Post by Morgan Pendragon on Jul 29, 2012 15:25:47 GMT -5
Pets, Companions, and Familiars
Caring for animals is very common among wizards, and caring for a pet can have many benefits for both animal and owner. Most pet owners don't need reminding of this, as the unique relationship with a pet can be very calming and joyful. There is more, however, than feeling glad they're around. A favorite animal can make you healthy and help you stay that way.
Keeping animals has been proven to enhance mood, increase life expectancy, relieve loneliness and depression, increase physical activity therefore increasing fitness, and they have social benefits as well. Not only can they provide companionship for a witch or wizard, but they can also serve as ice breakers to initiate conversations with others. For this lesson, we will be first studying various types of animals that may be kept as pets, and second exploring the concept of familiars. Familiars have a distinct bond with their owners, one that is markedly different from animals that are only kept as pets.
Keeping animals has been proven to enhance mood, increase life expectancy, relieve loneliness and depression, increase physical activity therefore increasing fitness, and they have social benefits as well. Not only can they provide companionship for a witch or wizard, but they can also serve as ice breakers to initiate conversations with others. For this lesson, we will be first studying various types of animals that may be kept as pets, and second exploring the concept of familiars. Familiars have a distinct bond with their owners, one that is markedly different from animals that are only kept as pets.
Common Animal Companions
There are several animals that are commonly kept, especially in the wizarding world:
Cats—These animals are quite common, and can be interbred with kneazels for a pet that possesses the quality of a cat, but which can more easily pass in the muggle world. Cats require less care than other animals, being quite independent, which is often a big positive for people who want a pet that doesn’t require a great deal of looking after.
Rats—Of the genus Rodentia, rats are differentiated from mice by their size. Specially bred rats have been kept as pets at least since the late 19th century. Pet rats are typically variants of the species brown rat, but black rats and giant pouched rats are also known to be kept. Pet rats behave differently from their wild counterparts depending on how many generations they have been kept as pets. Pet rats do not pose any more of a health risk than pets such as cats or dogs. Tamed rats are generally friendly and can be taught to perform selected behaviors.
Owls—Many wizards find these birds very useful for the delivery of letters and parcels. Soft edges on an owl's flight feathers reduce the noise of flight, coupled with their natural camouflage, making them ideal for delivering letters. Owls must be trained to carry letters. It should be noted, however, that only certain owls with attunement to magic can be trained for this purpose. Trained owls are able to find any wizard, wherever he may be, to deliver his mail.
Toads—Though not terribly popular of late, toads were once brought to school by the crate, because in blood-thirstier times young witches and wizards were expected to personally pop out the newt eyes they were using in potions, and toad parts were an essential potions ingredient. Over time, as legislation appeared regarding animal cruelty, such practices were gradually outlawed
Other animals, including magical creatures, which may be kept:
Snakes—Also called serpents, these long, thin, legless reptiles are the symbol of Slytherin house. As such, many Slytherin are attracted to the idea of snakes as pets. This can be especially compelling to those who are parselmouths. Snakes bred in captivity tend to make better pets and are considered preferable to wild caught specimens. Snakes can be very low maintenance pets, especially compared to more traditional species. They require minimal space, as most common species do not exceed five feet in length. Pet snakes can be fed relatively infrequently, usually once every five to fourteen days. Certain snakes have a lifespan of more than forty years if given proper care. Finally, as beautiful as they are, it is strongly recommend that one not keep large constricting snakes or venomous snakes.
Kneazles—Related to the mundane cat, kneazels are a magical breed of feline. They have spotted, speckled or flecked fur, large ears and a lightly plumed tail, like a lion. They have separate breeds, like cats, and therefore vary in appearance. They make excellent pets if they like a witch or wizard. They have a very high level of intelligence, are independent and occasionally aggressive, and have an uncanny ability to detect suspicious and distrustful people. They can also safely guide their owner home.
Crups—Looking much like a more common Jack Russell Terrier except for the forked tail, they are clearly wizard-bred dogs since they are extremely loyal to wizards, and ferocious toward Muggles. They will eat almost anything. Crup owners are required by law to remove the superfluous tail of the animal when it is six to eight weeks old, using a painless Severing Charm, in case they are noticed by Muggles.
Dogs—Less commonly kept among wizards than felines, dogs are never the less a more common choice among muggles, and those more inclined towards physical fitness. There are a plethora of breeds to choose from, each having their own strengths and weaknesses.
Other Birds—Outside of owls, other birds may be trained to carry post. These are mostly of the raptor variety: eagles, hawks, falcons and kites among others. These birds may be kept similarly to owls, that is, being allowed to hunt (or being fed mice if they are unable to hunt for themselves), transported or sleeping in large cages. Raptors may even be trained to hunt for the benefit of humans.
Occasionally, there is a witch or wizard in possession of an even rarer type of companion. Both Thestrals and phoenixes, for example, have been kept by wizards for companionship, although such relationships are rare, and in the case of Thestrals, can be difficult due to the animal’s unique properties. Other animals, such as rabbits and hamsters may be kept, and even wild animals including squirrels and wolves may be cared for, providing the caretaker has experience with animals. Unless you are willing to put forth the effort these animals require, however, these are not recommended as pets.
Rats—Of the genus Rodentia, rats are differentiated from mice by their size. Specially bred rats have been kept as pets at least since the late 19th century. Pet rats are typically variants of the species brown rat, but black rats and giant pouched rats are also known to be kept. Pet rats behave differently from their wild counterparts depending on how many generations they have been kept as pets. Pet rats do not pose any more of a health risk than pets such as cats or dogs. Tamed rats are generally friendly and can be taught to perform selected behaviors.
Owls—Many wizards find these birds very useful for the delivery of letters and parcels. Soft edges on an owl's flight feathers reduce the noise of flight, coupled with their natural camouflage, making them ideal for delivering letters. Owls must be trained to carry letters. It should be noted, however, that only certain owls with attunement to magic can be trained for this purpose. Trained owls are able to find any wizard, wherever he may be, to deliver his mail.
Toads—Though not terribly popular of late, toads were once brought to school by the crate, because in blood-thirstier times young witches and wizards were expected to personally pop out the newt eyes they were using in potions, and toad parts were an essential potions ingredient. Over time, as legislation appeared regarding animal cruelty, such practices were gradually outlawed
Other animals, including magical creatures, which may be kept:
Snakes—Also called serpents, these long, thin, legless reptiles are the symbol of Slytherin house. As such, many Slytherin are attracted to the idea of snakes as pets. This can be especially compelling to those who are parselmouths. Snakes bred in captivity tend to make better pets and are considered preferable to wild caught specimens. Snakes can be very low maintenance pets, especially compared to more traditional species. They require minimal space, as most common species do not exceed five feet in length. Pet snakes can be fed relatively infrequently, usually once every five to fourteen days. Certain snakes have a lifespan of more than forty years if given proper care. Finally, as beautiful as they are, it is strongly recommend that one not keep large constricting snakes or venomous snakes.
Kneazles—Related to the mundane cat, kneazels are a magical breed of feline. They have spotted, speckled or flecked fur, large ears and a lightly plumed tail, like a lion. They have separate breeds, like cats, and therefore vary in appearance. They make excellent pets if they like a witch or wizard. They have a very high level of intelligence, are independent and occasionally aggressive, and have an uncanny ability to detect suspicious and distrustful people. They can also safely guide their owner home.
Crups—Looking much like a more common Jack Russell Terrier except for the forked tail, they are clearly wizard-bred dogs since they are extremely loyal to wizards, and ferocious toward Muggles. They will eat almost anything. Crup owners are required by law to remove the superfluous tail of the animal when it is six to eight weeks old, using a painless Severing Charm, in case they are noticed by Muggles.
Dogs—Less commonly kept among wizards than felines, dogs are never the less a more common choice among muggles, and those more inclined towards physical fitness. There are a plethora of breeds to choose from, each having their own strengths and weaknesses.
Other Birds—Outside of owls, other birds may be trained to carry post. These are mostly of the raptor variety: eagles, hawks, falcons and kites among others. These birds may be kept similarly to owls, that is, being allowed to hunt (or being fed mice if they are unable to hunt for themselves), transported or sleeping in large cages. Raptors may even be trained to hunt for the benefit of humans.
Occasionally, there is a witch or wizard in possession of an even rarer type of companion. Both Thestrals and phoenixes, for example, have been kept by wizards for companionship, although such relationships are rare, and in the case of Thestrals, can be difficult due to the animal’s unique properties. Other animals, such as rabbits and hamsters may be kept, and even wild animals including squirrels and wolves may be cared for, providing the caretaker has experience with animals. Unless you are willing to put forth the effort these animals require, however, these are not recommended as pets.
Familiars
Outside of the traditional pet/owner bond exists one which externally resembles it, but which is far deeper. Familiars and the witches and wizards with which they associate have a unique bond. Not everyone has, needs, or even wants a familiar. For many wizards, having a pet is enough, and for others, animals may not be a viable option. Allergies and phobias can often hinder witches and wizards in caring for pets.
Attracting a familiar, or deepening the connection with an existing companion is an ancient form of magic performed since before wands became the premier tool for working spells. As such, the process does not require a wand, and can sometimes even be achieved without any incantations. The most common spell, however, is described below, much like a potions recipe:
Powdered Nettle Leaf and Mugwort Mixture
Charcoal Brazier, or Small Lantern
Dried Wormwood
Other Dried Herbs as Needed (different herbs should be used to attract the qualities you want in a familiar or what you’re hoping your familiar to help you with. Meadow Rue, for example, will attract a familiar able to help you with divination. A list of herbs has been included in your textbook.)
-Scatter the powdered nettle/mugwort mixture in a loose, wide circle. This will protect against animals not attracted by your spell, and help keep you from falling into exhaustion.
-Light the brazier or lantern. You may use your wand to do this.
-Recite the following while burning the wormwood and other herbs:
Note: like the herbs, the incantation itself is able to be customized to the individual, especially if you are trying to attract a certain kind of creature. More intelligent creatures make the best familiars.
-Once the creature has been attracted, you will have to negotiate with it. You will have to tell them what you offer them, and what you will ask in return. Friendship is usually a good place to start.
If you already have a pet you would like to make your familiar, work on deepening your connection with them. Become the sole person who feeds them and takes care of their other needs. You may also modify the above method by excluding the incantation, and, with your pet in the room, burning the herbs which you believe carry the qualities your pet possesses while focusing on your bond with the animal. Alternatively, many pets become familiars without ritual through long association or deep emotional connection.
Attracting a familiar, or deepening the connection with an existing companion is an ancient form of magic performed since before wands became the premier tool for working spells. As such, the process does not require a wand, and can sometimes even be achieved without any incantations. The most common spell, however, is described below, much like a potions recipe:
Powdered Nettle Leaf and Mugwort Mixture
Charcoal Brazier, or Small Lantern
Dried Wormwood
Other Dried Herbs as Needed (different herbs should be used to attract the qualities you want in a familiar or what you’re hoping your familiar to help you with. Meadow Rue, for example, will attract a familiar able to help you with divination. A list of herbs has been included in your textbook.)
-Scatter the powdered nettle/mugwort mixture in a loose, wide circle. This will protect against animals not attracted by your spell, and help keep you from falling into exhaustion.
-Light the brazier or lantern. You may use your wand to do this.
-Recite the following while burning the wormwood and other herbs:
Let the winds of deepest night
Stay the creature in its flight.
Evening breath to witch's mind;
Let our fates be intertwined.
Creature! Do not pass me by.
Show me where thy soul doth lie.
Note: like the herbs, the incantation itself is able to be customized to the individual, especially if you are trying to attract a certain kind of creature. More intelligent creatures make the best familiars.
-Once the creature has been attracted, you will have to negotiate with it. You will have to tell them what you offer them, and what you will ask in return. Friendship is usually a good place to start.
If you already have a pet you would like to make your familiar, work on deepening your connection with them. Become the sole person who feeds them and takes care of their other needs. You may also modify the above method by excluding the incantation, and, with your pet in the room, burning the herbs which you believe carry the qualities your pet possesses while focusing on your bond with the animal. Alternatively, many pets become familiars without ritual through long association or deep emotional connection.
Assignments
An assortment of small animals is being housed in the CoMC classroom. There is food and other various supplies for caring for them in the well-stocked closet in the corner of the room. When you link your assignment, add whether you have a pet/familiar, or whether you are interested in procuring a familiar.
An assortment of small animals is being housed in the CoMC classroom. There is food and other various supplies for caring for them in the well-stocked closet in the corner of the room. When you link your assignment, add whether you have a pet/familiar, or whether you are interested in procuring a familiar.
Years 1-3: Feed, water, brush or otherwise care for any of the animals. DO NOT remove any of the animals from the room. Cleaning out cages or other ‘less glamorous’ jobs will earn more points. Remember to handle the animals carefully.
Years 4-5: Select one of the animals and take care of them for a full week. ((You may submit the selection of the animal for your assignment, although the inclusion of the animal in other threads will count for extra points.)) Give them a name, and spend time with them. Did you enjoy having a pet? Why or why not? If you already have a pet, pay special attention to the care you give them.
Years 6-7: Select the herbs you would use if you wanted to attract a familiar. Gather them from the greenhouses. Explain your reasoning. For extra credit, you may attempt to attract a familiar.
[[Post links to assignments in this thread. Unlinked assignments will not be counted. Group threads only need to be linked once, but please list the name of all thread participants. These assignments are open until August 27th, 12:00 am Central Time.]]
Years 4-5: Select one of the animals and take care of them for a full week. ((You may submit the selection of the animal for your assignment, although the inclusion of the animal in other threads will count for extra points.)) Give them a name, and spend time with them. Did you enjoy having a pet? Why or why not? If you already have a pet, pay special attention to the care you give them.
Years 6-7: Select the herbs you would use if you wanted to attract a familiar. Gather them from the greenhouses. Explain your reasoning. For extra credit, you may attempt to attract a familiar.
[[Post links to assignments in this thread. Unlinked assignments will not be counted. Group threads only need to be linked once, but please list the name of all thread participants. These assignments are open until August 27th, 12:00 am Central Time.]]