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Welcome back, welcome back.  I've brought in some fun ones today.

Drawings today are courtesy of Red Scharlach.  We thank her for her works and permission.  You can go over to http://www.geocities.com/scharlachred/ to see her other stuff.

First Year - Lesson 6

Billywig

The Billywig is an Australian insect.  It's half an inch long and a vivid sapphire blue.  It's wings are attached to the top of its head.  The wings rotate very fast and the Billywig spins as it flies.  At the bottom of the Billywig is a stinger.  

Because of the Billywig's method of flying, they are very hard to see.  Muggles rarely notice them and most wizards won't notice them until they are stung.  

It's the sting of the Billywig that gives it is Class XXX (3X) rating.  Those stung suffer giddiness followed by levitation.  Young Australian wizards try to catch Billywigs and induce them to sting themselves to enjoy the side effects.  However, too many stings will cause the victim to hover uncontrollably for days.  Worse, if there is a severe allergic reaction, permanent floating may insue.

Dried Billywig stings are used in numerous potions, especially those dealing with levitation.  It is thought that the stings are used in the confection Fizzing Whizbees.

The following picture used special stop-action photography, to catch a full view of a Billywig.

Pogrebin

Pogrebins come from Russia.  They are a foot tall and have hairy bodies.  Their head is smooth, oversized, and grey.  When a Pogrebin crouches, it resembles a round, shiny rock.

Pogrebins are Class XXX (3X).  They are attracted to humans and will follow them, staying in their shadow.  Should the shadow's owner turn around, they crouch quickly.  If the Pogrebin is able to tail a human for many hours, a sense of great futility will overcome the human.  The human will fall into a state of lethargy and despair.  When the victim sinks to their knees to weep at the pointlessness of it all, the Pogrebin attacks.  It leaps upon them and tries to devour them.

Pogrebins can be repulsed with simple hexes and Stupefying Charms.  Kicking has also proved very effective.  Pogrebin hair and skin are ideal for certain disguise charms.

The following images show a Pogrebin, Professor Lupin demonstrating the correct way to kick a Pogrebin, and Professor Lockhart demonstrating the incorrect way to kick a Pogrebin.

Puffskein

Puffskeins are found all over the world.  They are spherical in shape and covered in soft, custard-colored fur.  They are about the size of a Bludger.

Puffskeins are a Class XX (2X) creature.  They have no objection to being cuddled or thrown about.  They emit a low humming when contented.  Feeding the Puffskein is not an issue, as every so often, a very long, then, pink tongue will emerge from the Puffskein and snake through the house in search of food.  The Puffskein is a scavenger.  It will eat leftovers, spiders, candy, and mouse dropping.  However, it has a particular preference for sticking its tongue up the noses of sleeping wizards and eating their bogies.  

Due to the bogie eating tendency, wizarding children love Puffskeins and they remain a popular wizard pet.

The following image, from the Hit Series "When Puffskeins Attack" demonstrates a Puffskein eating the bogies of Professor Snape.

First Year - Assignment 6

Direct your answers to your professor at comc@starpaw.com.    Clicking on this link will fill in year and assignment number.

All answers must be in your own words.  

Remember, making your answers interesting and/or amusing may result in bonus points at the end of the term.

1.  Describe a Billywig.

2.  What is the Billywig's Ministry of Magic rating?  Why does it have that rating?

3.  Describe a Pogrebin.

4.  What is the Pogrebin's Ministry of Magic rating?  Why does it have that rating?

5.  Describe a Puffskein.

6.  What is the Puffskein's Ministry of Magic rating?  Why does it have that rating?

7.  You are on a journey, and you spot a Billywig.  What do you do and why?

8.  You are in Russia and you spot a Pogrebin.  What do you do and why?

9.  You are in your bed and you see a Puffskein.  What do you do and why?

10.  How do Billywigs, Pogrebins, and Puffskeins escape Muggle notice?

What is your name and House?