Speech from the Heads of House at Hogwarts Graduation
[The Great Hall is filled with the hum of anticipation. Students sit in rows, their families and friends watching with pride. The headmasters have spoken, the moments of joy and reflection now upon them. The heads of each house, one by one, will speak to the class of 2025.]
Professor McGonagall (Gryffindor)
"Graduates, as I look out upon all of you, I am reminded of the courage and tenacity you have demonstrated throughout your time here at Hogwarts. It takes bravery not only to face the dangers of the wizarding world but to face oneself. When you first arrived, many of you were unsure of your place in this vast castle. You were uncertain of the challenges ahead, and some of you even doubted your own ability to succeed. But time and again, you've proven that there is no obstacle too great for a Gryffindor to overcome.
Take, for instance, Harry Potter's son, Albus Severus. When he first arrived, he was caught in the shadow of his father's fame and legacy. But Albus, just like his father, showed bravery not by fighting dark wizards but by fighting against the expectations that weighed upon him. Albus found his own path, one where he could live his life with pride, without being defined by those who came before him. In that, he showed true courage. He is no longer just 'Harry Potter's son.' He is Albus Severus
Potter, a young man with the heart of a Gryffindor.
And that is the key. Gryffindors are not born into greatness. We create it through our actions. Your deeds, whether small or large, have shaped this school and will continue to shape the world beyond. Do not ever forget that, as you step into the future, the courage to face challenges and confront fears will always serve you well.
In your time here, some of you have been tested in ways that many of us could never have foreseen. You've battled more than just academic exams or magical challenges. You've stood against prejudice, against hatred, and against those who sought to divide us. Yet, time and time again, you've stood tall. That, my students, is the hallmark of a true Gryffindor."
[Professor McGonagall pauses, her gaze sweeping over her students with a sense of pride.]
"Many of you will leave Hogwarts today with new challenges ahead of you. You will face uncertainty, yes, but you will also face the opportunities that come with bravery. Never forget that the greatest adventures are often those that we choose to undertake when the path is unclear. Your future is yours to create. Embrace it with all the courage you've gathered here at Hogwarts. We are proud of you all."
[A round of applause erupts as Professor McGonagall steps away, leaving the stage for the next speaker.]
Professor Snape (Slytherin)
"As much as some of you may have dreaded hearing my voice, I stand here today proud to speak as the Head of Slytherin House. I have watched each of you grow into individuals capable of remarkable things. It is easy to assume that the traits of ambition, cunning, and resourcefulness are solely for personal gain. But, if you've truly understood the lessons of Slytherin, you know better.
It is not ambition alone that drives success; it is the ability to see beyond what is in front of you. It is the cunning to recognize opportunities when others cannot, and the resourcefulness to create solutions when none seem possible. These traits are not born out of selfishness, but from a deep understanding that power—when applied with wisdom—can change the world.
Take Scorpius Malfoy, for instance. The son of a family burdened by its history, Scorpius could have easily fallen into the patterns of bitterness and prejudice that defined his father's generation. Instead, he used his intellect, his ambition, and yes, his heart to shape his own destiny. I have no doubt that Scorpius will leave here with more than just his name. He will leave with the resolve to build something new.
And so it is with all of you. Slytherins are never afraid to take risks, but the true measure of a Slytherin is in how we rise after failure, how we choose to use our cunning for good. That is the difference between the Slytherin who seeks power for the sake of power, and the one who understands that with great ambition comes even
greater responsibility.
You have all learned that you must never allow the expectations of others to define you. Your ambition must be driven by your own vision of the world and the role you wish to play in it. Whether in business, politics, or anywhere else, use your cleverness for the betterment of others—not just for yourselves."
[Professor Snape's sharp gaze scans the room, and a knowing smile tugs at the corner of his lips.]
"Remember, the greatest power you will ever possess is the ability to choose the path you walk, to wield your ambition wisely. Your legacy, whether you realize it or not, will be a reflection of the choices you make from here on out."
[The applause is quieter for Snape's words, but there is no mistaking the respect that the students have for him. He steps back from the podium.]
Professor Sprout (Hufflepuff)
"Now, I know you're all thinking, 'Professor Sprout, don't make us cry!' But, I believe that, as Head of Hufflepuff House, it's my duty to remind you of something very important: kindness, loyalty, and hard work will carry you further than you think.
The world outside of Hogwarts will not always appreciate the quiet strength that comes from these
values. But let me tell you this—Hufflepuffs are the ones who make the world a better place. We may not always get the glory or the recognition, but that does not diminish the importance of what we do. It is because of your loyalty to one another, your dedication to doing the right thing, and your ability to persevere that we have all gathered here today.
I am proud of each and every one of you. Some of you came to Hogwarts uncertain of your place. Some of you struggled in ways that others couldn't see. But you've always shown up, you've always tried, and you've always worked hard. And now, look at you—graduates, ready to take on the world.
You have learned that it's not always about being the best—it's about being the best version of yourself. The good you do in the world may not always be recognized by accolades, but it will be felt. It will ripple out in ways that you will never know.
Hufflepuffs are the ones who make the world better, not because we seek recognition, but because it's simply the right thing to do. Be the ones who help others, who create, who stand up for what's right, even when it's difficult."
[Professor Sprout smiles warmly, her pride for her students clear. She looks at them one last time, her voice softening.]
"You've learned the importance of patience and of
working for something that matters. Keep that with you, and never forget that hard work is the key to all success."
[The applause is long and hearty as the Hufflepuffs smile at their Head of House, grateful for her wisdom.]
Professor Flitwick (Ravenclaw)
"Ah, dear students, my dear graduates! You have reached the pinnacle of your academic careers here at Hogwarts, and now you must carry with you not just the knowledge you have gained, but the curiosity that has fueled your success.
Ravenclaw House has always been a place for those who seek answers to questions. But as you prepare to step out into the world, remember that the most important thing you can do with your knowledge is to ask even more questions. True wisdom is not found in the answers you already know—it is found in the questions you have yet to ask.
I have watched each of you grow into individuals capable of great thought, but more importantly, capable of great creativity. Some of you are destined to become scholars, some will lead in fields of innovation, and some of you will change the world with ideas we have yet to imagine. The world is full of problems, but it is also full of solutions. Your minds will be the ones to find them.
But above all, do not allow the limitations of the world
to limit your imagination. When you combine your intelligence with creativity, there is no challenge you cannot overcome."
[Professor Flitwick's words echo throughout the hall, his small stature belied by the immense wisdom he imparts.]
"You are the thinkers, the dreamers, the builders of tomorrow. Take that responsibility with pride. And never forget that learning is a lifelong pursuit, one that you will continue long after you leave this school."
[The applause is profound, as students of Ravenclaw nod in silent agreement with their Head of House's wise words.]
[As each of the heads of house steps back, the graduates are left with a sense of unity, pride, and purpose. The four speeches, deeply personal yet united in their messages of growth, resilience, and responsibility, leave the hall in a thoughtful, celebratory atmosphere.]