Professor



The title Professor is used by teachers at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. It is considered rude by some to not address a member of staff as professor, Madam or Sir, as is the case with Professor Snape. However, the most notable exception to this is Rubeus Hagrid, who is usually referred to by his surname. The term Sir or Madam (depending on the gender) is an alternative title to use instead of Professor, on the speaker's preference. While talking to their colleagues, they usually use their first name. Professor Snape however preferred to use others' surnames, for example when he called Remus Lupin, Lupin or Gilderoy Lockhart, Professor Lockhart in the Duelling Club in 1992.

Powers and rights
Professors have the power to award and dock points, give detention and write notes for certain areas and activities that are usually off limits, such as the Restricted Section in the Hogwarts Library or permission to practice on the Quidditch pitch.

Education
It is presumed that wizards and witches do not need any form of specific education, other than having received their O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s, to gain the title of Professor and become a Hogwarts teacher, as people such as Dolores Umbridge were able to become teachers at Hogwarts. However, even someone who did not complete their O.W.L. examinations was able to become a Professor, as long as he or she had been chosen by the Headmaster/Headmistress of the school in question, or if they had been appointed by the Ministry of Magic. This was the case with the Care of Magical Creatures Professor from 1993-1997, Rubeus Hagrid. He was expelled from Hogwarts before being able to complete any 'important' exams, however Hagrid was considered more than qualified on the subject matter.

Behind the scenes

 * There are a number of known professors such as Bathilda Bagshot, Mordicus Egg, Regulus Moonshine, Phoebus Penrose, Helbert Spleen, Swoopstikes, and Tofty, although it is unknown whether or not any of them taught at Hogwarts.