~Beasts and their Classifications

-Native origins all over world
-A beast is 1 of 3 life forms recognized by Ministry
1. Beast
2. Being
3. Spirit
-Being: “any creature that has sufficient intelligence to understand the laws of the magical community and to bear part of the responsibility in shaping those laws”
-Spirit: Special classification created for offended ghosts
-We'll focus on beasts
-Beast: magical creatures that don't have sufficient intelligence to understand or assist in shaping laws of the magical community.
-There are exceptions, like merpeople and centaurs who choose to be classified as beasts
-Some creatures(like Acromantula and sphinx) are too bloodthirsty/violent to be considered beings
-Muggles are certainly NOT beasts
-Definition of best developed in 1811 by Minister of Magic Grogan Stump
-Formed within Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures.
-Beasts are given 5 categories, ranging from 'boring' to 'known wizard killer'
X: Boring
XX: Harmless
XXX: Competent wizards should cope
XXXX: Dangerous/Specialized training required
XXXXX: Known wizard killer
-We'll be studying mostly XX and XXX creatures as 1st years

~Imps

-Classified as XX
-Representative of offensive creature
-Originate in Britain/Ireland
-Stand 6-8 inches tall, wingless, much less threatening than pixie
-Known trickster, live in marshes where it's easy to lead people astray
-Will prank humans minimally(tripping them, dropping branches on them, etc)
-Pranks are offensive tactics
-Minor magical abilities
-Can't cast many spells(if any) but some have been seen apparating
-To defend yourself against them, cast the Knockback Jinx which will stun them by pushing them backwards
-You could also use Verdimillious Charm
-You could keep one as a pet as they will stick to those who are pranksters at heart(Ex: George Weasley)

~Bowtruckles

-Classified as XX
-Representative of defensive creature
-No taller than 8 inches
-Live in treetops
-Only live in trees which can be used for wand wood
-Not dangerous if you keep your distance
-Unaffected by magic
-Love woodlice and fairy eggs - use as offering if needed
-Stay far away from them
-Are vicious, will stick their nails(2 of each on either arm) deep into your skin
-Bowtruckles will only attack when needed, imps attack because they can
-Are you offensive or defensive?

~The Knockback Jinx

-Pushes target backward
-Generally easy
-If cast correctly, a blue light will shoot out of your wand toward target
-Spell Block:

Spell: The Knockback Jinx
Incantation: Flipendo (fli-PEN-doh)
Wand Movement: A downward diagonal to the right, followed by an upward diagonal movement to the right and ending with a swish
Concentration: Low
Willpower: Low to moderate

~Assignments:

-Mandatory quiz(Trickery and Guardians)
-Extra-Credit Essay(Imps and Bowtruckles)
-Remember, midterms are next week!