A lot of people wished they could attend Hogwarts.
The thought of flying on a broomstick’s exciting.
But it wasn’t always a welcoming place.
And it’s about time we learn more about the most hated Headmaster, Phineas Nigellus Black.
Continue reading to discover:
- A cool little detail about the Headmaster’s love for family.
- 19 cool facts you didn’t know about Headmaster Phineas Nigellus Black.
- How Phineas Nigellus became the least popular Headmaster in Hogwarts history.
- And so much more…
About Phineas Nigellus Black
| Born | 1847 |
| Purity | Pure-blood |
| House | Slytherin |
| Character Traits | Sarcastic, Impatient, Cunning, Ambitious |
| Patronus | Unknown |
| Wand | Unknown |
| Zodiac Sign | Unknown |
Phineas Nigellus Black background
Phineas Nigellus was born in 1847.
And he became part of the Black family. A name with rich history and ancestry.
In fact, Phineas was a pure-blood. Because his parents and ancestors all held powers of the magical arts.
Though there were no direct references to his father and mother…
We did receive a clue in the movie adaptation of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.
In the film, we catch a glimpse of a distinct tapestry.
And can you guess what’s written on the rug?
Well, it’s actually the Black family tree.
And here we find Cygnus and Ella Black.
The likely parents of Phineas Nigellus Black.
What’s more, the young wizard would have 3 siblings. Namely Sirius, Elladora, and Iola.
The 4 young wizarding children were taught the importance of blood purity.
As a result, Phineas would not see muggle-borns in the best light.
He didn’t think of those born to non-magical parents highly.
In fact, he would even call them slurs like mudblood.
However, Phineas’ life would soon take a tragic turn.
And in the year 1853, his brother, Sirius Black, would die.
An event that’d significantly impact his development.
In fact, research shows family relationships are important for a person’s well-being.
And to lose someone you held so close isn’t something you take lightly.
Most especially if it happened at a very young age.
The future headmaster’s time at Hogwarts
Likewise, Phineas would also follow tradition.
Even pure-bloods don’t get any shortcuts.
So he attended Hogwarts.
And in the year 1858, he became a student at the school of witchcraft and wizardry.
But can you guess where Phineas’s sorted?
Well, he found himself in House Slytherin. 1 of the 4 main houses of Hogwarts.
What makes them different, you ask?
You see, Slytherins are famous for their cunning.
What’s more, they can be prideful and ambitious too.
Many traits also mirrored by Phineas Nigellus Black.
Sadly, we don’t know much about his life in Hogwarts. His story’s never explored in detail.
In fact, it’s barely even mentioned.
At most, we just see Phineas in portrait form. And there’s not much of a story we can guess from a talking picture.
However, we do know what happened after the wizarding school, post-1865.
Even a cunning Slytherin’s no match for love.
And Phineas Nigellus Black would fall head over heels for Ursula Flint. A British pure-blood witch.
And while we don’t know anything about their romance…
The couple would eventually marry sometime after Phineas’s studies.
Plus, they’d go on to have a son, Sirius Black. A young wizard named after Phineas’s brother.
In fact, Phineas and Ursula would have 4 more children:
They were Phineas, Cygnus, Belvina, and Arcturus.
However, his son, Phineas, didn’t share his views on muggle-borns. He thought differently about muggle rights.
In fact, the young wizard rejected his father’s beliefs about pure-blood supremacy.
As a result, Phineas Nigellus Black disowned him from the Black family.
Phineas Nigellus Black occupation
Mr. Phineas Black wasn’t always the Headmaster of Hogwarts. And he actually started with a simple job.
Plus, sometime after graduation, he returned to the wizarding school. But this time to apply as a professor.
However, did Phineas actually enjoy the job?
Well, in reality, he hated every second of it.
Of course, he’s smart and talented in magic. So teaching shouldn’t have been a problem, right?
Well, Phineas simply despised students.
He thought they cared about themselves a bit too much.
In fact, Phineas said these words to another Headmaster, Albus Dumbledore:
“Never try to understand the students. They hate it. They would much rather be tragically misunderstood…”
However, after a few years, he became the new Headmaster of Hogwarts.
An outcome I think’s extremely funny…
Especially when he wasn’t that popular at the school.
But he still did a great job as the new Headmaster.
You don’t get that position without skills to back it up.
So Phineas Nigellus Black guided the wizarding school. And his time as head honcho lasted from 1913 – 1925.
In fact, despite his beliefs against non-pure-blood witches and wizards…
Muggle-borns were allowed to study during his term.
And while the Hogwarts Board of Governors might’ve had something to do with it…
Most especially since they’re in charge of choosing and removing Headmasters…
It’s also possible that Phineas became more understanding as he grew older.
Sadly, Phineas passed away at the age of 78. And the year 1925 would mark the end of his term.
Guidance and service after death
There’s no denying that Phineas Nigellus Black died.
Even wizardkinds don’t live forever.
Sure, people who can use magic tend to live longer.
However, even the most talented wizards and witches die from old age.
But this is the wizarding world of Harry Potter we’re talking about.
Do you really think Phineas stopped serving Hogwarts after death?
No, even in the afterlife he remained busy helping around.
In fact, his portrait was kept in the Headmaster’s office. Alongside many other Headmasters before him, like Mordicus Egg and Basil Fronsac.
And Phineas was bound by duty to help the current person in charge of Hogwarts.
However, Mr. Black’s rather choosy with who he decides to help.
In fact, on many occasions, he preferred keeping to himself.
For example, Headmaster Armando Dippet scolded him for falling asleep:
“We are honour-bound to give service to the present Headmaster of Hogwarts! Shame on you, Phineas!”
What’s more, Phineas didn’t like Dumbledore in particular.
He didn’t agree with any of his pro-muggle-born attitudes.
But he wasn’t all that bad.
Phineas wasn’t pure evil like the Dark Lord Voldemort.
He didn’t hesitate to help when it was necessary.
In fact, Headmaster Phineas Nigellus Black had this to say about Dumbledore:
“You know, Minister, I disagree with Dumbledore on many counts … but you cannot deny he’s got style …”
Phineas Nigellus Black character
I know it sounds like Phineas’ a bad person.
And I won’t try to justify disowning his son because he’s fighting for equal rights…
Or, his deeply flawed pure-blood supremacist outlook on life.
But there’s more to Phineas Nigellus Black than his bad side.
You see, he’s got his own moments of redemption.
For starters, he loved House Slytherin. And even in death, he’s proud when Slytherins reach a goal.
For instance, Phineas was thrilled when Severus Snape became the new Headmaster. A fellow Slytherin professor that managed to rise the ranks…
Something pretty similar to what he did back in his time.
Of course, it’s Lord Voldemort that put him there. Because the Dark Wizard wanted complete control over the wizarding school.
So it’s not really a happy sight. But it’s still 1 more headmaster from House Slytherin.
Phineas Nigellus Black cared about family
Look, I know it’s hard to believe…
Especially when you remember the time he disowned his son, Phineas Black.
But hear me out.
Can you recall the death of Sirius Black III?
Well, to jog your memory, I recommend watching the scene again:
I can’t help but burst into tears when I see Harry’s face in denial.
However, do you know who else’s in deep sorrow?
Well, it’s actually Phineas Nigellus Black.
Sure, he’s always been annoying in the books and movies. And he’s never seen Sirius Black III in a good light…
Especially since he’s part of a disowned branch of the Black family tree. Not to mention, Sirius Black III was also a Gryffindor. The only 1 in his entire bloodline.
But here’s what Phineas said after learning about his death:
“Am I to understand… that my great-great-grandson – the last of the Blacks – is dead?”
So despite their difference in views…
Phineas actually cared for Sirius Black III deep down.
And the news of his death broke the Slytherin Headmaster.
More facts about Phineas Nigellus Black
#1: He wouldn’t side with Lord Voldemort
Yes, Phineas Nigellus Black doesn’t like muggle-borns.
He’s a pure-blood supremacist who even called them slurs.
But, would he have sided with Lord Voldemort?
No, of course not.
Phineas would’ve remained loyal to Hogwarts. Because his views on blood purity weren’t that crazy.
Plus, he valued magical knowledge more.
In fact, Phineas Nigellus Black’s even overjoyed when Lord Voldemort lost.
He even said:
“And let it be noted that Slytherin House played its part! Let our contribution not be forgotten!”
#2: He’s just very serious about magical studies
A lot of people think Phineas hated students outright.
But that’s just not true.
He’s just passionate about magical studies. And Phineas’s discouraged when young wizards and witches take it for granted.
You see, he’s very smart. Phineas even taught his portrait about particular subjects.
For example, the metalwork of goblins. Small but highly intelligent magical beings.
Plus, a study proves how education impacts health. And people that learn more can improve their well-being.
So Phineas wasn’t just looking out for magical smarts.
He also wanted young wizards and witches to be healthy.
#3: His bloodline lives on in many wizarding families
Although a direct branch to the Black family tree doesn’t exist anymore…
The bloodline continues to live in many other families.
Like the Malfoys and the Weasleys.
In fact, Phineas also has distant relatives in the Potters and Longbottoms.
So even if the last name might not pop up in the future.
The magical power of the Blacks remained alive and well.
Plus, if there’s 1 weird life lesson I learned from Harry Potter…
It’s the love of family. And you shouldn’t underestimate that kind of power.