======The Ghost Council======
=====Introduction=====
The **Ghost Council** is the formal governing body for the community of resident [[ghosts]] at [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]]. Its primary known function is to deliberate on internal matters concerning the spectral inhabitants of the castle, most notably addressing the disruptive behavior of [[Peeves]] the [[poltergeist]].
=====Description and Purpose=====
The Ghost Council operates as a formal assembly where the [[ghosts]] of [[Hogwarts]] convene to discuss and vote on issues affecting their community. While the full scope of their authority is not detailed, their main purpose illustrated in the novels is the regulation of [[Peeves]]. As [[Peeves]] is a chaotic and mischievous [[poltergeist]] rather than a true [[ghost]], he is a constant source of trouble, and the council appears to be the primary body that decides on what privileges, if any, he should be granted.
The council engages in debate, with members like [[The Fat Friar]] taking a more lenient stance, while the collective decision reflects the general consensus of the group. The opinion of [[The Bloody Baron]] is likely highly influential in these matters, as he is the only entity at [[Hogwarts]] whom [[Peeves]] truly fears.
=====Known Meetings=====
The only recorded meeting of the Ghost Council occurs at the beginning of [[Harry Potter]]'s second year.
  - **Date:** Early September, 1992.
  - **Topic of Debate:** Whether to allow [[Peeves]] to attend the [[Start-of-Term Feast]].
  - **Arguments:** [[The Fat Friar]] argued in favor of allowing [[Peeves]] to attend, stating, "//He's been so good all summer...//". He pleaded with the other [[ghosts]] to give [[Peeves]] a chance.
  - **Decision:** As related by [[Nearly Headless Nick]], the council ultimately voted against permitting [[Peeves]]'s attendance.
  - **Aftermath:** Upon hearing the decision, [[Peeves]] flew into a rage and caused a significant disturbance in the castle [[kitchens]], overturning pots and cauldrons and flooding the area with soup.
=====Notable Members=====
While all [[Hogwarts]] [[ghosts]] are presumably members, the following are known to be involved or have a significant role:
  * **[[Nearly Headless Nick]]:** The [[Gryffindor]] house ghost, who serves as the narrator of the council's activities to [[Harry Potter]].
  * **[[The Fat Friar]]:** The [[Hufflepuff]] house ghost, who acts as a proponent of leniency and forgiveness, particularly towards [[Peeves]].
  * **[[The Bloody Baron]]:** The [[Slytherin]] house ghost. His direct participation in the debate is not mentioned, but his unique influence over [[Peeves]] makes his opinion crucial.
  * **[[The Grey Lady]]:** The [[Ravenclaw]] house ghost. Though not explicitly mentioned as participating in the 1992 meeting, she is a prominent member of the ghost community and would be part of the council.
=====Role in the Story=====
The appearance of the Ghost Council in //Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets// serves an important world-building function. It establishes that the [[ghosts]] of [[Hogwarts]] possess a sophisticated and organized society with their own rules, hierarchy, and system of governance. This brief episode adds depth to the castle's unseen life and culture. Furthermore, it clearly defines the problematic and "other" status of [[Peeves]], showing that even the castle's supernatural inhabitants find him difficult to manage and do not consider him one of their own.
=====Behind the Scenes=====
The Ghost Council is a feature exclusive to the novels. This subplot, along with the character of [[Peeves]] and many of the detailed activities of the house [[ghosts]], was omitted from the film adaptations of the series. (film)