- "I wonder.. how you expect to gain an idea of my usual teaching methods if you continue to interrupt me? You see, I do not generally permit people to talk when I am talking."
- — Minerva McGonagall to Dolores Umbridge.[src]
Professor Minerva McGonagall (b. October 4, 1925) was a witch who attended Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in 1936 and was sorted into Gryffindor house. After education, she returned to Hogwarts and became Head of Gryffindor House; Transfiguration Professor; and concurrently, at differing times, Deputy Headmistress and Headmistress of Hogwarts. She is also an Animagus, taking the form of a tabby cat.
McGonagall was also a member of both the First and Second Order of the Phoenix, an organisation led by Albus Dumbledore in order to oppose Lord Voldemort. In 1995, she opposed Dolores Umbridge, the High Inquisitor of Hogwarts, and, in 1997, she attended the funeral of Albus Dumbledore. She also protected the students from the Carrows from 1997 until 1998, and as part of this resistance movement, fought in several battles of both wars, including the Battle of the Astronomy Tower and the Battle of Hogwarts. She survived the Second Wizarding War and continued her job as Headmistress and Head of Gryffindor, although she had retired by 2017.
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Biography
Early life
Minerva McGonagall attended Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry as a pupil from 1937 to 1944. She was Sorted into Gryffindor House, of which she would later serve as Head. Not much is known about Minerva's early years, but it is suspected she was a Prefect in her school years. At this time, she also trained to become an Animagus and to conjure a Patronus.
Transfiguration Professor McGonagall.
Career at Hogwarts
- "Transfiguration is some of the most complex and dangerous magic you will learn at Hogwarts. Anyone messing around in my class will leave and not come back. You have been warned."
- — Minerva McGonagall lectures her first-year students.[src]
In December 1956, Minerva returned to Hogwarts to teach Transfiguration, after Albus Dumbledore ascended to the position of Headmaster of the school. As a teacher, Minerva was a strict disciplinarian, maintaining control of her students with a stern hand that made her someone not to be crossed. Her lessons consisted of but were not limited to match-to-needle, beetle-to-button, and mouse-to-snuffbox transformations.
Later on in her career, Minerva would also be appointed the position of Head of Gryffindor House. Albus Dumbledore would trust her enough to allow her to become Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and fill in for him on the occasions of his absence.
First Wizarding War
Severus Snape, Minerva McGonagall, Albus Dumbledore and Alastor Moody. All members of the Original Order of the Phoenix.
After the first rise of Lord Voldemort, Minerva McGonagall took part in fighting the Dark Wizard and his followers. In the early days of the First Wizarding War, McGonagall joined the Order of the Phoenix, led by Albus Dumbledore, and she played a vital role in the resistance against Voldemort and his army of followers. Throughout the war, McGonagall stayed loyal to the Order.
In 1981, after Harry Potter's defeat of Voldemort and the death of his parents at Godric's Hollow, she travelled to Surrey and there spent an entire day observing the Dursley family seeing whether or not they met the standards of looking after Harry. She was thus present, along with Rubeus Hagrid, when Dumbledore placed Harry on the Dursleys' doorstep, despite her objections to leaving him with these Muggles, whom she considered to be the "worst kind" of them. She kept a close eye on Harry from time to time during his early childhood, as did other members of the Order of the Phoenix.[2]
Between the Wars
After the First Wizarding War, Minerva continued to teach at Hogwarts. In 1991 when the Philosopher's Stone was brought to Hogwarts for protection, she contributed to the defences set up around the magical artifact by transfiguring an enormous chess set and animating it to behave as a normal Wizard's chess set would. As part of its protection duty, it required that the person or persons seeking to get past would have to take the place of a piece on the board and play an actual game of wizard's chess, at great physical risk to themselves.[2]
Minerva placing the Sorting Hat on Harry Potter's head.
Protecting the Philosopher's Stone
The year 1991 was also the year that Harry Potter came to Hogwarts. McGonagall was head of Gryffindor's house and as such she took Harry Potter into her house. Though Minerva often maintained her strict persona in regards to the boy, she was not above bending the rules for him on occasion, such as when she caught him flying on a broomstick without proper supervision. Instead of expelling him, which was Madam Hooch's stated punishment for anyone caught doing so, Minerva instead took him to see Oliver Wood, captain of the Gryffindor Quidditch team, to comment on his prodigious skill with the broom.
Harry made the team, remarkable for a First year, and became the youngest Seeker in a century. McGonagall made arrangements for Harry to have a Nimbus 2000, the fastest broomstick of the time, for use during games and practices. Come the end of the school year, Gryffindor had won the house cup after receiving the most house points that year.[2]
McGonagall after the Chamber of Secrets was declared open.
Second Opening of the Chamber of Secrets
- McGonagall: "What does it mean Albus?"
- Dumbledore: "It means that the Chamber of Secrets has indeed been opened again."
- — After finding Colin Creevey petrified.[src]
In 1992, Minerva was present for the re-opening of the Chamber of Secrets. She, along with the rest of the teaching staff, scoured the castle for the Chamber, but to no avail. She also had to deal with the less than helpful Gilderoy Lockhart, who had been hired for the position of Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor. McGonagall had little liking or use for the man, and by the end of the year was only one of the many staff who utterly despised him.[3]
In the final weeks of that school year, Minerva served as temporary Headmistress of Hogwarts after the Board of Governors suspended Dumbledore for failing to stop the attacks against students. When Ginny Weasley was later taken into the Chamber of Secrets, where "her skeleton will lie in the chamber forever", Minerva despairingly believed that they were facing the end of Hogwarts. However, once the monster of the Chamber had been dealt with, Dumbledore returned to the school and Minerva returned to her normal duties.[3]
Sirius Black's escape
- "Well, Sirius Black is gone tonight, but I think you can all safely assume he will attempt to return at some time."
- — McGonagall to her students[src]
Minerva reassures Gryffindors of their safety at Hogwarts from Sirius Black.
The summer of 1993 also saw the escape of Sirius Black from Azkaban. When the school year began in September, Minerva had to deal with the effects that the Dementors had on her students, such as Harry Potter. She also authorized Hermione Granger to use a Time-Turner in order to take extra classes, a wise decision on her part that would prove more useful in future events that year.
Throughout the year, Minerva assisted in guarding the school, yet nonetheless Black continued to infiltrate the castle. He even made it into Gryffindor Tower when Hermione's cat Crookshanks, befriended by Sirius, gave him a discarded list of passwords. When Harry received a Firebolt following the destruction of his Nimbus 2000, McGonagall had it confiscated to be "examined" because she believed (correctly) it to have been sent by Black, and therefore lethally cursed (which was incorrect.) It was returned to him later. In the spring of 1994, she also witnessed the Gryffindor Quidditch team win the Quidditch Cup for the first time since Charlie Weasley had played for the team during his Hogwarts education. McGonagall was delighted by Gryffindor's victory, but upset to see its captain Oliver Wood leaving. Later on in the year, three students from her house - Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger - would run into trouble when Sirius Black returned to Hogwarts.[4]
Triwizard Tournament
The guarding of imposter Barty Crouch Jr. following Cedric Diggory's death.
In the autumn of 1994, Hogwarts hosted the magical schools, the Beauxbatons Academy of Magic and the Durmstrang Institute for the Triwizard Tournament. Minerva more than once exhorted her students to provide a good appearance to their guests. She attended the Yule Ball with Albus Dumbledore and notably wore her hair down for the first time since Harry started his education at Hogwarts. At the end of the Tournament, however, Minerva accompanied Dumbledore and Severus Snape in the rescue of Harry Potter from the Death Eater that had spent the entire school year impersonating the Auror Alastor Moody, that year's Defence Against the Dark Arts professor.
She was instructed to guard Crouch Jr. after he revealed his part in the rebirth of Voldemort, but was unable to prevent the Dementor brought by Minister Cornelius Fudge from giving the Death Eater the Dementor's Kiss. She was intensely furious at Fudge for this blunder, and screamed so much as Harry has never before seen. Thus, when the Minister refused to believe Dumbledore and Harry Potter about the return of Voldemort, Minerva nonetheless stood in support of her superior and her student.[5] The Second Wizarding War had begun.
Second Wizarding War
Once the Second Wizarding War had begun, Minerva rejoined the Order of the Phoenix and spent much of the summer of 1995 doing work for the Order. Though these duties took up much of her time, Minerva would face even greater challenges at Hogwarts. Because Dumbledore was unable to find a new professor for Defence Against the Dark Arts, the Ministry of Magic appointed Dolores Umbridge, a senior Ministry official and stout supporter of Fudge, to the Hogwarts staff. Minerva saw this appointment as an affront to the school itself and did little to hide her disgust.
Tensions with the High Inquisitor
Minerva argues with Dolores Umbridge.
- McGonagall: "He has achieved high marks in all of his Defence against the Dark Arts tests —"
- Umbridge: "I'm terribly sorry to have to contradict you, Minerva, but as you will see from my note, Harry has been achieving very poor results in his classes with me —"
- McGonagall: "I should have made my meaning plainer ... He has achieved high marks in all Defence Against the Dark Arts tests set by a competent teacher."
- — McGonagall discussing Harry Potter with Dolores Umbridge[src]
When Harry Potter crossed Umbridge, earning a detention in his first class with her, Minerva was sympathetic, but warned him that Umbridge was not to be trifled with and that he should keep his head down.[6] McGonagall did all she could to circumvent Umbridge's authority without risking her own security as Deputy Headmistress. Indeed, she treated Umbridge with as little credence and respect as possible while Hogwarts was under investigation by the Ministry of Magic, and even gave Peeves tips on how to unscrew a chandelier when he was trying to cause havoc for Umbridge. McGonagall also managed to put aside her dislike of Professor Trelawney for a time in the face of Umbridge's persecution of Hogwarts' inhabitants.[6]
Minerva brings Harry to Dumbledore's office after he has a nightmare.
After Umbridge's appointment as High Inquisitor, Minerva was forced to endure the other woman's presence during her evaluation of Minerva's teaching. Minerva kept her temper under control, maintaining an icy exterior and yet still unleashed a dry and pointed wit on Umbridge. The encounter did serve to cheer students like Ron Weasley who heartily disliked Umbridge.[6] Still, darker times lay ahead.
Despite Minerva's best efforts to thwart the Ministry's influence at Hogwarts, things continued to grow worse. After Dumbledore was ousted from the school, Umbridge was appointed Headmistress over Minerva. When Umbridge invaded the career advising of the 5th-year students, Minerva finally lost her temper. During Harry Potter's session, when Umbridge kept interrupting the conversation and declaring that Harry would never be an Auror at the Ministry, Minerva declared to Harry that she would help him in any way necessary to achieve his goal. The atmosphere at Hogwarts continued to devolve under Umbridge's leadership.[6]
St. Mungo's Hospital
McGonagall confined to a wheelchair following her vicious attack.
- McGonagall: "How dare you! How dare you!"
- Hermione: "It's McGonagall!"
- McGonagall: "Leave him alone! Alone, I say! On what grounds are you attacking him? He has done nothing, nothing to warrant such —"
- — McGonagall moments before Umbridge orders her attack[src]
During the O.W.L. examinations, events came to a head. When Dolores Umbridge and several Aurors attempted to evict Hagrid from the grounds of Hogwarts, Minerva sought to intervene on behalf of her colleague. However, before she could even draw her wand, Minerva was promptly hit with four Stunning Spells in the chest, which required that she be moved from Hogwarts to St Mungo's for treatment.[6]
Return to Hogwarts
Minerva did not return to Hogwarts until after the Battle of the Department of Mysteries, when she promptly gave the six students involved 50 House points each for "alerting the world to the return of You-Know-Who."[6] She also watched with some happiness when Peeves chased Umbridge from the school, commenting that she would've joined Peeves in chasing Dolores away, but Peeves had appropriated her walking stick.[6]
McGonagall starts the respectful wand raising following the death of Albus Dumbledore, both in respect for the murdered Headmaster and to be rid of the Death Eaters' Dark Mark above the school.
After her recovery at St. Mungo's, Minerva resumed her duties within the Order of the Phoenix as well as her teaching duties once the new school year began.
Battle of the Astronomy Tower
Later in the school year, she participated in the Battle of the Astronomy Tower in 1997 after Draco Malfoy snuck Death Eaters into the school through the Room of Requirement. She was stuck on the level below Harry and Dumbledore and couldn't pass on the stairs to reach them, however Snape could and pushed past her. After the battle, she was devastated at the death of Dumbledore at the hands of Severus Snape, the man whom she had known nearly her entire life as a teacher, mentor, and friend, and whose murderer she had let pass. In the final days of the school year, Minerva took over Dumbledore's former position and became Headmistress of Hogwarts, though she was stripped of this position in favour of Snape once Voldemort took over.[7]
Voldemort's infiltration of Hogwarts
As the war continued, Minerva remained at Hogwarts, even when it was taken over by Voldemort, most likely to make sure little harm came to students and that the Order of the Phoenix was informed on what was going on at Hogwarts. Even when Severus Snape was appointed Headmaster and Alecto and Amycus Carrow were given free rein in the school, Minerva did as much as she could to protect the students.
Battle of Hogwarts
- "You're acting on Dumbledore's orders? ...We shall secure the school against He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named while you search for this — this object."
- — Minerva McGonagall to Harry Potter after his return to Hogwarts.[src]
Minerva with Harry and Ron in the castle at night.
In May 1998, Minerva was present when Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley returned to Hogwarts in the middle of the night in search of Rowena Ravenclaw's Diadem, becoming aware they were there after Harry defended her honour by successfully performing the Cruciatus Curse for the first (and likely only) time on Amycus Carrow.
With help from Harry and Luna Lovegood, she incapacitated the Carrow siblings in the Ravenclaw Common Room. Realizing that a battle was upon them, Minerva gathered Filius Flitwick and Pomona Sprout and together the three House Heads banished Severus from Hogwarts, Minerva even calling him a coward as he fled the school. Harry informed McGonagall of a quest that Dumbledore had left him, and she offered to hold Voldemort and his army back whilst Harry fulfilled this quest.[8]
After ordering the evacuation of younger students through the Hog's Head, Minerva begun to help fortify the castle against the coming attack, with the assistance of her fellow teachers, Order members, and even the older students who had stayed behind to fight. When Pansy Parkinson suggested they take the deal offered to them by Voldemort - that of their lives in exchange for Harry Potter - Minerva ordered the girl and all those not willing to fight to leave.[8]
- Minerva McGonagall: "Potter, aren't you supposed to be looking for something?"
- Harry Potter: "What? Oh, oh yeah!"
- — Minerva McGonagall and Harry Potter discussing the final Horcrux[src]
Minerva fought skillfully in the first part of the battle, and stood defiant in the lull. She stood among many students in a crowd when Voldemort himself walked into the Hogwarts grounds. It was only when Minerva saw Harry Potter's body being carried by Rubeus Hagrid that she began to despair, letting out a scream terrible to anyone who heard it, equal to that of Ron, Hermione, and Ginny's together.
Nonetheless, Minerva continued to fight when the battle resumed after the attack by the Centaurs on Voldemort and the Death Eaters. In the final moments of the battle, she duelled with Voldemort alongside Horace Slughorn and Kingsley Shacklebolt, though they were blasted aside by his fury when Bellatrix Lestrange was killed in a duel with Molly Weasley. They might have resumed the duel but for the fact that Harry revealed himself, insisting that he himself must duel Voldemort one final time.[8]
Later life
With the conclusion of the war, Minerva returned to the position of Headmistress of Hogwarts and remained there until at least 2008, as she gave permission for Dumbledore's notes on The Tales of Beedle the Bard to be published. [9] It is possible she was responsible for the employment of former Gryffindor student Neville Longbottom as the new teacher for Herbology. Minerva had retired by 2017, when Harry's second son began attending Hogwarts. [10]
Physical appearance
A Headshot of Minerva McGonagall.
- "The door swung open at once. A tall, black-haired witch in emerald-green robes stood there. She had a very stern face and Harry's first thought was that she was not someone to cross."
- — Harry Potter's first impression of McGonagall.[src]
Minerva McGonagall was first described as a tall, rather severe-looking woman, and later as a "sprightly" seventy years old. She often wore emerald green robes - even though she was head of Gryffindor - although starting in 1993, she began wearing black robes. She also wore a pointed hat cocked to one side, and always had a very prim expression. She rarely let her black hair down and the majority of the time had it combed back into a tight bun. Minerva was a fan of tartan print and would often wear it to Quidditch games along with a woolly hat covering her ears. Minerva wore square spectacles that matched the markings around the eyes of her Animagus and Patronus: a silver tabby cat.
Personality and traits
Minerva McGonagall smiling at the Yule Ball.
Minerva was usually very serious and stern, and was held in great respect (and some fear) by nearly all students. She tolerated neither talking nor silliness from her pupils. She turns cold towards people who say or do things in front of her that are stupid, or if she thinks they're trying to be funny. She once told students that the Yule Ball would be a time for them to "let their hair down," although even she seemed to note it was unlikely she would ever do the same, which however she did.[5]
Despite her stern demeanour, Minerva did have a fun side. She was an avid Quidditch fan, and had a great love for cats and tartan plaid (the latter being two objects of affection for Dolores Umbridge, ironically, given the contempt the two witches felt for one-another). She also exhibited a dry sense of humour which usually came out when times were tough. Minerva McGonagall valued bravery and loyalty highly and when she and Dolores Umbridge were in a fight, Umbridge claimed she had not been showing her loyalty to the Minister for Magic. She took this as a deep blow.
Minerva was not afraid of speaking her mind and had quite a sharp tongue however she usually maintained great emotional compsure.
However, from time to time Minerva could show a bit of a softer side, as seen during the return of Rubeus Hagrid in 1993 and when Dolores Umbridge sacked Sybill Trelawney.[3][6] She also showed that she was capable of having fun, such as during the Christmas Feast in 1991 when she giggled after Hagrid kissed her on the cheek.[2] Minerva, although she didn't show it at times, was a huge supporter of Harry and trusted the likes of Dumbledore, Sprout, Flitwick, Pomfrey and Hagrid. She could be very warm, affectionate and supportive in times of great need.
Magical Abilities and Skills
- "As if one of them could have Stunned Minerva McGonagall face-on by daylight!"
- — Poppy Pomfrey on Minerva.[src]
Minerva with her wand drawn.
Expert Duellist: Minerva was an exceptional duellist, capable of holding her own against much younger and more agile Death Eaters, as seen in the Battle of the Astronomy Tower. In 1998, during the Battle of Hogwarts she fiercely duelled Severus Snape, and Harry noted that McGonagall moved faster than he could believe. Later in that same battle, she also duelled Voldemort himself, alongside Kingsley Shacklebolt and Horace Slughorn. The fact that Minerva survived being hit by four simultaneous Stunners to the chest speaks to her strength, as this was an injury from which most witches would have died, especially at her age.
Transfiguration Master: Throughout her teaching career, Minerva taught Transfiguration. She considered it to be amongst the most complex and dangerous magic taught at Hogwarts. During the Battle of Hogwarts Minerva demonstrated her astonishing mastery of this branch of magic by Transfiguring dozens of desks and suits of armour to help defend the school from Lord Voldemort. She also put her skills with Transfiguration to use during her duel with Severus Snape, a notably powerful wizard. As stated below, Minerva became an Animagus in order to further her research on the different branches of Transfiguration. She was taught by Albus Dumbledore and took his position as Transfiguration Teacher.
Minerva taking her animagus form.
Animagus: Being an Animagus gave Minerva the ability to transform into the form of a silver tabby cat at will. She often used this ability when she did not wish to be recognised. An example of this usage was when she spied on the Dursley family before Albus Dumbledore brought Harry Potter to them. When Hermione Granger searched for Animagus references in her third year, she saw that McGonagall was one of the few registered Animagi in the 20th century. On his notes regarding The Tales of Beedle the Bard, Albus Dumbledore states that Minerva asked him to explain that, while Animagi are usually people who seek to avoid punishment when they have broken the law, she merely became one to further her research on all branches of Transfiguration.
A shoot of Minerva McGonagall.
Patronus Charm: Minerva was skilled in the creation of a corporeal Patronus which takes the form of a cat, identical to her Animagus. She was the only person seen to cast three Patronuses at once, though admittedly not in the presence of a Dementor. In addition, Minerva was able to use her Patronus as of means of communication, as taught to her by Albus Dumbledore.
Imperius Curse: Professor McGonagall was among the few people that did not practise the Dark Arts known to cast the Imperius Curse. Making this accomplishment even more impressive is the fact that she cast it successfully on Amycus Carrow, a Death Eater and known practitioner of Unforgivable Curses.
Relationships
Albus Dumbledore
Albus Dumbledore the year in which he died.
Minerva knew Albus Dumbledore for the majority of her life. She attended Hogwarts as a student during Dumbledore's time as Transfiguration Professor and even replaced him when he took the position of Headmaster of the school. She served for many years as his Deputy Headmistress, standing in for him and even replacing him as Headmistress on several occasions.[3][7]
Minerva had great faith in Dumbledore, placing great stock in the differences between him and Voldemort.[2] However, she did not hesitate to disagree with him when she felt the need to do so. She greatly opposed his decision to place Harry Potter with Petunia Dursley and her family, calling them the "worst sort of Muggles imaginable."[11] She also served more than once to bring Dumbledore back on track when he became distracted from the matter currently at hand.[5]
Minerva had no qualms displaying her loyalty to Dumbledore. When Cornelius Fudge brought Aurors to arrest Dumbledore in 1996, she boldly stepped forward and announced her intention to fight the Aurors on his behalf. She only stepped back at Dumbledore's insistence when he reminded her that Hogwarts and her students would need her in his absence.[6]
Minerva was devastated when Dumbledore was killed in 1997 during the Battle of the Astronomy Tower, and attended his funeral.[7] A year later, when Harry Potter returned to Hogwarts on a mission given to him by Dumbledore, she did not question the decision of her dead friend, but immediately sought to provide whatever assistance she could.[8]
Harry Potter
- "You couldn't find two people who are less like us. And they've got this son — I saw him kicking his mother all the way up the street, screaming for sweets. Harry Potter come and live here?"
- — Minerva McGonagall discussing Dumbledore's choice of the Dursley family as Harry Potter's guardians.[src]
Albus and Minerva deliver baby Harry Potter.
Minerva showed her care for Harry ever since she, Dumbledore and Hagrid gave him to the Dursleys following his parents' deaths. She expressed concern of Dumbledore's choice of both trusting Hagrid with bringing Harry and the choice of family for Harry to stay with. She spent hours on end spying on the Dursleys to get an inside of what life for Harry growing up would be like.[2] Part of this behaviour appeared to come from Minerva's past history with Harry's parents, James and Lily Potter, of whom she seemed quite fond.
When Harry arrived at Hogwarts, Minerva was pleased that he was sorted into Gryffindor, her house. When she saw Harry on a broomstick and what skill he had she left her office and went straight down to collect him. Instead of punishing him or expelling, however, she brought him to see Oliver Wood, captain of the Gryffindor Quidditch team, and offered him a place as Seeker on the team. Showing her gratitude that Harry accepted her offer, McGonagall bought him a Nimbus 2000 for his first Quidditch game.[2]
Harry Potter in his last year at Hogwarts.
However, Minerva's concern for Harry did not blind her to his on-campus misdemeanours. Though she often let Harry off on breaking school rules, she only did so under life-threatening circumstances. Minerva went out of her way to treat her students justly, and was not above giving students severe punishments if she thought they deserved it. When Harry and his friends are caught smuggling a dragon out of the tower in the dead of night during his first year at Hogwarts, Minerva does not hesitate to take 150 points away from Gryffindor despite her House's first-place standing at the time, and additionally to send him off to detention in the Forbidden Forest.
Throughout Harry's studies at Hogwarts, Minerva kept a watchful eye on him and his friends, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. Concerned for their safety, Minerva would often interfere as much as she could to keep them safe. In Harry's fifth year, she also promised Harry that she would do whatever she possibly could to see that he achieved his dream of becoming an Auror. Later when Minerva found out about the punishments Harry had been receiving from Dolores Umbridge, she stood up to her and had an argument in front of many students with her over her methods of punishment.[6] During Harry's career appointment, McGonagall stood up for Harry's wanting to be an Auror, and clearly stating she would help in every way possible to achieve just that. Minerva's fondness for Harry would reach its height during the Second Wizarding War. When Harry had secretly infiltrated Hogwarts, Harry defended Minerva's honour against the Death Eaters who had been posted at the school by Voldemort. When Amycus Carrow spat at her, Harry, outraged, showed his care for McGonagall by attacking him with the Cruciatus Curse. Although shocked by Harry's sudden appearance and his having cast this Dark curse, Minerva was clearly touched. At the Battle of Hogwarts, Minerva's devastation was clearly equal to Ron and Ginny Weasley's and Hermione Granger's when she saw Rubeus Hagrid carrying Harry's seemingly dead body; she screamed in horror, giving Harry goosebumps. She would even duel Voldemort herself in the final part of the battle, protecting Harry and other students.[8]
Severus Snape
Severus Snape
- "And Potter — do try and win, won't you? Or we'll be out of the running for the eighth year in a row, as Professor Snape was kind enough to remind me only last night..."
- — Minerva McGonagall to Harry Potter in 1994[src]
McGonagall was Severus Snape's professor of Transfiguration during his time at Hogwarts. After he left Hogwarts and became the Potions master, he and McGonagall became co-workers. Snape also became the Head of Slytherin House, while McGonagall was the Head of Gryffindor House. That made them have an antagonistic relationship, as Snape usually teased McGonagall when Slytherin had more points than Gryffindor. Furthermore, McGonagall knew that Snape was a Death Eater in his youth; however, she trusted him and believed that he had truly regreted, because she knew that Dumbledore trusted him too. McGonagall, like Snape, was very strict, but much more fair, as Harry Potter noted.
After Snape killed Dumbledore, McGonagall was shocked; she started to hate him, as she admired Dumbledore and believed he was the greatest wizard of all time. Furthermore, when Snape became Headmaster of Hogwarts, McGonagall tried to oppose him and the Carrow, without knowing that Snape was trying to protect the students from the Carrows, too. Right before the Battle of Hogwarts, McGonagall had a duel with Snape; the latter was about to win, but left when Professor Flitwick interrupted them; while he was leaving, McGonagall called him a "coward". Snape was killed by Voldemort in the same battle. McGonagall learned that he was on Dumbledore's side, and that Dumbledore had asked him to kill him. She also learned that Snape always loved Lily Evans. It is unknown how she reacted when she learned of this, but she permitted his portrait to be hung in the Headmaster's office, under Harry's request.
Hermione Granger
- "Ah, of course. There is no need to tell me any more, Miss Granger. Which one of you will be dying this year?"
- — McGonagall and Hermione talking about the latter's previous Divination lesson.[src]
Hermione Granger the year before she drops out of Hogwarts.
Minerva took a shine to Hermione Granger, a student in her house, right from her first Transfiguration lesson. During the lesson, Minerva gave Hermione one of her "rare smiles" when Hermione successfully Transfigured a match into a needle early on in the lesson and before any other students. Minerva was also disappointed in Hermione when she claimed to have gone looking for the Troll that invaded Hogwarts under the impression that she could stop it. The claim was not true, but Minerva was none the wiser.[2]
When Hermione was attacked by the Basilisk in 1992, Minerva was greatly moved and would often take time to visit the Petrified Hermione in the hospital wing.[3]
In Hermione's third year, Minerva also went to the effort to arrange for Hermione to be given permission to use a Time-Turner to take additional classes. Teachers did not often seek permission for a student to use one of the devices, but Minerva saw something special in Hermione and went out of her way to make sure she wasn't under-achieving.[4] She further showed her high regard of Hermione by appointing her a Gryffindor prefect in her fifth year at Hogwarts.
During the Second Wizarding War when Minerva was attacked by several Ministry employees outside of Hagrid's Hut, Hermione showed deep emotion towards the event, like Minerva did a few years before when Hermione was attacked. Minerva was a role model for Hermione and both had much in common, such as both believing that Divination was a very "woolly" subject, and that Professor Trelawney was a fraud.[4] Furthermore, both had a liking for cats and both were sorted into Gryffindor house.
Ron Weasley
Ron Weasley was a Gryffindor student at the time McGonagall was professor at Hogwarts. Ron was also sorted into Gryffindor, McGonagall's house. Ron thought she was very strict, and, when Ron and Harry went to Hogwarts with Ron's flying car, she shouted at them and told them that they could be expelled. However, she did not expel them, showing that she is also a good person. She also cared about Ron just as she cared about all of her students. During the Yule Ball, Minerva showed the other students how to dance by dancing with Ron in front of the whole class (in the film); the whole class laughed at Ron, and Fred and George agreed to always tease him about that. During Ron's fifth year she thought highly enough of him to appoint him Gryffindor prefect over his fellow fifth year Harry Potter. Ron and McGonagall fought along during the Battle of the Astronomy Tower and the Battle of Hogwarts, surviving the Second Wizarding War.
Neville Longbottom
- "Which abysmal, foolish person wrote down the passwords and then proceeded to lose them? ... Is it always going to be you, Longbottom?"
- — Minerva McGonagall on who gave Sirius Black the password to Gryffindor Common Room.[src]
Neville Longbottom in his fifth year.
Minerva had a long history with the Longbottom family, having served in the Order of the Phoenix with Neville's parents (who were eventually tortured into insanity by Bellatrix Lestrange). She also had a personal relationship with Neville's grandmother, who raised him. McGonagall frequently seemed to expect more from Neville than he produced, starting with Neville's first day at Hogwarts when he ran out of a crowd after his toad.[2] When Neville "lost" his scrap of parchment (which was actually stolen by Crookshanks) with Gryffindor's passwords on them, allowing Sirius Black to enter the common room, Minerva was furious with him.[4]
Minerva couldn't help but feel pity for Neville after the loss of both his parents, whom she knew from the First Wizarding War and fought alongside earlier on in her career. She voiced pride in Neville's courage in participating in the fight with the Death Eaters in the Department of Mysteries. She also sought to encourage Neville to take Charms in his sixth year, despite his grandmother's dismissal of the subject. She told him, "It is high time your grandmother appreciated the grandson she has, rather than the one she thinks she ought to have." She also advised Neville that his grandmother had failed to earn her Charms OWL.[7]
After the Second Wizarding War, Minerva may have been the one to employ Neville as the school's new Herbology professor.
Draco Malfoy
McGonagall was not overfond of Draco Malfoy and was very strict with him, as if feeling he was a coward. Whereas Professor Snape favoured students like Malfoy and overlooked any misbehaviour from these students, McGonagall was quick to scold and even punish Malfoy. McGonagall knew that Malfoy was always mean toward Gryffindor students like Harry, Ron, Hermione and Neville. However, she would not condone any attacks Harry made on Malfoy such as when the former used the Sectumsempra curse on Malfoy in 1997. In addition, McGonagall was shocked when Alastor Moody (Barty Crouch Jr in disguise) transformed Malfoy into a ferret in 1994. She transformed Malfoy back into his human form and reminded Moody that they never use transfiguration as a punishment. This shows her fair attitude toward students, even to those she did not particularly care for. McGonagall was possibly aware that Malfoy had a bad attitude towards Dumbledore and Hogwarts in general. Examples of punishments McGonagall imposed upon Malfoy included taking fifty points from Slytherin and putting him in detention.
Rubeus Hagrid
Rubeus Hagrid respected McGonagall. Hagrid was the gamekeeper, and later Care of Magical Creatures professor of Hogwarts. They attended Hogwarts at the same time, and they later became members of the Hogwarts staff. While McGonagall was one of the most serious professors at Hogwarts, she sometimes disapproved Hagrid's behaviour, especially during the Sorting ceremony. However, they were close friends. They were both members of the Order of the Phoenix in both wars, and they both admired Albus Dumbledore. Hagrid once kissed McGonagall on her cheek, when he had drunk very much and she was noted giving a flushed giggle in the event's festivities. When Delores Umbridge and several Aurors from the Ministry sought to sack and exile Hagrid from the school grounds by force, Minerva quickly flew to his aid, in turn taking four stunners simultaneously to the chest. In 1997, after Albus Dumbledore's death, Minerva stated that she appreciated Hagrid's opinion very much, as did Dumbledore. McGonagall and Hagrid fought against Death Eaters during the Battle of the Astronomy Tower and the Battle of Hogwarts. They among the first ones to run to congratulate Harry after he defeated Voldemort. They both survived the war and still taught at Hogwarts.
Sybill Trelawney
Sybill Trelawney, a "fraud".
- "Sybill Trelawney has predicted the death of a student every year since she came to this school. None of them have died yet."
- — Minerva McGonagall on Sybill Trelawney.[src]
Minerva and Sybill Trelawney were not the best of friends, and barely maintained civility between them. Minerva had no use for Sybill's subject, Divination, and she believed that Trelawney was a fraud.[4]
Despite her dislike for Trelawney and her teachings, however, Minerva and Sybill would grow to understand one another through their shared hatred of Dolores Umbridge during the woman's tenure as Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor. When Dolores used her powers to sack Sybill, Minerva was there as a literal shoulder for Sybill to cry on, and she spoke out against Dolores and told her what she thought after the events.[6] In many ways, Minerva's relationship with Sybill was similar to Hermione Granger's relationship with Luna Lovegood.
It is unknown whether Minerva kept Sybill as Divination Professor after the war and during Minerva's time as Headmistress of Hogwarts, but, seeing as Minerva always valued Dumbledore's views of kindness, Firenze and Trelawney most likely continued to co-teach Divination.
Hogwarts Staff
- Filius Flitwick: "I suppose you are aware that nothing we do can indefinitely prevent You-Know-Who to enter the school, right? —"
- Pomona Sprout: "But we can delay it. —"
- Minerva McGonagall: "Thank you, Pomona."
- — Filius Flitwick, Pomona Sprout and Minerva McGonagall in 1998.[src]
McGonagall seemed to have a good relationship with the most of her co-workers at Hogwarts. Some of them were Pomona Sprout and Filius Flitwick. The relationship between Professor McGonagall and Professor Sprout is unknown, although both are professors at Hogwarts and Heads of House. However, in the Battle of Hogwarts in 1998, Pomona supported the decision to protect the castle, to Minerva's gratitude. Sprout and Flitwick fought with McGonagall in the Battle of Hogwarts and survived the Second Wizarding War.
Minerva was on amicable terms with Horace Slughorn, both of them having battled against Voldemort alongside Kingsley Shacklebolt in the Battle of Hogwarts. Prior to this, Minerva commented on his seemingly cowardly behavior when he realized the castle was under attack. She noted that if he wished to leave, he should take his students and do so and if he attempted to hinder their efforts against Voldemort from inside the castle, they would duel to kill. She stated that it was time for Slytherin to finally choose their alliances. He was taken aback at this and he fled, but later returned with reinforcements of students' parents and residents of Hogsmeade to help with the battle efforts.
McGonagall was also friendly with Poppy Pomfrey, the nurse. Pomfrey seemed to admire McGonagall's magical abilities and strength, such as when McGonagall was hit by four Stunners on the chest. Mrs. Pomfrey said that it would have killed the most witches in her age.
She was also friendly with Argus Filch, the caretaker, although they argued many times. During the Battle of Hogwarts, McGonagall shouted at Filch, and ordered him to call Peeves. It is possible that, after the war, McGonagall and Filch were still co-workers.
McGonagall seemed to have a quite close relationship with Remus Lupin, the D.A.D.A. professor in 1993. She didn't care about the fact Remus was a werewolf, because Dumbledore trusted him, too. During the Second Wizarding War, they appear to be friendly; after Dumbledore's death, McGonagall, Lupin and several other individuals were devastated; they all discussed about the way Snape killed Dumbledore.
After Voldemort infilitrated Hogwarts, two new professors took the post of Muggle Studies and Defence Against the Dark Arts: Alecto and Amycus Carrow respectively. They were loyal Death Eaters, and befitting their status, they taught Dark Arts rather than Defence Against the Dark Arts, devoted Muggle Studies to explaining how Muggles were filthy animals, and often took delight in punishing students with the Cruciatus Curse. When Amycus spat on McGonagall's face, Harry Potter got very angry and hit him with the Cruciatus Curse. After the war, McGonagall sent the Carrows to Azkaban.
After the war, most professors and other staff returned to their posts.
Dolores Umbridge
- Umbridge: "Is there something you'd like to say, Minerva?"
- McGonagall: "Oh, there are several things I would like to say, Dolores!"
- — Minerva speaking to Umbridge as she comforts the newly sacked Sybill Trelawney[src]
Minerva disliked Dolores Umbridge right from the beginning when she invaded Hogwarts with her High Inquisitor position. She stood up to Dolores when no one else seemed to do anything, not even Dumbledore. Minerva did not approve of her methods of punishment and made sure that Umbridge knew about it.[6] When Dolores took over Hogwarts, replacing Dumbledore, Minerva even put aside her dislike of Sybill and advised Peeves on how to cause trouble for the interloper. Dolores was pleased with the attack on Minerva, which provided Umbridge with full control over Hogwarts. After Minerva's return to Hogwarts, Minerva did nothing to curb the students' enthusiasm when Peeves chased Dolores from Hogwarts, only lamenting that she could not watch with them because the poltergeist had taken her walking stick to hit Dolores with as he followed her from the school.[6]
Umbridge returned at the Ministry in a high-ranking position and interrogated Muggle-borns, capturing them and imprisoning them to Azkaban. After the Second Wizarding War, Umbridge was captured by Aurors and sent to Azkaban herself, for the rest of her life.
The Weasley family.
Weasley family
McGonagall and the Weasleys get along pretty well, considering both are in Gryffindor House and fellow members of the Order of the Phoenix. However, she disapproves of Fred and George Weasley's behaviour at school, although she still seems impressed by their magical skills. When Dolores Umbridge was appointed as High Inquisitor for Hogwarts, Minerva allied with the twins and attemped to oppose Umbridge. After the twins escaped Hogwarts at the time Umbridge was about to punish them, Minerva started to admire them, as did the most students who were impressed by the way Fred and George defied Umbridge.
She is fond of all Weasley children, including Ginny, and Ron. She was glad that Ginny was sorted into Gryffindor, and, although Ginny thought McGonagall was a little strict, she believed that the Transfiguration professor was also fair; furthermore, both Ginny and McGonagall tried to oppose Umbridge (in 1995) and the Carrows (in 1998). She also has high regard, and expectations, of Percy Weasley, who was a Gryffindor prefect, as well as Head Boy in his last year at Hogwarts. Her relationship with Molly Weasley and Arthur Weasley is unknown but she probably knows them well. After Albus Dumbledore's death, Minerva and the Weasleys appeared to be highly close, as they were all devastated. After the war, Fred was killed during the Battle of Hogwarts. McGonagall was very sad, but most likely remained in contact with the Weasleys.
The Marauders and Lily Evans
By the time McGonagall was the Transfiguration professor, Lily Evans and the Marauders attended Hogwarts. They were four friends; James Potter, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin and Peter Pettigrew. They were all trouble-makers, creating the Marauder's Map and breaking a lot of rules. They were all sorted into Gryffindor house, and despite their boisterious tendencies at odds with Minerva's no-nonsense personality, they seemed to have a good relationship with her.
- "Is it true, Albus? Lily and James... are dead?"
- — Minerva to Albus Dumbledore[src]
She liked James, who was a clever and powerful wizard, although he was a trouble-maker. She knew he was a good person, and they both became members of the Order of the Phoenix after Hogwarts. After James' death, McGonagall was devastated. She became friendly with his son, Harry, and helped him in several missions.
She also had a good relationship with Sirius, although he was a trouble-maker like James and would often make cruel pranks to others whom he disliked. After James' death, McGonagall believed it was Sirius who betrayed his friend; she learned it was Peter Pettigrew in 1994. Sirius was killed by Bellatrix Lestrange during the Battle of the Department of Mysteries in 1996. Minerva's reaction to Sirius' death is unknown.
Remus Lupin was a very good student and person and, unlike James and Sirius, he didn't take part in the bullying of them towards Severus Snape and others. He was a werewolf, but McGonagall didn't care about it, because Dumbledore trusted him too. After Hogwarts, Remus returned to the school, in order to teach Defence Against the Dark Arts. He and McGonagall became members of the second Order of the Phoenix. Remus was eventually killed during the Battle of Hogwarts.
- "Hero-worshiped Black and Potter. Never quite in their league, talent-wise. I was often rather sharp with him... Stupid boy... Foolish boy..."
- — McGonagall about Peter Pettgirew.[src]
Peter Pettigrew was a friend of them. McGonagall thought Pettigrew "hero-worshiped" James Potter and Sirius Black, that he was a "stupid" and "foolish" boy, and that she was somewhat harsh with him during their time together as student and teacher. However, she seemed sad while talking about Pettigrew's supposed death'. McGonagall also thought Pettigrew was very brave, as he stood up to Sirius Black, who was considered as being a Dark Wizard, and regretted how she was so harsh towards him decades ago. They were both comrades in the Order of the Phoenix, which further fueled her sympathy towards him. It is unknown how she reacted when she learned that Pettigrew was alive, and that he was the wizard who betrayed Lily and James, but since then they have became enemies on different sides.
McGonagall also had a very good relationship with Lily Evans, who was a Gryffindor girl at the time McGonagall taught Transfiguration. She was made a Prefect and later Head Girl. After Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, she married James Potter and they both became members of the Order of the Phoenix. Lily and James were murdered by Lord Voldemort in 1981, and McGonagall was devastated at their deaths.
The original Order of the Phoenix.
Order of the Phoenix members
McGonagall had a good relationship with the most members of the Order of the Phoenix. Some of them included Nymphadora Tonks, Kingsley Shacklebolt and Alastor Moody. McGonagall and Tonks were both devastated after Dumbledore's death they discussed about the way Snape killed Dumbledore and if he was on their side. Tonks fought in several battles for the Order, but was killed by Bellatrix Lestrange during the Battle of Hogwarts.
Minerva at the first Order,with Dumbledore,Hagrid and Alice.
Moody was appointed as D.A.D.A. professor in 1994. However, he was captured by Barty Crouch Jr. and Peter Pettigrew; Barty Crouch was disguised as Moody and became the professor, as he wanted to sent Harry Potter to Voldemort. McGonagall was very angry by Crouch's teaching methods, and shouted at him. It is possible that she had the same opinion of the real Moody, but Moody might have been friendly with McGonagall afterwards. He was killed by Voldemort during the Battle over Little Whinging.
She appeared to be friendly with Kingsley; she and Kingsley fought Voldemort, along with Horace Slughorn, and all of them survived the war.
Etymology
Minerva is the Roman goddess of wisdom, a name suitable for Minerva's personality. McGonagall comes from the Scotsman William Topaz McGonagall, who is to be considered one of the worst poets in the English language, although Rowling stated that this has nothing to do with Minerva, she only liked the surname.
Behind the scenes
- Professor McGonagall has the distinction of being the first magical character introduced in the series, when Vernon Dursley sees her reading a map in Animagus form on the morning after the Potters' deaths. Only the three Dursleys are introduced before her. However in the films, McGonagall is the second magical character introduced as Albus Dumbledore appears before her. She is the second overall character introduced in the film series.
- In an interview after the publication of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, J. K. Rowling said that Hogwarts had a different Head by the time Harry Potter's children arrived in 2017, saying that Minerva was "getting on a bit".[12] This is a bit odd, as Minerva would have been around ninety years old when Harry's children attended Hogwarts, and Dumbledore was a hundred and fifteen years old at the time of his death. Minerva did not seem the sort to take early retirement any more than Dumbledore was. As previously stated however, she was struck by four Stunning Spells at a very late age, which may have led her to take an early leave, although it is said that she made a full recovery. A few fans have written it off as a possibility that since Fawkes, Dumbledore's phoenix, could have been the one who had given Dumbledore slightly longer life with it's phoenix tears, Minerva was not given the same privilege as she did not own a phoenix herself.
- A movie from 1974 entitled "The Great McGonagall" was about the aforementioned poet William McGonagall.
- When Tom Marvolo Riddle came to Hogwarts, Minerva was in her second year, though it is not stated if she knew him.
- J. K. Rowling stated that she always pictured Maggie Smith, who portrays her in the movies, as Professor McGonagall.
Appearances
Minerva in Great Hall.
- Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (First appearance)
- Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (film)
- Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (video game)
- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (film)
- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (video game)
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (film)
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (video game)
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (film)
- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (film)
- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (video game)
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (film)
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (video game)
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (film)
- The Tales of Beedle the Bard (Mentioned only)
- Harry Potter: Quidditch World Cup
Notes and references
- ↑ She wasn't sent away from Hogwarts while it had been taken over by Death Eaters, so she wasn't Muggle-born.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
- ↑ 6.00 6.01 6.02 6.03 6.04 6.05 6.06 6.07 6.08 6.09 6.10 6.11 6.12 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
- ↑ The Tales of Beedle the Bard, page xi, xiv.
- ↑ MSNBC Interview with J.K. Rowling
- ↑ Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (film)
- ↑ JK Rowling One-On-One: Part One. Today Show (NBC), July 26 2007
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