Show pageOld revisionsBacklinksBack to top This page is read only. You can view the source, but not change it. Ask your administrator if you think this is wrong. ======Shape-shifter====== =====Definition and Overview===== A **shape-shifter** is a general term for any magical being, [[creature]], or practitioner of [[magic]] who possesses the ability to alter their physical form. This transformation can be a willed act or an involuntary one, an innate talent or an acquired skill, and it can range from minor changes in appearance to a complete transformation into an [[animal]]. The [[wizarding world]] recognizes several distinct types of shape-shifters, each with unique characteristics, origins, and limitations. Shape-shifting is a powerful and often complex form of [[magic]] that is distinct from the general discipline of [[Transfiguration]], which typically requires a [[wand]] and [[incantation]] to alter the form of oneself or other objects and creatures. =====Known Types of Shape-shifting===== * **[[Animagus]]**: An [[Animagus]] is a [[witch]] or [[wizard]] who has mastered the extremely difficult and complex magic required to transform into a specific [[animal]] at will. This transformation does not require a [[wand]]. The choice of [[animal]] is not up to the [[witch]] or [[wizard]]; it is determined by their personality and inner traits. The process to become an [[Animagus]] is lengthy and requires holding a [[Mandrake]] leaf in the mouth for a full month, among other steps. All [[Animagi]] are required by law to register their ability and their [[animal]] form with the [[Ministry of Magic]]. Known [[Animagi]] include: * `[[Minerva McGonagall]]` (tabby cat) * `[[James Potter]]` (stag) * `[[Sirius Black]]` (large black dog) * `[[Peter Pettigrew]]` (rat) * `[[Rita Skeeter]]` (beetle) * **[[Metamorphmagus]]**: A [[Metamorphmagus]] is a [[witch]] or [[wizard]] with the rare, innate, and hereditary ability to change their physical appearance at will. This ability does not require a [[wand]], [[potion]], or [[incantation]]. The changes can be as subtle as altering hair and eye color to match a mood, or as significant as changing the shape of one's nose or transforming into another person entirely. Unlike an [[Animagus]], a [[Metamorphmagus]] is born, not made. Known [[Metamorphmagi]] include: * `[[Nymphadora Tonks]]` * `[[Teddy Lupin]]`, who inherited the ability from his mother. * **[[Werewolf]] (Lycanthrope)**: A [[Werewolf]] is a human who, upon the rising of the [[full moon]], involuntarily transforms into a savage wolf. This condition, known as [[lycanthropy]], is not an ability but a magical infection transmitted through the bite of another [[Werewolf]]. During the transformation, the individual loses their human mind and memory, becoming a danger to anyone nearby. The only known remedy to mitigate this is the [[Wolfsbane Potion]], which allows the [[Werewolf]] to keep their human mind during the transformation, rendering them harmless. Known [[Werewolves]] include: * `[[Remus Lupin]]` * `[[Fenrir Greyback]]` * **[[Boggart]]**: A [[Boggart]] is a non-being amortal shape-shifter that takes on the form of whatever the person who encounters it fears the most. Because it instantly changes to reflect a person's fear, a [[Boggart]]'s true form is unknown. They delight in terror and typically lurk in dark, enclosed spaces. The charm `[[Riddikulus]]` is the primary defence against a [[Boggart]], forcing it to assume a comical or ridiculous form, which neutralizes it. =====Distinction from Transfiguration and Related Magic===== While shape-shifting involves changing form, it is generally considered distinct from the broader magical discipline of [[Transfiguration]]. [[Transfiguration]] is a learned skill that involves using specific spells to alter the molecular structure of an object or being. A key example of this distinction is the [[Polyjuice Potion]]. A user of this [[potion]] takes on the exact physical appearance of another person for one hour. While this results in a change of form, it is achieved through an external magical concoction—a product of Potions and [[Transfiguration]] principles—rather than an innate or personally mastered ability. =====Behind the Scenes===== * In classic folklore, vampires are often depicted as shape-shifters, most notably transforming into bats. While [[Voldemort]]'s facial features are described as bat-like and vampires are confirmed to exist in the [[wizarding world]], the primary novels do not detail any specific shape-shifting abilities they may possess. (Pottermore) * The ability of an [[Animagus]] to retain their human thoughts and reasoning while in [[animal]] form is a key difference between them and a [[wizard]] who has been transfigured into an [[animal]], as the latter would simply have the brain of that [[animal]].
