The Evolution of Defense Against the Dark Arts Teachers in Harry Potter

The subject of Defense Against the Dark Arts (DADA) has seen a diverse array of teachers throughout the Harry Potter series, each bringing their unique style and challenges to the class. This reflects the ongoing theme of the struggle against dark forces throughout the series. Let's explore the journey of DADA teachers from their early days at Hogwarts to the present.

Early Days of DADA at Hogwarts

Albus Dumbledore (1910-1920)
Albus Dumbledore, the founder and headmaster of Hogwarts, was the first known professor to teach DADA from 1910 to 1920. After teaching DADA, he transferred to Transfiguration and eventually became headmaster in 1955, remaining in that position until his death in 1997.

The Curse on the DADA Position

Thomas Riddle (Tom Marvolo Riddle), later known as Lord Voldemort, applied for the DADA position in 1955 but was rejected by Albus Dumbledore. Frustrated, Riddle placed a curse on the job, preventing any professor from holding it for more than one year. Between 1955 and 1991, a total of 36 different professors taught DADA at Hogwarts.

The Slytherin Tyranny (1955-1991)

During the 36 years, a total of 9 Slytherin professors taught DADA. The cycle of professors from each house (Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin) alternated annually. Starting with a Slytherin in 1955, the sequence of house alphabets listed is consistent:

1955-1956 | Slytherin 1956-1957 | Gryffindor 1957-1958 | Hufflepuff 1958-1959 | Ravenclaw 1959-1960 | Slytherin 1960-1961 | Gryffindor 1961-1962 | Hufflepuff 1962-1963 | Ravenclaw 1963-1964 | Slytherin 1964-1965 | Gryffindor 1965-1966 | Hufflepuff 1966-1967 | Ravenclaw 1967-1968 | Slytherin 1968-1969 | Gryffindor 1969-1970 | Hufflepuff 1970-1971 | Ravenclaw 1971-1972 | Slytherin 1972-1973 | Gryffindor 1973-1974 | Hufflepuff 1974-1975 | Ravenclaw 1975-1976 | Slytherin 1976-1977 | Gryffindor 1977-1978 | Hufflepuff 1978-1979 | Ravenclaw 1979-1980 | Slytherin 1980-1981 | Gryffindor 1981-1982 | Hufflepuff 1982-1983 | Ravenclaw 1983-1984 | Slytherin 1984-1985 | Gryffindor 1985-1986 | Hufflepuff 1986-1987 | Ravenclaw 1987-1988 | Slytherin 1988-1989 | Gryffindor 1989-1990 | Hufflepuff 1990-1991 | Ravenclaw

Chronicling the DADA Professors

Quirinus Quirrell (1991-1992)

Quirinus Quirrell
A Ravenclaw, Quirinus Quirrell, taught DADA until he became possessed by Voldemort and was eventually killed by Harry Potter via cremation after failing to steal the crimson stone.

Gilderoy Lockhart (1992-1993)

Gilderoy Lockhart
Gilderoy Lockhart, another Ravenclaw, suffered amnesia from Ron’s broken wand and was admitted to the hospital. In the film, he was arrested by the Ministry and remained in prison until his death.

Remus Lupin (1993-1994)

Remus Lupin
A Gryffindor, Remus Lupin adopted the position of DADA teacher but had to resign when his werewolf status became public. He later died in the Battle of Hogwarts.

Barty Crouch Jr. (1994-1995)

Barty Crouch Jr.
A Slytherin, Barty Crouch Jr. was arrested after being unmasked, subjected to the Dementor’s kiss, and disappeared.

Harry Potter (1995-1996)

Harry Potter
Harry Potter, a Gryffindor, took on the position after obtaining the field of Defense Against the Dark Arts from the ruined Umbridge. He was later expelled and un-expelled, and ultimately slew Lord Voldemort in the Battle of Hogwarts.

Severus Snape (1996-1997)

Severus Snape
A Slytherin, Snape was promoted to Headmaster after Dumbledore's death but was overthrown and later uted by Nagini.

Amycus Carrow (1997-1998)

Amycus Carrow
A Slytherin, Carrow was dismissed by McGonagall and sent to Azkaban. The curse leading to the DADA position's instability was finally broken with his replacement.

Conclusion

The role of Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher at Hogwarts has been fraught with challenges and complexities, reflecting the broader themes of the series. From Ravenclaw professors to the brief involvement of a Gryffindor and the eventual return to Slytherin, the evolution of DADA teachers mirrors the ongoing struggle against dark forces in the wizarding world.