OWL Transfiguration

Lesson:

Welcome to the lesson for the OWL on Transfiguration. This lesson will be covering about five years of Transfiguration so you need to pay close attention to each area presented to you. The first question that is always asked is what exactly is Transfiguration? Transfiguration is the magic to change one object into something different. It is, by far, the hardest form of magic that can be performed by any witch or wizard. There are several different branches of Transfiguration. In this lesson, I hope to give you a helpful look into what Transfiguration is and what you will need to conquer the OWL.

Most Transfiguration spells end or begin with the word Verto. It is Latin for transform and usually works to bring the spell to a close. However, in Untransfiguration, the spells are usually switched. So if you were performing a spell to switch a match into a needle you would simply say 'Compositus Verto.' If you wanted to perform Untransfiguration, you would simple say 'Verto Compositus' and you would have the original state back.

 

Transfiguration is about three things. Concentration, wand movements, and incantations. Without all three of the components, you can cause something that people call Splinching. This has happened before when you apparate, however this can happen in Transfiguration. Splinching is when you perform a spell on an object and it doesn't completely change. For instance, if you aren't concentrating on the snuffbox and you want to change it into a mouse...your snuffbox may just grow a tail and feet.

Magic is all about concentration. When you perform Transfiguration you have to look at what you are doing. Visualize what you are transforming and look into its counterpart. I can’t begin to tell you how many messes I have had to clean up because a student decided to goof off with a spell.

I have a system I use. It is three steps. The first step is breathing. It is very important to be free of mind when you perform a spell. Just taking a simple breath proves to be helpful. The next step is, again, concentration. You have to see the item you want to transform and what it will become. And the final step is the wand work.

In the world of Transfiguration, there are hundreds and hundreds of spells. During the practical test, you will have an object placed in front of you, the spell wanted announced, and you will be in charge of coming up with the correct spells. The two common spells are: Verto and Evanesco. Each spell should be proceeded by or followed by the word of the object you are changing. Transfiguration works that you can say the objects name in Latin or English and the spell will work.

 

Switching Spells

Switching Spells are a branch of Transfiguration that allows the caster to swap one thing to another. You should expect to have a spell in which you need to switch something during the Practical exam. This is one of the most familiar and most used spells in Transfiguration. Mostly, switching spells are performed on something that will resemble the object being swapped. For example, you may have had to perform the match stick into a needle. Both items are slender and usually the same length. This isn't to say switching spells can't be performed on two objects that aren't alike. It is just to say that the spells are easier to perform.

The spells for this magic is simply the item and Verto. Much simpler than one would think.

The wand work for this spell is a wave over the object. If you perform the spell correctly you should produce a blue haze over the object transforming.

 

Vanishing Spells [Invertebrates and Vertebrates]

First of all, you must understand what this simple lesson means. An invertebrate is any type of creature without a backbone. This can refer to insect, certain muggle sea creatures, or even a young man caught in a dark alley. You will need to keep your concentration because if you mess up with a spell that has this much power it could prove dangerous to you. It can only take one moment to vanish more than the creature you are trying to vanish. The one incantation you will always use no matter what is Evanesco [which will be discussed soon].

A vertebrate is an animal that has a backbone. It can be anything that has a spine. Like you. This makes performing spells on a vertebrate a great deal harder. Without the necessary concentration, your animal could vanish and leave its spinal cord behind, vanish only in certain spots, or even explode. It should also be noted that the spells to vanish a vertebrate is non-verbal. Saying the spell will not work. You must think about it and concentrate on the spell.

Now, I spoke about Evanesco before. Evanesco is a spell that doesn't just make something invisible, the object subject to the spell go away completely.

The wand works for these spells are similar in tactics. It involves one motion over the object and a quick jab to the object. You should produce a misty type that is red in color.

Cross- Species Switches

This is one of the more advanced types of Transfiguration. This is a branch of the magic that transforms one animal into another. This is specifically to animals. You can't perform this magic with a rock or branch. The animals must be animated and the spells work much better when the names are similar. For instance, most students will have to do transform a guinea fowl into a guinea pig. The spells start with Verto. The actual spell for this type of Transfiguration stays the same no matter what animal is being changed. The spell is: Proprius Verto. You say this spell, while concentrating on the object to be transformed, and you should be successful.

 

Animate, Inanimate, and Animagus Transfiguration

Animate. The definition of animate is to give life. This is one of the most complex transfiguration magic’s that you will learn. You have spells that go from animate to inanimate. And from inanimate to animate.

Inanimate. The definition of inanimate is an object or thing completely lacking sensation or consciousness. In other words, the object is dead. As you see, you can take life and completely get rid of it to create something that is dead. Or lacking sensation or consciousness.

Animagus. An Animagus is a wizard or witch capable of turning into a particular animal and back at will. It is important to be familiar with the history of Animagi and how an animagi becomes an animagi.

Animagus

Becoming an Animagus is extremely difficult, and the transformation can go horribly wrong. Animagi can assume only one animal form, and that form is not chosen by them. Rather, it reflects a witch or wizard's inner nature. While in animal form, Animagi retain all sensory perception and cognition; however, their mental capabilities and feelings are lessened when transformed, becoming more like the animal. Thus, an Animagus when transformed becomes the animal whose form is taken, but with the added advantage of retaining some human qualities. All Animagi are required to register them with the Ministry of Magic. Another wizard or witch can use his/her wand to force an Animagus to transform back to human form, producing a flash of blue-white light in the process. However, this spell is extremely difficult and we shouldn't waste our time on it.

You should be able to name two animagi from the past. They shouldn't have been illegal animagi either. Below you will find a list of them for further study and review!

Minerva McGonagall Tabby Cat

Morgan Le Fey Raven

Rita Skeeter Beetle

Cliodna Eagle

And I think we can safely say you should be nice and prepared for the OWL Transfiguration. I wish you all good luck!

 

Examination:

 

Your assignment is below and split into two sections: Theory and Practical. The theoretical portion will contain no more than twenty questions and have one free-response. The practical is a role-played assignment. The entire assignment needs to be completed by the due date and sent to Professor Felicity Shukurova by PM.

THEORY

1. Evanesco is the spell used to ____________ objects.
2. Which is NOT an example of Transfiguration?
a) Turning a human into a pig.
b) Having a teacup tap-dance.
c) Vanishing a pile of buttons.
d) Switching one's ears onto a peach.
3. It is possible to transfigure the dead back to life, just as it is possible to transfigure something inanimate into something animate.
* True
* False
4. What is the definition of Transfiguration?
5. It is possible for an Animagus in animal form to communicate with ordinary, non-magical animals.
* True
* False
6. It is necessary to have a wand in order for an Animagus to transform.
* True
* False
7. In regards to the Ministry of Magic Animagus register: what is noted for each registered Animagus?
8. Which spell is more complex: A Conjuring spell or a Vanishing spell?
9. What would be a benefit of a partial transfiguration into an animal?

10. Name two spell parts that are the most common in Transfiguration.

11. Give two animagi from history and tell there exact Animagus counterpart.

12. If you wore glasses, how could someone tell in your animagi state?

13. Transfiguration is the ______ branch of magic.

A) easiest

B) toughest

C) most random

D) none of the above

14. The art of reversing Transfiguration is called __________.

Essay:

Remus Lupin once said: "But that was the easy part, I'm afraid. You see, the word alone is not enough." In your own words, I would like you to agree, disagree, or qualify with this point in junction with Transfiguration.

 

PRACTICAL

You enter the Transfiguration classroom and notice Professor Arneson sitting at a table. On the table are a few objects for the practical. Some cages were also filled with animals as the woman waited. She sets the time and nods. You need to perform spells on at least 3 out of the total spells. Anything else will get you extra points if they are performed correctly! You will need to complete the spell and then perform Untransfiguration on each.

Pincushion to Porcupine

Button to Beetle

Teapot to Tortoise

Snuffbox to Mouse

Quill to Muggle Pen

Guinea Fowl into Guinea Pigs

Snails

Owl

Best of Luck!

Professor Felicity Shukurova