Animagus

An **Animagus** (pl. *Animagi*) was a magical being who could transform themselves into an animal and back again at will. It was a learned skill, unlike the hereditary skill of a Metamorphmagus. This was a magical ability generally found within the Wizarding World, however magic-based shapeshifters are sometimes considered an Animagus on an advance level.

## Description

An Animagus could only transform into one particular species of animal, furthermore they could not choose what kind of animal they gained the ability to transform into. Rather, one became the animal which suited them best. 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.

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*]

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

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.

### Uses

Apart from the ability to disguise oneself, Animagi could use their animal forms in multiple ways, depending on the kind of animal they could turn into; for example, one who took on the form of an insect could use their small size for spying. One who took on the form of a venomous or predatory beast might be more capable in combat. One who took on the form of a bird could enjoy the sensation of flight without the need of broomsticks, flying carpets, or riding on flying animals

## Nature

The difference between the Animagus transformation ability and the Transfiguration of a person into an animal 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. Furthermore, an a human who was Transfigured into an animal would take on the mental state of that animal, an Animagus on the other hand would still think as they normally did in animal form as the did in their human 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 their animal form was weaker than if they were in human form.

There was a reversal spell which created a blue and white flash that would force an Animagus out of its animal form temporarily.

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 a condition caused by a blood infection transmitted through being bitten by another werewolf, whereas the Animagus transformation was skill that could learned, and while a werewolf could only transform into a wolf-like beast, an Animagus could transform into one of any creature in the animal kingdom. Additionally, werewolves could not keep their minds while they were transformed (unless they took the Wolfsbane Potion), nor could they control themselves when they transformed, while Animagi could easily do both. Furthermore, an Animagus could transform between human and beast forms whenever they wanted, whereas werewolves would only and always transform during the full moon.

## Acquiring the Skill

Anyone who wished to become an Animagus had to undergo a ritual-like process in order to achieve the ability. The process of becoming an Animagus was long and difficult and it had to be done in a very specific way, it required skill, practice, and patience.

The first step for becoming an Animagus was that the witch or wizard in question 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 into 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 resulting mixture then had to be put in a quiet, dark place, and could not be disturbed in any way.

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 everyday 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 Animagus potion.

Once the process was completed, the witch or wizard would be an Animagus and for the rest of their life would have the ability to change between their human and animal forms at will, with or without the use of a wand. However, if any part of this process was done incorrectly, it had the potential to backfire and cause the transformation to go horribly wrong (such as causing permanent half-human, half-animal mutations).

Because to process was so difficult and dangerous, and because many witches and wizards simply felt that their time might be better spent in other ways, not many people chose to try becoming an Animagus. Besides that, the skill was of limited practical use anyway, unless one had a great need of disguise or concealment

## Known Animagi

* Cliodhna (Seabird)
* Morgana Le Fay (Bird)
* Minerva McGonagall (Silver Tabby Cat)
* James Potter (Stag)
* Sirius Black (Black Dog)
* Peter Pettigrew (Rat)
* Rita Skeeter (Blue Beetle)
* Raven (White Snake)

## Etymology

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

## Trivia

* Interestingly enough, deities are also capable of becoming an Animagus on top of their own natural shapeshifting abilities as seen with Perseus. Their Animagi form reflects one of their sacred animals representing their inner spirit, hence why it is considered a shapeshifting power and a separate ability altogether.
* 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.