======Pygmy Puffs======
=====Object Information=====
  * **Type:** [[Magical Creature]], [[Magical Pet]]
  * **Owners:** [[Ginny Weasley]], numerous unidentified [[Hogwarts]] students
  * **Maker:** Bred by [[Fred Weasley]] and [[George Weasley]]
=====Description and Appearance=====
A Pygmy Puff is a miniature [[Puffskein]], a small, spherical magical beast covered in soft fur. They were specifically bred by the [[Weasley]] twins to come in shades of pink and purple. When first seen for sale at [[Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes]], they are described as "small, fluffy balls of fur... rolling around in a cage and emitting high-pitched squeaks."
They are small enough to be held in one's palm or to ride on a person's shoulder, as [[Ginny Weasley]]'s Pygmy Puff, [[Arnold]], was often seen doing. Their primary purpose is to serve as an affectionate and low-maintenance pet.
=====Magical Properties and Usage=====
As a miniaturized variant of the [[Puffskein]], Pygmy Puffs share the same docile and charming temperament. They are not known to possess offensive or defensive magical abilities; their "usage" is entirely as a companion animal.
Key traits include:
  * **Temperament:** Extremely docile and affectionate, they enjoy being cuddled and do not object to being handled or even tossed about. (Pottermore)
  * **Sounds:** They emit high-pitched squeaks, and like their larger [[Puffskein]] relatives, may emit a low humming sound when content. (Pottermore)
  * **Diet:** They are scavengers and are remarkably easy to care for. Their diet includes insects like spiders, leftovers, and even things like bogey-flavoured [[Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans]]. They eat by sticking out a long, thin, pink tongue. (Pottermore, based on [[Puffskein]] lore)
Pygmy Puffs became an enormously popular product at [[Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes]], with [[Ginny Weasley]] noting that they were selling out very quickly.
=====History=====
Pygmy Puffs were created by [[Fred Weasley]] and [[George Weasley]] sometime before the summer of 1996 as a new product for their joke shop, [[Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes]], located at [[93 Diagon Alley]]. They are a prime example of the twins' talent for magical invention and business acumen.
They were first seen by [[Harry Potter]] during his visit to the shop in August 1996. [[Ginny Weasley]] purchased a purple Pygmy Puff on this visit, whom she named [[Arnold]]. She subsequently took [[Arnold]] with her to [[Hogwarts]] aboard the [[Hogwarts Express]], where it was met with amusement by [[Luna Lovegood]] and mild disgust by [[Ron Weasley]]. The popularity of the creatures among [[Hogwarts]] students grew rapidly.
=====Role in the Story=====
Pygmy Puffs appear primarily in //Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince//. Their existence serves as a symbol of joy, commercial success, and youthful ingenuity in the face of the growing darkness of the [[Second Wizarding War]]. They showcase the incredible success of [[Fred Weasley]] and [[George Weasley]]'s enterprise, fulfilling their dream of running a joke shop.
On a smaller scale, [[Ginny]]'s pet Pygmy Puff, [[Arnold]], provides moments of levity and character insight. It highlights [[Ginny]]'s playful nature, [[Ron]]'s easily irritated side, and [[Luna]]'s acceptance of the strange and sweet. The creature itself is a minor plot device that adds texture and life to the [[Wizarding World]].
=====Behind the Scenes=====
  * The concept of the Pygmy Puff is an extension of the [[Puffskein]], a creature described in the in-universe textbook [[Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them]]. The prefix //"pygmy"// simply denotes their miniaturized size.
  * In the film adaptation of //Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince//, Pygmy Puffs are visibly featured in the [[Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes]] scene, closely matching their description in the novel. (film)
  * The popularity of the creature in the books and films has led to the creation of a wide variety of real-world plush toy merchandise.