Who is the headmaster of Hogwarts at the beginning of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone?

Albus Dumbledore is the headmaster of Hogwarts at the beginning of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

Dumbledore is introduced as one of the most powerful and respected wizards in the series. He is the headmaster when Harry arrives at Hogwarts and remains a major mentor during Harry’s school years. His long history includes work against the dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald and leadership of the Order of the Phoenix.

Minerva McGonagall is Hogwarts’ Transfiguration professor and deputy headmistress for much of the early story, which can lead readers to confuse her role with Dumbledore’s. Severus Snape teaches Potions before later becoming headmaster under different circumstances.

Dumbledore’s position changes during the series. He is removed from Hogwarts in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and dies near the end of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. The school’s leadership then shifts through the final novel before McGonagall becomes headmistress after the war.