Remembering 10 Most Memorable Professor McGonagall Moments In Harry Potter Franchise As Maggie Smith Passes Away; See Here

As a die-hard Harry Potter fan since I first cast my eyes on Hogwarts Castle in that enchanting film, I have to say that Professor McGonagall has been an absolute gem among the characters. Her grace, her savage moments, and her impeccable timing never failed to leave me in awe.


Professor McGonagall is one of the iconic characters of the Harry Potter film series. She has been the definition of grace and savage, and throughout the film installments, the actress had won hearts with her performance. The professor, during the course of her time on the movies, had been leading the Gryffindor house that the characters Harry, Hermoine, and Ron had been a part of. On Friday, September 27, Maggie Smith, the actress who portrayed the character of the professor, passed away at the age of 89. As the fans remember the veteran actress, here’s looking back at Top 10 Minerva McGonagall moments from the popular film franchise. 

1. McGonagall vs. Umbrigde

In the 2007 movie “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix”, Professor McGonagall assertively sets Umbridge in her place during their confrontation. She subtly reprimands Umbridge by saying, “I should have made my meaning clearer,” in response to Harry’s evaluation. Later, she reinforces her statement by adding, “He has excelled in all Defense Against the Dark Arts tests given by a proficient instructor.

2. McGonagall Makes Sure Harry Has The Best Broom

In the magical world of Harry Potter, I, like many others, admire Professor McGonagall for her blend of sternness and compassion. Regularly displayed in the movies, she shows her softer side, particularly towards her students, Harry, Ron, and Hermione. A poignant example of this occurred in the first movie of the series when, without uttering a single word, she won hearts by securing the lead character an exceptional broom for the competition – a Nimbus 2000, as Ron later revealed to Harry. From across the table, the professor offered a warm smile that spoke volumes about her thoughtfulness and care for her students.

3. McGonagall’s Comedy Moments With The Lead Trio

Throughout her tenure in the Harry Potter film franchise, Professor McGonagall shared some humorous instances with the main trio of Harry, Ron, and Hermione. While she interacted with numerous scenes featuring these Gryffindor students, it was the way Smith delivered a particular line that left fans of the series in suspense. Instead of the dialogue itself, it was the elegance of her delivery that stood out. She quipped, “It always seems to be you three who find yourselves in trouble.” This phrase has since become a memorable part of the franchise.

4. McGonagall And Sirius Snape Fight It Out

The head of Gryffindor House wouldn’t allow anything to happen to Harry while she was still alive. In the final movie, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2,” Professor McGonagall fought against Snape at a critical moment when he attacked Harry. During an intense battle sequence, the professor relentlessly attacked Slytherin members, eventually defeating him. As a result, Snape vanished into thin air.

5. McGonagall Doesn’t Like Babboons

During the professor’s lecture, it is best if everyone remains silent. In Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, McGonagall pays close attention to her class students, who appear not to respect the professor. To correct their behavior and ensure they understand, McGonagall sternly states, “I will not tolerate you acting so recklessly during one night, causing a disgrace to this name by behaving like a group of noisy, clumsy monkeys!

6. McGonagall’s Dance With Ron Weasley

Beyond her exceptional skills as a student mentor, Professor McGonagall is equally adept at teaching dance. In Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, she showcased this talent with an amusing dance performance alongside Ron Weasley that left both the school’s students and the movie audience in stitches. This memorable dance sequence has earned a special place among fans, becoming a cherished part of their fandom.

7. McGonagall Has No Time For Excuses

Professor McGonagall strictly disapproves of late homework submissions and never accepts excuses for tardiness. In her films, she often displays a sharp wit, and in “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban,” she remains unyielding. She famously quips, “Rest assured, if you were to pass away, there would be no need to submit your assignment.” This scene is iconic for its bluntness.

8. McGonagall And Ms. Weasley’s Heartfelt Moment

In a surprising twist, Professor McGonagall revealed a gentler side of her character in the final Harry Potter film. During some playful moments with Ms. Weasley, they engaged in an emotionally charged conversation. However, the actress’s flawless delivery transformed the scene with just one line: “I’ve always wanted to use that spell.” This humorous remark effectively concluded the scene on a lighter note.

9. McGonagall Imparts Wisdom Into Sirius Snape

In the Harry Potter series, Professor McGonagall stands out as one of the most intelligent characters. From the initial movie itself, it’s clear that Sirius Black (Snape) didn’t have much fondness for Harry. However, McGonagall feels that Harry, despite being a boy, should have been given an opportunity to prove himself rather than being judged harshly. In conversation with Snape, she says, “Potter isn’t just a boy; he’s not some piece of property.

10. McGonagall Forgot To Invite Harry To Yule Ball

As an ardent fan, I can’t help but admire Professor McGonagall’s blunt yet graceful way of acknowledging her errors. In one of the films, she inadvertently overlooked inviting Harry Potter to the Yule Ball. Upon recognizing her oversight, she approached the head of Gryffindor house and casually remarked, “It’s customary for the three champions… or four, in this case, to be the first to dance.” She then added, “I believe I mentioned that to you earlier.” Harry swiftly replied, “No, I don’t recall that.” To which the professor responded, “Well, now you’re informed.

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2024-09-27 21:07