[HPforGrownups] Animagi vs transfigeration (was Re: Do Animagi choose their forms?

[Snuffles MacGoo]

No: HPFGUIDX 11038

Mike said:
"Here's an interesting question, though. Is there a difference between
transfiguring a human into an animal and becoming an animagus? I would
think there is based on the clues we have, but darned if I can figure
out what that difference is"

WARNING  I have no cannonical evidence for the following, I just *thunk* it

Ok, I think there is a difference, I think it has to do with skill level and 
probably indicates different level of attributes while in non-human form

I think that transfiguration is easier and can change anything to anything 
(porcupine to pin cushion, desk to pig for example, with the phonetically 
allied words appearing easier. You might change yourself as part of this spell, 
storm to dog, or cat, or Siamese fighting fish for example.

animagus would appear to be a *true* expression of your self. (to me), akin to 
the 'true name' concept (as I understand it) in that you can only have one and 
you don't get to choose it. I think it's a more 'natural' transformation 
because its an expression of yourself, requiring less energy to maintain 
(though more skill to execute).

You know how some people are just skilled in some things. Think about watching 
a child who is 'naturally' talented on the hockey field, or playing the violin 
or what ever and place a 'normally gifted' child next to them. With practice 
the second child might get really good but they will never have that 'natural' 
grace of the first child.

The same person could be both, say a person who's 'natural' instrument is the 
violin (animagus) might not be so graceful with a horn or woodwind instrument 
(transfiguration).

Also I think that someone who is transformed is a human (with human thinking) 
in an animal body. An animagus is a person who can access all the 
skills/attributes/unthinking abilities etc of the animal they are.

Anyone who has any cannonical/non-cannonical comment about this - I'd be 
interested to hear about it.

Storm (watching the 'last night of the proms' while I type - you'd never 
guess!)


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