Dumbledore and Transfiguration

[fanofminerva]

No: HPFGUIDX 130917

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "pot_of_harry" 
<pot_of_harry at y...> wrote:
> 
> I have another question - which probable has been asked before..
> 
> When Riddle was talking to Harry in the CoS, Riddle mentioned that
> Dumbledore during his time at Hogwarts taught transfiguration.
> McGonagall transforms into a cat, and I was wondering if Dumbledore
> transforms into anything?  I suppose you don't need to in order to
> teach the subject....just curious if anyone had any thoughts on the
> matter.
> 
> pot_of_harry


I have a rather outlandish hypothesis about this.  I've wondered if 
DD is either part Demiguise or transforms into one.  According 
to "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them," a Demiguise is "able 
to make itself invisible when threatened, and can be see only by 
wizards skilled in its capture...The whole body is covered with 
long, fine, silky, silvery hair...pelts are highly valued as the 
hair may be spun into Invisibility Cloaks." (page 9)

Support: DD has said he does not need an invisibility cloak to 
become invisible (forgive me for not citing text); also, DD seems to 
be able to see through Invisibility Cloaks; his hair and beard 
appear to meet the description

Against: DD had auburn hair when he was younger; I don't think he is 
a registered animagus or Hermione would probably have mentioned it 
(speculation)

Alternate explanation for ability to see through invisibility 
cloaks: he is skilled in catching a Demiguise, so he knows how to 
look for them (beasts and cloaks)

Any thoughts?

Julie