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

[Jen Reese]

No: HPFGUIDX 115496


SSSusan:
> 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.  

Jen: But you've given McGonagall her much deserved 15 minutes of 
fame today!! She has many supporters even if she doesn't generate 
tantalizing conspiracy theories. And there was an ESE!McGonagall at 
one time, if anyone is interested: 

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HPforGrownups/message/39470

I think you're right that McGonagall wasn't in the Order the first 
time around, since she and Dumbledore were not confidantes when 
Harry was left at the Dursleys. McGonagall trusts Dumbledore at that 
time, and knows he's the person to go to for answers, but she isn't 
in the inner circle. 

My guess WHY she wasn't an Order member is pure speculation--like 
the Weasleys, she had a family during that time (an older family to 
be sure). Say her husband and/or children were killed in the First 
War, then she hears about Harry vanquishing Voldemort. When she 
realizes Dumbledore is in on the secret about Harry, that's when 
Minerva decides to put her eggs in the Dumbledore basket. Dumbledore 
realizes over time he can trust her and slowly allows her to become 
part of his most secretive plans.

SSSusan:
> 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: But Trelawney is the prophecy-channel lady! She's got a pivotal 
role in the story so far. Perhaps it will all turn out to be 'tripe, 
Sibyll,' but you can't deny Trelawney her rightful place in the 
Potter saga ;). 

Jen