Krum

[bboy_mn]

No: HPFGUIDX 42588

--- In HPforGrownups at y..., "grey_wolf_c" <greywolf1 at j...> wrote:
> bboy_mn wrote:
> > Viktor:
> > Off on a totally different topic. I think Viktor should have gotten
> > full marks for his Human to Shark transformation. Actually, in my
> > opinion, he did it perfect; he transformed his head, so he could
> > breath under water, yet left his body intact so he still had hands.
> > Problem with being a complete shark is, you can't pick things up and
> > carry them. So, I think he did it just right.
> > 
> > bboy_mn

Grey Wold (cool name) Replied:
> 
> Here, I have to digress. Just like in an exam, getting a correct
> answer with the wrong method must be penalized. In a math exam,
> getting the correct answer by having two opposing errors (the 
> second happens to  mend the first; it happens pretty often) won't 
> get you full marks (or it shouldn't!). Thus, getting the appropiate
>  effect with the wrong spell musn't be rewarded, either. That sort 
> of error can cause *big* problems, and you don't want to look as 
> if you approved that sort of thing (imagine Krum had transformed 
> everything but his head: he would've probably suffocated), 
> especially if you're supposed to be supervising a *safe* 
> competition.
> 
> On the same line, have you noticed how the form you adopt (when
> not being an animagi) transforms the transfigurator's thoughts? 
> Victor tries to *chew* through the ropes tying Hermione, instead of
> using his hands, which is the sort of thing a shark would so, and 
> Draco was very ferret-like when transformed by Crouch!Moody. 
> Interesting comparation to the mental process of transformed 
> animagi, which -according to Sirius's story- have the feelings of 
> the animal, but -according to FB& WTFT- the clear reasoning of the 
> human.
> 
> Hope that helps,
> 
> Grey Wolf

bboy_mn picks nits (nitpicking: get it?):

Grading:
Viktor was not being tested on his ability to transfure himself. He
was being graded on his effectiveness at getting something/someone out
from the bottom of the lake. If he had tranfigured his lower body; it
would have been over. He would have failed miserably. He may have been
able to swim like shark, but he cetainly can't hold his breath for an
hour. ANd, he wouldn't be able to hold his wand in a sharks fin. So,
he would have never gone in the lake. It would have been over on the
spot. However, he did transfigure himself in a way that allowed him to
breath underwater, have improved underwater vision (something Harry
also gained), and still have use of his hands. 

Next, the ropes; sharks teeth are sharp, human hands are not. Have you
ever tried to untie wet soggy slimy rope? Not an easy task. Have you
ever tried to untie a knot with your teeth? I sure have. Harry had
hands, but he didn't use his hands (directly) to untie the rope, he
used a sharp rock to cut the rope which is exactly what Viktor ended
up doing. 

Transfuguration of thoughts, while a person emotions may change to
reflect their animal, they certainly do not lose themselves. They
still have their original thoughts and emotions (although modified).
They retain their intellect and magical ability. Lower animals
funcition mostly on instinct, and a dog functioning mostly on instinct
would have a hard time accomplishing the things that Sirius or for
that matter Skeeter accomplished. So, I don't argue that there isn't
some change in the character of a person who becomes an animal, but I
don't see that that character came into play at all. So on altered
emotion and retained intellect, we are in genreal agreement.

Draco did not act ferret-like unless the normal nature of ferrets is
to bounce around hallways. Draco had the characteristics of a ferret
(or other general rodents) before he was transformed. I think that's
why Moody selected a ferret, because it was an animal that suited
Draco. I'm mean, the guy has always been a twitchy little ferret in my
book.

So while I can't deny your opinion, it hasn't been enough to sway me
from mine. Vitor's tranformation left him in excellent shape to
accomplish the task. Also, no one ever bothered to ask him if that is
what he intended to do. He MAY have performed the transfiguration
exactly the way he planned it, but the judges didn't recognise that.

bboy_mn