McGonnagal the cat

[Amy Z]

No: HPFGUIDX 18654

Rachel Hardisty delurked to write:

>Also, if Dumbledore taught transfiguration before Minerva, isn't it a 
>bit strange that HE'S not an animagus?  I know that if he turned out 
>to be another unregistered animagus it would be a boring plotline 
>since we already have found 4, but even so.

Welcome to the surface, Rachel!

He could be a registered one and Hermione, who seems only to have 
checked the 20th century ("there have only been seven Animagi this 
century," PA 18), wouldn't have found that out.  Dumbledore was born 
c. 1845, so he could have become an Animagus long before the century 
turned.

If Animagi are that rare, on the other hand, it may be a skill 
beyond many wizards, even those most skilled in Transfiguration.  
Or perhaps it just isn't worth the trouble for many.  One thing's sure 
in my mind, though:  Dumbledore =could= be one if he wanted to be.

Re: McGonagall's surprise that he recognized her--I don't think she 
should be surprised, since this is Albus Dumbledore we're dealing 
with, but I think most people wouldn't recognize her even if they'd 
seen her in cat form before.  One tabby looks much like another.  (I 
have always pictured her as a brown tabby, like my kitty, and was 
disappointed to learn that she will be a silver in the movie.  Humph.)

Amy Z

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 "Someone attacking you, Harry?" Seamus asked sleepily.
                           -HP and the Goblet of Fire
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