Animal Instincts and Transfiguration

by Aiden Aterangelus

Non-fiction fan-fiction, actually. It's a book I wrote for my novel-length, which I am still working on. It's a book that they use in the fic, if that makes any sense.

1. Introduction

Animal Instincts and Transfiguration:a study of Animagi, and the manner in which they come about.
By Minerva McGonagall

A/N:This is difficult to explain, and it highlights my complete and utter geekiness when it comes to the fandom. In writing my novel-length fic (which isn't posted yet) I collected a lot of notes, and got very involved with the science of Harry Potter Magic, as it were, and as it exists in my fic. If that makes any sense. I decided then, that when one of my characters read a book in the fic, I was going to have the actual book. Obviously, they're not real book length. But I did want to share the kind of research and time spent putting them together. So, I wrote the book as if it were real. Enjoy! This is the first instance I'm aware of Harry Potter non-fiction fanfiction.

A/N: By the way, the disclaimer: all of these are based off of the Harry Potter series (which should be obvious) and the concepts for the magic, as well as the character of Minerva McGonagall, all belong to JKRowling. I make no profit, so there is not suit. Thank you.

Animal Instincts and Transfiguration: a study of Animagi, and the manner in which they come about.
By Minerva MacGonagall

Introduction

Throughout my extensive studies in the art of transfiguration, it has come to my attention that very few texts with conclusive evidence and clear theories on the subject of Animagi transformation. As a practicing Animagus, as well as a Professor of Transfiguration, it is incredibly frustrating to study, and sometimes teach, the subject matter with out reliable data. So, I have written this book as a collection of many others, studied in depth the theory behind the transformation, collected quite a lot of data from other Animagi, and come up with what I believe are reliable conclusions and theories.

Within the book, you will find research regarding the manner in which Animagi learn to make the transformation, ascertain what animal it is they can become, and theories as to why not everyone can transform. This book is by no means all-inclusive. I have no intention of trying to understand all parts of the Animagi process. Towards the end of the book, there is an instructional section for those wishing to gain this ability. I advise that if you wish to do so, read all of this book before continuing on to that section, and follow all of the safety precautions I advise within the section. This is a very dangerous art, and without proper caution, even the best of witches and wizards can end up stuck half-transformed, in their animal form, and die or be seriously injured because of it.

All of that said, the process is a fascinating one, the powers that come with it are amazing, and not to be taken lightly. I have found my abilities as a cat are frequently immeasurably valuable in my travels. I hope that you enjoy and learn from my book.

Minerva McGonagall

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: The Basic theory of Animagi, why some can and some can not
Chapter 2: Animal Choices; why we become what we do
Chapter 3: The Transformation itself: how it works
Chapter 4: Instructional Section