The year 1980 is a momentous one. Lord Voldemort is taking over. His followers, the Death Eaters, are torturing and murdering those who stand against their master. There are casualties on both sides of the conflict. However, in the middle of the year, on July 31, a boy is born who will be the Wizarding World’s one best hope for the defeat of Lord Voldemort forever.
Important events of 1980
Professor Trelawney’s first prediction (early in the year, possibly late in 1979)
Capture of Karkaroff and Dolohov, who are sent to Azkaban
Deaths of Rosier and Wilkes at the hands of Aurors
Births
March 1 – Ronald Bilius Weasley, to Molly and Arthur Weasley
June 5 – Draco Malfoy, to Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy
June 23 – Dudley Dursley, to Petunia and Vernon Dursley
July 30 – Neville Longbottom, to Alice and Frank Longbottom
July 31 – Harry James Potter, to Lily and James Potter
Ages
Dumbledore is 99
McGonagall is 45
James, Lily, Snape, and their contemporaries: around 20-21
Bill Weasley: turns 10 on November 29
Charlie Weasley: turns 7 on December 12
Percy Weasley: turns 4 on August 22
Fred and George Weasley: turn 2 on April 1
Hermione Granger: turns 1 on September 19
Lucius Malfoy: turns 26