Gryffindor House
Head: Professor Minerva McGonagall
Founder: Godric Gryffindor
Crest: Gules, a lion rampant (that is a golden lion on a red field, hence the Gryffindor colors of scarlet and gold)
Ghost: Sir Nicholas de Minsy-Porpington ("Nearly Headless Nick")
Characteristics: Gryffindors are known for their courage
Location: Gryffindor Tower, entrance on the seventh floor.
Slytherin House
Head: Professor Severus Snape
Founder: Salazar Slytherin
Crest: Vert, a serpent argent (that is, a silver serpent on a green field, hence the Slytherin colors of green and silver)
The serpent device signifies the founder's gift of Parseltongue.
Ghost: The Bloody Baron
Location: The Slytherin common room is a low-ceilinged, dungeon-like room with greenish lamps and chairs. It is located under the lake.
Ravenclaw House
Head: Professor Filius Flitwick
Founder: Rowena Ravenclaw
Crest: Azure, an eagle or ( that is , a golden eagle on a blue field, hence the Ravenclaw colors of blue and bronze)
Ghost: The Grey Lady
Location: Ravenclaw Tower, which is located on the west side of the castle.
Hufflepuff House
Head: Professor Pomona Sprout
Founder: Helga Hufflepuff
Crest: A badger sable (that is, a black badger on a golden field, hence the Hufflepuff colors of yellow and black.
Ghost: The Fat Friar
Location: Unknown, but down a staircase of the main hall. Cellar-like in appearance.