Animagus Guide
Welcome to the animagus section of the Special Features guides. If you're here it probably means you are interested in applying for your character to become an animagus! Please make sure to read through all of this guide to get the most information on the subject. Animagi are somewhat rare even in the wizarding world. They are very educated witches and wizards and only the best in Transfiguration can achieve a full animagus form. Don't let that discourage you from applying for the special feature. Like any other application we look for
originality,
creativity, and of course
how well the feature will fit your character. That being said, have fun!
Successful animagi are very skilled witches and wizards. To be able to complete the transformation the Witch or Wizard must be very skilled in Transfiguration. Being able to make this transformation is not passed down through families or inherited, it is completely relying on the skill and the practice of those trying to complete it. It is very dangerous to attempt this on your own so it is highly recommended that aspiring animagi find an experienced teacher. Your character must be very good with wand magic to do this successfully; Elementals cannot be animagi. Training to become an animagus can start at any time but it is rare that a full transformation is completed before the final years of schooling.
The first transformation is always the hardest. It can be very difficult for the witch or wizard and sometimes even painful. In most cases "partial transformation" happens a few times before they can assume a complete animal form. This means your character will temporarily end up with parts of their Animal form, such as growing a tail or furry ears. In time, and with practice, it becomes easier to go from human form to animal form and back again. Common every day animals are the most likely choices for animagus forms. This feature is a disguise, so the rarer the animal, the more likely you'll be discovered. Magical animal forms are extremely rare and no one under the age of forty (who also has many years of experience) will be able to transform into a magical animal form.
"In-Character" the aspiring animagus will not be able to chose their animal form. It is chosen for them based on the kind of character they are. Animal forms hold similarities to the witch or wizard's human form, both physically and symbolically. If a person is independent, intelligent, and somewhat standoffish, it is unlikely their animal form will be a dog. Likewise if they are very loud, selfish, and social its unlikely their form will be a mouse. Animal forms are also closely related to the characters physically appearance. A Raven animagus would most likely be a clean cut, dark featured character. Once you have achieved a full transformation the animal form will never change, it is set in stone.
After enough time spent in Animal form even more similarities may occur. These often occur so slowly the animagus doesn't even notice them. Some are good such as better eye sight because of being an Eagle. Some are not so attractive, such as flea's from a dog. In time the characteristics of an animal are also learned. For a period of time a beginner animagus will have a very hard time blending in with their species. They will continue to act too much like a Human to disguise themselves totally. It is very noticeable and hard to hide, but with time the behaviors of the animal can be learned. Also, after an animagus has spent enough time in their animal form they will slowly be able to understand others of their species. General ideas and basic communication can be passed from one to the other but it will not be like knowing how to speak "their language". It is somewhat basic and full communication with words can never be achieved.
In animal form, no magic, besides the spell used to transform back, will work. Occlumens and Legilimens will not be able to use any of their skills. Wandless magic and apparating also do not work. The spell performed to transform between animal and human forms can be performed without using a wand. There is a spell that can be used in order to make a transformed animagus return to its human form. Every animagus has an "Identifying Mark", if this is not included in the Application it will be disregarded. An Identifying mark is something that shows in both animal and human form. It can be a dark "birth mark" kind of spot, a streak of a different color in the hair, or something more creative. Scars will show in animal form as well. All fully transformed animagi must be registered with the Ministry, the Improper Use of Magic Office to be exact. Information on their animal form and identifying mark will be included. Failing to do so is illegal and punishable by law.
