The most importante lesson that Professor McGonagall taught us

I was only about 8 years old when I opened the first Harry Potter book. At that time, everything was magical, from the Hogwarts letter to Platform 9¾. However, one of the things that struck me the most, and that has stayed with me ever since, was the exceptional character of Professor Minerva McGonagall. She was tough but fair. Powerful but never arrogant. In that universe filled with fantastic creatures and adventures, McGonagall seemed to be the moral compass, someone who showed us that it is possible to be strong and kind at the same time.

As I grew older, I began to realize that McGonagall was much more than the Transfiguration teacher and the Head of the Gryffindor House. For me, she became an example of what it truly meant to be strong. She never needed to shout or be aggressive to command respect, her authority came from her calmness, the firmness in her words, and of course, her incredible ability to never lose her composure, even in the worst situations. Maggie Smith brought J. K. Rowlig's words to life so effortlessly that made me think that the character was originally based on her.

And when it comes to her acting skills, how can we not mention Downton Abbey, right? Maggie Smith shone as Violet Crawley, that witty widow full of clever remarks and the sharpest of humors! Although they are very different characters, both Violet and McGonagall share that quiet strength and wisdom that only time and experience can bring. Watching Maggie Smith in action, whether in any of the Harry Potter installments or in Downton Abbey, made me understand that being strong and wise doesn’t mean being serious all the time—a touch of irony and lightness can also be a powerful weapon.

Growing up with Harry Potter, I’ve always wanted to have McGonagall as my teacher, even though she was strict. She wasn't the type to coddle, but she knew exactly when and how to offer support. This taught me a lot about being fair to others and to myself. You can’t always please everyone, and sometimes you need to do what is right, even if it’s not the easiest or most popular choice. McGonagall always did this with incredible elegance.

With the recent news of Maggie Smith's passing, I found myself reflecting on the impact these characters have had on my life. For many, Harry Potter was just a fantasy saga, but for me, it was a guide on how to be a better person. And McGonagall, with her unwavering demeanor, taught me that true strength comes from character, not from power.

I also learned a lot about loyalty from her. She always stood by Dumbledore and fought for what she believed in. This makes me think about how important it is to stay true to our principles, our friendships, and, of course, to who we really are. Loyalty is not just about being there in good times but also when things get tough, and if there’s someone who demonstrated how to do so, it’s McGonagall, and she did it masterfully, might I add.

In the end, what struck me the most was realizing that we don’t need to be the loudest or the strongest to be respected. McGonagall always maintained her dignity and sense of humor, even in the most difficult situations, and I think that’s one of the greatest lessons Maggie Smith has taught us.

Through her characters, she taught us that being strong means being upright, keeping calm in the face of chaos, and above all, being loyal to who we are. And if I can apply even a little of this wisdom in my daily life, then I can already consider myself victorious!

Rest in peace, Maggie.