Timelines
McGonagall
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Minerva McGonagall is born
Her father, Robert McGonagall, is a Muggle and a Presbyterian minister. Her mother, Isobel McGonagall, is a witch. They name her after Isobel’s grandmother, who was a skilled witch (Pm). Read More![](https://www.hp-lexicon.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/teen_mcg_by_mionebookworm-100x100-c-center.jpg)
Minerva McGonagall starts at Hogwarts
She is sorted into Gryffindor, although the Sorting Hat takes a long time to decide into which house, Gryffindor or Ravenclaw, she should be placed. After more than five minutes of deliberation, the Hat places her in Gryffindor (JKR, Pm). Read More![](https://www.hp-lexicon.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/minerva-the-seeker-100x100-c-center.png)
Minerva McGonagall is badly injured in a Quidditch match
McGonagall, a very talented Quidditch player, is fouled during the Gryffindor versus Slytherin match which decided the Cup. She suffered a concussion and several broken ribs. From this incident Minerva developed a lifelong passionate desire to see Slytherin defeated in Quidditch (Pm). Read More![](https://www.hp-lexicon.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/paleta2bez_paletyres_by_natello-d907qv9-100x100-c-center.jpg)
Minerva McGonagall leaves Hogwarts
She goes to work for the Ministry of Magic in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. Read MoreMinerva McGonagall starts working at the Ministry of Magic
McGonagall starts at the Ministry a few short months after leaving Hogwarts in 1954. Her boss at the Ministry is an older wizard, Elphinstone Urquart, with whom she develops a very close relationship. Read More![](https://www.hp-lexicon.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/mcgonagall_in_green-100x100-c-center.jpg)
McGonagall refuses a promotion at the Ministry
McGonagall was unhappy at the Ministry and when offered a big promotion, she instead sent an owl to Hogwarts asking if she might be considered for a position at the school. She was offered a post and took it immediately. Read More![](https://www.hp-lexicon.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/mcgonagall-300px-mk-100x100-c-center.jpg)
Minerva McGonagall begins teaching at Hogwarts
She chose to find a position at Hogwarts instead of continuing her career at the Ministry of Magic. Read More![](https://www.hp-lexicon.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/tabby-deeterhi-100x100-c-center.jpg)
McGonagall arrives on Privet Drive in the form of a tabby cat
Minerva McGonagall disguised as her cat Animagus arrives outside the home of the Dursley family on Privet Drive early in the morning of November 1, 1981. At half-past 8 a.m., Vernon Dursley leaves his driveway and notices a tabby cat reading a map on the corner near his house, which made… Read MoreMinerva McGonagall accepts the marriage proposal of Elphinstone Urquart
He has proposed many times in the past years, but this time, during a summertime stroll around the Hogwarts lake, she accepts his proposal. He purchases a cottage in Hogsmeade for them to live in so that Minerva can easily travel to work every day. McGonagall keeps her maiden name,… Read More![](https://www.hp-lexicon.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/career-advice-pamphlets-100x100-c-center.png)
McGonagall and Umbridge give Harry careers advice
Professor McGonagall supports Harry’s ambition to become an Auror over Headmistress and Hogwarts High Inquisitor Umbridge’s objections (OP29). Read More![](https://www.hp-lexicon.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/op.c31-o.w.l.s.--100x100-c-center.jpg)
Umbridge attacks Hagrid and McGonagall during Astronomy O.W.L.s
The fifth years take the practical portion of their Astronomy O.W.L. On the grounds below, Umbridge and others go to sack Hagrid, who fights them off and runs out the front gates carrying Fang. McGonagall tries to intervene on his behalf, is Stunned and taken to St. Mungo’s (OP31). Read More![](https://www.hp-lexicon.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/mcgonagall-fc-100x100-c-center.jpg)