Hogwarts staff facts for kids

Four Hogwarts staff members in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2. From left to right: Miriam Margolyes as Pomona Sprout, Gemma Jones as Poppy Pomfrey, Jim Broadbent as Horace Slughorn, and David Bradley as Argus Filch.

This article is about the amazing teachers and other staff members who work at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. These characters are from the famous Harry Potter books, written by J. K. Rowling. They help students learn magic, keep the castle safe, and sometimes even get involved in big adventures!

Hogwarts Teachers and Their Jobs

Here's a quick look at some of the staff members and what they teach or do at Hogwarts:

Character	Subject/Position	About Them
Cuthbert Binns	History of Magic	He is the only ghost teacher at Hogwarts! He passed away in his sleep but simply got up to teach his next class, leaving his body behind. His lessons are known for being very boring.
Charity Burbage	Muggle Studies	She taught about Muggles (non-magical people). She believed Muggles were good, which angered the Death Eaters. She was later captured and killed by Lord Voldemort.
Alecto and Amycus Carrow	Muggle Studies / Deputy Headmaster and Headmistress / Dark Arts	These two were Death Eater siblings who took over teaching Muggle Studies and Dark Arts. They made students practice dark curses and were very cruel.
Albus Dumbledore	Transfiguration / Deputy Headmaster / Headmaster	The wise Headmaster of Hogwarts for many years. He was a very powerful wizard and a leader against Lord Voldemort.
Argus Filch	Caretaker	The grumpy caretaker of Hogwarts. He is a Squib, meaning he was born into a magical family but cannot do magic himself. He loves his cat, Mrs Norris.
Firenze	Divination	A kind centaur who taught Divination when Professor Trelawney was fired. He was banished by his herd for helping humans.
Filius Flitwick	Charms	The Charms teacher and Head of Ravenclaw House. He is a very short wizard and a skilled duelist.
Wilhelmina Grubbly-Plank	Care of Magical Creatures	A substitute teacher for Care of Magical Creatures. She is very good at her job and prefers to teach about less dangerous creatures than Hagrid.
Rubeus Hagrid	Care of Magical Creatures / Grounds Keeper	The friendly half-giant gamekeeper and later the Care of Magical Creatures professor. He loves all magical creatures, even the dangerous ones!
Rolanda Hooch	Flying	The flying instructor and Quidditch referee. She has short, spiky grey hair and sharp, yellow eyes.
Silvanus Kettleburn	Care of Magical Creatures	The Care of Magical Creatures teacher before Hagrid. He retired because he had lost many limbs due to his love for dangerous creatures.
Gilderoy Lockhart	Defence Against the Dark Arts	The Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher in Harry's second year. He was a famous author but actually a fraud who took credit for other wizards' brave deeds.
Remus Lupin	Defence Against the Dark Arts	The Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher in Harry's third year. He was a very good teacher and well-liked by most students. He is a werewolf.
Minerva McGonagall	Transfiguration / Deputy Headmistress / Headmistress	The strict but fair Transfiguration teacher and Head of Gryffindor House. She later becomes the Headmistress of Hogwarts.
Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody	Defence Against the Dark Arts	A famous former Auror (dark wizard catcher). He was supposed to teach Defence Against the Dark Arts in Harry's fourth year, but an impostor took his place.
Irma Pince	Librarian	The very protective librarian of Hogwarts. She is very strict about the library books and doesn't like students damaging them.
Poppy Pomfrey	Matron	The nurse in charge of the Hogwarts hospital wing. She is very skilled at healing and cares deeply for the students.
Quirinus Quirrell	Muggle Studies / Defence Against the Dark Arts	The Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher in Harry's first year. He was secretly working for Lord Voldemort.
Aurora Sinistra	Astronomy	The Astronomy teacher. She is mentioned throughout the series and helps with important tasks, like moving petrified students.
Horace Slughorn	Potions	A former Potions master and Head of Slytherin House. He came out of retirement to teach again and liked to collect talented students for his "Slug Club."
Severus Snape	Potions / Defense Against the Dark Arts / Headmaster	The Potions master, then Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, and finally Headmaster. He was Head of Slytherin House for many years.
Pomona Sprout	Herbology	The Herbology teacher and Head of Hufflepuff House. She is often covered in dirt from working with plants in the greenhouses.
Sybill Trelawney	Divination	The Divination teacher. She makes many predictions, though most students think she is a fraud. She has made some very important true prophecies.
Dolores Umbridge	Defence Against the Dark Arts / Headmistress	Appointed by the Ministry of Magic to teach Defence Against the Dark Arts in Harry's fifth year. She was very cruel and tried to take over Hogwarts.
Septima Vector	Arithmancy	The Arithmancy teacher. She is known for giving a lot of homework. This class was Hermione's favorite.

Important Teachers and Staff Members

Some teachers and staff members have bigger roles in the Harry Potter stories. Let's learn more about them!

Argus Filch, the Caretaker

Argus Filch is the caretaker of Hogwarts. He is not a bad person, but he is often grumpy and disliked by the students. He loves to catch students breaking rules and dreams of bringing back harsh punishments. He is always trying to keep Hogwarts perfectly clean and tidy.

Filch has a special cat named Mrs Norris. She acts like his spy, wandering the hallways and finding students who are out of bed or doing something suspicious. If Mrs Norris finds something, Filch will appear almost instantly!

Filch is a Squib, meaning he was born to magical parents but cannot do magic. This makes him feel bitter and jealous of the students. In Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry finds out that Filch was trying to learn basic magic from a mail-order course.

David Bradley plays Filch in the Harry Potter films.

Filius Flitwick, the Charms Master

Filius Flitwick is the Charms Master at Hogwarts and the Head of Ravenclaw House. He is a very short, dwarf-like man. He is known for his incredible skill with charms and spells.

Professor Flitwick helps protect the Philosopher's Stone in Harry's first year by enchanting hundreds of keys to fly. He also helps to clean up the swamp created by Fred and George Weasley, though he leaves a small part of it as a tribute to their clever magic.

During the Battle of Hogwarts, Professor Flitwick bravely fights against Lord Voldemort's followers. He helps put protective charms around the castle and defeats several Death Eaters.

In the films, Flitwick is played by Warwick Davis. J.K. Rowling has said that Flitwick is human, but has "a dash of goblin ancestry."

Gilderoy Lockhart, the Fraudulent Professor

Gilderoy Lockhart was the Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher in Harry's second year. He was a very famous author who wrote many books about his adventures fighting dark creatures. Many witches, especially older ones, admired him.

However, Lockhart was actually a charlatan and a coward. He never performed the brave deeds he wrote about. Instead, he would find other wizards who had done amazing things, use a Memory Charm to make them forget, and then claim their stories as his own.

When he tried to use a Memory Charm on Harry and Ron, the spell backfired because Ron's wand was broken. Lockhart lost all his own memories and ended up in a hospital for long-term care. He never fully recovered, though he still enjoyed signing autographs even without knowing why.

Kenneth Branagh played Lockhart in the film Chamber of Secrets.

Poppy Pomfrey, the Matron

Madam Poppy Pomfrey is the nurse in charge of the Hogwarts hospital wing. She is very skilled at healing and takes her job seriously. She is also very loyal to the students and keeps their medical information private.

Harry often finds himself in her care! She has healed him from many injuries, including regrowing the bones in his arm after Lockhart accidentally removed them. She is strict about her rules but always puts the students' well-being first.

Madam Pomfrey was very upset when Dolores Umbridge and later the Death Eaters mistreated the students. She refused to resign, saying she would never leave the students when they needed her most. During the Battle of Hogwarts, she was seen tending to the injured fighters.

Gemma Jones played Madam Pomfrey in the Harry Potter films.

Quirinus Quirrell, the Dark Arts Teacher

Quirinus Quirrell was the Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher during Harry's first year at Hogwarts. Before this, he was known as a brilliant but nervous teacher. He took a year off to travel and came back even more nervous, with a stutter and a strange purple turban.

It was later revealed that Quirrell had met Lord Voldemort during his travels. Voldemort, who was very weak, took possession of Quirrell's body. Voldemort's face was on the back of Quirrell's head, hidden by the turban.

Quirrell tried to steal the Philosopher's Stone for Voldemort. He was the one who let a troll into Hogwarts and tried to curse Harry's broom during a Quidditch match. At the end of the first book, Harry confronts Quirrell and Voldemort. Harry's mother's protective magic, which was inside Harry, caused Quirrell pain when they touched. This led to Quirrell's death, and Voldemort's spirit had to flee.

Ian Hart played Quirrell in the film Philosopher's Stone.

Horace Slughorn, the Potions Master

Horace Slughorn was the Potions teacher and Head of Slytherin House for many years before Harry came to Hogwarts. He retired but was convinced by Albus Dumbledore to return to teaching.

Professor Slughorn loves to collect talented and well-connected students for his "Slug Club." He enjoys helping them and using his connections. He is one of the first Slytherin characters shown in a positive light. He doesn't care about blood status and is very impressed by talented Muggle-borns like Hermione Granger and Harry's mother, Lily Potter.

In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Harry uses a luck potion to get a memory from Slughorn. This memory reveals a conversation Slughorn had with a young Lord Voldemort about Horcruxes, which were dark objects Voldemort created to become immortal.

During the Battle of Hogwarts, Slughorn bravely returns to fight for Hogwarts, bringing many reinforcements with him. He even duels Lord Voldemort alongside other powerful wizards.

Jim Broadbent played Slughorn in the Harry Potter films.

Pomona Sprout, the Herbology Professor

Pomona Sprout is the Herbology teacher and the Head of Hufflepuff House. She is a small witch with messy grey hair, and her robes are often covered in dirt from working with plants.

Professor Sprout is very skilled with magical plants. In Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, she teaches her students how to work with Mandrake plants. The juice from these Mandrakes was used to cure the students who had been petrified by the Basilisk.

During the Battle of Hogwarts, Professor Sprout uses her knowledge of plants to help defend the castle. She and her students throw dangerous magical plants like Mandrakes and Venomous Tentaculas at the approaching Death Eaters. After the war, Neville Longbottom takes over her job as the Herbology teacher.

Miriam Margolyes played Professor Sprout in the Harry Potter films.

Sybill Trelawney, the Divination Teacher

Sybill Patricia Trelawney is the Divination teacher at Hogwarts. She is the great-great-granddaughter of a famous Seer (someone who can see the future). She wears thick glasses, many bangles, and speaks in a whispery voice. Her classroom is in the North Tower and is filled with strange smells and dim light.

Most students, including Harry, Ron, and Hermione, think Professor Trelawney is a fraud because she often makes dramatic, incorrect predictions. However, she has made some very important and true prophecies, usually when she is in a trance and doesn't remember what she said.

One of her most important prophecies was about the birth of a wizard who could defeat Lord Voldemort. This prophecy was partly overheard by Severus Snape and led Voldemort to attack Harry Potter as a baby.

During the Battle of Hogwarts, Professor Trelawney bravely helps fight by magically throwing crystal balls at the Death Eaters.

Emma Thompson played Professor Trelawney in the Harry Potter films.

Hogwarts Ghosts

Hogwarts is home to many ghosts, but four are especially important as they are linked to the four Hogwarts houses. These ghosts often help students and act as guides.

The Bloody Baron

The Bloody Baron is the ghost of Slytherin House. He is covered in silvery blood, which is how he got his nickname. He is the only one who can control Peeves the poltergeist, and Peeves is terrified of him!

In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, we learn the sad story of the Bloody Baron. He was in love with Helena Ravenclaw (who became the Grey Lady). When she ran away with her mother's diadem, he was sent to find her. When she refused to return, he killed her in a fit of rage, and then, filled with regret, took his own life. He wears his ghostly chains as a sign of his guilt.

Terence Bayler played the Baron in the first film.

The Fat Friar

The Fat Friar is the jolly ghost of Hufflepuff House. He is very forgiving and often suggests giving Peeves another chance, even after his mischievous acts.

Simon Fisher-Becker appeared as the Fat Friar in the film Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.

The Grey Lady

The Grey Lady is the ghost of Ravenclaw House. She is a very intellectual young lady.

In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, it is revealed that the Grey Lady is Helena Ravenclaw, the daughter of Rowena Ravenclaw, one of the Hogwarts founders. Helena stole her mother's Diadem (a special crown) and ran away. Her mother sent the Bloody Baron to find her, but he killed her when she refused to return. The diadem later became a Horcrux for Lord Voldemort.

Kelly Macdonald played the Grey Lady in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2.

Nearly Headless Nick

Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington, known as Nearly Headless Nick, is the ghost of Gryffindor House. Harry becomes friends with him after attending his "deathday" party (the 500th anniversary of his death). Nick's biggest wish is to join the Headless Hunt, but he can't because he's only "nearly headless" – his head is still attached by a small bit of skin.

In Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Nick is one of the victims of the Basilisk. Because he is already a ghost, he can't die again, so he is only petrified instead of killed. He also saved Justin Finch-Fletchley from death by standing in front of him, causing Justin to only be petrified.

Nick explains to Harry that only wizards and witches who fear death and refuse to move on become ghosts. This helps Harry understand more about life and death.

John Cleese played Nearly Headless Nick in the first two Harry Potter films.

Hogwarts Founders

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry was founded over a thousand years ago by four powerful witches and wizards. Each of the Hogwarts houses is named after one of these founders.

Godric Gryffindor

Godric Gryffindor was one of the four founders of Hogwarts. He was known for his bravery and his strong belief that Muggle-borns should be allowed to learn magic. He valued courage, determination, and strength of heart above all else.

His famous items are the Sword of Gryffindor and the Sorting Hat. The sword appears to any true Gryffindor in need, often coming out of the Sorting Hat.

Helga Hufflepuff

Helga Hufflepuff came from a wide valley. The Sorting Hat describes her as "good Hufflepuff" and "sweet Hufflepuff." She valued loyalty, honesty, and hard work. She was known for accepting all students who wanted to learn, especially those who were dedicated.

Helga Hufflepuff was also famous for her skill with food-related charms. Many recipes used at Hogwarts feasts came from her! She is also said to have brought house-elves to Hogwarts, offering them a safe place to work.

One of her items, a small golden cup, was passed down through her family. This cup was later stolen by Lord Voldemort and turned into a Horcrux. Hermione Granger destroyed it with a basilisk fang.

Rowena Ravenclaw

Rowena Ravenclaw was a witch known for her great cleverness and creativity. She was described as beautiful and came from Scotland. She designed the ever-changing floor plans and moving staircases in the Hogwarts castle. She believed that "Wit beyond measure is man's greatest treasure."

Rowena Ravenclaw chose students based on their intelligence and wisdom. Legend says she died early from a broken heart. In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, we learn that her broken heart was likely caused by the loss of her daughter, Helena Ravenclaw, who stole her Diadem. This diadem, which was said to give enhanced wisdom, later became a Horcrux and was destroyed.

Salazar Slytherin

Salazar Slytherin was known as "shrewd Slytherin." He was one of the first Parselmouths (someone who can speak to snakes) and a powerful wizard. He valued resourcefulness, determination, cunning, and ambition in his students.

Slytherin believed that only pure-blood wizards (those from all-magical families) should be allowed to learn magic. He disliked Muggle-born students. This disagreement caused a split between him and the other founders.

According to legend, Slytherin created the Chamber of Secrets inside Hogwarts. This chamber held a Basilisk, a giant snake, which he left there to "purge the school of all Muggle-born students."

Salazar Slytherin's locket, passed down through his family, was turned into a Horcrux by his descendant Lord Voldemort. Ron Weasley destroyed it using the Sword of Gryffindor.