A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration by Emeric Switch

[Vampire Toy]

Image credits go to the Ministry of Magic Facebook page. I do not claim ownership of this image.

While this book should be in possession of every first year and second year at
Hogwarts, the library also offers a few copies in the Magical Textbook Section.

 

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Table of Contents

Chapter 1 ...... Basics of Transfiguration
Chapter 2 ...... Avifors
Chapter 3 ...... Fallomeles, A.K.A. Badgering
Chapter 4 ...... Mutobuprestis, A.K.A. Beetle Buttons
Chapter 5 ...... Acusignis, A.K.A. Match to Needle
Chapter 6 ...... Muresarca, A.K.A. Mice to Snuffboxes
Chapter 7 ...... Lepusfors, A.K.A. Rabbit Slippers
Chapter 8 ...... Reparifarge
Chapter 9 ...... Cochleafors, A.K.A. Snail to Teapot
Chapter 10 ...... Restituo, A.K.A. Switching Spell
Chapter 11 ...... Vera Verto
Chapter 12 ...... Fallorodenta, A.K.A. Object to Rodent
Chapter 13 ...... Conclusion
 

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Chapter 1
Basics of Transfiguration

Whenever a witch or wizard first begins their journey through the mysterious art of Transfiguration, it is best to understand what, exactly is transpiring when you perform it. Transfiguration, at its core, is a genre - if you will - of spell-casting. It has its own spells and it takes years to master. Most likely, a Transfiguration professor at any magical institution will start off with simple tests and spells, to demonstrate the fundamentals of Transfiguration because it is a form of magic that is foreign to many beginners of Transfiguration. The reason for this, as I stated earlier, is that Transfiguration requires years to master, possesses its own slew of spells, and requires perfect technique. With this book, I hope to guide you in that general direction of perfect Transfiguration.

How does Transfiguration work? With the right combination of concentration, spells, and wandwork, you will be able to transfigure anything into something else. But, looking deeper into the physical nature of Transfiguration, what is actually happening is a change of molecular structure. With proper form and spell, you are not simply changing one object to another temporarily. You are transfiguring its entire molecular structure into that of another. It is no wonder that Transfiguration takes many years to perfect!

Within Transfiguration, there are different branches of Transfiguration that should be addressed. There are currently four, listed from easiest branch of Transfiguration to the hardest: Transformation, Vanishment, Conjuration and Untransfiguration. While you may not practice all four while attending your first few years at a magical institution, it is still wise to understand the different branches of Transfiguration and their importance.

First we will discuss Transformation. Transformation, at the basics, is changing one object into another, either by deformation or alteration. This form of Transfiguration ranges from simple tasks, such as changing a match to a needle, to more complex forms, such as Petrification. Yet, withing Transformation, there are still three more sub-categories. There is Human Transformation, where the target or end-result is a human being. This includes werewolves (sing. werewolf) and animagi (sing. animagus). As always, there are spells for this Transformation sub-category, and won't usually be learned until later in most magical institutions. Another Transformation sub-category is Switching, where one - quite literally - switches a single attribute from two different objects onto the other object simultaneously, such as switching the nose of an owl to that of a rat, and vice-versa. The change on the owl depends on the change on the rat, both occurring at the same time. Even within Switching, there is yet another sub-category, Cross-Species Switches, but this is beyond the scope of this book. Lastly, there is Trans-species Transformations, which also overlap into Switching and Cross-Species Switches. This form of Transformation either partially or completely changes a target into another species. This is very difficult magic and will be touched in later years.

Another category in Transfiguration is Vanishment. Like the name describes, this is the art of making objects vanish, or simply into non-being. This form of Transfiguration isn't learned until later years of a magical institution and is difficult. The difficulty is determined also by what is being vanished. It is well-known that invertebrates are easier to Vanish than vertebrates, due to the complexities that most vertebrates possess. Unlike Transformations and Conjurations, Vanishment only possesses one spell and is the only spell needed to perform Vanishment.

On that note, let us observe Conjuration. It is opposite from Vanishment, in that it brings things into being. This form of Transfiguration is also harder than its counter-part, mostly due to the concentration, spell-knowledge, and heavy wandwork required of the caster. Conjuration also has its limitations, as things that are conjured do not stay on this plane for long periods of time, no matter how well the caster performs the spell. There are also some laws set down by the Ministry of Magic as to the usage and limitation of Conjuration.

And, finally, there is the branch of Transfiguration called Untransfiguration. As its name details, it is the branch of Transfiguration focused on the reversal of Transfigurations on objects and targets. It is the most difficult branch of Transfiguration, learned by Transfigurists later in their school careers. All professors in Transfiguration know Untransfiguration as a requirement, especially when helping beginners undo their mistakes.

Transfiguration, in general, is a difficult discipline to master. It is systematic and very exact; one wrong move or spell incantation and the Transfiguration can go horribly wrong. There is little to no margin of error allowed in Transfiguration. So, there are a few things to keep in mind when attempting to transfigurate something. First, there is the intended transformation (t). It is directly influenced by bodyweight (a), viciousness (v), wand power (w), concentration (c) and spell incantation (Z), as described in the formula drawn below:

If anyone of these factors are off, the Transfiguration will fail.

The levels of each variable are as follows:
t= end result. Most Transfiguration spell difficulties range from basic, somewhat basic, intermediate, somewhat difficult, difficult, expert
a= caster must be heavier than the object being transformed
v= mild, medium-mild, medium, medium-strong, strong, extreme
w= any, medium, strong
c= fair, moderate, complete
Z= well-spoken, perfectly-spoken - and - as clear as possible, completely clear

The limitations of Transfiguration are many, but are separated by Nature and Law. Nature Limitations are limitations that attempt to keep Transfiguration from defying nature or the rules of nature. For example, one cannot revive the dead (no matter how recently deceased) with Transfiguration, the object's size and mass must be taken into account (the larger the object, the more difficult to transfigure), an animagus form is limited to one animal form, one cannot conjure food, and, by will of nature, things that are conjured do not last. Law Limitations are limitations set down by the Ministry of Magic or other form of Wizarding Government to keep the over-use and empowerment of Transfiguration to a minimum through surveillance. This includes registration of animagi to Ministry of Magic, being watched by a Transfigurist while learning to become an animagus, and other laws beyond the scope of this book.

The dangers of Transfiguration can be very small, to very large. You might accidentally only half-Transfigure something or cause it to be permanently stuck in one state. This is why it is important to focus while in Transfiguration and to not take the class lightly. While the dangers are there, Transfiguration can be a rewarding experience, and I am proud to show you the many secrets on the matter and to help guide you through this wonderful art.  

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Chapter 2
Avifors

This chapter will look closely at the Transfiguration spell Avifors.

The word is derived from Latin, avis meaning "bird", and fors (a suffix often used in transfiguration spells) for "chance, luck, fortune". It is the incantation used and is pronounced AVI-forz.

Looking back at our categories in Chapter 1, this spell falls under the Transformation Transfiguration branch. It is used to transform objects into either a single bird or a flock of birds, depending on the desired outcome of the caster. It should not be confused with the Conjuration, Avis, which shoots birds from the wand tip and is more of a charm.

The spell itself is a vibrant blue color, and it is found that most starting Transfigurists can only transform objects into birds of the same blue color. As with more practice, however, the caster can will the color of the bird to be anything that they wish, and include patterns, such as plaid or checkered.

The level of this Transfiguration is basic.

t= Transformation of an object into a bird
a= caster must be heavier than the object being transformed
v= intent must be at least mild
w= any wand power
c= fair
Z= well-spoken, as clear as possible  

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Chapter 3
Fallomeles
A.K.A. Badgering

This chapter will look closely at the Transfiguration spell of Fallomeles, also known informally as Badgering.

The word is derived from Latin, fallo meaning to "deceive, cheat, or trick", and meles meaning "badger". It is the incantation used in Badgering, and is pronounced fall-o-mell-s.

Looking back at our categories in Chapter 1, this spell falls under the Transformation Transfiguration branch. It is used to transform objects into a badger. Badgering is the action to transform objects into badgers. It is rumored that the spell was invented by Helga Hufflepuff, but there is no clear evidence of such a claim.

The spell itself does not cast any light or noise, but transforms any object pointed at with the caster's wand into a badger.

The level of this Transfiguration is somewhat basic.

t= Transformation of an object into a badger
a= caster must be heavier than the object being transformed
v= intent must be at least medium-mild
w= any wand power
c= fair
Z= well-spoken, as clear as possible  

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Chapter 4
Mutobuprestis
A.K.A. Beetle Buttons

This chapter will look closely at the Transfiguration spell of Mutobuprestis, also known informally as Beetle Buttons.

The word is derived from Latin, muto meaning to "change, alter, or transform", and buprestis meaning "beetle". It is the incantation used in Beetle Buttons, and is pronounced mute-o-boo-press-tis.

Looking back at our categories in Chapter 1, this spell falls under the Transformation Transfiguration branch. It is used to transform beetles into buttons. Beetle Buttons are buttons that were once beetles, but have undergone Transfiguration to become buttons. Many famous lines of wizard clothing use Beetle Buttons because they are cheap to come by.

The spell itself does not cast any light or noise, but strictly transforms beetles pointed at with the caster's wand into a button.

The level of this Transfiguration is somewhat basic.

t= Transformation of an beetle into a button
a= caster must be heavier than the beetle
v= intent must be at least medium-mild
w= any wand power
c= fair
Z= well-spoken, as clear as possible  

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Chapter 5
Acusignis
A.K.A. Match to Needle

This chapter will look closely at the Transfiguration spell of Acusignis, also known informally as Match to Needle.

The word is derived from Latin, acus meaning "needle", and ignus meaning "torch". It is the incantation used in Match to Needle exercises, and is pronounced aku-sig-nis.

Looking back at our categories in Chapter 1, this spell falls under the Transformation Transfiguration branch. It is used to transform a match into a needle. This is one of the most basic Transfiguration spells and is commonly practiced in all beginner Transfiguration classes.

The spell itself does not cast any light or noise, but strictly transforms a match pointed at with the caster's wand into a needle.

The level of this Transfiguration is basic.

t= Transformation of a match into a needle
a= caster must be heavier than the match
v= intent must be at least mild
w= any wand power
c= fair
Z= well-spoken, as clear as possible  

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Chapter 6
Muresarca
A.K.A. Mice to Snuffboxes

This chapter will look closely at the Transfiguration spell of Muresarca, also known informally as Mice to Snuffboxes.

The word is derived from Latin, mures meaning "mice", and arca meaning "box". It is the incantation used in Mice to Snuffboxes exercises, and is pronounced murs-arc-ah.

Looking back at our categories in Chapter 1, this spell falls under the Transformation Transfiguration branch. It is used to transform a mouse into a snuffbox. This is one of the most basic Transfiguration spells and is commonly practiced in all beginner Transfiguration classes.

The spell is a light blue, and lingers on the object for a moment after the transformation. It strictly transforms a mouse pointed at with the caster's wand into a snuffbox.

The level of this Transfiguration is basic.

t= Transformation of a mouse into a snuffbox
a= caster must be heavier than the mouse
v= intent must be at least mild
w= any wand power
c= fair
Z= well-spoken, as clear as possible  

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Chapter 7
Lepusfors
A.K.A. Rabbit Slippers

This chapter will look closely at the Transfiguration spell of Lepusfors, also known informally as Rabbit Slippers.

The word is derived from Latin, lepus meaning "rabbit", and fors (a suffix often used in transfiguration spells) for "chance, luck, fortune". It is the incantation used in Rabbit Slippers exercises, and is pronounced lep-us-forz.

Looking back at our categories in Chapter 1, this spell falls under the Transformation Transfiguration branch. It is used to transform a pair of white rabbits into rabbit slippers. This is a more difficult spell due to the number of objects that need to be Transfigured.

The spell itself does not cast any light or noise, but strictly transforms a pair of white rabbits into a pair of rabbit slippers. The wand movement necessary is a twirl over the white rabbits while saying the incantation.

The level of this Transfiguration is somewhat basic.

t= Transformation of a pair of white rabbits into a pair of rabbit slippers
a= caster must be heavier than the two white rabbits combined
v= intent must be at least medium-mild
w= any wand power
c= moderate
Z= well-spoken, as clear as possible  

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Chapter 8
Reparifarge

This chapter will look closely at the Transfiguration spell of Reparifarge. Incomplete Transfigurations are difficult to put right, but you must attempt to do so. Leaving the head of a rabbit on a footstool is irresponsible and dangerous. Say 'Reparifarge!' and the object or creature should return to its natural state.

The word is derived from Latin, repari meaning "rehab", and farge for "color". It is the incantation used when undoing mistakes in any Transfiguration attempt, and is pronounced re-par-ee-far-je.

Looking back at our categories in Chapter 1, this spell falls under the Transformation Transfiguration branch. It is used to transform a mistake back to its original, untransformed self. It is also a spell that stretches into the branch of Untransfiguration, and is basic in the Untransfiguration branch and should be used as soon as a mistake is made.

The spell itself does not cast any light or noise, but reverses any Transfiguration mistake made and returns it to normal. This is done by pointing at it with the caster's wand.

The level of this Transfiguration is somewhat basic.

t= Fixes Transfiguration mistakes
a= caster must be heavier than the object
v= intent must be at least medium-mild
w= any wand power
c= moderate
Z= well-spoken, as clear as possible  

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Chapter 9
Cochleafors
A.K.A. Snail to Teapot

This chapter will look closely at the Transfiguration spell of Cochleafors, also known informally as Snail to Teapot.

The word is derived from Latin, cochlea meaning "snail", and fors (a suffix often used in transfiguration spells) for "chance, luck, fortune". It is the incantation used in Snail to Teapot exercises, and is pronounced co-k-lee-a-forz.

Looking back at our categories in Chapter 1, this spell falls under the Transformation Transfiguration branch. It is used to transform a snail into a teapot. This is one of the most basic Transfiguration spells and is commonly practiced in all beginner Transfiguration classes.

The spell itself does not cast any light or noise, but strictly transforms a snail into a teapot. The wand movement necessary is to wave the wand thrice and speak the incantation.

Here is a diagram on how the Transformation process should look:

The level of this Transfiguration is basic.

t= Transformation of a snail into a teapot
a= caster must be heavier than the snail
v= intent must be at least mild
w= any wand power
c= fair
Z= well-spoken, as clear as possible  

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Chapter 10
Restituo
A.K.A. Switching Spell

This chapter will look closely at the Transfiguration spell of Restituo, also known as a Switching Spell.

The word is derived from Latin, restituo meaning "to restore". It is the incantation used in Switching Spell exercises, and is pronounced rest-eh-to-oh.

Looking back at our categories in Chapter 1, this spell falls under the Switching Transfiguration branch. It is used to switch an object with another. This is one of the most basic Transfiguration Switching spells and is commonly practiced in all beginner Transfiguration classes.

The spell itself does not cast any light or noise. The wand movement necessary is to wave the wand in the following pattern:

The level of this Transfiguration is basic.

t= Switching two objects
a= caster must be heavier than both objects combined
v= intent must be at least medium-mild
w= any wand power
c= moderate
Z= well-spoken, as clear as possible