Minerva McGonagall--DD's Right-Hand Woman or Truly a Secondary Character?

[cubfanbudwoman]

No: HPFGUIDX 115484


Jen: 
> And unlike most of the other characters, even Dumbledore, she is 
> a "by-the-book" person living in a world that is decidedly chaotic 
> and ambiguous when it comes to following rules. Even the resident 
> bureaucrats who appear to adhere to MOM regulations are apallingly 
> subjective and occasionally corrupt in their rule-enforcement. 
> McGonagall stands out as someone who consistently and fairly 
> applies rules for the safety and education of the students. And 
> that doesn't happen often at Hogwarts.
<snip>
> Unlike Snape, who is intertwined with Harry, James, Godric's Hollow 
> (?) etc., Mcgonagall's role doesn't appear to be integral to the 
> conclusion of the series. 


SSSusan:
I have a feeling, when it comes down to it, that this is likely to be 
the most popular reason why MM is so rarely discussed.  Snape is a 
treasure trove for secrets.  DD is such an odd mix of "all-knowing" 
and sometimes *not* knowing that he's excellent fodder for conspiracy 
theorists.  Lupin, who, as you note, doesn't really have a larger 
role in the series than MM so far, has that Marauder history and 
looking the other way when his friends were jerks and some "funny" 
reactions to things which make many posters scratch their heads.  
Bagman & Fudge--people like that--also have enough history of 
questionable activity or stupid decision-making to give pause.  

But Minerva?  Nope, so far not too much to grab ahold of re: 
conspiracy theories or questioning her stance.  (Though I do wonder 
why she wasn't an Order member--or at least not noted as one--the 
first go-round.)  I suppose to be fair, she's not the only "major 
player" to not get discussed much.  Arthur is rarely talked about 
outside of the interplay between him & Molly or about his suitability 
for Minister of Magic someday.  So the WYSIWYG part of it is 
understandable.  She's just steady, rock-solid, consistent, stern but 
humorous McGonagall, I guess.  

But, darn it, even Sybill Trelawney seems to get discussed more than 
MM!  


Jen:
> While it's true Hermione *might* be like McGonagall in 40 years, I 
> think it's more true that McGonagall was like Hermione when she was 
> young! Hermione has had the influence of Ron and Harry to loosen 
> her up a bit and to see there's another world out there beside 
> books and learning. McGonagall may never have had another influence.

SSSusan:
That's true.  After all, when McGonagall talked of letting their hair 
down for the Yule Ball, she said it in a disapproving voice, whereas 
Hermione seemed to *enjoy* letting her hair down -- er, putting it 
UP, I mean. :-)


Jen:
> That brings up another thought, if everyone has a weakness that can 
> be used against him, like Voldemort using Sirius to lure Harry, 
> what would that weakness be for Dumbledore? Would it be Minerva? 
> His growing love for Harry (if he hasn't squashed that down already 
> <g>)?

SSSusan:
Good question.  I suppose his OotP end-of-year talk with Harry would 
imply that it is Harry.  But I know there are cynics amongst us.  
Wonder what they'd postulate as DD's weakness? 

Siriusly Snapey Susan