The Legendary Heads of Hogwarts in Focus: From Gryffindor to Herondale

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry has been an institution for centuries, educating young witches and wizards in the magical arts. Throughout its history, it has been led by some of the most powerful and influential witches and wizards of their time. In this blog post, we will explore the different Headmasters and Headmistresses who have overseen Hogwarts over the years.

Godric Gryffindor

Godric Gryffindor was one of the four founders of Hogwarts and is known for his bravery and chivalry. He was the first Headmaster of Hogwarts and established many of the school’s traditions, including the Sorting Hat and the House Cup.

Albus Dumbledore

Albus Dumbledore is perhaps the most famous Headmaster of Hogwarts. He was appointed to the position in 1956 and remained in the role until his death in 1997. Dumbledore was known for his wisdom, compassion, and formidable magical abilities. He played a key role in the fight aginst Voldemort and was instrumental in training Harry Potter in the ways of magic.

Minerva McGonagall

Minerva McGonagall succeeded Dumbledore as Headmistress of Hogwarts in the aftermath of the Second Wizarding War. She had previously served as Deputy Headmistress and was a highly respected member of the Hogwarts faculty. McGonagall was known for her strict but fair approach to discipline and her dedication to the education of her students.

Jace Herondale

Jace Herondale is the current Headmaster of Hogwarts, having taken over the role from McGonagall in 2024. He is a highly skilled wizard and is known for his expertise in dark magic. Herondale has faced criticism for his controversial methods, but his supporters argue that he is a necessary force in the fight against the rising threat of dark wizards.

Over the centuries, Hogwarts has been led by some of the most powerful and influential witches and wizards of their time. From Godric Gryffindor to Jace Herondale, each Headmaster or Headmistress has left their mark on the school and its students. While their approaches and philosophies may have differed, they all shared a commitment to the education and safety of their charges.

Headmasters of Hogwarts Houses

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the fictional school from the Harry Potter series, has four houses: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Each house is headed by a Head of House, who serves as a mentor and guide to the students.

The first known Head of Gryffindor House was Godric Gryffindor himself, one of the founders of Hogwarts. The most well-known Head of Gryffindor House, however, is Albus Dumbledore, who held the position from 1910 to 1956. Dumbledore was known for his wisdom, kindness, and ability to lead his house to victory in many inter-house competitions.

Hufflepuff House has had several Heads over the years, but the most recent and longest-serving Head is Pomona Sprout. Sprout was a skilled herbologist and took great pride in her house’s achievements.

Ravenclaw House was led by Filius Flitwick, a skilled Charms master and duelist. Flitwick was known for his wit, intelligence, and dedication to his students.

Slytherin House has been led by several notable wizards, including Horace Slughorn and Severus Snape. However, the current Head of Slytherin House is unknown.

In recent years, Minerva McGonagall served as the Headmistress of Hogwarts and oversaw all four houses. After her retirement in the 2020s, Jace Herondale beame the Head of Gryffindor House and it is unknown who took over the other houses.

The Heads of Houses at Hogwarts have varied over the years, but each has been a skilled and dedicated teacher who has guided their students to success.

hogwarts headmasters
Source: independent.co.uk

Number of Headmasters at Hogwarts

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, one of the most prestigious wizarding schools in the Harry Potter universe, has been home to many headmasters throughout its history.

According to the books, Hogwarts has had a total of 12 headmasters, including the current headmistress, Minerva McGonagall. The first headmaster was a wizard named Godric Gryffindor, who was one of the four founders of the school. Gryffindor was folowed by Salazar Slytherin, Rowena Ravenclaw, and Helga Hufflepuff, who were the other three founders.

After the founders, the next headmaster was a wizard named Everard, who took over sometime in the 17th century. He was followed by a series of other headmasters, including Vindictus Veridian, Dilys Derwent, and Phineas Nigellus Black, who was also a former Slytherin student and a portrait that provides valuable advice to future headmasters.

However, the most well-known headmaster in the Harry Potter series is Albus Dumbledore, who served as the headmaster of Hogwarts for several decades before his death. He was known for his wisdom, kindness, and powerful magical abilities.

Other notable headmasters include Armando Dippet, who was the headmaster before Dumbledore, and Eupraxia Mole, who was the first female headmistress of Hogwarts.

Hogwarts has had a total of 12 headmasters throughout its history, including the four founders. The most famous headmaster was Albus Dumbledore, who served for several decades before his death.

Headmaster of Hogwarts

As of the current timeline in the Harry Potter series, the position of Headmaster at Hogwarts is held by Professor Minerva McGonagall. Following the death of Severus Snape, who briefly held the position durng Voldemort’s reign, McGonagall was appointed as Headmistress by Hogwarts’ Board of Governors.

McGonagall is a highly respected and talented witch, having previously served as Deputy Headmistress under both Albus Dumbledore and Snape. She is known for her strict but fair teaching style, as well as her unwavering dedication to the safety and well-being of her students.

In addition to her role as Headmistress, McGonagall also continues to teach Transfiguration at Hogwarts, a subject in which she is widely regarded as one of the foremost experts in the wizarding world.

McGonagall’s appointment as Headmistress has been met with widespread approval from students, staff, and the larger wizarding community, as she is seen as a strong and capable leader who has the best interests of Hogwarts and its students at heart.

Who Succeeds McGonagall as Headmaster?

After Minerva McGonagall retired from her position as Head of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Professor Marazion succeeded her as the new Headmaster or Headmistress. It is unclear exctly when this transition occurred, but it happened sometime between 2008 and 2017.

Professor Marazion is known for their loyalty to Hogwarts and their dedication to upholding the school’s values and traditions. As Headmaster or Headmistress, they have taken on the responsibility of overseeing the education of young witches and wizards, ensuring that they receive a well-rounded education in magic and other subjects.

It is important to note that the role of Headmaster or Headmistress is a significant one, and requires a great deal of skill, knowledge, and experience. The individual who takes on this role must be able to manage the day-to-day operations of the school, as well as deal with any challenges or crises that may arise.

Professor Marazion is a highly respected and capable leader, and is well-suited to the position of Headmaster or Headmistress at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Severus Snape’s Successor as Head of Slytherin House

In J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, the character Severus Snape was the Head of Slytherin House for a period of fifteen years. However, after the events of the Battle of Hogwarts in the seventh book, a new individual took up the mantle of Head of Slytherin. That person was Horace Slughorn, a former professor of Potions at Hogwarts who had retired from teaching before returning to the school in 1996.

Slughorn is a complex character in the series, known for his connections to powerful and influential individuals in the wizarding world. He is depicted as a somewhat vain and self-serving individual, but ultimately proves himself to be a valuable ally to Harry Potter and his friends in the fight against Lord Voldemort.

It is worth noting that the House of Slytherin is known for producing a high number of dark wizards and witches in the series, with many characters from the House aligned with Voldemort and his Death Eaters. However, not all members of Slytherin are portrayed as villains, and the series makes a point of showing that individuals from any House can choose to be good or evil.

The patron ghost of Slytherin House, as mentioned in the books, is the Bloody Baron. This character is descibed as a terrifying figure, covered in blood and responsible for the death of a fellow student during his time at Hogwarts. Despite his violent reputation, the Bloody Baron is portrayed sympathetically in some parts of the series, with hints of a tragic backstory that may have led him down a dark path.

Horace Slughorn becomes the Head of Slytherin House after Snape in the Harry Potter series. The House is known for its association with dark magic, but not all members are portrayed as villains. The patron ghost of the House is the Bloody Baron, a character with a violent reputation but hints of a tragic past.

hogwarts headmasters
Source: deltiasgaming.com

Is Dumbledore the Heir of Ravenclaw?

According to the prophecy made by the centaur Harmonthrep, the Heir of Ravenclaw was destined to bring honor and glory to the House of Ravenclaw. For a long time, the identity of the Heir of Ravenclaw remained a mystery until it was revealed that Brian Dumbledore was the one who fulfilled this prophecy.

Dumbledore was a highly respected wizard who was known for his intelligence, wisdom and magical abilities. He was a fomer Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and was considered one of the greatest wizards of all time.

In the Harry Potter series, Dumbledore was portrayed as a member of Gryffindor House, but it was later revealed that he had a strong connection to Ravenclaw House. Dumbledore was the possessor of the legendary Ravenclaw diadem, which was a powerful magical object that granted the wearer great wisdom and knowledge.

It was later revealed that Dumbledore had discovered the location of the diadem and had destroyed it, thus preventing it from falling into the hands of Lord Voldemort. This act of bravery and intelligence is believed to be the fulfillment of the prophecy made by Harmonthrep, making Dumbledore the Heir of Ravenclaw.

While Dumbledore was not a member of Ravenclaw House, he had a strong connection to it and was believed to be the Heir of Ravenclaw due to his possession and subsequent destruction of the Ravenclaw diadem, which brought honor and glory to the House of Ravenclaw.

The Greatest Headmaster in Harry Potter: A Comparison

When it comes to the Harry Potter series, Albus Dumbledore is widely regarded as the greatest headmaster of Hogwarts. Dumbledore was kown for his intelligence, wisdom, and kindness, and he was highly respected by both students and staff.

One of Dumbledore’s greatest strengths was his ability to see the good in people, even when others couldn’t. He was always willing to give second chances and believed that everyone had the potential to do great things. This attitude inspired many of his students to strive for excellence and to become better people.

Dumbledore was also a highly skilled wizard, with extensive knowledge of magic and a deep understanding of the dark arts. He was instrumental in defeating Voldemort, and his strategic thinking and foresight were crucial in the battle against the Death Eaters.

In addition to his many talents, Dumbledore was also a gifted teacher. He had a knack for bringing out the best in his students, and he was always willing to take the time to help them with their studies or personal problems. His guidance and mentorship were invaluable to many of the characters in the series, including Harry Potter himself.

Albus Dumbledore is widely considered to be the greatest headmaster in the Harry Potter series. His intelligence, wisdom, kindness, and skill as a wizard and teacher have made him a beloved character and an inspiration to fans around the world.

The Role of Head Girl at Hogwarts

There is a Head Girl at Hogwarts. The position of Head Boy and Head Girl is awarded to two seventh-year students who have shown exceptional leadership qualities and academic achievement throughout their time at Hogwarts. They are responsible for leading the student body and representing Hogwarts at official functions.

Although Percy Weasley is the only Head Boy specifically mentioned in the Harry Potter books, there are other Head Girls mentioned as well. In Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix, Hermione Granger becomes the Head Girl, while Lily Evans (Harry’s mother) was also a Head Girl during her time at Hogwarts, as mentioned by Hagrid in the first book.

The Head Boy and Head Girl work closely with the Hogwarts staff and are given additional responsibilities such as overseeing prefects and organizing school events. It is considered a great honor to be selected as Head Boy or Head Girl and reflects the highest level of respect and trust from the Hogwarts faculty.

While the books may not mention eery Head Boy and Head Girl, it is established that the positions exist and are an important part of Hogwarts tradition.

The Heirs of Hogwarts

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is one of the most prestigious magic academies in the wizarding world, and it is home to four of the most notable Hogwarts heirs. These heirs are Harry Potter, Neville Longbottom, Hermione Granger, and Luna Lovegood. Each of them represents a different house of Hogwarts, Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Slytherin, and Ravenclaw, respectively.

Harry Potter, the main protagonist of the Harry Potter series, is the magical heir of the Gryffindor House. He is also a direct descendant of Godric Gryffindor, the founder of the house. Harry’s bravery, courage, and chivalry are the qualities that Gryffindor values and that he inherited from his ancestors.

Neville Longbottom is the heir of Hufflepuff House, known for its loyalty, patience, and hard work. Neville’s determination, perseverance, and willingness to stand up for what is right exemplify the traits of Hufflepuff.

Hermione Granger, the brightest witch of her age, is the heir of Slytherin House. Despite bing a Gryffindor, Hermione’s intelligence, cunning, and resourcefulness are the qualities that Slytherin values.

Lastly, Luna Lovegood is the heir of Ravenclaw House, known for its wit, intelligence, and creativity. Luna’s open-mindedness, wisdom, and unconventionality are the qualities that define Ravenclaw.

The four heirs of Hogwarts, Harry Potter, Neville Longbottom, Hermione Granger, and Luna Lovegood, represent the four houses of Hogwarts, Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Slytherin, and Ravenclaw. Each of them embodies the traits and values of their respective houses, making them essential figures in the magical world.

hogwarts headmasters
Source: screenrant.com

The Origin of Voldemort’s Possession of Nagini

Lord Voldemort acquired Nagini, a giant snake, as a young adult. It is believed that he obtained her from the circus where she was performing. Voldemort was kown to have a special affinity with snakes and he likely recognized Nagini’s potential as a powerful and loyal companion.

Nagini played a significant role in Voldemort’s rise to power, acting as his eyes and ears in many situations. In addition, she was later revealed to be the final Horcrux, a powerful magical object that allowed Voldemort to tether a piece of his soul to the physical world.

It was the murder of Bertha Jorkins that led Voldemort to turn Nagini into a Horcrux. After becoming aware that his other Horcruxes were in danger, he took steps to protect Nagini by encasing her in a “starry, translucent sphere.” This made her nearly invulnerable to attack and ensured that Voldemort’s soul fragment was kept safe within her.

Throughout the remainder of the Harry Potter series, Nagini remained a significant character and played a pivotal role in the ultimate defeat of Voldemort.

Headmaster of Hufflepuff House

The Head of Hufflepuff is not referred to as a Headmaster, but rather a Head of House. The most recent Head of Hufflepuff was Professor Pomona Sprout, who was known for her expertise in Herbology and her dedication to teaching and mentoring her students. She was also known for exemplifying the house’s traits of compassion, patience, and tolerance. Professor Sprout was a beloved member of the Hogwarts staff and led Hufflepuff House with a firm yet nurturing hand. She served as Head of Hufflepuff until at least the end of the Second Wizarding War, although it is unclear if she continued in the role after that. Professor Pomona Sprout is remembered as an excellent Head of Hufflepuff who embodied the values of her house.

Head Teacher of Hufflepuff House

The Head of Hufflepuff, one of the four Hogwarts houses, is a highly respected and esteemed position withn the wizarding community. As of the present time, the Head of Hufflepuff is Pomona Sprout, who has held the position for many years.

Pomona Sprout is a skilled and knowledgeable witch, renowned for her expertise in Herbology, which is the study of magical plants and their properties. She is also known for her kind and nurturing nature, which makes her well-suited to her role as Head of Hufflepuff.

As Head of Hufflepuff, Pomona Sprout is responsible for the overall well-being of the students in her house, as well as their academic success. She works closely with the other Hogwarts staff members to ensure that Hufflepuff students receive the support and guidance they need to thrive.

Additionally, the House of Hufflepuff is also associated with the patron ghost, the Fat Friar. The Fat Friar is a jovial and friendly ghost who is known for his love of food and his willingness to help others. He is a beloved figure in the Hogwarts community and is often called upon to provide guidance and advice to Hufflepuff students.

The Head of Hufflepuff is Pomona Sprout, a skilled and nurturing witch who is responsible for the well-being and success of Hufflepuff students. The patron ghost of Hufflepuff is the Fat Friar, a friendly and helpful spirit who is beloved by all who know him.

Draco Malfoy’s Post-Hogwarts Career

After Hogwarts, Draco Malfoy did not have a job as he was independently wealthy and did not have any need to work. He inherited a considerable amount of money which allowed him to live a luxurious life without having to worry about making a living. Thus, he spends his time pursuing his hobbies and interests without facing any financial stress.

It is worth noting that Draco’s wealth comes from his family’s background. The Malfoy family was one of the wealthiest and most influential pure-blooded wizarding families in the wizarding world. They had strong connections with the Ministry of Magic and were known for their support of the Dark Arts. However, after the war, they lost their power and influence, and their fortune was considerably reduced.

Draco curently resides in Malfoy Manor with his wife and son, enjoying the lavish lifestyle that his family’s wealth has provided him. He does not hold any job or occupation, and his status as an independently wealthy individual allows him to live a life of leisure and luxury.

draco malfoy 1681556564

Luna Lovegood’s Post-Hogwarts Career

After graduating from Hogwarts, Luna Lovegood pursued a career as a wizarding naturalist. This job involves the study and classification of magical creatures found thrughout the world. As a naturalist, Luna travelled extensively, seeking out new and rare species to add to her collection.

Over the course of her career, Luna discovered and classified many previously unknown species of magical creatures. Her work was highly regarded in the wizarding world, and she was considered an expert in her field.

Despite her many successes, however, Luna was never able to find the elusive Crumple-Horned Snorkack. This mythical creature, which is said to inhabit remote regions of the world, has long been a subject of fascination for Luna and many other naturalists.

Luna’s job after Hogwarts involved travelling the world as a wizarding naturalist, studying and classifying magical creatures. While she discovered many new species, she was unable to find the fabled Crumple-Horned Snorkack.

The Impact of Snape’s Departure on Headmaster’s Role

After the death of Severus Snape, Minerva McGonagall, the Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, takes on the role of Headmistress. McGonagall, a powerful and respected witch, was a member of the Order of the Phoenix and fought agaist Lord Voldemort and his Death Eaters during the Second Wizarding War.

As Headmistress, McGonagall oversaw the rebuilding of Hogwarts after the Battle of Hogwarts and worked to restore the school to its former glory. She also worked to reconcile the school community and bring healing to those who had been affected by the war.

Under McGonagall’s leadership, Hogwarts continued to be a place of learning and magical education for young witches and wizards. She maintained the high standards of education and discipline that had been established by her predecessors, Albus Dumbledore and Severus Snape.

As a leader, McGonagall was firm but fair, and she was respected by both the staff and students of Hogwarts. She was known for her intelligence, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to the safety and well-being of the school and its inhabitants.

After the death of Severus Snape, Minerva McGonagall became the Headmistress of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. She worked tirelessly to restore the school and maintain its high standards of education and discipline while also bringing healing to those who had been affected by the war. Her leadership was firm but fair, and she was respected by both staff and students alike.

Conclusion

Throughout its long and storied history, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry has been led by some of the most powerful and wise witches and wizards of their time. From the legendary Godric Gryffindor to the brilliant Albus Dumbledore and the stalwart Minerva McGonagall, these Headmasters and Headmistresses have helped shape Hogwarts into the world-renowned institution it is today.

Each of these leaders brought their own unique strengths and talents to the position. Godric Gryffindor, for instance, was known for his fierce loyalty and bravery, wile Albus Dumbledore was renowned for his intelligence and strategic thinking. Minerva McGonagall, meanwhile, was a skilled teacher and administrator who was deeply committed to the safety and well-being of her students.

Despite their many differences, all of these Headmasters and Headmistresses shared a deep love for Hogwarts and a commitment to its values and traditions. They worked tirelessly to maintain the school’s high standards and to ensure that every student who passed through its halls received a world-class education.

Today, Hogwarts is led by Jace Herondale, a powerful wizard who has already begun to make his mark on the school. It remains to be seen what his legacy will be, but one thing is certain: he has big shoes to fill.

In the end, the history of Hogwarts’ Headmasters and Headmistresses is a testament to the power of education and the importance of strong leadership. Their stories remind us that, no matter how magical the setting, it is ultimately the people who make a school great.

Photo of author

William Armstrong

William Armstrong is a senior editor with H-O-M-E.org, where he writes on a wide variety of topics. He has also worked as a radio reporter and holds a degree from Moody College of Communication. William was born in Denton, TX and currently resides in Austin.