self-transfiguration

[arrowsmithbt]

No: HPFGUIDX 99957

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, Phil Vlasak <pcsgames at t...> wrote:
> 
> Sinful Snape asks:
> >I've always wondered something and since you brought it up I will pose 
> >this questions.  When Krum transfigured himself into a shark in GOF, how 
> >is tranfiguring yourself different from being an Animagus?
> 
> Phil replies:
> I think the ability of Animagus needs no wand but you can only become one 
> type of creature.
> The transfigure  spell needs a wand but you can be many different animals.
> 

Not quite, or rather that's not the most critical effect.

Animagi retain their human intelligence and emotions when in animal form; 
transfiguration into an animal results in a downgrading to the natural animal's
level of intelligence and knowledge.

That's why Krum didn't do a full transfiguration - he'd have forgotten what
he was supposed to be doing and started acting like a real shark.

Kneasy