them a name he surposed he would call them horses, though there was definately something reptillian about them, too. They were completely fleashless, their black coats clinging to their skeletons, of which every bone was visable. Their heads were dragonish, and their pupil-less eyes white and staring. Wings sprouted from each wither - vast, black leathery wings that looked like they out to belong to giant bats.Don't they sound like they could also be discribed as skelatal dragons? Or am I reading too much into this?

There is alredy a thread about Voldermorts chances of taking over Hogwarts. Fortress of Darkness (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?t=17677)

[trident]

Yea Sirius entered Hogwarts as an Animagus. That was one of the mysteries that was explained toward the end of PoA and a source of guilt for Remus (he suspected Sirius of entering as a dog, but didn't want to mention it to DD because of betraying DD's trust back when he and the other Mauraders were at Hogwarts). Sirius didn't use the Floo Network until GoF when he stuck his head into the fireplace to speak to Harry in the Gryffindor Common Room.

Sorry, my mistake. :banghead:
But the Ministry was still looking for him in GoF, but then again, an Order member was set to the task by the ministy.
But, it's still a possible way in, though i am beginning to realise that it's not the most likely to be used.

[Linnea]

I think that the "gargoyles" are the portraits all over Hogwarts. They may be able to somehow come to life, I know this sounds cheesy, but the paintings MUST have some ulterior purpose than to just....hang there.

[*Maven*]

Acctually there has to be some powerful defense there. DD took himself out of the school just to keep Harry in it. Why would he do that???

[Phoenix_Fawkes]

I think their are defenses and in POA that Dumbledore didnt use them cuase he knew Sirius was incoccent?? Mabye.. But I do see an attack on the castle and it would be very iinteresting to read.. I think that will happen in book 7 tho!

[Jill]

I believe that Hogwarts is going to be attacked from the dark forest side. Voldemort is going to trick them all into believe the attack is going to come from Hogsmade but its not, instead they are going to go around Hogsmade and through the dark forest. On there way to the dark forest they are going to pick up the centaurs and continue onto the castle while a joined with the DE, Dementors and goblins.

When they reach Hogwarts the MoM aurors, the gargoyles and any other statues are going to become encharnted and help protect Hogwarts. Statues such as the great pheonix and the gryffindors are going to come alive. I thought long and hard about this because hopeful I am going to complete my fan fic and within this one of the statues is going to be a huge chimera that represents the four houses. Also the elfs and the rest of the wizards at Hogswart and the other schools of magic throughout the world are going to solve this problem and fight side by side in the final battle. Voldemort could actually use the statue of Salazar Slytherin within the chamber of secrets as the name suggests more that one secret and yet we have only see a single secret come from the chamber.

[Sinistra]

Jill, your idea of the statues coming to life to defend Hogwarts is a great one! It's one of those Duh! ideas. Of course they will help.

The paintings will also help alert the rest of the wizarding world, so others will come to help.

And I agree with Moonstone, that Hogwarts has been under attack from the start. But will Voldemort ever dare a full frontal attack? I doubt it. He may try the infiltration thing, coming through the "secret" passages, but an actual battle at the gates of Hogwarts seems like a waste of resources.

However, Voldemort is a fool if he doesn't place a few spies in the forest to keep tabs on Hogwarts and the forest itself. The Centaurs are militantly neutral, they say they are above siding with anyone, and Firenze was expelled for siding with Dumbledore. But the forest is very large, and many entities live there, so there is certainly room for a colony of spies.

[Drusilla]

I agree with everyone who says the school WON'T be a walkover in case a battle between good and evil ever took place on the premises.And who knows,it could happen differently too.Hogwarts is probably guarded by magicks far more powerful than anything V-dawg has just yet-it probably won't come to an all-out battle just yet.

[Magi]

Hogwarts is well protected against a conventional assault.

Unfortunately, it's far too easy to infiltrate by stealth. The biggest hole by far, are the fireplaces. We saw how Sirius popped up in the Gryffindor fireplace without a fuss, so there's no reason for Voldemort/DE not being able to do the same.

The best defence for Hogwarts is Dumbledore and the Order of the Phoenix. Knowledge is power, and if the Order can stay a step ahead of Voldemort's plans, Hogwarts can be more than adequately prepared.

[SnowyOwl]

What about the suits of armor that Harry is sure can move? Off the top of my head, we have mention of one laughing at Neville when his foot gets stuck in the trick stair, and we have one turn its head to watch Harry as he gets ready to sneak into Umbridge's office.

[onetruegryffindor]

good question... i do not have the answer...

[*Maven*]

good point, but i bet a death eater could knock a suit of armor down pretty easily. But it would be funny to see someone get swarmed.

[Catgirl]

What about the suits of armor that Harry is sure can move? Off the top of my head, we have mention of one laughing at Neville when his foot gets stuck in the trick stair, and we have one turn its head to watch Harry as he gets ready to sneak into Umbridge's office.That was because Peeves was inside it.

[Field]

They already have defence, do you think death eaters would come at Hogwarts when there are teachers with VERY high magic abilities. Not to mention DD, he can capture every deatheater ( besides Voldemort) without any problem. I guess if the Giants and Dementors came we would have a problem. Well Harry can fend off the dementors by himself with that patronas spell of his. They also have elves that have very strong magic. They could easily fend off an attack until the Aurors came at least.

[SnorkackCatcher]

Hogwarts doesn't seem that secure. OK, the ancient spells protecting it might kick in against an all-out assault, but it appears to be easy enough to get into by stealth (cf Sirius, Crouch Jr, Voldy himself under Quirrell's hat). I imagine that most of the fires are protected, though, so that you can talk by "head" but not actually Floo yourself there (or else the anti-Apparation spells wouldn't make much difference). And the Head's office seems to have special protection.

Probably the main reason that Hogwarts was said to be so safe is simply that Dumbledore was there. We saw in OotP how he seemed quite capable of taking on and beating multiple opponents at once, and he has backup from a number of other highly able wizards (McGonagall, Snape, Flitwick etc).

[*Maven*]

Yes but you can portkey onto the quidditch pitch.

[Zachary1993]

How well do you think Hogwarts can be defended during an attack by the Death Eaters or any other of Voldemort's allies?
I've often wondered how Dumbledore would counter an attack by the Dementors and possibly Dragons under Voldy's control. I can only imagine that the teachers would be the first line of physical defence, whilst the school itself is probably under a great many magical spell, which protects it from a large scale assault.
I would also suspect that Dumbeldore would be able to call re-enforcements from the Ministry of Magic and other schools as well.

Does anyone else think that Hogwarts will be the scene of some large fierce battles in books to come? or do you think that it'll be more low scale, one on one type drama?I think that if there were threats of Hogwarts being attacked then Dumbledor would prepare the school for them. He would have them prastice keeping safe like they do with school fire drills and gun drills. In the past they even had air raid alarms where if the siren went off people had to duck under desks or in Earthquake drills. Dumbledor will probably make the students do something to keep safe and prastice it so if Hogwarts were ever in danger of being attacked by deatheaters they are prepared to fight and the students will not get hurt. Maybe they would have to do a spell to help them defend themselves or something like that. He would probably work on more of how to disarm people and things like that. Or like Maven said he would place portkeys throughout the school and the students could use it and leave quickly if they are in danger and come back when a professor or prefect tells them to come back. Of course they would have to prastice this a lot so when they need to get out of danger they know how without getting scared.

On the other hand what if you had students like Fred and George who would use the Port Key to get out of school. And it is possible to get into Hogwarts with a Port Key or even get out of Hogwarts. Even though Dumbledor will think of something because his job would be to keep the students and other teachers safe.

[SnowyOwl]

That was because Peeves was inside it.

I could be wrong, but I don't think that is ever stated.

As for the suits of armor, I was thinking of them more in the role of sounding an alarm verses attacking Death Eaters. :D

[Boris_the_Bewilder]

I haven't read all the postings in this thread, so this may be redundant, but in book 1, chapter 4 when Hagrid told Harry about LV and the first war, he said that LV didn't try to take Hogwarts, "not just then, anyway."

I took that as a big clue that LV is definitely going to attack Hogwarts this time.

I'll go away quietly now.

[Lady Melanie]

I took that as a big clue that LV is definitely going to attack Hogwarts this time.

.
I think that a battle at Hogwarts would be really interesting. I dont think that we have seen all that the castle has to offer yet.

[sindatur]

I haven't read all the postings in this thread, so this may be redundant, but in book 1, chapter 4 when Hagrid told Harry about LV and the first war, he said that LV didn't try to take Hogwarts, "not just then, anyway."

I took that as a big clue that LV is definitely going to attack Hogwarts this time.

I'll go away quietly now.

Hi Boris, I agree. And I believe that the DA is another big clue in this same plot line.

[hesdead-dealwithit]

It would probably be the last battle, however, and probably would be a siege of some sort, taking very long, as I can't imagine it would be easy to enter Hogwarts. I would bet that there are many defenses of Hogwarts, not just stuff inside the castle itself, but, more importantly, defenses (made specifically by DD and the teachers or maybe defenses that have been there for centuries) that would pretect it.

[Auri DeMeer]

I've got a very strong feeling that Voldemort will indeed manage to enter Hogwarts. I mean, it's one of the symbolic strongholds of the wizarding world. And the place his famous ancestor Salazar helped to build. Voldemort definitely wants to win Hogwarts, and he'll manage. :evil:

Then, the knowledge of the Hogwarts passageways, corridors and tricky staircases will be vital.

And one last thing... From that day on, poor Dumbledore will be out of the picture... :sigh:

[Barbara Kennedy]

I've got a very strong feeling that Voldemort will indeed manage to enter Hogwarts. I mean, it's one of the symbolic strongholds of the wizarding world. And the place his famous ancestor Salazar helped to build. Voldemort definitely wants to win Hogwarts, and he'll manage. :evil:

Then, the knowledge of the Hogwarts passageways, corridors and tricky staircases will be vital.

And one last thing... From that day on, poor Dumbledore will be out of the picture... :sigh:

I think that the huge main battle at the end of book 7 will be all about this attempt to 'capture' Hogwarts, or completely destroy it.

[NiCk RiDdLe]

It'll probably be attacked in one of the future books. But not by like army style. I'm thinkin from inside. They'll get in somehow. Some way I don't know.

[Elidor]

Well, if they do drills to escape school you can bet that Junior death eaters and Dumbledores army would refuse to leave, so would many Gryfindors out of Bravery and a few Slytherins to see what they can get out of it. I rekon if there was a mass evacuation only about 2/3 would go.

As Hermiony is always telling us the castle is protected by many things; spells, enchantments, plus everything seems to be partially alive. There are all sorts of creatures, the teachers and many other advantages ie Ghosts, pictures etc.

If there is a battle at Hogwarts then Voldie wouldn't do it during the day but at night - possibly in the holidays. His forces could get in, i mean that could happen anyway like Draco opening the front door! Once the forces are entering there will be some kind of allarm. I imagine the death eaters and dementors would seek students out, leading to individual confrontations and a chance for Jk to give us a tour of the school. Then we could revisit all the places known in the book. The kitchens, owlery, chamber of secrets, room of requirement, quiditch pitch. You could just see Harry directing DA to sread out silently - preparing to attack these intruders. Asking the pictures and ghosts to inform whats happening. However, Ghosts can be petrified by a strong dark wizard so they would be in danger and Pictures can be stuned or blasted. Death eaters could easily get hostages. If there is no DD then Hogwarts could fall, with him it wouldn't. I think it could be the place of the final low down between Voldie and Harry (who should be a lot better at dada by now ond might be able to sense what voldie will do through their connection. Obviously we don't know how they will fight as they have brother wands. But you could just see the confrontation, in a dim room in the night surrounded by hostages and dark creatures.....

Scary! :sad:

[Discordia]

I think that the huge main battle at the end of book 7 will be all about this attempt to 'capture' Hogwarts, or completely destroy it.

Yeah, I have a feelig that we will most likely being seing some type of battle at Hogwarts. I think that it would be the perfect place to stage a battle. RIght on the fron lawn!

[NeuroComp]

If there is a final siege(I think it would be stupid though) on hogwarts
think about all the creatures that will come out. Giants and Dementors for
LV and possibly unicorns, merpeople, Threstals( i wonder if you kill someone can you see them) the spider...that would kick ***.
THe Latter 2 of course being close to Hagrid. And you wonder why Hagrid is part of hogwarts...perhaps DD new that he fancied fearful animals and intended on him to breed for protection of the school

Don't forget the dragons and the squid.

[hedwig7]

Voldemort could actually use the statue of Salazar Slytherin within the chamber of secrets as the name suggests more that one secret and yet we have only see a single secret come from the chamber.

Yes excellent picking that up Jill, I think thats the thing from book 2 that JKs been trying to point out to us all this time... I think that Hogwarts will be attacked, at night, and possible allies could be the ghosts, teachers, theh OoTP, the DA incl. Gred and Forge's new technologies against the DE, portraits, statues, suits of armour, Peeves (yes!! :rotfl: ), threstrals, house-elves, merpeople (if Voldie got in through the CoS then the merpeople could block the pipes or something- i reckon they've got special powers), the spiders (which JK said we would see again and many of us thought that would be in book 5 but it wasn't)... does anyone think Vampires might have a part in it too, and also we don't know which side the goblins are taking yet... maybe they'll split but i somehow think that if Voldie bribed them into thinking there were riches involved they'll go to his side...
I also think that DD will have the students practice emergency procedures and also we haven't seen the end to the R.o Requirement yet and also any other secret passageways and/or rooms in the school that haven't been mentioned yet... :evil:

[Stephie]

I don't think they put all the enchantments on Hogwarts to keep out Salazar.

And about all the magical creatures, moving staircases, anti charms, and the Room of Requirement, I think they were put there for enjoyment...well not literally enjoyment. Don't forget the other three founders had to get around at Hogwarts with all these enchantments too. Salazar left on his own half, the others didn't kick him out, so maybe if he came back, they wouldn't do anything about that...

And then again, Lord Voldemort,- or Tom Riddle at the time - was wh ohe made the Heir of Slytherin...maybe because Salazar planned to not return to Hogwarts? *shrugs*

My head hurts. I tried my hardest to make this understandable for you all, but it's one of those thing I can see clearly, but can't put it into words.

[Classical_Wizar]

I don't think they put all the enchantments on Hogwarts to keep out Salazar.
Edited: I agree it was to keep the students safe but how safe can it be? End Edited Sirius was able to get inside the castle, and the common room thanks to the help of Crooks. So if he could then I'm sure one of the founding members would be able to, since he helped create the shield and charms of the castle. Granted they were probably updated with the passing of each headmaster but if Sal did still live I'm sure he would be able to enter. In fact that makes me wonder if Lord Voldemort would be able to enter the castle if he stopped fearing Dumbledore? Who would stop him if Dumbledore happened to be away or out of the way? Of course everyone would say Harry but Voldemort doesn’t fear him yet.

[Kalyps0]

[QUOTE]I think we will eventually see Charlie Weasley bringing dragons to help guard Hogwarts. Dragons were suggested as guards at the end of PoA so I think that was foreshadowing. Trolls were also used to guard Gryffindor Tower in PoA after Sirius's attack. I believe trolls will be used again


I think ReLupin is right. Dragons and trolls will be used to defend hogwarts, and i also dont think voldy will attack unless dumbldore is gone or dead. Hes to scared of him to risk it.

[filius]

Dragons? No way! They are illegal! Dementor will go to Voldemort, to me, there seems to be no hope for Hogwarts, unless Harry shows DD the Marauder's map!

[ComicBookWorm]

LV wants Harry dead. He doesn't necessarily have to storm the castle to do that. I have to believe that there are small caved in passages and drains that a rat could traverse. So even if DD used the Marauders' map he might not defend every inch. There are portkeys that could easily be slipped to Harry by a junior DE. There are a lot of non-confrontational ways to attack the castle by stealth.

Although a grand siege of the castle featuring all the magical beings, and numerous other enchantments would be very appealing, it is too much like Gondor. JKR continues to set her own path, refusing to look like other pop culture fantasy.

I, for one, would love to see Charlie flying on the back of Norbert to help save the day. We've been told that dragons are untamable, but Norbert was hatched and raised by humans (and a half-human). I still miss him.

I think that the final battle will be mano a mano between LV and Harry. To the extent LV has to break a few heads to get there we will have an attack on Hogwarts.

[Kalyps0]

Hogwarts won't be attacked. Voldy doesn't need to attack Harry there. It would be much easier to do it away from school. I'm sure Voldy doesn't mind muggles seeing Harry being killed.

[Demetri]

I am quite confident that the dementor will attack Hogwarts.

If you notice JKR said some of the stuff by alfonso put in movie 3 hinted at other events. If you remember when the dementors were around Hogwarts it looked remarkably as if they were in battle position. They were all facing Hogwarts and they honestly looked as if they were sieging the castle.

Also, with all of the DA members learning how to make patronuses I can see this being a possibility or else those patronuses would just be a time filler (which JKR doenst need seeing as she is writing 800 plus page books).

[TerrierMom]

Hogwarts' defenses must be formidable, for Voldemort to have not attacked it in the 11 years he was in power the last time.

[ComicBookWorm]

Hogwarts' defenses must be formidable, for Voldemort to have not attacked it in the 11 years he was in power the last time.

If DD were dead, I don't think LV would hesitate. But his objective isn't to conquer Hogwarts, it is to off Harry.

[Elf]

I apologize in advance if I am repeating anyone, but this is what I think...

In order for the final two books to get really exciting, I think that Harry is going to have to be in grave danger, more so than ever before (obviously right?). I have a hunch that everthing that has been protecting Harry thus far will be compromised somehow, for example the Dursley's house on Privet Drive, Dumbledore, Hogwarts and the Ootp headaquarters at 12 Grimmauld Place. For Harry I think it's going to come down to the old saying "no where to run, nowhere to hide".

I find it incredibly suspicious how repetitive Hermione is in every book about how it is impossible to apparate inside Hogwarts. Even Snape mentions it at one point. This fact is repeated SO many times that I think it has to mean something--in otherwords, the unexpected is going to happen at Hogwarts and somehow the Death Eaters will suddenly find a way to make apparating into Hogwarts possible.

This being said, I agree that it is plausible for a battle to take place at Hogwarts. I think this may be much of the point for the DA (Dumbledore's Army). The DA members have been studying up on how to defend themselves and I think they will have to do so collectively at the school.

I think the concept of a battle at Hogwarts is a good one--scary--but good. Hogwarts is the only true home Harry has ever known. For the most part it is a place where the students feel safe and protected. There have been other incidents, such as a certain basilisk that went on a mad rampage, but over all I think the school represents security in the wizarding world. A battle here would seem to imply that no where and no one, (not even children) are safe anymore.

In order for a battle to take place at Hogwarts I think that something will most likely have to happen to Dumbledore, not necessarily that he dies, but I think he will be out of the picture for awhile at least, making Hogwarts more of an open target. It seems that people depend on Dumbledore far too much sometimes in the wizarding world. We know that at one point in time they wanted Dumbledore to be Minister of Magic and that Cornelius Fudge, the current minister, has relied a lot on Dumbledore for advice. Without Dumbledore around, even temporarily, mayhem very well could break loose and the level of fear will go up drastically.

Obviously Dumbledore's absense would also mean that Harry is on his own. He would have the OotP to help protect him, but at the Ministry of Magic in book 5, it is Dumbldore who protects Harry from Voldemort. Not that Harry hasn't done reasonably well for himself in the past, but we know that Dumbledore's presence at Hogwarts is the reason Harry is safe there, and somehow he is always there to explain things and lend some comfort in the end. Maybe not this time.

Anyway, I personally feel that a battle at Hogwarts is likely. It is essentially the heart of the wizarding world for the characters we know and I think this scenario would make the biggest impact.

[FredWeasleyJr]

first of all i dont think LV can talk to dragons on the fact that dragons dont talk so i doubt dragons will take an order from him

anyways i dont htink that LV would bring a war to DD's doorstep, he is frightened of DD still and i dont think he has enough followers especiall followers brave enough to go to Hogwarts

dementors can easily be fought off by DD i mean he got rid of a hundred of them wen they were attacking harry at the quidditch match so wit harry and DD i think they could get rid of about 200 demntors

[filius]

Yeah, i agree. Not directly to Hogwarts but maybe somewhere really close like Hogsmeade to try and scare Dumbledore.

[ComicBookWorm]

LV wants Harry dead. Anyone that gets in his way will die or be maimed. But a direct attack on Hogwarts is an unnecessary expenditure of effort. There are a lot of talented wizards at Hogwarts. LV will use stealth or deceit to get at Harry.

[Incanus]

If Voldemort feels that he's strong enough to attack Hogwarts, he won't even hesitate. But I doubt he would be able to destroy it with his DE, once they couldn't handle with six children. Hogwarts is probably the safest place in Great Britain. Dumbledore is one of the most powerful wizards, all the teachers are powerful wizards, and there are lots of students. Voldemort can't stand a chance.

[atherella]

I've said this before, but I'll repeat it since it fits into the discussion of the moment. I think there was HEAVY foreshadowing for an attack at Hogwarts back in SS/PS.

Now, Hagrid isn't always the most reliable when it comes to getting facts straight, but this one is pretty straightforward.

Reckon Dumbledore is the only one YKW was afraid of. Didn't dare try to taking the school, not just then anyway

To me, that quote almost guarantees (at least in my crazy mind) that there will indeed be some sort of battle at Hogwarts and LV will try to take over. Remember in Trewlaney's prophecy to Harry that she said the Dark Lord would rise again and this time be more powerful. (not an exact quote, just a paraphrase). If LV is more powerful, it make sense that he might try to take over Hogwarts, especially if DD is not present. (Hopefully not dead, but elsewhere :sad: )

[forgottentitan]

well i'm sorry i haven't seen a single coincedence in the past 5 harry potter books and i don't expect too see any more

why hogwart's will be attacked:

coincedently, it's a castle why would a school be a castle
Voldemort can find hogwarts, harry and ron found it when driving the ford in chamber of secrets

why

of course to knock off harry and dumbledore

OH yeah and every other wizard kid could be held ransom

With over a thousand dementors do you think he could do it

so do i

[Kelfa21]

Not that I'm advicating that the castle will be under attack...I'm just saying that its a valid possibilty...

We know that there are many passageways into Hogwarts that not many people know about...a couple are from hogsmede...so it is possible to get into the school without anyone knowing...especially when the DEs and LV have someone on their side with great knowledge of all the secret passage ways of Hogwarts....I'm talking about Peter Pettigrew of course.

Dident LV say that he had almost paid his debt to him? Peter is still a dangerous weapon against Hogwarts.
Also, Sirius proved that you could be a wanted criminal and still get inside Hogwarts..he was an animagus...we don't know how many other unregistered animagi there are...what other DEs are also animagi...and turning into a bat or an owl would make access into Hogwarts fairly simple...

[clearacell]

coincedently, it's a castle why would a school be a castle
Voldemort can find hogwarts, harry and ron found it when driving the ford in chamber of secrets

why

of course to knock off harry and dumbledore

OH yeah and every other wizard kid could be held ransom

With over a thousand dementors do you think he could do it

so do i

Harry and Ron found Hogwarts by following the train. LV is AFRAID of DD, so attacking him at his base would be too risky for LV. I don't think there are a thousand dementors, but I DO think that the DA would play a large part in protecting Hogwarts, especially if there are 20 or so patronuses kicking butt.

[DragonBlk17]

Harry and Ron found Hogwarts by following the train. LV is AFRAID of DD, so attacking him at his base would be too risky for LV. I don't think there are a thousand dementors, but I DO think that the DA would play a large part in protecting Hogwarts, especially if there are 20 or so patronuses kicking butt.

I also think that the DA will be a BIG part of the war. Helping to defend Hogwarts from attacks

[hollygo72]

I have a hunch that everthing that has been protecting Harry thus far will be compromised somehow, for example the Dursley's house on Privet Drive, Dumbledore, Hogwarts and the Ootp headaquarters at 12 Grimmauld Place. For Harry I think it's going to come down to the old saying "no where to run, nowhere to hide".

I agree. While it is true that Voldemort wants Harry dead, there are several things to consider:

1) Voldemort doesn't care who he kills to do it
2) Harry is extremely well protected by the "blood protection" at the Dursley House; 12 Grimmauld Place and Hogwarts. But if Harry steps ONE TOE outside either of those places, he has to have armed guards surrounding him.

I think in Book 7 - Voldemort and his Death Eaters will mount a full scale attack to "smoke out" Harry.

Voldemort is using "stealth" means right now because he's still building up his army and supporters. But I also believe he has spies every where to figure out ways to breach the security around Harry.

And it's not impossible.

BOOK 1: Voldemort possessed Quirrel and got into Hogwarts
BOOK 2: Lucious Malfoy was able to get the Riddle Diary into the school via Ginny.
BOOK 3: Sirius Black was able to get Hogwarts AND Gryffindor Tower AND Harry's dormitory with the help of only Lupin.
BOOK 4: Barty Crouch Jr. was able to become a Hogwarts TEACHER with easy access to Harry by taking out Mad Eye and impersonating him for a YEAR.
BOOK 5: Voldemort was able to get inside Harry's head and lure him out of the school.

Rowling has shown in EVERY book that it's possible to get around Hogwart's security and the people protecting Harry. Add that to the fact that the whole house of SLYTHERIN is full of possible traitors and spies that could work from the inside of Hogwarts to figure out a way to get onto the grounds and mount an attack.

So I think one by one Harry's "safe places" will be taken out. The Dursley house will be first. That's going down in book 6. JK said that Harry will spend his shortest summer yet there.

I fear that The Burrow/Weasley House will be attacked too. A Weasley will die. :( Maybe more than one. Another place that Harry feels like is home will be taken away from him.

Then in Book 7 - 12 Grimmauld Place will be breached. And I suspect Kreacher will play a big part in that. Since he played a part in smoking Sirius out and luring him to his death.

Then Harry will only have Hogwarts left as a safe place. But all these events will serve to break down Harry emotionally to make him vulnerable as well as making him physically vulnerable.

By the end full out WAR will be on the Hogwarts grounds.

[GodricHollow]

I'd like to agree with you hollygo72, the Burrow or the Weasley's will be attacked at one stage, I also think that if Harry survives he'll be adopted by the Weasley's (as such) and be able to experiance a family for the first time in his memory.

[Aurum]

I love the idea of gargoyles defending the castle...that is a great idea. I think the castle has more than enough defence against an attack...

We've got paintings that can alert the ministry straight away.
Plenty of escape routes, to Hogsmaede for example.
It's a castle people, a castle. It wasn't built to host chest tournaments.
I think the Room of Requirement will be a big help in defence.
We've seen Dementors wont be a big threat, plenty of Patronuses.
As if people would go to war without giant dragons to help?
There are things in the forest that can help, it's there for a reason.

I dont think even Voldemort can counter all that.

[Dark Emperor]

This is purely a strategic overlook of the Battle of Hogwarts. I am assuming that a great battle does take place, and that Voldemort has an extremely immense army, so I'm not going to dispute why/why not an attack will happen.

First off, the timing of the attack-

1. Voldemort attacks while students are enroute to or back from Hogsmeade, there by keeping them weak in both places and keeping them isolated in the path between.

2. Voldemort launches an attack on Hogsmeade while the students are there. As Hogsmeade will not be nearly as fortified as the castle, this will make it easier on the DE Army.

3. Voldemort storms the castle directly (with all the students there), with help from a mobilized Slytherin House, led by Draco, there by starting a two-pronged assult on the castle.

Second, the units used in the attack-

I believe Voldemort's Army will have to be organized like this-

Commanding Officers- DE members
Second-Tier Officers- Goblins, DE-House Elves
"enlisted" units- Trolls, Dementors, Dragons, other various creatures

The Hogwarts army (essentially a more powerful and expanded version of the original DA) I believe will be organized like this-

Commanding Officers- The school staff, Aurors
Second-Tier Officers- members of the original DA, the Trio
"enlisted" units- Ravenclaw Division, Hufflepuff Division, Gryfinndor Division, Slytherin Militia (for the few members who remain loyal to Hogwarts)

Thirdly, the type of attack (this relates heavily with the timing of the attack)-

1. Using Wormtails knowledge, Voldemort sends in "sleeper cells" (aided and abetted by Slytherin House) to back up what will eventually be a Slytherin uprising (and also to scout for traitors to help them in Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw and Gryfinndor) while DE's control an army of Trolls to keep the staff busy while he seizes key points inside the castle.

2. An attack while the students are enroute to or from Hogsmeade, Voldemort would use trolls and other creatures to attack on both sides of the path, keeping them occupied while dementors or goblins (im going by their intelligence: trolls are stupid, so they'll be used only for simple tasks, while goblins and dementors will be used for more advanced manuvers {like occupation}) to take Hogsmeade. After they have secured the town, they will order the Slytherins to attack the still-isolated students on the path.

3a. Voldemort leads a full-scale siege against Hogwarts while all students (including the Trio) are at Hogsmeade. Hogwarts would be grossley under-manned with only the staff (roughly two dozen teachers), untrained 1st years, and mediocre 2nd years. With the castle under his control, the seemingly-undefendable Hogsmeade would be massacre zone for siege attacks.

3b. Voldemort surrounds and secures the area around Hogsmeade while all the students are there and isolates them from any reinforcements (i.e. aurors or teachers). DE sleeper units travelling with Slytherin reveal themseleves and take the most important buildings (especially Honeyduke's).
House-to-House fighting ensues with Slytherin giving out positions and manuvers of the Hogwarts Army secretly while pretending to be apart of the effort.

Now for the defense strategy-

1. The Gryfinndors (Trio especially) will be very VERY suspicious of Slytherin and would be watching every move. Using some inside help (from a sympathetic Slytherin or the castle house elves) to keep tabs on them. Harry would have the tunnels watched by the DA/HA, while Ron (whom I believe to be a strategic genius, thereby being the DA/HA "Field Marshal") would secure the castle's key locations. Hermione would probably use her knowledge to find out spells that can detect dark forces or see through invisibility cloaks (like Moody's eye). With the Slytherins closely watched, they won't be able to do anything without Harry or Dumbledore's knowing. If they do manage to pull off the initial two-pronged attack, It will be a classroom-to-classroom warfare type of sitiuation, and the key objective would be to capture Slytherin dungeon and, possibly, the Chamber of Secrets. The outside attack would be very intense, and the castle defense would have to be used to its fullest, with emphasis on protecting the castle doors and secret passages.

2. Assuming that the Trio is among the students that would be caught during the attack between Hogwarts and Hogsmeade, Harry and Ron (along with any teachers who were with them) would immediately take command of the situation, having the students closest to either the castle or the town go back there and the students to far away from both to try to fight off the army and keep the route open for supplies and reinforcements. Hermione would be charged with trying to organize their forces (according to magical power) and command the logistics needed to fight. The original DA would be attempting to retake Hogsmeade along with the full-grown wizards there. Neville would be charged with rebuffing the Slytherin attacks along with Ginny and Luna.

3a. If Hogwarts was taken in absentia of the trio while they were at Hogsmeade, then first they would have to know about it. Dobby would be the reliable source to tell them. Once aware of whats happened, Ron would lead Hogsmeade's defense, while Harry would go for an attack on the occupied castle itself. Hermione, along with the original DA, would go through the secret entrance at Honeyduke's and either attempt to hit them from behind...or try and defend it from agents of the dark lord.

3b. If Hogsmeade itself was attacked while they were inside, Ron would lead the defense in what is essentially going to be house-to-house combat. Harry would do all he could to break the blockade surrounding the town, while Hermione would be trying to find and destroy DE sleeper units. The original DA would fight against the slytherins with Neville leading them (I believe Neville has about as much ability as Harry...just hasn't relized it fully yet)

There is more, but that is more detailed and what i just described was the broad strategy.

Toodles...

[Aurum]

...wow. You certainly give Ron a lot of credit, Dark Emperor.

Yes the DA will play a part in the defence, the storyline is following Harry after all. I also think Rowling told us about the DA learning Patronuses for a reason, which makes me think that Dementors will be involved in the siege of Hogwarts. We know that at least Harry, Cho, Hermione, and Dumbledore can all produce fully fledged patronuses, so the only way for Dementors to be a threat would to be with a lot more than we've seen so far.

[Auror77]

An impending attack is coming toward Hogwarts, there's no doubt about it. There are many reasons why he's after it, so I'll just move on to the actual attack. Voldemort will likely be personally involved in this battle, so he will be somewhere there as well. His army will probably consist of his Death Eaters, Dementors, some Giants, and other dark creatures the Dark Lord will probably enlist services. As for Hogwarts defense, the teachers and possibly some students will fight back. The OotP will almost definetely be there as well, maybe the MoM will be there as well, but the relationship between Hogwarts and Mom will probably be shaky still. I think it would be an incredible event in the battle if Ron took on Draco, who is leading his squad of DEs against the castle. Draco tells the squad to move on ahead, for he will deal with 'Wesealby' himself. Then they have their dramatic duel! (Hopefully, Ron wins lol) I don't know what Hermione would be doing in the battle, but I'm sure she will prove capable of fighting when she starts mowing down DEs by the groups lol. Dumbledore will probably hold Voldemort at bay but eventually something happens (cough,cough) and Voldemort starts for the castle...and for Harry possibly.

[LilCubanita67]

An impending attack is coming toward Hogwarts, there's no doubt about it....His army will probably consist of his Death Eaters, Dementors, some Giants, and other dark creatures the Dark Lord will probably enlist services. As for Hogwarts defense, the teachers and possibly some students will fight back.

Of course there will be a battle at Hogwarts, but what will happen to Draco and other children of the Deatheaters? Anyway, if Hogwarts is attacked in the way that you say then there will be no hope for the students. A couple of inexperienced students and a handful of teachers fighting against such terrible monsters like dementors, death eaters, and giants.

Harry is still alive by the skin of his teeth, he is ahead of his other classmates when it comes to battles...maybe Hogwarts should just shut down for a while?

[jaycexp]

why woudl he attack the school? whats in it for him?
- a few order members
- harry potter
- bargaining power over ministry kids and order kids

... just seems like it would be much better to do those things when he has the upper hand - if he takes out hogwarts ... itll just bring the world more on dumbledores side ......... i think jk said something about the world beng at war - i guess this would be the way to do it

[Tane]

Why would Voldemort attack the school?


He is the heir to Slytherin and therefore the rightful heir to Hogwarts in his eyes.
Voldemort enjoys teaching; we know this because he taught all the death eaters all about the dark arts according to Bellatrix in OotP.
Voldemort wants Hogwarts to become a school of dark arts.
Lucious has obviously told Draco that Dumbledore was the worst thing to ever happen at Hogwarts suggesting that things would be run better with another in control of the school, another such as Voldemort.
Salazar wanted Hogwarts to only accept pure bloods and we know that Voldemorts original plan was to try and succeed where Salazar failed.
If Voldemort could control Hogwarts then he controls the youthful witch or wizards of tomorrow and hence gains control to the ministry eventually.
Finally, the wizard school of Hogwarts is protected against muggles, well away from them in fact and a place where Voldemort could stay without muggle interference.


Voldemort believes he is an heir to Salazar and what ever Salazar left in Voldemort's eyes belongs to him now and that includes at least a share of Hogwarts.

As someone has already mentioned, PS/SS gave us a clue as to what Voldemort wants, he was the DADA teacher and had access to the school but was not powerful enough to take the school over, well not powerful enough yet. You know he could have placed anyone under the imperius curse back in PS/SS.

[phoenix_16_11]

I think that Hogwarts will remain the one safe place in the wizarding world until Voldemort is finally killed. I think that Dumbledore probably started making the place even safer than it already was at the beginning of GoF. It's mentioned somewhere that both Siruis and Dumbledore have been noticing some weird things going on.

I wonder though, with all that's going to be going on, will the kids still be allowed to visit Hogsmeade?

i TOTALLY AND FULLY AGREE!

And I also think that the students shouldn't be allowed to visit Hogsmeade because the books say that only Hogwarts is protected, not Hogsmeade.

I'm kinda confused though. Would the Forbidden Forest be protected? Is that classified as part of Hogwarts? I mean, if it isn't then ANYONE can apparate there and just walk in to Hogwarts. :coughlordvoldemortcough:

Although, in HP 1, it said that, to muggles, Hogwarts is just a run-down, worthless and dangerous old castle. Also, Hermione said in GoF that Durmstrang was hidden to other WIZARDS, so that is was unplottable to them. Could this be the case for Hogwarts. That means they wouldn't see it.

But then if wizards, like Voldemort and his death eaters, have already been there as students then it wouldn't be. They know where it is.

I still believe though, that it would be so cool for the final battle to take place in Hogwarts! I don't think this will happen though. :sad:
It is said throughout the book that the only wizard Voldemort fears is Dumbledore and while Harry is at Hogwarts Dumbledore is there too.

[Michael_22]

It is said throughout the book that the only wizard Voldemort fears is Dumbledore and while Harry is at Hogwarts Dumbledore is there too.

Exactly. I've read this entire topic through and those of you that think it can be attacked have missed several critical points...and that is Dumbledore and the faculty. Yes, demontors would be very dangerous but one patronus would do the trick. If Dumbledore found out that was what LV was planning then I'm sure Hogwarts would have warning. Which means that members of the Order would be able to come to their aid. JKR shows a lot of foreshadowing. In the PoA movie when Dumbledore finds out Sirius has been inside the castle he calls for its gate to be sealed. Did you see how Filch sealing it? It will take more than a spell for LV, the DE, and Demontors to just waltz into Hogwarts. The Order is massing in numbers and I'm sure it will really start getting bigger now that the word is officially out.

Now let's think about Hogwarts defenses for a moment...

-Dumbledore. "The Only One He Ever Feared." -Now isn't that a name of a chapter in Book 5. Well yes it is. And that's the thing. If Dumbledore is there then a battle at Hogwarts is out of the question. Personally, in my opinion Dumbledore could take on all of the DE, LV, and the Demontors all at once by himself. He is powerful beyond reckoning and "could kill" LV if he wanted to but the prophecy has said it must be done by Harry. So if Dumbledore is at Hogwarts then LV wouldn't even think about it. However, if perhaps he's sick, injured, or just "away" then this may be another question.

-Prof. McGonagall and faculty. If Dumbledore was out of the picture you must then face the faculty of Hogwarts. There are more teachers than you think there are. More than there are DE. I still feel that McGonagall is a very powerful witch and has yet to fully prove herself in the books. She is very stern and strict yet would have very good control in my opinion if a thing like this did happen. I just think all of you are underestimating the teachers...they would definitely beat the DE.

-The DA. I doubt this is the end of the DA. JK did not just create this tidbit to make the book longer. I'm sure it would play a vital role.

-The Order. They are certainly very strong and just a few of them could cause quite a bit of trouble.

-Hogwart's natural defenses. There is defensive charms on the castle and they aren't just there to protect it from being seen from muggles. DD has higher priorities than that.

-Ministry of Magic. I think we could safely say that they are now on "our" side. With a new MoM things will change. If such a battle of occured all the aurors would immediately be summoned and LV, the DE, and Dementors would be swallowed up and utterly beaten.

That's all I can think of right now. I'm sure I missed a lot of points but I hoped I got my point across. LV could not take on Hogwarts. He'd be way too outnumbered. Even if he did catch the castle off guard it would take him several hours to take it and by that time then entire wizarding world would be summoned. This wouldn't be JK's writing style. It's too close to that of Tolkien and the final battle in his books. She wants to distinguish her writing from other fantasy books. Voldemort will use hit-and-run tactics, not all out war. He will make small jabs here and there wear his enemy down. He is outnumbered after all...he won't throw his life away so rashly again.

Sorry for bumping this old topic but I was directed here. Well that's my two cents... :p

[Cheri]

I totally think Hogwarts will be invaded! That will be a great act in the book it’s in, and I'm sure Jo will write it masterfully.