The Ghost Council

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.

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.

The only recorded meeting of the Ghost Council occurs at the beginning of Harry Potter's second year.

1. Date: Early September, 1992.
2. Topic of Debate: Whether to allow Peeves to attend the Start-of-Term Feast.
3. 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.
4. Decision: As related by Nearly Headless Nick, the council ultimately voted against permitting Peeves's attendance.
5. 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.

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.

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.

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)