Basil Fronsac

Chapter 9

Image credit: here Professor Basil Fronsac was a former headmaster at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, preceded by Dexter Fortescue and succeeded by Walter Aragon. In his early years, Fronsac attended Hogwarts as a member of Ravenclaw house and excelled particularly in Arithmancy, Divination, and Astronomy. Shortly after his graduation, a position for the Arithmancy professorship opened up and Fronsac could not resist applying. At some point before being promoted to headmaster, Fronsac was appointed as Ravenclaw Head of House. Fronsac was known to be a very studious man, often spending his free time reading in the Hogwarts library. In addition to his own studies, he was always willing to lend his knowledge to those who asked. After being promoted to headmaster, Fronsac eventually convinced the Heads of Houses along with representatives from the Department of Magical Education to set up a fund for students that need financial aid, typically either Muggle-borns or those from lower income wizarding families. This idea was, in part, influenced by Fronsac being upset that all young witches and wizards didn’t have access to books prior to coming to Hogwarts unless they were from relatively wealthy families. Although this move was unpopular in the early stages, it later became a successful program that is still used today. Fronsac also heavily encouraged tutoring programs within the school and personally attended classes to observe the professors’ lectures. A portrait of Fronsac with a long beard and wearing a pointed hat hangs in the Headmaster’s office, giving advice to the current headmaster like the rest of the portraits there. A portrait of a middle-aged Fronsac that hides a secret passageway to the library can be found near the Grand Staircase. It was later moved to the dungeons by request of the portrait. It’s unsure exactly why middle-aged Fronsac wanted to move, however, he fondly talks to students either heading to or coming from Potions class. He often either offers advice or is seen reading a book.