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Helena Ravenclaw was born in Great Britain in 982 C.E. as the daughter of Rowena Ravenclaw. She became one of the first students to graduate from her mother’s school, Hogwarts. While at Hogwarts, she met the Bloody Baron of Slytherin house, who fell in love with her. The love was not mutual, however, and Helena found herself avoiding him and his displays of affection.

Though Helena lived a very privileged life of fame and fortune, she was jealous of her mother. Acting upon this jealousy, Helena stole Rowena’s diadem, which was rumored to grant the wearer wisdom, and ran away to a far off land. Frantic about her daughter’s betrayal, Rowena called upon the Bloody Baron to convince Helena to come home. No matter how hard he tried, Helena would not agree to come with him, so he lost control of his emotions and stabbed her killing her. Struck with horror and huilt at what he had done, the baron killed himself as well.

Helena has returned to the living world as Ravenclaw’s house ghost, commonly known as the Grey Lady. She loves the company of Ravenclaws though most view her as distant and timid.

Helena Ravenclaw’s portrait was made in 1394 by Mr. Chester Westle, a renowned wizarding artist of the era. Rather than focusing on her actual physical features of Helena, Westle decided to follow his “artistic vision”. The Grey Lady and her portrait are stunningly dissimilar. The portrait of Helena Ravenclaw is located just outside the Library. While her portrait has not been enchanted to speak, she still loves to hear the stories of students. Occasionally she will even produce rough sign language to respond to the student, though usually she will do nothing.