======Newton Scamander======
=====Introduction=====
Newton "Newt" Artemis Fido Scamander was a world-renowned [[Magizoologist]] and the author of the definitive textbook, //[[Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them]]//. A proud [[Hufflepuff]], Scamander's life's work revolved around the study, protection, and conservation of [[magical creatures]]. While his primary contribution to the wizarding world was academic, he also played a crucial, albeit reluctant, role in the [[Global Wizarding War]] against the dark wizard [[Gellert Grindelwald]] during the 1920s and 1930s (film). His work fundamentally shaped the field of [[Magizoology]] and the [[Ministry of Magic]]'s policies regarding magical beasts for generations.
=====Biography=====
  * **Early Life and Hogwarts Years:**
Newt Scamander was born in 1897. He developed a passion for [[magical creatures]] from a young age, encouraged by his mother, who was a breeder of fancy [[Hippogriffs]] ([[Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them]] textbook). He attended [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]] where he was sorted into [[Hufflepuff]] House. During his time at school, he was particularly close to [[Leta Lestrange]], who shared his interest in magical beasts (film). He was expelled from [[Hogwarts]] after an incident where one of his creatures endangered a human life. [[Albus Dumbledore]], then his [[Defence Against the Dark Arts]] teacher, argued strongly but unsuccessfully against his expulsion (film).
  * **Ministry Career and Travels:**
After leaving [[Hogwarts]], Scamander joined the [[Ministry of Magic]], first working in the relatively mundane [[Office for House-Elf Relocation]]. He later transferred to the [[Beast Division]] of the [[Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures]], where his extensive knowledge of magical beasts could be put to good use. In 1918, he was commissioned by [[Augustus Worme]] of Obscurus Books to write a guide to magical creatures. This commission provided the impetus for his travels across five continents, during which he documented countless species and their habitats, often in dangerous circumstances ([[Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them]] textbook). His adventures in New York in 1926 led to his initial involvement in the conflict with [[Gellert Grindelwald]] (film).
  * **Global Wizarding War and Later Life:**
Despite his preference for a quiet life of research, Scamander became a key operative for [[Albus Dumbledore]] in the fight against [[Grindelwald]]'s rise to power (film). His unique skills and compassion for creatures proved invaluable in thwarting the dark wizard's plans. After the war, Scamander continued his work with the [[Ministry]]. He was instrumental in the creation of the [[Werewolf]] Register in 1947 and the 1965 Ban on Experimental Breeding, which prevented the creation of new and dangerous magical creatures ([[Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them]] textbook). For his services to [[Magizoology]], he was awarded the [[Order of Merlin]], Second Class, in 1979. In the 1990s, during [[Harry Potter]]'s time at [[Hogwarts]], Scamander was retired and living in Dorset with his wife, [[Porpentina Goldstein]], and their pet [[Kneazles]]: Hoppy, Milly, and Mauler ([[Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them]] textbook).
=====Physical Appearance and Personality=====
Newt Scamander's physical appearance is not described in the original seven novels. The //Fantastic Beasts// films portray him as a lean man with a mop of reddish-brown hair and a characteristic loping walk. He is most often seen wearing his signature peacock-blue wool overcoat (film).
Scamander's defining personality trait is his deep empathy and preference for the company of [[magical creatures]] over that of humans. He is often socially awkward, reserved, and uncomfortable with direct eye contact, yet possesses a strong moral compass and immense courage when his creatures or friends are threatened (film). He is principled and refuses to choose sides in a purely political conflict, preferring to act based on what he believes is right. Despite his gentle nature, he is highly intelligent and resourceful.
=====Magical Abilities and Skills=====
  * **Magizoology:** Scamander is a preeminent expert in [[Magizoology]]. His understanding of creature behavior, biology, and welfare is unparalleled. He is skilled at tracking, taming, and caring for a vast range of beasts, from [[Nifflers]] to [[Thunderbirds]].
  * **Charms and Non-Verbal Magic:** He is highly proficient in a variety of [[Charms]], particularly the [[Undetectable Extension Charm]] used on his suitcase. He frequently and effectively uses non-verbal [[spells]] in his work and in combat (film).
  * **Dueling:** While not his preferred activity, Scamander is a competent and creative duelist, able to hold his own against powerful opponents like [[Gellert Grindelwald]]. He often incorporates the abilities of his creatures into his defensive strategies (film).
  * **Wand:** His [[wand]] is made of ash wood, with elements of shell and bone at the base of the handle (Pottermore).
=====Possessions=====
  * **Magical Suitcase:** Scamander's most important possession. This enchanted suitcase is fitted with a powerful [[Undetectable Extension Charm]] and contains a vast, magically-generated environment that serves as a mobile habitat and conservation park for dozens of [[magical creatures]]. It also features a [[Muggle]]-Worthy setting to disguise its contents from non-magical people (film).
  * **//[[Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them]]//:** The manuscript and subsequent published editions of his famous book, which became a required textbook at [[Hogwarts]].
=====Relationships=====
  * **Porpentina "Tina" Goldstein:** An American [[Auror]] whom Newt met in 1926. They eventually married and retired together in Dorset (film, [[Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them]] textbook).
  * **Theseus Scamander:** Newt's older brother, a celebrated [[Auror]] and Head of the [[Auror]] Office at the British [[Ministry of Magic]]. Their relationship was often strained by their differing personalities and career paths but was rooted in deep brotherly affection (film).
  * **Jacob Kowalski:** A [[No-Maj]] baker from New York who accidentally became entangled in Newt's adventures. He became one of Newt's closest and most loyal friends (film).
  * **Albus Dumbledore:** Newt's former professor and lifelong mentor. [[Dumbledore]] respected Newt's integrity and unique skills, recruiting him as a key agent in the war against [[Grindelwald]] (film).
  * **Leta Lestrange:** A close friend from his [[Hogwarts]] days with whom he shared a deep but complicated bond, marked by a past tragedy (film).
=====Etymology=====
  * **Newton:** An English surname meaning "new town." It may also be an allusion to Sir Isaac Newton, the revolutionary scientist, reflecting Newt's groundbreaking work in his own field.
  * **Artemis:** The name of the Greek goddess of the hunt, wild animals, and the wilderness, a highly appropriate name for a [[Magizoologist]].
  * **Fido:** A common name for dogs, derived from the Latin word //fidus//, meaning "faithful." This likely reflects his loyalty to his creatures and friends.
  * **Scamander:** A name that phonetically resembles "salamander," a fire-dwelling magical lizard in the wizarding world. The Scamander is also the name of a river god from Greek mythology who fought [[Achilles]] in the Trojan War.
=====Behind the Scenes=====
Newt Scamander was first mentioned in //[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone]]// as the author of a [[Hogwarts]] textbook. In 2001, J.K. Rowling, writing as Scamander, published a real-world version of //[[Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them]]// for the charity [[Comic Relief]], which provided the first detailed biography of the character.
In the film adaptation of //[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban]]//, Newt Scamander's name appears on the [[Marauder's Map]], an Easter egg suggesting he was visiting [[Dumbledore]] at [[Hogwarts]] during the 1993-1994 school year (film).
The character was brought to the forefront as the protagonist of the //Fantastic Beasts// film series, which began in 2016. In these films, he is portrayed by actor Eddie Redmayne. Much of his backstory, personality, and role in the war against [[Gellert Grindelwald]] were developed specifically for this series (film).