Whether they  fly, gallop, glide, swim, hop, or slither, these fantastic creatures have secrets to reveal... but remember to keep a safe distance for your own sake.

Portkey Links:

Aragog ** Updated August 1, 2005

Buckbeak - "Hippogriff-indor" ** Updated August 1, 2005

Centaurs List

Crookshanks

Dementors

FAWKES ** Updated August 1, 2005

FLUFFY  

Firenze 

Forbidden Forest Residents

FROGS AND TOADS

GRAWP* *Updated August 1, 2005

Mer Chieftaness/Mer People

Mrs. Norris

Nifflers

Owls - The Flying Kind  ** Updated August 1, 2005

Thestrals

Trolls

ARAGOG AND HIS FAMILY OF SPIDERS ** Updated August 1, 2005

From the very beginning of the series Jo Rowling has been weaving tales of spiders and their webs throughout the books.  We know that Ron is terrified of spiders and that Aragog is Hagrid's friend.  So is a new plot twist is being spun for HBP and book 7?  In HBP, Aragog, ancient, blind, and ill, dies.  Hagrid is devastated and cries a river of tears (and I mean that nearly literally).  Aragog’s death is significant in that we can no longer be sure what the other spiders in the Forbidden Forest will do now that their leader is gone.  They never attacked Hagrid while Aragog was alive because he had the great spider’s protection, but even Hagrid admits in HBP that he’s not safe in the spider’s part of the forest.  Will the spiders venture out from their tree-darkened lair? Will Ron’s fear of spiders be shared by wizards and muggles too?  Will they join in league with Voldemort?  Well, as to that, just remember that  the Voldemort is a snake lover… and the spiders hate snakes (at least they don’t like Basilisks.)

Aragog and Dumbledore are very similar, in a way; both are great, old, and wise leaders and masters.  With no Dumbledore to guide them what will become of those who have known shelter under his protective hand?  Will they look to Harry or wander off to be caught in another’s spider’s web?

BUCKBEAK  - HIPPOGRIFF-INDOR aka WITHERWINGS

** Updated August 1, 2005

NOTE:  The entry below was written before HBP was published.  I have included updated comments in italics based on the new information in HBP.

The fugitive Hippogriff on the wing.  Who will take care of Beaky now that Sirius is out of the picture?  Since Harry is Sirius’s godchild, I am assuming (stupid thing to do, really) that Sirius had a will and left everything to Harry including Buckbeak and Number Twelve Grimmauld Place (if and when the Order of the Phoenix no longer needs it).  And, yes, Sirius did leave Number Twelve Grimmauld Place, Buckbeak, alias Witherwings, and Kreacher to Harry.  The Order of the Phoenix, with Harry’s blessing, can continue to use the Black house for their headquarters. 

Perhaps Hagrid could take care of Buckbeak.  Yes, he could and does. They are friends after all.  Yet since Beaky’s an escaped prisoner I don’t think he’d want to show his beak at Hogwarts, at least not out in the open or where Draco might catch sight of a furtive feather.  Well, with his new name of Witherwings, Beaky dubious past will never come to light.

Beaky is one terrific and lucky Hippogriff.  He will not be joining the Headless Hunt.  He has graciously bowed his consent that I may use his feather quill to add more about him.  But it's feeding time now and unless you'd like some Ferret Stew I suggest you come back after dinner. 

CENTAURS LIST

I know there are at least fifty of these fellas.  Are there any fillies in the herd?  We know of four by name:  Firenze, who rates his own section under "F," and then there's Bane,  who is truly the bane of Firenze's existence.  He's not exactly the most lovable centaur.  And don't even consider asking for a ride...  Unless your name is Dolores Umbridge that is...  The other two centaurs we know by name are Magorian and Ronan (which rhymes with Rohan the land of the horse in J.R.R. Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings."

They claim to be wise and far more intelligent than humans, wizards and muggles alike, and who am I do dispute them.  But they are so vague and hard-headed that it's really hard to figure out just what they do know.  And they certainly aren't rearing to tell us. They did see the war with Voldemort coming by the way the stars and planets were aligned in the heavens but just whose side, if any, they will saddle up with has yet to be reined in.

What I am concerned about is that Harry and friends are growing up.  The Centaurs don't harm the "foals" but in OotP they commented that Harry was nearly a man.  And since Hagrid is now on their "dung list" because he helped Firenze escape their wrath and his baby brother, Grawpy the giant, is living in the Forbidden Forest, I am not sure there is any one left who can negotiate with them.  Dumbledore apparently still has some influence since he managed to rescue Dolores Umbridge from their hands and hooves.  (Not sure that was one of his more clever acts but charity first, I guess.)  Is there a chance that Firenze will make peace with his fellow steeds and thus bring them all around together to face Voldemort, et. al.?

I'm going to trot back into the Forbidden Forest to see if I can gather any more ideas.   For more information that will be hopefully less vague (no guarantee, however, as that seems to be a centaur's propensity) read what I have to say about Firenze.

CROOKSHANKS

Purrrrrrrr.  In Newt Scamander's book on magical beasts it says that Kneazels will help people who have lost their way.  Crookshanks is half Kneazel.  I'm just wondering if his ability for leading strays home might come in handy.  If Hermione is somehow lost, or maybe it will be one of the Weasleys, we may have to put our faith in our furry feline.

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 DEMENTORS

I definitely don't want to run into these guys in a dark alley... at least not without Harry Potter! We learn all about the Dementors and how they affect Harry and other people.  They can’t see people but can and do feed off of the happy thoughts people have, draining them till they are morosely depressed and going insane because of the depression.  Harry can repel the Dementors with his Patronus.

The D’s give Barty the “kiss” at the end of the GOF, sucking out his soul.  Eeeewww.  Is this a permanent loss?  Or can a powerful wizard take back a soul and put it into its owner’s body?  After all, Barty Crouch Jr. was not unhealthy in GoF so even though he was soulless his heart was still beating. Is he in St. Mungo's?

Harry battles the Dementors again in OotP when he saves himself and Dudley.  And Aunt Petunia seems to know a lot more about Dementors and the wizarding world than she’s been letting on.

FANG

...Hagrid's faithful Boarhound.  Fang loves Harry, generously drooling all over him.

FAWKES** Updated August 1, 2005

Fawkes is a Phoenix, a firebird.  A Phoenix can carry extremely heavy loads and that their tears have incredible healing powers.  His feathers are red and gold as are the flames he is known for – ooh, just like Gryffindor house colors. He is also Dumbledore’s "pet" or "familiar" if you like.  I wonder how Dumbledore got him? Legend says there is only one Phoenix alive at a time.  A Phoenix lives for several hundred years then explodes in a shower of sparks and flames disintegrating into ashes in a matter of minutes.  From the ashes a baby Phoenix emerges.  I am not sure if he is the only Phoenix to exist during Harry’s lifetime or if there are other magical firebirds in the magical realm.  I am also not sure if Fawkes’ burning schedule cycles through every several hundred years or does he perhaps burst anew on a yearly basis?  Perhaps he’s on a twelve-year cycle... or on an as-needed basis.

Regardless of Fawkes’ burning schedule, at the end of HBP Fawkes disappears.  I’m not sure it he flies away or vanishes in a puff of smoke, but it is all tied to Dumbledore passing.  I can’t help thinking Fawkes is like the physical manifestation of Dumbledore’s soul.  In one scene in HBP with Harry tells Dumbledore that he will always be “Dumbledore’s man.” The great wizard’s eyes mist over in response to Harry’s admission of faith in him.  Fawkes croons a song in similar response, as if “speaking” the emotions that Dumbledore feels.  Also, at Dumbledore’s funeral, his body transforms into an ethereal Phoenix, as if he has symbolically burst into flames to be reborn again.  If indeed Dumbledore is like Fawkes, the Phoenix, will he return in some other form?  I know, I know… Jo has told us over and over that once someone dies they can’t come back… but they do.  We have continually seen those who are dead come back again in another form; perhaps not alive in the physical sense, but some essence of their being still remaining or returning.  I am in hopes that Fawkes will indeed return to Harry, for I believe that Dumbledore’s soul is borne in the Phoenix heart.

FLUFFY

Hagrid definitely has knack for adopting strange, unusual, and let's be blunt, down-right scary and dangerous pets!  But he's got a big soft spot in his heart  and that's what it takes to take on an enormous, vicious, three-headed dog.  Fluffy, Fluffy, or Fluffy, depending on which head you are referring to, guarded the trap door that led to the hiding place of the Philosophers/Sorcerer's Stone.  Thank good music did sooth this savage beast, for Harry, Ron, and Hermione's sake.  But after their adventure ended and the stone was destroyed, what became of Fluffy?  Let's face it, it can be easy to hide a dog like Fluffy, let alone feed him, walk him, clean up after him.  I really am curious where Hagrid keeps his K-9 times three.  I suppose he might be a good companion for Grawp.  Size-wise they pretty much match up.  Well, wonder as I may, I seriously doubt we'll see even one of Fluffy's head again.  But I can hope.

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FIRENZE

Handsome and aloof.  Although he seems to have his head in the clouds, Firenze's got his feet, er... hooves, all four of them, firmly on the ground.  And as of the end of term of Harry's fifth year they are firmly standing on Hogwart's grounds.   So Firenze has been banished by Bane and the other Centaurs from the Forbidden Forest for being nice to wizards.  Rescued by Hagrid (who's now also on Bane's naught list) and employed by Dumbledore as the new Divination teacher, our noble centaur is full of prophetic riddles.  The question is will Harry, Ron, and Hermione be able to connect the twinkling dots in the night sky and figure out what he's really not saying?  Your guess is as good as mine at present.  But here's a thought: Luna, by virtue of her name and eyes, seems to be connected with the stars too.  Perhaps she will catch a few and pass them around.  I wish.

Centaurs, by choice, are considered magical "beasts" not "beings".  One of the reasons for their decision was that they didn't want to be categorized in the same grouping with hags and vampires.  I think I will be paying extra special attention to how Firenze and Snape interact in HBP.  Will our noble centaur not want to be in the same room as our greasy potions master?  If yes then we might add this obvious hint as to Snape's true nature.

FORBIDDEN FOREST RESIDENTS

Here's a list of the magical beasties that call the Forbidden Forest their home:

Aragog and his spider family, Bats, Birds, Bowtruckles, Centaurs, Fluffy ??, Ford Anglia, Grawp, Hippogriffs (I think), Thestrals, Unicorns, Werewolves. I'm sure there are more but I can't verify what else really lives in the forest versus inside Hagrid's hut or his garden.

FROGS AND TOADS

A ribbiting subject…

Trevor is Neville’s pet toad:  He’s always losing him.  Read more in the Section on Neville Longbottom.

Chocolate Frogs:  Honeyduke’s excellent candy.  They are enchanted to hop and if you don’t eat them quickly they're off and out the train window.

Dolores Jane Umbridge:  Senior Undersecretary to the Minister of Magic and High Inquisitor at Hogwarts.  She reminds Harry of a big squatty toad... the poisonous variety.

Various Frog and Toad parts are used in Potions throughout the series.

Large toads (engorgment charm?) musically croaked out the tune of the song used in the film “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.”

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GRAWP** Updated August 1, 2005

In OOtP we are introduced, along with Harry and Hermione, Hagrid's little brother, Grawpy, although I really can't see the family resemblance that much.  OK, so they are only half-brothers and Hagrid's only half-giant, but still...  Anyway, young Grawp is really sweet as giants go and likes to play in the forest with the other animals and creatures that live there.  One of his favorite pastimes is to uproot trees and chase centaurs.  And one of his favorite people, aside from "Hagar," is "Hermy."  Has Hagrid been reading bedtime stories to him?  "Beauty and the Beast," or "King Kong" maybe?

All kidding aside, (not really) Grawp may be the missing link (eyebrows raised) we need to bring the Giants back to our side.  Let's hope that despite his petite size giant-wise, he has a super Grawp grip and that Hagrid can teach him enough English to earn his living as a translator.  In HBP we learn from Hagrid that Grawp has moved into a very nice cave and his English has improved greatly.  From the way Hagrid talks about his kid brother, it sounds like Grawp’s behavior has improved too… no more ripping trees out by their roots?  I’m sure Hagrid is “grooming” Grawp for “great and terrible things” to come…

Could he also be an asset in handling Trolls?

 MER FOLKS

Living in the lake next to Hogwarts are the Mer folks.  They live in a matriarchal society, perhaps reminiscent of the ancient tribs under the rule of Queen Boadicea.  Defniitely ugly, these underwater beasts as they prefer to be categorized wield spears but generally do not bother with those above the lake.   Although they do appear to have a good relationship with Dumbledore.   On the other hand, they do not get on well with their underwater neighbor, the giant squid.

Mermish is a screeching language when heard from above water.  Dumbldore is seemingly fluent and has conversed with the Mer Chieftaness on many occasions other than just during the Tri-Wizard Tournamant.

Harry knows where the Mer village is under the lake.  I just wander if he will be making an aquatic visit in books six or seven?  The Mer people may be essential to the safety of the school.  Remember that there is a way for ships, and who knows what else, to come to Hogwarts via the lake... somebody needs to be watching out for uninvited, underwater intruders.

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MRS. NORRIS - FILCH'S FELINE MOLE

Filch’s cat, Mrs. Norris, like Crookshanks and Mr. Tibbles, is another uncommonly cognizant kitty.  She seems to understand word for word what people are saying and her sixth sense, and her sniffy little nose too, leads her straight to students prowling the Hogwarts hallways after dark.  She’s definitely Filch’s spy but whose side is Filch really on?  He took a major liking to Umbridge in OotP and if she’s not lurking in Voldemort’s shadow then I’m as much of a toad as she is. 

I wonder if Crookshanks and Mrs. Norris ever share kitty conversations or gossip?  I can’t see Hermione’s fluffy friend ever letting so much as a hairball out in front of Mrs. Norris, however.  But you’d think we’d have seen some sort of fur-flying territorial hissy fit between the two by now.  Well I’m sure they will be purr-posefully doing their rounds during Harry’s 6^th and 7^th Hogwarts years so be ready for a possible cat fight in the future.

NIFFLERS

If I were looking for something shiny in a dark place I would definitely want to employ a Niffler.  These cute, furry little critters have surfaced three times in the HP books, so far, and I expect they will do so again. In GoF Hagrid teaches a class about Nifflers and it was Ron's industrious go-getter that found more Leprechaun gold than anybody else's.  Later, in OotP, Lee Jordan unleashes a Niffler inside Umbridge's office to reek mischief and mayhem.  Okay, so we know that they aren't the most convenient pets but I really think that the Order of the Phoenix or perhaps Dumbledore's Army might recruit a Niffler or two for at least one secret mission.  Where would I set  them loose to have their field day? ...The Malfoy mansion instantly comes to mind;  I'm sure there is something there that Harry either needs to find or need to get back. 

One other place that I might want to ask a Niffler for help in excavating would be Gringott's Wizarding Bank... especially if it is taken over by Fudge, Voldemort, or the goblins themselves.

And even though Lee Jordan owns a Niffler or two, maybe Ron will be the one to make the most of their talents.

OWLS - THE FLYING KIND

ARNOLD, the PURPLE PYGMY PUFF** Updated August 1, 2005

In Ginny Weasley’s fifth year at Hogwarts she gets to have her own owl, although I am not certain Arnold, her tiny purple pygmy puff could carry more than a scrap of parchment, or that he wouldn’t  be blown off course within seconds of taking flight.  After all, there are plenty of Barn Owls at Hogwarts ready and willing to deliver and pick up mail and packages so there is no reason for Arnold to worry his little puffy head about it, rather he can simply look cute sitting on Ginny shoulder or hovering merrily over her head. 

There isn’t too much to say about Arnold the Pygmy Puff yet, although I am reminded, (I’m showing my age) of another pet Arnold (what’s in a name?)… Arnold the Pig from the old 60’s sitcom Greenacres.  Arnold the pig used to sit in his own cushy chair and watch television.  He was a very clever pig, as I’m sure is Ginny’s tiny-weenie purple puff.   Remember, he came from Fred and George’s shoppe, and that has not count.

HEDWIG

Hedwig is Harry's snowy white and very wise owl, and like her namesake she seems to be truly a saint watching over Harry.  It's interesting to note that Hedwig's feelings are very discernable.  It's obvious when she is miffed at Harry because she has no qualms about cuffing his ear or shoulder with her wings, or ignoring him to the extent of turning her back on him, and even eyeing him with regal disdain.  On the other hand, she's his devoted feathered friend and I'm sure she would go to any length to do his bidding or save his life.  Her purity of soul is also obvious in her pure white plumage.

But just what will be asked of Hedwig in the sixth and seventh books?  She's  already been injured by Umbridge in OotP.  Could this be a foreshadowing of further attacks?  I wouldn't be surprised yet I really feel that Hedwig is Harry's guardian angel and therefore protected by a higher source.   I believe that Hedwig will play a bigger role in Harry's future.

ERROL - THE WEASLEY'S OWL

Poor Errol, the Weasley's old owl, needs to retire to a senior owl community.  I wonder if Hermione will take up a cause for elderly owl rights next?  She could call it G.O.O.F.F. (Grounded Old Owls Feather Fund)  Sorry, got totally carried away by my flights of fancy.

HERMES - PERCY'S OWL

Don't know much about Hermes except that if he's anything like his namesake, he is swift in flight. 

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PIGWIDGEON - RON'S OWL

He's an itsy-bitsy, teeny-weeny bit of fluff.  He's noisy and zooms around your head like an annoying gnat, and I'm sure that Ron loves him all the more for it...complaints and all. 

THESTRALS

Great black, winged horse-type beasts, these creatures are only visible to witches and wizards who have witnessed death first hand... and had a time to let it sink in.  Harry, Luna and Neville can all see them... I wonder who among Harry friends will be able to see them next... that's a scary thought.

TROLLS

Not sure what happened to this big lug after Harry and Ron knocked it out in the girl bathroom.  I wonder if he's in the forbidden forest?