The highly anticipated next chapter of the Wizarding World, the Harry Potter books and movies.
She was an extremely competent witch, but that was not why she was considered one of the greats. Her life experiences also gave her a lot of insight.
"His Name is Voldemort, Filius. You Might As Well Use It."
Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows
While most of the wizarding community cowered from using Voldemort's name, Minerva McGongall did not subscribe to that train of thought. Voldemort was the most evil, but the fear of his name would do nothing in the fight against him, which was a valuable lesson that she understood.
This was why she casually told Professor Flitwick that now that they were on the brink of directly confronting him, he might as well use the name of the dark wizard.
"High Time Your Grandmother Learned To Be Proud Of The Grandson She's Got..."
Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince
Neville Longbottom was highly underrated as a character because of how shy and soft-spoken he had been, but the experienced teacher that McGonagall was saw through that front and recognized the bravery and nobility that lay within him.
McGonagall had a bone to pick with Augusta, Neville's grandmother, who bullied him for no good reason. She knew that Neville was bound for greater things, way before he knew it himself.
"Nothing Wrong With Your Work Except Lack Of Confidence."
Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix
When Harry and his peers were getting ready to give their O.W.L.s, there was a lot of uncertainty and lack of self-belief circulating among them, especially Neville. The best advice Minerva McGonagall gave to her students was that their work was fine, but they needed to be confident in their skills.
Hard work, combined with the application of these latent skills was all they needed to excel in their exams, which was wisdom that few other teachers bothered to share with their wards.
"Difference Between Truth And Lies, Courage And Cowardice ..."
Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows
Alecto and Amycus Carrow were easily the worst heasters that Hogwarts ever had since they neither cared nor pretended to show interest in the well-being of students. When they mistakenly activated the Dark Mark, they were ready to off the blame on unsuspecting kids, rather than face the consequences.
Here, Professor McGonagall once again showed her maturity and intelligence by trying to make the Death Eaters see the error in their ways and extolling the virtues of honesty and courage.
"Potter Is A Boy, Not A Piece Of Meat."
Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire
Even Albus Dumbledore could forget that Harry was just a boy, but not Professor McGonagall. She was not affectionate, but she was empathetic enough to understand that he had been burdened with too much at a young age, and he did not require the stress of the Triwizard Tournament on top of all that.
By trying to protect a child from carrying out the tasks of an adult, she showed extreme discernment, which the other professors had lost at the time. She knew when she had to spare and protect children.
"Dumbledore Would Have Been Happier Than Anybody ..."
Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince
Full quote: "... to think that there was a little more love in the world."
The death of Albus Dumbledore hit everyone very hard in the Wizarding World, and Lupin thought that his romance and child were not topics to be discussed in trying times like these.
However, Minerva knew that nothing can stop love and that her friend, Albus, would have hated to be in the way of affection in life or death. Her wisdom came pouring through when she made Lupin realize that it wasn't the wrong time, and it was news to be celebrated, especially in dark times.
"To Dance Is To Let The Body Breathe."
Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire
Usually strict and uptight, nobody thought that Professor McGonagall would be a dancer. She surprised students when she taught them about the significance of the Yule Ball, and how integral dancing was for a body to be nourished and satisfied.
This advice was least expected from her, but it proved that she was not a joyless woman who was stern for no reason — she, too, appreciated the beauty of music, dance, and all things enjoyable in life.
"Transfiguration Is Some Of The Most Complex And Dangerous Magic ..."
Harry Potter And The Sorcerer's Stone
A quote from the Harry Potter books that should have been in the movies, this missive by Minerva didn't come from a place of hostility, but from the desire to educate her students. It was very wise of her to warn them beforehand that they were going to study magic which was lethal if misused.
Unlike Snape, who just threw students into the deep end in their lessons, Minerva took the time to give them the guidance they required.
"The Time Has Come For Slytherin House To Decide Upon Its Loyalties."
Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows
The professors of Hogwarts knew of Slytherin house's proclivity for evil, but McGonagall was the one of knew that it was high time that they pick their sides, whether they fought for or against Hogwarts.
This was a difficult statement to make, but she was perceptive enough to know that this was the right time to say this so that their forces could be strengthened and not confused during the Battle of Hogwarts.
"Do You Really Think This Is About Truth Or Lies?"
Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix
When Umbridge took control of Hogwarts, teachers like McGonagall could only protect their students by speaking to them, which she did with Harry. Even though Harry was only speaking the truth about Voldemort, she wisely warned him to keep his head down and temper in check to survive the wrath of the Ministry-appointed Umbridge.
She was capable of anything, and McGonagall tried her best to save Harry from unfair punishment by speaking with him, and she was very right about knowing when and where to create a fuss, and when to keep quiet.
