Show pageOld revisionsBacklinksBack to top This page is read only. You can view the source, but not change it. Ask your administrator if you think this is wrong. ======Headmistresses and Headmasters of Hogwarts====== =====Introduction===== 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. =====Responsibilities and Powers===== 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 This authority can, on rare occasions, be challenged or superseded by the [[Hogwarts Board of Governors]] or the [[Ministry of Magic]].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. =====Appointment and Dismissal===== 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. =====Known Headmistresses and Headmasters===== 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]]. =====Behind the Scenes===== * 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.
