24 Transfigured Facts About Professor Minerva McGonagall

January 16, 2018 | Tony Braun

24 Transfigured Facts About Professor Minerva McGonagall


She may be a strict teacher, but deep down Professor Minerva McGonagall is actually a total badass. She has some great moments both in the books and on screen—but there are still facts you might not know about her. So sit back, grab some Butterbeer, and check out these 24 facts about Hogwarts’ best Transfiguration teacher.


24. Scot's Honor

Some Harry Potter fans may not know this, but McGonagall is actually Scottish. She was born the child of a Presbyterian Minister. Growing up in the Highlands in the early twentieth century, she would start to figure out she was not just an ordinary girl.

Professor Minerva McGonagall factsScreen Rant

23. Half-Blood

It’s no wonder that whenever the word “Mudblood” is uttered, she gets cross. McGonagall’s mother, Isobel Ross, was a witch, but her father, Robert, was a Muggle minister; her parents met and fell in love in the same village they both grew up in. The whole village, Robert included, thought Isobel went to a "select ladies' boarding school" when in actuality she was attending Hogwarts. The two ended up eloping, and Isobel continued to keep her magical secret from Robert.

Professor Minerva McGonagall factsBustle

22. Trust Broken

When Isobel did finally reveal her secret to Robert, their marriage survived, but trust was broken between the two. Robert, an honest, upstanding man, hated being lied to, and hated having to keep the secret.

Professor Minerva McGonagall factsTime

21. Sibling Rivalry

McGonagall has two younger brothers: Malcom and Robert Junior.

Professor Minerva McGonagall factsStart film

20. Indecisive Sorting

It’s how every Hogwarts’ student begins their school career: the Sorting Ceremony. McGonagall's sorting took an astonishing five and half minutes, resulting in was is known as a "Hatstall." The Sorting Hat could not decide whether to put her in Gryffindor or Ravenclaw (she eventually became a member of Gryffindor). In later years, she and Professor Flitwick would joke about this; he was also a Hatstall between the two houses, but was placed in Ravenclaw instead.

Professor Minerva McGonagall factsPotter more

19. Connection to Greek Mythology

There is usually some kind of backstory to go with every name J.K. Rowling gives to her characters. The name "Minerva" actually refers to the Roman name for Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom and war. The name "McGonagall" comes from the Celtic name "Conegal" which means “Son of the bravest.”

Professor Minerva McGonagall factsWikipedia

18. That’s a Neat Trick!

Avid book readers and film fans know McGonagall is an Animagus: She can transform into a cat at will. What fans may not know is that she is only one of seven Animagi who registered with the Ministry of Magic in the 20th century. It’s no easy feat learning how to turn into an animal—just look how long it took James Potter and Sirius Black! It was McGonagall’s passion for Transfiguration that made her want to become an Animagus, and she even asked Dubmledore for help in her final year.

Professor Minerva McGonagall factsAmino Apps

17. First to Appear

Long before Harry finds out he’s a wizard, readers get their first glimpse of the magical world through McGonagall in her tabby cat form. When Vernon Dursley is leaving for work one day, he sees a cat reading a map. Soon after that, with the arrival of Dumbledore and Hagrid, we learn that cat is actually a witch. She is also the first female character to be introduced in both the book and film.

Professor Minerva McGonagall factsSarcasmlol

16. Quidditch Star

She’s the last person you would expect to play Quidditch, but apparently McGonagall did indeed join the Gryffindor team. It’s not known which position she played, but in her last year she was knocked off her broom by a Slytherin. That incident explains why she has a lifelong desire for Gryffindor to beat Slytherin for the cup every year. Also because everyone knows Slytherin is super evil.

Professor Minerva McGonagall factsPotter more

15. School Buddies

Although it was never mentioned in the books or the film franchise, McGonagall and Professor Pomona Sprout were quite close at school. Sprout only arrived at Hogwarts when McGonagall was in her sixth year, but the two kept in constant contact after McGonagall graduated.

Professor Minerva McGonagall facts

14. Award Winner

Besides being extremely adept at Transfiguration, McGonagall received both Prefect and Head Girl badges as well as top grades in her O.W.L and N.E.W.T examinations. Transfiguration Today gave her the “Most Promising Newcomer” award as well. As they should have.

Professor Minerva McGonagall facts

13. More Muggle Love

After graduating Hogwarts, McGonagall returned home to Scotland. It was there that she fell in love with Dougal McGregor, the muggle son of a local farmer. The same summer they met, they became engaged. Unfortunately, McGonagall ultimately decided she did not want to live a lie like her mother did, but also wanted to uphold the International Statute of Secrecy, which forbids witches and wizards from revealing themselves to Muggles. As a result, she left for London and never saw him again; McGregor was killed by Death Eaters during Voldemort’s first revolution.

Professor Minerva McGonagall factsHarry Potter Wiki

12. Ministry Girl

Upon arriving in London, McGonagall was offered a job in the Department on Magical Law Enforcement, the largest department in the Ministry of Magic. McGonagall only stayed at the Ministry for two years before being offered the Transfiguration professorship when Dumbledore became Headmaster.

Professor Minerva McGonagall factsPotter more

11. Marrying the Boss

Elphinstone Urquart was McGonagall’s former boss at the Ministry, and even after she left for Hogwarts, the two remained close friends. Urquart proposed to her in Madam Puddifoot's tea shop, but McGonagall turned him down (eventually multiple times) because she was still in love with McGregor. After McGregor died, however, she finally accepted Urquart's proposal, but they were married for only three years before tragedy struck again, and Urquart died after being bitten by a Venomous Tentacula.

Professor Minerva McGonagall factsTRHogwarts

10.Dueling With the Dark Lord

During the Battle of Hogwarts, McGonagall was really the one who led the rebellion. In the books, she took out Death Eater Alecto Carrow, evacuated all the underage students, and even brought the Hogwarts statues to life to defend the castle. When Voldemort was showing off what was presumed to be Harry’s dead body, she ended up facing the Dark Lord himself alongside Kingsley Shacklebolt and Professor Slughorn.

Professor Minerva McGonagall facts Potter more

9. Merlin’s Beard!

Besides winning lots of school awards and accolades, McGonagall also received the top honor for a witch or wizard, The Order of Merlin: First Class. This award is given by The Ministry for outstanding acts of bravery, discovery, and entertainment in the wizarding world. Other well known recipients were Albus Dumbledore, Newt Scamander, and Remus Lupin. McGonagall received the award for her efforts at the Battle of Hogwarts and her loyalty to The Order of the Phoenix.

Professor Minerva McGonagall facts Suicidalstock - DeviantArt

8. Telling it Like it Is

She is not only known for her strict teaching, but also for her straightforwardness. For example, when Harry, Hermione, and Ron defeated a full grown mountain troll in their first year, she was the first to point out it was "dumb luck."

Professor Minerva McGonagall facts Potter more

7. Compassionate Teacher

When Umbridge told Harry that he would never become an Auror, McGonagall volunteered to coach him to ensure he reached his goal. Looks like she kept her word: Harry went on to to become not only an accomplished Auror, but Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement.

Professor Minerva McGonagall facts Bustle

6. Played by a True Legend

Dame Maggie Smith brought this remarkable woman to life on the big screen. Even though she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007, Smith still worked on Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince while doing chemotherapy. She also got shingles while filming the final two films, but toughed it out. You go, Maggie!

Professor Minerva McGonagall facts Getty Images

5. Rise of The Phoenix

Although most fans regard Professor McGonagall as a hero and a crucial member of the Order of The Phoenix, people don't realize that during the First Wizarding War, she actually did not join the Order of the Phoenix. At the time, the Order of the Phoenix was seen as a renegade outfit, and McGonagall focused her efforts on helping aurors from the Ministry of Magic fight the Dark Lord. In her tabby cat form, she acted as a spy for the Ministry (which still arguably put her at great personal risk), bringing the aurors crucial information about the activities of Voldemort's followers.

However, it was only during the Second Wizarding War (1995-1998) that she joined the Order of the Phoenix. As a member of the Order, she led the defence of the castle during the Battle of Hogwarts, and even duelled Voldemort, along with the auror Kingsley Shacklebolt and Horace Slughorn.

Professor Minerva McGonagall facts Pottermore

4. Friends with Dumbledore

When McGonagall returned to teach at Hogwarts, she kept letters from McGregor in a locked box under her bed. When she learned from her mother that her former lover had married a farmer's daughter, it came as a shock. Dumbledore happened to walk in on her in tears in a classroom, and comforted her while offering sage advice. He also revealed some of his own family history. This created a strong bond that the two shared from that day on until Dumbledore's death.

Professor Minerva McGonagall facts IMDB

3. Unique Fashion Sense

McGonagall certainly had a look all her own, both in the books and on screen. She seems to favor Scottish tartan: at least one of her dressing gowns, dress robes, and hats are each in the distinctive plaid.

Professor Minerva McGonagall facts IMDB

2. Scottish Pride

McGonagall also often wears a Scottish brooch on her clothing; a rare touch of luxury in her no nonsense dress sense. The brooch is in a particular Scots style, with Scottish agate and Cairngorm citrines.

Professor Minerva McGonagall facts Paris Express

1. Filling Some Big Shoes

Following Voldemort’s defeat during the Battle of Hogwarts, McGonagall was reinstated as Headmistress—for good this time. She had held the position twice before: first in The Chamber of Secrets after Dumbledore was suspended thanks to Lucius Malfoy, and then in The Half-Blood Prince following Dumbledore’s death. As Headmistress, she hired Neville Longbottom to teach Herbology, and published Dumbledore’s notes on The Tales of Beedle the Bard. She also was present for the enrollment of Harry and Ginny’s three children, and plays an important role in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

Professor Minerva McGonagall facts Screen rant

Sources:  1234


More from Factinate

Featured Article

My mom never told me how her best friend died. Years later, I was using her phone when I made an utterly chilling discovery.

Dark Family Secrets

Dark Family Secrets Exposed

Nothing stays hidden forever—and these dark family secrets are proof that when the truth comes out, it can range from devastating to utterly chilling.
April 8, 2020 Samantha Henman

Featured Article

Madame de Pompadour was the alluring chief mistress of King Louis XV, but few people know her dark history—or the chilling secret shared by her and Louis.

Madame de Pompadour Facts

Entrancing Facts About Madame de Pompadour, France's Most Powerful Mistress

Madame de Pompadour was the alluring chief mistress of King Louis XV, but few people know her dark history—or the chilling secret shared by her and Louis.
December 7, 2018 Kyle Climans

More from Factinate

Featured Article

I tried to get my ex-wife served with divorce papers. I knew that she was going to take it badly, but I had no idea about the insane lengths she would go to just to get revenge and mess with my life.

These People Got Genius Revenges

When someone really pushes our buttons, we'd like to think that we'd hold our head high and turn the other cheek, but revenge is so, so sweet.
April 22, 2020 Scott Mazza

Featured Article

Catherine of Aragon is now infamous as King Henry VIII’s rejected queen—but few people know her even darker history.

Catherine of Aragon Facts

Tragic Facts About Catherine of Aragon, Henry VIII’s First Wife

Catherine of Aragon is now infamous as King Henry VIII’s rejected queen—but very few people know her even darker history.
June 7, 2018 Christine Tran



Dear reader,


Want to tell us to write facts on a topic? We’re always looking for your input! Please reach out to us to let us know what you’re interested in reading. Your suggestions can be as general or specific as you like, from “Life” to “Compact Cars and Trucks” to “A Subspecies of Capybara Called Hydrochoerus Isthmius.” We’ll get our writers on it because we want to create articles on the topics you’re interested in. Please submit feedback to contribute@factinate.com. Thanks for your time!


Do you question the accuracy of a fact you just read? At Factinate, we’re dedicated to getting things right. Our credibility is the turbo-charged engine of our success. We want our readers to trust us. Our editors are instructed to fact check thoroughly, including finding at least three references for each fact. However, despite our best efforts, we sometimes miss the mark. When we do, we depend on our loyal, helpful readers to point out how we can do better. Please let us know if a fact we’ve published is inaccurate (or even if you just suspect it’s inaccurate) by reaching out to us at contribute@factinate.com. Thanks for your help!


Warmest regards,



The Factinate team




Want to learn something new every day?

Join thousands of others and start your morning with our Fact Of The Day newsletter.

Thank you!

Error, please try again.