Ask Minerva McGonagall

Did you ever wonder how Deputy headmistress Minerva McGonagall kept her patience (most of the time) when Dolores Umbridge was in power at Hogwarts. Do you want to know how transfiguration works? What Minerva does in her free moments?

Ask her and maybe yes maybe she will answer you :)

Hello, Professor.

How did you feel when Snape became Headmaster?

I was displeased. Naturally, my opinion of him changed after his demise.

I heard that you were at Hogwarts at the same time as Voldemort, what was he like in his school days? And how did you feel when Prof. Umbridge became Headmistress? And do grammatical errors bother you? because I think i'm making quite a few right now....:whistle:

Hello Proffesor McGonogall! I loved you in the last book and I'm glad to be able to ask you a few questions:

How did you become Transfiguration teacher?

What sorts of things were you into when you were a student? Were you in gobstones club or a prefect or on the Quidditch team, etc.?

What was going through your head when Hagrid was carrying Harry out of the forest and Voldemort declared him dead?

Are you still teaching at Hogwarts and were ever a full Headmistress?

Professor McGongagall, first of all: Thank you so much for standing up to - errr - Professor Umbridge. You were amazing in dealing with her and the Ministry's interference back then.

Now my question. Where you surprised when you heard that it was Prof. Snape who had killed Prof. Dumbledore? Had you ever fully trusted Prof. Snape as an Order member?

Hello Prof. Mcgonagall. You may not know me, but you are in my top 3 favorite teachers ever. Only because of the way you stood up to Prof. Umbridge. Anyway, what was your mother's name?

do I get a Detention if I let off a dungbomb in Filch's broom cupboard?

I heard that you were at Hogwarts at the same time as Voldemort, what was he like in his school days? And how did you feel when Prof. Umbridge became Headmistress? And do grammatical errors bother you? because I think i'm making quite a few right now....:whistle:

I was in Gryffindor and didn't care for Riddle at the time. House rivalries are very old. Dolores Umbridge was a very unfortunate choice but she's no longer my concern. Grammatical errors bother me exceedingly. Ask Longbottom.

Hello Proffesor McGonogall! I loved you in the last book and I'm glad to be able to ask you a few questions:

How did you become Transfiguration teacher?

What was going through your head when Hagrid was carrying Harry out of the forest and Voldemort declared him dead?

I applied for the job.

What a personal question. I would expect you to anticipate the answer. I was devastated, of course. Any other sentiment would be rather surprising and cold-hearted, wouldn't it?

Are you still teaching at Hogwarts and were ever a full Headmistress?

Yes and yes.

Professor McGongagall, first of all: Thank you so much for standing up to - errr - Professor Umbridge. You were amazing in dealing with her and the Ministry's interference back then.

Now my question. Where you surprised when you heard that it was Prof. Snape who had killed Prof. Dumbledore? Had you ever fully trusted Prof. Snape as an Order member?

Well, thank you, my dear. Have a biscuit.

Professor Snape was a reserved man throughout his life. I never presumed to understand his motives. We were not always on the best of terms. I was naturally surprised when I heard that it was Severus Snape who killed Professor Dumbledore. After all, Albus had repeatedly insisted on his loyalty and trustworthiness.

Hello Prof. Mcgonagall. You may not know me, but you are in my top 3 favorite teachers ever. Only because of the way you stood up to Prof. Umbridge. Anyway, what was your mother's name?

I'm not sure how the answer to this question is of any relevance. I'm not in the habit of sharing personal information with strangers, although I find myself strangely flattered at your interest.

what made you deside to become an animangus? and why a cat?

When did first able to transform into a cat?

I studied for years to become an animagus. I first became interested in animagi when I was a first year Transfiguration student. I cannot remember when I succeeded. That was a long time time ago, you know.

why did you chose a cat?

Well, thank you, my dear. Have a biscuit.
Thank you very much, I'd love to take one. And I'm sorry for misspelling your name in my last post. My fingers were a bit too quick on the keyboard.

Which leads me to another question: I've learnt that muggle devices that need electricity don't work at Hogwarts, so where are you able to use one to answer our questions? Do you use an internet café or is there a special place wizards and witches can use them?

Have you always taught Transfiguration or have you been teaching other subjects as well over the years?

Professor, what did you really think of Fred and George Weasley's escape from Hogwarts (and Umbridge)? And is it true that Sirius Black once asked you to marry him, and you declined?

Professor McGonagall,
If, while a cat, another cat started a fight with you, what would you do? Also, do you experience the same romantic feelings that felines regularly feel for each other (I obviously use the term "romantic" for decorum).
Please, pardon any tone that may seem crass, as I sincerely wish to avoid being cursed into oblivion.
Look A. Lethifold

hi, I was in your last class, I was the one who set off the 'stink bomb' as muggles call them.
:D :p

anyway, how many of the order is left now? or have you re-recruited?

As Headmistress, did things still become heated between Gryffindor and Slytherin, or have things calmed down between them since the fall of Voldemort? Did Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff have a similar rivalry with each other?

Hello Professor McGonagall! :wave:

Firstly, you are my favourite Hogwarts teacher and one of my favourite characters in the HP series.

I was wondering what you were feeling about little Teddy Lupin joining the school this year? Have you sent the Hogwarts letters out yet for this year? Do you hope Teddy will be in Gryffindor? Does Gryffindor currently hold the House Cup and Quidditch cup, and if so, for how many years? What did you think when you first found out that Harry Potter and Ginny Weasley would be married and did you know they were together during Harry's 6th year? And what did you think about Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger getting married? And Neville Longbottom and Hannah Abbott? Were you pleased or worried when Neville became Professor Longbottom? Are you still in contact with Pomonna Sprout?

Sorry, lots of questions!
Jess :rave::huff:

Oh, wait, maybe I should be putting a :gryff:

Actually, I don't think Teddy Lupin will be joining the school this year...he's due next year, isn't he, Professor? (since he was born in 1998, and he'd be only ten this year- unless you plan to let him in a year early, of course). What was his father like at Hogwarts, though? Popular mythology mainly tells us only about Black and Potter, but not much about the elder Lupin :).

Since you were Deputy Headmistress, in more favorable circumstances, would you have become the Headmistress of Hogwarts?

I'm not sure if you can tell us this - but who replaced you as Headmaster?

why did you chose a cat?
I have been told that it fits my personality quite well :)

Which leads me to another question: I've learnt that muggle devices that need electricity don't work at Hogwarts, so where are you able to use one to answer our questions? Do you use an internet café or is there a special place wizards and witches can use them?

Have you always taught Transfiguration or have you been teaching other subjects as well over the years?We've had some very innovative students come through Hogwarts in recent years. They have really opened my eyes to some of the benefits of all of this muggle technology. They've also done an excellent job of setting up their old professors with these lovely computer systems. I can't say that I understand all of the details.

Yes, Transfiguration has always been my forte and my subject of choice

Professor, what did you really think of Fred and George Weasley's escape from Hogwarts (and Umbridge)? And is it true that Sirius Black once asked you to marry him, and you declined?
A few of the other professors and I had a special celebration in the staff room after Umbridge gave up and went to bed that evening :). We all toasted the Weasley boys! It was quite a lot of work to clean up the mess they made, but it was worth it for the pride I felt at being a Gryffindor. :gryff:

Sirius Black was always quite the character. It was such a relief when his year finally graduated. They did test my patience! Though my classroom and files were never tidier with all the detentions I gave. As for his *ahem* proposal, I'll just say that 'fighting like cats and dogs' would have had new meaning if half of what he said matched his name.
Professor McGonagall,
If, while a cat, another cat started a fight with you, what would you do? Also, do you experience the same romantic feelings that felines regularly feel for each other (I obviously use the term "romantic" for decorum).
Please, pardon any tone that may seem crass, as I sincerely wish to avoid being cursed into oblivion.
Look A. LethifoldI hardly think that is an appropriate subject Mr. Lethifold! I assure you that I retain my lucidity while in my animagus form, and have never run into issues with common felines. Thank you very much.


anyway, how many of the order is left now? or have you re-recruited?After your confession I'm not certain I should let you in on any official business, but since it's hardly the secret society it once was I'll say that the Order only officially forms in times of great crisis. We don't meet regularly when the wizarding world isn't threatened, so there isn't an official roster any longer.

As Headmistress, did things still become heated between Gryffindor and Slytherin, or have things calmed down between them since the fall of Voldemort? Did Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff have a similar rivalry with each other?By design the Gryffindors and the Slytherins have always had the most fiery personalities and I don't know that they'll ever see completely eye to eye. Since both Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs are known for their diligence, they tend to compete more on the academic level, but it's never quite gotten to the same level as the infamous Gryffindor and Slytherin contention.
Hello Professor McGonagall! :wave:

Firstly, you are my favourite Hogwarts teacher and one of my favourite characters in the HP series.

I was wondering what you were feeling about little Teddy Lupin joining the school this year? Have you sent the Hogwarts letters out yet for this year? Do you hope Teddy will be in Gryffindor? Does Gryffindor currently hold the House Cup and Quidditch cup, and if so, for how many years? What did you think when you first found out that Harry Potter and Ginny Weasley would be married and did you know they were together during Harry's 6th year? And what did you think about Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger getting married? And Neville Longbottom and Hannah Abbott? Were you pleased or worried when Neville became Professor Longbottom? Are you still in contact with Pomonna Sprout?

Sorry, lots of questions!
Jess :rave::huff:

Oh, wait, maybe I should be putting a :gryff:
Thank you very much Ms. Finch :)
As Ms. Drusilla mentioned, young Mr. Lupin won't be joining us until next year.
And, yes, the Hogwarts admission letters have already been sent for this year. With the baby boom that surrounded and followed the war we're expecting record numbers of new witches and wizards in the coming years.

Gryffindor is always proud of it's new members and we've done admirably in the last several years. Not wanting to boast, I'll just say that the shelf where I keep the House Cup has only occasionally been empty.

I am more proud than I can say that so many of my students found love and are proving to be upstanding citizens. :)
Since you were Deputy Headmistress, in more favorable circumstances, would you have become the Headmistress of Hogwarts?Yes, I was given that honor :)

I'm not sure if you can tell us this - but who replaced you as Headmaster?I am still the Headmistress, and with the board's support I hope to be for some time. I'm not sure if I can follow in Albus' footsteps and keep the position to an advanced age, but I do enjoy the work!

I did my detention, I cleaned the Trophies like you asked.

Were you friends with Professor Dumbledore?

What did you think of Tom Riddle as a student?

I did my detention, I cleaned the Trophies like you asked.Then you may go back to your Common Room now.

Were you friends with Professor Dumbledore?
Albus and I knew each other for a long time. I always respected him very much. He was a fine man and an excellent Head Master. I was one of his closest friends, although he tended to be rather reserved about friendships. He seemed to be a little afraid of them, in my opinion.
What did you think of Tom Riddle as a student?
Tom Riddle was an excellent student. He worked hard at his classes. He was very popular among most of the staff. He seemed to have a way with people. He was not one of my favorite students by any means. There was something about him that seemed off in some way. But I always preferred to try and think the best of the students.

Tom Riddle was an excellent student. He worked hard at his classes. He was very popular among most of the staff. He seemed to have a way with people. He was not one of my favorite students by any means. There was something about him that seemed off in some way. But I always preferred to try and think the best of the students.I'm astonished, Professor McGonagall. How could Tom Riddle have been your student if you were only two years ahead of him at Hogwarts? ;)

are any changes planned for hogwarts?

I'm astonished, Professor McGonagall. How could Tom Riddle have been your student if you were only two years ahead of him at Hogwarts? ;)I was asked what I thought of Tom as a student. That was how I answered the question. The staff seemed very fond of him, especially Professor Slughorn. I tried not to judge my fellow students too harshly, since we all had our struggles. He was a student that I didn't have much in common with, so there was no reason to concern myself with him.

are any changes planned for hogwarts?
Hogwarts has enjoyed a very nice period of peace and stability. There are always minor changes every year, but the school runs much as it always has.

I was asked what I thought of Tom as a student. That was how I answered the question. The staff seemed very fond of him, especially Professor Slughorn. I tried not to judge my fellow students too harshly, since we all had our struggles. He was a student that I didn't have much in common with, so there was no reason to concern myself with him.Sorry Professor. My mistake. The way you worded it, it sounded like you were referring to Tom Riddle as one of 'your' students.

Dear Prof. McGonagall,

I am writing on behalf of the 'Hermione for Minister' campaign. Would you consider to run for deputy Minister?

Please let me point out that we are currently approaching a number of people - but we'd be very grateful if you could let us know your thoughts on the matter.

With best wishes,

Klio

Do you know who will be the next Head teacher of hogwarts?

Dear Prof. McGonagall,

I am writing on behalf of the 'Hermione for Minister' campaign. Would you consider to run for deputy Minister?
I see your campaign has already found a most suitable running mate! Though you'd be taking a fine professor from me, I'm sure Neville would do an excellent job. I'm quite happy in my current position, I wish you good luck with your endeavours.
Do you know who will be the next Head teacher of hogwarts?Such decisions are for the board, and I've never been talented at Divination. Perhaps you should ask Professor Trelawney. I'm sure she could give you an...interesting answer. :)

Hello, Headmistress!

If anyone was as deserving of the position for Head at Hogwarts, it was you. You make a great leader. You might be stern sometimes, but discipline is key in shaping a person's character.

So my question to you is this:

During the year that He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named had taken over the ministry and, by extension, control over Hogwarts, Longbottom, Lovegood, and the Weasley girl along with some other members of "Dumbledore's Army" waged a series of... well, attacks on the Carrows and Professor Snape. How did you react to their behavior? Did you attempt to help them as much as you could? did you shield them from the Carrow's wrath?

Also, how did you feel when it was revealed that The Dark Lord was using Horcruxes? Knowing that Harry had been on the hunt for an entire year, if you had known beforehand, what advice would you have given Harry to aid in his search?

Thanks very much, you're probably one of the wisest people ever to have set foot in Hogwarts :)

Proffesor Trelawny does know the Identity of the next Headmaster, but refuses to tell anyone. :)

Hello Professor,
When you are a cat, can you understand what other cats are saying?
Is there such a feline language? And would a tiger understand what a cat is saying?

Hello, Headmistress!

If anyone was as deserving of the position for Head at Hogwarts, it was you. You make a great leader. You might be stern sometimes, but discipline is key in shaping a person's character.

Thank you for this vote of confidence, I appreciate it :)

So my question to you is this:

During the year that He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named had taken over the ministry and, by extension, control over Hogwarts, Longbottom, Lovegood, and the Weasley girl along with some other members of "Dumbledore's Army" waged a series of... well, attacks on the Carrows and Professor Snape. How did you react to their behavior? Did you attempt to help them as much as you could? did you shield them from the Carrow's wrath?

I disapproved and was angered by the Carrows behavior, but I couldn't stand up to them in public, Dumbledore had asked me to always keep in mind that protecting the students was of grave importance. I had to shield the students as much as I could, but not too much otherwise I would have been thrown in Azkaban and little use I would have been to anyone if that had happened. Of course I aided the resistance as much as possible when no one was looking.

Also, how did you feel when it was revealed that The Dark Lord was using Horcruxes? Knowing that Harry had been on the hunt for an entire year, if you had known beforehand, what advice would you have given Harry to aid in his search?

It appalled me, but it didn't surprise me.

I don't think I could have given him any better advice then just use your mind and listen to Ms Granger'. But that's all on hindsight ;)

Proffesor Trelawny does know the Identity of the next Headmaster, but refuses to tell anyone. :)

That doesn't surprise me at all :lol:

Hello Professor,
When you are a cat, can you understand what other cats are saying?
Is there such a feline language? And would a tiger understand what a cat is saying?

No I can't, I do connect with other cats but communicating with them isn't really possible as far as I know. I have no idea if a tiger would understand a cat.

Hello Professor
I'm still wondering about the supposed *ahem* proposal that Sirius made to you...:rolleyes:

Let me congratulate you about handling Umbridge..she did get on your nerves, didnt she? And also, I was extremely pleased about the "It unscrews the other way" comment to Peeves:lol:

Often comparisons have been made about who was more troublesome and made the best practical jokes/tricks..Sirius and James or Fred and George Weasley.As a person who's seen them all, Who would you pick?:p

What did you think when Neville stood up to Lord Voldemort? You had known him from that scared little first year, to a boy with no confidence to basically running the DA in his seventh year.
Us fans sure are proud of him.

Did you miss Fred and George after they left?

Good evening, Professor!

I've had a couple of burning questions about the nature of transfiguration for a while now and I was wondering if you could help me out. When you transfigure something into something else, does the object still retain some sense of what it was originally? And if so, can it be transfigured back by someone who has no idea what it originally was? Also, regarding conjuring and vanishing, when you conjure something, is it made in part of the elements of vanished objects? Sorry for bothering you with all these questions, but I really am curious!

Thank you for your time,
Jen

Hello, Professor. What do you think of Harry running for Minister of Magic?

Hello professor...!! I had a teacher at school last year.... she reminded me of you... a lot... :D anyway.... professor I thought you didn't have a choice when planning to become an animagus?? How do you find out which animal you're about to become anyway...??

Hello, Professor. What do you think of Harry running for Minister of Magic? Since I have many friends, colleagues and former students in this campaign, I have decided to remain neutral.
Having said that I will add that Harry Potter is a very fine man, one of the bravest people I know.

Hello professor...!! I had a teacher at school last year.... she reminded me of you... a lot... :D anyway.... professor I thought you didn't have a choice when planning to become an animagus?? How do you find out which animal you're about to become anyway...?? You don't know ahead of time what you will turn into once you are successful at becoming an animagi. Some people are very disappointed when they become a beetle, like Rita Seeter did, rather than a stag, like James became, although Rita was able to use her animagi form to great advantage. I like being a cat, although I am careful not be in that form long enough to get a hairball. :whistle:

Were you surpised by any of the candidates?

Why did you not think about running for Minister of Magic, Professor McGonagall? I think you would have been a very good candidate.

did you ever catch a mouse?? even if only by mistake??

Professor McG - Why isnt Sprout a member of the Hufflepuff Common room? Can you speak with her on my behalf, I can't seem to get a hold of our headmaster.

- Vita on behalf of the Hufflepuff student body

Professor McG - Why isnt Sprout a member of the Hufflepuff Common room? Can you speak with her on my behalf, I can't seem to get a hold of our headmaster.

- Vita on behalf of the Hufflepuff student body

I don't have an answer for that question. But if I get a chance to talk to Pomona, I'll give her your message.

Hi professor McGonagall, What do you do after the school term is over?

When Prof. Snape got to be headmaster, and before everyone knew that he was actually on Dumbledore's side (in the end), how did you feel?

I mean, you knew that Snape killed Dumbledore, and the murderer became the headmaster instead of Dumbledore... It must be hard to swallow the feeling, right? How did you relate to him as a staff member then?

Winky45

Professor McGonagall, I have read, about a long time ago, about a Muggle family (Dursleys *cough cough*) that took in famous Harry Potter when he was only one year old...and you (as a cat) were sitting on that brick wall, all day, and I just wondered...did you live next door to the Dursleys? Or were you just there, say, on Professor Dumbledore's orders or something? That sort of just confused me, and so I wanted to clear that up.

And anyway, just because I know you're wondering, I don't know if I like Charms or Transfiuration better...I know James Potter was rather good at Transfiguration, and on his word, said he rather liked it, and still................Mrs. Hermione Weasley (before known as Miss Granger) seemed to really like all the subjects she took...with the one exception of Divination. People say Professor Trelawney's a right old fraud, but I dunno. Anyway, I hope to be in Gryffindor or Hufflepuff, for the fact that I am not Sorted yet, and yeah.....But I think I have babbled enough, and I will stop talking now. Wait just one question? Are you, Professor McGonagall, still Head of Gryffindor House? Just wondering....Okayy, I'll shut up now.

Hi professor McGonagall, What do you do after the school term is over?

I travel and read a lot of books :)

When Prof. Snape got to be headmaster, and before everyone knew that he was actually on Dumbledore's side (in the end), how did you feel?

I mean, you knew that Snape killed Dumbledore, and the murderer became the headmaster instead of Dumbledore... It must be hard to swallow the feeling, right? How did you relate to him as a staff member then?

Winky45

It was really difficult to be polite to him but I knew I had to be, all of us that did not support Voldemort made the decision to protect the children. Therefore we had to accept Snape as headmaster.

Professor McGonagall, I have read, about a long time ago, about a Muggle family (Dursleys *cough cough*) that took in famous Harry Potter when he was only one year old...and you (as a cat) were sitting on that brick wall, all day, and I just wondered...did you live next door to the Dursleys? Or were you just there, say, on Professor Dumbledore's orders or something? That sort of just confused me, and so I wanted to clear that up.

I was there because I knew Professor Dumbledore would come to the Harry's family. I wanted to know what kind of people they were.

And anyway, just because I know you're wondering, I don't know if I like Charms or Transfiuration better...I know James Potter was rather good at Transfiguration, and on his word, said he rather liked it, and still................Mrs. Hermione Weasley (before known as Miss Granger) seemed to really like all the subjects she took...with the one exception of Divination. People say Professor Trelawney's a right old fraud, but I dunno. Anyway, I hope to be in Gryffindor or Hufflepuff, for the fact that I am not Sorted yet, and yeah.....But I think I have babbled enough, and I will stop talking now. Wait just one question? Are you, Professor McGonagall, still Head of Gryffindor House? Just wondering....Okayy, I'll shut up now.

I've been Headmistress for some time after the rebuilding of Hogwarts and that classed with being Head of Gryffindor.