World War III
Evolution. In a period of only 50 years, the human race produced genetically evolved humans with special abilities. Most were able to stay hidden in 2000. But it's a hard thing to cover. The Human race discovered these special people and for their own selfish reasons they manipulated these beings into Weapons. Battles broke out around the world. Each country using these Weapons against each other. Soon small battles erupted into full out war. Greediness consumed the Humans.
In their quest for power, the Humans forgot that their Weapons were also quite human in nature too. The Weapons were angered that they were being used. So they broke away from the humans and set out to destroy their oppressors. There were some Weapons that stayed behind.
Through all this, even the witches and wizards had to take a stance. The Ministry of Magic sought to defend the Humans. But darker witches/wizards joined the Weapons.
March 14th, 2011. The first official Weapons vs. Human battle.
Aftermath
The War ended lasted almost 35 years. On August 24th, 2046, a peace treaty was signed. Both sides had lost their leaders and they were tired of war. Still the treaty meant nothing. Both sides withdrew with bitter feelings towards each other.
Now it is 2050 and news has spread rapidly about the rise of a new leader for the Weapons. The humans are scrambling to find someone fit to lead them. And everyone is talking about what side they want. Even the neutral Eagle Creek has students choosing.