Top Five McGonagall Quotes
Today is National Biscuit Day, which reminds me of one of my favorite McGonagall quotes. To celebrate everyone’s favorite sassy teacher, I thought I’d look at my top five McGonagall quotes.
1. “Have a biscuit, Potter.”
There are several great McGonagall quotes from Order of the Phoenix, but I love this interaction with Harry.
‘Is it true that you shouted at Professor Umbridge?’
‘Yes,’ said Harry.
‘You called her a liar?’
‘Yes.’
‘You told her He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named is back?’
‘Yes.’
Professor McGonagall sat down behind her desk, frowning at Harry. Then she said, ‘Have a biscuit, Potter’” (Order of the Phoenix 247/248).
2. “If you die, you need not hand it in.”
McGonagall is such a funny character, but this isn’t always the case in the films. One of my favorite McGonagall moments is when she breaks the tension after their first Divination class in Prisoner of Azkaban.
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).
3. “He has achieved high marks.”
Despite how horrible Umbridge was, she really brought out McGonagall’s sassy side. It’s such a shame we didn’t get to see more of these interactions between the two during the films.
He has achieved high marks in all Defense Against the Dark Arts tests set by a competent teacher” (Order of the Phoenix 664).
4. “It unscrews the other way.”
She did everything she could to undermine Umbridge, including helping Peeves out.
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).
5. “They’re supposed to be, you blithering idiot.”
Even in times of stress, McGonagall rises to the occasion.
The aged caretaker had just come hobbling into view, shouting, ‘Students out of bed! Students in the corridors!’
‘They’re supposed to be, you blithering idiot!’ shouted McGonagall” (Deathly Hallows 602).
What do you think of my list? What is your favorite McGonagall quote? Let us know in the comments!
