Every Animagus in Harry Potter – From Cliodna to Sirius Black

Animagi are Witches or Wizards who are able to transform into a specific animal at will. The Wizard or Witch do not choose the animal they transform into, as like with Patronus, Animagi are determined from the casters personality and inner traits. The animal that the caster is transformed into will have markings which bear a resemblance to their human selves, be it a natural trait or a superficial one {such as spectacles}.

Animagi have to be registered with the Ministry of Magic at the Improper Use of Magic Office. Identifying traits, such as the markings on the Animagi form are required to be given at this registration, which is then made available to the public.

In the twentienth century, there were only 7 registered Animagi due to the complexity of the magic involved. The dangers involved, such as the risk of being permanently disfigured, in the learning process are so great, the majority of the Wizarding World do not even attempt it.

The punishment for not registering yourself as an Animagi are unknown, but are presumed to be high considering Rite Skeeter gave up writing for a year in order to not be exposed as an unregistered Animagi.

Below is a list of all known characters who are successful Animagi. As a side note, it is useful to point out that while Dumbledore is not listed as a Registered Animagi, Hermione only investigated those who registered themselves in the Twentieth Century and given his age, Dumbledore may have registered himself before that time.

• Cliodna
  • Animagus Form: Sea Bird
  • Symbolism: The soul, transcendence, spirits of air, ascent, communication, freedom, sight.
  • Registration Status: No Registration System
  • Reference: Chocolate Frog Card, PS
• Falco Aesalon
  • Animagus Form: Falcon
  • Symbolism: Nobility, recollection, cleansing, messenger, observer, Solar, clarity, discrimination, inspiration, the soul.
  • Registration Status: First known Animagi; No Registration System
  • Reference: Chocolate Frog Card, PS
• James Potter
  • Animagus Form: Stag
  • Symbolism: Pride, independence, purification, strength.
  • Registration Status: Unregistered
  • Reference: PoA p. 424
• Minerva McGonagall
  • Animagus Form: Cat
  • Symbolism: Guardianship, stealth, liberty, magic, pride, protection.
  • Registration Status: Registered
  • Reference: PoA pp. 108, and 351
• Morgan le Fay
  • Animagus Form: Bird
  • Symbolism: The soul, transcendence, spirits of air, ascent, communication, freedom, sight.
  • Registration Status: No Registration System
  • Reference: Chocolate Frog Card, PS
• Peter Pettigrew
  • Animagus Form: Rat
  • Symbolism: Intelligent, enterprising, has devotion to purpose, devious, scheming.
  • Registration Status: Unregistered
  • Reference: PoA p. 348
• Rita Skeeter
  • Animagus Form: Beetle
  • Symbolism: Transformation, rebirth, metamorphosis, persistence.
  • Registration Status: Unregistered
  • Reference: GoF pp. 427, 504, and 727. OotP p. 569
• Sirius Black
  • Animagus Form: Dog
  • Symbolism: Guidance, protection, loyalty, fidelity, faithfulness, watchfulness.
  • Registration Status: Unregistered
  • Reference: PoA pp. 338-39. GoF p. 522