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A Portrait in Headmaster's office

One of the portraits in Headmaster's office.

Headmaster portraits are mounted in the Headmaster's office at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Each portrait represents a previous Headmaster or Headmistress , and they are honour-bound to serve the current Headteacher at all times. The portraits also talk to the current headtecher. In the books on more than one opportunity, Harry has walked into the office and the portraits have fallen silent. They also have a tendancy to pretend to be asleep when something intersesting is happening that doesn't involve them. The only known person to have served as Headmaster who 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

Ambone

Professor Swott's portrait in 1992.

Behind the scenes

  • It is possible that Dolores Umbridge does not have a portrait, because Hogwarts did not recognise her as Headmistress. For example, she was denied access to the Headmaster's office.

Appearances

Albus Dumbledore's portrait

Dumbledore's portrait in 1997.

Notes and references

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (film) DVD (Disc 2 - Dumbledore's Office)
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