Great Hall

Biodata

Appearance

The Great Hall is a vast room with four long tables for Hogwarts’ houses and a staff table on a raised platform at the far end. Floating candles hang beneath an enchanted ceiling that reflects the sky outside 9 90 299.

• House seating — Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff each have a table 9.
• Sorting area — A stool bearing the Sorting Hat is placed before the first-years during the ceremony 9 299.
• Decorations — The hall can be dressed for occasions, including house banners for visiting schools and Christmas trees for the Yule Ball season 307 327.

Magical Features

• Enchanted ceiling — Shows stars on a clear night and clouds, thunder, and lightning during a storm 90 299.
• Food service — House-elves prepare meals in the kitchens directly below. The kitchens’ four tables are magically linked to the corresponding tables in the hall, allowing dishes to appear above 315.

Notable Uses

• Sorting and feasts — New students receive their house placements here, and the school gathers for start-of-term and end-of-year feasts 9 72 299.
• Announcements — Dumbledore addresses the assembled students in the hall, including when awarding House Cup points, announcing the Triwizard Tournament, and warning about Dementors at Hogwarts 72 191 300.
• Temporary sleeping area — After the Fat Lady’s portrait is attacked, Dumbledore moves the tables to the walls and provides sleeping bags so students can stay in the hall 222 223.
• Smaller holiday meals — When few students remain for Christmas, the house tables are moved aside for a shared dining table 232.