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Eh, there.  Welcome back.  Got some not so dangerous things today.

Fourth Year - Lesson 5

Fire Bat

Fire Bats are the creation of wizards seeking an aerial guardian that would both frighten and injure those who opposed it.  The Fire Bat is a large, flaming bat, with a wingspan of approximately six feet.  Not only is their bright fire blinding, but like all fire, they burn their opponents.

Despite this apparent danger, Fire Bats are only a Class XXX (3X) Beast.  For while their fire is hot, painful, and blinding, they are exceedingly vulnerable to water.  A good water producing charm soaks the bat, turning it into a large, very wet, very unhappy creature.  It must dry, and find a fire, to rekindle itself.

Fire Bats live best in volcanic regions, when not specifically owned by wizards.  They are exceedingly dangerous if let loose in forested areas.  They are believed to feed on the heat of fire itself, although some theorize that they simply eat coals.

Merfolk

Merpeople, or Merfolk, exist throughout the world.  Their appearance can be as different as humans can be.  Around the world they are also known as Sirens and Selkies, and humans have still more words for them in their own languages.

The lifestyles of the Merfolk are rarely known, as the Merfolk are not generally eager to share.  Wizards who have mastered the Mermish language tell of varied sized communities with a high level of organization and even elaborate buildings.

Merfolk are known for a love of music.  The oldest recorded Merpeople were the Sirens of ancient Greece.  Warmer waters lead to the mermaids so often depicted in Muggle art.  Other Merfolk, the Selkies of Scotland and Merrows of Ireland are not as beautiful, but love music just as much.

Merfolk are a Class XXXX (4X) creature.  Their danger is that they demand respect, as the Centaurs do.  They have chosen Beast status over Being, but do not accept those who would trifle with them.  Considering the water is their home, and wizards are as not adept there, it is strongly advised that wizards maintain a proper aura of respect. 

Bowtruckle

Bowtruckles are tree-guardians, found mostly in southern Germany, west England, and some Scandinavian forests.  They are no larger than eight inches and seem to be made twigs and bark, except for two small eyes.

Bowtruckles eat insects and are shy and peaceful.  However, should the tree a Bowtruckle lives in be at risk of a woodcutter, it will leap upon the woodcutter and attempt to gouge out their eyes with their long, sharp fingers.  This risk gives them their Class XX (2X) rating.  Wizards wishing to obtain wand-wood from a Bowtruckle's tree will offer woodlice to place the guardian.

Fourth Year - Assignment 5

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 Fire Bat.

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

3.  Describe a Merfolk.

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

5.  Describe a Bowtruckle.

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

7.  You are near a volcano in Hawaii and you spot an Fire Bat.  What do you do and why?

8.  You are swimming in the ocean and you spot a Merfolk.  What do you do and why?

9.  You are looking for a tree to cut down and you see a Bowtruckle.  What do you do and why?

10.  How do Fire Bats, Merfolks, and Bowtruckles escape Muggle notice?

What is your name and House?