Headmistresses and Headmasters of Hogwarts

The Headmaster or Headmistress is the chief administrator of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, holding the highest position of authority within the school. This individual is responsible for the overall management of the institution, the welfare and safety of its students, and the direction of its faculty. The role combines significant magical power with immense administrative and moral responsibility, making its occupant a key figure in the British wizarding community. The Headmaster or Headmistress resides and works in the Headmaster's office, a circular room located in a high tower, guarded by a stone gargoyle that requires a password for entry.

The duties and privileges of the Headmaster or Headmistress are extensive and central to the functioning of Hogwarts.

• Ultimate Authority: They possess the final say on all school matters, including student discipline, punishments, and expulsions. This authority can, on rare occasions, be challenged or superseded by the Hogwarts Board of Governors or the Ministry of Magic.
• Staff Management: They are responsible for the hiring and dismissal of all professors and staff. This power was temporarily usurped by the Ministry of Magic through Educational Decree Number Twenty-Three during Dolores Umbridge's tenure as Hogwarts High Inquisitor.
• Student Safety: The Headmaster or Headmistress is entrusted with the protection of all students within the Hogwarts grounds. This includes maintaining the magical enchantments that defend the castle.
• Liaison: They serve as the primary representative of the school in dealings with the Ministry of Magic, the Hogwarts Board of Governors, and the wider wizarding world.
• Access to Castle Secrets: The Headmaster or Headmistress is privy to many of the deep and ancient secrets of Hogwarts Castle. The Headmaster's office itself is a repository of knowledge and magical artifacts, including the Sorting Hat and the Sword of Gryffindor.
• Counsel of Predecessors: The office is home to the portraits of previous Headmasters and Headmistresses, who are magically bound to serve the current office-holder, offering advice and assistance.

Traditionally, the Headmaster or Headmistress is appointed and can be dismissed by a majority vote of the twelve members of the Hogwarts Board of Governors. This occurred when the governors suspended Albus Dumbledore in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets under pressure from Lucius Malfoy. The Ministry of Magic can also interfere with the appointment process through legislation. In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Educational Decree Number Twenty-Eight granted the Ministry the power to appoint a Headmistress, Dolores Umbridge, when the Board of Governors failed to produce a candidate.

The following individuals are known to have held the post of Headmaster or Headmistress of Hogwarts.

• Phyllida Spore: An early Headmistress from the 14th or 15th century, known for authoring the herbology textbook One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi. (Famous Witches and Wizards Card)
• Everard: A former Headmaster whose portrait hangs in both the Headmaster's office and at the Ministry of Magic in London. He was able to move between his portraits to relay messages for Albus Dumbledore.
• Dexter Fortescue: A former Headmaster whose portrait in the office enthusiastically supported Dumbledore and Harry Potter.
• Phineas Nigellus Black: The great-great-grandfather of Sirius Black and widely regarded as the least popular Headmaster Hogwarts ever had. His portrait hangs in the Head's office and at Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place, allowing him to serve as a reluctant messenger for Dumbledore and later for Harry, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger.
• Armando Dippet: The Headmaster immediately preceding Albus Dumbledore. He was in charge during the first opening of the Chamber of Secrets by Tom Riddle and presided over the expulsion of Rubeus Hagrid.
• Albus Dumbledore: One of the most famous and powerful Headmasters in Hogwarts history. His tenure was long and distinguished, though it was interrupted twice: once by a suspension from the Board of Governors and once when he was forced to flee from the Ministry of Magic. He was renowned for his wisdom, exceptional magical ability, and staunch opposition to Lord Voldemort.
• Dolores Umbridge: Appointed Headmistress by the Ministry of Magic after Dumbledore's flight. Her rule was tyrannical and widely resisted by students and staff. The Headmaster's office itself sealed her out, refusing to recognize her authority.
• Severus Snape: Appointed Headmaster after the fall of the Ministry of Magic to Lord Voldemort. While he appeared to be a loyal Death Eater, he secretly operated as an agent for the Order of the Phoenix, working to protect the students from the Carrows and aid Harry Potter in his quest.
• Minerva McGonagall: The long-serving Deputy Headmistress under Albus Dumbledore. She served as Acting Headmistress on several occasions, including after Dumbledore's death and before Snape's official appointment. She led the defense of the castle during the Battle of Hogwarts.

• Following the conclusion of the Second Wizarding War and the death of Lord Voldemort, Minerva McGonagall was officially appointed the permanent Headmistress of Hogwarts. (J.K. Rowling interview, Pottermore)
• In the film adaptation Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2, Snape's departure from the Headmaster position is depicted as a dramatic duel with McGonagall in the Great Hall in front of the entire student body. In the novel, the confrontation is more brief and occurs in the Ravenclaw Tower with Professors Flitwick and Sprout also present before Snape escapes by jumping out of a window.