Being an Animagus

Definition: The Animagi Power

Animagi (singular Animagus) are people who have the ability to transform into animals. Each Animagus has different transforming capabilities. They can each transform into a single animal, but can transform into any breed of that animal they choose. For example, an Animagus dog can only transform into a dog but can transform into any breed of dog they choose.

Transforming

When an Animagus transforms for the first time, the transformation is usually brought on by a strong emotion such as fear or anger. Once an Animagus becomes aware of their ability, learning to control it takes time but eventually it will come naturally to them. An experienced Animagus can transform into their animal with barely a moment's notice; it is like second nature to them. The transformation itself is almost instantaneous; the body reconfigures itself in a matter of seconds.

Base forms and Secondary Forms

When an Animagus transforms for the first time, the breed of animal they turn into becomes their 'base form'. This is the form their body becomes most familiar with and will be able to sustain for the longest amount of time when the body is under significant pressure. Once established, an Animagus can then learn to transform into other breeds. These other breeds become their 'secondary forms'. It requires more concentration for the Animagus to use these forms and they cannot be sustained for as long as the 'base form' when the body is under significant pressure.

Genetics

Error - Most Animagi share a genetic 'error' caused by the pressures and complexity of multiple shape shifting. After the first transformation and over the course of the next few months up to the end of their first year of transforming, it is usual for the appearance of an Animagus to change slightly. These changes are small and are normally associated with eye colour, skin tone and hair colour.

Inheritance - The Animagi 'power' tends to skip generations. It is common for Animagi to be born to human parents and visa versa. Although, within a single family unit, if one child inherits the Animagi 'power' their siblings and cousins will tend to inherit it as well and share the same transforming capabilities.

Limitations

Maintaining Animal Forms - Under normal circumstances an Animagus can maintain their animal form for as long as they wish. But if significant pressure is put on the body, for example, a severe injury, a sharp collision or oxygen deprivation etc, an Animagus will be forced back into their human form. An Animagus can withstand a pressure longer in their 'base form' but can still be unwillingly force back into their human form.

Breeds - Some animal groups have an enormous number of 'breeds' associated with them; cats for example. Animagus cats are rarely able to transform into every type of cat; their transforming ability is limited to a specific group of cats such as larger cats (named by the agency as 'predator cats', lions, tigers, leopards etc) smaller cats (Lynxes, wild cats etc) or domestic cats (tabby cats, Siamese cats etc). However, there are a few Animagi that are able to transform into any variant of the species. This is a genetic mutation and such Animagi don't live very long as all their life energy is used up in transforming. Also, it is quite common for these individuals to have some form of mental instability due to the amount of power and information that is being compacted into their minds.