Re: significance in McGonagall’s years of service?

[watsola79]

No: HPFGUIDX 78144

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "Rachna" <rachnastar at y...> 
wrote:
> <elizabeth1603 at y...> wrote:
> <snip>

> > I have my own opinions about McGonagall. She came to Hogwarts 
> > twenty-four years before Harry was born. I believe she is Harry's 
great-
> > grandmother on James's side, and that, for some reason (perhaps 
James's  
> > father was killed), it became necessary for her to take on a job 
to help the 
> > family out when James was born. 
> > 
> > Now, I know this theory doesn't fall in line with the "James was 
> > well-off" theory, and it's a little far-fetched besides. What do 
you think?
> > 
> > Elli
> 
> 
> Rachna replied:

> I agree in that I also think McGonagall is James's mother or 
> grandmother. When I read the message, I immediately remembered this:
> 
> ---
> Sheila McCleary: Have any of the Hogwarts professors had spouses? 
> 
> JKR: Good question - yes, a few of them but that information is 
sort 
> of restricted - you'll find out why. 
> 
> (Comic Relief, March 2001 Live Chat)
> ---
> It could very well be restricted because she is related to Harry.
> As well, she is the transfiguration teacher and James was very good 
> at it - and one of the reasons he got to be one of the top students 
> could be because he had a professor at home.
> 
> I know there is very little canon evidence, but I still like this 
> theory.

Now me:

I can't imagine this without picturing the scene where McGonagall and 
Dumbledore are at the Dursleys in PS/SS awaiting Harry's arrival.  If 
McGonagall is a blood relative of Harry's, why wouldn't SHE have 
taken him in and thus sealed the "ancient magic" that protects 
Harry?  Furthermore, it seems she would have known more about what 
was happening at the point Harry was brought to the Dursleys...as I 
recall she seemed pretty clueless and was asking DD for specifics.  

- Lana Lovegood