Animagus

"*It took them the **best part of three years to work out how to do it. Your father and Sirius here were the cleverest students in the school**, and lucky they were, because the Animagus transformation can go horribly wrong — one reason the Ministry keeps a close watch on those attempting to do it. Peter needed all the help he could get from James and Sirius. **Finally, in our fifth year, they managed it**. They could each turn into a different animal at will.*"
— Remus Lupin explaining how the Marauders became Animagi[src]

An **Animagus** (pl. *Animagi*) was a witch or wizard who could transform themselves into an animal and back again at will. It was a learned skill, unlike the hereditary skill of a Metamorphmagus. Information on Animagi was taught to Hogwarts students during their **third-year Transfiguration class.** An Animagus Registry existed to keep track of those that had learned to transform in this way.

## Acquiring the skill

It took skill, practice, and patience for wizards and witches to become Animagi. The process of becoming an Animagus was long and arduous, and had the potential to backfire and cause the transformation to go horribly wrong, if not even irreversible. Many witches and wizards simply felt that their time might better be employed in other ways, as the skill was of limited practical use unless one had a great need of disguise or concealment.

Part of the process by which one became an Animagus was holding the leaf of a Mandrake in their mouth for an entire month, using the leaf for the creation of a potion, reciting an incantation (*Amato Animo Animato Animagus*) on a daily basis, and drinking the Animagus potion during a lightning storm. Once the initial training was over, an Animagus could then change at will, with or without the use of a wand. Animagi could use their newfound animal forms in multiple ways; for example, one who took on the form of a species capable of flight could enjoy the sensation without the need of broomsticks, flying carpets, or riding on flying animals. It was debated (but generally believed to be possible) whether one's Animagus form could be a magical creature, and also debated (but generally believed to be impossible) if one's Animagus form could be a Dementor.

The process was extremely difficult and could result in disaster (**such as permanent half-human, half-animal mutations**) if done incorrectly. A witch or wizard had to keep a single mandrake leaf in their mouth for an entire month (from full moon to full moon). If the leaf was removed or swallowed, the witch or wizard would have to start over again.

At the next visible full moon (if the night happened to be cloudy, one would have to start over) the wizard had to spit the leaf in a phial within range of the moon's pure rays. To the moon-struck phial, the wizard or witch must add one of their own hairs, a silver teaspoon of dew that had not seen sunlight or been touched by human feet for seven days, and the chrysalis of a Death's-head Hawk Moth. The mixture had to then be put in a quiet, dark place, and could not be in any way disturbed.

The next thing that had to happen was for the wizard to wait for an electrical storm, whenever that might be. During this waiting period the wizard would have to, at sunrise and sundown without fail, chant the incantation *Amato Animo Animato Animagus* with the tip of their wand placed over the heart. When, at last, there was a lightning storm, the wizard had to move immediately to a large and secure place, recite the incantation one final time, and then drink the potion.

### Teaching

At Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the theory of Animagus transfiguration was taught about in third year. When Minerva McGonagall, an Animagus herself, was the teacher, it also included a practical demonstration. Talented and determined students could acquire the skill during their school years if they wished to. Minerva had become an Animagus by the age of seventeen, being taught by Professor Dumbledore, who made a note within *The Tales of Beedle the Bard* to explain for her that, while **Animagi were usually people who sought to avoid punishment when they broke the law**, she merely became one to further her studies in Transfiguration.

A teacher who taught the skill did not need to be an Animagus themselves, as shown when Professor Dumbledore, who was not an Animagus, taught Minerva McGonagall how to successfully become one.

**At Uagadou School of Magic, a school known for its focus on self-transfiguration, students could become Animagi by the age of fourteen.**

## Details

**Albus Dumbledore**: "*Fancy seeing you here, Professor McGonagall!*"
**Minerva McGonagall**: "*How did you know it was me?*"
**Albus Dumbledore**: "*My dear Professor, I've never seen a cat sit so stiffly.*"
**Minerva McGonagall**: "*You'd be stiff if you'd been sitting on a brick wall all day.*"
— Minerva McGonagall in her Animagus form at Privet Drive[src]
An Animagus could not choose their animal form. Rather, one became the animal which suited them best. **A wizard's Animagus form may reflect their corporeal Patronus**; Minerva McGonagall was one such case, both being a known cat Animagus and having a cat Patronus. **Apparently, the form one's Patronus took may have been determined by the same inner-traits as the Animagus form, as shown with Minerva McGonagall.**

An Animagus in animal form who chose to remain in that form for a long amount of time was not restrained by the usual lifespan of the animal they were. Animagus Peter Pettigrew lived as a rat for at least twelve years, despite rodents normally living at most a few years.

**Each Animagus bore an identifying mark on their animal form that was caused by some visible trait on their human body. This could be physical, like their dental structure, or acquired, like glasses.** Both Minerva McGonagall and Rita Skeeter had markings on their Animagus forms caused by their spectacles. If an Animagus underwent a major physical change, such as the loss of a limb, their animal form would reflect that, as in the case of Peter Pettigrew missing a finger, and his rat form missing a toe.

**An Animagus could consciously choose if they also wanted to transfigure their jewellery and clothing with them.**[*citation needed*]

During the 1994-1995 Triwizard Tournament, when Harry Potter was searching for methods for the second task, he wished that he could become an Animagus so he could transform into a fish and survive in the Great Lake for an hour, not realising that his form was predetermined.

## Nature

The difference between Transfiguration and the Animagus transformation ability was that an Animagus could change into an animal whenever they want, without a wand or an incantation. Being an Animagus was an ability, and Transfiguring required a spell. **An Animagus would still think as a human does when they were in their animal form**, seeing as Rita Skeeter was able to eavesdrop on others' conversations when she was in the form of a beetle. However, an **Animagus' feelings were not as complex when they were in their animal form**; to beings with the ability to sense emotions, they might even mistake an Animagus in animal form as an individual with "waning sanity". **A Dementor's influence on an Animagus in its animal form was weaker than on its human form.**

**Animagi also had the ability to communicate with normal animals.** There seemed to be a clear understanding of want and need in this ability, but the full extent and quality is unknown. Sirius Black's Animagus form, a black dog named Padfoot or Snuffles, was able to communicate on a rudimentary level with Crookshanks, Hermione Granger's part-kneazle cat. As well, Peter Pettigrew's Animagus form, a grey rat named Wormtail or Scabbers, was able to communicate on the same level with passing rats that gave him hints and directions as he travelled around Albania in search of Voldemort. **The precise form of communication is yet unknown, though it was probably not telepathy since Sirius did not know Crookshanks' name until Hermione told him.**

There was a reversal spell which created a blue and white flash that would force an Animagus out of its animal form temporarily. Remus Lupin and Sirius Black once used it to force Peter Pettigrew out of his rat form. This spell could possibly be the Homorphus Charm that Gilderoy Lockhart claimed he used on the Wagga Wagga Werewolf to force him into his human form.

It was also important to note that werewolves were fundamentally different from Animagi, despite the spell to force each species to take human form likely being the same. Lycanthropy was caused by a blood infection transmitted through being bitten by another werewolf, whereas the Animagus skill was learned. The werewolves could not keep their minds after a transformation (unless they took the Wolfsbane Potion), nor could they control themselves when they transformed, while Animagi could do both. However, **as werewolves only harmed humans, Animagi, while in their animal forms, were safe to be in the company of werewolves. They could actually help calm them down and make the transformations easier**, as demonstrated with the Marauders: three of them transformed to help the fourth, who was inflicted with such a curse.

## Wizarding law

"*You know that I can disguise myself most effectively.*"
— Peter Pettigrew speaking about his advantage of being unregistered[src]

**Every Animagus was required to register with the Ministry of Magic at the Animagus Registry. This registration included revealing one's animal form and one's distinguishing markings. The register was available to the public.** The primary reason for registration was to ensure the Animagi did not abuse their abilities, as the Ministry would be able to keep track of them. A prime example was that Rita Skeeter was able to get into Hogwarts undetected (despite being banned from Hogwarts grounds by Dumbledore) by transforming into a beetle.

Sirius Black was able to escape from Azkaban and infiltrate Hogwarts Castle in his Animagus form, as the Ministry did not take this into account when imprisoning him. Peter Pettigrew managed to fake his death and hide from the rest of the world in his Animagus form, as the Ministry did not take this into account either since it would help them consider the possibility that he was alive; Pettigrew regarded this advantage as an effective disguise for the Dark Lord.

**The penalty for failing to register as an Animagus was a sentence in Azkaban, although the length of time is unknown.** Rita Skeeter gave up an entire year of writing articles, her main means of livelihood, so that Hermione Granger would not turn her in as unregistered, and consented to writing an article about Harry's account of the night Lord Voldemort was resurrected, free of charge at Hermione's request. That suggests a rather lengthy sentence, even though being sent to Azkaban for any length of time was a considerably bad punishment to begin with.

### Animagus Registry

Due to the complexity of the magic involved, the time it took, and the limited use (for those who were registered) of the ability, Animagi eventually became **very rare**. There was a total of **seven known registered Animagi in the twentieth century**, among who there was Hogwarts' Transiguration Professor Minerva McGonagall. According to Remus Lupin, it was also **partially because of this complexity that Animagi were required to register themselves.**

### Unregistered Animagi

The 2579th edition of *Transfiguration Today* contained a guide to identifying unregistered Animagi.

During the 1980s, Talbott Winger, an unregistered Eagle Animagus, attended Hogwarts. **He refused to register out of fear for his personal safety as his parents fought against Lord Voldemort and were killed by Death Eaters in retaliation.** They were identified at least partly due to his mother, a Swan Animagus, being registered. Professor McGonagall was aware of Talbott's status and respected his decision.

Jacob's sibling had the option of becoming an Animagus during their time as Hogwarts. If they succeeded, they were unregistered, at least temporarily, during the school year. However, they had the option of registering with the Ministry during their free time.

During the 1990–1991 school year, the British Ministry of Magic arrested Olivier Kikkert, an unregistered frog Animagus.

On the night of 6 June, 1994, Remus Lupin stated that the Ministry "*never knew that there used to be three unregistered Animagi running around Hogwarts*", the three being his schoolmates Sirius Black, Peter Pettigrew and the late James Potter; Black's, Pettigrew's and Potter's Animagi nature was revealed by Remus Lupin to Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley in the Shrieking Shack, and by Sirius Black himself to Albus Dumbledore in Professor Flitwick's office on the same night. The existence of a fourth unregistered Animagus, Rita Skeeter, was spotted by Hermione Granger about a year later, and revealed to Harry Potter and Ron Weasley in June 1995 (on the Hogwarts Express returning to London) and, indirectly, to Luna Lovegood on February 14th, 1996 (at the Three Broomsticks Inn). Albus Dumbledore indirectly stated that the Marauders never revealed to anyone, the Order of the Phoenix included, that three of them became Animagi until mid-1994, when Sirius Black told the entire story to him. It is unknown if Lily Evans knew it, but as she married James Potter, she supposedly did.

## Known and speculated Animagi

### Pre-registration system

Falco Aesalon - Falcon

Cliodna - Seabird

Morrigan - Crow

Morgan le Fay - Bird

Lisette de Lapin - White rabbit (possibly)

### Post-registration system

Minerva McGonagall -

Silver Tabby Cat (registered)

James Potter -

Stag (unregistered)

Sirius Black -

Black dog (unregistered)

Peter Pettigrew -

Grey Rat (unregistered)

Rita Skeeter -

Blue beetle (unregistered)

Unidentified witch -

Black cat (registered)

Adrian Tutley - gerbil

Talbott Winger - Eagle (unregistered)

Talbott Winger's mother - White Swan

Jacob's sibling - Brown dog, Black and white cat or an Eagle

Olivier Kikkert - Frog (unregistered)

Bly - Lemur

Ambrose Turner - Butterfly

* Unidentified five Animagi

### Miscellaneous

Babbitty Rabbitty - Rabbit

(fictional character)

Unidentified Native American wizard - Bald Eagle

Unidentified 1920s Animagus - Duck (possibly)

* Uagadou School Team - elephants and cheetahs

## Etymology

*Animagus* is a combination of the word "animal" and the Latin word *magus*, meaning "magician"; thus, the term meant "animal wizard."

## Behind the scenes

* According to W.O.M.B.A.T., an Animagus transformation is two of the following: a kind of Self-Transfiguration, a kind of Self-Charm, or a kind of magic that is neither Transfiguration nor Charm. You are asked to pick the statement that is incorrect. This would mean Animagus transformation is either a kind of Self-Transfiguration but not actually a Transfiguration or Charm, a kind of Self-Charm but not actually a Transfiguration or Charm, or a kind of Self-Transfiguration and Charms.
	+ Logically, it would be possible for the Animagus transformation to be both a Self-Charm and a Self-Transfiguration because if either the Self-Transfiguration or the Self-Charm statements were wrong, you would have been left with two conflicting statements, one that affirms the status of this and one that specifically denies the affirmation.
	+ It is worth noting that James Potter saved Severus Snape from Remus Lupin *without* transforming himself, because Snape told to Dumbledore about Lupin being a werewolf, but never mentioned Potter being an Animagus, as can be deduced by the fact that Dumbledore, as stated above, didn't know it.
* **It is not known if the registration system is used worldwide, or just by some countries.**
	+ Interestingly, the first four known Animagi prior to the registration system all took the form of birds (Falco Aesalon, Morrigan, Morgan le Fay and Cliodna). The two known registered Animagi both become cats (Minerva McGonagall and an unknown witch).
* **Given an Animagus form is determined by the wizard's personality, it's unknown if the culture the wizard lives in has any influence.** Some animals are attributed with different traits in various cultures. For example, Mongolian culture has historically revered wolves, attributing them as the ultimate hunters who can only die by human hand if the wolf consents to death as wolves are considered to be inherently superior to mankind. In other cultures, wolves are vilified and treated as cowardly, blood thirsty, and loathsome beasts.
* In Latin, the female form of Magus is Maga. However, in canon, female Animagi are never referred to as "Animaga" or "Animagae", which would be the female plural.
* J. K. Rowling has stated that she would fancy an otter — her favourite animal — as her Animagus form, though if she actually transformed, she suspects she might be "a guinea pig or something, which would be quite embarrassing."
* **J. K. Rowling once joked that Godric Gryffindor was actually the Giant Squid in the Hogwarts lake, however this is not considered canon.**[*citation needed*]
* In the film adaptation of *Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban*:
	+ Peter Pettigrew is fully clothed when he transforms to his human form in the Shrieking Shack, but later, when he transforms to a rat, he leaves his clothes behind, demonstrating that **a wizard is able to consciously choose to transform what they are wearing along with them.**
	+ Sirius's Animagus form is a large, mangy and tough looking dog but in the film adaptation of *Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix*, he looks more like a kind harmless dog. It could be that he fixed his appearances in his human form, as well as the fact that he was potentially recovering from being mentally and emotionally broken due to the loss of James and Lily, the betrayal of Pettigrew, his framing, and his years of imprisonment in Azkaban.
* In *Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery*, Jacob's sibling has the option to become an Eagle, Black And White Cat, or brown Dog animagus in a time-limited, optional sidequest. Those that do finish the side quest, discuss the possibly of registering with the Ministry with Talbott Winger. Talbott refuses to register, fearing he may suffer the same fate as his parents, who were identified and killed by Death Eaters. However, Talbott states that he will respect whatever choice Jacob's sibling makes on whether or not they decide to register.