What *Really* is the Purpose of Transfiguration?

[barefootpuppets]

No: HPFGUIDX 39674

Greg writes:

>>And even in the bit of normal wizard life that we see when Harry 
visits the Weasleys we never see anyone use Transfiguration. We see 
Mrs. Weasley use tons of charms to cook & clean, but never 
transfiguration. If they could, why wouldn't they use 
Transfiguration all over the house to turn all of their old looking 
stuff into new looking stuff. <<

Hmmm...this is intersting. Why don't the Weasley's just transfigure 
all of their stuff into newer/better stuff? The only thing I can 
think of is that transfiguration is very difficult magic requiring a 
lot of concentration, focus, and talent. It may be that the Weasley 
parents aren't very talented in that department. It really may take 
a very special hand. We know that MacGonagall is very well versed in 
Transfiguration, but we see so many people struggling ("Your 
pincushion still curls up whenever anyone comes near it with a pin" 
and the like).

I would also surmise that they *have* to learn it for the same reason 
that we *have* to learn all sorts of useless trivia in school. Do I 
use trigonometry or calculus in my daily life? No. But, one cannot 
discern one's area of talent (or level of talent) without exposure to 
many different subjects/practices/whatever.

Heidi R.