Closure of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

The decision to close Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry has been considered many times in the past. Most of the time, a dramatic or heroic turn-around or event has occured and those who wished to close the school reconsider, et cetera. The most notable times that the school's closure was considered was during the openings of the Chamber of Secrets, during both the 1942-1943 and 1992–1993 school years. However, the first openings ending when Tom Riddle framed Rubeus Hagrid of being the Heir of Salazar Slytherin, and the second openings ended with Harry Potter's slaying of Salazar Slytherin's Basilisk, so Hogwarts was not shut down. Later on, in 1997, Albus Dumbledore was murdered and many teachers did not think that the school should remain open, since the Headmaster's death at the hands of the Potions master was considered a terrible stain on Hogwarts' history. In the end, the staff consulted the Hogwarts Board of Governors, who decided that the school was not to be closed, and it stayed open for the 1997–1998 school year.

First Openings of the Chamber of Secrets


During the 1942-1943 school year, the Chamber of Secrets was opened and several students were Petrified. Armando Dippet, a frail old wizard and Headmaster of the school, tried to hush it all up, though, possibly fearing his reputation or worried about his responsibility of the pupils. However, once a Ravenclaw student named Myrtle was found dead in the second-floor girls' lavatory by Olive Hornby, Professor Dippet was told by the British Ministry of Magic that they were considering closing the school. Fortunately, the school remained open once Tom Riddle found sufficient evidence that Rubeus Hagrid (a third year Gryffindor) had set an Acromantula named Aragog on the students. Riddle was awarded a Special Award for Services to the School and told to keep quiet about it, which he did.

Second Openings of the Chamber of Secrets
"A student has been taken, right by the monster, into the Chamber itself! [...] I am afraid that this is the end of Hogwarts."

- Minerva McGonagall after learning of Ginny's disappearance.

The second known time that the closure of Hogwarts was considered was when the Chamber of Secrets was opened again during the 1992-1993 school year. The first victim was Mrs. Norris, a cat belonging to Argus Filch, the Squib Caretaker, who was petrified on the second floor. Further victims were Colin Creevey, Justin Finch-Fletchley, Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington, Hermione Granger and Penelope Clearwater. Near the end of the year, it was thought that Ginevra Weasley had been kidnapped and taken down to the Chamber. Minerva McGonagall, the temporary headmistress, decided upon hearing of this to close the school, saying that the students were to be sent home the following morning. However, Harry Potter returned from the hamber with Ginny Weasley, alive, and the petrified were cured by Pomona Sprout, keeping the school open.