She could give him detention, like making him clean the trophies in the trophy room or help Hagrid with some of the magical creature chores. That's a common punishment she gives in the original books.
In some fanfictions, she could assign him extra homework or make him study with a particularly strict tutor. This would not only be a punishment but also a way to keep him out of trouble. Also, she could make him write lines about the importance of following school rules, which is a rather old - fashioned but effective punishment.
Well, perhaps Harry moves in with McGonagall because Hogwarts has been damaged and he has no other place to go. McGonagall could then take on a more motherly role, teaching Harry advanced magic and helping him deal with his PTSD from all the battles.
In Harry Potter punishment fanfiction, a common punishment is detention with Filch. This often involves doing menial tasks like scrubbing the floors of the castle or cleaning the trophy room. Another one could be losing house points for misbehavior. For example, if a student is caught cheating in a fanfic, their house might lose a significant number of points.
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.
Good fanfiction in this regard often stays true to the original characters. McGonagall should be portrayed as the strict but fair teacher, and Harry as the brave and sometimes impulsive student. For example, if the story involves a conflict, their actions should be in line with what we know of them from the books.
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.
In most proper Harry Potter fanfiction, McGonagall is a strict but fair character. If Harry were to break school rules in a fanfic, she might punish him as she does in the original books. However, it depends on the plot and the writer's interpretation of her character.
There's also 'McGonagall's Legacy'. This fanfiction focuses on how McGonagall influenced generations of students. It has some really heart - warming moments as it shows her teaching and mentoring. It gives a new perspective on her character that you might not get from the original books.
McGonagall often serves as a mother - like figure in fanfiction. She might comfort Harry when he's facing difficulties with Voldemort or other challenges at Hogwarts. Her influence is seen in how Harry approaches problems. He learns from her to think calmly and use his wits, rather than just relying on his Gryffindor bravado. This helps him make better decisions and grow into a more well - rounded wizard.
One reason might be that the fanfiction doesn't capture the essence of Mcgonagall as Harry knows her. He has a deep understanding of her from their time at Hogwarts, and if the fanfiction misses that, he won't like it.
McGonagall as a guardian might also involve her protecting Harry from the darker forces in the wizarding world more directly. Instead of just being a teacher, she could be the one to shield him from certain Death Eaters or threats. She could use her Animagus form to secretly follow Harry when he's out of Hogwarts and make sure he's safe.