bio || minerva

PROFESSOR McGONAGALL

BASICS

Name: Minerva McGonagall Former House: Gryffindor (1936-1943) Age: 81 Birthday: Oct. 4, 1925 Gryffindor Libras will be a little bit more circumspect than other members of their House; the Gryffindor tendency to act first and think second will be moderated by the Libra tendency to weigh all options carefully before making a decision. Emphasized to an extreme will be the Gryffindor obsession with justice. Libras are the natural judges, lawyers, and police of the Zodiac, often more concerned with what is fair and just for all than what is merciful for the few. Expect a Gryffindor born under this sign to be an outspoken defender of underdogs, and to stand up for their beliefs more vociferously than the average Libra (Libras are usually too polite to say something that might risk offending other people). All Libras have the potential to become Aurors, because of the strong drive for justice, but the Gryffindor courage makes people of this sun sign who were sorted into this House more likely to become Aurors than people of other signs and Houses. Wand: 9 inches || mahogany || pliable Bloodline: Half-Blood Patronus: a tabby cat with spectacle eye markings (DH30). Boggart: Voldemort succeeding to hurt, especially her students. Mirror of Erised: The world at peace. Harry not only safe and sound, but happy. Political View: Minerva is a great believer in fairness. She thinks everyone has the right to be treated with respect no matter social status, blood, or origin. For this reason, she is a staunch supporter of the Light. Allegiance: OoTP Sexuality: Heterosexual

HISTORY

Parents: Abi and Glen McGonagall(muggle mother and magical father; Glen is a former Gryffindor.) Siblings: Gordon and Irving McGonagall (neither is magical) Minerva grew up in a poor town in Scotland. She had two older brothers, but no sisters. As the baby of the family, she often felt the need to keep up; and thus, learned to defend her opinions at an early age. She also learned the art of dodging fists which would prove to serve her well as a member of the OoTP. Also, since the family had little money, Minerva often wore her brother's old overalls and all three children had to share the few toys they owned. Therefore, Minerva never truly learned the art of being a woman. She was even mistaken as a boy in her early years since her mother kept the girl's hair short. Despite the lack of funds, Minerva had a very happy childhood. She loved her family even if her brothers often irked her with their practical jokes and sometimes crude behavior. Her parents were strict, but had reasonable expectations for a child's age. They expected their children to behave and for the most part Minerva did not disappoint. When the Hogwarts letter arrived, Minerva was glad to find an explanation for her odd behavior. Oh, her father realized she was magical and explained such to the girl, but, deep down, Minerva feared it would vanish or not be good enough for entrance into a magical school. She wasn't scared, but rather thrilled to be going off on an adventure that was all her own. Finally, she would not be the runt of the litter. King's Cross fascinated her though finding the platform proved difficult. However, once she was faced with the train, she barely concealed her excitement. She bid her family goodbye and hopped into her new life with great zeal. The train ride was rather uneventful. She sat toward the back, surveying her surroundings. The children seemed much like the ones on the playground. Some were kind. Some were rude. Some were popular. Some were not. She was worried about what this similar caste system meant for her, but she prayed to God to help her adjust and find a place with the other children. Finally faced with the sorting ceremony, Minerva put on a brave face, but, truthfully, she was terrified. She knew nothing of the Houses as her father hadn't wished to pressure her in tales of his own sorting. It almost seemed silly; why couldn't they just sort them by last name or something? She was anxious to get settled! When her name was finally called, she sat under the hat, completely intrigued by the talking piece of cloth. It was unlike anything she had ever imagined. The hat took a good five minutes trying to ascertain Minerva's proper placement. It mused that she had a keen mind with strong academic skills while also noting her desire to belong. It said she was capable of great things when pushed and also had much courage and strength. The hat finally dismissed Ravenclaw, citing the lot would be too mundane for Minerva, but was still torn between Slytherin and Gryffindor. Finally, noting she was indeed a pious girl with a zest for adventure, the hat shouted, "Gryffindor!" Minerva was shocked at the applause and cheers her sorting was met with. Never before had anyone outside her family rooted her on. It was exhilarating. She could belong to something other than her family! She could stand on her own two feet! Perhaps the hat had the right idea after all. First year was one of great excitement. Minerva made many good friends while doing very well in lessons. She was snubbed by some of the upper-class students, but she was more than accustomed to such behavior and remained unfazed. She wrote letters home, but any feelings of homesickness were assuaged by those in her House. The years continued to roll by in a similar fashion. While not wildly popular, Minerva was a strong presence in her class. She was a natural leader most peers respected even if they didn't like her. Minerva's favorite teacher was Albus Dumbledore. He was not only her Transfiguration teacher, but he also took a keen interest in the girl since he recognized her spunk and sense of self. As such, he privately tutored her and was instrumental in Minerva's learning to transform herself into a cat. Furthermore, he was the inspiration behind Minerva's desire to become a professor one day. Truth be told, Minerva developed quite the school-girl crush on Albus. She spent free time doodling his name with her quill and imagining their wedding day. Their age difference meant nothing to the girl. As with most young females, she was coming into her sexuality and Albus was the first male besides her father and brothers to take an active interest in her well-being. Upon leaving Hogwarts, Minerva continued to perfect her transfiguration skills under Dumbledore's careful eye. Nevertheless, the 40s were still a time where most women didn’t work outside the home so Minerva returned to her parents' house so that she could help them with the small 'mom and pop' store they owned while waiting on a suitable match. However, no suitor ever quite lived up to Dumbledore in the young woman's mind. Furthermore, her desire to teach and mentor continued to burn within her. Minerva obtained her wish when Dumbledore was appointed Head Master in 1955. He quickly selected his prized pupil for Transfiguration professor, thus changing the nature of their relationship. No longer was she his student nor was he solely her mentor. Instead, they became colleagues and friends. Minerva enjoyed teaching from her very first lesson. Sure, she was the 'strict' teacher and accepted no nonsense, but she was not unreasonable. She cared deeply for her students and did all she could to help them succeed. However, thanks to Tom Riddle, only one school year behind Minerva, not all was well. The Death Eaters rose to power, the Order was formed, and nothing would be the same again. Though Tom was seemingly defeated by the baby Potter, Minerva could not celebrate. She mourned James and Lily something fierce. She had taught the pair; they had been in her own House. She had no children of her own, and subsequently, she loved her pupils in a way a mother adores her babies. Still, life continued and Minerva looked forward to the day that Harry would grace Hogwarts with his presence. Minerva noticed Harry straight off, but didn't fawn as many others did. Instead, she went on with the business she was employed to do -- the Sorting Ceremony. It would be remiss to claim that Minerva didn't wish for Harry to be in Gryffindor, but she was intelligent enough to understand that James and Lily's child would turn out alright no matter what House he was sorted into. Still, her heart pounded as Harry took his turn. The hat seemed to deliberate forever and Minerva nearly couldn't keep her expression neutral. Finally hearing the hat yell the results, Minerva relaxed. She could look after the boy; he'd enjoy a better fate than his parents.

PERSONALITY

Minerva is a fierce, protective, loyal, and intelligent woman. She can come off as stand-offish since she has quite the serious demeanor, but once one knows her, she is the best friend one could hope for. She defends those she loves with all her might, but never fails to acknowledge their short-comings. She recognizes no one is perfect, including herself. She values honesty not only in herself, but in others. Minerva believes one must know both his good and bad traits to truly ever find peace. Unfortunately, this can often lead to misunderstandings and hurt feelings from those who simply see her truthfulness as mean. Minerva is quite the strict teacher since she expects her students to perform to the best of their capabilities. However, she is not unreasonable. She doesn't ask for more than she believes they can handle. She is willing to tutor and spend extra time on assignments that are unclear. Her goal is to teach, not brow-beat. Still, if a student doesn't perform well, Minerva comes down hard if she believes it's due to laziness or attitude. Minerva has mixed feelings when it comes to the Sorting Hat. On the one hand, she enjoys the idea of students finding a second family at Hogwarts and likes that similar personalities can congregate together. However, she also fears the Houses paint an inaccurate portrait of the world since children grow into adults and eventually must learn to deal with those unlike themselves. Still, as Head of Gryffindor, she is extremely proud of those in her House. She strives to teach them respect while harnessing their natural thirst for adventure. While she has no problem with standing up for values, she takes issue with poorly thought out ideas. Despite what Slytherins might say, Minerva tries her best to be fair. She docks points for bad behavior no matter which House the offending student comes from. She expects all students to be decent beings and does not tolerate cheek or nasty pranks. Of course, like most, she sometimes falls short, but the good intent is there.

DISCLAIMER

This journal is used for role-play only. Miss Rowling owns all though Minerva's current plot and characterization belong to me. Maggie Smith clearly owns herself. Original table coding thanks to khushalecki with tweaks by musesandicons.

First Person Truths


Describe yourself in one word: Fair
How would your muggle describe you in one word? She'd say I'm layered.
How would your muggle describe you in a 10-word sentence? She'd say I'm intelligent, formidable, and fair enough, but also prim and pig-headed.

Five things you love and explain:

• Oh, I adore the traditional academic pursuits of reading and writing obviously! How can I not? It took much practise and study to learn the art of Transfiguration. Besides, I'm an Order member. I need to be prepared always.
• Despite popular opinion, I'm not a complete fuddy duddy. I enjoy the WWN as much as the next person. Sure, some of the music can be distasteful, but some of the programs and softer music are brilliant ways to unwind before slumber.
• I absolutely love watching a good Quidditch match. I grew up with brothers so such events were played often. It's in the blood as they say. Every time I watch my Gryffindors out there, I think back to those innocent times.
• I know it seems awfully contradictory to my character, but I do love dancing. It can really be a thoughtful activity with having to learn your partner's body language and act in a way so you both move as one. Not to mention at my age one has to exercise somehow.
• I love teaching, but it can be stressful. I'm no martyr so getting out of Hogwarts to have dinner with some old friends is really liberating.

Five things you hate and explain:

• I think it goes without say that I despise bigotry in all forms. Skin color, heritage, blood-status, family name…really, it's ridiculous to forget we are all beings underneath those things. We cannot control most of what I listed so it's silly to fight over such. Everyone has a right to have a happy life. Everyone.
• Disrespect really annoys me. I believe students are more brazen these days. In my day…well, let's just say we'd have fewer attitudes if some of my professors were still here. However, it's not just impertinence toward authority or elders that bothers me. No, disrespecting fellow man or animal is a gross injustice to all involved.
• I don't understand intelligent individuals refusing to use their wits. When capable students skate by while those who try hard barely pass, I question the validity of marks. Wasting a brain others would gladly accept...it's a real travesty.
• I will never understand girls changing for their current squeezes. Positive tweaks to one's personality are one thing, but to act as someone else for a gentleman? Simply mind-boggling. Oh, I suppose I shouldn't say that is gender specific, should I? I've seen some of my boys doing the same thing, after all.
• Voldemort. Death Eaters. No explanation needed, now is there?

Five things about you that no one else knows and explain:

• I had a terrible school-girl crush on Albus. It's so silly, but I simply couldn't help it. You know what they say about young girls and hormones. They make us quite strange for a good number of years.
• I was always rather disappointed that Mr. Lupin didn't always do what he could to harness those willy mates of his. Good boys though. Well, other than…we won't dredge that up right now.
• I feel rather confused by some of Albus' actions at times. I simply believe in public support and private criticism. No need to air one's dirty laundry all over the Great Hall now.
• Oh, this is a silly one, but, It really irritates me that my second toe on my left foot is longer than my first. I wanted to charm it proper when I was younger, but my parents were horrified at such a vain display and now that they're gone, I simply cannot.
• I sometimes worry I should have married. I don't worry too much about those spinster comments, but a companion might be nice. Though really, it's silly. I'm fine.

Strengths: I'm fiercely protective of my students and fellow professors. I'm also loyal to the Order's cause and attempt to act fairly in all matters. I pride myself on working hard, having strong morals, and intelligence.

Weaknesses: I admit I can fall short in the fairness department despite intent and that I can be too serious People tell me I need to focus on myself. I also worry I alienate those who might deem me too scary and unapproachable.