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Heliotrope Wilkins was born in London, England on September 19, 1879. She attended Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry as a child, and graduated in the year of 1896. Heliotrope spent the next eleven years of her life working at the British Ministry of Magic, in the Department of International Magical Cooperation. She is most known for ending the Tragedy of 1903 when a dragon rampaged audience members of the Triwizard Tournament. Due to her success in the Ministry, Heliotrope was offered a promotion. She decided against it, though, and instead returned to Hogwarts to teach Herbology. Her years at Hogwarts were spent as a motherly figure to all the students. Heliotrope was known for her compassion, but also her temper. When Headmaster Eads retired in 1930, everyone turned towards Heliotrope to take the job. She gladly accepted the honorable position.

Heliotrope began a new era at Hogwarts, though she was only able to be headmistress for two years. She subtly pushed for equality among Muggle-born, half-blood, and pure-blood wizards and witches, along with Muggles and Squibs. In 1932, Heliotrope died at the age of 53 after a nasty run-in with an Acromantula. Hogwarts mourned the loss of a wonderful professor and headmistress.

The portrait of Heliotrope Wilkins can be found in the Headmaster’s office. If you happen to come across her while she is awake (the portrait loves to nap), she will be as motherly as the real Heliotrope. She usually doesn’t speak to students though, as she is there to give the current headmaster advice. Nevertheless, she does love conversing and was even reported demanding to be put near the Great Hall. This portrait was painted by artist Frederick Lewis in 1930. This was so Heliotrope could instruct the portrait on how to behave as she does. Many headmasters did this to ensure advice given by their portrait would be the closest possible to what they would have really said.