DD as Animagus

[pippin_999]

No: HPFGUIDX 182805

CJ:
> But it being a method of stealth and concealment would seem to me to 
> argue *for* DD being an animagus. His obsession with secrecy would 
> rather *compel* him to learn this art as well, no matter how many
other  "superior" methods he already knew.
> 

Pippin:

Wizards seem impressed despite themselves with the Muggle ability to
make  huge objects fly through the air -- they probably wonder why all
Muggles aren't pilots. But to us it's a highly specialized art,
impressive, but by the same token dangerous-seeming and more trouble
than it's worth to learn for most people, even those with an interest
in aviation. Just as there are plenty of airplane enthusiasts and
aeronautical engineers who aren't pilots, we can assume there are
loads of transfiguration specialists who aren't animagi. 

It is considered an impressive magical feat -- McGonagall's
transformation generally earns her a round of applause when she
demonstrates it for her class. But Voldemort and Dumbledore both know
far more impressive magic. 

Animal forms are ill-adapted to magic, they can't talk (except snakes)
and they can't use wands -- for wizards like Dumbledore and Voldemort
who live by their wandwork and powers of persuasion,  I imagine being
transformed into an animal, even one with human intelligence, would
feel like being gagged with both hands tied behind your back.

Pippin