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Edessa Skanderberg was born in 1419 to wealthy Scottish purebloods. Much to her parents’ dismay, Edessa seemed to spend most of her time playing with the Muggle children of their village, as opposed to the other pure-blooded children. Again, her parents were frustrated when Edessa was sorted into Hufflepuff house instead of Slytherin, which was a family tradition. Because of Edessa’s many differences from her family, the professors, students, and even the headmaster himself took notice of her. In Year Three, she enrolled in Muggle Studies and fell in love with the subject. Edessa formed the “Muggle Studies Club” which incorporated elements such as tutoring, what she called “field trips”, and the occasional party.

When Edessa graduated from Hogwarts, she worked in various departments in the Ministry of Magic but was unhappy with all of them. In 1431, however, the Muggles Studies instructor Professor Barnes retired, which opened up an employment opportunity for Edessa. She was hired, even though she was quite young, and she taught her favorite subject with passion. From 1434 to 1437, Edessa took a respite from teaching to be taught, earning herself the title of social historian. Shortly after returning, in 1443, she was made headmistress of the school. It pained her to step down as professor of Muggle Studies, but Edessa felt she would be able to communicate with the Ministry better about Muggle rights and regulations as headmistress.

The portrait of Edessa is found in the Headmaster’s office. She gives advice to the current headmaster, though she enjoys her time alone. Other portraits of her may be found in the East Wing and near the Grand Staircase where she is more than happy to talk to all students, particularly those free from blood prejudices. All portraits of her were painted by Sir Roger Walton in the early 1500s.