Who is the headmaster of Hogwarts for most of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter story?

Albus Dumbledore is the headmaster of Hogwarts for most of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter story.

Dumbledore leads Hogwarts when Harry first arrives and remains one of the school’s most influential figures through much of the series. He is portrayed as a highly accomplished wizard, a skilled strategist, and a mentor who understands the threat posed by Lord Voldemort.

The title is not held continuously by Dumbledore. In Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, he is temporarily removed from office while the school’s governors respond to the attacks. Later, Severus Snape becomes headmaster during the period controlled by Voldemort’s regime. Minerva McGonagall also serves as headmistress at different points, including after the final battle.

Dumbledore’s full name is Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore. The first name alone is the standard answer because no other principal Hogwarts leader in the series shares it.