Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (10 page)

M.O.M. Classification: XXXXX
¹⁶

The werewolf is found worldwide, though it is believed to have originated in northern Europe. Humans turn into werewolves only when bitten. There is no known cure, though recent
developments in potion-making have to a great extent alleviated the worst symptoms. Once a month, at the full moon, the otherwise sane and normal wizard or Muggle afflicted transforms into a
murderous beast. Almost uniquely among fantastic creatures, the werewolf actively seeks humans in preference to any other kind of prey.

16
This classification refers, of course, to the werewolf in its transformed state. When there is no full moon, the werewolf is as
harmless as any other human. For a heartrending account of one wizard’s battle with lycanthropy, see the classic
Hairy Snout, Human Heart
by an anonymous author (Whizz Hard Books,
1975).

W
INGED
H
ORSE

M.O.M. Classification: XX–XXXX

Winged horses exist worldwide. There are many different breeds, including the Abraxan (immensely powerful giant palominos), the Aethonan (chestnut, popular in Britain and
Ireland), the Granian (grey and particularly fast) and the rare Thestral (black, possessed of the power of invisibility, and considered unlucky by many wizards). As with the Hippogriff, the owner
of a winged horse is required to perform a Disillusionment Charm upon it at regular intervals (see Introduction).

Y
ETI
(also known as Bigfoot, the Abominable Snowman)

M.O.M. Classification: XXXX

A native of Tibet, the yeti is believed to be related to the troll, though no one has yet got close enough to conduct the necessary tests. Up to fifteen feet in height, it is
covered head to foot in purest white hair. The yeti devours anything that strays into its path, though it fears fire, and may be repulsed by skilled wizards.

As Dumbledore writes in his introduction, money raised from the sale of this very special book will go to the UK charity Comic Relief U. K. to help people living incredibly tough lives across the UK and in some of the world’s poorest countries.

Since 2001, the books that J. K. Rowling kindly wrote especially for Comic Relief U. K.,
Quidditch Through the Ages
and
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
, have raised nearly $30 million – a magic amount of money that is already hard at work changing lives.

One way in which this money helps is by giving a vital education to children who live in extreme poverty in some of the world’s poorest countries. Across the world, 61 million children do not have access to primary school education, but, for many, going to school is their only real hope of escaping from the grinding poverty they now face. With this money, Comic Relief U. K. in just one year has been able to help over 160,000 children receive a formal education and build a far brighter future for themselves.

In fact, by buying this very book, you could help to provide children with school books, materials and uniforms, as well as school fees.

Thank you for your support. To find out more about Comic Relief U. K. go to comicrelief.com, follow us on Twitter (@comicrelief ) or like us on Facebook!

Titles available in the Harry Potter series (in reading order):

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Quidditch Through the Ages

The Tales of Beedle the Bard

To buy any of the other eBooks in the Harry Potter series, visit the Pottermore Shop.