7 Hogwarts Professor Quotes to Live By

Sophie Hart
Movies Harry Potter
Movies Harry Potter

It’s the most magical time of the year. Hundreds of students will be hopping aboard the Hogwarts Express to start a new academic year at the most prestigious school of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the world. First years will get sorted into their houses. And, most importantly of all, students will find out who their teachers will be for the next 10 months.

In homage to the the most memorable teachers that graced Hogwarts during Harry Potter’s seven years, here are seven Hogwarts professor quotes that could teach you a thing or two.

“I do not generally permit people to talk when I am talking.”

– Professor McGonagall

Professor McGonagall was the epitome of strict and fair, and the perfect professor to teach students the discipline needed to become a great witch or wizard. This quote reminds us to respect others when they are talking and listen when it’s most important.

“It takes a great deal of courage to stand up to your enemies, but a great deal more to stand up to your friends.”

– Professor Dumbledore

Dumbledore was a veritable fountain of knowledge, but this quote from the very first book is one to keep with you through life’s challenges. Sometimes our friends get things wrong, and it’s important to stand up for what we believe in, even if it means facing uncomfortable conflict.

“It may have escaped your notice, but life isn’t fair.”

– Professor Snape

Whilst all Potterheads fell in love with Snape by the end of the series, he was best known for being the king of sarcastic comments. His barely-concealed bitterness against Harry and pretty much everyone else fostered some killer quotes. A reminder that life isn’t fair is useful to remember at the best — and more importantly, worst — of times.

“I feel that if a single pupil wants to come, then the school ought to remain open for that pupil.”

– Professor Sprout

The head of Hufflepuff house, Pomona Sprout was loyal and dedicated. When Hogwarts faced its darkest days, she understood that education and the community that it provided should be kept available at all costs. A truly humanitarian lesson.

“I’m very impressed. That suggests that what you fear most of all … is fear itself. This is very wise.”

– Professor Lupin

When Lupin got his third year Defence Against the Dark Arts class to face their Boggarts (which represent the students’ single greatest fear) he expected Harry’s to be Voldemort. Instead, he saw a Dementor, whose power is to suck out happiness and feed on fear. Lupin was impressed because, instead of an obvious threat from the outside, Harry recognised that it’s our own fears that can undermine us the most.

“Fame is a fickle friend, Harry. Celebrity is as celebrity does. Remember that.”

– Professor Lockhart

Ok, so it would be an understatement to say that Gilderoy Lockhart wasn’t the wisest Hogwarts professor ever. In fact, ‘gloriously incompetent’ might be a better description. However, unwittingly or not, Lockhart did have some pearls of wisdom. Among them is this reminder that as a famous personality, you have a responsibility to lead by example. He could have done with heeding his own advice, but we’ll forgive him.

“Everyone starts at the beginning at Hogwarts; you’ll be just fine. Just be yerself.”

– Professor Hagrid

In case you forgot, as well as being the lovable Gamekeeper at Hogwarts, Hagrid was the professor of Care of Magical Creatures in Harry’s third year. This quote, as he preps Harry for his very first term at Hogwarts, is the perfect way to round off this list. If you take nothing else with you through life, remember Hagrid’s advice to be yourself, don’t be ashamed, and always keep learning.

Sophie Hart
Social and Programming Producer @ FANDOM. Usually found watching Disney films, playing with LEGO or baking. Sometimes simultaneously.