Here is a list of the most common male names in America (based on the 1990 census). I'd recommend Joseph- it seems like a very universal name to me. You can always go with 'Bob' for amusement value.

 

I don't know, I think it would be more amusing for him to go with Richard, myself. That way, Harry could call his mentor a dick and potentially get away with it, just because it's a common nickname for that name.

 

For an animagus form, perhaps you could consider a type of spider? I just thought of it there. The more lethal forms of spiders definitily aren't cowards, there are certainly predators, obviously they can't learn magic (or if they can, we need to become very worried), the ones that exist in groups have a structured heirarchy if I remember my Steve Irwin and Steve Austin programmes correctly.

And it would also be very original, and very useful from the point of view of scarying the shit out of Ron. Would he ever go near Harry again, if he knew that at any time Harry could turn himself into a gigantic poisonous spider. (By the way, I'm thinking something really huge like the Bird Eater Spider, which quite literally eats birds, and is of a size to match that, not some sort of rather comparitively pussyish spider like the tarantula.)

 

If you go the magical creature Animagus way, then how about an Acromantula? Generally though, that's a big no-no.

 

Great resource. Joseph translates well into most romantic and many non-romantic languages...

EDIT: OK guys! about halfway through the first chapter/prologue. Unfortunately, the prologue concentrates on the mentor (I've gone with Joseph for now, btw) and a bit of his background. Hopefully I'll have the whole chapter finished before the sun rises and the birds come out and begin to chirp, preventing my sleep. The chapter should end with baby Harry being taken away from Privet Drive.


Is this an acceptable way to start a fic? Meaning is it OK that Harry plays a pretty minor role in the first chapter? Don't worry, as every other chapter sparing a few will be completely Harry-Centric, including the second chapter, chapter one/two, depending on if I call the first a prologue.

Anyone who would like to read it in advance/help me edit it please PM me. I could use all the criticism I can get, being that I'm writing this at 4am... and that this is the first time I'm attempting to really write fiction.

 

From the standpoint of an interesting plot element I agree this would be an interesting idea.

However, from the standpoint that spiders are foul, demonic creatures that should be erradicated by the fastest and most painful method possible...I'd say pick a different critter.

Just remember these basic rule for animals:

More than 4 legs or less than 2 legs = kill on sight with no remorse

4 legs or 2 legs = inspect further

4 legs with scales = check size and teeth count

4 legs, scales, and larger than a bread box = kill on sight, feel bad after

4 legs, scales, smaller than a bread box = let it live and maybe get a good photo

4 legs with fur = okay unless it's attempting to eat you or otherwise injure you

2 legs = it's either a monkey of some type, a pissed gorilla, or a human. Use your best judgement, but remember that when in doubt kill first, blame poachers second.

 

How many animal species with more than four legs are there, aside from spiders and ants?

On a second thought, I was thinking of a flamingo. An interesting plot developement might be Harry smuggling himself into Voldemort's headquarters as part of a Magical Menagerie.

 

For some strange strange reason, I can't quite accept the idea that Voldemort would have a Magical Menagerie in his headquarters. You can argue all you want about how he had a broken childhood, but I just can't see a Dark Lord maintain control of the troops if he imported a magical Fluffy Bunny Petting Zoo in his headquarters. Its just not on in the SOP for a Dark Lord.

 

I don't think Voldemort having one filled with Nundu and Manticores is totally out of the question. The Flamingo might be a source of food, and Harry could smuggle himself in that way.

Yeah, probably not. Still, I thought it would make a humorous infiltration.

 

For some reason, I can't really picture even canon Harry being stupid enough to volunteer himself as a potential food source a Nundu or Manticore, in the vain hope that he'll somehow be able to escape the Fluffy Dark Creature Petting Zoo's food enclosure and kill Voldemort. It just isn't happening for me

 

The more than 4 legs rule covers just about every species of bug known to mankind.

On a more serious note, have you considered the Siberian Tiger (not a white one)? It fits the aspects you listed above, and is something I haven't seen used (too much). Most of the time you've got lions coming out your ears in these fics so you don't want to go that route, but a Tiger would work well I think.

Here's a link with some info on the Siberian Tiger if you're interested. It's acclimation to colder climates is the main reason I'd suggest the Siberian over the other species of Tiger.

 

Or how about something bland and generic, like a very common breed of dog?

I think it might be interesting to have a parrot form, and have Harry strategically listen on conversations and develope a vocabulary so he is able to communicate in his Animagus form. I'd like to see a Parrot!Harry giving orders to the DA.

Also, has a non-magical, non-Jurrasic animal such as a dodo been done before?

 

The dodo is magical. cf. Diricawl.

 

I've yet to see a good dinosaur!Harry fic.

 

Triceratops!Harry ftw!

 

Or, another animal from the prehistoric ages...Megalodon!Harry?

I should totally write that. A fic where Harry's animagus form is a massive, prehistoric shark. If only I actually had some sort of plot that would be able to work with it...oh well, a man can dream...

But seriously, I can't wait to read this fic, LogrusMage.

 

It's official! The first draft of the first chapter/prologue is complete! 3018 words and four hours of writing and it's finished. Just finished it now, and I've got to leave for work, but anyone who wants to read it can drop me a PM.

Be sure to include;

~ Whether you just want to read it and give advice, or if you'd like to edit it it.
~ What format you want me to email you the story in. I use OpenOffice.Org so any format you need I can do.

I don't think it's so great, but I haven't re-read the whole thing yet (I will of course, just after work when I have time to edit).

Thanks for all of the help/motivation!