Care of Magical Creatures Homework

Care of Magical Creatures Homework Assignment

I have always had a weakness for runespoors. I know that some might wonder what sort of beast that was, while others might withdraw in horror. I first saw these creatures in horrible conditions near the entrance of Knockturn Alley on my first pre-Hogwarts Diagon Alley shopping trip.

For those unfamiliar, the runespoor is a magical three-headed, snake that is bright orange with black banding and are often 6 - 7 " long. They are also unique among known magical beasts for producing its eggs through its mouths.

Part of the problem is their unfortunate reputation, since the species was once a favorite type of pet for Dark wizards, mostly due to its intimidating appearance. They are not intrinsically Dark creatures, however, and due to the threat that wizards have put them in with poaching, they are severely threatened.

Though it would mean having to move to Burkina Faso, where they are native, and there are several forests are designated as preserves for its sole use, working with these animals and their habitat seems one of the few ways to help them given the current lack of Ministry interest in their welfare.

Given that runespoors rarely live to a great age, as each head (containing independent brains with different personalities) tends to attack each other, their own natures would be threat enough even without the blackmarket trade in them. Currently the black market in both the serpents and their eggs, which has existed for centuries, has seen significant growth. The complete ban of these creatures by the Ministry has actual threatened them more than a careful controlled flow on to the market.