Top 10 Unforgettable Hogwarts Professors
#10: Rolanda Hooch
Madam Hooch is the instructor in charge of flying lessons for first-year students. She may act a little impatient during her lessons, but she does her best to look out for the safety of her students while handling a broom. Along with her teaching duties, she also acts as the referee for the school Quidditch matches, where she demands good clean sportsmanship from everyone –and she’s got her hawk-like eyes on all of them . While we don’t see much of Hooch after Harry’s first year, it’d be safe to assume she’s pretty proud, knowing that one of her students became a Quidditch Seeker after only one lesson.
#9: Pomona Sprout
Another underrated teacher, Professor Sprout is the head of the Herbology department, as well as the head of Hufflepuff House. Plant life in the wizarding world can be hazardous to those that are not careful –whether dealing with constricting Devil’s Snare or ear-piercingly fatal Mandrakes. Fortunately, Professor Sprout’s greenhouse lessons will ensure that you’re prepared for any encounter with these deadly vegetations – so long as you pay attention. While we don’t get to see too much of her, we can still admire her leniency and respect for her students, as well as her contribution to the antidote that cured everyone who had been petrified during the Basilisk attacks.
#8: Rubeus Hagrid
When the original Care of Magical Creatures professor had to retire, there was no one better to take his place than our favorite half-giant groundskeeper – and Harry’s first real friend in the wizarding world, Hagrid. With his good name restored the previous year, it only makes sense to have Hagrid teach this class – showing compassion and fascination to all kinds of mythical beasts – even describing brutes like hippogriffs, dragons, and acromantula as “misunderstood” creatures. Unfortunately, while Hagrid means well and definitely knows his onions about the subject, his hands-on lectures with the more dangerous monsters tend to inadvertently put his students at risk –which could land him in hot water all over again.
#7: Horace Slughorn
Before Professor Snape took the reins, Horace Slughorn was the master of Potions and the head of Slytherin house. Unlike his intimidating successor, Slughorn was excitable and encouraging to all his students – even those outside his house. While he could be a little vain and tactless, he never meant any harm… despite accidentally giving Tom Riddle the key to becoming the Dark Lord, Voldemort. He retired out of guilt afterward, but years later, Dumbledore convinced him to return as Potions teacher – mostly so that Harry, the son of one of Slughorn’s most favorite students, could squeeze the truth about the Horcruxes out of him.
#6: Filius Flitwick
Professor Flitwick is the part-goblin Charms teacher and head of Ravenclaw House at Hogwarts. He is greatly respected despite his small stature, but he also has a kind heart and an impressive intellect – as well as a bit of a cheeky side. Starting from the third movie adaptation, Flitwick gained a much younger complexion and snippy personality, along with a secondary duty as head conductor of the Hogwarts choir. It was originally believed that this was a new wizard played by his actor and that Flitwick was no longer needed. However, it’s been confirmed that this IS Flitwick and that no matter the face, he’ll always have a place in the wizarding world (Harry and Flitwick).
#5: Sybill Trelawney
Divination may not seem like a necessary elective, but it never hurts to broaden your mind and prepare for the future – at least that’s what Professor Trelawney says. At first, Trelawney may seem like a crackpot – constantly mocked by close-minded students and declared a fraud by the Ministry of Magic. However, not all of her foreseen ramblings are rubbish – it was her that spoke of the prophecy about Harry Potter and Lord Voldemort – in a way, predicting the beginning and end of the series. That alone earned her a spot at Hogwarts, not just as a loopy fortune-teller, but the one to help students open their eyes – if they’ll listen.
#4: Remus Lupin
Defence Against the Dark Arts has shuffled through MULTIPLE professors during Harry’s time at Hogwarts – from cowardly traitors like Quirrel, to arrogant frauds like Lockhart, to Death Eaters in disguise, to toad-face Umbridge . However, one professor managed to shine above these rejects – Remus Lupin, an old friend of Harry’s parents. Many students will say that Lupin was their favorite D.A.D.A. teacher, and it’s not hard to see why – he helped students to not only face their fears but also LAUGH at them, even taking it upon himself to teach Harry to defend himself against Dementors. Unfortunately, Lupin was also a werewolf and resigned once his condition became public.
#3: Albus Dumbledore
The Origins Of Albus Dumbledore
Considered by many to be the greatest sorcerer in the world, Albus Dumbledore began his Hogwarts career decades ago as a Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, and then head of the Transfiguration department – before finally being promoted to Headmaster of Hogwarts. Along with being extraordinarily talented with magic, Dumbledore is also a kind, eccentric, and wise mentor figure that values the human spirit. However, he has a tendency to be secretive about his plans and emotional baggage. Despite his trust issues and haunting past, Dumbledore aims towards the greater good – ending Voldemort’s reign forever – even if it means letting himself die to achieve it .
#2: Severus Snape
Top 10 Severus Snape Moments in Harry Potter
Snape was the original head of Slytherin house during Harry’s time, as well as the master of Potions class – though he had hopes of teaching Defence Against the Dark Arts. While he was highly knowledgeable and passionate about the subjects, his teaching methods were… dreadful – showing favoritism towards his own house, intimidating and bullying his pupils, and butting heads with a certain Mr. Potter. However, behind his cold and cruel demeanor laid a tormented, complex man protecting Harry from the shadows and spying on the Death Eaters …until his gruesome death. Saddest of all, his biggest motivation was the memory of Harry’s late mother, Lily –the only woman Snape ever truly loved.
Before we unveil our number one magical educator, here are a few honorable mentions.
Quirinus Quirrell
Cuthbert Binns
Firenze
#1: Minerva McGonagall
McGonagall’s shapeshifting Animagus ability makes her the perfect fit for teaching Transfiguration at Hogwarts. Along with that, she also juggles the duties of being head of Gryffindor House, as well as deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts. She is incredibly stern, usually the first to lay down discipline at the school, and she doesn’t make any exceptions – not even for her own house. Along with that, she has no qualms standing up to fellow staff members or higher authority figures if even one of them acts out of line . She’s a caring authority figure who commands respect, and we can’t think of anyone better suited to eventually fill the role as Headmistress of Hogwarts.
