M.O.M Classification XX
Last month we kicked off with an introduction to Newt Scamander, Beasts and two very boring "M.O.M Classification X" creatures. This month things heat up just a little, as we take a look at five creatures that are classified as "XX - Harmless/May be domesticated". Let's start with the Augurey.Augurey - M.O.M Classification XX
Also known as the Irish Phoenix, the Augurey is native to Britian and Ireland and is sometimes found elsewhere in Northern Europe. The Augurey is a thin bird, that looks like a small and underfed vulture. It has a greenish black appearance. It is very shy and eats large insects and fairies. It flies only in heavy rain and otherwise stays hidden in its tear-shaped nest.With a distinctive low and throbbing cry, the Augurey was once believed to foretell death*. Wizards used to avoid Augurey nests, fearing that they might die if they heard its cry. Research however revealed that the Augurey only sings when rain is forthcoming. Augurey feathers are useless as quills because they repel ink.
Uric the Oddball is known to have slept in a room containing approx fifty pet Augureys. During a wet winter, he became convinced by the moaning of his Augureys that he had died and was now a ghost. His attempts to walk through the walls of his house resulted in what is biographer Radolphus Pittiman describes as a 'concussion of ten days duration'.
Bowtruckle - M.O.M Classification XX
Bowtruckles are tree guardians found mainly in the west of England, Southern Germany and some Scandinavian forests. It can be very difficult to spot, as it blends in with its environment. The Bowtruckle is small, reaching a maximum of eight inches in height, and apparently made of bark and twigs with two small brown eyes.This creature is shy and eats small insects. However, if their home is being threatened, they have been known to attack. They have very long and sharp fingers that can gouch eyes out! Ouch! If you need to remove wood wand from a tree that holds a Bowtruckle, offer it some woodlice and it should keep it placid long enough to get what you need, but be careful!
Chizpurfle - M.O.M Classification XX
These small parasites only grow up to twentieth of an inch high, very small indeed! They are crab-like in appearance and have large fangs. They are known to infest the fur and feathers of creatures such as the Crups and Augureys, as they are attracted to magic. Chizpurfles can enter wizard dwellings and attack magical objects such as wands, gradually eating away their magical core, much like the Muggle termite! Be sure to keep your wand safe.Severe infestations may require a visit from the Pest Sub-Division of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, but smaller infestations can be tackled with a range of patented potions that are on the market.
As an interesting side note, in the absence of magic, Chizpurfles can attack "elek-trickal" objects that Muggles use for a range of things. This might explain why some of their objects stop working suddenly!
Diricrawl
Originating in Mauritius, the Diricrawl has a plump body with fluffy feathers. It is a flightless bird that can disappear and reappear elsewhere in a matter of seconds. Muggles once knew of the existence of the Diricrawl, but they named it the "Dodo", which they now believe it be extinct as they were unaware of its ability to disappear.The International Confederation of Wizards have never alerted the Muggles to its continued existence, as they fear for the Diricrawls safety.
Mooncalf
The Mooncalf only emerges from its burrow during the full moon, due to its shyness. Its body is smooth and pale grey, they have bulging round eyes on top of their heads and four spindly legs, that lead down to rather large flat feet.Mooncalves are known for the intricate dances they perform in the moonlight. Some wizards believe that this preludes mating, and they sometimes leave very detailed geometic patterns in wheat fields (to the great puzzlement of Muggles).
Mooncalves are found worldwide and watching them dance can be a fascinating experience. Wizards collect their silvery dung to spread on magical herbs and plants. The dung causes the plants to grow faster and stronger.