Transfiguration

Transfiguration is essentially the art of changing the properties of an object. Transfiguration is a theory-based subject, including topics such as "Switching Spells" (altering only a part of some object, such as giving a human rabbit's ears); Vanishing Spells (causing an object to completely disappear); and Conjuring Spells (creating objects out of thin air). It is possible to change inanimate objects into animate ones and vice versa — McGonagall transfigures her desk into a pig in Philosopher's Stone. Throughout Harry's time at Hogwarts, Transfiguration is taught by McGonagall. Dumbledore is known to have taught the subject before he became headmaster, including during Tom Riddle's time at Hogwarts.