[HPforGrownups] Animagi vs transfigeration

[Pam Hugonnet]

No: HPFGUIDX 11074



Snuffles MacGoo wrote:

> 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.

A very interesting point.  I need some time to chew this one over.  But immediately what comes to mind is Krum in the Second Task in GoF.   Remember, when his
tranforms?/transfigures?  himself into a half-man/half-shark.  Does this qualify as a transfiguration charm?  A poor attempt at becoming an animagi?   I'm flashing back to PoA when
Lupin says that nasty accidents can occur during animagical transformations--who put Krum back to rights?  Did he do it himself?  Did Karakoff help?  Was it a job for Madam
Pomfrey?    And if it is, as you say (and I believe as well, now) an expression of your inner self, what does it mean that Krum became a shark?   I don't think it bodes well for him
as a character, though I was rather hoping he would turn out to be a rather nice guy.

Sorry that I've thrown out so many hypotheticals without any attempt at answer--maybe I'll post my own answers later.

drpam
whose husband is out with the girls and the in-laws and whose baby is asleep, leaving her gloriously alone for an hour or two...