7 One-Liners That Prove McGonagall is Harry Potter's Sassiest Character of All Time
Among her other talents, Professor McGonagall is undeniably skilled in the art of dueling with words.
Minerva McGonagall is an important character in the Harry Potter franchise. A professor at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, head of Gryffindor House, professor of Transfiguration, assistant headmistress under Albus Dumbledore, and member of the Order of the Phoenix.
She was brought to life on the big screen by the one and only Maggie Smith, earning the undying love of movie fans.
Here are 7 of Smith's cheekiest one-liners from the movies that still live in our hearts.
A pocket watch
When Harry and Ron are late for class and glad they got there before McGonagall spotted them, they are surprised to see that the professor has been in class all along, disguised as a cat. Minerva's reaction is totally worth it, as she says:
"Perhaps it would be more useful if I were to transfigure Mr Potter and yourself into a pocket watch? That way, one of you might be on time."
For sheer dumb luck
When our trio of heroes manages to defeat a troll, they find themselves about to be scolded by Professor McGonagall. What appears to be a loss of points for the Gryffindor quickly turns around when Minerva says:
"Five points... will be awarded to each of you. FOR SHEER DUMB LUCK," making it clear to the students that they should not be too proud of themselves.
Silence, Wood
When a Quidditch match is canceled in Chamber of Secrets in the wake of the mysterious attacks, Gryffindor's team captain Oliver Wood says to McGonagall: "You can't cancel Quidditch," only to be quickly put in his place with just two words: "Silence, Wood."
You may be the best player, but don't play with McGonagall.
Medieval methods
Two more of Minerva's witty responses come from her interactions with Dolores Umbridge.
When confronted by Umbridge on the subject of questioning her authority, McGonagall simply replies: "Not at all, Dolores, merely your medieval methods."
Is it just us, or did Maggie Smith actually tried to sneak "evil" into that?
Oh, there are several things
In another confrontation between the two, Umbridge arrogantly asks: "Is there something you'd like to say, Minerva?" to which McGonagall, furious over the dismissal of Sybill Trelawney, replies venomously: "Oh, there are several things I would like to say, Dolores!" Unfortunately, the professor's etiquette deprives viewers of what is undoubtedly a spectacular rant.
Why is it always you three?
One of the most iconic lines is, of course: "Why is it, when something happens, it is always you three?"
Delivered in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, it fully conveys the professor's exhaustion at having to deal with the Golden Trio's endless endeavours.
I've always wanted to use that spell!
And finally, the line that many consider to be their favorite in the entire final film, Harry Potter and Deathly Hallows Part 2.
When Minerva uses a spell to bring the stone statues to life to protect Hogwarts, she smiles proudly and confides to Molly Weasley: "I've always wanted to use that spell!"
Only a true Gryffindor would be this playful in the face of mortal danger, huh?