Minerva McGonagall: A Marvelous Mentor
So far, in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, MuggleNet has written a post on what Hogwarts’s worst teachers have taught us. Now I’m going to focus on a marvelous mentor, Minerva McGonagall. She has several fantastic moments throughout the series, but she does plenty for her students as well.
Professor McGonagall is tough-but-fair to her pupils. She pushes her students to be the best versions of themselves, and they work hard to reflect that. She sees strong qualities in her students and works to develop their skills. After all, she saw Harry’s Quidditch strengths and put him on the team instead of punishing him.
Despite her tough exterior, she is able to let her hair down and have fun while showcasing her many talents.
She is an incredibly loyal person to those less able to protect themselves, even those she may not agree with.
I should have made my meaning plainer,” said Professor McGonagall, turning at last to look Umbridge directly in the eyes. “He [Harry] has achieved high marks in all Defense Against the Dark Arts tests set by a competent teacher” (Order of the Phoenix 664).
Leave him [Hagrid] alone! Alone, I say!” said Professor McGonagall’s voice through the darkness. “On what grounds are you attacking him? He has done nothing, nothing to warrant such —” (Order of the Phoenix 721).
There, there, Sibyll . . . Calm down. . . . Blow your nose on this. . . . It’s not as bad as you think, now. . . . You are not going to have to leave Hogwarts. . . .” (Order of the Phoenix 595).
She defends not only the people in her life but Hogwarts, the institution she swore to protect, as well.
Her morality and ethics are absolute; she refuses to bend them for anyone.
Her strong actions have garnered deep respect and loyalty from her pupils.
And he spat in her face.
Harry pulled the Cloak off himself, raised his wand, and said, You shouldn’t have done that’ (Deathly Hallows 593).
Of course, her sassiness and humor added several comedic moments throughout the series, making us like her even more than we already did.
You look in excellent health to me, Potter, so you will excuse me if I don’t let you off homework today. I assure you that if you die, you need not hand it in” (Prisoner of Azkaban 109).
Harry witnessed Professor McGonagall walking right past Peeves, who was determinedly loosening a crystal chandelier, and could have sworn he heard her tell the poltergeist out of the corner of her mouth, ‘It unscrews the other way’ (Order of the Phoenix 678).
McGonagall is a magnificent teacher, friend, and person. I wish I had her as a teacher when I was in school.
What are you favorite McGonagall moments? What do you think of her? Let us know in the comments!
