At first glance, Professor Minerva McGonagall appears stern and strict. However, as the ‘Harry Potter‘ plot advances through the installments she comes off as a tough yet cool teacher. Not only does Maggie Smith’s performance cement her legacy as an excellent actor but also the fact she fought cancer while filming makes her the best. Professor McGonagall was a seasoned witch and could always be relied upon by her friends and students. Her devotion to Hogwarts was admirable as she taught a generation of students.
McGonagall was a true Gryffindor who showed courage, believed in fairness, and once in a while indulged in little fun. Smith may have left the world but her body of work will be celebrated for years to come. Here are instances where Minerva McGonagall proved to be the greatest ‘Harry Potter’ character.
5. She Treated All Her Students Fairly
It is a popular theory among Potterheads that Albus Dumbledore put Harry as the top priority. For instance, giving away points for “moral fiber”. However, this was not Professor McGonagall’s method. While the prophecy held an important place with her, she did not forget her teaching duties. Therefore, she helps Harry when the occasion asks for it but she does not let Harry’s misdemeanors slide like Dumbledore.
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In ‘Philosopher’s Stone’, when Malfoy rats out Harry, Hermione, and Ron for being out of bed after hours, she equally takes away points from Slytherin and Gryffindor and gives them detention. Student safety is Minevra’s top priority. As Hogwarts falls into peril each year, she dives in front of trouble to shield her students.
4. Rebelling Against Dolores Umbridge
Dolores Umbridge was one of the most hated characters in the film series. Moreover, the obnoxious mixture of her entitlement and pride inflated by the authority allocated by the Ministry made her more intolerable. In the Order of The Phoenix, almost every student and faculty member wanted to call her out as she strutted through the halls of Hogwarts.
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When Umbridge dismissed Sybill Trelawney, no one spoke up as the pink dread was appointed by the Ministry of Magic. However, Professor McGonagall stepped up against Umbridge and comforted Trelawney. She was a true friend who stood with Trelawny when she was alone in the halls of Hogwarts with everyone watching her get fired.
3. Protected The School In The Battle of Hogwarts
While the Golden Trio planned to destroy the remaining Hocroxes, Professor McGonagall took the reins to defend Hogwarts and everyone within it. Many will agree that the Piertotum Locomotor spell performed by her was a badass moment. She calls upon the giant stone figures to protect Hogwarts when Voldermort marches with his army.
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She along with the Order of Phoenix casts the Protego Charm around the boundaries of the school. The spell is difficult to cast and it incinerates anyone who tries to pass through it. But even before the buzz of the battle, she arranged for all the younger students to safely reach Hogsmead through the secret passage. She was on the front line fighting the death eaters when the action of the battle began.
2. Took Four Stunning Spells To The Chest
This moment proved Professor McGonagall was the toughest teacher among the Hogwarts staff. In the Order of The Phoenix book, when Umbridge tries to evict Hagrid from the Hogwarts grounds and duties, Professor McGonagall again stands up for her friend. Umbridge had brought aurors from the Ministry in case she faced resistance and they did.
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McGonagall tried to chase off the Aurors from the grounds however she stood alone against several wizards. The old woman took four stunning spells to the chest and was left injured. Stunning spells are dangerous attacking spells and it was a miracle that she survived the attack. Although it took some time for her to recover, it was another example of her bravery and loyalty.
1. Only One To Call The Dark Lord By His Name (Other Than Harry Potter)
Throughout the film series, Potterheads saw each wizard and witch afraid to call the antagonist of the saga by his name. Hagrid was the first to warn against using the name. Professor Horace Slughorn cannot bear to hear the sound of the dark wizard’s name. In the latter books when Voldemort takes over the Ministry of Magic, his name sets off the location of fugitives.
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Harry alone calls the villain Voldemort. But in Deathly Hollows: Part 2, Professor McGonagall feels no fear of calling the dark lord by his name when the battle arrives at the doorstep. She fearlessly announces, “And his name is Voldemort. Filius you might as well use it. He’s going to try to kill you either way.”
It’s no wonder Professor Minerva McGonagall went on to become the Headmistress of Hogwarts in the end.
