Headmaster portraits are mounted in the Headmaster's office at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Each portrait represents a previous Headmaster, and they are honour-bound to serve the current Headmaster at all times. The only known person to have served as Head and does not have a portrait is Professor Dolores Umbridge.
History
During the Second Wizarding War, Albus Dumbledore used the portraits to relay messages to other locations where other portraits of the subject were kept, such as keeping in contact with 12 Grimmauld Place using the portrait of Phineas Nigellus Black. After his death, Dumbledore via his portrait gave instructions to his successor, Severus Snape; which, thereby allowed Dumbledore to continue his machinations and efforts to help Harry Potter defeat Lord Voldemort once and for all.
Known Headmaster portraits
- Albus Dumbledore
- Ambrose Swott[1]
- Armando Dippet
- Basil Fronsac
- Dexter Fortescue
- Dilys Derwent
- Eoessa Sakndenberg[1]
- Everard
- Heliotrope Wilkins[1]
- Newton Scamander[1]
- Phineas Nigellus Black
- Phyllida Spore
- Quentin Trimble
- Severus Snape
- Vulpus[1]
- Walter Aragon
- Unidentified Hogwarts Headmaster
- Unidentified Hogwarts Headmistress
- Unidentified chessmasters Heads of Hogwarts
Behind the scenes
- It is possible that Dolores Umbridge does not have a portrait, because Hogwarts did not recognise her as Headmistress. This could be evidenced, by the way she was denied access to the Headmaster's office.
Appearances
- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (First appearance)
- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (film)
- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (video game)}
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (film)
- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (film)
- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (video game)
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (film)
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows