In a magical tribute that could make even a Dementor crack a smile, Emma Watson has taken to Instagram to honor the one, the only, Maggie Smith—aka Professor McGonagall, aka Queen of Sass, aka The Actress Who Could Probably Turn You to Stone with Just a Glare.
Emma, who spent years with Maggie on the set of Harry Potter, dropped a confession that left fans somewhere between giggling and facepalming: she didn’t realize how much of an absolute legend Maggie was back in the day. “When I was younger, I had no idea of Maggie’s legend,” Emma admitted, probably while the ghost of Dumbledore dramatically sighed in the background. Apparently, Emma thought sharing a scene with Maggie was just another day in the magical office. No big deal, right?
“I mean, we were on set together, but did I know I was in the presence of greatness? Nope!” Emma confessed, probably still processing how she was out-sassed for eight movies straight. “It’s only now, as an adult, that I’m like, ‘Oh, wait, that was THE Maggie Smith!’ Who knew?”
Answer: literally everyone, Emma. Everyone knew.
In her tribute, Emma described Maggie as “real, honest, funny, and self-honouring,” which, let’s be honest, sounds like the description of a Gryffindor who could roast you with a single eyebrow raise. “Maggie, there were a lot of male professors, and by God, you held your own,” Emma continued, possibly remembering how McGonagall could shut down Snape with a glance, and realizing that’s the kind of power we all aspire to.
And then, as if she hadn’t already melted our hearts, Emma signed off with, “Thank you for all of your kindness. I’ll miss you.” Somewhere, McGonagall is shaking her head at Emma’s belated realization, but probably smiling just the tiniest bit.
Maggie Smith passed away “peacefully” on Friday, her sons confirmed, which, knowing Maggie, probably means she left this world with the same calm, dignified sass that made her an icon. Rest in power, Maggie. The world might not be able to cast spells, but you sure put one on all of us.
