#doryishness

Transfiguration, often described as the most complex of the magical arts, is Rowena’s subject. She’s described as “the most brilliant witch of her time” so it makes sense that she would have taught the most complex subject. It’s a little more tenuous but we also see her as an Animagus with the form of an eagle. After all, there has to be a reason she’s so noted for her intelligence and curiosity so it fits that she would have attempted (and succeeded at) some very difficult magic.

Potions is taught by Helga and Salazar as we think their personalities complement each other and bring something different to the subject. Helga is renowned as a competent cook, which would prove useful for working at a cauldron and understanding ingredients. As the most earthy and inclusive founder, we also see her as the healer of the group – and she would therefore need a good knowledge of healing potions and remedies. As for Salazar, we see him as the cool, calculating one, a precise patient worker, well-suited to potion making. On a more basic level, there are links between potions and Slytherin House just like there are with Hufflepuffs and Herbology. Potions is dungeon-based as is the Slytherin Common Room and the potion masters we meet during the series are both Slytherins.

Care of Magical Creatures goes to Godric who, as I’ve said, we see as a traveller. In our mind, he’s the adventurous, outdoorsy type as you’d expect “bold Gryffindor” to be. We can easily imagine him coming across and learning about a variety of magical creatures during his extensive travels.

Duelling (which we see as an early form of DADA) is shared by Salazar and Godric. Godric is the obvious choice here as he’s described on his chocolate frog card as “the most accomplished dueller of his time.” It would be a practical subject, made up of demonstrations, so it fits to have Godric’s closest friend working with him. It also adds to the intrigue of a potential duel between Godric and Salazar when Salazar eventually left the school.

Arithmancy is taught by Rowena and Salazar. Along with Ancient Runes (Salazar), this was a harder one to decide on. Neither subject plays a big role in the series so it’s harder to get a feel for them. We chose Rowena and Salazar for Arithmancy because we see them as the most cool, logical founders. It certainly seems like a very academic subject which suits Rowena perfectly. We chose Salazar for Ancient Runes because of it’s roots in magical history - which seems a fitting subject for a proud pureblood.

And lastly Divination is taught by Rowena. We personally imagine her as a true Seer, more burdened than blessed with the skill. This is probably because Rowena’s life hints at tragedy (her betrayal by her daughter, Helena, her early death of a broken heart). All this hints at Rowena as a lonely figure towards the end of her life and perhaps visions of the future plagued her. We see Divination as quite a specialised subject - something that she taught to only a select few students.