Third Years, Lesson Six: Registering as an Animagus
"It can take years, even decades for some, to master the ability. Everyone is different, and responds to the process in their own way. The training is strict and requires the utmost concentration. The mind is a complex system that you have to learn to take control of in order to master Transfiguration." Edward thought of the student who had approached him for animagus training and how much work she had ahead of her to achieve full transformation. "There have been a great number of people who have tried and failed, even some have gone on to transfigure themselves into an animal with no way to reverse it." There was no telling how many animals in the world right now could have potentially once been people, stuck that way forever. Which was not a thought he'd like to linger on. "Failure is part of the process, something you'll have to deal with if becoming an Animagus is your goal. As is the hard work you'll need to put in. Transfiguring yourself into an animal literally means having to transfigure the cells in your body to those of that animal. It takes a lot of effort to make those cells listen to what you're trying to do."
Edward paused so everyone could have a moment to catch up with what he had said, then continued. "Once you successfully become an Animagus, you must register with the Ministry of Magic. This is a time consuming process because you'll have to undergo tests about your ability and responsibility. We don't want Animagi using their skills to go unrecognised and break the law. Which is why the registration includes any specific markings or traits of your Animagus form so you're easier to identify. Those who wear glasses can find their animal form has ring like patterns around the eyes, for example. Blindness, deafness, missing appendages, are all also things that will cross over into your animagus form." He paused again, although perhaps more for himself than for his students. He dreaded giving long lectures as much as he was sure his students dreaded having to sit through them, but the information needed to be given.
"There are more examples of failure than success. For example has anyone heard how one time a boy managed to turn himself into an anteater for a few seconds but faced the repercussions of his failure when he felt the urge to eat insects for the remainder of the week?" Edward told them, deciding on a rather innocent example compared to others he'd heard. "He was one of the lucky ones comparably. Others have become disfigured permanently with some of the features of the animal. Like I told you last week, you do not have control over what animal you might turn into. There's a couple of things that could give you hints about it, but it's never sure until you successfully master the art of becoming an Animagus." He finished. "Right, I'd hate to give you homework so late in the term but I promise it's not that bad." Edward offered them a smile. "Simply write to me about what animal you think you'd be as an Animagus and why. And should you stumble upon any questions while preparing for exams, my door is always open."
Roleplay the lesson for full marks.
Write about one or two animals you think your Animagus form could be for extra credit. Doesn't have to be long, between 50-100 words is fine.