Wands and wandless magic

[Jim Ferer]

No: HPFGUIDX 24851

Catherine:"I think it highly unlikely that animagi transform without 
their wands.  I get the feeling from Harry, that when in the magical 
world, and even when stranded in the Muggle world, the wand is 
essential, and that most witches and wizards would feel naked without 
it."

Animagi transformation must be able to be done wandlessly.  Sirius 
escapes from Azkaban by transforming, and hasn't had his wand in 
twelve years.  Pettigrew does the same thing and *then* grabs a 
wand.  Hermione puts Rita Skeeter into an Unbreakably-charmed jar to 
keep her from transforming back to human form from beetle form.  And 
how would Rita bring her wand with her?  She can't grasp it (touching 
is probably good enough) but she can't take it, and I'd be surprised 
if many witches or wizards were willing to leave their wands behind, 
no matter how well hidden it was.