Closure of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

The decision to close Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry was considered many times throughout the history of the school. On most such occasions, a dramatic turn-around or heroic event occurred and those who wished to close the school reconsidered.

The most notable times that closure was considered were during the openings of the Chamber of Secrets, during both the 1942-1943 and 1992–1993 school years. However, the first openings ended when Tom Riddle framed Rubeus Hagrid for 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 killed during the Battle of the Astronomy Tower, and many teachers did not think that the school should remain open, since the Headmaster's death at the hands of Severus Snape was considered a terrible stain on Hogwarts's history. In the end, the staff decided they should consult the Hogwarts Board of Governors. The Board's decision, if any, was uncertain, because the British Ministry of Magic's takeover by the Death Eaters meant that they forced it to remain open for the 1997–1998 school year anyway, under their rule.

Occurrences

First openings of the Chamber of Secrets

Hogwarts Headmaster Armando Dippet

Armando Dippet: "As a matter of fact, the Ministry of Magic is even now talking about closing the school. We are no nearer locating the - er - source of all this unpleasantness..."

Tom Riddle: "Sir - if the person were caught - if it all stopped -"

Armando Dippet: "What do you mean? Riddle, do you mean you know something about these attacks?"

Tom Riddle: "No, sir."

— Headmaster Dippet discussing the school's impending closure with Tom Riddle

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, possibly fearing for his reputation or worried about his responsibility to the pupils. However, once a Ravenclaw student named Myrtle Warren was found dead in the second floor girls' lavatory by Olive Hornby, Professor Dippet was told by the Ministry of Magic that they were considering closing the school.

The school ultimately remained open, however, after Fifth year Slytherin Prefect, Tom Riddle presented evidence that the attacks had been carried out by an Acromantula being raised in secret by third-year Gryffindor student, Rubeus Hagrid. Hagrid was expelled and his wand was snapped, while Riddle was awarded a Special Award for Services to the School and told to keep quiet about it, which he did. The school was not closed as the "perpetrator" was caught.

Second openings of the Chamber of Secrets

Harry Potter and Ginny Weasley in the Chamber of Secrets

Minerva McGonagall: "It has happened, a student has been taken by the monster. Right into the Chamber itself."

Severus Snape: "How can you be sure?"

Minerva McGonagall: "The Heir of Slytherin, left another message. Right underneath the first one. Her skeleton will lie in the Chamber forever."

Rolanda Hooch: "Who is it? Which student?"

Minerva McGonagall: "Ginny Weasley. We shall have to send all the students home tomorrow, This is the end of Hogwarts. Dumbledore always said. . ."

— Minerva McGonagall informing her colleagues of the school's imminent closure in 1993

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 Ginny 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 slew the Basilisk and returned from the Chamber with Ginny Weasley, alive, and the petrified were cured by Pomona Sprout, keeping the school open.

The death of Albus Dumbledore

Minerva McGonagall: "I want to talk about what happens to Hogwarts before he gets here. Personally, I am not convinced that the school should reopen next year. The death of the headmaster at the hands of one of our colleagues is a terrible stain upon Hogwarts’s history. It is horrible."

Pomona Sprout: "I am sure Dumbledore would have wanted the school to remain open. I feel that if a single pupil wants to come, then the school ought to remain open for that pupil."

Horace Slughorn: "But will we have a single pupil after this? Parents will want to keep their children at home and I can’t say I blame them. Personally, I don’t think we’re in more danger at Hogwarts than we are anywhere else, but you can’t expect mothers to think like that. They’ll want to keep their families together, it’s only natural."

— The Professors discussing whether or not to close Hogwarts after Dumbledore's death

Albus Dumbledore's portrait

After the death of Albus Dumbledore at the hands of Severus Snape during the Battle of the Astronomy Tower, the idea of closing Hogwarts School was entertained again. In June 1997, Dumbledore believed he had located one of the Horcruxes created by Lord Voldemort. He and Harry Potter ventured to a cave by the sea in an attempt to find it. Dumbledore weakened himself by drinking a dark potion, but they managed to obtain a locket. When they returned to Hogsmeade, they were informed by Madam Rosmerta that the Dark Mark was cast over Hogwarts Castle. After a quick flight, Dumbledore was ambushed by Draco Malfoy who disarmed him but did not have the stomach to kill him. When the Death Eaters arrived, Draco was lowering his wand, and they began to pressure him into performing the deed. When he could not, Snape stepped in and killed Dumbledore.

In light of Dumbledore's death, Professor McGonagall called a meeting of the Heads of House and Rubeus Hagrid with Harry Potter also in attendance. McGonagall wanted to close the school immediately, believing the transpired event was a terrible stain to Hogwarts history, but the others believed that the question should be referred to the Hogwarts Board of Governors. In the short term, Harry voiced the opinion that if Dumbledore was going to be buried on the grounds, the students would want to be there for it. The school was not closed because of the Fall of the Ministry of Magic on 1 August 1997. Severus Snape and his fellow Death Eaters Alecto and Amycus Carrow were placed as Headmaster and co-Deputy Heads respectively at Hogwarts.

Appearances

• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (First mentioned)
• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (film) (Mentioned only)
• Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Mentioned only)