So. What if I've always thought that Harry wasn't the greatest at Transfiguration and therefore wasn't good enough to become an animagus until he was older. Say 70 or so, roundabouts. I've just read too much fanfic with him being an animagus right off the bat. He's pretty average besides his gift at Quidditch and latent knack for Charms and DADA spells...

I do have to say that being a Phoenix Animagus would be pretty kickass. Insta-Teleportation!

 

Second worst possible animagus form: can change into Dolores Umbridge.

Worst: can't change back

 

Actually, it would be funny if Harry could change into a phoenix, but would not get phoenix-related powers. No fire travel, no resurrection from ashes, no healing tears, nothing.

 

So he would be a very pretty looking vulture then? That would be amusing. Especially if everyone around him assumed he had phoenix-abilities.

 

What about their uncanny sturdiness and ability to lift immensely heavy loads?

 

As opposed to Harry's usual fan fic powers of uncanny studliness and ability to gift immensely hefty loads?

Seriously, though... all that shit gets you is people expecting you to help them move house. At least with the healing tears you aren't expected to be a pack mule every time your friend gets tired of his shitty 3rd floor walk-up loft.

He'd be better off being a plain old swan and tricking gullible women into thinking he's Zeus.

 

Nah, that doesn't work anymore. And nobody uses the golden rain since the bucket incident.