Chapter II: Spirits and Phantasmic Creatures

Perhaps the most familiar spiritual being in the wizarding world, the ghost can be described as an apparition or imprint of a past-lived mortal* left on the outer world. Since the very first of their kind, ghosts have been studied by mortologists* for centuries. 

Ghosts can be compared to a footprint left into the sand on a sandy beach, or in snow-covered streets. They are 'impressions' of the spirits former, living self. Many ghosts will explain their second thoughts on their decision on choosing to return to the world as a ghost. Described by Hogwarts ghost, Nearly Headless Nick as, 'a feeble imitation of life', many ghosts seem to regret their decision to return simply as a mere artificial form of life. At some point following the death of a witch or wizard, one presumably is given the choice to return to the physical world in this paranormal state. Although many past mortologists have questioned ghosts of this 'continue-or-return'* experience, the ghost being questioned does not wish to convey this information; either being ashamed, embarrassed, or simply unwilling to explain the actual process of becoming a ghost, leaving researchers with little to nothing.

Ghosts have a very low amount of control and physical influence on the outside world. In most cases, ghosts and poltergeist alike only leave influences through thermal energy. Often, one will experience either heat or cold when a ghosts passes through them, or through a wall or other solid structure. Whether the influence will be one of warm or cool is said to be determined by the apparitions' present emotional state. As assumed, if the spirit is in an irritated mood, they will leave a hot or warm feeling behind. In contrast, if the spirit is in a relaxed or neutral emotional state, they will leave a slightly warm, or cool influence. These types of thermal influences can be referred to on Gustave Eurabet's chart of thermal influence, more commonly known as the 'Eurabet Chart'*.

Poltergeist 

Poltergeist differ greatly from ghosts in many ways. One of the main contrasts between ghosts and poltergeist is that poltergeists are amortal*, meaning they will never die, but they were never alive to begin with. They are forever chaos-bringing, indestructible spirits.

Poltergeist have long been known for their careless etiquette and chaotic behavior. They can often be found wrecking havoc in their POR* (Place-of-Residence), including playing crude jokes and pranks on their living, coexistent neighbors. The relationship between wizards and poltergeist has always been one of animosity, as poltergeist are not known for their kindness and cooperation; actually, much the opposite. 

The actual origins of poltergeist is heavily speculated and debated by experts in the field, often their ideas being separated into two separate theories that include:

1.)Eternal Theory: states that poltergeist were and are forever present, never at a place of non-existence. Theoreticians in the field state that before the creation of the world, poltergeist existed as 'spiritual wisps', and their bodies were constructed after they had a place to settle. Experts supporting Eternal Theory say that this corroborates the fact that poltergeist cannot leave their place of residence, as they are spiritually bound there.

2.)Generation Theory: states that poltergeist were materialized after the creation of the world. They support the claims that poltergeist surfaced up in places irrelevant to personal attachments to particular location, and traveled haunting places until they found a permanent place of residence in which they resigned to.

Poltergeist, contrasting to ghosts significantly, have a much larger affect on the physical world. Poltergeist have the ability to interact with outside objects and environments (picking up and throwing a glass, for example) and frequently exercise this ability with pranks and unruly behavior. 

Dementors

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(This chapter is currently in construction, and is not the finished written product for this selected chapter)