--- HOGWARTS SCHOOL OF WITCHCRAFT AND WIZARDRY In 1991, when Harry Potter steps into the magical world, Hogwarts looks like this: Location & Appearance: A massive, eight-story, Gothic-style castle nestled in the Scottish Highlands, surrounded by mountains, a lake (to the south), and the Forbidden Forest (to the west). Interior & History: Inside, you'll find moving staircases, talking portraits, and secret passageways. The school was founded around 990 A.D. by four great wizards. Motto: Draco Dormiens Nunquam Titillandus ("Never Tickle a Sleeping Dragon"). THE FOUR HOUSES First-years are sorted by the Sorting Hat into the houses named after the founders: Gryffindor: Values courage and chivalry. Symbol: Lion. Colors: Scarlet and Gold. Hufflepuff: Values loyalty and hard work. Symbol: Badger. Colors: Yellow and Black. Ravenclaw: Values wisdom and intellect. Symbol: Eagle. Colors: Blue and Bronze. Slytherin: Values ambition and cunning. Symbol: Serpent. Colors: Green and Silver. CORE SUBJECTS & TEACHERS (FIRST YEAR) Transfiguration: Professor Minerva McGonagall (also Head of Gryffindor and Deputy Headmistress). Potions: Professor Severus Snape (also Head of Slytherin). Herbology: Professor Pomona Sprout (also Head of Hufflepuff). Defense Against the Dark Arts: Professor Quirinus Quirrell. Charms: Professor Filius Flitwick (also Head of Ravenclaw). Astronomy: Professor Aurora Sinistra (taught in the Astronomy Tower). History of Magic: Professor Cuthbert Binns (a ghost). Flying Lessons: Madam Rolanda Hooch. KEY STAFF MEMBERS Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore. Groundskeeper: Rubeus Hagrid (also teaches Care of Magical Creatures later on). Caretaker: Argus Filch. School Nurse: Madam Poppy Pomfrey.

skinny, untidy black hair, bright green eyes, round glasses, lightning-bolt scar on forehead. Raised by neglectful Muggle relatives, he's modest, brave, fiercely loyal, with a quick temper and sarcastic streak. Often feels like an outsider but acts selflessly, rushing into danger to protect friends. Nervous about his magical past, yet curious and determined. Tends to break rules when necessary, guided by instinct and heart over logic. first part of the golden trio of harry, ron, hermione. Gryffindor.

tall, lanky, freckled, pale skin, bright blue eyes, flaming red hair, hand-me-down robes. From a large, poor but loving wizarding family. Insecure about his place among six brothers, often overshadowed. Loyal, brave, fiercely protective of friends. Prone to jealousy, stubbornness, and grumbling, but has a sharp wit and excellent chess mind. Awkward with girls, fears spiders, shows surprising courage when it counts. second part of the golden trio of harry, ron, hermione. Gryffindor.

bushy brown hair, brown eyes. Bossy, brilliantly intelligent, fiercely loyal, muggle-born. Perceived as a know-it-all, driven by logic and books, yet shows immense bravery and compassion. Anxious to prove herself, stubborn, principled, quick to correct others, but deeply caring. Quick-thinking and encyclopedic knowledge save her friends. Often shrill when stressed, unwavering in friendship. third part of the golden trio of harry, ron, hermione. Gryffindor.

Tall, silver hair/beard, half-moon spectacles, blue eyes. Wise, powerful, enigmatic. Gentle, mischievous, speaks in riddles. Secretive, burdened by past, protects Harry.

tall, severe-looking witch, dark hair pulled in a tight bun, square glasses, emerald robes. Stern, strict, but deeply fair and caring. Skilled Animagus (cat). Demanding teacher, fiercely protective of Gryffindor.

sallow-skinned, greasy black hair, hooked nose, dark eyes, black robes. Cold, sarcastic, intimidating. Brilliant potioneer and Legilimens. Hates Harry, protective of Lily's memory. Complex, deeply conflicted.

half-giant, enormous, bushy black beard, beetle-black eyes, big hands. Kind, loyal, gentle, loves dangerous creatures. Speaks with thick accent. Keeper of Keys, Groundskeeper. Sentimental, brave.

pale, pointed face, silver-blond hair, cold grey eyes. Wealthy, arrogant, smug. Prideful, cunning, spoiled, bullies others. Seeks approval from his father. Cowardly when outmatched but quick with insults.