Rox: Good, she'll make you go to bed. Hopefully. Yes for a friend. Answer the question! :P I talked to him a bit about it but I just, I don't know if I actually got through. I worry. I don't know.
James: She did. Bullied me and promised me coffee, and I couldn't refuse.
James: I.. - it's a bit of a loaded question, Annie. Would it be a useful skill? Absolutely. It's one sure-fire way to really work on your Transfiguration skills, given most people who achieve it can spend years working on mastering it. I mean, look at the Marauders. They started in second year, only really managed to get the hang of it around fourth or fifth year, and were only truly good at it when sixth year came. Up until that point, they were struggling with it, and trying to manage a basic level of transfiguration in the process. I know you're good at the class, but mastering this is a whole other level of learning. You don't take two classes a week and hope for the best in an exam; it's constantly working, and practicing, and taking each step at just the right time, with the right ingredients, and the right guidance. Trust me, doing it alone is bloody hard. But if you put in the work, it definitely pays off. Excellent if you ever need to go into hiding, or go off the grid for any reason.
James: Would it be a /practical/ skill? That depends on what you'd use it for. What you reason would be for taking the challenge on, and how dedicated you'd be to making it happen. I've heard of people who do it simply because they love transfiguration, and they want to explore a new side to themself. I've heard of people who've done it because a deceased family member has done it, and they want to do something to feel closer to them. That, and they like the challenge.
James: And then there's the Ministry to consider. If you register as an animagus in their records, they keep a constant track on you. They know where you are every day, what you're doing, - and, quite frankly, if this 'friend' of yours really wants to go ahead with this, they should consider /not/ registering, because I don't trust anyone to let the Ministry keep that close an eye on them. At least not with Rosier, and everything that's been happening. Which means you'll be looking at breaking the law, and while it's not advisable, I may be persuaded to look the other way. Just for your friend.
James: It's a lot to think about, Annie.
James: He worries too, you know. You're both a couple of worriers, and it gives me headaches all the time.