McGonnagal-quidditch 1971?

[Monique]

> > I'm not sure if this has been mentioned before, but did anyone 
> > notice that McGonnagal had a quidditch trophy which was dated 
>>1971?

> I saw the name McGonagall but not the initials or date. Others have 
> said M. G. McGonagall 1971. JKR said in an interview that 
McGonagall is 'a spritely 70' and I think it was the same interview 
that she said Snape was 35 or 36 -- Snape was in school at the same 
time as the Marauders, therefore McGonagall is old enough to be 
James' grandmother not classmate. I hope the plaque is a different 
McGonagall.>

Okay, here's my BFR (Big Fat Rationalization) for that.

The McGonnagal on the plaque is a relative of our Minerva. A child 
perhaps.  A contemporary of James Potter who was yet another victim 
of the war against Voldemort. 

After all, we know that it was a terrible time. Surely more relatives 
of characters we already know died than simply the Potters. We know 
the Longbottoms were driven mad. Perhaps Minerva lost a child in the 
battle. Maybe other teachers suffered from similar losses.

If we're going with the whole WWII metaphor. Then practically every
Professor and even every wizarding family would have been touched by 
the war. Sort of a magical version of the Blitz.

I think it would be a nice revelation and give Harry some strength at 
a crucial moment. He is not alone in loss. Others who he respects 
have suffered as much and continued on. What other choice is there?

Or maybe I've just seen too many WWII movies. ;-)

-Monique