The head of Ravenclaw house at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry has an important role in the Harry Potter books and movies. As one of the four houses at Hogwarts, Ravenclaw values intelligence, wisdom, creativity, and wit. The head of Ravenclaw serves as a mentor, teacher, and guide to the students of their house. So who has the honor of leading the Ravenclaws at Hogwarts?
Brief History of Ravenclaw House
Ravenclaw house was founded by Rowena Ravenclaw, who was noted for her intelligence and creativity. Along with Godric Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff, and Salazar Slytherin, she was one of the founders of Hogwarts. Ravenclaw selected students for her house based on their wit, learning, and wisdom. The Ravenclaw common room is located in Ravenclaw Tower, and students must answer a riddle to enter, demonstrating their intelligence. The house colors are blue and bronze, and the house animal is an eagle. Notable Ravenclaws include Luna Lovegood, Gilderoy Lockhart, and Filius Flitwick.
Heads of Ravenclaw
Throughout the history of Hogwarts, Ravenclaw house has been led by several heads. Here are some of the known heads of Ravenclaw:
- Rowena Ravenclaw – One of the founders of Hogwarts, Rowena Ravenclaw was the first head of Ravenclaw house. She chose the students for her house and served as their mentor.
- Filius Flitwick – The Charms professor and head of Ravenclaw during the time Harry Potter attended Hogwarts. Known for his diminutive stature and squeaky voice, Professor Flitwick embodied the intelligence and wit valued by Ravenclaw house.
- Unnamed heads – The heads of Ravenclaw between the founding of Hogwarts and the 20th century are unnamed in the books and movies. There were likely many wise Ravenclaws who held this position.
Filius Flitwick, Current Head of Ravenclaw
In the Harry Potter stories, Filius Flitwick serves as both Charms Master and the Head of Ravenclaw House. Here are some key facts about Professor Flitwick:
- He first appears in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone when Harry begins his education at Hogwarts
- He is described as having a squeaky voice and being very short in stature, possibly part goblin
- Flitwick teaches Charms class, which involves teaching students spells for practical magic use
- As Head of Ravenclaw, Flitwick resides in Ravenclaw Tower and mentors the students of his house
- He is an intelligent, good-natured professor who tries to be fair to all students
- Flitwick participates in many key events through the books, including helping protect Hogwarts from danger
As both a professor and head of house, Flitwick is a model Ravenclaw – intelligent and wise, but also kind. He demonstrates the positive virtues emphasized in Ravenclaw house.
Flitwick’s Role as Head of Ravenclaw
Professor Flitwick performs various important duties as the Head of Ravenclaw house:
- Welcoming new first-year students and presenting them with their Ravenclaw tie & robes at the start-of-term banquet
- Maintaining the tower and living quarters of Ravenclaw house
- Teaching and mentoring Ravenclaw students academically and personally
- Encouraging the intellectual culture of Ravenclaw house through competitions like the House Cup
- Disciplining students if they break school rules and giving out rewards for achievements
- Attending meetings with the other Hogwarts heads of house to discuss school business
- Protecting and advising Ravenclaw students during periods of danger at Hogwarts
Flitwick is a caring mentor but also has high expectations of his Ravenclaws to live up to the house reputation for intelligence and wit.
Flitwick’s Teaching Style
As Charms Master, Professor Flitwick has an engaging and supportive teaching style:
- He teaches with humor and encouragement, making Charms class fun
- Flitwick develops charms skills incrementally, starting with basic concepts
- He allows students to experiment and self-correct, developing problem-solving abilities
- Flitwick does not belittle students who struggle but patiently works with them
- He prepares students well for O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s Charms exams
- His classroom has a relaxed but focused atmosphere
Flitwick’s classroom manner demonstrates why he fits well as a Head of House – he develops students’ skills while encouraging their self-confidence.
Flitwick’s Appearances in the Books
As a prominent Hogwarts professor, Flitwick appears in many key scenes throughout the seven books:
- Sorcerer’s Stone – Helps protect the Philospher’s Stone by charming musical instruments
- Chamber of Secrets – Teaches first-years the Lumos charm
- Prisoner of Azkaban – Teaches Harry’s class the Entrancing Enchantments spell
- Goblet of Fire – Is selected as one of the Triwizard Tournament judges
- Order of the Phoenix – Fights the Death Eaters at the Battle of the Astronomy Tower
- Half-Blood Prince – Attends the funeral of Albus Dumbledore
- Deathly Hallows – Helps defend Hogwarts against Voldemort’s attack
Throughout the books, Flitwick demonstrates his skills as a Charms Master and leader at Hogwarts.
Why Flitwick Represents Ravenclaw Well
There are several key reasons why Professor Flitwick is an excellent representative for Ravenclaw house as its Head:
- He values learning and education, encouraging his students to develop their magical abilities through practice and study.
- Flitwick has subtle intelligence – he does not flaunt his knowledge but applies it in clever ways.
- He embodies the Ravenclaw spirit of wit and good humor in his cheerful personality.
- Flitwick demonstrates wisdom and integrity through his actions over the seven books.
- As a half-goblin, half-wizard, he represents the open-mindedness of Ravenclaw house.
- His protective care for students makes Flitwick a warm Ravenclaw role model.
Both within the books and for readers, Professor Flitwick stands out as an excellent embodiment of Ravenclaw house at its best – intelligent but also kind, ethical, and witty.
Conclusion
Throughout J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, Professor Filius Flitwick serves as the Head of Ravenclaw house. Both within the novels and for readers, Flitwick represents the virtues of Ravenclaw well. He is intelligent and wise like the students he mentors, demonstrating kindness along with his sharp intellect. Flitwick’s guidance helps inspire the Ravenclaws to live up to their reputation for wit, learning, and open-mindedness. He is a model teacher, mentor, and leader. For these reasons, there is no better choice to be the Head of Ravenclaw than the charismatic and caring Professor Flitwick.