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This is not a magic trick: Its been20 yearssince we all met the boy who lived.

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I mean, Dumbledore?

We get it, hes a great character.

Possibly one of the most complicated and tragic figures in literature.

But here, on this milestone anniversary, its time we make room for someone else.

Someone who spent much of her life as the best friend and No.

2 to an unknowable man.

Someone who is at once stern and caring, strict and kind.

Someone who suffers no fools and breaks rules in the name of Quidditch.

Someone who can producethree patronuses at once, people.

Its time to celebrate the baddest witch around tartan loving, top-knot-rocking Minerva McGonagall.

Typically, the best place to start when trying to understand anyHarry Pottersupporting character is with the name.

Minerva is the Roman goddess of wisdom and strategic warfare that totally tracks.

So yeah, shes wise.

Its on page 602 ofHarry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

Shes constantly described as severe-looking and stern.

Its a wonderful representation of the character and a preview of how McGonagall will function throughout the series.

Maybe its because shes with Harry at the beginning of everything that she remains attached to him.

Her loyalty to Harry is her most endearing quality (her sharp humor is a close second).

Shes never easy on him, but you know she cares deeply.

But theres something extra-special about what Minerva McGonagall represents.

Shes nurturing in a non-maternal way.

Shes tough, but never cruel.

Shes a fucking legend, and deserves to be celebrated as such.