Summary

• Hogwarts Professors' house affiliations provide insights into their character and teaching styles.
• Dumbledore, McGonagall, Snape, and Sprout were clearly sorted into Gryffindor, Gryffindor, Slytherin, and Hufflepuff, respectively.
• Some professors like Quirrell and Umbridge showed surprising traits based on their house affiliations in the Harry Potter series.

All the Professors in Harry Potter were once Hogwarts students, but what house was Dumbledore in and what houses were the Hogwarts teachers? The Harry Potter series establishes that Harry's magical boarding school, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, separates its students into four different houses based on its founders: Godric Gryffindor, Rowena Ravenclaw, Helga Hufflepuff, and Salazar Slytherin. Each Hogwarts house has different traits that the students predominantly possess, with, in the simplest terms, Gryffindor favoring the brave, Ravenclaw taking in the intelligent, Hufflepuff preferring the fair, and Slytherin coveting the ambitious.

While the kids are the central focus of the Harry Potter series, all the Hogwarts Professors encountered by Harry or in subsequent ancillary material bear their importance to the story. For example, many fans wonder what house was Dumbledore in or what houses the other Houses were in general. Some of the Professors' Hogwarts houses were revealed outright as they were heads of house, such as McGonagall, Snape, Flitwick, and Sprout. However, other Hogwarts Professors only revealed their houses in passing or through contextual clues. Here is every Hogwarts Professor and their known Hogwarts house affiliation.

Albus Dumbledore

Gryffindor

So, what house was Dumbledore in? Some people show traits from multiple houses, and although Dumbledore is definitely one of those, his passion and courage make him a clear Gryffindor. Of course, by Harry's time at Hogwarts, his bravery is a quieter kind, as he has learned from the mistakes of his youth. Still, his search for the Horcruxes alone shows his bravery.

However, it would have been hard to argue with the books if they had later revealed he was actually in Slytherin, due to his ambitions as a young man. Even after deciding that he should not be trusted with 'power', he becomes a member of the Wizengamot and the Headmaster.

Minerva McGonagall

Gryffindor

While many wonder "what house was Dumbledore in?" people are curious about McGonagall in equal measure. Minerva McGonagall was a Hatstall, according to J.K. Rowling in the tragic romantic backstory she created for McGonagall. A Hatstall means that the Sorting Hat took longer than usual to decide on her House, and she was a Hatstall between Gryffindor and Ravenclaw.

She is incredibly intelligent, and in the books, solves the Ravenclaw tower riddle with ease. Ultimately, her fiery nature and bravery when Hogwarts is threatened make it clear McGonagall belongs in Gryffindor. She’s also extremely passionate about Gryffindor, clearly delighted whenever they win a Quidditch game and devastated when they lose house points.

Filius Flitwick

Ravenclaw

In terms of what houses the Hogwarts teachers were in, the Head of Ravenclaw is Filius Flitwick. He isn't seen much throughout the series; it is only known that he teaches Charms and is Head of Ravenclaw, so it is reasonable to assume he’s very creative and intelligent, since those are the prominent traits of that house.

He's also willing to fight for what’s right. He enters the battle of Hogwarts more reluctantly than, say, McGonagall, but he does so happily, meaning that although he’s a Ravenclaw, that doesn’t mean he isn’t brave or loyal. It just means that his intelligence outshines everything else.

Pomona Sprout

Hufflepuff

Professor Sprout teaches Herbology in the books and is head of Hufflepuff. Hufflepuffs are often underrepresented when it comes to the series, and they're often dismissed as being the house people are sorted into just because they don’t fit elsewhere.

There are a lot of great Hufflepuff traits, and many house members stayed to fight at the Battle of Hogwarts because they knew it was the right thing to do and took no convincing. Pomona Sprout clearly fits here - she is supportive and loyal to her students (especially Neville) and stays with Hogwarts throughout the battle.

Severus Snape

Slytherin

Snape is, of course, Head of Slytherin and surprisingly possesses many of Dumbledore's traits, prompting people to wonder if they could have been in the same Hogwarts house. There tends to be an assumption that most of Slytherin House is evil, and for a while, Snape did nothing to disprove this.

The truth is that Slytherins aren’t inherently evil. Rather, they’re resourceful and ambitious, and the latter means that they sometimes come across as cutthroat. Snape's ambition can be traced in large part to his upbringing - and an early life in poverty and loneliness that made him want to learn all he could, and move up in the world.

Dolores Umbridge

Slytherin

Everyone's least favorite Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor Dolores Umbridge was introduced in The Order Of The Phoenix, starting work at Hogwarts on Ministry orders. In her years as a student of Hogwarts, it is no surprise that she was sorted into Slytherin.

While the vendetta against Slytherin and the stereotype that they are all evil is unfair, Umbridge does not help diminish it. She is cruel, power-hungry, and unbelievably prejudiced against many groups, including any magical race other than humans, and even Muggle-borns and Squibs. She is also clearly ambitious - the primary Slytherin trait.

Quirinus Quirrell

Ravenclaw

In terms of what houses the Hogwarts teachers were in, many are surprised to see some major villains turn out to be Ravenclaws. It's difficult to judge how Professor Quirrell fits into his House because of his situation with Voldemort. By the time Quirrell was teaching at Hogwarts, he was possessed by Voldemort.

However, while this information may be enough to make people jump to the conclusion that Quirrell was a Slytherin, he was actually a Ravenclaw. Quirrell was always very timid and nervous but wanted to prove himself and was a gifted child, and was also shown to be unique and curious, two primary Ravenclaw traits.

Alecto & Amycus Carrow

Slytherin

Amycus and Alecto Carrow were twins and a part of the famous pure-blooded Carrow family. For a solitary year between Dumbledore's death and the Battle of Hogwarts, the Death Eaters taught at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry - and like many characters, they are more deeply explored in the books.

Amycus taught Dark Arts while Alecto taught Muggle Studies, while both served as Deputy Headmaster/Headmistress under Snape, putting them in charge of punishment across the school. It is no surprise the twins were sorted into Slytherin, keeping in line with their family and their nature as cruel purists, shown to torture students and be viciously judgmental to Muggle-borns.

Silvanus Kettleburn

Hufflepuff

Definitely not the first Professor that comes into audiences' minds, Silvanus Kettleburn is a character who gets a mention in The Prisoner Of Azkaban but was not seen until the game Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery. Nevertheless, he is one that pops up when people wonder what houses the Hogwarts teachers were in because of that vague mention.

Kettleburn taught Care of Magical Creatures prior to Hagrid's appointment to the post, and his care and love of these animals, as well as his sense of duty towards them, point towards him being a good fit for Hufflepuff, where he was sorted during his Hogwarts years; despite his famous recklessness.

Patricia Rakepick

Gryffindor

Sticking with Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, another professor in the game, which happens to be her only appearance, is the world-famous curse breaker Patricia Rakepick, and she happens to be in the same house Dumbledore was in.

Her role in the game shows her to be daring, proud, and extremely confident, which makes her a perfect fit for Gryffindor. Unsurprisingly, then, this is where she was sorted during her years at the school where she would later teach Defense Against the Dark Arts.

Remus Lupin

Gryffindor

Remus Lupin was only a teacher at Hogwarts for one year, thanks to the curse on the Defence Against The Dark Arts position. However, he was still very much a Hogwarts Professor, and was in the same house Dumbledore was in - Gryffindor.

Remus could also have been a convincing Ravenclaw, but instead, he was put in Gryffindor with the rest of his Marauder friends. Remus fought in the war against Voldemort bravely while facing his own troubles every month; namely, the fact that he was a werewolf and had to undergo an excruciating transformation when the full moon was out.

Horace Slughorn

Slytherin

Horace Slughorn is an example of a Slytherin a little different from Snape, another Potions Professor. He’s not so ambitious that he’s deeply unpleasant to others, he’s just dismissive of those he doesn’t find worthy of his time. When he appears in Half-Blood Prince, he’s very interested in Harry because of his fame, just as he was in Tom Riddle.

He’s by no means a bully, though, and as the series goes on, he becomes willing to do the right thing. He even mentions a fondness for Harry’s mother, who was Muggle-born, proving that not all Slytherins are prejudiced against those they consider to be of lesser blood.

Gilderoy Lockhart

Ravenclaw

In terms of what houses the Hogwarts teachers were in, Lockhart's answer is the most surprising. The only thing Gilderoy Lockhart seems to be good at is memory charms, erasing the memories of great witches and wizards, and taking credit for their achievements.

However, there are some other clear reasons why he is in Ravenclaw. He is clearly brilliant at memory charms, and even creating his own. He is quick on his feet and intelligent enough to manipulate his way to fame. Ravenclaws can also be known for bending the rules, as they love to find loopholes and are deeply independent.

Sybill Trelawney

Ravenclaw

Another surprising answer in the case of what houses the Hogwarts teachers were in was Sybill Trelawney. Trelawney was a Ravenclaw. She isn't particularly interested in traditional knowledge and information, most of what she says isn’t at all correct, and she doesn’t seem to have her life together.

However, like Luna Lovegood, Professor Trelawney is a great example of another type of Ravenclaw: the unique, quirky, truly eccentric type. Because Ravenclaws are generally brilliant, they are also creative and open-minded, and this can mean that Ravenclaws are the 'quirkiest' of houses.

Rubeus Hagrid

Gryffindor

Like several other teachers, Hagrid was in the same house Dumbledore was in. Hagrid was eventually given the Care of Magical Creatures Professor post at Hogwarts, despite having been expelled from the school when he was a student. Hagrid is a Gryffindor alumnus, and unlike a lot of the other professors, this seems to be the only house that would adequately fit him.

He’s eagerly brave, willing to do what’s right, and seems to care deeply and passionately about people. Hagrid is one of the best people among the Professors and, although a little clumsy and tactless, is very well-meaning, and this is what makes him perfect for his house.

Eleazar Fig

Gryffindor

The video game Hogwarts Legacy added several Hogwarts Professors to the staff, each coming from a different house of their own. In terms of what houses the Hogwarts teachers were in, Professor Eleazar Fig, who teaches Magical Theory, was in the same house as Dumbledore: Gryffindor.

Considering that Fig is the main point of contact for the new fifth year and the main character in their quest to overthrow Ranrok and hone their ancient magic ability, it makes sense that Fig was a Gryffindor. He shows true bravery whenever encountered and always makes an effort to stand up for what is right, even in the face of terrible danger.

Matilda Weasley

Gryffindor

One of Ronald Weasley's ancestors is the deputy headmistress at Hogwarts during Hogwarts Legacy. Matilda Weasley's house is the same as the answer to "what house was Dumbledore in?", as she's a Gryffindor as well.

Professor Weasley is highly similar to Minerva McGonagall's character and possesses the same sharpness. She assures the new fifth year that she will always be a Gryffindor at heart. While players don't get to see her in action that often, between her surname and her similarities to McGonagall, it's clear that the Sorting Hat made the right choice.

Mirabel Garlick

Hufflepuff

Professor Mirabel Garlick is a fan-favorite among Hogwarts Legacy players, as she is kind and giving, making her Hogwarts house selection of Hufflepuff the perfect choice. Much like Professor Sprout, Professor Garlick teaches Herbology, though it's unknown if she is the Head of Hufflepuff house.

Garlick isn't quite as funny or brusque as Sprout is, but she shows immense care for her students and plants. She's also one of several characters responsible for bringing LGBTQ+ representation to the Harry Potter universe, as Garlick is confirmed to be a lesbian.

Abraham Ronen

Slytherin

Professor Abraham Ronen teaches Charms class in Hogwarts Legacy, responsible for teaching the new fifth year spells like Accio or Reparo, and while his teaching style couldn't be more different than Snape's, he's actually a Slytherin.

When it comes to what houses the Hogwarts teachers were in, Professor Ronen's came as the biggest surprise as the upbeat and fun-loving teacher seemed to fall in line with more Ravenclaw-like traits. Nevertheless, Ronen is a Slytherin through and through and an excellent example to show that not all Slytherins are serious or bad. Ronen's teaching style often involves gameplay, and he's a favorite among Hogwarts Legacy students.

Dinah Hecat

Ravenclaw

Long before Voldemort cursed the Defense Against the Dark Arts post, it was held by the stern Professor Dinah Hecat. Hogwarts Professor Hecat was a Ravenclaw during her school days, and she diverges from other Ravenclaw teachers like Trelawney or Lockhart greatly.

While affable enough, Hecat doesn't stand for nonsense in her class and expects each of her students to rise to the occasion. Like all Ravenclaws, Professor Hecat is very intelligent and, before teaching at Hogwarts, was rumored to be an Unspeakable in the Department of Mysteries at the Ministry of Magic.

Aesop Sharp

Slytherin

It seems that Slytherins favor the subject of potions, as the Potions Master at Hogwarts during Hogwarts Legacy was also a Slytherin like Slughorn and Snape. Professor Sharp isn't a bully in the same way that Snape was. However, he was just as strict and didn't tolerate tomfoolery of any sort.

Sharp was an auror before sustaining an injury and deciding to teach at Hogwarts. His curriculum is said to be tough during various conversations throughout the game, and he's a difficult Professor to impress. Nevertheless, Sharp takes pride in his job and those who prove to be apt in the subject.

Bai Howin

Hufflepuff

When it comes to what houses Hogwarts teachers were in, Professor Bai Howin was the Care of Magical Creatures Professor (though then it was simply known as "Beasts" class) before Hagrid and Kettleburn, and she is confirmed to be a Hufflepuff.

Like Hecat and Ronen, Professor Howin's house alignment comes as something of a surprise to Hogwarts Legacy players, as she isn't quite as cheery or soft as Professor Garlick. Professor Howin demands a level of respect for her subject, but her favor toward students who work hard to do their best does better showcase her Hufflepuff traits.

The Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts movies are available to stream on Max.

Hogwarts Professors With Unknown Houses

Many Professors In The Books, Movies, And Games Are Not Assigned Houses

Now that questions like "what house was Dumbledore in?" and "what houses were the Hogwarts teachers in?" have been answered, it's worth noting that there are several Hogwarts professors in the Harry Potter books, movies, and video games that have unknown house affiliations.

History of Magic teacher Professor Cuthbert Binns, who appears in the novels and Hogwarts Legacy, is a ghost in both stories. He never mentions his house at all, but his breadth of knowledge would suggest that he's a Ravenclaw. Professor Moody, though technically Slytherin Barty Crouch Jr., who taught DADA in Goblet of Fire, also never revealed his Hogwarts house. However, it's likely he was in Gryffindor. Madam Hooch, who teaches flying lessons in Sorcerer's Stone, was never given a Hogwarts house affiliation.

In the Harry Potter novels, several other teachers are mentioned by name but aren't given a lot of character information, as either Harry doesn't take their class or they don't provide much to the plot. These teachers aren't given Hogwarts houses either, and they include Astronomy Professor Aurora Sinistra, Ancient Runes Professor Bathsheda Babbling, Muggle Studies Professor Charity Burbage (who is tragically killed by Voldemort at Malfoy Manor during Deathly Hallows Part 1), Arithmancy Professor Septima Vector, and Care of Magical Creatures substitute teacher Professor Wilhelmina Grubbly-Plank.

Of course, it's entirely possible that not all of these professors even attended Hogwarts and were sorted as students. There are magical schools all over the world in the Harry Potter franchise. Any one of these teachers could have been approached by Dumbledore or the previous headmaster because of their particular expertise. Perhaps, one day, as the Harry Potter franchise expands, fans will learn more.

• 

  Harry Potter

  Created by:

  J.K. Rowling

  First Film:

  Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

  First TV Show:

  Harry Potter

  Cast:

  Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Tom Felton, Alan Rickman, Matthew Lewis, Bonnie Wright, Evanna Lynch, Maggie Smith, Michael Gambon, Richard Harris, Ralph Fiennes, Helena Bonham Carter, Alfred Enoch, Harry Melling, Gary Oldman, Robert Pattinson, Warwick Davis, Oliver Phelps, James Phelps, David Bradley, David Thewlis, Katie Leung, Jason Isaacs, Imelda Staunton, David Tennant, Jamie Campbell Bower, Timothy Spall, Robbie Coltrane, Eddie Redmayne, Jude Law, Katherine Waterston, Ezra Miller, Dan Fogler, Alison Sudol, Johnny Depp, Mads Mikkelsen

  TV Show(s):

  Harry Potter

  Movie(s):

  Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Fantastic Beasts and the Crimes of Grindelwald, Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore

  Character(s):

  Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, Rubeus Hagrid, Dobby the House Elf, Draco Malfoy, Sirius Black, Ginny Weasley, Voldemort