Gryffindor is one of the four Houses of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, founded by Godric Gryffindor. The particular characteristics of students Sorted into Gryffindor are courage, chivalry, and determination. The emblematic animal is a lion, and its colours are red and gold. Minerva McGonagall is the most recent known Head of House. Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington, also known as "Nearly Headless Nick" is the house ghost.
Ravenclaw was founded by Rowena Ravenclaw. Members of this house are characterised by their wit, learning, and wisdom. Its house colours are blue and bronze, and its symbol is an eagle. Filius Flitwick is the Head of House. The house ghost is the Grey Lady.
Hufflepuff's founder was the medieval witch Helga Hufflepuff. Hufflepuff is the most inclusive among the four houses; valuing hard work, dedication, patience, loyalty, and fair play rather than a particular aptitude in its members. The emblematic animal is a badger, and yellow and black are its colours. The Head of Hufflepuff is Pomona Sprout and the Fat Friar is the House's ghost.
Slytherin was founded by Salazar Slytherin, the house is composed mostly of pure-blood students, due to its founder's alleged mistrust of Muggle-borns. The house is traditionally home to students who are cunning, resourceful and ambitious. Its emblematic animal is a snake and its colours are green and silver. The Head of House is Severus Snape and the house ghost is the Bloody Baron.