self-transfiguration

[Steve]

No: HPFGUIDX 99961

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "arrowsmithbt"
<arrowsmithbt at b...> wrote:

> Kneasy:
> 
> 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

bboy_mn:

You are correct Kneasy, I think JKR said that in an interview, and I'm
pretty sure it is referenced in "Quidditch Though The Ages". Using
standard spell transfiguration, the more primitive the animal you
transform into, the more primitive your mind becomes.

Regarding Krum's transfiguration into a 'shark head boy'; I, as well
as Harry, assumed he had done a poor job of it, but it was actually
quite brilliant. He sufficiently tranformed himself so he could breath
under water, but he retained the use of his hands (and wand), legs,
and most important, even though it was in a shark's head, his brain.

Also, note that spell only lasted an hour. True, we don't know for a
fact whether he transfigured himself back to normal or if the spell
just wore off, but I suspect that is a limitation of transfiguration
spell, some of them are only temporary where as animagus is under the
control and will of the person.


Now I must point out that the original observation that started this
thread was flawed (in my opinion).

Dave (BlueToothPaster2000) said:

> Second point - In book 4 we learn that in year 6 of Transfiguration 
> the students learn how to transfigure themselves into anything, Krum
> turned himself into a shark during one task, but wasn't very good. 
> So, with this newfound skill it could prove to become useful for 
> Harry...

I'll bet dollar to donuts** that what Hermione actually said was that
they start learning Human transfiguration in 6th year, not
SELF-tranfiguration. To me, that implies transfiguring other humans
which sound EXTREMELY dangerous. Would you volunteer to let Neville
tranform you?

bboy_mn
**Back when donuts were 10 cents that used to be a good bet, but now
that they are 70 cents, it's lost some of it's appeal.