Defence Against the Dark Arts

Defence Against the Dark Arts (often abbreviated D.A.D.A.) is a core subject at Hogwarts, required for all first through fifth years. It can be dropped in sixth year. Those wishing to be Aurors must make an "Exceeds Expectations" or above at N.E.W.T. level to qualify. Some subjects covered in this class include defense aginst dark creatures, and the uses of curses such as the Unforgiveable Curses.

The position of professor of Defence Against the Dark Arts at Hogwarts has a curse placed on it by Tom Riddle. Riddle wanted to replace Galatea Merrythought in the position, but was denied it by the newly instated Headmaster, Albus Dumbledore. As a result, no teacher can hold the position for more than one year; they are either killed, driven insane, or leave. The following list shows the duration of their stay as well as their demise:


 * Severus Snape &mdash; SY 1996 - 97; was the Potions teacher until 1997; fled Hogwarts after killing Dumbledore
 * Dolores Umbridge &mdash; SY 1995 - 96; formerly Senior Undersecretary to the Minister for Magic; became the first and last "Hogwarts High Inquisitor" before seizing power as Headmistress in early 1996; fled Hogwarts after being attacked by a group of centaurs in the Forbidden Forest
 * Bartemius Crouch, Jr., disguised as Alastor Moody &mdash; SY 1994 - 95; exposed as an imposter towards in the spring of 1995, soul sucked away by a dementor
 * Remus Lupin &mdash; SY 1993 - 94; departed Hogwarts in 1994 after fellow teacher Severus Snape revealed him as a werewolf
 * Gilderoy Lockhart &mdash; SY 1992 - 93; lost his memory in 1993 when one of his Memory Charms backfired; moved to St Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries
 * Professor Quirrell &mdash; SY 1991 - 92; killed by Voldemort and/or Harry Potter in 1992 during an attempt to steal the Philosopher's Stone