Another theme is wisdom. Since McGonagall is a very wise character, many fanfictions explore how she imparts her wisdom to others, especially Harry. They might have her giving advice on dealing with Voldemort or handling the pressures of being a young wizard in a dangerous time.
One common theme is mentorship. Minerva often acts as a mentor to Harry, guiding him through his studies and the challenges he faces at Hogwarts. For example, in many fanfictions, she helps him with advanced magic classes.
Age - gap relationships can be a theme in some of these fanfictions. Since McGonagall is an older character, sometimes the stories explore a relationship with a younger or older partner. Also, the theme of forbidden love often comes up. The wizarding world has its own rules and hierarchies, and a relationship might go against those. In addition, the exploration of her past and how it affects her present - day relationships is a frequent theme.
One common theme is her role as a mentor. In many fanfics, she is guiding students through difficult situations, much like she does in the original books.
One common plotline is McGonagall protecting Harry from the Ministry of Magic when they wrongly suspect him of something. For instance, if the Ministry believes Harry is using Dark Magic, McGonagall stands up for him, using her influence and knowledge of Harry's character to prove his innocence.
The theme of mentorship also runs strong. McGonagall has a wealth of knowledge and experience, and in these fanfictions, she imparts that to Harry. She might teach him about the history of Hogwarts, the secrets of the Gryffindor house, or how to master difficult spells. This mentorship helps Harry grow both magically and as a character, and often leads to him being better equipped to face the challenges in the wizarding world.
One great 'Harry Potter Minerva McGonagall' fanfiction is 'The Transfiguration of McGonagall'. It delves into her early years as a teacher and how she dealt with the challenges. Another interesting one is 'McGonagall's Secret Mission' which shows her on a covert operation during the wizarding war. There's also 'Minerva's Heart' that focuses on her relationships with other Hogwarts staff members.
One common theme is her growth as a witch. Fanfictions often show how she hones her magical skills and becomes more confident in her abilities.
She becomes more nurturing. Usually, she's known for her strictness at Hogwarts, but when she adopts Harry, she softens up. For instance, she might show more patience when Harry makes mistakes in his magic studies.
The exploration of Minerva's past is also quite common. Writers like to fill in the gaps of her history, such as her early days at Hogwarts or her family background. Also, her friendship with other professors, like Dumbledore, is a theme that frequently appears. These relationships are often developed further in fanfiction to show different aspects of her character. For example, how she might support Dumbledore during tough decisions or how they might have disagreed on certain matters in the past.
Another theme is her loyalty to Dumbledore and Hogwarts. Fanfictions often explore how she stands by Hogwarts during tough times, like during the various attacks by Voldemort and his followers. For example, in many stories, she uses her powerful magic to protect the school and its students. She is a symbol of stability and strength within the Hogwarts walls.